Adnerb the Movie Nerd

Movie reviews from a middle school teacher's perspective

Yesterday

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There are so many  movies out there that are remakes or updates or that just rehash the same old plot over and over that it is refreshing when someone can put a new spin on a tired formula.  In this new romantic comedy, there is an original twist that I found intriguing. The premise of “Yesterday” is that a world-wide blackout, that only lasts twelve seconds, has somehow changed some small parts of history so that a few pop cultural phenomena  have completely disappeared from memory, or even existence! People not only don’t remember them, but there is no trace of them ever having been. The most well-known is The Beatles! Except for…  Enter Jack Malik (played winningly by Himesh Patel). Jack is a struggling songwriter, who has an accident at the exact same moment the blackout occured.  This causes him to incredibly be the only person (or so he thinks) who knows who the Beatles were, and who knows their songs.  This gives him the perfect opportunity to pursue his career, get rich and famous, and perhaps win the girl of his dreams – school teacher/ manager Ellie (Lily James). As you might expect, things don’t happen the way Jack is hoping they will.  Along the way, Jack hooks up with Ed Sheeran, who gives him advice on the song “Hey Jude,” and helps launch his career. One thing I loved was the riffing on all things Beatles; like why some of their album titles just wouldn’t work today, for example.  I loved this movie; but then again, I am a big Beatles fan. Their songs (especially some of the lyrics) really make you think.  MINOR SPOILER ALERT:  There will be an appearance by one of the Beatles.  I totally did not expect that.  As written by Richard Curtis (who also wrote “Love, Actually”) you know there is going to be a sweet, “happy” ending.  My advice:  Go see “Yesterday” tomorrow.

Long Shot

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The premise for this romcom sounds a little preposterous to say the least.  Charlize Theron plays a beautiful and very popular Secretary of State, Charlotte Field, for a president (Bob Odenkirk) who was elected because of his popularity on televison (sound familiar?)  Odenkirk’s character decides not to run for reelection, leaving the door wide open for her to run and become the first woman president.  Along comes Fred Flarsky, played by Seth Rogen.  He is a struggling journalist for a failing newspaper that has just been bought out by a Rupert Murdoch-esque sleaze.  He is considered something of a nerdy pest, but believes strongly in free and honest journalism, so he quits the paper rather than sell out. An old friend, Lance (O’Shea Jackson Jr)  tries to help him out and cheer him up. Fred resists until Lance tells him they will be going to an event where Boyz II Men are going to perform.  Charlotte is also going to be there, and It turns out the two were childhood friends, and Fred has had a crush on her since she babysat for him.  They meet at the event and reconnect after an embarrassing mishap (Fred ends up being an Internet sensation).  I am spoiling nothing by telling you that this is the most unlikely on screen pairing since Esmerelda and Quasimodo.  However, there is an unlikely, but likeable, chemistry between the two – and it is fun watching them and their compatriots on their political path.   Long Shot offers both romance and humor.  In a surprise part, look for Andy Serkis.  I won’t tell you which role this acting chameleon plays but see if you recognize him.  All in all, the movie demonstrates that the romantic comedy might not be dead after all.

LaLa Land

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Do you enjoy watching those big, splashy musicals that Hollywood made in the ’40s and ’50s?  Movies like “The Harvey Girls” “An American in Paris” or “Singing in the Rain”?  If so, La La Land is going to put a song in your heart and some boogie in your feet.  This is one wonderful movie.  Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling seem at first to be two unlikely actors to pull off an old-fashioned musical.  And yet they do!  The songs are modern and the lyrics are a delight.  La La Land tells the story of Mia and Sebastian, who have both come to “The Land of Broken Dreams” to make it big.   Mia wants to be an actress while Sebastian is a dedicated jazz musician who dreams of owning his own jazz club.  The movie shows the ups and downs and highs and lows of their pursuits with music and dance enhancing that journey.  John Legend is also featured and helps to move the plot along rather nicely.  This is a wonderful movie, and if  you love music, you will not be disappointed.

Passengers

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Do not listen to some of the poor reviews this movie is getting- I thoroughly enjoyed this sci-fi love story, and think you will too.  Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt are passengers on a 120-year journey to another planet. Something goes wrong and their hibernation pods wake them up 90 years early.  Themes explored in this movie are: making the most of whatever situation you find yourself in, living life to the fullest, overcoming isolation and finding love in the most unlikely places. There is a central ethical dilemma that should cause discussion among friends who see this movie together.  Would you have made the same decision Pratt’s character is forced to make?  I loved Michael Sheen as a witty android bartender who accidentally spills the beans on Pratt’s choice.  Laurence Fishburne is surprisingly poignant in his brief appearance as Gus Mancuso ,who brings some much needed pathos and some timely advice.  Andy Garcia is the only actor I found with an unsatisfying part in this movie; he appears for about 5 seconds and has no lines.  I hope he at last earned a decent paycheck! I highly recommend this movie and think you should see it for yourself and make up your own mind.