#I Tonya movie review

[pricelessreviews]

[adamwatchesmovies]

I, Tonya (2017)

They could make a hundred movies about Tonya Harding and there would never be another like I, Tonya. This stylish, sometimes exaggerated telling of the figure skater’s story may actually be more authentic than a real-life documentary could ever be.

Cruelly raised by her mother (Allison Janney), skating prodigy Tony Harding (Margot Robbie) suffered years of emotional and physical abuse but nevertheless emerged a champion. The film, based on contradicting testimonies from the Olympic skater, her mother, her no-good husband Jeff Gillooly (Sebastian Stan), his best friend/Tonya’s bodyguard, Shawn Eckhardt (Paul Walter), and her skating coaches explain how it all went to pieces.

If you don’t know the Tonya Harding, you’ll probably be able to piece what’s going to happen to her career about 40 minutes in. That's not a flaw. This film is the rare instance where knowing how it ends actually makes the movie better. Director Craig Gillespie knows why the audience is tuning in. “Tonya Harding? Isn’t she the one who attacked Nancy Kerrigan and bashed her knee with a baton right before the olympics?” Some of that is right but not quite and even if you know what actually happened, this movie’s still got ya. It’s an outrageous tale you’d swear was fiction. I mean, come on. They made Shawn Eckhardt (Paul Walter) into a moron whose head is so thick he’d have trouble getting out the house in one piece. There’s no way… oh wait. Is that a clip of the real-life guy? Well. I guess they nailed it then. The more you know, the more you realize how many stars had to alignn for this to happen the way it did. You’re ready to laugh, and you will… but then the movie’ll turn around to face you and damn if it doesn’t deliver a bombshell that’ll stop you dead in your tracks.

They don’t make movies like this. Whenever we see the words "based on a true story", you know you're in for an inspirational movie; it’s that one time the team caught lightning in a bottle or the one time the odds were beaten. I, Tonya is not that story. Tonya Harding was born into trash and the world never forgot to remind her of that. Every time she managed to claw her way up the cliffside of poverty, something or someone was there to knock her back down again. Frequently, it was her mother or her husband but more than once, it was the very sport she loved so much and maybe one time… it was even us. The movie gets downright savage but it’s also so outrageous, so funny you happily jump on for the ride. In every scene that breaks the fourth wall, director Craig Gillespie seems to suggest that no matter how bad things get - and they will get bad - it only makes sense to laugh a little. It’s not as if one person no matter how talented or determined can really change our destinies, after all.

Repeat viewings keep revealing fresh and tasty decisions made by the filmmakers. You get to fully appreciate the performances, for instance. Margot Robbie plays Tonya Harding from a teenager to a grown woman and you buy her all the way because she’s so utterly committed to the role. Allison Janey is so evil you expect her to turn up with a suit made of Dalmatians… but she’s too trashy even for that. Everyone we see is great.

I, Tonya hilarious and heartbreaking. The performances alone would make this movie great even if the story was boring, which it’s anything but. There’s just no other movie like this one out there. (June 7, 2019)

[toomuchlovereviews]

I, Tonya (2017)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ .5

TW: The entirety of this film revolves around Tonya Hardings’ experience with emotional and physical abuse from her mother and ex-husband.

“I thought being famous was going to be fun. I was loved for a minute, then I was hated. Then I was a punch-line. It was like being abused all over again, only this time it was by you. All of you. You’re all my attackers too.”

Gut-wrenchingly perfect. Robbie’s performance as Harding was so spectacular. Especially during the makeup scene. The most hated woman in the US, and possibly the world, getting ready to appease the masses.

Watch this:

if you resonate with the quote “to be a woman is to perform”

with your mother!!! 🫶🏻

for the quirky comedic cuts

Similar titles:

Spinning Out (2020) (Kaya Scoeldario plays a type-A figure skater in this series, heavy on enemies to lovers, “we shouldn’t be doing this” type of relationship)

Nyad (2023) (Sport documentary about a swimmer who was deemed as “past her prime,” who wants to push herself to do one last big swim)

[notafunkiller]

Attending the Berlinale (The Berlin International Film Festival | February 15-25, 2024) will bring more opportunities for Sebastian.

He wanted to have more power over his projects aka to produce since he was in his 30s (producing = freedom and control). He always wanted to have an input when it comes to his characters, and I think he managed to do this the most with "Fresh" (before "A Different Man"), and it's a project very dear to him.

I know "I, Tonya" was the film that made directors notice him, take him seriously, and want to work with him more [internationally too], but he's always had range. He never chose "the pretty but boring boy" role. He loves grey and dark characters because they are human and there is more to explore.

He was just ignored.

Even though he's American too, not just Romanian (he moved there when he was 12), he's still seen as a foreigner by the film industry.

I think Sebastian believes he still needs to prove himself to get awards. So getting an award is even harder in this case because no matter how much PR you do, how hard working you are, how great you are at What you do, how much passion you put into your work and your roles, you're still (seen as) an outsider.

[Don't get me wrong, I think the roles he chose and chooses are challenging and send a message in general. They have layers and are human. He always gets out of his comfort zone, which is incredible.]

Also, it's "funny" how journalists and reviewers have ignored Sebastian for decades and now praise him as a new star (they did it for "Sharper" too), even though his filmography is varied (different roles, different genres) and it displays how talented and hard working he is.

This also says a lot about the prejudice they have:

[source: Deadline]

"In another type of movie" as if: "I, Tonya," "Monday", "Endings, Beginnings", "Fresh", "Sharper" etc are the same type of movie, and the fandom is limited in general...

