Rambling Film

Official synopsis:  A film that weaves together re-enactments, archive footage and fairy-tale sequences to create a testament to the history of Lebanese and Palestinian women to the political struggles of the twentieth century. Commemorating its 40 year anniversary, Lebanese director Heiny Srour 's film was recently restored and released in North American cinemas for the first time. Shot over the course of 7 years and often times in secret, it takes a look at the lives of women through the time traveling titular character, Leila. ( Nabila Zeitouni) It was impossible to watch this and think of my own privilege. Especially when you're met with such striking images like the women sitting on the beach, clad in full burkas while the men are allowed to frolic in bathing suits. It's a frustrating double standard that is not lost on me. I am a bit ashamed that this film was never on my radar prior to its re-release. This is a special Blind Spot. While my list is normally made up of...

Mike White's "Eat The Rich" anthology series wrapped up its Thailand adventure this past Sunday, and boy do I have thoughts. Unfortunately I have to get into spoiler territory, though I will try to keep it as vague as possible, but the season finale really threw a curveball at me. I'm going to break down my critiques per character "groups" Three Lady Friends Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, and Michelle Monaghan fully stressed me out with their cattiness at the beginning, but in the best way. I actually liked their story from start to finish. My only complaint was the teased connection with Bibb with Parker Posey's character that went absolutely nowhere. The Ratliff's Despite Jason Isaac STRUGGLING with his southern U.S accent throughout, I was actually the most invested in this weirdo family's problems at first, but it ended up being very anticlimactic. They tease something pretty sinister in the last episode, and I think it would've made for a bet...

Official synopsis: A rebellious young woman, Helen Hopper marries a prominent Republican politician, Pete McCloskey twenty-six years older than her. Decades later, anticipating his death, she wrestles with their marriage, her sexuality, and a life spent by his side.  Not being a resident of California, I wasn't aware of McCloskey's long political history. Though reading that he called out Pat Robertson for lying about his experience during the Korean War to the point where Robertson sued him for libel, then had to abandon his lawsuit after McCloskey had receipts to back it up, and instead had to pay all his legal fees gives me great joy. I preface this because I wasn't really sure what to expect going into Helen and The Bear. I just knew I wanted to learn more.  Helen was immediately fascinating to me. She's free-spirited and on paper you wouldn't think she'd fall for someone like Pete, but they make it work. Their marriage isn't one size fits all. Helen s...

  Official synopsis: A paranoid, secretive surveillance expert (Gene Hackman) has a crisis of conscience when he suspects that the couple he is spying on will be murdered. I realized with the recent death of the legendary Gene Hackman, that despite feeling like I always knew who he was, I haven't actually seen a lot of his filmography. According to what's listed on letterboxd, prior to The Conversation, I had only seen 5% of it. So I made it a priority to check out one of his films for my next Blind Spot, and his starring role in Francis Ford Coppola's feature sounded like a good place to start. It's fun to see Coppola regulars like Robert DuVall and John Cazale pop up in this ,but the biggest treat for me was Harrison Ford as Martin, the "go between" for the man hiring Hackman's Harry to spy on the couple. He's just so effortlessly cool, even though his character is quite shady. He's on screen for all of 10 minutes yet all I could think of is how ...

Official synopsis:  In 1950s Mexico City, an American immigrant (Daniel Craig) leads a solitary life amidst a small American community. However, the arrival of a young student (Drew Starkey) stirs the man into finally establishing a meaningful connection with someone. Director Luca Guadagnino started last year on a high note with Challengers and I expected it to end on that same note with Queer . Especially after hearing all the praise for Daniel Craig's performance.  I wanted to like this so badly, but I STRUGGLED with Queer. Craig does give a wonderful performance but Starkey is drag compared to him. It's the same way I felt about Timothee Chalamet and Armie Hammer in the far better  Call Me By Your Name. The lead is doing all the heavy lifting, and the supporting man just flops. The same could be said for the film itself. It's starts off strong. It's vibrant and interesting, then when our characters leave Mexico City the entire film goes down hill. It almost f...

Official synopsis:  When intelligence agent Kathryn Woodhouse (Cate Blanchett) is suspected of betraying the nation, her husband (Michael Fassbender) - also a legendary agent - faces the ultimate test of whether to be loyal to his marriage, or his country. Steven Soderbergh's newest is a stylish spy thriller that clocks in at an easy 93 minutes. Blanchett alone would have me seated, but her with Fassbender and a strong supporting cast really elevated this film above my expectations.  This was the image that immediately came to mind when the film kicks off with what might be the most awkward dinner table scene of all time and it keeps that energy throughout. It's well paced, it kept me guessing, and it always had my interest.  Blanchett and Fassbender are perfectly cast. She's mysterious and elusive, he's almost robotic in his nature, but it's never off putting. The supporting cast around them is excellent as well. Particularly Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela.  There ...