Ricki and The Flash (2015) film review

Year: 2015
Running Time: 101 minutes
Director: Jonathan Demme
Writer: Diablo Cody
Cast: Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Mamie Gummer, Rick Springfield, Sebastian Stan, Ben Platt

Ricki and The Flash is now showing in cinemas everywhere and is distributed in Australia by Sony Pictures

Apart from the ever strong presence of Meryl Streep and an enjoyable, enthusiastic soundtrack, Ricki and the Flash fails to leave a lasting impression as a result of it's uneventful and exceptionally light screenplay. Middle-aged rock chick, Ricki (Meryl Streep) seemingly lives an uninspired life where she is unfulfilled by her ill-paying supermarket day job and playing with her band The Flash as the house band at the bar, The Salt Well in Los Angeles. Her world is shaken up and the guilt of the past comes back to haunt her when she receives a call from her ex-husband, Pete (Kevin Kline) telling her that her daughter, Julie (Mamie Gummer) has just been left by her husband and is in a bad way. Ricki travels back to Indiana to face the wrath of her three children for leaving them years ago to pursue her dream of becoming a rock star.

Ricki and the Flash is a somewhat disappointing screenwriting effort for Diablo Cody. The screenplay comes with a message that Streep's Ricki verbalises during the film which is that women have to choose between being a mother and following their dreams and will often get condemned for choosing career while men are applauded for it. The example of Ricki in this film is an exaggerated one, but the essence of it is a provocative message which is a topic that is discussed more and more often in today's society. Yet, the script that exists around this notion is rather lifeless and cannot decide whether it is supposed to be dramatic or comedic, which results in the film as a whole being rather light and soft. The overall feeling Ricki and the Flash leaves one with by the end of the film is not that of closure, but a sense of how unrealistic the atonement presented is. However, the film can be commended for avoiding certain stereotypes often presented in reconciliation films and the usual plot points that are included which is rather refreshing.

Yet one of the factors that does save the film is the true object of Ricki's affection (not her on screen boyfriend Greg played by singer Rick Springfield), her music. The soundtrack contains both current and classic songs which are refashioned in the style of Ricki and her band. Despite how anticlimactic story-wise the film turns out to be, the finale is at least a lot of fun thanks to Ricki's music.

The other saving factor of Ricki and the Flash is Meryl Streep, who can make any film seem a greater success thanks to her presence. Streep slips into the persona of Ricki easily and makes one feel empathy towards the character regardless of how questionable some of her decisions are and quirky her behaviour is. Like the chameleon she is, she also has no problem pulling off a believable rock chick persona and appearance. Starring opposite Streep is her real life daughter, Mamie Gummer who shows tremendous talent and potential. She does not back down from her role as the emotionally unstable Julie and in some scenes even outshines her mother. Rick Springfield gives a solid performance and is also rather likable.

Even though Ricki and the Flash attempts to carry a message which is relevant and beneficial, the film itself remains rather unmemorable and even the force of Meryl Streep cannot redeem it's lack of impact.

6/10

Into The Woods (2014) film review

Year: 2014
Running Time: 125 minutes
Director: Rob Marshall
Writers: Stephen Sondheim (musical), James Lapine (musical and screenplay)
Cast: Emily Blunt, James Corden, Anna Kendrick, Meryl Streep, Daniel Huttlestone, Lilla Crawford, Christine Baranski, Lucy Punch, Tammy Blanchard, Tracy Ullman, Johnny Depp, Chris Pine, Mackenzie Mauzy, Billy Magnussen

Into The Woods is now showing everywhere and is distributed by Walt Disney Pictures.

Disney's venture Into The Woods may not be the same feel good live action film the world is accustomed to seeing from the studio, but does not fail to entertain audiences, especially those who are fantasy and musical lovers. While Rob Marshall's film is a lot of fun with it's witty and enjoyable screenplay and musical numbers, it is also rather unexpectedly deep and metaphorical. The film does a great deal more than just impressively recreate some of the most loved fairytales and in doing so is pleasantly surprising in numerous ways.

