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2023 Films, Comedy, Fantasy, Favorite Film of the Year, Satire, Top 250 Films

Barbie-2023

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Barbie-2023

Director Greta Gerwig

Starring Margot Robbie

Top 250 Films #226

Scott’s Review #1,381

Reviewed July 23, 2023

Grade: A

Greta Gerwig is a tremendously talented director shaping Hollywood films. She crafted Lady Bird in 2017 to critical acclaim and then moved on to another feminist, progressive project.

In Barbie (2023), she takes a traditional and iconic ‘Barbie doll’ product by Mattel and explores the positives and negatives of the doll throughout its existence.

An incredible opening sequence, harkening back to Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 masterpiece 2001: A Space Odyssey, explains the doll’s evolution.

Barbie blends gender balance, creativity, thought, satire, and slapstick comedy, all rich with meaning.

It doesn’t forget heart and humanity, and it offers a look at how much progress women have made over the years, and how much more is still needed.

As if that’s not enough, Barbie deserves praise for its direction, production design, costumes, music, and cast performances.

Well done.

The film stars Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, who embark on a journey of self-discovery after Barbie faces an existential crisis.

As the ‘stereotypical’ Barbie, she begins having peculiar, ‘un-Barbie’ thoughts about death and analytics, and must return to the real world to find her doll’s owner.

She soon longs to return to Barbie Land, which is a perfect place. Unless you’re a Ken who exists merely to pine after Barbie, but do they secretly resent this?

There are numerous positives to explore regarding Barbie, but one slight drawback is its proximity to silly comedy and goofiness. The film’s meaning mostly offsets this, but I fear some audiences may be overwhelmed by gag jokes and miss the story’s point.

Let’s take a deep dive. The production design and art direction are dazzling and immediately noticeable.

In particular, I’m referring to Barbie Land and its pink, pretty sets. Luxurious pools, streets, houses, and cars are rich with color and ooze a fun vibe.

I can’t imagine these teams being overlooked during the year-end awards season.

Robbie and Gosling, blonde, buff, and tanned, are wonderfully cast and not only look the part but also switch quickly from physical comedy to heavy drama without looking foolish.

Robbie, for example, is the classic Barbie type, with layers of emotion that she channels. And Gosling could have looked like a buffoon with over-the-top sequences if not for a startlingly good dramatic scene towards the film’s climax.

The supporting cast is brilliant, including Kate McKinnon as ‘weird Barbie,’ a perfect role for her to unleash her comedic prowess.

How lovely to see Rhea Perlman again in the small but powerful role of Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel and creator of the Barbie doll.

Finally, America Ferrera and Will Ferrell bring both comedy and heart to their roles. And how could the inclusion of British stalwart Helen Mirren as the narrator not create credibility?

The main attraction, though, is the writing. Isn’t it always the case when it’s done intelligently?

The dynamic duo of Gerwig and Noah Baumbach (famous, among other works, for the 2019 film Marriage Story) pair well, giving both Barbie and Ken equal weight.

While it is easy to dismiss Ken, his role is valued and respected within the overall context of showing that everyone deserves a seat at the table.

The film touched me in more ways than I expected.

Ruth and Gloria (Ferrera) powerfully convey wonderful sentiments about being a mother in various scenes and messages, such as that everyone deserves respect and a chance to serve a purpose, which are hard not to get choked up over.

Barbie wins points for diversity and inclusion with nearly every ethnic group represented and a transgender character, Dr. Barbie (Hari Nef), featured prominently.

Providing roaring entertainment, bubble gum sets and design, and a message that will break your heart while exuding intelligence, Barbie (2023) is a win.

It’s a story about the wills of plastic and humanity, making for a perfect, harmonious blend. Who would have thought a film about Barbie would be so important?

Oscar Nominations: 1 win-Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor-Ryan Gosling, Best Supporting Actress-America Ferrera, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, Best Original Song-“I’m Just Ken”, “What Was I Made For?” (won)

2009 Films, Adventure, Animated, Comedy, Kids

Fantastic Mr. Fox-2009

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Fantastic Mr. Fox-2009

Director Wes Anderson

Voices George Clooney, Meryl Streep

Scott’s Review #1,329

Reviewed December 30, 2022

Grade: B+

I have fond memories of either reading or being read Roald Dahl’s famous 1970 children’s novel entitled Fantastic Mr. Fox.

