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andrewkstoner-94264
Reviews
Asteroid City (2023)
The Plot is.........Missing?
I, like other reviewers, have enjoyed Mr Anderson's previous work. I saw Asteroid City twice. The second time to make sure of my first impressions. And, it is plotless, boring, contrived and, a tribute to the fine actors for doing much with little.
The main character is not any actor, but America's 1950's naivete'. Our total blind spot concerning the things we think are just dandy, in the 1950s; atomic energy, narcissistic movie stars and the scary overreach of government in the name of "national security". Oh, and christianity's stove-piped, silo interpretation of "god".
Mr. Anderson might have chosen to leave his pastel palette behind and make this movie in more real- life, darker tones. Because atomic explosions, in the desert or in our internal lives, deserve a more realistic interpretation. More substance, less painted cardboard caricatures imo.
I recommend you go see it and let us know what you think.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
I'm In Love With this Movie
First off, it's not "LUMBUS WILD LIFE CENTER". It's COlumbus (as in Ohio) Wild Life Center. We got a lot of them raccoons. They're everywhere. So this move, I've seen 7-8 times and I might see it again today. Its captivating. Right from the start the main character, friendship, is front and center. Its refreshing to see Marvel characters save something other than the world, universe blah blah blah. In fact I don't see the Guardians as Marvel characters. They are so much richer and textured. How a dying raccoon can make me cry is inexplicable. We see them squashed on the road everyday here in Ohio. But to see any living being abused for the sake of "improving" another species is hard to take. Welcome consciousness to a world steeped in violence. But back to the movie. It is still unsettling to see Gamora and Quinn not get along. But apart from friendship, this movie is about finding yourself and being yourself. And Gamora is unyielding in this endeavor. She's ferocious in redeeming a free and independent version of herself. Another standout performance is from Will Poulter. The subtlety with which he plays a man-boy with great powers is charming. He is a kind of metaphor for the human race. Will's character gets "it" in the end after having his life spared by Groot. And thus becomes a Guardian himself. You will *marvel at Mantis as she duals with reality expressing courage tinged with playfulness and innocence. Lastly, Nebula. Karen Gillan is a master. She is playing a woman who has many of her biological parts replaced with man-made technology. She's angry, compassionate, logical and lovable. Ms Gillan gives someone who shouldn't have any feelings, much. I loved this movie. I say Oscar.
Tar (2020)
Tar...and Feathered!
Monochromatic in design tone and all other facets. Forced acting due to lack of story. (What was she accused of anyway?!). Humorless. The best scene was the last scene. Thats where the movie should have begun. It was the first time I noticed Ms Blanchett trying to act, but she had nothing to work with except motions towards notions, not anything solid. And my favorite...no back story to guide us about how to feel about Lydia? One might say this is the opposite of Babylon, an equally bad movie, but with richness in color, acting, character and textures. Tar? Its not very good. If they make a Tar II based on the last scene, propelling Lydia to have a personality, I might like that.