A married couple who live and work in a bakery (Emily Blunt and James Corden) are desperate for children, but are unable to conceive. They are at a loss as to why this is until one day the Witch from next door (Meryl Streep) arrives and tells them that she placed a curse on the household long ago and to break the curse they must bring her all she desires. The baker and his wife set out into the woods to fetch the red cape from Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford), the hair as yellow as corn from Rapunzel (Mackenzie Mauzy), the glass slipper from Cinderella (Anna Kendrick) and the cow as white as milk from Jack (Daniel Huttlestone) for the Witch. When all is said and done, it looks as though everyone has had their wish fulfilled and will live happily ever after. However, that is not the way things work out for any of them as they all venture into the woods once again together.

Director Rob Marshall and writer of both screenplay and musical (which he co-wrote with Stephen Sondheim) James Lapine have done a fine job of adapting Into The Woods for the screen. This is what audiences must remember when judging Into The Woods. It is adapted from a stage musical and much of what can be said about the story good or bad relates more to the original musical than the adapted screenplay. One of the aspects of the film which reminds you that this is so is the notion that Into The Woods feels like two different films in one. The only reason it feels like that is because there are two acts in the stage musical and they are of completely different atmospheres. Because of this, people not familiar with the musical will feel as though the film is quite lengthy, which at barely over two hours this is hardly the case. The majority of the screenplay remains true to the original Into The Woods, yet several songs were abandoned for the film (while one song was added to the soundtrack) and the dark atmosphere slightly lifted so to make a more family friendly film.

Into The Woods knows it's target audience well. The film is well suited to lovers of fairytales and musicals, as those who do not appreciate musicals will not enjoy the fact that the majority of the storytelling is told through song. However, Into The Woods is saying a lot more to it's audience than is vocalised through the dialogue and lyrics. The overall theme is the universally acknowledged notion that there is realistically no such thing as a happily ever after. There is such thing as perfect for the time being, but no life or love is forever without some sort of complication. Fairytales install in children unrealistic expectations of the world, which is why the film reminds us that children are listening, so be careful what you tell them. The story takes fairytales to a place they are not traditionally taken to by asking the questions no one asks of them. Why did Cinderella really run from the man she loved? Was Rapunzel ever troubled by losing the woman who raised her? Is Prince Charming really the man he makes every one believe he is, or is he really just charming? The title of Into The Woods is literal, but also metaphorical as walking through life can be like walking through the woods in its unpredictability and terror.

The mash-up of the fairytales is very well done, but some stories are given a lot more love and attention than others. In particular the Rapunzel storyline doesn't have a great deal to offer and is almost non-existent in the second half of the film. However, it is understandable that at least one of the stories within the film was going to be limited as the film's running time needed to be kept in mind, especially considering this is a family film. Yet, the screenplay is extremely witty with brilliant dialogue and entertaining and enjoyable musical productions, especially the elegant "On The Steps of The Place" and hilarious "Agony". The production design is absolutely exquisite with very little CGI used and the film is very atmospheric as the woods are designed with an air of mystery and darkness that is felt by the audience.

Into The Woods boasts an impressive cast with performances that may surprise. Emily Blunt and James Corden work very well together on screen and their relationship is comedic in the most realistic of ways. Blunt appears in her first musical role and stuns with her beautiful singing voice. Anna Kendrick is certainly no stranger to musicals with her Broadway background and past roles in Camp and Pitch Perfect (as well as the upcoming sequel to the latter and The Last 5 Years), but truly shows her vocal range and is exquisite as Cinderella. She is incredibly likable and the most naturalistic Cinderella to grace the screen.

Meryl Streep does not disappoint as the Witch. She is full of character and shows another side to the Witch who lives in these fairytales, which is that of a Witch with a past that has shaped her. Chris Pine is a real surprise packet as Cinderella's Prince Charming. It is a completely different role for Pine and hearing him sing is surprising, but not a terrible experience at all. His performance is formed around a parody of fairytale princes and is really quite amusing. Young Daniel Huttlestone, who plays Jack, is also a standout with incredible acting ability and a lovely voice.