They overlooked hin just because he became famous with Marvel, and he's seen just as the guy who plays Bucky Barnes... And they say it in an offensive way, anyway; as if Bucky has no complexity, no depth... as if he's just a flat character, so Sebastian playing him shows nothing. But they are so wrong!

He played so many versions of Bucky (40s Bucky, TWS, lost WS, Bucky trying to figure out who he is, trying to adapt etc).

The way he acts when Bucky's finally free of the brainwashing will always haunt me:

His eyes, in general, are so expressive. It's just amazing!

And Craig Gillespie worked with him three times ("I, Tonya", "Pam & Tommy", "Dumb Money"). He even chose Sebastian to give him an award [source: The Messenger].

A director like Craig wouldn't work with someone with no range.

Sebastian proved himself so many times! He always chooses challenging projects and roles and doesn't care if he's the main or the side character. He always wants to learn and be better.

I really hope more people will start to recognize how great he is.

[actuallylorelaigilmore]

2024 Belated Updated Movie Masterlist

every year, i repost my movie watchlist here and set a new goal for movie watching. it is september now and i only just realized that i never did that for 2024!

instead, i tried to chip away at the 2023 reviews i was behind on first, got absolutely swamped by life (which i promise i'm still working on telling you all about) and never kicked off 2024 officially, even as i have been watching movies and keeping track of them to review here.

so, no time like almost-october, right? better than letting all of 2024 be absorbed into a black hole. and i didn't have a goal for this year, since i completely forgot to even kick off the year with a fresh masterpost, but the upside of that is that i don't have to feel bad about never coming close to my aspirational ideals.

also! i finally gave in and created a letterboxd account, though i'm still working on setting things up over there--and i'm going to keep writing my reviews over here anyway, because this is still my online home.

if anybody wants to read my most recent year in review, last year’s list is here, with movies i watched linked to their reviews (and more reviews to come). for 2024 though, behold, my constantly-growing movie list (split in half because tumblr's mad at how many i want to see):

4th man out (2015) 12 years a slave (2013) a family man (2016) a room with a view (1985) a simple favor (2018) a single man (2009) a wrinkle in time (2018) abigail (2024) about time (2013) admission (2013) after yang (2021) always be my maybe (2019) american fiction (2023) american gangster (2007) ammonite (2020) amsterdam (2022) an education (2009) anything’s possible (2022) aquaman (2018) are you there god? it’s me margaret (2023) argylle (2024) arrival (2016) atonement (2007) august: osage county (2013) babylon (2023) bad education (2019) be kind rewind (2008) bedazzled (2000) beetlejuice (1988) beetlejuice beetlejuice (2024) begin again (2013) between the temples (2024) big eyes (2014) billy elliot (2000) blockers (2018) bohemian rhapsody (2018) bowfinger (1999) boy erased (2018) breaking (2022) brideshead revisited (2008) bright young things (2003) burn burn burn (2015) cairo time (2009) call jane (2022) can you ever forgive me? (2018) catherine called birdy (2022) chef (2014) clemency (2019) coco (2017) cold copy (2023) colette (2018) crazy rich asians (2018) creed (2015) creed 2 (2018) creed 3 (2023) crimson peak (2015) crouching tiger, hidden dragon (2000) crush (2022) cuckoo (2024) cyrano (2021) dazed and confused (1993) demolition man (1993) devil’s knot (2013) didi (2024) die hard 2 (1990) die hard with a vengeance (1995) dog day afternoon (1975) drive-away dolls (2024) dual (2022) earth girls are easy (1988) effie gray (2014) ella mckay (?) eurovision song contest: the story of fire saga (2020) fast color (2018) fear street part one: 1994 (2021) fear street part two: 1978 (2021) fear street part three: 1666 (2021) fighting with my family (2019) fly me to the moon (2024) fright night (2011) furiosa: a mad max saga (2024) galaxy quest (1999) girls trip (2017) glass onion: a knives out mystery (2022) gone girl (2014) good luck to you, leo grande (2022) goodbye christopher robin (2017) gosford park (2001) gunpowder milkshake (2021) happy death day (2017) happy death day 2u (2019) happy texas (1999) her smell (2018) his three daughters (2023) hit man (2023) holes (2003) honk for jesus. save your soul. (2022) honor society (2022) how to talk to girls at parties (2017) how to train your dragon (2010) hysteria (2011) i am not your negro (2017) i don’t feel at home in this world anymore (2017) i saw the tv glow (2024) i, tonya (2017) if (2024) if beale street could talk (2018) inception (2010) infinitely polar bear (2014) jackie (2016) jane got a gun (2015) janet planet (2024) jennifer's body (2009) joyful noise (2012) judas and the black messiah (2021) judy blume forever (2023) junebug (2005) jupiter ascending (2015) just mercy (2019) kajillionaire (2020) keeping mum (2005) killers of the flower moon (2023) knife fight (2012) kubo and the two strings (2016) laggies (2014) last holiday (2006) late night (2019) lemonade mouth (2011) little (2019) live free or die hard (2007) logan lucky (2017) longlegs (2024) love, simon (2018) magic mike xxl (2015) magic mike: last dance (2023) mansfield park (1999) marmalade (2024) mars attacks! (1996) mary queen of scots (2018) master (2022) master gardener (2022) maxxxine (2024) may december (2024) me and earl and the dying girl (2015) meet the robinsons (2007) megamind (2010) memento (2000) men in black international (2019) mermaids (1990) midsommar (2019) migration (2023) miss pettigrew lives for a day (2008) miss sloane (2016) missing (2023) monkey business (1952) moonlight (2016) moonrise kingdom (2012) moonshot (2022) mother couch (2023) mothers instinct (2024) moving on (2022) mr. magorium’s wonder emporium (2007) mr. mom (1983) much ado about nothing (2011) muriel’s wedding (1994) musica (2024)

