Brendan Shea's Blog, page 37

Magic in the Moonlight

I haven’t enjoyed a Woody Allen Movie since The Other Woman in 1988. That’s probably because I haven’t watched one of his movies since then, and because for various reasons, I didn’t want to watch one. My wife and I were hunting for a movie last night, and she was generous to go with one outside her normal taste.

Colin Firth is an actor I enjoy onscreen, though I first saw his younger brother Peter, in Equus years back. Firth the elder, plays Stanley, a master magician and illusionist, whose onstage persona is that of an “Oriental”, and behind the scenes, is a hopelessly pragmatic cynic of British lineage.

Enter Simon MacBurney, as lifetime friend and fellow magician, Bruce Catledge. Bruce is also a very successful magician, but has never acheived the peak success of pal Stanley. Early in the film, Bruce visits Stanley as Bruce has been stumped in his endeavor to unmask and discredit a “common” psychic.

Stanley, full of ego and hubris, boasts there is no such thing as psychic ability, and no such person he cannot see through. He agrees easily to accompany Bruce to the south of France, where he insists he’ll call this reportedly young and beautiful “charlatan” to account.

Braveheart’s Catherine McCormack is Stanley’s equally stodgy if feminine fiancée; Equus’ Aileen Atkins is Stanley’s endearing aunt; Erica Leerhsen & Jeremy Shamos lend a pleasant assist as the sister & brother-in-law of the psychic’s fiancé, Brice, portrayed by  Hamish Linklater. Sweet matriarch Grace was effectively played by Jackie Weaver.

Emma Stone enchants as purported psychic, Sophie; Marcia Gay Harden plays her confident mother, and as I’d not seen a Woody Allen movie for a while, I was reminded how much of his philosophy issues forth from his characters. I must also be sure to state that Stone figures as important as Firth, with Atkins and MacBurney as close seconds to each.

The last “cast” member I’ll mention, is the beautiful music, including, You Do Something to Me – Cole Porter, Sweet Georgia Brown – The California Ramblers, Charleston – Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra, among others. I think the Charleston tune is the one used in It’s a Wonderful Life at the graduation dance scene.

Years ago, I would jump to see the new Woody Allen movie, but Allen’s otherwise impressive directorial style sometimes overshadowed the story itself with overly chatty scriptwriting. I had not seen one of his films in years, and was pleasantly surprised that in Magic in the Moonlight, his story coalesced perfectly with no visible effort.

Magic in the Moonlight runs on all cylinders for me: It has romance, style, humor, wit, excellent writing, direction, cinematography, and acting, and the editing is perfect. It’s not a blockbuster, but a little dream of a film, and just what I needed to see.

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The Kendrick Brothers’ Films

I have seen most of the primary Kendrick Brothers movies and am more than a fan. Some will say, “It’s a Christian movie, the production and acting will be sub-par.” This may be true at times but the Kendrick’s have been able to transcend that stigma to some degree, and their stories are full of light and truth.

In order of release:

Flywheel

Flywheel tells of a used car salesman who grudgingly goes to church with his wife and children but does not like to give money and does not really believe as his spouse does. He is not a mean guy, but dishonest in his dealings. When things start to change for him he is faced with a tough challenge and must make a difficult decision.

Facing the Giants

In Facing the Giants, we are privy to the home life of a thirtyish couple who are childless. The husband is a high school football coach of less than stellar success. Both spouses believe strongly in Christ, but the husband questions God when everything is going downhill and they are being crushed under doubt and despair.

Fireproof

The story of Fireproof is probably not unusual: A husband who’s devoted more to his hobbies than to his wife, hoards money for a dream boat, and looks at other “dreamboats” on the internet to his wife’s disgust. The wife’s parents have needs but the husband is self-centered. The wife starts to stumble as well in her rebellion, but both their parents have faith and intercede.

Courageous

Talented Christian author Randy Alcorn wrote a book adapted from the screenplay to Courageous, and while he is outstanding, I enjoyed the film a bit more than the book, but it is a treatment, after all. The story is of four men who come to realize that their lives and marriages are of far greater import than they’d thought, and who dedicate their lives to God, their wives and children, in public, much as faith in a baptism.

War Room

War Room depicts the story of a woman who is losing her husband, and, meeting an elderly woman of prayer, commits to praying in earnest in a prayer room of her own creation, for her husband, her marriage, and more. She realizes that life is a battlefield, not the next frappucino or girls night out. War Room is an excellent treatise on the urgency of an active prayer life.

