Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Film Review

Directed by George C. Wolfe

Starring: Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman, Colman Domingo

Rated R for language, some sexual content and brief violence

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is a new Netflix directed by George C. Wolfe. Based on the play by August Wilson, the film centers legendary blues singer Ma Rainey and a recording session. Tensions boil over with Ma’s diva attitude and disagreements with trumpeter Levee (played by Chadwick Boseman) on how songs should be sung.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is a film that heavily relies on dialogue. The film itself feels like it is a play being filmed with excellent sets. As the film is based on the play by August Wilson, it does not make any secret this is a dialogue driven film. A good majority of the film is dialogue driven and it does it very well. The film doesn’t drag down a bit with the dialogue heavy scenes and actually keeps the audience engaged. The conversations are realistic and sometimes feature intriguing stories that give some context on where characters come from.

While Viola Davis is the top billing and her character being the name of the film, this film actually belongs to the late Chadwick Boseman. In his final role, Boseman plays a trumpeter who is wanting to start his own band and make his own music. But for now he has to play a backup role to the legendary singer Ma Rainey. Boseman steals every scene he is in, which is almost all of them, and commands his presence. At first, he is child like and likes to joke around. But as the film progresses, we learn more about the character. We learn about his childhood and his beliefs. As the film gets closer to the end, we see a man who is somehow broken inside. Boseman not only gives his final performance but also his best. It’s very unfortunate his sudden passing this past summer means we will no longer see Boseman in future roles.

However, Viola Davis is also fantastic as Ma Rainey. Ma Rainey acts as a diva as she is on her own time and gets whatever she wants. In the beginning of the film, we seem a bit indifferent towards Ma Rainey’s attitude. But towards the middle of the film, we understand why she acts the way she does. She knows she is being used for her voice and will take advantage of any opportunity that is presented to her. Davis brilliantly portrays Ma Rainey and makes us sympathetic for her character, despite how she acts. While Ma Rainey’s name is on the title of the film, she is not the main star of the film. She is not properly introduced until thirty minutes into the film. When she is in the film, she takes the backseat to the film and is not featured prominently. If Davis was less of a supporting role and was featured as much as Boseman was, then she would easily be the best performance in the film.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is an interesting look at the legendary blues singer. While not a biopic and only highlights a few hours in a recording studio, the film does a tremendous task of showcasing Ma Rainey and her actions and why her she does what she does. Boseman is the star of the show and steals every scene he is present in. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is a film with powerhouse performances from all actors who bring August Wilson’s brilliant words to the big screen.

3.5/4

Mank Film Review

Directed by David Fincher

Starring: Gary Oldman, Amanda Seyfried, Lily Collins

Rated R for some language

Mank is a Netflix film directed by David Fincher. Mank tells the story of screenwriter Herman Mankiewicz (played by Gary Oldman) and the period in which he wrote the screenplay Citizen Kane. Set in the 1940’s, Mank not only tells the story of how Herman Mankiewicz wrote the legendary screenplay, but also his encounters with Hollywood legends such as Orson Wells (played by Tom Burke) and Louis B. Mayer (played by Arliss Howard).

When you come to a film like Mank, you expect powerhouse performances and the film delivers. Gary Oldman as Mank is fantastic and delivers a strong performance. It is one of his memorable performance as throughout the film he acts like a drunk. He interacts well with everyone he encounters, with one lone exception that will be explained later. The scenes featuring Mank interacting with Mayer, William Randolph Hearst (played by Charles Dance), and Marion Davies (played by Amanda Seyfried) are not only well done but well acted. In particular, the scene in which Mank drunkenly describes the idea of writing Citizen Kane. While all the actors in the film are fantastic, I can see Gary Oldman and Amanda Seyfried getting Oscar nominations.

As the film is set in the 1930/40’s, director David Fincher not only makes the film feel like it is the 1930/40’s with its production designs, but the way the film is filmed. The film is black and white, but the film feels like it was made with a camera from this era. There are moments in the film in which the film gets a bit a grainy, like older films would. Cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt succeeds in making the film feel like it is a product of the golden age of Hollywood. Messerschmidt does not use large fancy lights that are commonly used in other films. Instead, he relies on natural lights, such as candles or a lightbulb, to light a scene.