nancy drew and the hidden staircase (2019) nanny mcphee (2005) nanny mcphee returns (2010) national anthem (2024) never let me go (2010) newsies (1992) night shift (2023) no time to die (2021) nope (2022) northanger abbey (2007) not okay (2022) obvious child (2014) omni loop (2024) on the come up (2022) oppenheimer (2023) other people (2016) pacific rim (2013) palm springs (2020) parallel (2024) parasite (2019) paris is burning (1990) passing (2021) penelope (2006) pete’s dragon (2016) pirate radio (2009) please stand by (2017) polite society (2023) pride (2014) pride and prejudice and zombies (2016) professor marston and the wonder women (2016) renfield (2023) return to oz (1985) rise of the guardians (2012) rita moreno: just a girl who decided to go for it (2021) rocketman (2019) roll bounce (2005) rosaline (2022) saving face (2004) say anything (1989) scoop (2024) scream (2022) scream 6 (2023) see how they run (2022) seeking a friend for the end of the world (2012) she said (2022) shirley (2024) shoplifters (2018) short term 12 (2013) sing street (2016) skincare (2024) sleeping with other people (2015) someone great (2019) somewhere quiet (2023) sorry to bother you (2018) soul (2020) spider-ham: caught in a ham (2019) spider-man: across the spiderverse (2023) spider-man: far from home (2019) spider-man: homecoming (2017) spider-man: into the spiderverse (2018) spider-man: no way home (2021) spin me round (2022) spotlight (2015) spy kids (2001) stage fright (2014) step up (2006) talk to me (2022) teeth (2007) the 355 (2022) the age of innocence (1993) the american society of magical negroes (2024) the anniversary party (2001) the batman (2022) the best exotic marigold hotel (2012) the bikeriders (2023) the book of clarence (2023) the breadwinner (2017) the burial (2023) the children act (2017) the craft: legacy (2020) the disaster artist (2017) the divine order (2017) the emperor’s new groove (2000) the eyes of tammy faye (2021) the fall (2006)    the fallout (2021) the fighting temptations (2003) the five year engagement (2012) the gentlemen (2019) the godfather (1972) the godfather part 2 (1974) the godfather part 3 (1990) the great gatsby (2013) the great lillian hall (2024) the hunchback of notre dame (1996) the hunt (2020) the iron lady (2011) the kill room (2023) the legend of tarzan (2016) the lost city (2022) the master (2012) the matrix resurrections (2021) the monuments men (2014) the notebook (2004) the old guard (2020) the outfit (2022) the photograph (2020) the prestige (2006) the prince of egypt (1998) the prom (2020) the queen (2006) the royal hotel (2023) the second best exotic marigold hotel (2016) the secret garden (2020) the skeleton twins (2014) the spy who dumped me (2018) the suicide squad (2021) the thicket (2024) the trial of the chicago 7 (2020) the truman show (1998) the unbearable weight of massive talent (2022) the united states vs. billie holiday (2021) the velocipastor (2018) the way he looks (2014) the woman king (2022) the wonder (2022) their finest (2016) thelma (2024) this means war (2012) tootsie (1982) treasure planet (2002) troop zero (2019) turtles all the way down (2024) twisters (2024) two lovers and a bear (2016) uglies (2024) upgraded (2024) us (2019) v for vendetta (2005) valley girl (2020) velvet goldmine (1998) venom (2018) venom: let there be carnage (2021) venom: the last dance (2024) victoria & abdul (2017) violent night (2022) walk the line (2005) wet hot american summer (2001) what happens later (2023) what we do in the shadows (2014) where’d you go, bernadette (2019) widows (2018) wild target (2010) winner (2024) women talking (2022) yesterday (2019) young adult (2011) zombieland: double tap (2019)

[pop-pop-pop-popculture]

We need to talk about the beef Zendaya fans have with Sydney Sweeney. It started when she got an Emmy nomination for Euphoria as well (and for The White Lotus, she had double nominations that year). Sydney’s not my taste and I don’t care much about her but she has a better filmography and has proved that she can be very versatile. Before Euphoria, she had already done a lot of roles in horror and thriller. Yes, she’s marketing herself as more of a sex symbol but that’s a thing a lot of actresses have done until they got into more serious roles and it feels like that’s her strategy. Margot Robbie started in a similar situation when she entered Hollywood until she managed to build her reputation as a producer/actress. It was a self produced film (I, Tonya) that got her that Oscar nomination. And Sydney is starting to get her produced bag. Z fans have been upset that her self produced romcom got such box office success. Her horror movie is doing well too and she’s getting good reviews. She’s proving herself to be very business savvy and knows how to establish good relationships with different networks.

Honestly, it looks like Sydney has the most interesting upcoming things in store. She got Barbarella (a sci-fi), like 3 thrillers, a comedy, a new drama series - she’s killing the game whether you like her or not. And I give her less than 3 years to work with some big director on a serious role.

They wanted the rumor of Sydney working with J*hnny D*ep to be true so bad to justify their hatred towards her. Good thing she denied those rumors quick.

I don't even follow or like Sydney, but good for her. That really is amazing! At least she's trying, and for that, I respect her and her hustle.

[musette22]

I don't know what may have gone wrong along the way, I don't think anyone could have necessarily predicted bad reviews, right? Sometimes it just doesn't quite work out the way it could have, I guess.