The Kendrick Brothers‘ films might not be classified as fine art or intellectual feasts, but if you’re seeking truth and encouragement, you’ve come to the right place.

Here is an image of the cast of a more recent film of their… Overcomer:

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Here’s My goodreads Profile!

Dear readers,

Here’s my goodreads profile in case something I’ve read is fun and entertaining for you as well!

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Downsizing or Silverlining?

(spoiler alert! reading this review will potentially ruin the surprise element)

When you open a can of chili and find pork & beans, or in the case of the movie Downsizing, you open a can of corn to find corn, carrots & peas, you learn to expect the unexpected. I’ve seen movies like Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and The Incredible Shrinking Woman¹, but Downsizing takes the cake for being other than anticipated.

Downsizing is about a couple who own a small home, have a modest income, and can’t enjoy the “finer things in life”. They agree to “downsize”, a new craze made possible by Norwegian-invented biochemistry allowing one to shrink to a fraction of one’s original size.

The couple, Paul & Audrey Safranek, well-played by Matt Damon and Kristen Wiig, plan to relocate to a downsize community where their small cash savings will represent a king’s ransom. Now they’ll be able to live as Audrey wanted and as Paul wanted for her.

There is some adversity at this point, which I won’t mention here, but it puts a great wrench and twist to things, and the characters lives are forever changed. I’d again have to say that I can’t recall seeing another film that took more of a left turn (for the better).

Sorry to warn of a spoiler alert and not tell the story, but to me, knowing a film’s book is not its cover, is often more of a spoiler than knowing some of the particulars. Suffice it to say that if you enjoy an offbeat tale of redemption, then Downsizing might be for you.

The main protagonists are excellent, but there are some supporting players who nearly steal the show; in fact, one of them is more of a lead. Christoph Waltz², the eccentric neighbor, whose friend, Joris Konrad (Udo Kier), plays well against, does a great turn as comic-cynic-subtle sentimentalist, Dusan Mirkovic.

Another great player, one of the best, is Hong Chau, as ‎Ngoc Lan Tran, a woman whom Paul befriends and helps. Chau plays a character who’s full of delightful surprises and draws the heart & mind. I hope to see more of her.

Rolf Lassgård is likeable and effective as concerned Dr. Jorgen Asbjørnsen, full of quiet worry, and there are lots of small roles and cameos via Laura Dern, Jason Sudekis, Neil Patrick Harris, Margo Martindale and more. I missed Mary Kay Place’ scene to my dismay.

Downsizing did not fare well at the box office, grossing thirteen million less than its original budget, which was unexpected given director Alexander Payne‘s success as a filmmaker, so I hope his next outing is a smash.

This movie is a bit of a dark horse, but I often like the “little pictures”, as my late theater manager dad used to say.

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¹which is more of a wildcard than I’d thought, as well, particulary when seeing as a youth

²Waltz is a great talent whom I last saw as the latest iteration of Ernst Stavro Blofeld in SPECTRE, although I consider Skyfall the greatest Bond film to date. Sorry, I digress… more on Bond in a later blog.

Bored? Here’s a Few Books to Read:

 

… so this is a shameless plug

Sidewalk Sports

I wanted to write my occasional sports blogpost today but was at a loss of what to put to “paper”, and while there is lots of sports-related news, I remembered the street sports we played growing up in Berkeley, California. Loads of fun and out ’til late… “Dinnertime!!!”

First, there was basketball at Rosa Parks Elementary. I’d dribble my ball down the sidewalk to the school, where Stephanie and the boys were kind to call the only white kid, “Larry Bird”, and though I had a slight jumper, the term was pretty much honorary

Serendipitous Rewind

Not since “Say Anything” have I seen John Cusack (as Jonathan Trager) in a story like Serendipity, but I suppose best admit it is (Total Recall’s) Kate Beckinsale (as Kate Thomas) who was excellent in The Aviator, and youthfully charms here.

I have wanted to watch Serendipity for several months since I saw it listed on demand, but just got to it today and it did not disappoint. While I didn’t see it as a cinematic tour de force, it has a good story & some very strong moments that excelled beyond that level.

I was not familiar with Jeremy Piven, who plays Cusack’s character’s best friend Dean Kansky, but I think he pretty much stole the show. The material here is not deep overall, but Piven’s part is actually maybe the best, both in a comic vein as well as dramatically.

