matthewssilverhammer

This sharp critique of fame is perhaps the purest distillation of Garland's tragic power as a force of sheer entertainment. The song in the empty bar, the engagement scene during the recording, performing her big new number for her husband at home. Even with the heavy themes and tones, a stupid ear-to-ear grin rarely left my face for the near-3-hrs.

There is officially ZERO reason to watch Gray Man; THIS is the only (not-so-)semi-subtle homoerotic Netflix action epic we need. A tightrope walk between complete silliness & beautiful sincerity, it has entertainment value dripping from every colorful pore: insane action, enveloping dialogue, sprawling yet intimate storytelling, elaborate dancing (yep!). Admittedly, the unfamiliarity of the tone may be a bit much for those prepared, but it's hard to deny the bravura movie-making, daring you to not to have fun.

Seriously, it's a visual marvel: nightmarish make-up, endless pops of color against the darkness, unashamed comic book sets. It's another reminder of the unfortunate world of unnecessary realism our blockbusters are stuck in now. Sadly, a canyon exists between the quality of this movie's style & substance. The middle majority sags like crazy, but the opening & closing (&, of course, the fever-dream images) make it worthwhile.