While there is a moral to most stories we tell our children, what Into The Woods has to say about life through the way the fairytales are told is a great deal more helpful and insightful. The film is surprising, but pleasing for many reasons, but won't delight those who don't enjoy musicals as much as those who do.

7.5/10

August: Osage County (2013)

Year: 2013
Running Time: 121 minutes
Director: John Wells
Writer: Tracy Letts (play and screenplay)
Cast: Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Chris Cooper, Sam Shepherd, Margo Martindale, Ewan McGregor, Abigail Breslin, Julianne Nicholson, Juliette Lewis, Dermot Mulroney, Benedict Cumberbatch, Misty Upham

August: Osage County is now showing in cinemas everywhere and is distributed in Australia by Roadshow Films.

Pulitzer Prize winner, August: Osage County could not possibly have made its switch to the big screen in a more powerful way.

August: Osage County doesn't hold anything back and it's family politics are a heavy burden on the audience, but in the best possible way. It is almost confusing as to what type of film it actually is. Too heavy and emotionally draining to be a comedy, but too many laughs and speckled with black humour to be labelled a drama. However, there is no way of getting around the appreciation for its wonderfully adapted screenplay and also its quality performances, especially by the consistently brilliant Meryl Streep.

As the film opens on Beverly Weston (Sam Shepherd) describing how he and his wife, Violet (Meryl Streep) have an unspoken agreement in their marriage where he drinks and she takes pills, the foundation is set for understanding that this is one intense family. When Beverly disappears, the whole family is reunited which brings all the problems they have with one another to a head. The Westons three daughters, Barbara (Julia Roberts), Ivy (Julianne Nicholson) and Karen (Juliette Lewis), who are all incredibly different try to keep the peace for their parents, but trouble finds them whether they like it or not.

As the above poster for August: Osage County suggested, this film is very much like being seated at somebody else's family dinner table and being confronted with all their problems. It is incredibly uncomfortable and often cringe-worthy and embarrassing, but there is something so wrongly entertaining and exciting about it. You want to go and tell everyone you know about it, if you didn't feel so tired and emotionally drained from it. This is August: Osage County to a tee. It is wonderful and exhausting.

The dialogue is brilliantly worded in a very well constructed screenplay, but this is only to be expected considering the author of the play, Tracy Letts also wrote the screenplay. The conclusion of the film doesn't offer any uplifting message which will not be to the liking of those who want to be given atonement. The opportunity is there to take from the film what you think it is trying to tell you. Whether it be that children exhibit the same behaviours as their parents whether they see it or not, that you can't choose your family members, that we are all covering up secrets or even if this is just a source of entertainment and you are not supposed to take anything from it, it is really up to the individual to decide. Visually there are some incredible shots of the Oklahoma country side throughout the film. It is really quite an oxymoron as the countryside is so peaceful, yet inside the Weston's house it is complete mayhem.

In conjunction with the wonderful dialogue, it is the incredible performances of complex characters which really make August: Osage County a success. Meryl Streep is such a powerful force as the head of the Weston family. Violet is not a pleasant lady, but she commands everyone's respect as the family's matriarch. Streep is incredible in this role and she brings out so many different facets of Violet's personality. She is a thrill to watch and highly entertaining, but always leaves you feeling unsettled and just a bit scared.

Julia Roberts also does her best acting in years. Her performance is so controlled and maybe a little too neat at times, but still very powerful. Her character is very much like her mother as she is very complex and Roberts is able to give us so much information about Barbara just through little moments throughout the film. Roberts and Streep have perfect chemistry as well, playing the tense mother and daughter roles very well. The chemistry also between Roberts and her on screen husband, Bill (Ewan McGregor) and daughter, Jean (Abigail Breslin) is perfect. The scene between the three of them outside at night is unforgettable.

Every actor does very well in the film. Benedict Cumberbatch is particularly impressive, as his character of Little Charlie shows the true anxiety of being in a family like this. The scene at the bus stop between he and his father, played by Chris Cooper is perfect representation of how any normal person would react having to be subjected to this. Cooper is also wonderful, as his performance is not over the top, but subtle and powerful in its subtlety.

