Just Keep Going: June Movie Reviews

Hello my readers! I've been making some changes to my daily routines here and figuring out how to best navigate this topsy-turvy world. I am welcoming June with fresh gratitude and new insights. I'm journaling through many continued unknowns, but appreciate all the continued support.

Let's move onto the movies now!

Tick, Tick, Boom! Andrew Garfield stars as "Rent" creator Jonathan Larson in this musical directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda.  Before the world ever got a peak at the sensational musical, Rent, we’re going back to New York City, during the 90’s, where the theatre kids like to play. In the movie, we meet Jon, who has put immense pressure on himself to finish his musical “Suburbia” before his 30th birthday, which comes at a price, risking love and friendship along the way.

Andrew Garfield is outstanding. His singing chops are unreal and I don’t think I ever knew he could even sing before seeing this movie.  The songs are wonderful and reminiscent of the hustle culture that existed to just get your foot in the Broadway door. You’ll be bopping to the beat of Boho Days, an ode to friendship and connection in its purest form.  

With a pedal to the medal feel, every second of the film is a rush. It’s uplifting and highly emotional. We watch the heartbreak of Jon losing his dearest friends to the growing epidemic of HIV/AIDS, yet still pushing through all the sadness to make his dream come true.  Robin de Jesus who plays his best friend, Michael  (who is in the throws of dealing with life-changing news and uncertainty) also gives an incredible performance.

Honouring the life of Larson, Tick, Tick Boom! is the beating heart of what musical theatre lovers will cherish forever.    

                           

Swish after swish, Michael Jordan has dominated the court, leading his team to victory.  Air is directed by Ben Affleck and written by Alex Convery Air is the story of Sonny Vaccaro (Matt Damon), a basketball guru and a major promoter who spear-headed the deal to sign Michael Jordan to a multi-million dollar contract with a shoe that would eventually be on everyone’s wishlist; the infamous “Air” Jordan’s.

Although the movie starts out a bit slow, it picks up speed to highlight the intensity of signing Michael, while beating out their competition. Part of that was having to persuade Jordan’s mother in the movie, Delores (played by Viola Davis) who gives a great performance, and won’t settle for just any contract and knows what her son is worth. 

It’s an enjoyable film, and as formulaic as it is, you don’t need to jump thru hoops to get to the heart of it. 

                  

Billy Elliot The Musical was based on the hit film Billy Elliot directed by Stephen Daldry and is an absolute delight.  Ready to hang up his boxing gloves in exchange for ballet shoes, Billy (played by Jamie Bell) starts to secretly take lessons from his ballet teacher with much disdain from his father and brother. Escaping his mundane life, dancing takes all the sadness away and Billy’s really good at it, not at first of course. He does have a natural raw talent and with the mentorship and motherly love (although tough love) all the practicing is paying off and Billy could be headed for a scholarship. 

This coming of age movie is uplifting and sweet. It’s emotionally satisfying with a terrific soundtrack and beautiful choreography with every step. It challenges gender stereotypes and allows us to feel the excitement for Billy as he gets the chance to breakaway and not feel afraid anymore.

 

Directed by Jalmari Helander, Sisu is one hell of a wild ride.  We follow Aatami (Jorma Tommila)  a gold prospector and fearless ex-solider who is left to his own devices after experiencing tragic losses of his family. Finally striking gold, the inevitable happens and the Nazi’s find him and try to steal it all away. To their surprise, Aatami is not going down without a fight.

The film has a strong narrative, showcasing the power of the Finnish word - Sisu – also the titled film. It is a concept of being brave, resilient and unstoppable, all of which are characteristics that Jorma is able to showcase skillfully in his performance. Although Aatami barely speaks, as the saying goes, actions speak louder than words. 

Limbs are flying left and right and the amount of gore can be overwhelming - but if you're okay with that, then carry on  watching. Aatami is a blast to watch and some of the battle scenes are just ridiculously out of this world. It has some visual cinematic style of a John Wick film with high energy and incredible effects, yet with the unique touchings of European flare. 

Overall, it’s a bloody good time.