The Judge

FLIX!

In a small town in Indiana there is a judge who is not afraid to be harsh with the people who come before his court. He is a staple in his small town, albeit not always well liked.

Far away in Chicago there is a hot-shot lawyer who just happens to be the middle son of this Judge back here in Nowheresville, Indiana.

And then the Judge's wife and the estranged son-hot-shot lawyer's mother dies. The son returns home to attend his mother's funeral and it becomes clear that the Judge and this son are way, way less than close. They are very, very estranged. The can't wait to get this over with and get back to Chicago, but he has just left his wife and they are battling over their daughter and then there is the old girlfriend who owns the local restaurant and has a hot daughter. Yep. There's a lot going on in this movie, but the meat of it is that it appears the Judge went out and got in an accident and killed a local villain. Or was it an accident? And therein lies the meat of this movie.

The Judge is played by the masterful Robert DuVall. The hot shot lawyer son is played by Robert Downey Jr. Both incredibly gifted actors. The prosecutor is played by Billy Bob Thorton. Another gifted talent. Toss in a fine supporting cast and you have all the makings of an interesting piece of movie making. There are scenes that are heart wrenching. Such as when the Judge who is suffering from cancer and can't make it to the bathroom in time and the son forces the old man to let him help. They want to connect. They almost connect. But it never seems to hit.

And then the son's daughter arrives for a visit. And the whole "Grandpa" thing kicks in. But the hot-shot lawyer is still faced with trying to get off a client (his dad, the Judge), who refuses to cooperate, even a little bit. Pride stands in the way. And Billy Bob Thorton is a skilled prosecutor. So that is where the drama really happens.

I have a feeling this film will get some mention at Oscar time. But then again, this time of year we are going to get buried in Oscar fodder. "Selma", and on and on.....

I don't think you can see this anymore in the theater. But go for it on DVD. I think it's worth the time.

B+

Friday Night Lights

TUBE!


Friday Night Lights was a TV show that I started watching enthusiastically. Some of my very favorite TV critics rave about this show, and so I started watching with high hopes.

But after a couple of episodes of this hand-held mess (yes, viewer, all they think you're worth is hand-held), I just couldn't take it anymore. It came off in 3 episodes as a kind of soap opera, but because of the low budget hand-held shakiness I gave up. It might be the best of the soap operas critics love (behind Mad Men), but I'll never know.  I want more than hand-held trash. Take the Blair Witch Project and shove it. It has no place in serious television.

The 100 Foot Journey

An Indian Family from Mumbai owned a restaurant that was lost in a fire. They ended up moving to England to start over.  But according to the son and cook of the family, they had to leave their home in England's Heathrow flight path, because the vegetables in England have no soul. So they end up in France. And through a mishap, they end up in a small village.

In this village the father, Papa Kadam (played by Om Puri) spots a decrepit old building and has a vision of it being a restaurant. What he soon finds out is that a Michelen 1 star restaurant is across the street, owned by a driven and obsessed owner, Madam Mallory (Helen Mirren). Madam Mallory is disgusted by Indians opening a restaurant across the street. She hates their music and the smell of curry in the air. The two owners declare war on each other, and a lot of trouble ensues. And as you might suspect it is exactly 100 feet from their door to hers.

The "Maison Mumbai" has as it's primary cook (chef actually), son Hassan. One of Madam Mallory's up and coming chefs is a young woman Margurite (Charlottes Le Bon) who first befriended the family when their van broke down...(the aforementioned mishap). Young Hassan can prepare magical meals as he was taught by his mother to not just cook the meals but to feel it and feel the ghosts in those that came before it. Sadly, Mom died in the fire that destroyed the family restaurant in Mumbai.

Eventually to seek peace, and because he yearns to learn about all cooking, Hassan asks to prepare a omelet for Madam Mallory. He has learned that this is how Madam Mallory judges potential chefs. She has him prepare an omelet, and then takes a single bite. She can tell by that single bite whether the chef has what it takes. The problem is that Hassan has had his hands burnt in a vandal set fire, and he cannot hold a utensil. So he instructs Madam Mallory on the exact way to prepare it; how to whip the eggs, how much of each ingredient and so on. Finally as it is ready, Madam Mallory takes that first bite, and in true acting genius, done entirely with the eyes Helen Mirren lets the audience know that this is one of the most extraordinary things she's ever put in her mouth. She ends up - after spending a night sleeping in Maison Mumbai - convincing Papa Kadam to let her help train his son.

