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Film reviews

She Said Review

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People now know that Harvey Weinstein is an incredibly terrible and lecherous person. She Said is the story of how this rat was cornered, launching the #MeToo movement.

She Said focuses on two New York Times reporters, Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor (played by Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan). In 2017 they are investigating a case of sexual harassment by Weinstein that was being dismissed. They dig deep through the trail of celebrities that Weinstein worked with, many of whom said that Weinstein would punish them if they spoke up, or get them awards for complying with his sexual advances. Sadly, because they knew Weinstein was protected, many of them threw away their careers,. This motivates Twohey and Kantor to put together the pieces. Why was Weinstein allowed to keep his criminal behavior hidden? Why did his employers cover for him when they knew he was doing what was wrong? Why did no one take the chance to speak up for their own safety? The questions, accusations, and the paper trail are monstrous. But Twohey and Kantor are heroic for helping the victims find a voice.

I remember the harrowing news of the many allegations of sexual harassment cases starting in 2017. I remember friends, colleagues, and acquaintances resigning from their jobs because they or their superiors were facing charges for sexual harassment. I remember male celebrities getting scorched in the press, one by one, for their terrible behavior. She Said helps us understand why so many made the tough choice to resign or keep quiet, instead of fighting back.

The details of Twohey and Kantor’s interviews are disturbing. I could feel the stress rising in me as the graphic details were exposed. She Said digs deep into why there were so many barriers helping Weinstein avoid the inevitable. As more victims are interviewed, the heavier the true story gets. I found myself praying that the victims would speak up, and being provoked to anxiety hoping that the press would take a stand against Weinstein. With Weinstein’s schemes and dangerous activities, She Saidpaints an extreme picture of how much people suffer when they are taken advantage of.

Although we thought we knew how bad Harvey Weinstein was, She Said will change the way the world views him. Its deep investigation boils the plot. The film’s message is to not be afraid to take a stand, and that no one should receive the kind of treatment that Weinstein’s victims endure. She Said is disturbing because it’s based on a true story, it’s recent, and much of the terrible behavior that Twohey and Kantor unveil still happens today. She Said will have its audience, as I was, praying for redemption for the women who suffer from the unforgivable behavior of these men. Three and a half stars for She Said.

Film reviews

Devotion Review

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I’m a sucker for films about fighter pilots. There is always fascination with a film about combat in the skies. And the fascination with Devotion is increased because it’s based on a true story.

Devotion is set in the 1950s, during the Korean War. Jesse Brown (played by Jonathan Majors) is a Black fighter pilot. He is partnered with Tom Hudner (played by Glen Powell), and their commander is Dick Cevoli (played by Thomas Sadoski). Hudner is a top dog in the pilot ranks, and Brown initially questions his fighter pilot abilities. But Brown and Hudner become an ace team, and together they make Devotion a wild ride in the sky that should pick up some awards.

At first I thought Devotion was going to be a repeat of Top Gun: Maverick, especially because one of the leads played in both films. And some of the scenes are similar. But Devotion is a real story depicting real events, which sets it apart from Top Gun.

What also sets it apart is the politics of the time and, beyond politics, the overt racism. Both pilots question whether they can complete their missions in the sky, but Brown questions his abilities because of the color of his skin. As Hudner assures him he is strong and able, though, Brown begins to believe that he does really have what it takes.

The realism of Devotion had me feeling the emotional side of people risking their lives. But Brown being Black and Hudner being White creates much more stress. Regardless of their skin color, though, they are a team. Devotion is a faithful story about two people having each other’s back in difficult and dangerous situations.

Devotion is the best fighter pilot film I have seen in a long while. The performances of Majors and Powell is phenomenal. The sequences in the sky will make its viewers want to fasten their seat belts. It is truly a brilliant film. Four stars for Devotion.

Film reviews

The Menu Review

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As a foodie, The Menu spoke to me on many levels. The subjects of food operations and related quality factors appealed to my taste. With Ralph Fiennes as the lead chef, I knew I was in for a treat. Again, he displayed the demonic attitude he often possesses in his roles. Given Fiennes’ performance, I would refer to The Menu as a film where Voldemort (from Harry Potter) opened a kitchen.

The Menu is stunning in its chronological order of events. The different courses and the high-class guests are one intriguing factor of the film. The continuation of courses is another factor. The courses are not the only interesting feature, because there are some dangerous consequences that come along in the restaurant as well. Audiences are in for some surprises as they embark on this wild food adventure.

The film begins with a couple, Tyler, and Margot (Nicholas Hoult and Anya Taylor-Joy). They travel to a high-end restaurant on a deserted island. Ralph Fiennes is Chef Slovik; opinionated, creative, passionate, and evil. The tale of food begins with an array of fancy dishes. However, as the night goes on, the Slovik’s attitude starts to deteriorate. As Slovik senses rudeness from his guests, he starts to make the restaurant experience go awry. The food choices start to be low-quality, the atmosphere becomes more harrowing, and there are more horrific surprises. Tyler, Margot, and everyone else in the restaurant may be at risk for something much more shocking than they have expected. The question is whether they can leave the restaurant safely.

As the more the film progresses, Fiennes’ performance is increasingly demonic. In the film, his character takes pride in his kitchen. When he sees his guests showing no appreciation (in his own mind), then the lavish experience takes a turn for the worse. Fiennes is fabulous when he is in his egotistical mode which is why I loved The Menu. Fiennes is simply fantastic playing the chef who must have his way like an evil king.

The Menu is anxiety-provoking with layers of dark comedy. Theaudience can sense that the experience is shady. Fiennes’ acting ability torments the viewers with invigorating madness. I found the film to be spectacular and stunning in large part due to the competition for respect in the kitchen which is especially challenging to receive in The Menu.

Is the restaurant experience harrowing? How much can go wrong? Did Tyler and Margot make a mistake? The Menu has those answers. It also has more witty and unexpected surprises which make this film the wild and twisted adventure of the Thanksgiving season. Three and a half stars for The Menu.