From Black supported films to Pixar animation…
It’s all covered here
Ford v. Ferrari (2019) Netflix
Attempting to get through many of the 2020 & 2021 Oscar nominated movies is how Ford v. Ferrari made the movie reviews 2010-2019 list. Even though I have a faint interest in cars 🤫, I have to admit, wasn’t chomping at the bit to see this 🙍🏽♀️
IMDb summary: American car designer Carroll Shelby (Damon) ➕ driver Ken Miles (Bale) battle corporate interference and the laws of physics to build a revolutionary race car 👨🏽🔧 for Ford in order to defeat Ferrari at the 2️⃣4️⃣ Hours of Le Mans in 1966.
In HS had a boyfriend 👫🏽 that completely rebuilt the engine of his 1964 Dodge Charger 🚘 over the summer. Learned all about high performance engines of the 60s in those 3️⃣ months. Also my brother in law races cars so do have an appreciation for the sport 🏎
Directed by James Mangold 🎬 Matt Damon & Christian Bale both give the performance worthy of their A-list status 🥇
If you didn’t know Matt Damon is on my “laminated list” (again showing my age 👵🏽, thank you Friends 😂) so I try to see everything he stars in. His role as the seasoned vet is both relatable & believable.
You never know what your going to get in a Christian Bale role. Fortunately in Ford v. Ferrari he gives plays a character that I like seeing him in, Fun Loving!
All in all, it’s a good movie but not great. I don’t usually give spoilers but anyone that is a movie fan knows to make it to the Oscar nominated category someone usually has to die, so the ending is predictable.
Again, it’s not a topic I’m not that in to 🙅🏽♀️& it could have been shorter than the 2.5 hour run time.
Joker (2019) Netflix
When you see a DC Comics billing with Joaquin Phoenix ✖️ Robert De Niro, you have to watch, right❓
👂🏽 Heard Joker (Directed & co-written by Todd Phillips) won many awards 🏆, but enjoy going into a film blind. Do research after watching 👀 so my movie reviews 2010-2019 will be totally unbiased.
Although I like superhero 🦸🏽🦸🏽♂️/comic book based movies, I really don’t know the origin stories behind the characters.
Saw The Dark Knight (2008) where Heath Ledger KILLED the role of Joker (won 2009 Oscar for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role). With that in mind, felt Joaquin would have a hard time convincing 🤔 me he could exceed Heath’s 🤯 performance.
Not a HUGE Joaquin fan, but do appreciate his skills as an actor 🎭 He truly immerses himself into his characters & respect the roles he chooses.
As you know I don’t give away spoilers however, I will say Joaquin’s performance was FUCKING 💣. Totally deserved HIS 2020 Oscar for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role. He does a fantastic job making you truly understand the disturbed psyche of the Joker. I didn’t believe I could empathize with someone so cruel, but you do and that is Joaquin’s genius in this role.
The great Robert De Niro’s role is not as large as I expected but it is definitely a significant one 😏 Do I have to say much about De Niro 💋? HE’S A LEGEND FOR A REASON PEOPLE, and this role is no exception.
Bobbie D. gives you the New York mob boss with a heart of gold 💛 that Hollywood knows he WILL deliver. They know you will hand over out any amount of money 💰, even to see De Niro read the damn phone book 📖 (👵🏽 dating myself, HA)!
Why a 3-star?
You may be wondering with all I’ve said, why only a 3️⃣-star rating❓ Felt some of the story was a hard to follow at times 🤔. For example, I had a major question at 1️⃣ point, fortunately the writers bring it around so it made sense by the time I needed it to.
Also had moments of discomfort watching someone self destruct in such a brutal way. Understand that is what the director wanted you to feel, but that didn’t make it any more tolerable.
Toxic Beauty (2019) Netflix
As a makeup artist 👩🏽🎨 in the industry for over 20 years, was anxious to see this documentary🕵🏽♀️ to critique for Movie Reviews 2010-2019
Directed by Phyllis Ellis this film takes a deep look into the class action lawsuit ⚖️ against Johnson & Johnson. Surprised I was not more informed about this lawsuit being a former user of Johnson & Johnson baby powder.
