Bifocal Reviews of New Jersey
by
Barbara and Gordon Rich
We had to do some book signings recently and stayed with Barbara's niece, Nicole in Howell,New Jersey. Barbara was born and raised in New Jersey but I had only a few days relationship to the state. Both of us do enjoy going to New Jersey and on the podcast below, you'll see some of the better and lesser known reasons why a trip to New Jersey is always a good time. At the very bottom of this review, if you're interested in finding out more about The Garden State, or some of the locations we viewed within the state, you can click on the appropriate link.
OFFICIAL STATE SITE NEW JERSEY
Atlantic City Links
Manasquan Reservoir
Gordon & Barbara in Paris
Here's Looking at YOU
Monday, September 19, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
CONTAGION
CONTAGION--Directed by Steven Soderbergh. With Matt Damon, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Laurence Fishburne, Marion Cotillard, Jennifer Ehle/written by Scott Z. Burns/rated PG-13/1hr45min
Bifocal Review written by Barbara and Gordon Rich
(B) This movie was very informative, at times, somewhat more of a documentary about the intense research and detail that goes on when an epidemic threatens. For me, that made the film compelling and the credit probably goes mostly to the cast and the director for my level of interest. On the other hand, I could not help feeling that something was missing. I don’t know exactly what it was. Perhaps it was that there were no strong starring roles, mostly co-starring ones. Matt Damon and Kate Winslet were more significant than the other co-stars, although they were all good. Maybe it needed a little more emotional content for the viewer. Best scene: Matt Damon’s reaction after learning of his wife’s (Paltrow’s) death. It was so real and it came at a perfect time in the story. I give it three binoculars.
(G) Before I get rolling, I have to say that the most impressive part of this film is the graphic example that is given on how small the world has become. There is an old phrase on synchronicity that goes something like, "A butterfly flapping its wings in the Brazilian Jungle can cause a hurricane in Taiwan." This movie shows how ultimately interconnected all life is on our planet. That was the memorable message for me. Now, I am going to have to do something, that I don’t ordinarily like doing and that is, I have to criticize some of my fellow critics. When Contagion hit the screens this opening weekend, one barb that was thrown was that the story “had no heart.” That’s absurd! In a world that is in the throws of a pandemic virus, how could there not be heart? Within the storyline, many of the main characters make personal sacrifices to alleviate the suffering of others (on small and grand scales). For me, there is nothing that shows heart more than self-sacrifice. The script moved pretty well for me (better than it did for Barbara, apparently) and I always like it when the writer takes the time to tie up any loose ends the viewer might have. During the course of the film (this and others) Barbara was constantly pointing out that certain details hadn’t been explained. Be heartened. The final frame of the film will answer all your plotline questions. Fishburne, whose name doesn’t even appear as a star, was in his element. Damon is perfect and it’s a three way tie for best female performance with Paltrow, Winslet and Cottilard all doing what we've come to expect from them...deliver great performances. Jennifer Ehle, like Fishburne deserves an honorable mention. In the new world of digital reviews, I give this one 3.4 binoculars. Check my math, but I think that makes our Bifocal Average a 3.2.
Bifocal Review written by Barbara and Gordon Rich
(B) This movie was very informative, at times, somewhat more of a documentary about the intense research and detail that goes on when an epidemic threatens. For me, that made the film compelling and the credit probably goes mostly to the cast and the director for my level of interest. On the other hand, I could not help feeling that something was missing. I don’t know exactly what it was. Perhaps it was that there were no strong starring roles, mostly co-starring ones. Matt Damon and Kate Winslet were more significant than the other co-stars, although they were all good. Maybe it needed a little more emotional content for the viewer. Best scene: Matt Damon’s reaction after learning of his wife’s (Paltrow’s) death. It was so real and it came at a perfect time in the story. I give it three binoculars.
(G) Before I get rolling, I have to say that the most impressive part of this film is the graphic example that is given on how small the world has become. There is an old phrase on synchronicity that goes something like, "A butterfly flapping its wings in the Brazilian Jungle can cause a hurricane in Taiwan." This movie shows how ultimately interconnected all life is on our planet. That was the memorable message for me. Now, I am going to have to do something, that I don’t ordinarily like doing and that is, I have to criticize some of my fellow critics. When Contagion hit the screens this opening weekend, one barb that was thrown was that the story “had no heart.” That’s absurd! In a world that is in the throws of a pandemic virus, how could there not be heart? Within the storyline, many of the main characters make personal sacrifices to alleviate the suffering of others (on small and grand scales). For me, there is nothing that shows heart more than self-sacrifice. The script moved pretty well for me (better than it did for Barbara, apparently) and I always like it when the writer takes the time to tie up any loose ends the viewer might have. During the course of the film (this and others) Barbara was constantly pointing out that certain details hadn’t been explained. Be heartened. The final frame of the film will answer all your plotline questions. Fishburne, whose name doesn’t even appear as a star, was in his element. Damon is perfect and it’s a three way tie for best female performance with Paltrow, Winslet and Cottilard all doing what we've come to expect from them...deliver great performances. Jennifer Ehle, like Fishburne deserves an honorable mention. In the new world of digital reviews, I give this one 3.4 binoculars. Check my math, but I think that makes our Bifocal Average a 3.2.
