Film reviews

House of Gucci Review

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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

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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.

Film reviews

King Richard Review

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King Richard (2021) - IMDb

King Richard is a film about confidence, respect, integrity, and never giving up. The true story of Venus and Serena Williams comes to life in this triumphant achievement from director Reinaldo Marcus Green. It is one of the best performances of Will Smith’s career. He has the attitude, the aptitude, and is a truly caring father figure in his portrayal of the tennis stars’ father, Richard Williams. And the performances of Saniyya Sidney as Venus and Demi Singleton as Serena are stellar as well.

King Richard takes place in Compton, California, during the younger days of Venus and Serena. Their father is the focus of the film as he trains Venus and Serena day and night and reminds them constantly about what it takes to be strong with their craft. But Richard lacks the money to get his daughters the training they need, so he begs pro coaches to see how talented his daughters are. Richard and his daughters experience both acceptance and rejection, but their father keeps pushing them and the coaches to help his daughters evolve to be the pro athletes he dreams of them to be.

As Richard pushes his daughters with empathy and encouragement he reminds them, and us, that in life giving up is not an option.

I grew up with family members who love tennis and love Venus and Serena, and King Richard made me think a lot about that time of my life. I also love films where there is inspiration for people to follow their dreams, and King Richard may be one of the best films I have seen in that regard. The film will make many fans around the world soar with positivity. Four stars for King Richard.

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