While often uncomfortable due to it's burdening weight, August: Osage County is powerful in a most welcomed fashion with memorable performances by a truly stellar cast.

8/10

The Iron Lady (2011)

The Iron Lady

Year: 2011

Director: Phyllida Lloyd

Cast: Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent, Alexandra Roach, Richard E. Grant

Before I begin my review….

                For the awards season, I am Team Meryl all the way.

Surely this is her year. Let’s face it, it’s about time. Streep received her first Academy Award nomination in 1979, won her first Academy Award in 1980 for Kramer vs. Kramer, was nominated again in 1982, won her second Academy Award in 1983 for Sophie’s Choice and since then has had another 12 nominations with no cigar. At 15, that’s more Academy Award nominations than anyone else in history. Katharine Hepburn comes second with nominations with a total of 12 nominations, yet Hepburn also has the record for most Academy Awards won with her 4.

                One thing you have to love about Streep is that she is completely consistent with her performances. She’s so versatile with her roles and even though she can do any role anybody will throw at her, she gives it 100% and never lets anyone down with her performance. Honestly, I can’t think of a movie she has even given a mediocre performance in let alone a bad performance. This is the actress every young hopeful should aspire to be like…but she is one of a kind, so don’t be too harsh on yourself if you’re not.

                Team Meryl all the way.

Review

                It is not often a magnificent performance such as that of Meryl Streep in The Iron Lady is witnessed, so it is such a shame that it is in a film as mediocre as this.

                Streep is amazing as once British prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, but the same cannot be said about the production of the film. Director, Phyllida Lloyd has just tried to do too much with the film and tried too hard to make it a masterpiece. All Lloyd had to do really was just to go for a simple flow, with the same cinematography and Streep would have carried the rest herself.

                The Iron Lady documents ex British prime minister, Margaret Thatcher’s (Meryl Streep) rise to the top, her struggles whilst in power and the consequences of her dry ambition on her private life. We see the Thatcher of today who is still admired by so many people in Britain, yet continuously struggles with the loss of her husband, Dennis (Jim Broadbent) and with the feeling of detachment from her grown twins.

                The Iron Lady has the potential to be a great film. The life of Thatcher is very interesting, but the way which Lloyd has made the film jump around from past to present and in between just makes it messy and there is no smooth continuation.  The film loses momentum as a result and can be slightly dull and even annoying.

                One would also expect there to be times throughout the film where the audience would feel triumph for Thatcher, especially when she is elected prime minister even though she did not even believe there would be a female British prime minister in her lifetime. It is just rush, rush, rush so we can fit in the love and love loss story or her and Dennis into the same film. I’m sure especially the British would have preferred to have some overwhelming sense of national pride throughout the film.

                There are some great moments of cinematography throughout the film, but it is at such quick pace that it is sometimes hard to notice it. The silhouette shots of Thatchers profile are quite effective.

                However, the saving grace of the film is obviously Meryl Streep, who absolutely carries the film. This is one of her career best roles as she has everything about Thatcher perfected and her great case study into the role is extremely evident. She is particularly brilliant as the present day, older Thatcher and is heartbreaking when she is faced with the truth of the loss of her husband.

                Jim Broadbent, who is also another actor who is consistently at the top of his game, is also very good as Dennis Thatcher. He is a fitting partner to Streep on the big screen.

                Alexandra Roach plays the younger Margaret Thatcher and does a very good job at performing the transformation of the timid girl growing up to the confident new and sole female minister. It is a hard job to play a young Meryl Streep and you can tell the difference in ability when the film switches into Streep mode, but she does a good job nevertheless.

                One can only hope that the film doesn’t have too much of an effect on Streep’s award chances, because she surely does deserve with this role.

6.5/10

It's Complicated

It’s Complicated
Year: 2009
Director: Nancy Myers
Cast: Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin

In My Own Words
The first thing I will say here is how good it was to see a movie in the cinema that really made me laugh out loud (or LOL for all our young readers out there). It is the first time in so long that I have been able to laugh loudly in a cinema, while everyone else who is watching it is also doing so. I had had one of those days feeling sorry for myself at work and “It’s Complicated” was the perfect remedy. I went into the film thinking that it wasn’t going to be that funny or even that good (an example of why film critics should not read other reviews before they see the film), but I was pleasantly surprised. I definitely admire Nancy Meyers for her ability to make a romantic comedy that is not classified as a “chick flick”, a trap which most romantic comedies fall into.

The cinemas are still extremely busy at the moment, which definitely pits a smile on my face. I know this time of the year they are busier than others because it is holidays and there is a greater range of films out, but it still is a great feeling to know that in a time such as now, the movie cinemas are alive and well.

These are my own words and here is my review.

Review
“It’s Complicated” is the new film by Nancy Meyers, who has such films as “What Women Want”, “Something’s Gotta Give” and “The Holiday” to her name. Staying true to her roots, “It’s Complicated” is yet another film about relationships, and that’s not a criticism of any type. Meyers is extremely talented when it comes to picking an ensemble of actors who have on screen chemistry, writing a witty script and making a romantic, comical movie that is not just for chicks. “It’s Complicated” is a perfect example of this. Jane (Meryl Streep), a mother of three, has been divorced from her husband, Jake (Alec Baldwin) for ten years and feels as though she has finally got her life sorted out with the perfect house and perfect career for her. That is until a night in New York for her son’s graduation turns into a night of passion with her ex-husband, who has remarried a younger woman. They begin an affair and matters are made even more complicated when Jane attracts the interest of her architect, Adam (Steve Martin).

“It’s Complicated” is, unlike many other movies of its calibre, completely unpredictable. Throughout the film, it is uncertain whether Jane will end up with Jake or Adam. This is unusual of a romantic comedy these days and something that should be celebrated when it does occur, as no one wants to know the end of the film in the first 10 minutes. The film is light and fun, with no intense moments. The visuals are fun to watch as is the dialogue fun to listen to. The script is witty with lots of laughs throughout. It is not only the script which makes the film so hilarious, but the way in which the film is directed also contributes to it. The films the characters do, from their overt actions to their facial expressions add to the hilarity of the film and this can be put down to the way in which Meyers directs the film. “It’s Complicated” has what may be the funniest smoking scene of the year.

As one can expect from the cast members, the acting is realistic and a pleasure to watch. Meryl Streep is, as always, a delight. The role of Jane is one that is not quite as intense or complicated as her recent roles, but it is still one in which she is able to show her versatility as an actress. The first 20 minutes of the film are perhaps not as good a performance as the rest of the film, but she does make up for it. Perhaps the only criticism of the character of Jane is that you don’t see quite as much of the pain of her divorce in her acting as you do in her dialogue. One would expect a woman who has been through such a hard divorce as it was said to be, even if it was 10 years ago, to be angrier and more intense when explaining to her ex- husband why she feels the way she did. Therefore, Streep did do a good job, but there was more she could have done with the role. Alec Baldwin also did a good job, as did Steve Martin. The on-screen chemistry of Streep and Baldwin worked surprisingly well and they did seem to visually on the screen and make the relationship between Jane and Jake come to life. John Krasinski who plays Jane and Jake’s to be son-in-law, Harley is a scene stealer and plays an extremely funny role.

The major criticism of the film is that it does sugar-coat people’s lives after divorce and does not show on film how hard it can be. In the script, it does try to explain the pain, but not on screen. In saying this, Meyers is trying to create a light-hearted comedy so it can be forgiven. It also strives to show that peoples lives do go on after heartbreak and life is what you make of it, a theme which is prominent in most of Meyer’s films.

“It’s Complicated” is not a complicated film at all, but a funny and light-hearted adult comedy. There are many funny moments in it that, unlike other films, are not all featured in the commercials for it. It is a film that will be enjoyed by adults of all ages who need to have a good laugh.
7.5/10

Julie And Julia

Year: 2009
Director: Nora Ephron
Cast: Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Stanley Tucci

In My Own Words
I had been looking forward to “Julie & Julia” for quite awhile, so I had high expectations. Both Meryl Streep and Amy Adams are two of my favourite actors of our time, both actors who are versatile and extremely talented. I’ve never been much of a cooker, so it wasn’t that part that excited me, I was even half worried that it would be boring. Could a movie starring both Streep and Adams really be boring? I was worried about being let down.

