A PLUS & MINUS OF TELEVISION ENTERTAINMENT: “THE LAST DANCE” & “THE QUARRY”

No matter your interest, macro or micro, in the sport’s arena, “The Last Dance” (ESPN, & Streaming devices) is worth every viewing second; parts 1, & 2 aired Sunday, April 19^th continuing through Sunday, May 17^th, 2020. 

“The Last Dance” three words conjuring memories of prom nights, weddings, once in a lifetime celebratory events, reverberating with profound poignancy, lending a buoyancy to remembrances, stored permanently, as commemorative icons in one’s life. Here is a documentary focusing on “Air Jordan”, Michael Jordan, the Merlin of basketball, defying heights and renowned players of the past; surpassing Newtonian laws of gravity, he soared, embracing the sky and flabbergasted anyone witnessing his feats; “The Last Dance”, coined by coach Phil Jackson, is the final chapter, with the legendary Chicago Bulls, and their quest for a sixth NBA title; it is historically elucidating: Michael’s stratospheric ascent to greatness, owner Jerry Reinsdorf’s prescience and the man everyone  “loved to hate”, general manager, Jerry Krause, a J. & J. team yet to be duplicated. Enormously intriguing, delving into the personality pluses and quirks of management, players, but primarily a testament to a franchise, a partnership of such blinding luminescence, that, because of this documentary, Michael Jordan’s unbelievable prowess and the Chicago Bulls, will be cemented in the isolated, hallowed, sacred halls of preeminence.

FIVE STARS!!!!!

“THE QUARRY”          (ON DEMAND)

Repetitively, I have told myself that an actor needs a script to excel; unfortunately, I watched this irredeemable slosh because of Michael Shannon; my goal is to save you the aggravation. Simply put, a vagrant outlaw (Shea Whigham) kills a well-meaning reverend (Bruno Bichir) and takes his place in a tiny town, “sherriffed” by “John” (Michael Shannon). Blatantly metaphoric, director Scott Teems, equates donning the vestments with redemption; robotic performances, in tandem with translucent writing, leads dully, to the evident conclusion. Even knowing the outcome, the race between the tortoise and the hare, would have been more enticing.

ONE & ½ STARS!

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