The screenplay was written by David Fincher’s now deceased father, Jack Fincher. The screenplay was written in the 90’s but the film did not come into fruition until now. While the screenplay was written in the 90’s, it still feels very relevant to today. A large chunk of the film features the discussion of politics, in particular the gubernatorial election of 1934 in California. The election included Upton Sinclair, a Democratic socialists who would like to end poverty. The political discussions in the film are not just relevant to 1934, but are relevant to today. The film poses the question of should Hollywood play a role in politics? There are Hollywood major players who not only support a candidate but push out propaganda that can influence the average moviegoer.

Mank is a fantastic film with some exceptions. First, Charles Dance as William Randolph Hearst is not featured in the film too much. While his character does not play a major role in the story, he was still a fascinating character which I would like to see more of. Also, I mentioned that Gary Oldman interacted well with all his fellow actors with a lone exception. That lone exception is Rita (played by Lily Collins), Mank’s secretary. While I won’t fault Lily Collins for this, her character is just forgettable. She doesn’t stand out as she doesn’t have a memorable line or scene. The only memorable thing about her is that her partner is presumed to be missing in action during World War II. This is quickly resolved towards the end of the film, but it felt pointless. This was more than likely added to give the character sympathy for not only watching over Mank but also worrying about her partner possibly being dead. I can appreciate what Jack Fincher tried to do here, unfortunately it falls flat.

Overall, Mank is a fine film that has a lot to offer. The outstanding performances, camera work, and screenplay are not only very distinct, but grab the viewer’s attention and commands their attention. While this film will not be everyone’s cup of tea, it is a film all film buffs who love the golden age of Hollywood will enjoy.

4/4

Hillbilly Elegy Film Review

Directed by Ron Howard

Starring: Amy Adams, Glenn Close, Gabriel Basso

Rated R for language throughout, drug content and some violence

Based on the novel of the same name by J.D. Vance, Hillbilly Elegy is a new Netflix film directed by Ron Howard. In this film, J.D. (played by Gabriel Basso) is a Yale student is in the middle of interview week at school. In the middle of the week, J.D. gets a call concerning his mother, Bev (played by Amy Adams), being put in the hospital due to the use of drugs. With the news of his mother, J.D. returns to his hometown in Ohio and recalls all the memories he had of growing up in the town.

Upon researching this film, I saw Hillbilly Elegy has negative reviews. Upon seeing these reviews, I pondered on why the film has these reviews. While the film is not perfect, its also not a horrific film that deserves the negative reviews. Let’s start off with the acting. When you have actresses such as Glenn Close and Amy Adams, you know you are going to get powerhouse performances and that is what is delivered. Close and Adams, and even Basso who plays the main character, all deliver strong performances. The top notch performances are the strongest aspect of the film and make the film worth watching.

While I enjoyed the strong acting in the film, I did take issue with the story. The story revolves J.D. returning to his hometown in Ohio after receiving a call that his mother is on drugs again and is hospitalized. On the surface, it seems like a simple narrative. College students returns back home and recalls all the good and bad memories he had in town. But when the main character recalls his childhood, the story slows down a bit. Since almost half of the film consists of flashbacks, the film seems longer than it is. After the first few flashbacks, we understand the concept that J.D.’s childhood was awful. We understand why he went to the military and went to school in the northeast. The film didn’t have to force this narrative multiple times. I was more interested in the current story of J.D. trying to find a room for his mother and trying to get back to school on time.

I genuinely believe that if the film reduced the flashbacks and focused on the present day plot, it would have been a hit. I understand this film is based on a book and these flashbacks probably work for an autobiography, but it doesn’t work here unfortunately. After a few flashbacks, we understand that J.D.’s mother is a mess and his grandmother is the glue of the family. The film didn’t have to show this for half of the film because it just brings the film to a halt. Hillbilly Elegy is not the awful film many critics are leading you to believe and it is certainly not an Oscar worthy film (well, maybe a nomination for makeup and acting) but it has its moment. Hillbilly Elegy is worth a watch for audience members who enjoy these types of dramas, but be prepared to get a bit bored.