He does go to her posh restaurant, and in a year, not only does he get her another Michelin Star, but Papa and Madam Mallory become friends. And of course Chef Hassan is taken to Paris, hired by a 2 star that wants to become a 3 star (which is the top). In the ensuing year, he becomes the star of the Paris cooking world, and achieves great success. But something is missing, and it is mostly Margurite. So Hassan returns to the small village, determined to get the third star there.

This was a light hearted, fun, family-friendly movie that left us feeling good. Papa and Madam Mallory ended up being close friends. Hassan and Margurite acted as if they were on their way to the altar. Both restaurants seemed to have a niche.

This was a great cast directed by Swedish Director Lasse Hallström (Chocolat, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, The Cider House Rules). This movie had a lot of heart, and we had a genuine care about the characters. The bad guys get fired, the good guys get hired and go on to achieve great things, and it all works out in the end.

Disney has embraced the idea of doing Indian friendly movies (The Million Dollar Arm and this to mention a couple) because they understand that the film will do well here, but will be explosive in the huge huge huge Indian market. This wonderful film will probably make more money for Disney there than it will in the good old USA. And that's okay. Indian actors maybe could use more exposure. My wife couldn't get over how handsome Hassan (Manish Dayal) is, and I thought the actress playing his sister Mahira (Farzana Dua Elahe) was a babe beyond belief. Indians are such good looking people after all.

This is a no brainer. Is it The Godfather or Citizen Kane? No. But it is a fun, nice, and entertaining reason to spring for some over-priced popcorn. If you decide to check it out, I can't believe you'd be disappointed.

GRADE: B+

Get On Up

Okay right from the get-go I have to admit that "A CD of JB" has always been in every vehicle I've owned since who knows when? It is one of 5 discs* I never go anywhere without. So I know this music. I've listened to it a lot. And, I'm proud to say I have the 45's "Please Please Please" and "Try Me" on the Federal Label.

I finally got to see this film, and because-it's-about-a-black-guy-flick, it ain't gonna be in Greenville, Michigan long. And I am grateful for local Cinemas so I attempt to support them when I can.

Okay, time to get down to business. Time to get on the good foot.

"Get On Up" is the James Brown biopic. Chadwick Bodwin is the lead here. Coming off last year's amazing "42" wherein he portrayed Jackie Robinson. ("42" was truly was the best picture of last year, but it was ignored by the Oscars.) Whenever the Oscars get it right, it seems like it's a total accident.

This guy is the real deal. I really hope Chadwick Bodwin gets the credit he deserves. This performance is astounding to say the least. And this starts to beg the question: How many astounding performances is an actor required to turn in before they start to get Denzel/Tom Hanks-like cred? But I digress.

Bodwin turns in one of the most amazing performances I have seen not only this year but in many years. He comes as close as anyone could ever hope to come in capturing the persona of this complex, bigger-than-life, pitiful childhood, Godfather of Soul, Super Funk, innovative genius, confused and at times deluded, hardest working man in show business, mysterious and at times lonely and confused man. And Chadwick had the voice down! The voice alone was incredible.

But this film is not great. Although the lead is great and there are a lot of great elements, this film lacks real cohesion. I know showing a life chronologically is Hollywood is verboten, but I think shooting a end-of-life moment and then going back to tell us the whole life in order would have served this film well.

James Brown would have been an amazing person for surviving his childhood alone. A dirt-poor, beaten, and ultimately abandoned child would have pretty much did a lot of people in. But not this guy. He sustained. He hung in there. He stayed on the good foot.

He busted into a car and stole a suit. He was sentenced to 14 years. Fourteen. (Most white guys now get about a 2-4, if they are chronic offenders). There I go digressing again. Anyhow, by a quirk of fate he meets a guy that gives him a place to parole to, and the story goes from there. (He actually only did about 3 years of his sentence). This guy goes on to be his bandleader and long time compatriot... the guy that always patted him on the back and put the robe on him....

James Brown, James Brown. You had such a complex, bigger-than-life quality, how is any actor supposed to play you? Well this guy did you proud. But this Director didn't. He shot all of the stuff with you as a kid, you in your early career, you in the super-funk era, and you near the end, and this director didn't have a clue what to do with it. He just flipped coins and strung it all together in the most of slipshod methods. The continuity here totally sucked.

