MST3K, RiffTrax, and Beyond: Cinema Playground Journal 2023: Week 52 (My Cinema Playground)

Multiplex Madness

The Boys in the Boat

⭐⭐⭐

Genre: Drama, Sports

Director: George Clooney

Starring: Joel Edgerton, Callum Turner

One thing I appreciate about George Clooney as a filmmaker is how much of a traditionalist he is, where most of the time he just belts out movies for boomers that remind them of comfort movies they already like. I mean, I'm one of the few people who appreciated Leatherheads as an artistic exorcise to recreate screwball comedy from the 1930's, even if the film never really hit a high mark in comedy or creativity. Those wishing for cinema to be distinct and evolved will dismiss movies like The Boys in the Boat because Clooney rarely makes movies that are either of those things, even if he'll sometimes come out with a refined flick like Good Night and Good Luck. That is leading The Boys in the Boat to a mixed reception, though for the type of cinemagoer that the movie is made to appeal to, those who like a sports movie that's schmaltzy and inspirational, the movie is actually pretty solid. The film tells the true story of the 1936 University of Washington Junior Varsity men's eight rowing team, who overcame adversity to compete in the Olympic games in Berlin. There is little about the movie that will stand-out, unless you're all like "Finally, a movie about ROWING!" The characters don't have a ton of personality that separate them from each other, with most of the screentime going to Callum Turner's rower, who goes through esteem issues and has a lite romantic subplot. The majority of the movie is pretty straightforward, of coaches throwing inspirational speeches to get these guys to "Row better." The film feels about the sport more than it is about the people who occupy it, which admittedly is a flawed approach to a movie that wants us to appreciate how much of an underdog these boys were. However, it occupies the same space that movies like Miracle do, where it honors a legacy without trying to redefine it with flourishes. We also get to see a moment in history that embarrassed Adolf Hitler. Who wouldn't appreciate that?

The Color Purple

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

Genre: Musical, Drama

Director: Blitz Bazawule

Starring: Fantasia Barrino, Colman Domingo, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi

Admittedly, it's been a very long time since I watched Steven Spielberg's adaptation of The Color Purple. I remember it being very good, but I couldn't for the life of me tell you very much about it other than it having Oprah Winfrey, Whoopie Goldberg, and Danny Glover in it. It did allow me a certain fresh-faced outlook to take in this new version, which retells this story of a Black woman separated from her family in an arranged marriage full of abuse, now with musical numbers! I'm not entirely sure why this story demanded to be remade as a musical, but the sort of soul gospel tone of the piece actually does lend itself well to it. It adds to the themes of keeping optimism in the darkest of times, and while I came out with little impression of the music itself, the choreography was certainly quite a treat. The performances uniformly dazzle as well, though admittedly I'd watch Colman Domingo be an asshole in any movie (I watched eight seasons of Fear the Walking Dead for this man, which was eight seasons too many, but I appreciate that he never half-assed a single second of that show). I also yearned for more of the numbers to include In the Heights star Corey Hawkins (who was also on a much better Walking Dead show), who stole the show any time he busted a move on-camera. I think fans of the novel, the Spielberg movie, and the stage musical will be very pleased with this movie, and those experiencing this story for the first time will come out of it very positive on the experience.

Ferrari

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Genre: Drama, Sports

Director: Michael Mann

Starring: Adam Driver, Penélope Cruz, Shailene Woodley, Sarah Gadon, Gabriel Leone, Jack O'Connell, Patrick Dempsey

The Ford v Ferrari cinematic universe is here (I assume) depending on who has the balls to make a Henry Ford movie now. Michael Mann directs this movie about Enzo Ferrari in his quest to make his cars the fastest by any means necessary, while also depicting his tumultuous relationship with his wife while also keeping a son he made out of wedlock a secret from her. Ferrari reminds me somewhat of Oppenheimer, in that it relies on heavy intense-faced drama to tell its story, sometimes clumsily tripping over itself for what it might claim to be efficiency but actually comes off as indulgence. Sometimes this is a distraction, but it always seems to bounce back based on its lead performances by Adam Driver and Penelope Cruz, and its drama does compel in this story of a man who wants to win at any cost, even if that cost cokes at a reckless disregard for human life.

Movies Still Playing At My Theater

Anyone But You ⭐️1/2

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom ⭐️⭐️

The Boy and the Heron ⭐⭐⭐1/2

Godzilla Minus One ⭐⭐⭐1/2

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (no)

The Iron Claw ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Migration⭐️⭐️1/2

Napoleon ⭐⭐1/2

Poor Things ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Trolls Band Together ⭐⭐1/2

Wish ⭐⭐1/2