THE DEBT
THE DEBT--Directed by John Madden/Starring Helen Mirren, Sam Worthington, Jessica Chastain,Tom Wilkinson/written by Matthew Vaughn, Jane Goldman and Peter Straughan/rated R/144 mins
Bifocal Review by Barbara and Gordon Rich
(B) I liked this film. I think, I liked it a little more than the film Contagion, which we also viewed this weekend. The Debt, for me was more suspenseful and had fewer lulls than its competitor for box-office bragging rights. However, there was one nagging problem for me with the script. Without giving too much away, it didn’t make sense that all the inner suffering and sacrifice that went on for the characters in the film, didn’t seem to equate with the motivations that were laid out for the viewer. One character’s actions didn’t seem to warrant the decades long lie that was the core of the story. In the end, I give this film 3.1 binoculars, as I am forced to grade it slightly higher than Contagion, if only to make sense of my opening statement.
(G) Once again, Jessica Chastain stole the film for me. She is fast becoming one of my favorite actresses, as she has shot to stardom with two of the most versatile portrayals I’ve seen since…well, Helen Mirren came on the scene. Ironically, Chastain’s character in THE DEBT, is Helen of a younger age. Congratulations to Michelle Guish for the casting of this film. I’m never quite sure how much of that credit is warranted for a casting credit, because I’m not sure what a casting director does really, but in this case I say…perfect choice. For those of you who do not know the name yet (and that would be most people at this point I’d guess) Jessica Chastain also portrayed the white trash, Celia in the movie The Help and even though Sean Penn and Brad Pitt are also in the Tree of Life (which we’ve yet to see) I may now get around to the film merely because Chastain is in it. She’s been called the next Meryl Streep, but with her playing the young Helen Mirren in THE DEBT, I call her the next Helen Mirren instead. As for the other characters, well what praise can we give the actual Helen Mirren that we haven’t already? Tom Wilkinson is no slouch either. However, the story seemed a bit contrived for me and at some points it just didn’t add up at all. As a writer, the script is the most important part of the film and the story must be engaging enough to overshadow the fact that we must, at time “suspend disbelief.” In this film’s case, however I was not compelled to do much in the way of suspending. If it weren’t for the actors I mentioned above, I think the final score would have been much lower. Following Barbara’s decimal diversion from tradition, I give this one a 2.9 Binoculars. Mirren and Chastain get fours.
Bifocal Review by Barbara and Gordon Rich
(B) I liked this film. I think, I liked it a little more than the film Contagion, which we also viewed this weekend. The Debt, for me was more suspenseful and had fewer lulls than its competitor for box-office bragging rights. However, there was one nagging problem for me with the script. Without giving too much away, it didn’t make sense that all the inner suffering and sacrifice that went on for the characters in the film, didn’t seem to equate with the motivations that were laid out for the viewer. One character’s actions didn’t seem to warrant the decades long lie that was the core of the story. In the end, I give this film 3.1 binoculars, as I am forced to grade it slightly higher than Contagion, if only to make sense of my opening statement.
(G) Once again, Jessica Chastain stole the film for me. She is fast becoming one of my favorite actresses, as she has shot to stardom with two of the most versatile portrayals I’ve seen since…well, Helen Mirren came on the scene. Ironically, Chastain’s character in THE DEBT, is Helen of a younger age. Congratulations to Michelle Guish for the casting of this film. I’m never quite sure how much of that credit is warranted for a casting credit, because I’m not sure what a casting director does really, but in this case I say…perfect choice. For those of you who do not know the name yet (and that would be most people at this point I’d guess) Jessica Chastain also portrayed the white trash, Celia in the movie The Help and even though Sean Penn and Brad Pitt are also in the Tree of Life (which we’ve yet to see) I may now get around to the film merely because Chastain is in it. She’s been called the next Meryl Streep, but with her playing the young Helen Mirren in THE DEBT, I call her the next Helen Mirren instead. As for the other characters, well what praise can we give the actual Helen Mirren that we haven’t already? Tom Wilkinson is no slouch either. However, the story seemed a bit contrived for me and at some points it just didn’t add up at all. As a writer, the script is the most important part of the film and the story must be engaging enough to overshadow the fact that we must, at time “suspend disbelief.” In this film’s case, however I was not compelled to do much in the way of suspending. If it weren’t for the actors I mentioned above, I think the final score would have been much lower. Following Barbara’s decimal diversion from tradition, I give this one a 2.9 Binoculars. Mirren and Chastain get fours.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Catalina Island/Barbara celebrates her 75th birthday
I can speak for both of us when I say that Barbara had a great 75th birthday, thanks to the folks at the Dana Point, Catalina Express. They have a wonderful program that allows people free round trip passage out of three ports, but you must travel ON YOUR BIRTHDAY. We decided to take advantage of this offer and several members of our family joined us. The boat ride over is about one hour and 15 minutes (give or take) and is very comfortable. We saw dolphins along the way and I'm told that this is not a rarity, especially at this time of year. Naturally, FREE is always the right price for Barbara and that cinched the deal for us. Once there we rented a six passenger golf cart to drive around the island. Another freebee comes when you rent this type of transportation for two hours...the third hour is free. In fact, there are a number of special offers for those celebrating just about every kind of event. Call ahead to check what is available once you arrive on the island. Naturally, many people do spend more than one day there, and (especially if you are into any kind of water sports or nature adventure) you can spend a few days here and still not see it all. We went over at about one p.m. and returned at 7 7 p.m. and were very happy, however. There are many things to do, but I'll let the video below speak for us. This is our Catalina Island Birthday Adventure.