2.5/4

Project Power Film Review

Directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman

Starring: Jamie Foxx, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Dominique Fishback

Rated R for violence, bloody images, drug content and some language

Project Power is an action sci fi film starring Jamie Foxx as a man trying to find the source of a powerful new drug. A new unknown drug that gives the user a unique superpower for five minutes hits the streets of New Orleans. Art (played by Jamie Foxx) teams up with Robin ( played by Dominique Fishback) in finding the supplier of this new drug. Frank (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is also on a mission of finding the source of the drug, but is also seeking Art, as Frank believes he is the supplier of the drug.

The film’s main star, Jamie Foxx, absolutely sells this film as he is the best part of it. As always, Foxx delivers in a role that, quite honestly, doesn’t require too much range. But Foxx gives it his all in a role that could have been done without an emotional depth. Dominique Fishback is also a main player in the film and does an excellent job. While she has not done too much work and is considered a newcomer, she certainly holds her own against veteran actors Foxx and Gordon-Levitt. She leaves a mark on the film mostly due to the type of character she plays. The film doesn’t treat her character as a sidekick and never stoops down the be the damsel in distress. Fishback is perfect in the role of Robin, we can only hope we see more of her in future roles.

As alluded before, this a film that has a plot of a new drug giving its users a unique superpower. This concept has originality and is worth exploring in a film. Unfortunately, this concept is not fully explored in the film until the final act. Having a drug giving users superpowers is an excellent concept and the film could have gone all out with it. Throughout the film, we only hear of stories on the radio of drug users creating chaos throughout the city. While we get a few glimpses of people taking the drug and using the power, we can only imagine how others react to the drug. A filmmaker’s main goal is “show, don’t tell”, meaning show us the action, don’t tell us it happened. The film’s main flaw is its telling us what happened to drug users, not showing us. I am not sure if the film decided not to show us how powerful the drug is due to budget constraints or not wanting to go full superhero film, but it fails in leaving a mark in its respective genre.

Since the film doesn’t utilize its original concept until the final act of the film, it mostly falls flat. Having Art and Robin search for the source of the drug in its first two acts of the film feels like your run of the mill mystery film. Yes, there are some instances in the first two acts where someone takes a pill and we see their power, but its only a few characters. Just imagine if two characters took the pill and we see two powerful beings engage in a brawl. Once again, there could have been more done with this concept. But the film not exploring its ideas to the fullest does not take away enjoyment from the film. With all the flaws of the film, it does have its moment and it is a simple watch. I would be lying if I did say I did not enjoy some moments or some of the action. When the action hits the screen, it does grab the viewer’s attention. While some of the action does feature of subpar CGI, the CGI necessary doesn’t take away from the film. It is noticeable and it is worth pointing out.

Project Power is a film that works due to its stars who give excellent performances and its straightforward action. While an original idea such as the one presented in the film should have been a home run, unfortunately, it fails to delivers. Since the film decides to play it safe and not go all out, Project Power is an forgettable film that only succeeds due to the cast and action sequences. Project Power is worth a watch if there is nothing new to watch on Netflix, but don’t expect to get much out of this project.

2.5/4

Spenser Confidential Film Review

Directed by Peter Berg

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Winston Duke, Alan Arkin

Rated R for violence, language throughout and sexual content

Spenser Confidential is a an action comedy film directed by Peter Berg. The film centers around Spenser (played by Mark Wahlberg), a formerly released convict who tries to solve the murder of a police officer who is accused of murdering Spenser’s former boss, Captain Boylan (played by Michael Gatson). Spenser is joined by his new roommate, Hawk (played by Winston Duke), and his friend Henry (played by Alan Arkin) as they investigate the most corrupt cops in Boston.

The film is the fifth collaboration between director Peter Berg and Mark Wahlberg. The two work great off each other as Wahlberg seems comfortable as the role of Spenser. With all the gripes with the film, Wahlberg does a great job with the type of role that Wahlberg seems to enjoy. In short, this is the type of role Wahlberg always plays. The film also stars Winston Duke, who somehow is not given much to do, despite Duke being in the film for a large portion of it. The only memorable thing Duke does in the film is box. But there is more to the character to that, but the film doesn’t serve anything memorable about him. Also in the film is Iliza Shlesinger, who plays a stereotypical Boston woman who doesn’t do anything in the film at all. Her role could have been cut and the film could not have changed at all.

