Category Archives: Film reviews

Film reviews

Red Rocket Review

Leave a comment

I am a fan of bizarre comedies, even if they push the envelope in terms of subjects and boundaries, because that is where the plot can be the funniest. Some may view director Sean Baker’s newest film, Red Rocket, as having a bizarre concept or premise. The film is indeed twisted, but its bizarre premise is the genius of Red Rocket.

In Red Rocket, Simon Rex plays Mikey Saber, a negative person who is a has-been adult film star and a failing actor. Mikey leaves Los Angeles for his small Texas hometown, where he moves in with his estranged wife and mother-in-law. He can’t find work and has a drug problem, but he thinks his life is starting to move forward when he meets a girl named Strawberry, played by Suzanna Son. Mikey is love crazy for Strawberry, but his life goes south as his judgment worsens. Red Rocket is a recipe-for-disaster film where I found myself hoping for more disasters. I haven’t laughed so hard at a film with such a strange plot as this in ages.

The performance by Simon Rex as Mikey is right up his alley, since he was actually an adult film star at one time and he has played unconventional roles in movies and TV. This one, though, is his best unconventional role yet. Rex will have his fans laughing until it hurts with Red Rocket.

Red Rocket is a daring and hysterical comedy, and it will get the NSYNC song, “Bye, Bye, Bye”, stuck in your head because it is played over and over in the film. I promise, though, that the song will only add to the joyous entertainment of Red Rocket. Three and a half stars for the hilarious Red Rocket.

Film reviews

House of Gucci Review

Leave a comment

Director Ridley Scott released two films this year—The Last Duel and the recently-released House of Gucci. I love Scott’s directing, but despite the low box office numbers for The Last Duel, I actually preferred it over House of Gucci.

House of Gucci certainly has an all-star cast. Lady Gaga is Patrizia Reggiani, who marries Maurizio Gucci, played by Adam Driver. Jeremy Irons is Maurizio’s father, Rodolfo Gucci, and Al Pacino is Maurizio’s uncle, Aldo Gucci. Jared Leto plays Aldo’s son, Paolo Gucci. The film focuses on the breakup between Patrizia and Maurizio and the downward spiral of the Gucci family and brand.

House of Gucci is faithful to its story and its representations of the Gucci family seem accurate enough. My issue with the film is its sometimes flaky and inconsistent acting. And although makeup was no doubt a big part of the era in which the film was set, the makeup in House of Gucci was just over the top, particularly on Jared Leto as Paolo and Lady Gaga as Patrizia, if it’s possible for her to be over the top.

Despite its problems, House of Gucci has some impressive performances. It could also be a thrilling and daring ride, and at times just plain fun. But there is a limit to how much glamour, fashion, and wealth I can take. I just think the film was over-hyped and is overrated. Two and a half stars for House of Gucci.

Film reviews

C’mon C’mon Review

1 Comment


There are times where life seems unfair and too hard, and where navigating life’s struggles is a real challenge. Some issues in life may seem unresolvable. There are many of those scenarios in C’mon C’mon as director Mike Mills brings us a black and white film that is brilliant and touching, and relatable to life in so many ways.

Joaquin Phoenix delivers a knockout performance in C’mon C’mon, as does Gabby Hoffmann as his sister and Woody Norman as his nephew. Phoenix plays Johnny, an introverted radio journalist who is close with his sister Viv, played by Hoffman. Viv’s husband Paul, played by Scott McNairy, is having serious problems, and Viv is struggling to care for her son Jesse, played by Norman. To help out, Johnny takes Jesse on a cross country trip that becomes the focus of the film.

Joaquin Phoenix is one of those actors who can play all kinds of characters with interesting personalities and a wide range of emotions. The connections between Johnny and Jesse in C’mon C’mon are heartwarming, and though there are moments of grief and frustration between the two, Phoenix keeps a laid-back persona throughout the film. Mills use of monochromatic cinematography mirrors Phoenix’s persona.

I found C’mon C’mon relatable in many ways, and I loved the film. I believe this was a role for the ages for Phoenix, and his performance will draw Oscar buzz. And C’mon C’mon may be one of the best films yet for Mike Mills, who really knows how to direct films that centers on life issues. Four stars for C’mon C’mon.