Don’t get me wrong: John Cusack (not to mention sister, Joan) is a favorite, from True Colors, The Grifters (rough), City Hall, Bullets Over Broadway, Eight Men Out, and The Sure Thing, is versatile and talented, but the Jon Trager role was less well developed than the Dean Kansky part.

Kate Beckinsale’s Sara, is able to go deeper, but maybe that is the man in me speaking, not sure. She has some key moments that I found to be outstanding, and the film’s premise was great, but the execution was not exceptional to my eyes.

Molly Shannon, formerly of SNL and beloved of Superstar, is Beckinsale’s best friend Eve, loyal if dumbfounded at her friend’s unusual quest for true love. Eve sells “New Age” items but is rather more grounded at heart.

Lovely and skillful Bridget Moynihan of TV’s Bluebloods plays Jon’s perceptive fiancée Halley, and All Saints John Corbett does well as Lars Hammond, Kate’s offbeat, alternately flakey and sincere clarinetist fiancé. Eugene Levy does a good comical turn as a key Bloomingdales Salesman.

I am kind of dumfounded at the uneveness of this film, but the premise that one’s response to fate’s circumstances determines happiness in love and other mysteries combined with a winsome female lead, good male match, excellent supporting cast, and certain very well-written sequences conspired for an enjoyable watch for this viewer.

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Always at The Carlyle

After work today, searching the free movies on our home entertainment package, there was the usual dearth of desirable viewing, but I managed to find a gem amongst the dross, given, not all options were bad, just wanted the right flavor for the day.

I lived in New York in the late 1980’s until the early 1990’s, and as an actor and waiter, had occasion to meet many celebrities during that time. Particularly when meeting them as a waiter, I wanted to ensure they had the privacy they may have much needed.

For these reasons primarily, I identified with and enjoyed Always at The Carlyle. Secondarily, the history and beauty of The Carlyle are amazing, and the music that was performed at The Carlyle is wonderful. I particularly recall seeing a film when in New York that featured a scene in which the late Bobby Short plays in the club there.

The staff at The Carlyle are the backbone of the film. The movie tells of some employees who worked there for as many as fifty years, with one current staff-member quipping that at seven years, she was liked, but still considered a green-horn.

The movie features interviews with ‘Carlyle elevator operators, concierge staff, restaurant captain, and more. The consistent reply to many questions about guest stories in many cases was basically ‘mum’s the word’. Per training and character, these folks are sensitive to VIP guests’ need for the utmost privacy and anonymity.

Despite that, they are able to share certain mandated or dated stories that are very entertaining and interesting. The celebrities themselves, on the other hand, have a bit more latitude to share. One of the beautiful things we learn is that some fast friendships are nurtured between staff and guests.

Late in the film, it is told that one of the longtime and favorite staff concierge’s, whose name I shamefully forgot, has visited Tommy Lee Jones family at their New Mexico ranch, from which the family and he have trekked to visit the opera on a few occasions.

There is also a story about Jack Nicholson. Many in fact, and all pleasant, but one in particular in which someone asks for a photograph with Mr. Nicholson, and he says you have to take a selfie with me and the (specific) doorman and send it to me, or I won’t do it. The selfie is taken and sent, and Mr. Nicholson keeps his word.

One of the last big VIP stories involves President Harry S. Truman, but I’ll leave that for you to see in the film. Suffice it to say that all of the stories are interesting, and not solely based on celebrity and intrigue, but that is a major part of the attraction.

Finally, I would mention that the artwork and design of the hotel is impressive, and the most interesting story is told of artist and author Ludwig Bemelmans, who wrote the Madeline children’s book series among others.

Mr. Bemelmans and his family were offered to live at The Carlyle for the duration while he painted a mural for the bar. His family stayed for a year and a half, and the resulting mural was terrific.

There is some scandalous content and a brief, lurid nude scene in Always at The Carlyle, and you might choose to avoid it for that reason, but for me it was a reminiscence of my time in New York as an actor, and a reminder of the art and artistry of that beautiful city.

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Experiencing New York City on Foot

I blogged this on January 13th 2014 and wanted to repost it on seeing an excellent documentary about Manhattan’s classic Carlyle Hotel:

Autumn or Spring is the best time to visit, and the weather may well be brisk and bright or cool and rainy.   Be young or young at heart, and ready for a lot of walking.  You’ll want something to take photos with, and comfortable clothing.  There will be a lot of people around, so don’t go if you are agoraphobic; or try to overcome it.

If you like exotic fast food, you may want to sample a knish or a falafel.  Different vendors will have food of varying quality and price.  With falafel¹ the trick is to not go too cheap or too expensive.  The cheap will may be bad and the mid-ranged may be fresh and delicious.