Don't you think it sort of depends on the kind of movie, though? I mean, i thought Ghosted was fun. Was it a cinematic masterpiece? Ohhhhh no. Citizen Kane is safe. But bc of the type of movie it was, it got away with it. I'm not sure how funny and slapstick PH is supposed to be, though. If it's being marketed as a comedy like DM or not.

I'm not sure what you mean? Are you saying that this type of movie per definition can't be good, or am I misunderstanding you? Because if so, I don't think that's true. I, Tonya is a great example of another movie based on a true story that's both gritty and humorous that was actually really good, and there are plenty of other examples. Pain Hustlers is marketed as a crime drama, but it's clearly got humorous undertones. It's possible they just missed the mark, but again, I don't think it's always possible to predict that beforehand. And, like Ghosted, it could still be a success with the public, if not the critics. So again, let's just wait and judge for ourselves!

[agentnico]

The Afterparty - Season 2 (2023) Review

(IN SOUTHERN ACCENT) "Sir, there has been a murdah, and you are a suspect." Michael Scott from The Office would fit so well into one of these murder mysteries, I tell ya.

Plot: When Zoe's sister's wedding weekend is destroyed by a murder, Aniq calls his old friend, Danner, to investigate the crime. The two proceed to interview the suspects, each telling their story in the style of a different movie genre.

Once again, there has been another murder, and yet again Hercule Poirot is busy elsewhere in Venice dealing with death and ghosts apparently, so we are left in the capable hands of the Haddish to discover the murderer. It's another whodunnit, and ever since Rian Johnson reignited the excitement of the genre in 2019's Knives Out, I've been eagerly anticipating these murders. I sound like a psycho stating I'm excited about murders, so I must emphasize I mean fictional ones. Then again, what if I'm not and have now become the prime suspect in my own murder mystery! Regardless, The Afterparty returns for a second season to Apple TV+, and though at first I expected only Tiffany Haddish's detective to transition from the first outing in the style of a Holmes or Miss Marple, we actually also see the return of Sam Richardson's Aniq and Zoë Chao Zoe as the charming yet awkward couple, and Richardson especially stood out last time with his comedic timing so was lovely to see him return.

Otherwise, it's a whole new fresh set of characters and suspects, and look, if there's one thing murder mysteries these days are good at, it's getting flashy actors to be in them. The entire roster is great here, from the disarmingly charming John Cho who's truly blossomed into a wondrous flower compared to his days smoking the greens and traveling to White Castle with his friend Kumar; to Anna Konkle as a socially awkward quirky sister of the groom; to Ken Jeong being surprisingly delightful and adorable and the loving father of the bride, and very different to Jeong's more madder unhinged performances in Community and The Hangover movies; to Paul Walter Hauser as the ex-boyfriend who by the way is absolutely hysterical in this, especially with the physical comedy, but those who recall seeing Hauser in 2017's I, Tonya as he inept doofus of a bodyguard should not be surprised by this. It's a great cast and was fun watching all of them. My good friend though has made it super clear to me that he has a vengeful hatred for Jack Whitehall, and as such as I enjoyed the weekly new episode releases of The Afterparty, I also had the pleasure of receiving by message weekly dosages of my friend's commentary which primarily involved comments such as "I do worry that Jack Whitehall will ruin it" and "is Jack Whitehall shit in every scene he's in??" to "Jack Whitehall is not a handsome guy" and also "I think I just hate Jack Whitehall" and finally "I think Jack Whitehall might be one of the only people I hate". All I'm saying is that if Jack Whitehall gets murdered out of the blue, we know who our No 1 suspect would be.

The second season also dials up a notch its concept of mind movies, in which each suspect tells their story using a certain unique movie genre. On top of playing with elements like cinematography, music, and sound, The Afterparty Season 2 also immerses us further in each character's mindset with more exaggerated costuming, hair and makeup, and production design choices. Season 1's characters wore the same costumes in every mind movie, and the sets and props remained constant as well. Here, they switch depending on whose point of view we're watching. An especially hilarious film noir episode dresses characters in sleek suits and fedoras, while the Jane Austen episode sees characters exchanging lavish, handwritten letters while wearing elaborate gowns. Elsewhere, an inspired Wes Anderson-themed installment takes painstaking efforts to evoke the filmmaker's signature style across the board. Additionally, we also get some campy horror and 80s soap opera parts in there too.

As for who was the murderer this season? No spoilers, but I'd say it was a good choice, however, the show had plenty of red herrings thrown in throughout they really could have gone for any one of the suspects and it would have made sense. Feel like they could have maybe thrown an extra clue in there to guide us more specifically to the truth, but maybe I am just sore cause I did not guess the killer. I'm usually really good at predicting this stuff, so this is a damper on my own ego.

I really enjoyed this season of The Afterparty, and though I believe it suffered from a bit of a slow start in the beginning, it became a very delightful weekly load of entertainment, that is also really funny. Also, they revamped Haddish's detective with more layers this time around and she gets another backstory episode this season that added an extra load of flair and panache to her character which I believe lacked the previous season. As it stands, very much looking forward to a potential third season, and seeing where else Phil Lord and Chris Miller will take this funky humouristic little murder mystery next, as in a market that is now really saturated with the whodunnit genre, The Afterparty still manages to stand out with its own distinct flavour.

Overall score: 7/10

[greensparty]

Stuff I'm Looking Forward To in September

Summer's over and now it's Back to School month! In addition to Labor Day (Sept. 4), 9/11 (Sept. 11), Rosh Hashanah (sundown on Sept. 15 to nightfall on Sept. 17), First Day of Fall (Sept. 23) and Yom Kippur (Sept. 25) here is what's on my radar this month:

Movies:

Stop Making Sense

I guess you could say I've written a great deal about Jonathan Demme's brilliant Talking Heads concert film Stop Making Sense (for proof, read here). Demme, in his prime, captured the Talking Heads in their prime as they performed over the course of 4 nights in Hollywood. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of those concerts (the film was released in 1984), A24 is re-releasing this legendary film in IMAX on 9/11 before a wider 4K remastered release in Sept. (my review and coverage coming soon!).

