Project Hail Mary is the second film adaptation of a book by Andy Weir and is directed by the hilarious dynamic duo, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller....
Have you ever felt like you weren’t good enough to achieve your dreams? That is was safer to just hide in the background and hope to go unnoticed?And that is best to not want something in life because that way you’re never disappointed? Well, clearly that’s no way to live your life and in the new Amazon Original film, “Troop Zero” we’re taught it’s better to make the effort, put yourself out there and go after what you want.
“Troop Zero” is set in rural 1977 Georgia and follows Christmas Flint (McKenna Grace). She is a peculiar little girl who spends her time dreaming of outer space. So, naturally she is thrilled to learn of a competition that would give her the chance to have her voice recorded on NASA’s Golden Record. Only problem is, she needs to be part of a Birdie Scout Troop to qualify for the contest. Christmas quickly rounds up a band of misfits and they become Troop Zero. The group face obstacles, get in fights and form an unusual, yet, extraordinary friendship.
I sat down with stars of the movie, McKenna Grace, Charlie Shotwell, and Milan Ray to discuss the courage of following your dreams, bullying, and much more. We even play a little would you rather game! Listen to the interview below and make sure to see the film! Available now on Amazon Prime.
Charlie Shotwell (left), McKenna Grace (middle), & Milan Ray (right)
“Troop Zero” Interview with stars, McKenna Grace, Charlie Shotwell, & Milan Ray
“ONCE UPON A TIME…IN HOLLYWOOD” NAMED BEST PICTURE TAKES FOUR AWARDS AT 25th ANNUAL CRITICS’ CHOICE AWARDS “1917” EARNS THREE AWARDS “FLEABAG” LEADS TELEVISION RECIPIENTS WITH THREE AWARDS
Keegan-Michael Key was on hand to deliver a special tribute to Eddie Murphy, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Murphy was feted for his extraordinary career, including most recently his brilliant performance in Best Comedy winner “Dolemite Is My Name.” As previously announced, Kristen Bell received the #SeeHer Award for portraying strong female characters while promoting women on screen and off, and the award was presented by co-star from “The Good Place” Ted Danson.
WINNERS OF THE 25th ANNUAL CRITICS’ CHOICE AWARDS
FILM
BEST PICTURE
Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (Sony)
BEST ACTOR
Joaquin Phoenix – Joker (Warner Bros.)
BEST ACTRESS
Renée Zellweger – Judy (Roadside)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Brad Pitt – Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (Sony)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Laura Dern – Marriage Story (Netflix)
BEST YOUNG ACTOR/ACTRESS
Roman Griffin Davis – Jojo Rabbit (Fox Searchlight)
BEST ACTING ENSEMBLE
The Irishman (Netflix)
BEST DIRECTOR (TIE)
Bong Joon Ho – Parasite (Neon)
Sam Mendes – 1917 (Universal)
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Quentin Tarantino – Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (Sony)
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Greta Gerwig – Little Women (Sony)
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Roger Deakins – 1917 (Universal)
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Barbara Ling, Nancy Haigh – Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (Sony)
BEST EDITING
Lee Smith – 1917 (Universal)
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Ruth E. Carter – Dolemite Is My Name (Netflix)
BEST HAIR AND MAKEUP
Bombshell (Lionsgate)
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Avengers: Endgame (Disney)
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
Toy Story 4 (Disney)
BEST ACTION MOVIE
Avengers: Endgame (Disney)
BEST COMEDY
Dolemite Is My Name (Netflix)
BEST SCI-FI OR HORROR MOVIE
Us (Universal)
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Parasite (Neon)
BEST SONG (TIE)
Glasgow (No Place Like Home) – Wild Rose (Neon)
(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again – Rocketman (Paramount)
BEST SCORE
Hildur Guðnadóttir – Joker (Warner Bros.)
TELEVISION
BEST DRAMA SERIES
Succession (HBO)
BEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Jeremy Strong – Succession (HBO)
BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Regina King – Watchmen (HBO)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Billy Crudup – The Morning Show (Apple)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Jean Smart – Watchmen (HBO)
BEST COMEDY SERIES
Fleabag (Amazon)
BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Bill Hader – Barry (HBO)
BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Phoebe Waller-Bridge – Fleabag (Amazon)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Andrew Scott – Fleabag (Amazon)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Alex Borstein – The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon)
BEST LIMITED SERIES
When They See Us (Netflix)
BEST MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION
El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie (Netflix)
BEST ACTOR A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Jharrel Jerome – When They See Us (Netflix)
BEST ACTRESS A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Michelle Williams – Fosse/Verdon (FX)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Stellan Skarsgård – Chernobyl (HBO)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Toni Collette – Unbelievable (Netflix)
BEST ANIMATED SERIES
BoJack Horseman (Netflix)
BEST TALK SHOW (TIE)
The Late Late Show with James Corden (CBS)
Late Night with Seth Meyers (NBC)
BEST COMEDY SPECIAL
Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s All in the Family and The Jeffersons (ABC)
Right off the bat, I’m already intrigued by any film about Charles Manson and the infamous murders. But if you slap on Tarantino’s name and his all-star cast, I’m pretty much sold. “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood” is hilarious, surprising and a whole lot of fun. Not to mention, Brad Pitt is my favorite male supporting performance this year.
