Tag Archives: Lenny Kravitz

2009 Films, Best Feature- Independent Spirit Award Winners, Drama, Independent, Independent Drama, New York City, Social Issues

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire-2009

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Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire-2009

Director Lee Daniels

Starring Gabourey Sidibe

Scott’s Review #581

Reviewed January 2, 2017

Grade: A

Precious is an amazing film and one of the best to come out in 2009. Due to the hype, I had high expectations entering the theater, and I was not disappointed.

The film is an in-your-face slug-fest with some of the rawest acting performed in recent years.

The marvelous aspect is that the film takes the viewer into a world that is probably not one’s own experience and makes them empathize with the characters.

The film is very disturbing at times, raw, gritty, and violent, but also has some light, humorous moments and is an important film to see.

There is a heartwarming charm that offsets the violence perfectly.

The story itself and the direction are basic, but the wonderful acting is what sets this film on a high pedestal.

Gabourey Sidibe, a relatively unknown and novice actress, gives an astounding turn as an unloved, overweight, pregnant teen mom.

Both of her parents abuse her in separate ways and seem to have a life of pain ahead of her.

Paula Patton, who has been in several fluff films, impresses as a teacher who takes a shine to Precious, and Mariah Carey is unrecognizable as a plain-looking social worker who is also a sympathetic character.

However, actress and comedienne Mo’Nique plays an unfeeling, brutal, violent mother to the hilt and holds nothing back. Her Best Supporting Actress Oscar win was deserving.

Everyone should see this fantastic slice-of-life film.

Oscar Nominations: 2 wins-Best Picture, Best Director-Lee Daniels, Best Actress-Gabourey Sidibe, Best Supporting Actress-Mo’Nique (won), Best Adapted Screenplay (won), Best Film Editing

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: 5 wins-Best Feature (won), Best Director-Lee Daniels (won), Best Female Lead-Gabourey Sidibe (won), Best Supporting Female-Mo’Nique (won), Best First Screenplay (won)

2013 Films, Biography, Drama, Historical Drama, Political Drama

Lee Daniels’ The Butler-2013

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Lee Daniels’ The Butler-2013

Director Lee Daniels

Starring Forest Whitaker

Scott’s Review #81

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Reviewed June 30, 2014

Grade: A

Director Lee Daniels is a recent favorite of mine (Precious-2009, The Paperboy-2012), and his latest, The Butler (2013), is an excellent, true-story undertaking.

While the trailer looked appealing, I was concerned that the film might be overwrought or have a Hollywood sappiness.

While it’s a Hollywood film, it is also a powerful, emotional experience.

The viewer is taken on a journey from 1926 through the current president from the viewpoint of White House butler Cecil Gaines (Whitaker), who serves several presidents and is privy to the goings-on in the White House.

Forest Whitaker plays him, and Oprah Winfrey plays his boozy, troubled wife.

Both give tremendous performances.

The Butler is a political journey through time and I love the authenticity of each decade from the sets to the costumes to the hairstyles.

The casting of the Presidents is curious (Robin Williams as Eisenhower and John Cusack as Nixon), but works nonetheless.

The rivalry between Cecil Gaines and his rebellious son is interesting, as the viewer sides with each of them at different times.

The film is more emotional than I anticipated and much of the audience was teary during scenes of heartbreak and triumph.

I feel The Butler (2013) is a must-see for everyone.

2013 Films, Action, Adventure

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire-2013

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The Hunger Games: Catching Fire-2013

Director Francis Lawrence

Starring Jennifer Lawrence

Scott’s Review #1

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Reviewed June 16, 2014

Grade: B-

I confess I haven’t read any of the Hunger Games books, so I am critiquing the film on its own merits only, with no knowledge of the books.

Interestingly, I graded the first Hunger Games (2012) film a B-, and I am giving this one almost the same grade for the same reason.

The first hour sets up the second hour, but it drags on unnecessarily. At times it’s slightly dull.

The meat of the film then takes off, and it’s quite good, though it still doesn’t completely hold my attention throughout.

First and foremost, Jennifer Lawrence is the best part. She has the charisma and likability to carry it off.

The chemistry between the two leads (Lawrence and Hutcherson) is there, so the couple is worth rooting for.

The third part of the triangle is weak (Liam Hemsworth has far too little screen time to make him a viable rooting factor).

Donald Sutherland is wonderful as the evil President, but Philip Seymour Hoffman seems to phone it in, and the character isn’t all that intriguing.

The mood of the film and visuals (fog, train sequences) are great because there is modern darkness, and the premise and wondering who will die next during the games are interesting.

The somewhat twist at the end was effective.

To summarize: nice characters/acting, great-looking film, mediocre story, and slow pacing in the first act.