I couldn't love this movie. The lack of any sense of continuity killed it from being great. Chadwick Bodwin is fabulous. Some of the supporters too. But even Chadwick's performance can't out-do horrible director choices.

The only thing that keeps me from totally hating this is Chadwick. He has garnered this flick a C+ from me. Mr. Director, you owe a lot to Chadwick. You might actually get another shot because of him, you hack.

Grade: Okay, Okay, A Reluctant B-. You convinced me Chadwick.....but all others, be warned.

TAMMY

FLIX!


I saw this movie shortly after it opened, and I deliberately waited to get a feel of what everyone else, critics included, thought about it. I know what I thought and you're going to see that here, but I wanted to see if I was going to be going along with everyone else or be the lone voice crying in the wilderness. Turns out I'm neither.

What is it about Melissa McCarthy that is so darned lovable? Well for one thing, she's an enormous talent. And before any of you snicker at the use of the word enormous in regard to her, think about how much more of a struggle her career has been for her. As a person that is overweight too, I know how difficult it sometimes is. When you're "fat" your opinion doesn't matter. People don't see you. At the mall, you get looked through, you don't count. When you sit down at a job interview, you'd better be pretty spectacular, because you automatically have to overcome "slob and lazy" whereas other thin interviewees don't. So this has been a struggle that she has somehow overcome. I say Brava, Missy! In Hollywood, thin is an unspoken must.

Like I said, she's still lovable. There is a sincerity in what she does that comes through. But let's get back to TAMMY.

Tammy was written by Melissa McCarthy and her husband Ben Falcone who is also the director on this project. Tammy is a hard working middle class woman who has had to work in a fast food restaurant. One day on her way to work she is in an accident and hits a deer and her head on the windshield. Her car is seriously damaged, but still she somehow gets to work, and comes in with blood still trickling down her forehead. The restaurant manager, usually a person who couldn't be successful in any other environment, calls her in to his office/condiment storage area, to fire her because she's late. She goes home and discovers her husband has cooked a meal for the neighbor woman who he's having an affair with. In a huff, Tammy packs a few things, and enraged, leaves. She goes two doors down to her parents house. One thing leads to another and this turns into a "buddy picture." Tammy somehow agrees to drive her Grandma (Susan Sarandon) to see Niagara Falls. And here we go.

Tammy and Grandma stop somewhere in Louisville, Kentucky and end up in a bar. Grandma likes to hit the bottle. In the course of this, they pick up a couple of guys. Grandma picks up Earl (Gary Cole) and Tammy doesn't really pick up Bobby (Mark Duplass) because it turns out, he is a legit gentleman.
Unfortunately Tammy has to sleep outside of the motel room because Earl and Granny are on the inside of the room. And the story goes from there. They meet up with a lesbian couple and at a party at the lesbian's house, everything comes to a head.

There are those that will dis this movie because "all the best parts were in the trailer." I don't agree.

I liked this movie. It was real. It nailed the life of the middle class in a way that the snobby Hollywood elite will never understand. The whole Tammy character was way over the heads of most Hollywood execs and every other rich-ass movie critic, over 40K a year snob. It's only because they've never been there is that they don't get it. This was great stuff.....okay good stuff.

What can I tell you that was good about this movie? Tammy, Granny, Bobby, Earl, Cheating Husband, Cheating Neighbor, Mother of Tammy (Allison Janney), and lesbian Lenore (Kathy Bates) are all terrific. It's hard to beat terrific. And and a big part of that folks is the direction they were given. Ben Falcone, being a film director is like being a sports coach. When they win, that team was great!, when they lose, the coach was a moron! So you are bound to suffer here.

But why? Why other critics? What was so bad about this? Please enlighten me. Please overcome your weight prejudice for a minute and enlighten me. Did this movie hit it out of the park? Not even close. Did it break new ground and box office records? No. But was it the horrible picture you all described? No.

This was fun and entertaining for however long it ran, and whenever that happens I call that a success. I can't say that about the last three pieces of crap Star Wars pictures all the other critics gratuitously drooled over. And people lined up then to subjected to unabashed marketing. But I digress.

This was not the best comedy I saw this summer, but it wasn't the worst thing ever either. Give Melissa a break fat haters. She's funny. She's talented. She has amazing feel and delivery. And she got Bobby in the end.

Grade: C+

Jersey Boys

FLIX!

