Watching Roman J. Israel, Esq. was reminiscent a bit of watching Rainman. It was almost a caricature performance by Denzel Washington in the character of Roman J. Israel, an autistic lawyer. Israel works in a 2 person law firm as one who writes briefs for his boss, William Jackson. When Jackson has a heart attack, Israel is thrown into a new role. He, however, cannot handle court appearances. The intent at a romantic involvement also falls short. The film seemed disjointed at times and not really living up to the hype that preceded its release. A bit disappointing and inexplicable as to the Oscar nomination for Washington, whose performance was not as good as Tom Hanks in The Post.
Cast
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Denzel Washington
as Roman J. Israel, Esq.
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Colin Farrell
as George Pierce
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Carmen Ejogo
as Maya Alston
Director
It is interesting to see a film of events that happened in your lifetime. Battle of the Sexes chronicles the events leading up to the historic tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. I can remember watching this in 1973, but never was aware of how it all came to be. Super performances by Emma Stone and Steve Carell. It is so depressing to remember and see how not much has changed in the equal pay for all arena. Billie Jean set out to remedy the inequalities of the tennis world and ended up speaking on behalf of all women as she spurned the Lawn Tennis Association and founded with her husband, Larry King, the WTA. The inception of her relationship with her hairdresser, Marilyn Barnett, added a layer of complication to the procuring of sponsorships. A lesbian affair would not have been accepted by most of the population. The movie is more the BJK story and less the BR one. He is, for the most part, a washed up player, addicted to gambling and looking for the "next best thing." I bristled at the male chauvinistic remarks, realizing that I have heard similar recently.
Cast
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Emma Stone
as Billie Jean King
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Steve Carell
as Bobby Riggs
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Andrea Riseborough
as Marilyn Barnett
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Sarah Silverman
as Gladys Heldman
-
Alan Cumming
as Ted Tinling
Director
- Jonathan Dayton
- Valerie Faris
This was a very complex movie that takes place after WWII. It relates the stories of two families, one black, the McAllans and one white, the Jacksons, who live on the same land. At times it was difficult to follow the stories from flashback to present. The families are strong willed and each character comes forward to demonstrate his or her personality. There are definite parallels between the strong-willed women and their relationships with their husbands. The racism is rampant and uncomfortable to watch. Blige is excellent in her portrayal of Florence, but is up against Allison Janney from I, Tonya, who will most probably walk away with the Oscar.
Cast
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Carey Mulligan
as Laura McAllan
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Jason Clarke
as Henry McAllan
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Jason Mitchell
as Ronsel Jackson
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Garrett Hedlund
as Jamie McAllan
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Mary J. Blige
as Florence Jackson
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Rob Morgan
as Hap Jackson
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Jonathan Banks
as Pappy McAllan
-
Kerry Cahill
as Rose Tricklebank
-
Dylan Arnold
as Carl Atwood
-
Lucy Faust
as Vera Atwood
Director
A great film for a stay-at-home Friday night. Almost reminiscent of an Alfred Hitchcock thriller, Get Out builds to a dramatic conclusion. Chris is going for a first time visit to Rose's parent's home. They do not know that he is black and he, naturally, dreading the situation has many misgivings. She reassures him that they are not racists. As they approach the house they see 2 black servants who seem to be almost robotic in their actions. It is not to long into the visit that he realizes that something is amiss and the guests at her parents' annual house party are a bit akin to the Stepford Wives mentality. At that point he realizes that he must Get Out. It is understandable why Daniel Kaluuya received a GG best acting nod.
Cast
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Daniel Kaluuya
as Chris
-
Allison Williams
as Rose
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Catherine Keener
as Missy
-
Bradley Whitford
as Dean
-
Keith Stanfield
as Andre Hayworth
-
Marcus Henderson
as Walter
Director
