Another thin movie viewing week, but hey, two is better than one so I’m moving in the right direction at least. Read about this week’s latest cinematic adventures with absolutely nothing in common with each other except that I saw them in the same time period. Oh, and both of them are better than the crap I watched last week. And that’s about it. As always, thanks for reading! ~ Chris K.
(click on images to enlarge on the screen!)
Documentary (2019)
Janine Stange, Jefferson Moore
I recently blogged on Independence Day about my own definition of patriotism and what I thought about “The Star Spangled Banner.” But the star of this short documentary finds much deeper meaning in the anthem, so much so that in 2014, she set the ambitious goal of singing the national anthem in all fifty states at public events. This isn’t an easy feat when you’re footing the bill to get there and trying to balance it with your own regular full-time job.
I won’t spoil it for you – does she accomplish the feat or not? – but I will tell you that I always enjoy watching someone passionate about something in the pursuit of it. Stange, a Long Island native, is honest and open, and thoroughly likable. The film is a bit amateurish and predictable in its delivery but the subject at the core of it has an interesting perspective, so I would still recommend it to anyone who enjoys documentaries and music. But don’t set too high of expectations for taking away anything all that enlightening.
Action – Fantasy (2019)
Tom Holland, Samuel L. Jackson, Jake Gyllenhaal, Zendaya
Many years ago, when I first heard they were tackling the Spider-Man franchise AGAIN, I was such a naysayer. Why? I barked. They’ve had two already…do we really need more? But I must admit that Tom Holland has completely won me over for the role in what feels like the most authentic portrayal of Peter Parker of them all, perfectly tapping into an awkward teenager who doesn’t always have the confidence he deserves to carry in his gait, especially considering he is after all one of THE Avengers. This latest adventure is another fun and exciting spin with the web-shooting wonder. In FAR FROM HOME, he is off to Europe on a school trip with grand plans to finally share words from the heart with his secret crush M.J. played endearingly by rising superstar Zendaya. Then Nick Fury and crew come calling, and the adventures begin. He meets up with an intriguing ‘hero’ in his own right, Quentin Beck aka Mysterio. But who is this unusual new superhero and what’s his story? As events unfold, Peter finds there is so much more than meets the eye.
The film has a wonderful vibe – entertaining, light and airy and yet at times, intense and dark. But what always brings us back to a smile is the lead Holland and his traveling school sidekicks Ned (played by the charming Jacob Batalon) and the always scene-stealing Zendaya. I love all of the supporting characters, too, from the lovable Jon Favreau as Happy and Marisa Tomei as Aunt May. Gyllenhaal is also terrific as the mysterious Mysterio. I’m happy to report that the film continues in the legacy of past Marvel pictures and ENTERTAINS! See it if you’re a Marvel fan, and if you haven’t met THIS Peter Parker before, consider making this sequel your introduction. You’ll have a great time.
Follow Chris!