9. Honey Boy
“Honey Boy” is a therapy session we have no business sitting in on, but we’re grateful to be there. The film gradually reveals the tragedies and misdeeds that shaped Shia LaBouf. We gain a better and beneficial understanding of the actor, as well as empathy for his father, who ended up being a blessing and a curse in his life. “Honey Boy” is still my favorite original screenplay of the year. It’s intense, powerful, and an all-around great film.
8. Bombshell
Okay, before anyone gets political about this movie, let me remind you that the film is about the lawsuit again Roger Ailes and the other men involved in sexually harassing certain female employees at Fox News. It’s a gripping “ripped from the headlines” story that depicts abuse of power and the struggles women face in the work place. Theron, Robbie, and Kidman shine, while Charles Randolph’s script pulls you in and holds you tight.
7. Knives Out
“Knives Out” showcases Rian Johnson’s remarkable artistry as a writer/director. The film follows a fairly standard murder mystery formula in its initial set up. But as the mystery begins to unfold, there’s enough twists and turns to prove nothing is what it seems. Audiences are left guessing till the very end. Throw in a stellar cast and great social commentary, and you’ve got one of the best whodunit movies.
6. Booksmart
At first glance you may be thinking that this is just a female version of “Superbad”. While there are times that it feels reminiscent of that film, “Booksmart” is its own kind of wonderful. There’s a great message about balancing hard work and a social life, and through Kaitlyn Dever’s and Beanie Feldstein’s chemistry and quick-witted performance, we also learn that if you can go through life with just one good friend then you can count yourself lucky. Olivia Wilde succeeds in making a hilarious, raunchy teen comedy from a female perspective. It’s a rarity that’s a true pleasure to watch.
5. Little Women
Why make another “Little Women” adaptation? Because we all needed Greta Gerwig’s magical touch on this delightful tale. Gerwig taps into the same honest vulnerability she succeed in through her Oscar nominated film, “Lady Bird”. Because the truth is, she knows how to write complex and emotional characters.”Little Women” is a beautiful and uplifting movie with a message that women’s stories and their endeavors are worth telling.
4. Long Shot
I’ve said this before, but romantic comedies are a dying genre. So when there’s actually a refreshing spin on one with a good story, I have to give it credit. Honestly, I just enjoyed the hell out of “Long Shot”. And believe it or not, Charlize Theron and Seth Rogen make a great couple. The film goes beyond the clichés of a “Pretty Women” storyline. Fred (Rogen) doesn’t get some big makeover to become a socially acceptable partner for Charlotte (Theron). Instead, the film is about being with someone who you’re truly yourself with and loves you for YOU. Whether it be at a raging night club or elegant gala, the two are always goofing around in a flirty/romantic manner that everyone can admire.
3. Avengers: Endgame
This one doesn’t need much of an explanation, because this film was AWESOME! After 10 years and 21 films, Marvel carefully weaved all these characters and storylines together to create one of the best super hero movies of all time. Watching these beloved characters fight together in the battle we’ve anticipated for so long brought me tears of joy and sadness. More than anything, I’m proud of “Avengers: Endgame”.
2. Marriage Story
Yes, this film is about a couple, Charlie (Adam Driver) and Nicole (Scarlett Johansson) getting a divorce. But, there’s so much more to this movie. First off, Driver and Johansson give two of the best performances of the year. There is a screaming match between these two that makes me want to give them both the Oscar right now. There’s also so much to learn. You can take “Marriage Story” as a lesson in love. Get to know these characters, understand why they didn’t work as a couple and avoid their mistakes. A major one being lack of communication. And remember, this is a dark comedy. So, even though there’s dark times, there’s also some laughs and sweet, lighthearted moments.
1. Jojo Rabbit
Director/writer/actor, Taika Waititi, plays an imaginary friend version of Hitler to a young boy named Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis). Jojo is a Nazi fanboy who idolizes Adolf Hitler like a celebrity. But things change for Jojo when he discovers his mother (Scarlett Johansson) has been hiding a teenage Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie) in their attic. “Jojo Rabbit” is a satire that reminds audiences how comical and ridiculous it is to discriminate against people who are different from you. The film also does a wonderful job at relaying the message that kindness can prevail over evil. Stop the hate and open your hearts. “Jojo Rabbit” is an enlightening story with uplifting and positive values.