The main issue with the film is that there is so much filler that doesn’t make a difference in the film and only drags it down. A key example is in a scene where two characters have sexual intercourse in a restaurant restroom. The scene was supposed to be funny but it only comes off a unnecessary as it brings a halt to the film. A few minutes later, a character is chasing a car but is only mauled by a German Shepard. The bit is funny at first, but then goes on for a couple minutes. It soon gets unfunny and serves no purpose at all. It’s moments like these that make it so frustrating to view the film as we only want to continue forward with the plot, not stop the story for a humorous bit.

In addition to the unnecessary scenes, the film almost plays like an entire cliche. Down to a character chewing on a toothpick to a Boston woman being loud and brash. The film does call out some of the cliches, which I enjoyed, but the moment the third act came, it was evident where the film was going. It’s almost like the film had a checklist it has to follow to the tea. The film also does a poor job serving a good mystery. The mystery of what happened is solved in the first act. Either this was intentional or the filmmakers took the audience as unintelligent and knew they could not solve the crime themselves. Either way, it felt like a waste of time as the audience and even the main character himself knew who did the crime.

I am of the opinion that some audience members will enjoy Spenser Confidential. Mark Walhberg is fun in the film as he seems natural in the role of Spenser. But on the other hand, the film is filled with cliches that are in unnecessary scenes that go nowhere. If you view the film as a mindless action film that is bound to have issues, then by all means view the film and have some fun with it. But in the end, the problems of the film can make it difficult to fully enjoy Spenser Confidential.

2/4

The Highwaymen Film Review

Directed by John Lee Hancock

Starring: Kevin Costner, Woody Harrelson, Kathy Bates

Rated R for strong violence and bloody images

The Highwaymen is a Netflix original film starring Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson. Both Costner and Harrelson play two former Texas Rangers who are tasked with searching and capturing the infamous Bonnie and Clyde in the Great Depression era. The two pair go throughout Texas and the midwest to capture the pair before they can murder more people. The film off the bat presents itself as based on a true story. It is hard to tell what is true and what is fiction but it is interesting to tell what happened behind the scene to capture Bonnie and Clyde. The film starts off with Hamer (played by Kevin Costner) being retired and wanting no part of the manhunt at first. Then he agrees and is joined by Gault (played by Woody Harrelson) in the search.

The film does present interesting ideas such as old age can have an affect on someone. In the first act of the film, Hamer has someone throw glass bottles in the air for him to shoot it. Hamer of course misses multiple times, indicating that he may not have it in him to be a part of this case. In another scene, Hamer is chasing a kid only be outran and breathing heavily towards the end of the run. It goes to show that these characters do have their flaws in trying to prove something.

Both Costner and Harrelson do a fine job with they are given. Costner plays the straight man and is channeling his inner Clint Eastwood. Harrelson is the one with the comedic lines and is the second man. The film is ultimately a road trip movie but without a clear destination. Most of the film is the pair in a car driving around, hence the tile of the film. The pair do have good banter between back and forth but in the end there are some long, drawn out scenes. The film’s run time is over two hours, and it shows. There were a few scenes where it could have been cut or omitted such as the bar scene. I did find some interesting moments in the scene but overall was not really necessary to the plot.

The film does have missed opportunity such as Hamer’s wife only being present in the first act. The sole reason she is in the film is to have her convince Hamer to join the manhunt. Other than that, there is not much to her. Her scenes could have been omitted and it would not changed a thing. Another point is Gault is feeling the weight of the Great Depression. He is unemployed and lives in a small home. This aspect is not explored more. Maybe he has a different perspective on Bonnie and Clyde. The film does show that Bonnie and Clyde were heroes to the poor at the time since the pair were robbing banks.

Overall The Highwaymen is an average historical mystery drama. The film is not bad nor is it is great. I found it entertaining at the least due to the two leads who do a good job. If you like historical dramas, then there is enjoyment to be had but I would recommend to watch if there is nothing else to watch on Netflix.

3/4