Tag: Chicago

Geekscape Movie Review: Judy

by MCDave

Time alters perceptions, and it may be easy to forget the stark reality that Renée Zellweger was one of Hollywood’s eminent talents throughout the turn of the millennium. Her adored turn in Jerry Maguire helped steer the actress to Oscar-recognized performances in Bridget Jones’s Diary, Chicago and Cold Mountain three years in a row, the last of which finally earned Zellweger an Oscar statue. However, a strange thing happened and Zellweger’s endearing looks and charming personality faded from the spotlight for many years. Thankfully, though, she returns with a vengeance in Rupert Goold’s 2019 biopic, Judy.

The film highlights the final years of storied singer and actress Judy Garland (Zellweger) as she navigates through financial disarray and losing custody of her children. Judy reluctantly agrees to a series of concerts in London where her appointed tour overseer (Jessie Buckley) and latest love interest (Finn Wittrock) witness the sad and tragic decline of the legendary vocalist. Garland tries desperately to make it through the brief tour with hopes of earning enough income to help stabilize her situation and regain custody of her children, yet stability is anything but easy for Judy.

Rupert Goold’s grim and somber biopic truly encapsulates the well-documented history of Judy Garland’s depressing late-life struggles. And Zellweger steps into Garland’s shoes with impeccable ease, as an actress who was once on top of the world and somehow faded from the spotlight herself. However, in Zellweger’s case, this mild similarity is sure to catapult her back into the awards season discussion where her committed onscreen efforts shouldn’t go unnoticed. Perhaps most impressive is her vocal demonstration that isn’t necessarily shocking (as Zellweger showed she can sing in 2002’s Chicago), but it’s a fabulous reminder of her many well-rounded talents. And although her stunning likeness and exceptionally captured dejectedness are enough to keep the audience engaged throughout the film’s entire two-hour duration, Zellweger’s greatest efforts can’t keep Tom Edge’s screenplay from feeling misaligned. The non-chronological storytelling and usage of flashback is overtly contrived and far from effective, not to mention the film’s underlying soap-opera feel. Outside of the central title figure, other characters are hardly given anything to work with, making Judy a one-person show that’s placed in valiant hands thanks to a brilliant, career resurgent turn by Renée Zellweger.

GRADE: 3/5

Geekscape Movie Reviews: Mary Poppins Returns

by MCDave

For some, Mary Poppins is sacred ground, a cherished childhood classic that isn’t to be spoiled in any way, shape or form. And while the 1964 classic never held such a holy place in the depths of my heart, I fully recognize the film’s cemented place in history as it continues to hold a renowned allure more than a half century later. Enter Rob Marshall’s newly released sequel, Mary Poppins Returns. As a savvy veteran of bringing musicals to the big screen with films like Chicago, Nine and Into the Woods, Marshall’s big-time resume and familiarity with the genre make him a natural choice to handle the return of cinema’s most iconic au pair, Mary Poppins.

Set in 1930s London, more than two decades have passed since Jane (Emily Mortimer) and Michael (Ben Whishaw) Banks were whisked away into a world of wonder and imagination as children. Yet, following the recent passing of Michael’s wife, times only get tougher when the bank informs him that he’s violated the terms of a substantial loan and his family’s house will be repossessed in a few days’ time unless he can come up with the money to pay it off in full. Desperate to find a certificate of stock shares that his deceased father left behind, or face eviction with his trio of motherless children, Michael is shocked when Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt) returns offering to once again help the Banks children in their time of need

Any lavish praise targeted at Rob Marshall’s work must begin with the casting decision of Emily Blunt as the title character. Her beauty, elegance and exceptional singing voice make Blunt the perfect choice to carry on the legacy of Julie Andrews’ signature character. She’s absolutely magnificent in the role and beyond deserving of her early season Golden Globe and SAG nominations. Blunt’s stern attention to detail is on full display as she revitalizes Mary Poppins and all of her inexplicable marvel on the big screen, it truly is a sight to behold. Likewise, Lin-Manuel Miranda puts himself on the map with a fitting performance as Jack, the neighborhood lamp-lighter, who sings and dances his way into your heart as well. Moreover, all three of the new generation of Banks children are wonderful in their own right, and a crowd-pleasing cameo from Angela Lansbury all come together to further illustrate the depths of Rob Marshall’s brilliant cast. However, Mary Poppins Returns suffers in one key area, the film’s overarching story is bone-thin. Cloudy backstories and weakly developed storylines loom over many prominent characters such as Jane, Jack and Wilkins (Colin Firth), making the film more of a magical experience than a finely crafted movie. Mary Poppins Returns is more like a “spoonful of sugar”, delicious and enjoyable but lacking many of the ingredients necessary to make it a fulfilling dish.

GRADE: 3/5

For more reviews, trailers and movie lists visit MCDAVE’s host site

BookCon Moving to Chicago in 2016

by Eric Francisco

This weekend’s BookCon is winding down, but already they’ve announced some big news. Next year, the convention will be moving from New York City to Chicago, and for what appears to be one day only.

https://instagram.com/p/3XGabqSqO5/?taken-by=thebookcon

Some people are naturally expressing disappointment, but I think a change of scenery could do some good. It’s nice to know that fan enthusiasm can be applied anywhere, beyond comic books and movies.

When I told people I was going “to a BookCon,” I had to tell them it’s basically Comic-Con but, you know, not. This is how we break stereotypes, people. By expanding.

My full post-con report from this past BookCon is coming shortly, and I had a blast. It’s a different atmosphere than Comic-Con. It’s far more relaxed and low-key, but the enthusiasm is the same and you meet the same kind of people. They’re just not in Doctor Who cosplay.

Did you go to BookCon this weekend too? Or are you in Chicago and marking the date on your calendar? Let us know.