“Ocean’s 8”
The all-female version of the crime caper. Have no fear of an outcome like the all-female “Ghosbusters”! This one rocks. I just loved it. So much fun. Sandra Bullock is the queen of this movie, the leader of a gang she recruits to pull off the heist of a lifetime at the biggest fashion event in the world: the Met Costume Institute Gala, making for some killer cameos & fashion. Cate Blanchett co-stars as Bullock’s partner- and the question is never answered if they’re partners in more than crime. Anne Hathaway is perfectly cast- very funny. Rhianna and Helena Bonham Carter also crazy fun. I can’t wait for the sequel. It gets 78% on Rotten Tomatoes.
3-and-a-half ♥
“Hereditary”
I am so sorry I missed this movie. It’s described as not just a good horror movie but a good movie period. And smart. How many horror movies are described as smart??!! What a cast: Toni Collette; Gabriel Byrne; Ann Dowd. It’s about a family whose matriarch just died. The family discovers a terrifying secret about its ancestry. With a killer ending, apparently. I guess I’m gonna have to take my husband to the movies this weekend! Rotten Tomatoes gives it 94%
“Hotel Artemis”
Set in the not-too-distant future in L.A, which is in riots because they’re charging for water. Jodie Foster is the ONLY reason to see this movie but what a role. This fearless icon more than uglies herself up. She olds herself up to the point where you find yourself asking, “Wait. Is that Jodie Foster?” Yes- it is. The material doesn’t live up to her spectacular acting. This thriller has a pulpy, apocalyptic feel. So, it’s very stylized. More is spent on style than storyline. Sterling K. Brown of “This Is Us” co-stars and Jeff Goldblum is, as always, a standout but he could have phoned in his small role. Jenny Slate gets to show she can be cast in more than comedies. It gets 73% on Rotten Tomatoes.
2-and-a-half ♥
“Hearts Beat Loud”
Director Brett Haley is my second guest on “Sonstein Sunday” this week at 7:15 am. This is a non-traditional musical, in the vein of “Once.” There are lots of songs (great original material written by Keegan DeWitt) but it’s not a break-out-in-song movie. The songs are organically woven into the fabric of this father-daughter love story set in Red Hook. He owns a record shop. She’s about to head off to college. Their bond is making music together. It’s a gem of a movie – every dad and daughter will relate. Nick Offerman of “Parks & Recreation” fame gets a starring role and yes- he can sing! Kiersey Clemons (“Angie Tribeca”) is his daughter. Ted Danson owns a local bar. Blythe Danner has a small but funny role as the grandmom. The movie also co-stars Toni Collette, who is the central star in “Hereditary,” also opening today. One thing I love about this movie is it normalizes what sometimes becomes a source of tension in film: coming-of-age lesbianism. It gets the highest marks this week on Rotten Tomatoes: 95%!
3 ♥