For more information about Catalina Island go to the Chamber of Commerce website by clicking HERE.
To take a ride on the Catalina Express or to book online click HERE or call:1800 481 3470 for information or to reservations.
For more information about Catalina Island go to the Chamber of Commerce website by clicking HERE.
To take a ride on the Catalina Express or to book online click HERE or call:1800 481 3470 for information or to reservations.
Friday, August 12, 2011
THE HELP
THE HELP--Directed by Tate Taylor/With Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Bryce Dallas Howard/ screenplay by Tate Taylor from the novel by Kathryn Stockett/Jessica Chastain/PG-13/2hr17min
A Bifocal Review by Barbara and Gordon Rich
(B) Finally, a film I can give credit to a well performed story, without benefit of special sound effects or visual effects, (not that there is no merit in that). Sometimes I am forced to give reviews on films I’m just not that passionate about. Maybe I’m just nostalgic, but this movie reached me on every level, historically, emotionally and tickled my sense of humor. Octavia Spencer stood out for me in this film. I thought she stole every scene she was in. Believe me, that is some task when you are up against such remarkable performances by Viola Davis and Emma Stone. Two other performances deserve a nod. Those of Bryce Dallas Howard, whose role calls for “beyond bitch,” and Jessica Chastain, who plays the part of a white outcast. It’s hard to give credit to a performance by someone who makes you hate them, but Bryce Dallas Howard delivers just that and Jessica Chastain, is just another worthy performance. I fill remiss in not mentioning more popular actresses in this movie, such as Cycly Tyson, Sissy Spacek and Allison Janney. They lived up to their standard, but I picked out what I thought were standouts. Don’t miss this film. I give it four binoculars!
(G) I know I may be bucking the system, but I am going to start off my review of this star-studded film by tipping my hat to Jessica Chastain for playing Celia Foote (a character of mid-importance in the film). Although her character is not integral to the plot of the film her character is artfully played and is an example of how well every part was cast and portrayed by Chastain’s fellow cast members. To say that I saw real acting talent in one of the minor characters only shows, by comparison that the talent of the major players—also the writing, the directing and the editing—were all top notch. As Barbara points out above, there was a certain amount of nostalgia attached to this film that Baby-Boomers (especially) will find encouraging. After all, the underlying theme that is being laid bare here is how racial prejudice (this ignorance was actually written into the State of Mississippi’s Constitution in the period where this film is supposed to be taking place) was no longer tolerated in our country. The setting of the film is Mississippi only 50 years in our nation’s ago. The audience was filled (in the early afternoon on a weekday) by members of “the older generation” with only a sprinkling of younger folk. Most of those who were in attendance remember standing around a television when President Kennedy was shot or even what they were doing with Martin Luther King Jr. marched on Washington. However, it’s important to note that the theater was full and the pain of racism was put into a perspective of importance that does not always get noticed. That is the importance of having white supporters in the struggle for African American equality. I liked the movie for all that it accomplished (even for the memories that it stirred in me) whether those accomplishments were intended or not. I too give this one four binoculars and am gearing up for an Oscar Battle Royal in a number of categories.