Dumb Money

Director Craig Gillespie has done some interesting work based on true stories (i.e. I, Tonya and last year's limited series Pam and Tommy) and now he's doing the movie version of the Gamestop becoming the hottest stock on Wall Street. Opens 9/22.

Drive-Away Dolls

I was a huge fan of the Coen brothers, but after The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, they began working solo. After Joel Coen's The Tragedy of Macbeth, I'm excited to see Ethan Coen's solo feature, an action comedy about inept criminals, which is his wheelhouse! Opens 9/22. [ NOTE: This has since been moved to 2024, awaiting exact release date ]

Flora and Son

John Carney has very quietly become one of the best directors of the now. His last feature film Sing Street was my #1 Movie of 2016. Now he's back with this Sundance hit, which once again is about musicians. Can't wait! Opening in select theaters on 9/22 and then streaming on Apple TV+ on 9/29.

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar

It is very rare that a short film makes my Stuff I'm Looking Forward To list, but when it's director Wes Anderson adapting Roald Dahl, like he did with the adaptation of The Fantastic Mr. Fox, it makes my list! This short premieres on 9/27 on Netflix.

The Kill Room

It's a Pulp Fiction reunion with Uma Thurman and Samuel L. Jackson starring in this thriller, which also stars Thurman's daughter Maya Hawke. Opens 9/29.

Music:

Speedy Ortiz Rabbit Rabbit

It's been five years since the last Speedy Ortiz album, which makes this new one super exciting. Album drops 9/1. (Review to come).

Courtney Barnett End of the Day (music from the film Anonymous Club)

Last year I caught the documentary Anonymous Club about one of my favorite musicians to emerge out of the 2010s Courtney Barnett. Now the instrumental music score that she composed for the doc is getting a release. Album drops on 9/8. (Review to come).

Will Butler + Sister Squares Will Butler + Sister Squares

Will Butler was a vital part of Arcade Fire and before he left the band in 2022, he had already done some great solo albums. He released his first solo album Policy in 2015 and it was just as good as some of Arcade Fire’s albums. I named Policy my #2 Album of 2015 and I was lucky enough to see him live in 2015 just before the album’s release (read my review here). His 2020 album Generations was the next best thing to an Arcade Fire album during that time. Now he has a new album with his new group Sister Squares dropping on 9/22 (Review to come).

The Breeders Last Splash 30th Anniversary Edition

Last month marked the 30th anniversary of one of my all time favorite albums ever, Last Splash by The Breeders (read my remembrance here). To celebrate the band is doing a tour and also releasing a 30th anniversary edition dropping 9/22!

The Replacements Tim Let It Bleed Edition Box Set

I out and out love The Replacements and their 1985 album Tim is considered by many to be their best. Now the album is getting the box set treatment with an Ed Stasium mix of the album, outtakes and concert recordings. Album drops 9/22 (Review to come).

Wilco Cousin

A Wilco release is always a high priority for me. I’ve been lucky enough to get to review the band’s Ode to Joy and Cruel Country albums as well as this year's Record Store Day release Crosseyed Strangers and they certainly are one of the greatest American rock bands of the last 25 years. Hands down! This new album is said to be a return to their early 00s rock sound. Woo hoo! Album drops 9/29.

Conventions:

Collectibles Extravaganza

The team that run the Northeast Comic Con, which I've covered a lot in the past, have a collectibles show at the Boxborough Regency in Boxborough, MA from Sept. 30-Oct. 1. Always a fun time!

[anothersebastianblog]

I’m so sorry I’m not a hater I promise but after reading all the reviews and seeing all the hype about that trump portrayal I expected so much more from Seb’s trump. From that short clip I don’t see any particular changes besides the makeup? Like that’s just Seb’s normal voice to me. I think he did a way better job with his Jeff’s voice in I, Tonya. I wish he’d throw himself fully into ADM instead of this trump thing especially now that it’s clear how ADM is so much better than the trump thing even from short small contents that we have.

Well we talked about that already, he can’t choose all by himself what to campaign for and also from his perspective both movies have been equally demanding, no matter if we liked one more than the other

Also, the clip was very short

He impressed me especially in the second part, but to each their own

[cooledtured]

Breaking Down Margot Robbie’s Iconic Roles

In the world of Hollywood, certain stars shine brighter than others, and Margot Robbie is undoubtedly one of them at the moment. With her outstanding acting abilities and captivating presence, Robbie has graced our screens with memorable performances time and again. From her breakout role in “The Wolf of Wall Street” to her recently popular portrayal of Barbie, She has continuously proven her power as an actress. As the hype around her continues to grow, it’s only fitting to take a nostalgic trip through her filmography and rank some of her most outstanding and memorable works.

1. “I, Tonya”

(2017)

In this biographical comedy and drama, Robbie delivers an emotional performance as the infamous figure skater, Tonya Harding. Her portrayal is very raw, earning her widespread acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, as well as thousands of fans watching for that perfect close-up of the actor’s passionate performance. Robbie’s ability to capture Harding’s complexities makes “I, Tonya” an amazing cinematic experience worth every second. Filled with drama and excitement, there is never a dull moment in the movie.

