Jojo is a young, ten-year-old German boy who is growing up during the final months of World War Two. His best friend is an imaginary Hitler who supports his drive to be the best Nazi, however, it's his mother who reminds him of the important pieces of the world with a joke and a smile. As Jojo comes to grips with the conflict between what his country believes and what he learns to be true, the young man must accept that is idols aren't all they are cracked up to be. Directed and produced by Taika Waititi. He also wrote the screenplay (adapted from a novel) and acted in the role of Adolf. Busy guy right? I believe he needed to have his hand in all the places in order to tell the story he wanted--and make it relevant to today's issues. And with this subject matter, it would take someone who was willing to put it all on his shoulders to get the movie made. Jojo Rabbit is more than a light-hearted poke at Hitler. It gives us a chance to examine how our beliefs MUST be challenged. We can't always take what others tell us to be true. In the light of Fake News and corrupt politicians, we must find what is good and right in the world. With Scarlett Johannson, Rebel Wilson and Sam Rockwell, Jojo Rabbit has acting power but it's the young actors, Roman Griffin Davis (Jojo), Archie Yates (Yorki), and Thomasin McKenzie (Elsa) who steal the show. They have the difficult job of showing how those outrageous beliefs impact their lives. This is a wonderfully told movie with both funny and equally sad moments. Even better, it's a movie people should be talking about. Through those discussions, will we be able to get a full picture and bring about connections rather than dissension. After the hit by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor, the US Navy was out gunned in the Pacific. The battle of Midway would become the most decisive event during the Pacific campaign during WWII. The US Navy was an underdog against the better resources of the Japanese Navy but with the help of intelligence, the US found a way to set a trap for their enemies, but the whole plan relied on the guts of the amazing pilots. Unlike the previous Midway movie (1979), this version relies on true stories and cgi to bring the battle to life. Filled with some amazing actors, Woody Harrelson, Dennis Quaid, Ed Skrein, Luke Evans, and Aaron Eckhart, this movie isn't fluff. Beginning with the bombing of Pearl Harbor, we see how the pilots on board the Enterprise and the US Naval Command make the choices that bring them to MIdway. Along the way, we get a glimpse at the personalities behind the heroes and what they were willing to sacrifice in order to bring the Japanese to their knees. While the directors and writers did take some liberties with the battle scenes and the flying capabilities of the aircraft, they didn't need to embellish the stories of men who jumped into a plane on the flight deck and shot up a falling Japanese plane in order to save the people on board or the courageous code breakers who took snippets of intel and were able to pinpoint the arrival of the Japanese fleet within minutes. How fitting to see this movie on Veteran's Day weekend. With a few Korean and Vietnam Vets in attendance, Midway showcases those heroes, some of whom who gave their all with historic images and stories about their valor.
A perfect movie for fans of history but also for viewers who love nail biting action! History is written by the winners. Edison and Westinghouse are names which people remember, today. But their famous feud wasn't as well known. These two powerhouses believed that electricity would become commonplace in the homes and set out to prove which current--AC or DC was better. Filled with many well-known celebrities, The Current War takes liberties with the truth but shares a compelling story of the fight for bringing power to the countryside. Benedict Cumberbatch serves as Executive Producer as well as lead actor- Thomas Edison. We see a humanity to the brilliant mind behind Edison, and some flaws. A workaholic and head-strong nature. Martin Scorsese also serves as Executive Producer for this cinematic (no big action) movie. With Michael Shannon as Westinghouse, Nicolas Hoult as Tesla, and Tom Holland as Edison's personal assistant, Samuel Insull, the acting is first rate. The costumes and settings scream authentic period piece but at times the movie falls flat. This movie is more about the means these two men will go through in order to come out on top. And nothing is sacred, including electrocuting animals or smear campaigns. While The Current War will give you an opportunity to reflect on history in a new way, just remember that all you see isn't exactly reality. Hollywood likes to take liberties...such as the fact that Edison and Westinghouse never actually met face to face. A movie for fans of history and one which is sure to have some Oscar buzz. |
Melissa KeirIt's all about the movies... Archives
January 2020
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