For the uninitiated, falafel is mashed chickpeas, deep fried, and served in a pita pocket with veggies and tahini² or tzatziki³ sauce.  A knish is only exotic if you have never had one:  mashed potatoes in a cooked dough.  You could always get a foot-long hot dog or a pretzel with mustard, if you want to play it conservative.

The architecture is massive, varied, and pretty much stunning.  See Wall Street and City Hall in lower Manhattan, for some of the older, historical greats; The Chrysler Building, The Empire State Building, Grand Central Station, and The Plaza Hotel, in midtown; the inimitable Carlyle Hotel on East 76th Street.

If you trek to Brooklyn, be sure to tour Grand Army Plaza including the Brooklyn Public Library, Brooklyn Museum, and Brooklyn Botanic Gardens; Nearby Park Slope is also a fun walk, and if you want a sweet treat, check out Cousin John’s Cafe and Bakery on 7th Avenue for a bevy of French pastries and espresso drinks.

Back in “The City”, is Rockefeller Center, great at Christmas time, with its massive tree, and small ice rink; or for visiting the Today Show.  In NYC, old and new collide in an explosion of colors and styles.  The churches are beautiful, including the colossal St. Patrick’s Cathedral. A single visit to The Russian Tea Room was cool, if singular.

SOHO, Little Italy, Chinatown and the East Village have some more obscure wonders, including rustic and unique dining, museums, and theaters.  The Upper East Side is very upscale and interesting.  They plant thousands of tulips on the median of Park Avenue in the Spring.

The Upper West Side was my favorite place due to my interest in the performing arts:  Lincoln Center, with the Opera House , Avery Fisher Hall, The Juilliard School, and more; Central Park, has a plethora of cool stuff, including the Delacourte Theater, where Shakespeare in the Park is free since 1963!

Try to find little theaters like The Performing Garage in SOHO, and other little gems; The Wooster Group who play there are pretty avant-garde, but there is more traditional fare in small venues, and Off-Broadway theaters are great for that.

The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) and The Metropolitan Museum of Art are fun to visit, as is the Museum of Natural History, but don’t miss the Dali Museum in Little Italy.

Korean and other grocers offer a wide variety of quick snacks from Chinese apple-pears to Doritos and Coke; Get Jamaican jerk chicken, Couscous, Thai steak salad, and a host of other exotic treats as you traverse the boulevards and restaurants.

Many come for the shopping, from the mundane and cheap to the exotic & extravagant, and the further uptown, often the steeper the price.

You may hop into a cab if it rains, or your feet are weary.  Be sure to have a nice hotel, sublet, airbnb, or friend’s home at your disposal, as the walking is exhilarating but can be exhausting.  Even if you are young and traveling alone, safety nets are good, so have comfortable shoes, and a fairly large wallet.  You may find a bargain, but overall, lodging is pricey.

Keep a bit of cash on hand for tips, and coins or bills to drop in hats and guitar cases. There are a lot of great street performers, drummers and musicians. Entertainment abounds, but keep your eye out for the occasional spot of trouble.  I have encountered much more goodwill than menace in NYC, but keep your valuables secure, and your eyes open.

There may be people selling all sorts of items from umbrella’s to tube socks.  Most items went for $5 in the ’80’s, and the umbrella’s were always welcome, but were cheaply made, and often quickly self-destructed in many windy storms.

You may also see famous people, strange characters, and many homeless.   You may avoid the latter, or buy them a sandwich.  Use wisdom and discretion.  A few of them are dangerous, some crazy, many proud, and many kind.

Your senses will be crowded with the amazing, the not so nice, and everything in between.  It’s a big world there in NYC.  Enjoy the walk!

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¹In the 1980’s at least

² Sesame

³ Yogurt

I lived in NYC from 1987-1992, and did a lot of walking and exploring, when I wasn’t working, or going to a play or movie.  The facts in this article are based on some of those activities I enjoyed during that era

Sight & Sound’s Jesus: Free Online 4/10-12

Dear Readers:

I used to work for this company. My acting skills are modest, but this company is quite extraordinary plus they are speaking out the Gospel in theatrical form.

This weekend only, TBN is offering a free online viewing of their latest show, Jesus. You need no special hardware nor membership. You need only click on this link:

https://watch.tbn.org/sight-sound-theatres-presents-jesus/videos/jesus-feature

Best, Brendan Shea, FitzGerald Press