2. “The Wolf of Wall Street”

(2013)

Scorsese’s tale of excess and greed wouldn’t be complete without Robbie’s portrayal of Naomi Lapaglia, the feisty wife of Jordan Belfort, a former stockbroker and financial criminal. Despite being relatively new to Hollywood at the time, Robbie commanded the screen alongside Leonardo DiCaprio with effortless charm and undeniable charisma. With this success, Robbie became loved by men and women everywhere, showing us that even when crime is involved, you can still look stunning in pink.

3. “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”

(2019)

In Tarantino’s artistic love letter to 1960s Hollywood, Robbie embodies the essence of Sharon Tate, capturing her innocence and warmth with grace. Her appeal is evident, even though there are too few lines for her to deliver on. While her role may be more understated and smaller in this compared to others on this list, Robbie’s presence adds depth and authenticity to the film’s nostalgic atmosphere, something that would have been missing tremendously without her.

4. “Suicide Squad” (2016)

As Harley Quinn, an unpredictable anti-heroine, Robbie added a much-needed jolt of energy into the DC Extended Universe, with her violent yet eccentric charm. With such a star-studded cast, some would have questioned Robbie’s ability to make herself stand out. But when the reviews came, it was apparent that she had a playful yet very memorable performance. While the film itself received some mixed reviews, Robbie’s portrayal of the character was pretty universally praised, solidifying her status as a fan favorite.

5. “Bombshell” (2019)

Robbie takes on the role of Kayla Pospisil, a fictionalized character representing the experiences of other women at Fox News during the Roger Ailes sexual harassment scandal. Throughout the movie, she transitions from a young and naive character when she first enters the newsroom to a more moral-based character in the aftermath. Despite sharing the screen with other powerful actresses like Charlize Theron and Nicole Kidman, Robbie holds her own and delivers a standout performance that is both emotional and powerful.

6. “Birds of Prey” (2020)

In this female-led spin-off of “Suicide Squad,” Robbie redoes her role as Harley Quinn, this time taking center stage in a comedy adventure filled with action and female empowerment. While the film may have flown under the radar for some who enjoy this universe, Robbie’s magnetic performance remains a highlight in the movie, showcasing her ability to showcase even the most outlandish characters with depth. ​​Robbie’s eccentric adventure abandons the typical dark tones of the superhero universe in favor of fun and energy, resulting in unapologetic excitement. It is almost as if Gotham had made a music video.

As we reflect on Margot Robbie’s career, it becomes clear that her talent has no bounds at the moment. Whether portraying real-life people such as Tonya Harding or larger-than-life characters such as Barbie, Robbie consistently captivates audiences with her skills and dedication to her craft. With each new role, she pushes the boundaries of what it means to be a leading lady in Hollywood, leaving an indelible mark on cinema in the process, for men and women alike. As we anticipate and wait for her future projects, one thing is certain. Margot Robbie’s stardom will continue to rise, illuminating the silver screen for years to come.

[thelonesomequeen]

Is this Berlinale award some sort of predictor of the Oscars or something that people are hyping it up so much? Of course I'm happy for Sebastian but I do feel people need to manage their expectations or else they may end up being disappointed in the future. /

But what expectations tho? We are just beyond happy for our guy. And yes, there are people mentioning the Oscars but to be honest, we always mention the Oscars ahahahaha (just like most if not all fandoms do lol) we are not delulus, I promise you that but "a different man" and his performance is getting GREAT reviews, just let us be a little 🌝

I think you should just enjoy the moment for what it is today! 😊 Ignore everyone else.

As for next year’s Oscars? It’s hard to say because statistically movies that release early in the year tend to be forgotten about come nomination time. But if the performance is that good, he shouldn’t have a problem. And for what it’s worth, he should have already BEEN nominated for an Oscar in my opinion for I, Tonya 🦎

[moviereviews101web]

To Leslie (2022) Movie Review

To Leslie – ABC Film Challenge – Oscar Nomination – T – To Leslie – Movie Review Director: Michael Morris Writer: Ryan Binaco (Screenplay) Cast Andrea Riseborough (Oblivion) Allison Janney (I, Tonya) Tom Virtue (Green Book) Lauren Letherer (Die Hard 2) Owen Teague (IT) Plot: Inspired by true events. A West Texas single mother wins the lottery and squanders it just as fast, leaving behind…

[gchoate17]

I watched 25 movies in 2023 – down from 30 last year. Here they are, ranked in order. 

Cherry

Fantastic story, well told. It covered a lot of ground in a short time and made me believe everything. Despite the bad decision, I never stopped pulling for him. Tom Holland crushed it.

2. Tetris

I love these stories that pull the curtain back on pop culture phenomena. An enthralling sprint from start to finish.

3. I, Tonya

Nice job of showing the other side of the story. I felt some empathy for “the monster.” Also, I wasn’t expecting to laugh, but I laughed multiple times.

4. Dune (2021)

It’s always impressive when someone creates a new world that seems to add up. The story is set, now show me the sequel.

5. White Noise

Intellectual and quirky, but ridiculous, in a good way. But it also feels a little too unhinged. Adam Driver crushes it.

6. The Beanie Bubble

Zach Galifinakis’s best performance? Enough of a true story to give me the satisfaction of learning something while also pointing to the ridiculous nature of American capitalism in the 1990s.

7. On the Rocks

Bill Murray and his character carry it.

8. Barbie

Stylistically, really fun. Concept, fantastic. Kate McKinnon and Michael Cera’s characters are the best part of the movie. It was also nice to see so many actors from Sex Education. Of course, Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling were fantastic as well. Overall, the was good, but it certainly didn’t measure up to the hype (and how could it). My only real complaint comes with when they have all been enlightened and they name all of the problems with society, which is a little too on the nose for me. We got it without being told.

