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Thursday, December 21, 2017

"The Greatest Showman"


[From 12/10/17 press screening]

Hugh Jackman (“X-Men” series) was so iconic as Wolverine for almost two decades that sometimes we forget how multi-talented and charismatic of a performer he is. Not only can he act dramatically or spring into action (“Logan”), he can sing and dance flawlessly (“Les Miserables”).

Inspired by the imagination of P.T. Barnum's (Jackman) life, “The Greatest Showman” romanticizes the story of the founding father of show business.

The story begins with boy meets girl. He grew up poor and she rich. Even though they were separated, their friendship endured through adulthood and they were eventually married. The rooftop dance union under the full moon is both exhilarating and sweet.

Two precocious daughters later, Barnum is jobless when the company he works for goes bankrupt. At a dire crossroad, this is not a life he promised his angelic wife, Charity (Michelle Williams, “Manchester by the Sea,” "Oz: The Great and Powerful," “Shutter Island”). Believing he's capable to do more than being a number cruncher, his creative streak leads him to find a way to provide for his family. He gets a bank to lend him money to dip into the entertainment business. Barnum is convinced that people are eager to see things they've never seen before. He opens a museum. Alas, no visitors.

The ever-enterprising man dusts himself off and pivots his business model. As it turns out, people are indeed interested in seeing things they've never seen before, but instead of static or stuffed objects, living and breathing ones. Barnum goes out of his way to find people with unique skills or those considered as freaks by 19th century society simply because of their abnormal appearance. He brings them all together and creates an entertaining show.

As successful as the show is, it's not popular with everyone though. For one, a famous newspaper critic has searing words about the show. It's a circus. And not all segments of society is receptive, especially not high society. Protesters and detractors see the Barnum as a con-man, showing off or exploiting these outcasts. As talented as they are, people still stare and sneer at them because they are considered indecent, unacceptable by society standards.

In order to grow his business, Barnum finds himself someone from the upper class, a scandalous young man named Phillip Carlyle (Zac Efron). Barnum signs him on as a protege through a drinking game. Phillip opens the door for Barnum, putting him in touch with the upper echelons. One is a famous European opera singer, Jenny Lind or as known as the “Swedish Nightingale” (Rebecca Ferguson, “Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation,” "The Girl on the Train"). Barnum knows a golden opportunity when he sees it as he seizes this by partnering with her. The benefits for him are obvious, and for her, she gets a handsome cut of each show and broadens her audience to America. The first time we hear her sing is shatteringly mesmerizing.

More success follows and money is no object anymore. As Barnum becomes more and more successful, however, things begin to crack. He's on road shows with Jenny and just not there for his family and inner circle. It's a good thing that at least he still has some sense of loyalty and recognizes what's truly matters to him before it's too late. When misfortune befalls, instead of getting destroyed, with a little luck, he reinvents himself and rises again. P.T. Barnum Circus, the Greatest Show on Earth, is born.

The vivid and vibrant set designs, colorful costumes and props are visually delightful. Nearly all the actors sing and dance their hearts out. There are a number of memorable numbers, extravagantly and intricately choreographed.  Catchy tunes include "A Million Dreams,” “This is Me,” “Never Enough, "Rewrite the Stars," "This is the Greatest Show," "From Now On."  They're a blend of modern and theatrical music. In addition to the actual circus acts, the starry-eyed trapeze sequence between Efron and Zendaya is show-stoppingly thrilling and tender. In addition to Jackman, Williams also has a shining moment through her soulful solo.

Coincidentally, the theme of inclusion and tolerance, the core of “X-Men” movies, is no stranger to Jackman. While events are magically glossed over, it's a musical and fits within this style of a film. The movie celebrates diverse shapes, sizes, colors and status. 

“The Greatest Showman” is a sensational musical spectacular. A touching, inspiring and joyful razzle-dazzle entertainment for the entire family, just in time for the holidays.

https://www.sdentertainer.com/movies/movie-review-the-greatest-showman/



Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Golden Globes 2018


[Originally posted on 01/07/18]

A sea of black awash the 75th Golden Globes tonight.  While it didn't dim the glitz, it's an unusual sight.  Stars were wearing black as a symbol of solidarity following the watershed, #MeToo movement in the wake of sexual misconduct news that have toppled powerful men in entertainment, news and politics, and tremendous push for change.  Several activists were invited to the red carpet event.  The blackout movement was part of Time's Up, an organization founded by Hollywood's most famous women, which also has initiated a legal defense fund. 

Seth Meyers, first-time host for the show, went straight the point opening the show, “Good evening, ladies and remaining gentlemen... It's 2018, marijuana is finally allowed and sexual harassment finally isn't.”  He mentioned this was the first time in three months a white man wasn't terrified to have his name read out loud (i.e., a nomination for award instead of being accused of misconduct).  He addressed the elephant in the room, “Time to address the elephant not in the room: Harvey Weinstein isn’t in the room… he’ll be back in 20 years when he’s the first person booed in the in memoriam.”  He went on to mock Kevin Spacey, asking if Christopher Plummer (who replaced him in "All the Money in the World" at the last minute) would also be available for the TV show "House of Cards."

Meyers appeared to be self-aware of his awkward position as a straight white guy hosting this year's award show.  He quipped, “If it’s any consolation, I’m a man with absolutely no power in Hollywood. I’m not even the most powerful Seth in the room tonight."  The camera cut to Seth Rogen.

