JBuckleyFan09 Reviews

Babylon (I) (2022)

Fun look at early Hollywood that's a bit much at times

[8/10 · 23 December 2022]

I recently read a biography of silent film "It Girl" actress Clara Bow. Margot Robbie, looking more like a Grace Kelly from a few decades later rather than a Bow, plays a character highly inspired. From her blue collar New Jersey upbringing, to a father following her to Hollywood and making money off her image (even opening a restaurant based on one of her famous movies), a gambling addiction, to an off-color joke at a hoity toity part - these are all inspired by Bow and her life.

The film is great as a love letter to Bow, warts and all, played magnificently by Margot Robbie, and just to the magic film can have on its audience, transcending time. It visually details the difficult transition had on the film industry with the transition from silent films to talkies, showcasing actors, producers, and musical performers adjusting to it all. Brad Pitt gives a great performance as a Douglas Fairbanks like silent star edging toward irrelevancy, but newcomer Diego Calva really steals a large part of the movie with his powerful performance.

Great music from Justin Horiwitz (who reunited with his La La Land/Whiplash director Damien Chazelle) with excellent cinematography and performances. However, the film was a bit much at time. Consistently frantic (lots of characters melting down and screaming) and/or stressful with excesses abounding, it was a little much at times. Certain scenes (such as an elephant having explosive diarrhea on a man) would have been better not seen so graphically.

Solid film. 8/10.

French Exit (2020)

Quirky indie elevated by Pfeiffer's dynamite performance

[8/10 · 10 April 2021]

French Exit certainly checks a lot of boxes for the quirky indie comedy, and it might be off-putting for some. An older woman in my theater exclaimed to her neighbor next to her that it "was the weirdest movie of the year," while others will probably note it's Wes-Anderson-esque dry humor as familiar to the genre.

I personally loved it, and most of the gags really landed with me, but I can understand that it might not be everyone's cup of tea. The ensemble cast is strong, the locations and cinematography are beautiful, and while the plot is thin, I think it served the material fine.

Michelle Pfeiffer, an actress who has given many performances I enjoy, showcases her best as an eccentric, ornery bankrupted socialite, controlling her son's life and chilling with a cat that has apparently the soul of her late husband.

The ending while ambiguous may be controversial depending on your interpretation. I'm not sure how I feel about it, but I think it's a good sign I'm still ruminating on it days after seeing the movie.

Watchmen (2009)

Amazing

[10/10 · 6 March 2009]

A few years ago I decided to read the graphic novel "Watchmen" because of all the hype. I soon found out that was it even better than people said. Sure, it's intellectually challenging, and it brought comics to a new standard. It also has wonderful, fleshed out characters, great dialogue, a stellar non-linear plot with lots of twists, and one of the best endings in comics.

A film adaptation was going to be difficult, but they pulled it off! Everything from the costumes to the art direction to the inspired soundtrack just fits. The actors become the characters faithfully rather than shape them into something that would match their personality. It's harsh and gritty, but also inspiring and magical.

The movie doesn't court non-fans of the graphic novel, but why should it? Sure the plot is probably difficult for people that aren't fans of the source material. But the movie is aimed for the fans, and it succeeded in being an amazing adventure.