Movie Reviews

The downside of our fantastic trip to Antarctica is that it has kept me out of the movie theatres. Nonetheless, I have been able to see several of the new releases and I have attached short reviews of four of them.

Wicked Though its length of 2 hours, 40 minutes caused it to drag on at times, it will prove to be the biggest holiday box office hit of 2024. Cynthia Erivo, as the green skin Elphaba, and Ariana Grande, as Glinda, gave memorable performances and both should be recognized when the Oscar nominations are announced. You follow them from their youth to adults as they travel to the Land of Oz. Part 2 will likely cover Elphaba as she evolves into the Wicked Witch of the West. In addition, the movie’s music pays tribute to the stage play.
Conclave To begin with, Conclave may prove to be the most powerful film of 2024. The movie follows the meeting of Catholic Cardinals who are called upon to select a new Pope following the death of his predecessor. There are a number of great performances, beginning with Ralph Fiennes as the frustrated Cardinal in charge of the selection process. He deserves a best actor Oscar in the role that dominates the film. Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto and Carlos Diehz are memorable in their roles as Cardinals muscling for attention, and in many ways the movie resembled our recent presidential election. At times, I felt Mr. Castellitto’s character impersonated Donald Trump as he cut corners with the goal of becoming the new Pope. Let me close by recognizing Isabella Rossellini’s role as sister Agness. She sticks her nose into a man’s world and in the process pays tribute to her mother, Ingrid Bergman.
Gladiator II Once in a while there is a film that is simply fun to watch. Sure, it has some drawbacks but who cares. Great cinematography with an interesting story line highlights a film where you know that you are going to watch Gladiators battle with humans and animals in the Roman Coliseum. Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal dominate the film as two Roman soldiers fighting to remove the two degenerate Emperors and preserve a collapsing empire. On top of that, Connie Nielsen recreates her role as Lucilla from the original Gladiator film (2000) and I will not give away her conflicting intentions. So, see the film, remember that the original film won an Oscar for Best Picture. In addition, Russell Crowe won a best actor Oscar. Will history repeat itself for Director Ridley Scott?
Blitz This was a film that I wanted to love, but I left tragically disappointed. Saoirse Ronan, my favorite actress, plays a single mother who sends her young son (Elliott Heffernan) to live in the country as Nazi Germany bombed London during World War II. While Director Steve McQueen has a fabulous history, this film made a grave mistake by spending too much time in London nightclubs as London citizens daily faced death. The movie is fortunately saved by a memorable ending, but I had lost interest by that time. A good friend of mine really liked this film so see it and be prepared to make fun of me!