The story involves the clever and hungry Mr. Fox and how he outwits his farmer neighbors to steal food from under their noses.

In 2009, it was adapted into a stop-motion animated film by Wes Anderson and includes the voice of George Clooney and Meryl Streep as Mr. and Mrs. Fox.

Anyone familiar with Anderson’s work knows that an added dose of eccentricity will inevitably be included, along with a unique narrative.

I confess to either being in the mood for an Anderson film or not, but at least I know what I’m in store for.

Anderson co-wrote the screenplay with Noah Baumbach, known for making witty and intellectual comedies like The Squid and the Whale (2005) and Greenberg (2010).

Fantastic Mr. Fox pairs well with 2018’s Isle of Dogs if we are talking about Anderson films. Both include the thoughts and peculiarities of animals, similar stop motion, and a story about trickery and revenge pitting man against animals.

There is an eerie and prominent comparison to Animal Farm, a 1950s George Orwell novel and film adaptation, that I noticed.

The farm, animals, class system, and desire for power and authority.

When Mr. Fox’s nightly raids on three nearby farms raise the tempers of three selfish farmers who are losing their chickens, he must outwit the outrageous plans to catch him.

After all, in his mind, he is merely trying to feed his hungry family and neighbors, and Mr. Fox must find a new way to get his paws on the bounty.

Billed as a children’s film probably because it’s based on a children’s novel, Fantastic Mr. Fox contains aspects that will go way over kids’ heads.

This suits me well, however, because I have a fascination for animation that pushes the envelope or moves beyond the overdone ‘safe genre’.

Think of it as a kid’s film for adults.

It would appear difficult to side solely with Mr. Fox since he is a thief. We are all taught at a young age not to steal, but it’s difficult not to root for Mr. Fox. He steals not to gorge himself but to feed his family and community.

Of course, he is addicted to being a cad and quickly returns to his thieving ways, finding his calling and strong satisfaction.

A good lesson for kids and adults is the neighborly aspect of Fantastic Mr. Fox. There is a camaraderie amongst the animals that I find lovely and inspiring. They band together and cohabitate in an underground community and later the sewer, always having each other’s backs.

The farmers are portrayed as the villains, though we can certainly understand their hardships at having their animals stolen and eaten.

But Anderson hits home that the farmers are greedy and obsessed with their wealth, happy to kill any animals they see fit. It’s satisfying to see them get defeated.

The story is outshined by the visuals, though. It’s difficult not to focus on the technique and stunning attention to detail, especially in the tunnel sequences.

The character performances and shadowy framework make one realize just how far stop motion has come.

The autumnal colors of red, orange, and yellow perfectly enhance the visual style and season that Anderson and team create. Even the cue card titles between scenes are meticulous art that harkens back to sophisticated cartoons of yesteryear.

Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) is a creative, edgy, and intelligently written and scored production.

Multiple generations are featured, meaning young kids, parents, and grandparents with a hunger for a left-of-center and thought-provoking approach will be well satisfied.

Oscar Nominations: Best Animated Feature, Best Original Score

2019 Films, Drama

Marriage Story-2019

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Marriage Story-2019

Director Noah Baumbach

Starring Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson

Scott’s Review #959

Reviewed November 14, 2019

Grade: A

Marriage Story (2019) is a film that could have been generic, melodramatic, or contrived. Before its release, it was described as an excellent” version of Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) or Terms of Endearment (1983).

Those are excellent films, but marginally sappy and overwrought. Marriage Story excels at being a brilliant, powerful, and realistic portrayal of a marriage disintegrating, painting a picture of how good people can turn ugly under certain circumstances.

Believe the hype of how good this film is.

Taking place in both New York City and Los Angeles, we meet Charlie and Nicole Barber (Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson), a theater director and his wife, an actress who stars in his plays.

They fill notebook paper with what they love most about each other, and the list is lengthy.

Appearing to be madly in love, the audience soon realizes that the couple is amid an amicable separation, the writings a result of an assignment by a “separations counselor”, hired to make things easier.

Charlie and Nicole share an eight-year-old son named Henry. Nicole returns to Los Angeles to resume her acting career and spend time with her mother (Julie Hagerty) and sister (Merritt Wever). Adam, successful in New York City, plans to stay and reside with his son.

