March/April Choices

Three coming-of-age films:

“I Like Movies” (2022 Kanopy)Lawrence, the 17 year old protagonist, is an insecure, know-it-all, not very likable movie geek who aspires to go to NYU Tisch Film School to become a filmmaker. His unhappy, single mother vacillates between angry exasperation deep defensive love. It’s the early 2000’s. (Remember videos?) and Lawrence gets a part time job at “Sequel” the local suburban Blockbuster-ish store. At this point the narrative could have gone the route of goofy teen film, but Canadian filmmaker Chandler Levack’s deft directing leads it into a much more important space with strong, believable performances and a clear sensibility of the angst involved in growing up.

“How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” (2024 Netflix) Having just finished Season 3 of “White Lotus” with its opulent setting in the heart of Thailand, I considered watching Thailand’s first time admission to the top 15 shortlist of International Feature Films of the Academy Awards. But I resisted. After reading a brief synopsis of the plot, it just felt too predictable: teen slacker college dropout grandson takes care of dying grandma to gain an inheritance. But I’m glad I did. Sentimental? Tear jerker? Yes. ( I read that Asian audiences were posting photos of themselves sobbing while watching it) But really it is more than that. Although much of the film has to do with the universals of greed and dysfunction in family dynamics– particularly around inheritance — it is also a view of Thai Chinese culture and Thailand–something I know very little about: Bangkok and its sprawling aspirational suburbs, ghosts, burial rituals, cemetery visits, congee (yum), and the health system (don’t get sick in Thailand if you can help it). In addition to convincing performances and not quite as predictable a plot as I imagined, Director Pat Boonnitipat’s first film is an impressive achievement in spite of its flaws. It does teeter a bit on the sentimental, augmented by an often heavy handed musical score. Unlike White Lotus it is not fast paced or particularly suspenseful–slow might be more accurate. People seem to take a long time to answer a question, for example. It is much less plot driven than “I Like Movies”. His coming -of-age is not the same as Lawrence’s, but both films explore what experiences move the young from the narcissism of adolescence to the self awareness and empathy that healthy adulthood requires. And in both cases it works as an enjoyable movie experience.

“One Of Them Days” (2024 Netflix) Even though it’s more of a Buddy Movie genre, I’m including it in my Coming-of-Age group because it has some similar elements. It’s absolutely silly and albeit not to the taste of many of my readers, but I have to admit I really enjoyed it. As in the previous two films I reviewed, the protagonists do actually come to a degree of self-awareness that moves them from self-centered indulgence to a more mature way of operating in the world. However, that’s not really the point of this slapstick comedy. Actors Keke Palmer and SZA are delightful and so funny and energetic with their slapstick pratfalls and sharp dialogue (and often right-on sly commentary) I found this a great diversion from the realities of the morning paper.

Documentaries:

“Every Little Thing” (2024 Kanopy or Fandango) It’s easy to forget that not all Hollywood is “The Studio”. The film is a lovely portrait of a woman living in the Hollywood Hills who cares for injured hummingbirds. Like all good art it heightened my awareness of these tiny almost magical creatures. The film is a little too long and a bit short on much information about hummingbirds, but it is inspiring regardless.

“Breaking Silence” (2024 PBS American Masters, Fandango) And a huge thank you to B.J. who alerted me to a fantastic film about Janis Ian showing at the Elmwood–the only movie theater left in Berkeley. It included a special appearance by Ian and the filmmaker Varda Bar-Kar who discussed the making of the film. Song writer/singer Ian’s career is remarkable: her first song produced at age fifteen in 1965 was “Society’s Child”. The song was about the heartache of interracial love because of rampant bigotry. After rejection by most radio stations because of its taboo topic it was finally accepted by an Atlanta, Giorgia station where it became wildly popular. Ian received hate mail and it is said that the station was burned down. Leonard Bernstein recognized her talent. After appearing on his television show in 1967, she became a national icon. (for at least much of the American public). As told in the post screening, at Ian only gave permission for the film to be made if it was not just a focus on her life and career. She wanted it to be about the significant context in which she wrote and sang. Bar-Kar does that well. Using production software far beyond my ken, she was able to recreate short flashback “film”scenes using mostly stills. I could go on and on, but better you watch the film. If you were born after a certain year, it is likely you never heard of her and it’s probably hard to imagine that interracial marriage could be such an inflammatory topic. But in spite of all our “strides” in the civil rights arena, the hatred and bigotry that Ian writes and sings about is still very disturbingly present. Even if you don’t watch the film, listen to “Seventeen” her beautiful sad and still relevant song about teenage angst and loneliness. Or try Nina Simone singing Ian’s song “Star”. Gorgeous. It will make you want to watch the film. (p.s. don’t confuse with “Breaking the Silence”–a totally different film.

Series:

Thanks, Judith C for recommending “The Residence”(Netflix). I’ve only watched one episode but I’m enjoying its comic Agatha Christie sensibility. I noticed that some reviewers complain that it loses its momentum midway of the episodes. But so far I like it.

“The Studio” (Apple) It’s a frenetic paced satire of the film industry and Seth Rogen, Catherine Hahn and Catherine O’Hara are very funny. Cameo appearances are fun: Martin Scorsese as one among many. I’m liking it well enough, but I’m sure film folks are cracking up at jokes that have flown over my head.

“Ludwig” (Brit Box) Typical high quality BBC production. I particularly like its double plot structure: an Agatha Christie-esque plot in which the murderer is revealed by the lead in one episode to the background of an ongoing increasingly mysterious plot that evolves with each weekly showing.

Thanks to all of you who continue to make suggestions. I’m sure I’m overlooking some of your names, so hope you will forgive me for that. But please keep them coming and I will do my best to give you the credit for the find.