Meyers took a jab at President Trump when introducing the President of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) as the real 'stable genius.'  The HFPA President announced two grants in the amount of $1 million each to journalism groups, in a year of undersieged media.

Beyond the usual thank yous, stars' speeches were sprinkled with support for women and encouragement for victims of sexual harassment, assault or abuse to not be silenced and to speak up.  There's also a mention about gender inequality and call for more women to be nominated for directing great films.

Oprah Winfrey received the Cecil B. DeMille lifetime achievement award for her outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment, the first black woman to receive the award.  She expressed, “I value the press more than ever before as we try to navigate these complicated times... speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have.  I’m especially proud and inspired by all the woman who felt strong enough and empowered enough to speak up and share their personal stories.”  Winfrey closed her impassioned speech with a message to young girls, “A new day is on the horizon.  And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women... and some pretty phenomenal men fighting hard to make sure they are the leaders to take us to the time where nobody has to say ‘me too’ again.”

It's a somber affair by awards event standard, and coincidentally, a lackluster year for movies.

https://www.sdentertainer.com/entertainment-events/golden-globes-2018/

And the Golden Globe goes to...

Best motion picture, drama: “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”
Best motion picture, musical or comedy: “Lady Bird”
Best motion picture, animated: “Coco”

Best director, motion picture: Guillermo del Toro, “The Shape of Water”

Best performance by an actress in a motion picture, drama: Frances McDormand, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”
Best performance by an actor in a motion picture, drama: Gary Oldman, “Darkest Hour”

Best performance by an actress in a motion picture, musical or comedy: Saoirse Ronan, “Lady Bird”
Best performance by an actor in a motion picture, musical or comedy: James Franco, “The Disaster Artist”

Best performance by an actress in a supporting role in any motion picture: Allison Janney, “I, Tonya”
Best performance by an actor in a supporting role in any motion picture: Sam Rockwell, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”

Best screenplay, motion picture: Martin McDonagh, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”

Best original score, motion picture: Alexandre Desplat, “The Shape of Water”
Best original song, motion picture: “This Is Me” — “The Greatest Showman

For a list of all the winners, check out the Golden Globes website here.

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

2018 Movies Mashup

[Originally posted on 04/05/18]

A quarter of the year is gone, but there are still plenty of movies to enjoy.  Check out this mashup: (3:32 minutes)


Monday, December 18, 2017

Upcoming Movies: May 2018


[Originally published on 04/25/18]

May 4
"Overboard" - A spoiled, wealthy yacht owner is thrown overboard and becomes the target of revenge from his mistreated employee.

"Bad Samaritan" - A pair of burglars stumble upon a woman being held captive in a home they intended to rob.

May 11
"Life of the Party" - After her husband abruptly asks for a divorce, a middle-aged mother returns to college to complete her degree.

"Dark Crimes" - A murder investigation of a slain business man turns to clues found in an author's book about an eerily similar crime.

May 18
"Deadpool 2" (https://www.deadpool.com/) - After surviving a near fatal attack, a disfigured cafeteria chef struggles to fulfill his dream of becoming the hottest bartender while also learning to cope with his lost sense of taste. Searching to regain his spice for life, he must battle ninjas, yakuza, and aggressive canines, as he journeys around the world to discover the importance of family, friendship, and flavor.

"On Chesil Beach" - In 1962 England, a young couple find their idyllic romance colliding with issues of sexual freedom and societal pressure.

May 25
"Solo" (https://www.starwars.com/films/solo) - During an adventure into a dark criminal underworld, Han Solo meets his future copilot Chewbacca and encounters Lando Calrissian years before joining the Rebellion.

"How to Talk to Girls at Parties" - An alien touring the galaxy breaks away from her group and meets two young inhabitants of the most dangerous place in the universe: a suburb of London.

Sunday, December 17, 2017

Free Comic Book Day: May 5, 2018

[Originally posted on 05/02/18]

Free Comic Book Day, May 5, 2018

Check out retailers offering free comics near you:
https://www.freecomicbookday.com/

Saturday, December 16, 2017

Upcoming Movies: April 2018


[Originally posted on 03/31/18]

April 6
"Chappaquiddick" (http://chappaquiddickmovie.com/) - Depicting Ted Kennedy's involvement in the fatal 1969 car accident that claims the life of a young campaign strategist.

"Spinning Man" - A happily married professor, known for having many affairs with students, becomes the prime suspect when a young woman has gone missing.

April 13
"Overboard" - A spoiled, wealthy yacht owner is thrown overboard and becomes the target of revenge from his mistreated employee.

"Beirut" (https://bleeckerstreetmedia.com/beirut) - A U.S. diplomat flees Lebanon in 1972 after a tragic incident at his home. Ten years later, he is called back to war-torn Beirut by a CIA operative to negotiate for the life of a friend he left behind.

April 20
"Rampage" - A primatologist shares an unshakable bond with an extraordinarily intelligent gorilla who has been in his care since birth. A rogue genetic experiment gone awry transforms this gentle ape into a raging monster.

"Super Troopers" - When a border dispute arises between the U.S. and Canada, the Super Troopers are tasked with establishing a Highway Patrol station in the disputed area.

April 27
"Avengers: Infinity War" (http://marvel.com/movies/movie/223/avengers_infinity_war) - The Avengers and their allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe.

"Traffik" - A couple off for a romantic weekend in the mountains are accosted by a bike gang. Alone in the mountains, they must defend themselves against the gang, who will stop at nothing to protect their secrets.