As far back as I can remember...
Highly valuable first issue of the The Reel! Sure to be priceless in the future!
Estimated reading time: 4mins 54 secs.
The year is 2020. Extreme quantities of content threaten to drive the human race to the brink of insanity. One man takes a stand. To watch, to review, to publish… And then ask people to read it.
Welcome to the The Reel! A bi-weekly newsletter where I review the work of people immensely more talented than myself, for only marginally less pay. Expect film, TV and (to a much lesser degree, let’s be honest) book reviews, both current and of times gone by.
What’s that, I hear you ask? By creating this blog, am I not adding more content to the ether, thereby making the problem even worse?! You’ve got me there, audience that until recently comprised of just my Mum.
This week: Jojo Rabbit, Adam Sandler, and an unexpected visit from an old friend.
🎥 I can’t believe it’s not Hitler!
Jojo Rabbit (2020), film, directed by Taika Waiti.
When I was a child the thought of having an imaginary friend was alien and strange to me, but so was the thought of having actual friends, so who am I to say. Jojo Rabbit details the life of a Hitler youth in Nazi Germany (whose imaginary friend is a personification the Führer himself), and the complicated relationship that develops between himself and a young Jewish girl hiding in his home.
Nazism has never been so childishly lampooned, in a good way. While it’s drawing some criticism for the “sympathetic” and comedic portrayal of high-ranking Nazi officials, it’s best remembered that (to paraphrase Barry-John Leahy) Jojo is, and always has been, a bit of a satire.
After a relatively tame start, Jojo finds its stride in the second half through increasing eccentricity from the excellent supporting cast. Sam Rockwell is predictably unhinged as a decommissioned Nazi Captain, and writer-director Waititi’s performance as Jojo’s imaginary overlord will leave you gagging for more Hitler (you won’t see that written in The Guardian).
ABOVE: Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansonn and some child actor who plays Jojo.
Overall, another well-crafted piece from New Zealand’s best export since the Council of Elrond gave us a sword, a bow and an axe.
Look out for: A charming turn from Scarlett Johansonn, and hilariously bad German accents (presumably intentional) from almost everyone involved.
If you liked this: Watch Waititi’s Hunt for the Wilderpeople for more warming comedy centered on a young protagonist, or Marriage Story for ScarJo at her absolute best.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
👦 A man(child) of many talents.
Uncut Gems (2019), film, directed by Josh & Benny Safdie.
Billy Madison (1995), film, directed by Tamra Davis.
I recently had the unexpected pleasure of watching what many critics would call the best and worst of Adam Sandler’s career - Uncut Gems and Billy Madison, respectively. Is it bad that I enjoyed them almost equally? It’s something like Michelin star vs. Eurosaver menu - one gets all the awards, but I don’t go to Patrick Guilbaud’s for twisty fries and a milkshake amiright.
ABOVE: Better than Lebron (at acting) - former NBA player Kevin Garnett, playing himself, is impressive.
With Uncut Gems, Sandler delivers easily his finest acting work as a gambling-addicted New York jeweller in deep with a loan shark. The Safdie brothers’ direction sucks you into a situation that goes from worse to worst, without giving you any room to breathe - by the end of the film I think I may have contracted clinical anxiety. Outstanding.
Billy Madison also elicited a strong response in me, albeit one less uncomfortable. What an absurd, hilarious film. Adam Sandler’s deranged Billy is truly bizarre, and the majority of the humour comes from comments or actions completely out of place in the situation and/or reality. The following is a favourite, which I’ve somehow never seen on the internet:
It would have scored even higher if not for the fact that the plot is surely the most implausible ever committed to film. Then again, we’re talking twisty fries not caviar, and deez fries twist good.
Look out for: Weird and trippy opening and closing sequences in Uncut Gems, and just about any minor character in Billy Madison (did someone say Revolting Blob?).
If you liked this: Good Time by the Safdie Brothers might be even better than Uncut Gems, and Adam Sandler’s very early stand-up is a worthy YouTube watch.
Rating: Uncut Gems ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Billy Madison ⭐⭐⭐
⏩ Quickies
Short and snappy reviews for a short and snappy time:
The Gentlemen (2020, film, dir. Guy Ritchie): ⭐⭐⭐
The “movie-script-within-the-movie” framing device is tired and unnecessary, but the loose cast and vintage Ritchie characters & dialogue make it worth the watch.
ABOVE (The Gentlemen): Colin Farrell goes full Dub, Charlie Hunnam goes God only knows where.
Mandy (2018, film, dir. Panos Cosmatos): ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nicolas Cage is the king of the meltdown - this one makes for heart-wrenching viewing. A violent, psychedelic horror-thriller with some crazy, emotional performances.
ABOVE (Mandy): Liam Neeson from Taken except it’s a feral Nic Cage covered in blood.
Abducted in Plain Sight (2017, documentary, dir. Skye Borgman): ⭐⭐
Literally what the shit? Like how did that actually happen. This loses a lot of marks for trying to do too much in too little time - this could be a miniseries. In all seriousness, a sad and frustrating watch.
📃 Quote of the Week(s)
Elsa: “You’re not a Nazi.”
Jojo: “Well I’m massively into swastikas, so I think that’s a pretty good sign.”
One of the many highlights from (you guessed it) Jojo Rabbit.
✅ Th-th-that’s all, folks.
Thank you very much for reading the first edition of The Reel! All feedback extremely welcome, all gifts extremely generous, all cringe extremely warranted.
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Please share if you enjoyed, and I’ll see you in two weeks to run through some Oscar favourites!
xxx