The Rest of the Best:
11. The Peanut Butter Falcon
12. The Perfection
13. Late Night
14. The Art of Self-Defense
15. Dolemite is My Name
16. Brittany Runs a Marathon
17. Parasite
18. Fighting with My Family
19. Blinded by the Light
20. Waves
Top 5 Worst Films of 2019
5. Greta – One of the worst Lifetime movies I’ve ever seen.
4. Dumbo –This was just so boring.
3. Godzilla: King of the Monsters – Lots of people died in this movie, but I can’t remember who any of them were.
2. Lucy in the Sky – The 3 men who made this might as well have blamed everything on Lucy’s period. God awful script.
“1917” takes us on a desperate trip across the bleak landscape of World War I, following two British soldiers carrying a vitally important message. I sat down with director/writer Sam Mendes, co-writer Krysty Wilson-Cairns, and stars George Mackay and Dean-Charles Chapman to discuss the film.
“1917” opens in select theaters on December 25 and opens everywhere on January 10.
Do you remember the 2017 war film, “Dunkirk”? It was a chaotic mess that left us wondering “who were those characters we just met?” Well, Sam Mendes’ (American Beauty, Road to Perdition) new war/drama is the exact opposite of that.
In “1917” we follow two young British privates, Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) and Schofield (George MacKay) during the First World War. They are given the impossible mission to deliver a message across enemy lines to stop 1,600 men from walking into a deadly trap. Among those men is Blake’s brother, which makes the journey to get there that much more intense.
The two soldiers make their way through seemingly empty trenches, tunnels, and bombed-out towns with no one but each other to rely on. Along the way, they encounter other men who have clearly been through their own struggles, a woman hiding in a basement, and some not so friendly Germans. But every new face is a mere acquaintance as the boys are on a ticking clock.
There’s tension between the pair, but also a sense of purpose. Scholfield is unhappy to have been chosen by Blake to tag along on this mission, yet they both know this is for a worthy and life-saving cause.
Mendes gives audiences an immersive cinematic experience, supported by cinematography from Roger Deakins, through the one-take display. It makes you truly feel as if you are right there with the soldiers walking behind every step they take. And as you hold your breath till the final scene, you yourself hope you will make it out alive.
Though the film is exciting and will keep you on the edge of your seat at times, this more of a technical achievement. This is far from an original story; it’s pretty basic. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The filmmakers have taken a simple premise and gone with a “less is more” tactic. This allows for more focus on a beautifully shot film, and a highlight on the actors who give their all emotionally and physically in their spectacular performances. This also gives us the courtesy of understanding who we’re following and character development.
“1917” isn’t a groundbreaking war film, but it is a good one. It’s one you can appreciate and hooks you in from the start. Be sure to watch this one on the big screen!
Rating: 4/5
“1917” opens in Dallas and Plano on Christmas Day and opens in wide release on January 10, 2020.
The Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association voted the war epic 1917 as the best film of 2019, according to the results of its 26th annual critics’ poll. Following is a complete list of award winners, with choices listed in order of votes received.
BEST PICTURE
Winner: 1917
Runners-up: MARRIAGE STORY (2); PARASITE (3); THE IRISHMAN (4); ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD (5); JOJO RABBIT (6); LITTLE WOMEN (7); THE FAREWELL (8); THE TWO POPES (9); KNIVES OUT (10)
BEST ACTOR
Winner: Adam Driver, MARRIAGE STORY
Runners-up: Joaquin Phoenix, JOKER (2); Antonio Banderas, PAIN AND GLORY (3); Leonardo DiCaprio, ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD (4); Robert De Niro, THE IRISHMAN (5)
BEST ACTRESS
Winner: Scarlett Johansson, MARRIAGE STORY
Runners-up: Renee Zellweger, JUDY (2); Charlize Theron, BOMBSHELL (3); Saoirse Ronan, LITTLE WOMEN (4); Awkwafina, THE FAREWELL (5, tie); Lupita Nyong’o, US (5, tie)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Winner: Brad Pitt, ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD
Runners-up: Willem Dafoe, THE LIGHTHOUSE (2); Joe Pesci, THE IRISHMAN (3); Al Pacino, THE IRISHMAN (4); Shia LaBeouf, HONEY BOY (5)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Winner: Laura Dern, MARRIAGE STORY
Runners-up: Margot Robbie, BOMBSHELL (2); Florence Pugh, LITTLE WOMEN (3); Jennifer Lopez, HUSTLERS (4); Annette Bening, THE REPORT (5)
BEST DIRECTOR
Winner: Sam Mendes, 1917
Runners-up: Bong Joon-ho, PARASITE (2); Martin Scorsese, THE IRISHMAN (3); Quentin Tarantino, ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD (4); Noah Baumbach, MARRIAGE STORY (5)
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Winner: PARASITE
Runners-up: PAIN AND GLORY (2); THE FAREWELL (3); LES MISERABLES (4); PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE (5)
BEST DOCUMENTARY
Winner: APOLLO 11
Runners-up: ONE CHILD NATION (2); AMERICAN FACTORY (3); HONEYLAND (4); FOR SAMA (5)
BEST ANIMATED FILM
Winner: TOY STORY 4
Runner-up: I LOST MY BODY
BEST SCREENPLAY
Winner: Noah Baumbach, MARRIAGE STORY
Runner-up: Steven Zaillian, THE IRISHMAN
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Winner: Roger Deakins, 1917
Runner-up: Hong Kyung-pyo, PARASITE
BEST MUSICAL SCORE
Winner: Thomas Newman, 1917
Runner-up: Alexandre Desplat, LITTLE WOMEN
RUSSELL SMITH AWARD (best low-budget or cutting-edge independent film)
Winner: THE LIGHTHOUSE
The Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association consists of 32 broadcast, print and online journalists from throughout North Texas. For more information, visit dfwcritics.com or follow us on Facebook or Twitter @dfwfilmcritics.