However, it was no surprise 😱 to me the beauty industry hides their horrors & negligently misinforms consumers of fatal ingredients being used in items like lipstick 💄 & shampoo 🧴
Highly recommend 👍🏾 this documentary not only to every person using personal care products, but to EVERY new 🤰🏽& current mother 🤱🏽
Disgusted at Johnson & Johnson’s cover-up and NEED mother’s to know what J&J has been doing for decades to products used for new born babies 👶🏽
Brittany Runs A Marathon (2019) Netflix
This sweet “based on a true story comedy” will have you laughing out loud, no kidding😂!
The 🎥 did not have actors I readily recognized 👀 (Jillian Bell, Jennifer Dundas, Patch Darragh) but gave it a chance because the trailer was funny 🤭 Fortunately the movie was worth every minute.
The beginning is a bit rough to watch due to the self loathing🥺this poor woman has for herself. No woman wants to see another woman degrade herself so horribly 😢
Even though you know its a a cliché feel good movie you still root for Brittany🏃🏻♀️ (literally). To get a 4️⃣ rating I have to experience at least 2-3 emotions & this movie made me 😆 & 😭 so well done Paul Downs Colaizzo for bringing this inspiring film to the masses!
Always at the Carlyle (2018) Amazon Prime
I have a deep love for art deco and luxury so when I saw there was a film made about the The Carlyle Hotel in NY, I couldn’t wait to watch.
IMBd’s description is: The iconic Carlyle hotel has been an international destination for a particular jet-set as well as a favorite haunt of the most discernible New Yorkers.
Matthew Miele writes and directs this documentary. He truly brings you into a world of luxury few are privileged to experience.
The celebrity interviews are hilarious, but it’s the staff conversations that make every minute of this movie worth watching. It’s quite remarkable to see people so loyal in their job they are willing to stay on for decades, some 50+ years.
Stated many times in the movie, The Carlyle Hotel prides itself on discretion. When their clients include mega stars like Naomi Campbell, Jimmy Fallon, Vera Wang, Lenny Kravitz, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Kate & Will) and the staff’s favorite, George Clooney, privacy MUST be priority 1!
This historic landmark hotel opened in 1930 and boasts several hip “hang out” spots within the hotel, where premier musicians & artists have performed.
This is luxury on another level, I actually found myself seriously contemplating booking a stay. Reality hit when I researched the cost ($700 -$15,000.00 per night)!
This documentary deserves 5 out of 5 stars because it checks all my boxes for a great film; made me laugh, cry & think.
Seberg (2019) Amazon Original Movie
I have been on a bit of a Kristen Stewart kick being a huge Twilight fan and it’s return to Amazon Prime Video. To be honest, even though I like the Twilight series, I am only a so-so fan of the actress. Love her in Panic Room!
This movie, based in the 60s during the height of the civil rights movement, is about the American actress, Jean Seberg. Seberg was an icon of French New Wave cinema, a genre I must explore.
Researching for my movie reviews 2010-2019, I discovered many people felt the same as I; this movie just isn’t there.
Kristen Stewart looks beautiful & I learn another chapter of black history. I had never heard of Jean Seberg before this movie, but now interested to learn her whole story.
An IMDB reviewer states the cinematography is good, agreed. As a fashion stylist, Michael Wilkinson’s costumes are EVERYTHING! The incredible fashions are pretty much the only thing that kept me slightly engaged throughout the 90+ minutes.
Some of the other cast includes Anthony Mackie & Vince Vaughn, who plays a wholly irredeemable character I could not get behind.
This movie reviews 2010-2019 gets 2.5 out of 5 stars, because I appreciate Amazon’s continued attempts at original movies. However, I hope they pick better vehicles in the future.
