RICHARD JEWELL movie review

Following the events after the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Warner Bros. produced the movie about Richard Jewell, the security personnel that came from hero to villain as how he was perceived by people in authority for personal gain. Clint Eastwood directs this moving film with a strong message that tells us how fake news is made for some interests.

At first Richard Jewell (Paul Walter Hauser) has a bad reputation as a security guard who was just doing his job in his previous employers until he met lawyer Watson Bryant (Sam Rockwell) who has received his respect and became his best friend. Their bond was tested when Jewell was villified in the bombing incident in the 1996 Olympics that was curated by the FBI and media until he was proven innocent.

This movie says that you don't need the approval of many if you got one who trusts and knows you well. This also implies how bad people can get for career movement like what happened to reporter Kathy Scruggs (Olivia Wilde). At least we can rely on Atty Bryant who believes Jewell well and his willingness to defend the person til the end. It was a pity for Bobi Jewell (Kathy Bates) who had to go through attacks on her son and broken down to go out in public.

Sam Rockwell, Kathy Bates and Paul Walter Hauser in Richard Jewell

Acting wise, the emotional performances are remarkable especially for Kathy Bates. Her involvement as Bobi Jewell is heartfelt for a mother who wants the best for her son. Paul Walter Hauser's portrayal is lovable and you'll go through his journey in this investigation. Olivia Wilde's performance as Kathy Scruggs is a character you'll love to hate because of her persistence in proving Jewell guilty and then changed after her own investigations.

Richard Jewell is now showing in cinemas.

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CATS the Movie (2019) review

CATS the movie (2019) would be getting a lot of bad reviews right now but to be fair with Tom Hooper and the ensembles and crew that made this musical movie to the big screen, I think it is not so bad. In fact, for a musical that has been very mysterious to me even if I watched it in theater, the movie is a good help to understand its plot. For those who are looking for a storyline behind this celebrated Andrew Lloyd Weber musical, the feline treat is yours to love or hate.

Taylor Swift as Bombalurina in CATS

For the set design, this one offered more to visualize what's going on, from the dumps to the human jungle as where a cat would dwell. An affordable treat for everyone who can't see it in live theater.

Cats is an imperfect movie and there are lots of changes that was lifted from the musical to give a different Cats experience. Non-fans and first-timers may not fully understand it with their complex and uber poetic names that's why "The Naming of Cats" was sung. Let's wait if there's a sing-along version. 😉

The ensemble is no question very talented and the body flexibility is very noticeable. Especially Francesca Hayward whose ballet dancing skills were amazing. You'll have fun with the dance spectacle until the Jellicle Ball.

Francesca Hayward as Victoria in CATS

While Cats features James Corden (Bustopher Jones) and Rebel Wilson (Jennyanydots), their roles were almost forgettable and you can just move fast for the next number. But then Jason Derulo as Rum Tug Tugger was eating his words for the song. They changed Old Deuteronomy! Judi Dench gave the matriarchal appeal for Old Deut but try to research on a certain "back story" and what it implies, you'll begin to ask Tom Hooper a big "WHY?"

Costumes are okay but I hoped that they had completely taken advantage of the CGI time and listened to the critics when their trailer first appeared. Fingers and fingers everywhere when you could have expected furry paws. They missed the noses. The Jellicle Moon appears and the cats tails were like something that a kid should not see. Then Idris Elba's Macavity especially when he strips his coat (was he wearing another cat's fur?) leaves me out of words to say. Sometimes I can see seams from their costumes which could have been avoided. 😩

Jennifer Hudson's Grizabella and Memory were ok but I think went too much over the top. They didn't even gave her a tissue for wiping but I really felt her. There are some awkward shots that makes her head a little smaller.

Jennifer Hudson as Grizabella in CATS

I guess that Cats deserves our opinions but I suggest that you do your research first or watch the clips from YT. Now showing in theaters and bring your family to the Jellicle Ball.

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MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN movie review

Edward Norton writes, directs and acts as a lonely private detective afflicted with Tourette's Syndrome ventures to solve the murder of his mentor and only friend in 1950s New York.

At least they started with introducing the Tourette's Syndrome and you'll get used to it on the story development. There are two sides of how people treated him and luckily he had better persons around. The 2-hour movie didn't even bore us as there are very interesting developments and Lionel Essrog (Norton) would keep us awake with some funny Tourette's Syndrom attacks. Don't fight me but I really find hiccups inserts hilarious. Norton's performance is commendable.

The political climate for the movie contains community displacement for the benefits of capitalists and subliminally hits many of us who are blinded with so called "progress."

Motherless Brooklyn also features Alec Baldwin, Bruce Willis, Willem Dafoe, Bobby Cannavale, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. Opens on December 11 and will be exclusively shown in Ayala Malls Cinemas.

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