9. Narvik

I’ve been into Dutch things lately, and I always like a new perspective on World War II, but I wouldn’t say this one is a can’t-miss.

10. Seven Kings Must Die

SPOILER ALERT: I feel like I couldn't get into the movie because legitimately the only person I was pulling for at the end was Uhtred. King Athelstan was a dumbass who deserved to die. All the kings who got duped into allying with the evil Dane guy made the move I would have made. Moral of the story: War is terrible. But that final shot of the Great Hall was awesome.

11. Parasite

Kind of funny. A little too far-fetched.

12. This is Where I Leave You

Weak story, great actors.

13. Air

I know why they did it, but it was a mistake to make a movie about Air Jordans without Michael Jordan.

14. Blood & Gold

I couldn’t buy that what happened in that small town didn’t alert larger authorities. In that way, it was a lot like Three Kings, but less humorous.

15. Those People

I am writing this review months after I watched the movie and even after watching the trailer, I have no recollection of ever seeing this movie, but in my notes I gave it three stars, so I’m putting it at the end of my three-star movies for the year.

16. Everything Everywhere All at Once

Loved the first half-ish, and the acting was great, but ��� as is with most action mind-benders – when anything can happen because the filmmakers aren’t bound by the rules of reality, it felt completely out of control by the end.

17. The Covenant

Movies that pretend like you can move about freely in war are out of touch with reality. But I do love a battle-buddy flick.

18. Raymond & Ray

A little absurd, but Ethan Hawke and Ewan McGregor are always likable.

19. To Leslie

Predictable addiction story. Bad Southern accents.

20. Midsommar

A horror film, but replace the dark aesthetic with light. Immature characters who ignore all the red flags.

21. The Wonder

SPOILER ALERT: Eerie and intriguing, but my investment diminished once the jig was up. I don’t buy that a devout little girl like that would just walk away.

22. Greyhound

SPOILER ALERT: Decent action sequences at sea, but not enough background for any of it to really mean anything. Elizabeth Shue needed to come back, for sure. Otherwise, why have her play the role?

23. Dead for a Dollar

I’m a Christoph Waltz fan, but this one was full of melodrama.

24. The Incident (1967)

None of the characters do what they should and there was no payoff. I did enjoy seeing those actors in the early stages of their career, though.

25. The Menu

I want to know how Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Hoult, and John Leguizamo got trapped in this stupid-ass movie.

See previous years’ lists here: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017.

[actuallylorelaigilmore]

2023 Movie Journey: Masterlist

if you’ve known me for any time at all, you should know by now that i will not watch very many movies this year. i’ll aspire to, i’ll think it’s a good idea, but it’s just not that likely to happen. however, that shouldn’t stop me from the fun of trying! 

my goal was to average one movie a week so by year’s end i’d have seen more than 50. that didn’t come close to happening, but i’ll keep reviewing them here and check them off my watchlist as i go. (this list just keeps getting longer but i enjoyed updating it for 2023.)

last year’s list is here, with every movie i reviewed linked now, in case anybody wants to read those and hasn’t before. 

4th man out (2015)

12 years a slave (2013)

80 for brady (2023)

a family man (2016)

a haunting in venice (2023)

a man called otto (2023)

a room with a view (1985)

a simple favor (2018)

a single man (2009)

a wrinkle in time (2018)

about time (2013)

admission (2013)

after yang (2021)

all the bright places (2020)

always be my maybe (2019)

american fiction (2023)

american gangster (2007)

ammonite (2020)

amsterdam (2022)

an education (2009)

ant man (2015)

ant man and the wasp (2018)

ant man and the wasp: quantumania (2023)

anyone but you (2023)

anything’s possible (2022)

aquaman (2018)

are you there god? it’s me margaret (2023)

arrival (2016)

atonement (2007)

august: osage county (2013)

babylon (2023)

bad education (2019)

barbie (2023)

be kind rewind (2008)

bedazzled (2000)

begin again (2013)

big eyes (2014)

billy elliot (2000)

blockers (2018)

bohemian rhapsody (2018)

bowfinger (1999)

boy erased (2018)

breaking (2022)

brideshead revisited (2008)

bright young things (2003)

burn burn burn (2015)

cairo time (2009)

call jane (2022)

can you ever forgive me? (2018)

catherine called birdy (2022)

chef (2014)

clemency (2019)

coco (2017)

colette (2018)

crazy rich asians (2018)

creed (2015)

creed 2 (2018)

creed 3 (2023)

crouching tiger, hidden dragon (2000)

crush (2022)

cyrano (2021)

damsel (2023)

daughter of the bride (2023)

dazed and confused (1993)

demolition man (1993)

devil’s knot (2013)

die hard 2 (1990)

die hard with a vengeance (1995)

dog day afternoon (1975)

dual (2022)

earth girls are easy (1988)

effie gray (2014)

ella mckay (?)