Come As You Are (2019) Amazon Prime
I watched a lot of movies last weekend for my movie reviews 2010-2019. I had a free month subscription to Starz expiring on 8-30, but didn’t realize it until 8-28!
What drew me to this movie? No idea, but hands down THE BEST movie I watched all weekend!!
As an established woman, the cast was unfamiliar to me. I only knew Gabourey Sidibe and a woman I didn’t recognize until the credits, 90’s star Janeane Garofalo.
Not giving away too much; 3 disabled virgins (Grant Rosenmeyer, Hayden Szeto, Ravi Patel) hire a nurse for a road trip to get laid!
Do I need to say more to get you to watch?… OK, get ready to laugh until you pee!
To get a 5 star rating, a movie must make me laugh, cry & think. Come As You Are will make you do all 3.
Once Upon A Time in Hollywood (2019) Netflix
As a fan of dark comedies, of course I love Quentin Tarantino. When researching for my movie reviews 2010-2019, I didn’t realize Tarantino has only made 8 other movies prior to this. I also noted I have seen all of his major works!
In this movie, Tarantino once again delivers. This movie has is it all, IN SPADES!!
The casting & acting, as always, are perfection: Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt along with Margot Robbie, Dakota Fanning, Kurt Russell, Al Pacino, Luke Perry, Lena Dunham, Timothy Olyphant, Margaret Qualley and Rumer Willis.
Set in 1969 Hollywood, naturally, I was drooling over the fashion. The style & coloring of the film is rich and the soundtrack is classic 60s.
My research also revealed why Brad & Leo never worked together on a major project until this movie. Allegedly, it had something to do with an incident involving Gwyneth Paltrow, back in the 90s.
Hopefully, this is the start of a new bromance; these 2 are electric on screen.
This movie gets a 4.5 out of 5 stars, not only for Brad Pitt’s Supporting Role Oscar win, but for the moments that pulled at my heart.
The Pickup Game (2019)
I am a fan of documentaries. One of my favorite quotes is “Knowledge is Power” and I have learned quite a bit from a wide variety of documentary films.
This picture dives into the underground world of the “pickup” industry. Stated in the movie, this is a hidden industry that few people know exists. I certainly didn’t know anything about it prior to the film.
Want to learn the lengths socially awkward men will go through to become despicable human beings? Then this film will appeal to you.
The movie goes into detail how men profit from teaching other men how to score with a large amount of women. Not like Will Smith in Hitch more like Heath Ledger in Casanova, but sleazy.
I am giving this movie a 2 out of 5 stars. The content is horrifying but I appreciate the directors (Matthew & Barney O’Connor) shedding light to this disturbing topic. Fortunate for me I am over those stages of dating, but young women beware!
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019) Amazon Prime
It’s rare to see a movie with Tom Hanks NOT directed by Ron Howard, lol. Everyone knows the Hanks/Howard bond is a proven hit maker!
However, a major film directed by a woman…
Marielle Heller does a magnificent job directing the biography of the beloved Mr. Rogers from Mr. Rogers Neighborhood.
I remember watching Mr. Rogers as a small child in the early 70s. Being to young to grasp the lessons (2 years old), I do have memories of the theme song and him put on his sweater & sneakers.
The story is sweet & the comedy is subtle, but there. I sadly was waiting for some skeleton to leap out of Mr. Rogers’ closet but, SPOILER ALERT; he was good to his core! I was happy he was just as generous & loving in real life as he was on TV.
Some of the other cast include Matthew Rhys & Chris Cooper and I felt every cast member brings a stellar performance to the film.
If you remember Mr. Rogers, I recommend watching this movie. Giving it 4 out of 5 stars and understand why it landed Tom Hanks ANOTHER Oscar nomination.
Charlie’s Angels (2019) Amazon Prime
As stated previously in my movie reviews 2010-2019 (see above), I am on a Kristen Stewart run of late. I was curious how she would work in the action arena, so I sat down to watch this latest installment of the Charlie’s Angels franchise.
