 From Director, Roger Deak- I mean Sam Mendes, comes 1917, which is quickly becoming a front-runner for Best-Picture at next month's Academy Awards. I say directed by Roger Deakins in jest, but this is clearly his movie from the first frame to the last. The story centers around two soldiers quickly tasked with relaying orders to soldiers in harm's way, although the thousand-plus soldiers are unaware of what they are walking to.
The first hour-plus is establishing the journey both soldiers are undertaking, as well as the sheer enormity and utter against-all-odds aspect that they are both well aware of. No uncharted territory rears its head in 1917, other than the filmmaking technics utilized in the "one-shot" approach. The elephant in the room is the technical aspect and for me, it did not click until about the hour mark when the beauty of Deakins' lenses comes into full focus. Does 1917 break new ground in the war genre: not really. Does 1917 tell a good story, with stylistic choices that create master classes in framing, lighting and cinematography: absolutely. With that, is 1917 the best picture of the year for me: no? 1917 is a good movie, released at the right time and sometimes that is more than enough. What's for Dinner? • Pasta with the best sauce you can find. Go local
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 Uncut Gems is a funny movie. No, not a funny movie but . . . Yes it is funny and painful, a mess, chaotic, riveting. Uncut Gems, from the Safdie Brothers, is a mess of a movie and that is why I loved it. Life, you know that thing we all share, right, it too is a mess and compilation of missteps, poor choices, head scratchers and all out idiotic moments and this movie, Adam Sandler, specifically, leads the way. There is really very few reasons to root for or care about Howard Ratner, but he is us - deeply flawed - and the moments of sheer flabbergasted moves he makes takes us in deeper and deeper, just like his descent.
It would have been great to see more of a fleshed out character in his mistress, played well by Julia Fox, or a deeper sense of the issues at home with his wife, played by a terrific Idina Menzel. In the end, much like some of our days, we know how each misstep is going to end up. Kevin Garnett, who is great, is the constant reminder of greatness that us everyday folks want to be in the same stratosphere as. Howard, whether we want to admit it or not, is much like us and for better or worse, that pursuit is sometimes the only way we can see to win. What's for Dinner? - Pick whatever you'd like for a final meal - Glass of Red Wine  There's no special quote or framework to jump into with this movie other than it being a damn good time, expertly crafted, acted and constructed. Sometimes saying the least says the most and this is one of those times. Please MAKE MORE MOVIES LIKE THIS that take you on a ride, are sneaky smart and insightful and we will show up. Excellent.
What's for Dinner? Eat before you go so that you don't lose it after the credits roll. You'll thank me later. - Light salad - Sandwich - Glass of scotch for some reason |
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