Rss

  • linkedin

Archives for : Dramedy

Rapid Review: “I’ll Be Right There”

Mother’s have a tendency to want to care for everyone and handle everything. Making it hard for them to find any time for themselves. In the new comedy, “I’ll Be Right There”, Edie Falco stars as a mom who is constantly giving rides and all of herself to the loved ones in her life.

The film begins with Wanda (Falco) at the doctor’s office consoling her mom, Grace (Jeannie Berlin), who is convinced she has lung cancer. She then has to drive her pregnant daughter, Sarah (Kayli Carter) to the doctor’s office to check on the baby. After that she has to meet her son, Mark (Charlie Tahan) for his therapy appointment, where he shows clear signs of resentment towards his mother. You see, in addition to Wanda continuously trying her best to there for everyone, they don’t appear to be appreciative of her efforts. And Wanda’s ex-husband, Henry (Bradley Whitford) is no help because he’s too busy with his new wife and kids that he can’t seem to support either.

I know what I have described is far from groundbreaking and we’ve have certainly seen versions of this story before, but that doesn’t mean “I’ll Be Right There” isn’t offering something fresh. The heart and soul of this movie is Falco, who you connect with from the start. It’s her authentic and relatable performance as a mother who’s just trying to keep it all together that makes her so easy to care for her. She naturally shines and those around her are a solid supporting cast.

“I’ll Be Right There” has a simplistic charm to its mild story. The screenplay could have used a little more meat, but writer Jim Beggarly got the point across; writing about the ups and downs of family drama and Wanda being forced to re-examine herself. And in just under an hour and half, you will feel as though that comedic, yet bittersweet journey of self-discovery flew by.

Rating: B-

Share

Movie Review: “Showing Up” Fails to Impress

It disappoints me to say that not even the brilliant talents of Michelle Williams and Hong Chau help liven up the slow pace of the less than mildly entertaining new dramedy, “Showing Up”.

Directed/Co-written by Kelly Reichardt, the film follows Williams who plays Lizzy, an unfashionable sculptor who barely speaks and is desperately trying to finish her work that will soon be displayed at an art exhibition. She and her landlord/sort of friend, Jo (Chau) are both working on their art for separate shows.

When Lizzy does speak, it’s in a monotoned and dry voice. She’s bitter, whiny and unfriendly. The opposite of Jo. It seems the only thing that gets her a bit riled up is the fact that she has to repeatedly ask Jo to fix the hot water in her place. That is until the day that Jo finds an injured bird. Unexpectedly, the two of them begin to care of him. This is the first sign of compassion we see come from Lizzy. Though she acts very bitter towards Jo, when the birds fall into her care, she seems to be truly concerned for him. Continue reading

Rating: C-

“Showing Up” opens in theaters April 21, 2023.

Share

Movie Review: “Antebellum” and “Kajillionaire”

This week’s movie review features two very different films: Antebellum is a high profile mystery, thriller with a disturbing twist; Kajillionaire is a low key dark comedy that relies on quirky characters and dysfunctional family dynamic as a foundation for the story. Both films boast some highly respected actors and developing writers/directors. Which one should you go see?

“Antebellum” is available On Demand September 18, 2020.

“Kajillionaire” opens in select theaters September 25, 2020.

Share

Movie Review: “It Chapter Two” & “Brittany Runs a Marathon”

“It Chapter Two” is darker, scarier, and longer than the first. “Brittany Runs a Marathon” is a heartfelt dramedy that you sprint to see. Check out my full review of both films in video below.

“It Chapter Two” & “Brittany Runs a Marathon” hit in theaters September 6.

Share