I understand women needing to create their own vehicles in Hollywood but Elizabeth Banks, that directs and acts in the movie, should have kept looking through the script pile.
The story was weak and the acting could have been better. The other “Angels” Ella Balinska & Naomi Scott tried, but when the story is so bad Patrick Stewart can’t even bring in a good performance, something is wrong.
I am giving this movie 2 out of 5 stars, because the action was OK, the costumes were weirdly thought through, but special & I was able to see Kristen Stewart in a different light. Not saying I have a better appreciation for her acting, but I do like she is taking on roles people would not normally envision her in.
Greed (2019) Amazon Prime
Looking over my notes for my movie reviews 2010-2019, I didn’t have much on this film because I am still contemplating how I feel.
IMDb describes it as “Satire about the world of the super-rich.”
The projects I have seen featuring Steve Coogan are always over the top (think Tropic Thunder) so I was not surprised by his performance in this movie.
I have no strong feeling about Isla Fisher as an actress, who also stars in the movie, but she does a good job in the role she was hired to play.
The movie attempts to have you empathize with refugees the rich are exploiting however, there is nothing likable about these characters.
I get the writers (Michael Winterbottom & Sean Gray) are attempting to create irredeemable characters, but it swung so far off the rails it was PAINFUL to sit through.
I was set up to give this movie 3 out of 5 stars, because it does attempt to shine light on the unfair practices of my industry, fashion. However, the more I consider this movie, I realize just how bad it is; 1.5 out of 5 stars.
Generation Columbine (2019) Amazon Prime
I remember very vividly the day of the Columbine High School massacre. Even though I was well out of high school by that time, my heart fell for those kids, parents & community.
This documentary looks into the lives of the kids that experienced the horrors of that day. The directors & writer (P.J. Evans) also interview other kids, some now in their 30s, that survived shootings in their school since Columbine.
This film reaffirms the US governmental system is broken and unless gun laws are changed many parents will start home schooling their children.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, parents are making work from home/distance learning, fit into their family. We now see the benefits of keeping our kids at home to ensure their safety.
As the mom of a 3rd grader, I was shocked & terrified of the number of school shootings since that dreadful spring day in 1999.
This movie deserves 4 out of 5 stars because it is A MUST for any parent with kids that attend a school in the US, no matter their age.
Jumanji The Next Level (2019)
Anyone that knows me, knows I LOVE KEVIN HART! I have tried to see every major movie and comedy special he has done. I even love his TV series Real Husbands of Hollywood.
As a single mom, I don’t get many opportunities for a free night out. When my son’s school started offering a “Parents Night Out” opportunity for $20, I jumped on it immediately.
Missing the days when I would go to non-G rated movies before my son was born, I instantly knew what I would do with my free night.
I wanted to go to 1 of the fancy theaters & needed to pick a movie in the time frame I had. Jumanji: The Next Level was the only movie that checked all the boxes.
I remember the original Jumanji movie starring Robin Williams (1995) and being blown away.
CGI was a relatively new technology at that time, so I was excited to see what they would create with the technology used in movies today.
Unfortunately, I was unable to see the first Jumanji (Welcome to the Jungle) prior to seeing this one. Having seen both movies, you don’t necessarily have to see the 1st movie to see the 2nd, but it helps 😉.
No beating around the bush; this movie is HELLA FUNNY!
In The Next Level, Jake Kasdan once again does not disappoint in any aspect. I already talked about the comedy but, the story, cinematography & costuming are fantastic!
They bring back the cast from the first movie but the addition of The Danny’s (Danny DeVito & Danny Glover) take the comedy to The Next Level.
BUT adding Awkwafina to the cast was a stroke of genius! She steals every scene, as she has in every movie I’ve seen her in (think Crazy Rich Asians).
This movie is so great, I went home & bought the first Jumanji on Amazon Prime Video that weekend.
I give this movie 5 out of 5 stars because Dwayne Johnson & Kevin Hart made me laugh out loud, for real.
