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Film reviews

Fair Play Review

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The world of wealthy companies and favoritism is put to the test in Fair Play. Written and directed by Chloe Domont, this psychological drama is chilling. The tension and personality clashes make Fair Play sharp and edgy, yet also gut wrenching. Fair Play is one of the most daring films because of the harsh outcomes. The film makes viewers think about workplace boundaries. The most suspenseful aspect of Fair Play is the tension between a couple who are also colleagues.

The film takes place in New York. The couple who are also colleagues are named Emily and Luke (played by Phoebe Dynevor and Alden Ehreneich). They work at a hedge fund company that is cutthroat. They are madly in love with each other and have a good life outside of work. Their boss is Campbell (played by Eddie Marsen). Campbell is focused on being successful and making profits. Both Emily and Luke work hard at their jobs and try to keep their relationship a secret. However, once Emily receives a promotion, the tension begins to rise with Luke. Emily is in a position where she has power over Luke and their relationship begins to experience turmoil. With Emily always being on top of her game to please Campbell, Luke’s attitude begins to worsen. His envy of Emily’s success creates the boiling point in Fair Play.

The shifting attitudes between Emily and Luke is where the film takes off on a deadly ride of cat and mouse between the two. Their relationship is in a detrimental place. Luke keeps getting more jealous of the opportunities that come around for Emily. Luke is smart but keeps getting the raw end of the deal from Campbell. Fair Play kept me wondering how much more damaging the dynamics could become as the game gets increasingly harder for the hedge fund company. Emily always seems to have the upper hand which makes Luke feel like he is under-employed. Therefore, Luke begins to start making Emily feel like garbage. The close relationship they had outside their office becomes unhealthy and unstable. Attitudes shift when certain events lead to blindsiding. More opportunities for Emily equal less growth for Luke. The better things go for Emily, the more jealous and hateful Luke becomes.

The egotistical behaviors that are displayed between Emily and Luke is where Fair Playtakes off and becomes an unexpectedly brilliant ride. The conflicts feel real, which makes the film quite haunting. I was worried that Fair Play was going to run into detrimental errors, but fortunately it worked out to be an unexpected masterpiece. The film holds no bars at the hatred caused by the clashes between Emily and Luke.

The fierce competition is the key to the film’s brilliance. Fair Play is a film where fuel is added to the fire in the cut-throat world of a hedge fund company. The cinematography and lighting play into the dark moments between Emily and Luke. Emily is at the center of the story because she is Luke’s boss. She begins to pull back on her support for Luke due to his immaturity which keeps deteriorating. Who will be the success in the hedge fund company? Emily or Luke? Can they still find a way to be in a happy relationship as well as colleagues? Or do they need to cut ties or find an alternative? Find out in Fair Play. Three and a half out of four stars.

Film reviews

Cassandro Review

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Cassandro is the true story of a wrestler with a difficult background, including having to hide his sexuality. Directed by Roger Ross Williams, Cassandro is witty and surprisingly positive. Gael Garcia Bernal Is the star of the film and he delivers one of the most monumental performances of his career. Cassandro is simply irresistible, and it may very well be one of the best foreign language films of 2023.

Saul Armendariz (played by Bernal) is the central character. Cassandro is his stage name when he is wrestling. Saul lives a quiet life with his mother, Yocasta (played by Perla De La Rosa). He works wrestling gigs and hopes to make it his career. He trains with Sabrina (played by Roberta Colindrez). She believes that Saul has the ability and ambition to make it to a high level in the wrestling ranks. But Saul has a secret that causes some hesitancy in his life. He is gay. Saul finds the courage to come out of the closet and he finds that his life is mostly full of love and support, but he does experience some hatred. He fights on, though, and he doesn’t let what others think stop him from pursuing his dream.

When Saul is in his wrestling character as “Cassandro the exotic” his sexuality is his trademark in the ring, and that is where he finds his fame. One of the things that makes the film invigorating is that it’s about someone finding where they belong and what they are passionate about. Saul very much wants to be a wrestler, and he also wants to make his mom happy. As his career and life take off life he sees his income grow, and he has new adventures and meets new people. There is some risqué behavior and, to an extent, Saul sees growth in some aspects of his life and turmoil in other aspects. The turmoil involves issues with being gay and getting into a secret relationship with another man, Gerardo (played by Raul Castillo).

The big wrestling event that Saul is working with Sabrina to get to is called the Lucha Libre. They keep climbing the ladder together, but can Saul make it to the big event? Saul has some challenges and important choices to make before getting there.

Cassandro is simply a triumph. It is a story of despair turned into hope. The writing and cinematography are superb, the cultural vibes are there, and audiences will find themselves pulling for Saul and hoping he is able to keep going in a positive direction. Gael Garcia Bernal has always been very talented and versatile, but this may his best film yet. He is definitely the key to the film’s brilliance. Thanks to Bernal, Cassandro takes the cake. Four out of four stars for Cassandro.

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.