IM BACK MUTHA-LOVERS!!!!
Was spending too much time online, computer broke, just didn't get in a hurry to replace it. But here I am, yet returning, for prestige movie season, and I've got a big backlog of things to hector ya'all about.
So while an apparently underwhelming Sandra Bullock film (shock) takes up a lot of ink and conversation, all of about a week or so prior Netflix put out what is easily one of the best films of the year in Roma. Alfonso Cuaron's meticulously composed sorta-memoir of early 70's Mexico City told from the vantage of a family's lowest ranking member. If its not the best film I've seen this year its at least a respectable pick, its certainly the best looking film I've seen this year. I pity the fools who can only watch it at home on their 65' 4K HDR sets, as its quite really a stunning theatrical experience (if you get a chance, please go). Cuaron brings the same chops he's made his science-fiction thrillers with to a domestic situation in a tumultuous period and the results are deeply moving, thrilling, and sometimes just plain hilarious.
Vice comes in second.
Vice's grip on quality gradually loosens.
Bale's Vice despoils itself.
Vice offers significant amounts of Rum(sfield).
So yeah, Vice isn't quite all the way there, but there's still a fair bit to like about it. The performances are strong (Sam Rockwell is a treat as an especially gormless version of W.), some of the jokes are clever and suitably puncturing, and as a serio-comic look at a guy who's pursing power for the sake of having power its pretty good. But as a historical retelling a bit too glib, and its tricky tonal balance that its successful in wrangling earlier on fades significantly as the film progresses. So its not wholly satisfying as a film, but its a well intentioned base hit at least. Still not a bad place to be.
and many more reviews to come...