After the Clint Eastwood stunt at the Republican National Convention in 2012 (remember, him talking to an empty chair?) I vowed that Clint Eastwood had gotten the last dime of mine he'd ever get - and I collect Cowboy movies, so he's made quite a bit off me. But then, I kept thinking, would I want my Republican friends to never want to go see Bruce Springsteen, and miss the opportunity to tell their wide-eyed grandchildren that they had once seen The Boss in concert? So, I want to put it out there Repub pals, I made the first effort. And if you get a chance to see Bruce, go.

So here I am in a theater seeing Jersey Boys. A film made of the Broadway show about a band I never really liked. And a director I'm ticked at. But I should back up a little.

In 1959, as most will acknowledge, the Music died. Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper died in a plane crash. Elvis got drafted. Duane Eddy got killed in a car accident. Jerry Lee Lewis married his 13 year old cousin and was ostracized. Gene Vincent got into a crippling accident. And Little Richard was in an airplane when an engine failed. He got on his knees and told God that if God will spare him he would stop playing the "Devil's Music". He lived and he did. So there becomes this musical void.

What filled it? Novelty songs like "Beep Beep", "The Monster Mash", and "Purple People Eater." And songs in Japanese - "Sukiyaki", not to mention Singing Nuns. Only about five good things came out of this 5 year period werein all sat in Rock and Roll purgatory twiddling our thumbs and waiting for The Beatles. They were Dion, Girl Groups, Berry Gordy and the beginnings of what would become Motown Records, The Beach Boys and Surf Rock, and The Four Seasons.

Like I said right up front I was never a big Four Seasons fan. They were, to me, an off-shoot of do-wop and that era had gone by. If I said otherwise, my close friends would know I'm lying. But time has a way of mellowing everything. I was never a big Beach Boys fan either, but springtime sure seems a lot better when I catch "Be True To Your School", Help Me Rhonda", or "Surfer Girl" on the oldies dial. Reagan is starting to get a pass. I'm mellowing to the point wherein I can at least say "Laugh-In" was funny at the time, and that maybe wishing Nixon would have been buried with a wooden stake through his heart was a bit extreme.

So now there's Jersey Boys. Clint Eastwood directs and does a masterful job here. The time period sets and props are a thing of beauty. But more than that, there is the story of four guys from the wrong side of the tracks in Newark, New Jersey, who didn't just make music, but have a story to tell. The story begins in 1951 and Frankie is about 16. Right off the bat we are introduced to elements that would allow these guys to go wrong. But watching the elements that gradually and actually come together is a lot of fun.

The boys have come to become a trio, headed by Tommy DeVito, and for some reason trios are out. So they need to add a fourth. While talking to their pal Joey (who turns out to become the real-life actor Joe Pesci) they get introduced to Bob Gaudio and this is the moment. This guy is the writer and piano player. And the band starts to gel, and end up in New York.

There is a great back story here how Tommy bankrolls the groups first New York Recording sessions, and the consequences of that. But along the way we are treated to the music. Their first big session? "Sherry." I'd forgotten how sweet and magical this simple song is. And Gaudio wrote it, and these guys played the instruments. And Frankie Valli killed it (although I always thought his falsetto was contrived and that anyone could do that) it still works. On and on we go through hit after hit, and trial, and tragedy, and misery, and success, and ups and downs.

The film finally works its way to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductions of 1990, when the Four Seasons are inducted and the originals all sing together one last time. Complete with each "Season" looking into the camera and talking about what they do now. Ironically, Tommy DeVito now works for Joe Pesci, the kid he used to slap around in the old neighborhood.

Frankie Valli is played magnificently by John Lloyd Young and this is only like his 7th film credit (very cool, Clint). Tommy DeVito was played superbly by Vincent Piazza. I love this guy as Lucky Luciano in "Boardwalk Empire". Let's break this guy to the big screen already! (Okay, cool again, Clint), Bob Gaudio is played by Erich Bergan. I don't know either, but he's fabulous!!, as Mike Doyle's Bob Crewe character would say. (Nice going Clint). And finally, Nicky, played by Michael Lomenda (this is like his first big gig...kudo's again you aging Repub!), and he knocks it out of the park.