Nicole hires a tough lawyer, Nora (Laura Dern), while Charlie begrudgingly hires semi-retired attorney Bert Spitz (Alan Alda), and later Jay (Ray Liotta). Nicole and Charlie are sensible, planning to work things out on their own, only needing representation for formalities, or so they think.

The situation escalates, spinning out of control as their divorce becomes increasingly hostile, as custody of their young son ups the ante. Qualities they once loved about each other become hate-filled arguments as the couple fights and feuds, as their attorneys scramble for a leg up.

Can the couple save themselves as secrets bubble to the surface, and situations be used against each other?

The film is a lengthy two hours and sixteen minutes, so the plot takes time to capture its viewer. When it eventually takes hold, it never lets go, forcefully enrapturing the watcher.

We care for both Charlie and Nicole, and while sympathizing with each other at different times, both characters are written as benevolent.

There is no villain except the divorce itself.

The key to success is in the writing. Director, Noah Baumbach, known for The Squid and the Whale (2005), and Frances Ha (2012) knows how to craft witty and clever dialogue, weaving comedy and drama intricately together.

He can make the viewer laugh and cry within the same scene.

The screenplay is the best part of the film because it is laden with crackling words and interesting situations.

Marriage Story reminds me of a Woody Allen film. Feeling improvised, unsure if any of the dialogue is, the characters speak lengthy soliloquies and engage in endless chatter with each other or themselves.

This results in a powerful medium of self-expression and a “talkie” movie.

The banter between characters is not drivel nor gibberish but contains significant, emotionally rich meaning and flavor.

The film belongs to Driver and Johansson, each delivering a home run. Driver is the stronger of the two, but not by much, and this is only because his emotional scenes feel rawer than hers do.

When the actors engage in a knock-down, drag-out fight, the scene is lengthy and exceptionally well-acted, with each taking turns verbally attacking the other. Vicious rage and emotional fury come to the forefront.

This is the best scene in the film.

Dern, Alda, and Liotta are terrific, bringing respect to the film. Each has been on the Hollywood scene for a long time, and each plays an attorney. While Dern’s and Liotta’s characters are sharks, Alda is a reasonable and realistic older man who has seen it all.

Burt lays down the facts for Charlie, making him realize how much is at stake. Dern shines as the sexy blonde attorney who wears revealing clothes and legs for miles. Grizzled Liotta plans to win at all costs. What a delight to see these veterans bring electricity to each scene.

Lastly, I adore the bi-coastal locales of New York City and Los Angeles. The big cities burst with meaning and are as different as day and night, as the film explains.

Charlie is a New Yorker, and Nicole is a California girl at heart. The numerous scenes shot on location in both cities lend the film richness and texture.

With Marriage Story (2019), Baumbach creates his best and most personal film.  Rumored to be partly autobiographical, he takes a subject matter that most assume has already been exhausted and spins the story in a different direction, making it feel fresh.

The aspects all come together in an experience that is emotional, powerful, and intelligent. The film is a treasure and a shining example to young filmmakers that good writing always prevails.

Oscar Nominations: 1 win-Best Picture, Best Actor-Adam Driver, Best Actress-Scarlett Johansson, Best Supporting Actress-Laura Dern (won), Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Score

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: 2 wins-Best Feature, Best Screenplay (won), Robert Altman Award (won)

2012 Films, Black & White, Comedy, Drama, Independent, Independent Comedy, Independent Drama, New York City

Frances Ha-2012

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Frances Ha-2012

Director Noah Baumbach

Starring Greta Gerwig

Scott’s Review #44

Reviewed June 18, 2014

Grade: B+

Frances Ha (2012) is an intelligent, quirky comedy-drama made ever so appealing by its star, Greta Gerwig, an up-and-coming indie star (Greenberg-2010, The House of the Devil-2009).

She later achieved massive success directing Barbie (2023).

Gerwig is the heart of this film and has an intense rooting value. You want to be her friend.

Made in black and white, which is unique and highly effective in an indie way, it tells the tale of a moderately talented dancer struggling to make it in New York City.

“Frances”, along with her best friend, hops from situation to situation in an attempt to establish normalcy.

Gerwig shines with the perfect blend of awkwardness, sarcasm, and wit she gives the character, and the viewer falls in love with her as she endures trials and tribulations.

It’s a year-in-the-life type of film.

Frances Ha (2012) is reminiscent of a Woody Allen film, with many neurotic yet lovable characters.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Feature, Best Editing