“Little Women” returns to the screen, this time compliments of Greta Gerwig. The cast is top notch and the production elements, writing and cinematography are stellar, so you won’t go wrong if you choose this one for your holiday break.
Check out the video below to see my full review of the film!
“Waves” goes from bad to unbearable within the first hour; however, the second half of the film remarkably heals itself.
Director/writer Trey Edward Shults wrote “Waves” after his critically acclaimed thriller, “It Comes At Night”. He continues to keep our tensions high with his new family drama. It’s a story he explained that, “was inspired from a number of real life experiences, including meeting my girlfriend and Kelvin Harrison Jr.”
Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Alexa Demie in “Waves”
As the film begins we meet Tyler (Kelvin Harrison Jr.). He’s a senior in high school who as it all: Popularity, a hot girlfriend (Alexa Demie), and star wrestler. Life at home isn’t too shabby either. His father Ronald (Sterling K. Brown) owns his own construction business, his mother Catharine (Renée Elise Goldsberry) is a counselor, and his sister Emily (Taylor Russell) is quiet and reserved, hiding in the shadow of her brother.
Though Tyler is pretty well off, we come to discover his father is constantly pushing him both physically and mentally. He puts a lot of pressure on Tyler to be the best; pointing out that because the family is African American they don’t have the luxury of being average. So when Tyler learns of his shoulder injury, which would end his wrestling career, he decides to hide it and self-medicate. Matters only get worse when his girlfriend reveals she is pregnant.
You might think you know what happens from there, but you don’t. And you’re going to find out here.
By the second half of the film the family is barely keeping it together, and suddenly we’ve gone from Tyler’s movie to Emily’s. She is even more introverted, and doesn’t seem to have any friends at school. That is until she meets Luke (Lucas Hedges), an awkward, but nice boy who also wrestles. The film completely shifts in tone as we see love blossom in a steady and beautiful manner. Emily and Luke’s relationship is the cure we need after an unnerving first half.
Taylor Russell and Lucas Hedges in “Waves”
Shults wanted to essentially split the film in two and show the dichotomy of our lives. “I wanted audiences to see, in it’s structure, separate views from a male and female. How different they handle conflict, and what are their highs and lows,” Shults elaborates.
Both Tyler and Emily continuously use Instagram in a way that make us question our own use of the app. It’s a way to track a significant other’s location, stalk a crush and, of course post lots of pictures. “I was trying to make it real and honest. I don’t have social media anymore, but I can imagine how it would feel to have one. I’ve even followed crushes, but in an appropriate way (Laughs).” explains Shults.
At the core, “Waves” is a film about family. The parents are connected to both Tyler and Emily’s stories, especially their father. Ronald is more invasive in Tyler’s life and almost absent in Emily’s. This raises the question, what is the right balance of a parent’s involvement in there children’s lives? Shults went on to answer, “It’s hard to say what’s the right amount of involvement, but for this movie communication is big. It’s important that parents make their kids feel like they can always come to them for anything. It sounds easy, but it isn’t.”
As the film comes to an end, a shattered family struggles to put themselves back together. What you witness will make you want to embrace your own family and loved ones. Shults’ hope is that audiences will “connect with the complex characters, and have a lot to think about. And maybe even give them hope in their own lives”
“Waves” is a tough start. But if you allow yourself to stay on this emotional roller coaster, it will be a ride worth taking.
Rating: 4/5
“Waves” opens in select theater November 27 (Playing at Landmark Magnolia)
Check out my reviews of two fall films that just might show up during Oscar season: “Knives Out” and “Honey Boy.” “Knives Out” is a whodunit with even more twists than a Bavarian pretzel and “Honey Boy” is Shia LeBeouf’s compelling revisit of his years as a child/teen star with a problematic father.
