daoldiges

I didn't know much about The Brutalist other than the broadest basics, but was interested and curious to check it out. Right away I was blown away by the score and that initial sensation was wonderfully supported and maintained right to the films conclusion. It was effective, unique and well matched to the actions on screen. Brody gives a solid performance and is worthy of the accolades he has thus far received. Pierce's performance was basically good but it did seem somewhat forced, to me, like he was trying a bit too hard. The story itself is solid and one that kept me engaged start to finish, but the ending felt a bit anticlimactic, not necessarily bad but not what one might reasonably expect considering the length of the film and the big issues it dealt with. As for Corbet's direction I was greatly impressed that so many elements and scenes felt genuinely fresh and unique, and really worked while never seeming contrived. Even though it does reach greatness it also wobbles at other times. I not saying this because the film was too long, but I did feel there were segments that did go n a bit longer than needed. The Brutalist may have some problems but it is still a film very much worth seeing.

Grant, Rogers, and Monroe are the best parts of Monkey Business, but not even this trio can save this film from itself. Grant plays to one of his two types, in this case the bungling, unaware manchild and Rogers plays his overly patient, understanding, and adoring wife. It's the script here that doesn't work as it is so obvious, stereotypical and predictable to the point of annoyance really. Everyone tries hard and gives their best efforts and I did appreciate them for it. As much as I would like to reward those efforts I simply in good conscience cannot do that. Monkey Business has a couple of scenes that work but not nearly enough to recommend.

I had no idea what His Three Daughters was about going into it and that's usually the way I like it. As someone who has had a parent go through the hospice care experience with two of my brothers I was pleasantly when I realized what the film was about. Some of that delight eventually faded away when I then realized that this film's depiction of hospice is not entirely accurate. Rather than an ignorance of hospice I'm guessing this misrepresentation was for dramatic effect. My issue is that I don't think the changes were necessary and things could have worked quite well with a true representation. Nevertheless the story as is mostly works. As for the performances they are mostly solid with Coon and Olsen both turning in excellent performances. As for Lyonne, she played a character a bit close to her type for me but was fine. The story does create a range of emotions for the viewer but is a rather somber experience throughout. Towards the end of the film the realism disappears as a bit of fantasy is interjected into the story which was completely unnecessary and almost derails the whole project. Despite this misstep His Three Daughters is worth checking out.