A Bifocal Review by Barbara and Gordon Rich
(B) Finally, a film I can give credit to a well performed story, without benefit of special sound effects or visual effects, (not that there is no merit in that). Sometimes I am forced to give reviews on films I’m just not that passionate about. Maybe I’m just nostalgic, but this movie reached me on every level, historically, emotionally and tickled my sense of humor. Octavia Spencer stood out for me in this film. I thought she stole every scene she was in. Believe me, that is some task when you are up against such remarkable performances by Viola Davis and Emma Stone. Two other performances deserve a nod. Those of Bryce Dallas Howard, whose role calls for “beyond bitch,” and Jessica Chastain, who plays the part of a white outcast. It’s hard to give credit to a performance by someone who makes you hate them, but Bryce Dallas Howard delivers just that and Jessica Chastain, is just another worthy performance. I fill remiss in not mentioning more popular actresses in this movie, such as Cycly Tyson, Sissy Spacek and Allison Janney. They lived up to their standard, but I picked out what I thought were standouts. Don’t miss this film. I give it four binoculars!
(G) I know I may be bucking the system, but I am going to start off my review of this star-studded film by tipping my hat to Jessica Chastain for playing Celia Foote (a character of mid-importance in the film). Although her character is not integral to the plot of the film her character is artfully played and is an example of how well every part was cast and portrayed by Chastain’s fellow cast members. To say that I saw real acting talent in one of the minor characters only shows, by comparison that the talent of the major players—also the writing, the directing and the editing—were all top notch. As Barbara points out above, there was a certain amount of nostalgia attached to this film that Baby-Boomers (especially) will find encouraging. After all, the underlying theme that is being laid bare here is how racial prejudice (this ignorance was actually written into the State of Mississippi’s Constitution in the period where this film is supposed to be taking place) was no longer tolerated in our country. The setting of the film is Mississippi only 50 years in our nation’s ago. The audience was filled (in the early afternoon on a weekday) by members of “the older generation” with only a sprinkling of younger folk. Most of those who were in attendance remember standing around a television when President Kennedy was shot or even what they were doing with Martin Luther King Jr. marched on Washington. However, it’s important to note that the theater was full and the pain of racism was put into a perspective of importance that does not always get noticed. That is the importance of having white supporters in the struggle for African American equality. I liked the movie for all that it accomplished (even for the memories that it stirred in me) whether those accomplishments were intended or not. I too give this one four binoculars and am gearing up for an Oscar Battle Royal in a number of categories.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Taco Tuesday at El Torito
We have been hearing a lot of good things about Taco Tuesdays at El Torito Restaurant in Laguna Hills, California so we dropped by to it a try. We were pleasantly surprised to find that these 99 cent tacos (a bargain unto itself) are made with absolutely fresh tortillas! This is a treat that everyone should try. There is simply no comparison between fresh and even a few hours old when it comes to tortillas.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
BEGINNERS
BEGINNERS—Written and Directed by Mike Mills/Starring With Ewan McGregor, Christopher Plummer, Mélanie Laurent , Goran Visnjic/rated R/1hr44min
(B) This was a delightful film. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the dialog with inanimate objects and conversations with the dog. Both Christopher Plummer and Ewan McGregor handled these dialogs so beautifully it almost seemed normal. Although supporting roles were good, this film was about a relationship of a father and son. I was glued to this movie, whenever Plummer and McGregor were on the screen The subject matter was very well portrayed, so that it was not a downer, but more like just a part of life. I recommend it. Three binoculars from me.
(G) We’re only halfway through the year and already I have TWO favorite films for the season. This is one of them. I have to say that I liked pretty much everything about this film. It was well cast and the script was excellent. I’ve always believed that a film that is both written and directed by the same person will have a particular stamp on it that reveals the personality of the filmmaker. I believe that this movie bears me out on this point. There are so many clever devices that are smoothly utilized here (Barbara covers some of them above) that I believe this film is essential for those who call themselves writers and think there are not new ways to tell a story. I will likely be seeing this film again and again, and I think that most everyone will feel the same if they give it a chance. There is something for everyone here. Midnight in Paris…you now have Oscar worthy competition. Four Binoculars .
(B) This was a delightful film. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the dialog with inanimate objects and conversations with the dog. Both Christopher Plummer and Ewan McGregor handled these dialogs so beautifully it almost seemed normal. Although supporting roles were good, this film was about a relationship of a father and son. I was glued to this movie, whenever Plummer and McGregor were on the screen The subject matter was very well portrayed, so that it was not a downer, but more like just a part of life. I recommend it. Three binoculars from me.
(G) We’re only halfway through the year and already I have TWO favorite films for the season. This is one of them. I have to say that I liked pretty much everything about this film. It was well cast and the script was excellent. I’ve always believed that a film that is both written and directed by the same person will have a particular stamp on it that reveals the personality of the filmmaker. I believe that this movie bears me out on this point. There are so many clever devices that are smoothly utilized here (Barbara covers some of them above) that I believe this film is essential for those who call themselves writers and think there are not new ways to tell a story. I will likely be seeing this film again and again, and I think that most everyone will feel the same if they give it a chance. There is something for everyone here. Midnight in Paris…you now have Oscar worthy competition. Four Binoculars .
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)