A Double Feature Review! There's a lot to love and also a lot to hate with these two films. Read More! Being the Ricardos Being The Ricardos tries to shine through its cast. Specifically, actors Javier Bardem and JK Simmons are terrific, while actress Nicole Kidman does a pretty good job as Lucy. Aaron Sorkin’s script is sharp in dialogue, and the production design glitters. However, Sorkin’s direction and the tone of the film are both inconsistent throughout. I felt like it was a film that ultimately wrestled with itself. There is a lot to love and loathe with Sorkin's Being The Ricardos: a biographical drama film that studies the rise and fall relationship between I Love Lucy stars Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Being The Ricardos marks Sorkin's third time in the director's chair (2017's Molly's Game and 2020's The Trial of the Chicago 7). Over the years, Sorkin has been known for his well-crafted screenplays (Charlie Wilson's War, The Social Network, Moneyball, and Steve Jobs). Through all of these scripts, Sorkin's attention to detail is strong, and the dialogue is always crisp. Yet, I feel like Sorkin is still trying to find his voice in his directing style. Molly's Game was his first time into new waters, while The Trial of the Chicago 7 was just fine; nothing spectacular. Sorkin's Chicago 7 was pure Oscar bait in style and craft. Likewise, Being the Ricardos is following the same path as Chicago 7. Looking at the acting: both Bardem and Simmons are simply terrific with their incarnations as Desi and William Frawley. To me, they were the best parts of this movie. While I do love Nicole Kidman and did enjoy her performance here as Lucy, I am still trying to understand why she has become the front runner this awards season for Best Actress. Kidman has already won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama and could easily win her second Oscar as well. Kidman pleasantly captured Lucy's charisma and delight on the screen, but I did not find anything that screamed awards here. I guess I am the odd man out on this one. The film's costumes and production designs glittered throughout, flashing some beautiful 1950s vibes on the screen. In the end, there's a lot that works for this picture and a lot that works against it. I guess that award members have chosen to ignore the bad qualities and completely gush over the good. Being the Ricardos is rated R (Restricted) Language. Directed by Aaron Sorkin Starring Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, J. K. Simmons, Nina Arianda, Tony Hale, Alia Shawkat, Jake Lacy, and Clark Gregg. Don't Look Up Don’t Look Up is bombastic, hilarious, and messy. An all-star cast (Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett, Rob Morgan, Jonah Hill, Mark Rylance, Tyler Perry, Timothée Chalamet, Ron Perlman, and Ariana Grande) stuck in a disaster comedy by director Adam McKay. Don’t Look Up is a balancing act of laughter and depression. Not everything works, but it dies trying. In the end, Don't Look Up is a fine comedic film. It is by no means amazing nor is it outright terrible. I would be lying if I told you that I did not laugh because I did. There were some genuinely funny scenes in this scattershot picture. In addition, there were also a lot of misses. McKay's film tackles incredibly serious topics like climate change, political discourse, social unrest, and the social media age. I don't think it will change anybody's mind on these topics, but it could at least lead to some discussion. Probably more arguing. At times, Don't Look Up thinks it's more clever than it really is. Personally, I enjoyed Adam McKay more when he did not take himself so seriously with his comedic films back in the day like Anchorman, Step Brothers, and The Other Guys. Those days are long gone. While 2015's The Big Short might be McKay's crowning glory at achieving a nice balance of comedy and drama, his later works like Vice and now Don't Look Up become more hamfisted. Our film follows two low-level astronomers (DiCaprio and Lawrence) who must go on a giant media tour to warn the human population of an approaching comet that will destroy Earth. It was nice to see Jennifer Lawrence back on the screen again. She is wonderful and funny throughout. Final thoughts: I would argue that 10-minutes in C'mon C'mon does a better job at showcasing the grim future of climate change for our youth than the entirety of Don't Look Up. Those kid interview scenes in C'mon C'mon really packed a punch. Also, there is in no way, shape, or form that Don't Look Up should be receiving these award nominations. If Don't Look Up does actually receive a Best Picture nomination, then so should Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar. I will take that to my grave. In the end, McKay's newest comedic feature has flown in and sent a ripple effect of mayhem through the social media interface. Mission accomplished? Want to hear more of my thoughts about Don't Look Up? I spoke with my good friends, Matt and Ashley, on their podcast, Mashely at the Movies | Listen Here. Don't Look Up is rated R (Restricted) Graphic Nudity | Drug Content | Language Throughout | Some Sexual Content. Directed by Adam McKay Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett, Rob Morgan, Jonah Hill, Mark Rylance, Tyler Perry, Timothée Chalamet, Ron Perlman, and Ariana Grande.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Ryan Arnold
Welcome to For Your Consideration:
akajeannette Analysing Horror w/ Lauren Awards Season Blog Candid Cinema Cinefied Cinemania World The Cinematique CRP Writes Cup Of Soul Show Ephie Female Gaze: The Film Club Filmotomy Film Posers From the Front Row In Their Own League Insert Montage InSession Film Jacob Throneberry Latinx Lens Loud and Clear Film Reviews Maggie Lovitt Mashley at the Movies The Mendez Movie Report Mike, Mike, and Oscar The Movie Oracle Ms. Marya E. Gates Next Best Picture Offscreen Central The Oscar Expert Rachel's Reviews Reel and Roll Films Rendy Reviews Reos Positive POV Ripe Banana Shaurya Chawla ShuffleOnline The SoBros Network Strange Harbors Tasha Jagger Untitled Cinema Gals Project Movie ReviewsArchives
March 2024
|