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Film reviews

Priscilla Review

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The realism in Priscilla, from director Sofia Coppola, is powerful and passionate throughout the film. It will evoke strong feelings from its audiences, especially those who were fans of Elvis Presley.

Priscilla is a true story based on the 1985 novel Elvis and Me written by Priscilla Presley (formerly Beaulieu). Priscilla takes its audience through a vast landscape of happiness, sadness and confusion through the eyes of Priscilla as she endures her relationship with Elvis Presley. Cailee Spaeny plays Priscilla, Jacob Elordi is Elvis, and both of their performances are superb portrayals of the heights of young love and the lows of dealing with the insanity that becomes their life. Although she certainly loved Elvis, the burning question is whether Priscilla was ever actually happy when she was with him.

Priscilla is the one who falls in love at first sight, despite the big age gap between the two. Priscilla had a frustrating life when she met Elvis at just 14 years old at a party on a military base in Germany where Elvis and her father were both stationed. When they reunite a few years later in the US, Elvis and Priscilla seem to be madly in love as Elvis’s fame grows. But Priscilla has problems being in the public eye, and being in a relationship with Elvis, who is constantly flocked by women fans, is hooked on pills, and is full of half-truths, is hard to bear. Will the power of love be enough, or is it too late for them to be happy?

With Priscilla’s expectations shifting and Elvis’s honesty being tested, Priscilla is a portrait of a women descending into surreal realizations of their crazy life. Elvis assumes that Priscilla will learn to accept their life, that she can’t leave because he gives her everything she could possibly want. But can money and fame buy Priscilla or Elvis happiness?

Coppola’s ability to portray shifting emotions in Priscilla is her strength. The love between Priscilla and Elvis begins to vanish, and reality surrounds them. But its not a positive reality for Priscilla, and she has just bad or worse options. The eyes of fame blind the eyes of love, and their hearts can’t overcome the turmoil in their relationship.

With the situation worsening and more reality coming, Priscilla needs to focus not on their relationship, but on her own happiness. She is the one who sacrifices everything to be with Elvis. She didn’t ask for the fame; she went with her heart. She wanted love in uncharted territory. But is it true love from Elvis? How long can Priscilla endure Elvis’s toxic behavior? There are so many questions and Priscilla needs to find the answers.

A ride of drama and surrealism, Priscilla will have audiences asking themselves what the meaning of love really is, and just how much even true love can endure. Sofia Coppola’s directing of Priscilla, the amazing cinematography, and the writing of this captivating yet devastating true story will absolutely enthrall audiences. Four out of four stars for Priscilla.

Film reviews

Stop Making Sense (2023 Re-release) Review

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Stop Making Sense, a concert film directed by Jonathan Demme in 1984, is unequivocally the best concert movie of all time. Filmed at Hollywood’s Pantages Theater over three days in December, this cinematic masterpiece features Talking Heads, with David Byrne at the helm, as well as Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, Jerry Harrison, Bernie Worrell, Alex Weir, Steve Scales, Lynn Mabry, and Edna Holt. This incredible film is an immersive and unforgettable experience that showcases many of The Talking Heads’ greatest hits. It’s no wonder audiences around the world were completely blown away by this exceptional concert film.

I saw David Byrne live in concert in 2018 at the Auditorium Theatre in downtown Chicago. My Mom was fortunate to see Talking Heads perform in 1982 at the Civic Center in Des Moines, Iowa, and it remains one of her all-time favorite concerts. Seeing Stop Making Sensemade me feel like I was revisiting the concert experience my mom had back in the 1980s. Seeing this film in the IMAX experience felt like a journey back in time. This group has a reputation for magical music and their songs are still magical today thanks to the artistic genius of David Byrne and his band.

As soon as the film started, the song “Psycho Killer” captured my attention. David Byrne always knows how to set the tone for his music and concerts. He has the moves, voice, and style that make his performances grand. Throughout Stop Making Sense, there are many uplifting moments that make you want to dance. These segments exude positive vibes and are extremely enjoyable.

