The Dig

— "The Dig" is an interesting, simple, sensitive story based on a 1938 archaeological dig in Suffold, England. It’s nicely told, showcases some gorgeous countryside, and features Carey Mulligan and Ralph Fiennes, two more than competent lead actors. In addition to the events surrounding the discovery and the relationships among the people involved, it manages to consider at who writes history, owns it, and is credited for it, a subject I find worthwhile and fascinating. It’s a little slower pace than I’m used to, but I liked it nonetheless. [Netflix streaming.]

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[2021. 112 min. Directed by Simon Stone. Starring Carey Mulligan, Ralph Fiennes, and Lily James.]
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-dig-movie-review-2021

The Little Things

— Three Academy Award winners make “The Little Things” worth watching, but beyond the acting and some decent direction, it lacks much originality of concept and is a little disappointing as a thriller. Luckily, the reveal of the backstory of it’s main character, played by Denzel Washington, is interesting and something of a second plot. It is also ambiguous enough to have kept me happy watching and, while not spectacular, but decent enough for a Saturday afternoon. [HBO Max streaming.]

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[2021. 127 min. Written and directed by John Lee Hancock. Starring Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, and Jared Leto.]
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-little-things-movie-review-2021

The White Tiger

— At its most basic, this is the story of Balram Halwai’s journey from poverty to driver for a wealthy family, to entrepreneurship and wealth of his own. Along the way there are many moments to give viewers pause and raise questions. Part of it’s popularity may be that it coincides with the growing divide between “haves” and “have-nots” in the U.S. It takes advantage of our growing sympathy for underdogs for the first half of the movie as we watch Balram’s efforts in a world where things are stacked against him. Balram’s perspective begins to shift and he starts taking action to better himself. Lies give way to deceit and petty theft gives way to more serious crime. It reminds us of all the issues surrounding privilege, greed, democracy, and socialism. It also pokes around at the point where resorting to violence on an individual level seems justified if based on individual misfortune, but perhaps less acceptable if it ultimately moves you into the position of power you had wanted to escape. I have no idea how much fact about Indian politics and life is with the fiction and I have not read the novel on which it was based, but I’m glad I watched it. [Netflix streaming.]

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[2021. 125 min. Directed by Ramin Bahrani. Starring Adarsh Gourav, Rajkummar Rao, and Priyanka Chopra.]
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-white-tiger-movie-review-2021

Radioactive

— [Amazon Prime streaming.]

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[2019. 109 min. Directed by Marjane Satrapi. Starring Rosamund Pike, Yvette Feuer, Mirgam Novak, Ralph Berkin, and Sam Riley.]
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/radioactive-movie-review-2020

Emma

— [HBO Max streaming.]

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[2020. 124 min. Directed by Autumn de Wilde. Starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn, Mia Goth, and Bill Nighy.]
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/emma-movie-review-2020

David Byrne's American Utopia

— Wow. Spike Lee’s “David Byrne’s American Utopia” is more amazing than I imagined and a testament to what can happen when two very talented and creative people collaborate. To call this a “concert film” or a “Broadway show film” just doesn’t do it justice. The songs themselves are great, but they’re woven together to form a reflective, purposeful look at connections between people, between cultures, between past and future, and from one perspective to another. The music is occasionally somber but mostly toe-tapping with a techno or what I think of as a Cuban or Brazilian flare, with complex lyrics, and staged and choreographed to perfection. It could have been overtly political, but Byrne’s careful to consider situations instead of assigning blame, so he makes a point for voting, for immigration and diversification, for the value of Black lives, and for responsible environmental stewardship. Technically, it’s interesting that the band is entirely wireless and moving, able to dance around and play without electronic tether. Emotionally, it strikes a hopeful tone. Artistically, it is a joy. [HBO Max streaming.]

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[2020. 105 min. Written by David Byrne. Directed by Spike Lee. Starring David Byrne, Jacqueline Acevedo, Gustavo Di Dalva, Daniel Freedman, Chris Giarmo, Tim Keiper, Tendayi Kuumba, Karl Mansfield, Mauro Refosco, Stephanie San Juan, Angie Swan, and Bobby Wooten, III.]
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/david-byrnes-american-utopia-2020

Wonder Woman 1984

— Something of a disappointment, this film may be lost in its own period, seemingly enamored by the pace and glitz of the 1980s. The action, the costumes, and the script itself, are all a little over the top, a backdrop for a Wonder Woman no longer discovering herself and her world, but just fighting world domination and destruction. Yawn. [HBO Max streaming.]

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[2020. 151 min. Directed by Patty Jenkins. Starring Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, and Kristen Wiig.]
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/wonder-woman-1984-2020

Pieces of a Woman

— It's just hard to watch dark glimpses of dysfunction and loss and “Pieces of a Woman” definitely fits that description. Sean and Mark’s relationship disintegrates after a home-birth tragedy, each coping with their grief while buffeted by jobs, friends, guilt, isolation, and Sean’s dominant mother, along with a very public trial involving the midwife. At least three-quarters of the film is grim and heartbreaking and filled with despair. In the end, Sean manages to wrest a bit of control back in her life, offering a hint of hope and healing, but not without scars left deep in the soul. It’s a good but ambitious film that sometimes seems to rely on torturous reaction over thoughtful contemplation of a very complex subject. I liked it—and I particularly liked the actors’ efforts—but it was a little heavy-handed. [Netflix streaming.]

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[2020. 126 min. Directed by Kornél Mundruczó. Staring Vanessa Kirby, Shia LaBeouf, and Ellen Burstyn.]
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/pieces-of-a-woman-movie-review-2020