Cinematic Sommelier
8.6
One of the most impactful things I’ve watched all year. I caught it on a list on LinkedIn for leveling up one’s life, and now am including and recommending it here.
The way that the filmmakers lay out their case caused me to take a deep dive internally, and come out the other side more changed than I’ve been in a long time when the credits rolled on a film. Highly, highly recommend this one to anyone looking for a dose of profound perspective.
6.5
All 6.5 points are for Ana De Armas. She’s phenomenal and deserves every bit of praise and all the awards for this one. Everything else about this film was unnecessary and uncomfortable, to put it mildly. I believe they were aiming for portraying the harsh reality of Marilyn’s life, but it goes overboard. It blows past the line that “Showgirls” drew in the sand. And that’s saying something.
5.8
It’s female “Boogie Nights.” But with a harsh realism that leaves you with a sense of discomfort and confusion by the end about the purpose of the film. But that may also be the purpose of the film. It’s a coin flip.
7.1
It’s “Stepford Wives.” Don’t worry about wracking your brain trying to figure out why this whole thing seems familiar. That’s the secret.
That being said, it’s a beautifully shot movie, with some great tension-building sequences and a phenomenal performance from Florence Pugh.
To the good stuff – the drama – you could tell there was something going on on set. Not since seeing Journey live in concert have I seen an ensemble this distant and clearly uncomfortable with each other sharing the stage or the screen. It sadly takes away from some parts, but not necessarily the totality of the movie.
7.3
It’s all fun and games until your car ends up in a lake and some yoga instructors trying to host private lessons with your wife.
Paul Rudd and Jennifer Anniston at the height of their powers, leading a fantastic supporting cast in creating comedic gold in this one. Everyone plays their part perfectly and the story is just the right amount of strange. I found it hilarious, yet totally believable in a weird way.
Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare 