ReinaMissy Reviews

Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)

A film for real moviegoers

[8/10 · 25 October 2023]

I'm fed up with the whining about the film's length and dark premise. In this day of advanced social media, anyone could discover these things prior to going and opt instead for a 90minute romcom or anime.

The film unfolds slowly, drawing in its viewers as it peels back layers of ugliness. We watch, alternately disgusted and mesmerized, as these men do whatever they want with impunity. Molly's unending quest for justice leaves us cheering as she realizes the truth about her husband but it's a hollow victory. The final scene is sheer brilliance in its depiction of white society's view of horrible atrocities. Let's make them a spectacle!

DeNiro and DiCaprio are both superb as they always are, and they have great supporting cast members. But the real star is Lily Gladstone. Give that woman an Oscar!

Here Today (2021)

Worth a watch

[7/10 · 12 May 2021]

Ignore all the pseudo bored sophisticates who call this sentimental lovefest nonsense. It's a real look at what it means to be family and how we deal with the things we regret as we get older. Yes, some of it falls flat and yes, some of the family scenes seem to move a little too quickly. But it's well intentioned and worth a sit through.

Dunkirk (2017)

Enormous Disappointment

[4/10 · 29 July 2017]

I have been a fan of Christopher Nolan since I saw "Memento", and Cillian Murphy is good in everything he does, so I was really looking forward to this film. What an enormous disappointment.

I have to wonder why film critics are doing an ecstatic dance over it; being Christopher Nolan does not give you an automatic pass to having your film considered great. This is the worst movie I've seen in quite a while, regardless of director.

What the film presents is about a half dozen sub stories but with no simultaneous time frame; it hops from one scene to the next with no continuity. Nowhere are we able to make an emotional connection with the characters, which is really the key to a fine film. It was simply a collage of well acted scenes about war thrown together into one huge mess.

Maybe Nolan felt he was unable to due justice to those who so courageously stood at Dunkirk without bringing in sub stories. He should have found a better film editor to attempt to tie it all together.

The Lobster (2015)

A Sad Commentary on Societal Expectations

[7/10 · 3 June 2016]

As quirky as it is, this film is a strong commentary not only on the rigid ideas human society places on its relationships, but also on the shallow expectations we have of each other. David is willing to lie in order to fit in, then once he does 'fit in' (in the wrong place) he has to lie again in order to be accepted. Apparently it never occurs to him to ask questions or to try to be authentic. It's more important in this film to fit into what the establishment dictates.

The pace of the film is a bit disjointed, which can cause a disconnect. While the dry humor often hits its mark, sometimes the viewer can find himself getting the joke about three minutes later.

The reviews I've seen from many people who claim this movie is "slow" and "boring" frustrate me. I might expect that from Joe Movie Goer, but not from a professional reviewer. Too many of them have forgotten that film is an art form, one that is not built on instant gratification. If the latter is what you're seeking, go find a chick flick. For a movie that makes you think, The Lobster is a good choice.

J. Edgar (2011)

What is Truth?

[8/10 · 25 November 2011]

The infamous words spoken by Pilate to Jesus of Nazareth come to mind when one ponders the life of John Edgar Hoover. Was he a genius or a tyrant? A patriot or a dictator? A cross dresser or an uptight man with no sex life? Nobody knows for certain, and director Clint Eastwood does not offer a definitive answer to any of these questions, which is exactly as it should be. Life is rarely cut-and-dried, but moviegoers seem to have forgotten that fact in the face of media that state speculation as fact on a regular basis.

I find it not only surprising, but distressing, that a major criticism from those critics who panned the film is the lack of closure on Hoover's private life. Unless they are truly obtuse, they must realize that no film could possibly do such a thing, since his files were destroyed at his own bidding. All is speculation, and a fine speculation it is. Leonardo DiCaprio is superb (as usual) in the title role, never revealing more cards then he chooses to at any given moment. He receives fine support from Armie Hammer as Clyde Tolson, Hoover's Second in Command/Rumored Lover, and Naomi Watts as his endlessly loyal private secretary Helen Gandy. At a time when "red fever" ran high, Hoover's relentlessly tightening control on government investigations is shown in flashbacks that only underscore how supreme power can corrupt even the noblest of intentions.

In the end, the film answers none of the questions that seem so important to the very critics that disliked it, but in my humble opinion, a well made film is one that inspires debate or discussion rather than simply hand down a definitive 'this is the way it was' with an imperious gavel. With "J Edgar", Eastwood and his cast have succeeded well.

The 11th Hour (I) (2007)

Environmental Activism

[9/10 · 9 April 2008]

I'd like to know why this phrase is taboo to so many Americans. It shames me that as one of the world's richest nations, we are so complacent that many insist this is "liberal propaganda" instead of actually considering doing something radical, like recycling most of what we use, buying glass instead of plastic & using insulation in place of extra energy for heating.

One caveat for viewers: do not expect it to be entertaining. This is not a movie; it's a documentary. Given the many people who bashed it, I expected it to be an extremist's view of environmentalism. To the contrary, it's educational, informative & not at all alarmist. Real, workable solutions to some of the issues we face are offered. Of course, these solutions require action on the part of individuals. Perhaps that is why so many people bash this film. They'd rather insist that it's alarmist than actually make an effort to change wasteful habits.

I am proud to be an environmentalist. As a clergywoman who firmly believes that as part of the Judeo-Christian religious system it is my theological obligation to act in harmony with the natural world, I am proud to add this documentary to my increasing collection of sources on environmental ethics. I highly recommend it and its companion website as good resource material for anyone hoping to start that shift in their behavior. And bear in mind - you may be only an individual, but when your effort is added to the thousands of others who have already made the change, you WILL see a difference.

Cupid (1998–1999)

Thank God for HBO!

[10/10 · 28 July 2006]

I've been somewhat surprised by the cult-like following of this show by fans; the premise sounded flimsy and silly. A guy thinks he's the god of love in modern-day Chicago and his mission is to bring couples together? Perhaps I'm too cynical, but the synopsis sounded way too far-fetched to be quality television, comedic or otherwise.

Having just had the privilege of viewing the first three episodes, I have to wonder what fool at ABC cancelled this excellent show far too soon. The trio of Jeremy Piven, Paula Marshall and Jeffrey Sams shines in this more-than-lighthearted look at life and relationships, and how our very modern cynicism can color and distort our views of them.

At least HBO has execs with intelligence! I'd love to see this fine, fine show released on DVD.

Miami Vice (2006)

Great Summer Entertainment

[8/10 · 28 July 2006]

I've heard and seen some negative comments already that Michael Mann expects us to know the lingo employed by the feds & drug dealers, and that he assumes we know enough about these characters' background so we need no further set-up for the film. It seems to me that in order for the film to be the gritty, realistic portrayal of the drug trade that it purports to be, these things cannot be detailed further than they are without adding an air of "Hollywood movie" to the film. Mann's deliberate omissions make the film much better and far more believable than the typical shoot-em-up cops movie.

Though the film starts a bit awkwardly and is slightly disjointed in its move from one scene to the next, it's an enjoyable excursion to the theater in summer, which is honestly what we should expect from it rather than hoping it's schmaltzy 80s TV moved to the big screen. Both Farrell (who honestly deserved top billing) and Foxx give fine performances.

High Fidelity (2000)

High Fidelity Is A Great Film

[9/10 · 6 August 2001]

"High Fidelity" was not only fine entertainment, its soundtrack is one of the best in the past two decades.

I can accept that someone might not like this film - although why anyone would consider the role of Rob Gordon as not suited to John Cusack is beyond my comprehension - but this soundtrack is one of the finest ever to score a movie.

Period.

This film gets 9 stars out of 10 for its entertainment value; the soundtrack gets 12 stars out of ten.