Others? Joseph Russo as Joey. Remember how I said he was actually the real life Joe Pesci? And hats off to the writers on this one: they sneaked in other Pesci references..... "Funny? Funny how?" - (Goodfellas), and "Okay, Okay Okay!" - (Lethal Weapon)..... And then there is the amazing Christopher Walken. He never disappoints me. He took me back to "True Romance" wherein he and an unknown James Gandofini interrogate Dennis Hopper.

I liked this film a lot. Maybe it made me nostalgic. Maybe it made me homesick for those times when these songs were on the radio and my garage band "The Lemon Fog" was playing our first original "I Really Care" at Sheri Orcutt's 16th birthday party. Maybe, just maybe, these tunes weren't that bad after all.

I have a different feel for these Jersey Boys now. And guys, even with all the moles, scars, and warts, I like you better. This film gives you heart. And Character. What else could you have wanted or hoped for?

My only regret is that Pat McBain didn't see this. Sorry readers....permit me the occasional personal digression.....

Blended

FLIX!

I must admit something right up front. This was the first time I ever saw an Adam Sandler movie. Now, a lot of people would be shocked at that. I know lots of folks that love this guy and have seen all of his movies. And these are people whose opinion I respect. But, I just never was drawn to the guy. His Saturday Night Live sketches wherein he sang songs with nonsensical rhymes just left me flat. I never thought he was that funny.

And then there is Drew Barrymore. I will never forget that at a very young age when she was in "ET" how she would look at the camera and almost laugh, being totally out of character. Okay, I guess I have to forgive that in a kid. But I'm not going to give her a free pass because she's part of the renowned Hollywood Barrymore family. But I will acknowledge her because she has not always done great work, at least darn it, she's trying. And in some cases she's turning in some darned nice performances. See "Riding In Cars With Boys". It's not her fault she's not offered things of much substance. And she appreciates film ala Turner Classic Movies.

The Sandler/Barrymore onscreen thing started with "The Wedding Singer." And then there was "50 First Dates."And now this. "Blended."

So the story goes like this: Drew Barrymore (Lauren) is a recent divorcee who agrees to go on a blind date with Adam Sandler (Jim). Jim takes her to a Hooters for their date. She is a little put-off by this and it goes down-hill from there. Her wings are too hot and she does spit takes all over herself, and Sandler is phoning this scene in, and I thought, "yep, this is exactly why I have never gone to an Adam Sandler movie."

But then the story starts to shape up. We find out that Lauren is stuck raising two total misfit boys (who honestly could make a case for retro-abortion), and Jim has lost his wife to cancer. Jim also has three daughters, each with her own special set of challenges.

The date does not go well, and understandably each vows to never to see the other again. But then, the waitress went and mixed up their credit cards.....

Through a weird turn of events, both families end up being able to get a discounted vacation to a resort in Africa. And they run into each other. And because they each bought pieces of the same vacation, they have to share the dining table, and rooms etc.

Slowly the families warm up to each other and we slowly begin rooting for the two parents to get together. And slowly they begin to. Even to the point of a kiss, and then Jim just can't because he isn't ready.

Upon the return to the US, Jim finally decides that he's been foolish and that he loves Lauren. He goes to see her, but her ex is there creating mayhem. Soon enough though Jim can't stay away and of course there is a great ending.

Involved in all this is one of Jim's daughter's who can't let her mother go. There is a scene when she decides it's time because "Mom says she has lots of stuff to do" that had my wife in tears. His oldest is becoming a young woman with help from Lauren who is allowing and helping this daughter's feminine self to emerge. Jim meanwhile is helping one of the boys improve his baseball skills. Essentially being the father that the kid is lacking.

Overall I did like the movie. It had it's faults. A lot of them for my money. For instance, at the resort there is a singer with his back-up guys that are waayyyy over used and aren't funny, and still we see them time and time again. Some of the jokes try too hard and are predictable. (The kid in the petting zoo with a stuffed animal). The old guy that always falls asleep. Stupid, crummy, and is what makes for awful movies.

But there is the chemistry between Barrymore and Sandler that helps pull this out of the dumpster. I know the Producers thought they could save this by having all of the African shots to keep it interesting, and that might be so, but I think the casting here - and I don't mean just the adult leads, I mean Jim's daughters, was tremendous. Lauren's sons were hacks and terribly written. I hope they never work again. Well maybe I have to forgive that in a kid (again) and blame it on the writers. But still the girls were all good.

So overall a nice romantic comedy. My wife will want to buy the DVD. I might even watch it.

Grade: B-