Tag Archives: John Ortiz

Comedy, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews

AMERICAN FICTION (2023) The Things I Liked…

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Besides the one or two moments when my impatient self wished for a slightly quicker pace, I have no real complaints about American Fiction.

Writer/director Cord Jefferson’s latest comedy/drama stars Jeffrey Wright, John Ortiz, Issa Rae and Sterling K. Brown. It is a story about a black American author who finally finds success but at a cost he didn’t quite foresee. Jefferson’s film truly delivers on its trailer’s promise; for it is funny, very smartly written, and well-acted. It also features one of the most super clear and cleverly constructed analogies I’ve ever heard; one that just happens to feature the Scotch Whisky brand Johnnie Walker.

American Fiction is ultimately a movie about race and how the topic shows up in the literary world. I’m not sure that this subject has been explored quite as thoroughly, hilariously and cleverly as it is in Jefferson’s movie. And since it’s a subject that affects many writers of colour (Jefferson included), it’s no wonder that he has referred to the film as “the greatest honour of my entire life, truly.” 

In addition to the aforementioned brilliant analogy, another key highlight is a wonderful scene where Wright and Rae’s characters have a highly engaging back-and-forth that I could have watched forever. 

If it wasn’t already super clear, I had a great time watching American Fiction, as did the two guests who joined me at a London screening in November. As such, when you’re in the mood for something good, and funny, watch American Fiction. Especially since as per the words of Jefferson himself: 

“I don’t intend this movie to be didactic. I didn’t intend it to teach any moral lessons or, scold anybody for anything. I wanted to make a movie for adults that allows you to think for yourself and allows you to have a good time.” _Cord Jefferson

American Fiction Release Dates: December 15th, 2023 (US); February 2nd, 2024 (UK)…

Happy Film Loving 

G

Drama

HORSE GIRL (2020) New Trailer From Alison Brie, Molly Shannon, Robin Tunney, John Ortiz…

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Horse Girl (2020), Alison Brie, Netflix
Horse Girl (2020), Alison Brie, Netflix

Read my spoiler-free movie review of Horse Girl (2019).

Imagine being socially awkward, fond of arts and crafts, horses, and supernatural crime shows. Then your increasingly lucid dreams start trickling into your waking life.

This is the premise of Horse Girl, a new Jeff Baena-directed drama starring Alison Brie, Molly Shannon, John Ortiz and Robin Tunney.

Going mad must be one of the loneliest experiences. I simply want to know what’s really going on with Sarah; especially since it looks like a promising Brie performance.

Is it just me or does the high necked outfit in the above trailer thumbnail remind anyone else of a straight jacket?

Matthew Gray Gubler, Debby Ryan, Paul Reiser, Dylan Gelula, Meredith Hagner, Toby Huss, Angela Trimbur, David Paymer, John Reynolds, Jay Duplass and Dendrie Taylor also star.

Horse Girl Release Dates: January 27th, 2020 (US) / Netflix…

Happy Film Loving,

G

Drama

A WOMAN, A PART (2016): New Trailer Starring Maggie Siff, John Ortiz, Khandi Alexander…

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A Woman, A Part (2016), John Ortiz, Maggie Siff
A Woman, A Part (2016), John Ortiz, Maggie Siff

A Woman, A Part tells the story of an exhausted, workaholic actress. One who leaves her role in a  successful but mind-numbing TV show and returns to her past life in New York to reinvent herself.

Maggie Siff, John Ortiz and Khandi Alexander are the stars while Elisabeth Subrin is both writer and director.

I’m curious about this one because I like getting insight into the lives of actors. Not in a stalking, gossip magazine obsessive kind of way. I’m just curious about the challenges they face and all that it takes to decide to stick with it or not.

Usually, I’d watch one of the many great The Hollywood Reporter Roundtables for that, but I also enjoy dramatisations as much as the next film lover. Fingers crossed that this will be worth it.

Dagmara Dominczyk, Cara Seymour and Eszter Balint also star.

A Woman, A Part Release Dates: March 22nd, 2017 (US)…

Happy Film Loving,

G

Crime, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews

THE DROP (2014): It’s Good, People. It’s Good

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The Drop (2014), Tom Hardy
The Drop (2014), Tom Hardy

Starring two spectacular screen talents in the shape of the late James Gandolfini and British actor Tom Hardy; The Drop is an expertly executed film.

The Drop (2014), James Gandolfini
The Drop (2014), James Gandolfini

In the dark and grim criminal underworld of Brooklyn, New York; where director Michaël R. Roskam’s crime/thriller is set; there’s a brilliant stillness. The kind that lets you know that much more is bubbling below the surface than meets the eye.

The Drop features the type of tension that’s perfectly thrilling, and certainly best experienced through a screen rather than in person.

I enjoyed all the performances by every cast member. However, it’s the scenes that feature Hardy, Schoenaerts and Gandolfini that you won’t soon forget. There’s also the notable musical score; a perfect accompaniment for the many highly engaging predicaments in which the characters find themselves.

Watch The Drop for the well-executed story because chances are, you won’t regret it.

Lastly, you may even find yourself wondering if it has ever been easier to like the ‘bad guy.’ Watch it and learn.

Happy Film Loving,

G