elvis (2022)

eurovision song contest: the story of fire saga (2020)

fast color (2018)

fighting with my family (2019)

fright night (2011)

galaxy quest (1999)

girls trip (2017)

glass onion: a knives out mystery (2022)

gone girl (2014)

good luck to you, leo grande (2022)

goodbye christopher robin (2017)

gosford park (2001)

gunpowder milkshake (2021)

happy death day (2017)

happy death day 2u (2019)

happy texas (1999)

heart of stone (2023)

her smell (2018)

holes (2003)

honk for jesus. save your soul. (2022)

honor society (2022)

how to talk to girls at parties (2017)

how to train your dragon (2010)

hysteria (2011)

i am not your negro (2017)

i don’t feel at home in this world anymore (2017)

i, tonya (2017)

if beale street could talk (2018)

inception (2010)

indiana jones and the dial of destiny (2023)

infinitely polar bear (2014)

jackie (2016)

jane got a gun (2015)

joyful noise (2012)

judas and the black messiah (2021)

judy blume forever (2023)

junebug (2005)

jupiter ascending (2015)

just mercy (2019)

kajillionaire (2020)

keeping mum (2005)

knife fight (2012)

kubo and the two strings (2016)

laggies (2014)

last holiday (2006)

late night (2019)

legally blonde (2001)

lemonade mouth (2011)

little (2019)

live free or die hard (2007)

logan lucky (2017)

love, simon (2018)

m3gan (2022)

ma rainey’s black bottom (2020)

magic mike xxl (2015)

magic mike: last dance (2023)

mansfield park (1999)

mars attacks! (1996)

mary queen of scots (2018)

master (2022)

master gardener (2022)

me and earl and the dying girl (2015)

meet the robinsons (2007)

megamind (2010)

memento (2000)

men in black international (2019)

mermaids (1990)

midsommar (2019)

migration (2023)

miss pettigrew lives for a day (2008)

miss sloane (2016)

missing (2023)

monkey business (1952)

monuments men (2014)

moonlight (2016)

moonrise kingdom (2012)

moonshot (2022)

moving on (2022)

mr. magorium’s wonder emporium (2007)

mr. mom (1983)

much ado about nothing (2011)

muriel’s wedding (1994)

nancy drew and the hidden staircase (2019)

nanny mcphee (2005)

nanny mcphee returns (2010)

never let me go (2010)

newsies (1992)

no time to die (2021)

nope (2022)

northanger abbey (2007)

not okay (2022)

obvious child (2014)

on the come up (2022)

oppenheimer (2023)

other people (2016)

overboard (2018)

pacific rim (2013)

palm springs (2020)

parasite (2019)

paris is burning (1990)

passing (2021)

penelope (2007)

pete’s dragon (2016)

pirate radio (2009)

please stand by (2017)

polite society (2023)

pride (2014)

pride and prejudice and zombies (2016)

professor marston and the wonder women (2016)

return to oz (1985)

rise of the guardians (2012)

rita moreno: just a girl who decided to go for it (2021)

rocketman (2019)

roll bounce (2005)

rosaline (2022)

saving face (2004)

say anything (1989)

scream (2022)

scream 6 (2023)

see how they run (2022)

seeking a friend for the end of the world (2012)

she said (2022)

shoplifters (2018)

short term 12 (2013)

sing street (2016)

sleeping with other people (2015)

someone great (2019)

sorry to bother you (2018)

soul (2020)

spiderman: far from home (2019)

spiderman: homecoming (2017)

spiderman: into the spiderverse (2018)

spiderman: no way home (2021)

spin me round (2022)

spotlight (2015)

spy kids (2001)

stage fright (2014)

step up (2006)

talk to me (2023)

teeth (2007)

the 355 (2022)

the age of innocence (1993)

the anniversary party (2001)

the batman (2022)

the best exotic marigold hotel (2012)

the breadwinner (2017)

the children act (2017)

the color purple (2023)

the craft: legacy (2020)

the disaster artist (2017)

the divine order (2017)

the emperor’s new groove (2000)

the eyes of tammy faye (2021)

the fall (2006)  

the fallout (2022)

the fighting temptations (2003)

the five year engagement (2012)

the gentlemen (2020)

the godfather (1972)

the godfather part 2 (1974)

the godfather part 3 (1990)

the great gatsby (2013)

the hunchback of notre dame (1996)

the hunger games: the ballad of songbirds and snakes (2023)

the hunt (2020)

the iron lady (2011)

the kill room (2023)

the legend of tarzan (2016)

the little mermaid (2023)

the lost city (2022)

the marvels (2023)

the master (2012)

the matrix resurrections (2021)

the menu (2022)

the notebook (2004)

the old guard (2020)

the outfit (2022)

the photograph (2020)

the prestige (2006)

the prince of egypt (1998)

the prom (2020)

the queen (2006)

the royal hotel (2023)

the second best exotic marigold hotel (2016)

the secret garden (2020)

the skeleton twins (2014)

the spy who dumped me (2018)

the suicide squad (2021)

the super mario bros. movie (2023)

the trial of the chicago 7 (2020)

the truman show (1998)

the unbearable weight of massive talent (2022)

the united states vs. billie holiday (2021)

the velocipastor (2018)

the way he looks (2014)

the woman king (2022)

the wonder (2022)

their finest (2016)

this means war (2012)

tootsie (1982)

treasure planet (2002)

troop zero (2019)

two lovers and a bear (2016)

us (2019)

valley girl (2020)

velvet goldmine (1998)

violent night (2022)

venom (2018)

venom: let there be carnage (2021)

victoria & abdul (2017)

walk the line (2005)

wet hot american summer (2001)

what happens later (2023)

what we do in the shadows (2014)

where’d you go, bernadette (2019)

widows (2018)

wild target (2010)

wish (2023)

women talking (2022)

wonka (2023)

yesterday (2019)

young adult (2011)

zombieland: double tap (2019)

[movienation]

Movie Review: "Dumb Money" takes on the Rigged Wall Street Game

An outstanding cast overcomes a tendency by the filmmakers to try too hard in wrestling with arcane financial maneouvering in “Dumb Money,” a sort of “Big Short Lite” about the Gamestop stock manipulation war of a couple of years back. Director Craig Gillespie (“I, Tonya” and TV’s “Physical”) uses a colorful cast of often loathsome characters and a lot of sass, profanity and lowdown-and-dirty…