Luckily, the day “Julie & Julia” opened in Australia, I won a “Julie & Julia” pack from Cronulla Cinemas! How did I win it? By saying in 25 words or less what my cooking specialty was, I answered “Picking up the phone and ordering gnocchi Bolognese”. I hate to admit that that is true, but I don’t cook very much. Mainly because my boyfriend is such a good cook that he puts me to shame. But, Cronulla Cinemas seemed to like it! As a result, I won two free tickets, an apron, an oven mitt, a mulit-chopper, a peeler and a “My Life In Paris” book by Julia Child. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to read the book before I saw the movie. It didn’t matter though.

I wasn’t let down by the movie at all, thankyou Meryl and Amy! I found the movie fun, enjoyable and entertaining. From there, I went home and researched both Julia Child and Julie Powell. I am really eager to read the book which the movie is based on now and I will do that, as soon as I get through my pile of other books I have to read.

The movie did inspire me as well, as I mention that it will in the following review. It reminded me that you must never doubt your abilities because when you set your mind to something, you can reach for the stars. Believe it or not, I may even try my hand at cooking.

These are my own words, and here is my official review.

Review
Whenever it is announced that Meryl Streep will be in a particular movie, the movie inherits a high level of expectation. Throw Amy Adams into the equation and there is another reason why “Julie & Julia” has so much to live up to. And as a result, the film is an absolute treat for food and movie lovers alike.

The two female stars of “Doubt” are reunited for the double story of Julia Child and Julie Powell. Streep stars as Child, the larger than life American woman who follows her husband to Paris in 1948 and undertakes cooking classes at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu cooking school. From this beginning, she embarks on the journey that saw her becoming the pioneer of French cooking in the USA. Then in 2002 there is Julie Powell, the cubical worker who feels like she is stuck in her dead end job until she decides to undertake all the recipes in Child’s Mastering The Art Of French Cooking in the space of one year and blog her experience. The movie covers the story of both women and their trials and tribulations with life and cooking.

“Julie & Julia” is an enjoyable piece of work, with many recipes and delightful images that will hunger and excite the audience. The choices Nora Ephron makes in for this film are commendable. Her choice of Streep for the role of Child is excellent, with Streep becoming the late Child down to the finest detail. Although Streep is nowhere near the 6’2 height that Child was, the camera is able to transform her so that she towers of her co-star, Stanley Tucci. The pairing of Streep and Tucci as husband and wife may seem like an odd pairing, but they replicate Julia and Paul Child and do it well. Adams is also note-worthy as Powell, making her character one that the audience can definitely relate to.

Audiences will enjoy the film for its script and story especially. The tale of these two women is one that many people will relate to and find inspiring. Both Julia Child and Julie Powell had goals in their lives (both based on cooking) which transfer the message to the audience that people are able to do something that they love and have a good life doing so. The audience should leave the cinema feeling inspired and eager to fulfil their dreams, just like the lead characters in the film. This film should also increase sales of Child’s novel “My Life In Paris” and Powell’s “Julie & Julia” for this reason.

The way in which marriages are portrayed in this film is particularly interesting. Both the Child’s and the Powell’s have seemingly happy marriages. Admittedly, it is not smooth sailing throughout the whole movie, but the majority represents husbands willing to support their wives in their chosen dreams. It is a wonderful thing to see happy marriages on the big screen, but is it too light for the audiences? Some may find it so, but considering it is based on true stories, one must accept that the two couples were in fact really happy and can be seen as an example of what makes a marriage work.

Overall, the film may not be a big contender for the 2010 Oscars, but it is definitely enjoyable and a delight to watch.

7 ½ /10


Sources
Barnes, B., 2009, “Full Stomachs , Full Marriages Too”, The New York Times, Published: July 31, 2009, http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/02/movies/02barn.html
Bio. True Story, 2009, Accessed: 16th October 2009, http://www.biography.com/articles/Julia-Child-9246767
The Internet Movie Database, 2009, Accessed: 16th October 2009, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1135503/