The re-release of this concert feels authentic and immersive. The film, as well as the concert itself, are captivating and mesmerizing, showcasing Byrne’s imaginative world of wonders. The songs are infused with cultural significance and are brilliant in their direction. Stop Making Sense is a treasure trove of a concert experience that will awaken nostalgic memories for many and create a special experience for those who are witnessing it for the first time. The concert features many of Talking Heads’ great hits, including “Slippery People,” “Once in a Lifetime,” “Heaven,” and many more.

One song that always lifts my mood and restores my positivity is “This Must Be the Place”. It’s a song about acceptance, finding the positive aspects of life, and facing reality head-on. The performance of this song in Stop Making Sense is truly remarkable due to the incredible energy flowing from the artists, the audience, and those watching the film. “This Must Be the Place” has been an uplifting anthem for fans worldwide for many years, including myself.

The grandeur of Byrne’s artistry is demonstrated by his giant, oversized suit which evokes a feeling of enchantment. Once Byrne puts that suit on, the world of Stop Making Sense takes on its own amazing dimension where Byrne is the master of culture. His empowering lyrics round out the incredible concert experience of Stop Making Sense.

Fans of David Byrne and Talking Heads simply cannot afford to miss this incredible opportunity to see this film on the big screen. Even if you’ve had the pleasure of witnessing it before, it is worth revisiting, now that A24 has obtained the rights. So, go ahead and grab your oversized suits and get ready to dance to the music, because Stop Making Sense is a definite four-star experience.

Film reviews

Earth Mama Review

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This title of this film speaks with a meaningful message. Earth Mama is an invigorating story that displays the challenges of tough love and shows how choices have consequences. Motherhood is the subject of the struggle in Earth Mama which is filled with heavy emotions. Hardship for the mother continues throughout the film but there is no giving up hope. I found this experience to be eerie, yet vividly stunning due to its exploration of human nature. Earth Mama made me curious about what it’s like to be restricted based on choices.

The film takes place in the Bay area of California. Gia is a mother played by Tia Nomore. She has two kids and a third on the way. Her children are in the hands of the court system because Gia has made choices that are unsafe for her children. Therefore, she is restricted from being with her kids as much as she would like to. She must live on welfare and be on probation.With a rough background and a questionable paper trail of errors, Gia keeps hitting plateaus as she tries to get her head on straight so she can convince her parole officer that she is capable of taking care of her kids. Her parole officer is Jasmine played by Tina D’Elia.

As the film progresses, Gia begins to understand that she may have made mistakes. However, deep down she has a big heart for her children. Nevertheless, she decides to investigate adoption for her third child, but fears this commitment may cause even more problems. Gia has lost a lot in her life due to repeated errors, lies, and struggles with addiction. The title Earth Mama relates to Gia’s problems which all involve wanting to feel a sense of escape. Unfortunately, her brief periods of relief also have serious consequences.

The film thrives on Gia’s errors, which I found somewhat disappointing. Earth Mama has a strange vibe that boils through the audience as Gia goes through many waves of conflict. While it feels real, it is not a comfortable feeling. There is good in the love that Gia has for her children, but there is nothing good in the choices she continues to make. Earth Mama creates a world of tragedy and melancholy as the cinematography grasps the sadness of Gia’s challenging life. Can Gia get through her parole? Can Gia regain custody of her children? Will Gia make the right choice for her newborn? There is no right or wrong answer to any of these questions in Earth Mama. It is a film that battles with and tackles life challenges in an extremely realistic way.

Earth Mama hit me to the core because of its exploration of a-life-like situation, including the harsh consequences that come with poor decisions. The threat of relapse and continued errors only escalates the hardship for Gia and her children. Finally, Gia regaining faith in herself may be the biggest struggle in Earth Mama. Two and a half out of four stars.