Peneflix MOVIE REVIEWS BY PENEFLIX
The Holiday Season is satiated with a glorious glut of movie superabundance; I love these binge-worthy days, oftentimes seeing two or even three films a day. Here are two that categorically define the reason we go to the movies: titillation, tutelage, principally escape the predictable, mundanity of daily existence.
“THE Housemaid” based on the novel by Freida McFadden directed by Paul Feig (“Bridesmaids”) is pure, unadulterated, psychological satisfaction. Having not read the book it surpassed all expectations, a circuitous route to a sick, pathological creation, springing from the iconic fodder of a novelist’s, ingenious intelligence. Starring Amanda Seyfried (whose career has exponentially blossomed since “Mama Mia” & “Mean Girls”) as “Nina Winchester”, an unbalanced housewife, who hires a live-in maid “Millie” depicted discerningly by Sydney Sweeney (“Eden”), to ease Nina’s lopsided, skewered view of motherhood and life. Into the equation falls the tolerant, beleaguered husband “Andrew Winchester”; Brandon Sklenar (“1923” & “It Ends With Us”), devastatingly handsome, molds to magnificent flawlessness his characterization of a put upon, insouciant, forbearing mate.
Supreme directorship, cinematography and sublime casting provide a staggering premise, lacking an ounce of sentimentality; Seyfried and Sweeney in tandem supply bountiful tension, angst, intimacy to keep one cemented to their seat.
FOUR STARS!!!
“SONG SUNG BLUE” is a beautiful, musical, heart-throbbing tribute to the collaboration of “Lightening & Thunder” Neil Diamond (1941-) interpreters: Mike (1951-2006) and Claire (1961-) Sardina; theirs is a love story, legitimately “Sung”, lauding the nascent facility of Neil Diamond and their deep recognition of what he gifted the musical universe and humanity. Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, with the writer/director Craig Brewer, bring to life the electrifying energy, devotion to a goal, despite vicissitudes, never deviating. An initial hint of Mike’s refusal to be anyone but a Neil Diamond interpreter is his refusal to imitate Don Ho; glory of the film is their determination to stay the course. Jackman and Hudson soar as “Lightening & Thunder” interpreters. They signify the verifiable, faithful lesson of film, edification, blessing viewers with human beings, little known, but dignified, notable of admiration and distinction.
FOUR STARS!!!!
Peneflix
