Summerland stars Gemma Aterton as Alice, a reclusive writer living on the seaside cliffs of Southern England during World War II. Alice’s life is unexpectedly changed after meeting Frank, a young boy she reluctantly takes in after he’s evacuated from London.
Written/directed by Jessica Swale; additional key cast includes Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Penelope Wilton and Tom Courtenay.
I’m drawn to this one for young Frank’s journey; from feeling unwanted and being all alone to finding the perfect new home.
Another draw is the little hints of humour and the musical score.
Amanda Root, Siân Phillips, Dixie Egerickx, Amanda Lawrence, Sally Scott, Jessica Gunning, David Horovitch, Karl Farrer and Toby Osmond also star.
Spenser Confidential (2020), Mark Wahlberg, Netflix
Spenser Confidentialisn’t a perfect movie, but it is a fun action/comedy with some well-executed standout scenes.
Starring Mark Wahlberg, Winston Duke, Iliza Shlesinger and Alan Arkin; director Peter Berg’s story about an ex-felon who takes on Boston’s criminal underworld to solve a twisted murder conspiracy may have a dip in pace near the beginning. It may also feel as though at least one specific aspect of the story comes across as a tad contrived. But overall, there’s enough humour, action and well-executed scenes to make Spenser Confidential more fun than not.
My favourite line in the whole film is ‘Don’t play with me right now, Ok? Give me the cloud.’ I promise it’s more amusing in context, which I haven’t provided here as that would spoil it.
In terms of the most memorable scenes, the first one takes place at a Mexican restaurant, while the other involves much of what happens at ‘Wonderland’ towards the end.
Watch Spenser Confidential if you’re curious, and for a central mystery that you’ll want to see solved.
Charting his struggles in two worlds, Be Water is a new documentary about Hong Kong American actor, director, martial artist and philosopher Bruce Lee.Focusing on Lee’s life, particularly after he was rejected by Hollywood and returned to Hong Kong to complete four films.
Directed by Bao Nguyen, Be Water explores questions of identity and representation through archive footage, intimate interviews and Lee’s own writings.
I haven’t watched many martial arts movies. Well, except for Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker’s Rush Houraction/comedies. Yet, I never had to in order to know who Bruce Lee was.
Lee is after all one of the major cultural icons of the twentieth century, and my brother has been a fan ever since his first Bruce Lee movie.
‘Be shapeless, formless, like water‘ is one of Lee’s most famous quotes. I look forward to finding out how he applied ‘be water’ and other philosophies in his unfortunately far too short life.
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Elliott Reid, Twentieth Century Fox
Watching movies that were made long before the 90s and 80s isn’t something I do very often. Yet, recently, I came across a clip on social media (the link to it is sadly no longer available) of Hollywood icons Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe. Two ladies who were looking incredibly stunning while walking together.
A few Google searches later, and there I was watching director Howard Hawks’s 1953 comedy/musical classic, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. A fun movie in which Monroe and Russell play two showgirls named Lorelei Lee and Dorothy Shaw. The ladies are two best friends who happen to be stunning. So stunning in fact that I would have fit right in among the admirers Lorelei and Dorothy attracted everywhere they went. Fans including a private detective hired by the suspicious father of Lorelei’s fiancé, and a rich, enamoured old man, among many others.
I see Gentlemen Prefer Blondes as a film that fits into the ‘perfectly pleasant, easy viewing’ category. There’s some mild to moderately amusing humour, the story moves along at a good pace, and visually, there’s much to enjoy, whether you’re taking in the production design or the very beautifully created costumes by Travilla.
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox
As someone who’s near enough always been aware of Monroe’s iconic status, it wasn’t until this movie that I finally understood. To put it in no uncertain terms, the lady is so incredibly magnetic, that I have to wonder whether a camera has ever loved a person more. Travilla’s costumes, Ben Nye’s makeup and the skills of those in charge of hair certainly helped, but of course, there’s a lot more to that special magnetism than the beautiful shell.
My favourite thing about Gentlemen Prefer Blondes? Two things. Firstly, the touching friendship between Lorelei and Dorothy. Secondly, all the stunning fashion, of course! Watch it for the fashion. The story is pleasant enough – but THE FASHION!
Lenox Hill is a new documentary about the lives of four doctors. Specifically, two brain surgeons, an emergency room physician, and a Chief Resident OBGYN, as they navigate the ups and downs of working at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
Featured medical professionals include David Langer, MD – chair of neurosurgery and doctor John Boockvar, vice chair of the same department.
It looks as though this was filmed before New York City’s Covid 19 lockdown.
Either way, I’m interested to learn more about the lives and experiences of medical professionals. After all, Grey’s Anatomy definitely isn’t happening right now, and shows like this are really good for reminding me to practice gratitude.
