Tag: Noah Baumbach

Geekscape Movie Review: The Two Popes

by MCDave

NetFlix has muscled its way to the front and center of this year’s awards season as the financier behind prominent Best Picture contenders like The Irishman and Marriage Story. But there’s another NetFlix title certainly worth mentioning and, in my humble opinion, one that’s even a step above the aforementioned Oscar-titans which come from legendary filmmakers Martin Scorsese and Noah Baumbach. The Two Popes is a masterful and overlooked film from Fernando Meirelles, the man behind Oscar-recognized works like City of God and The Constant Gardener, and one whose awards season trajectory is still very cloudy. Nevertheless, Meirelles’ latest offering stands among 2019’s finest films and is currently available to stream on NetFlix.

It’s 2012 and Cardinal Bergoglio (Jonathan Pryce), a very liberal voice within the Catholic Church, requests permission to retire from the conservative-minded Pope Benedict (Anthony Hopkins). But as these two respected religious leaders clash in viewpoints, they still manage to forge a connection over their love of the church. Confessing their greatest regrets and darkest sins to one another, a sign of clarity will forever change the history of the Catholic Church.

At the center of The Two Two Popes is an elegantly-scripted story that’s placed in the careful hands of two magnificent performers. Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins should be absolute locks for Oscar nominations, however both failed to make the cut with the Screen Actors Guild. And the film depicts a clearly fictitious encounter between these two men, but presents their meeting in such an enjoyable and believable manner. The Two Popes flows like a stage-play, heavy in dialogue and extremely dependent on its actors. Pryce and Hopkins do more than rise to the occasion, they provide such resemblance and authenticity to their characters that it allows for a dramatic third act to completely suffocate you with genuine emotion. Pryce may give my favorite turn of the year, but that’s certainly no slight to Hopkins who marvels in his own right. Anthony McCarten’s brilliant screenplay is also deserving of some Oscar love as well. The story uses the philosophical contrasts of these two men as a beautiful juxtaposition to the shocking symmetry of their dark inner demons. The entire experience is soulfully dramatic but complemented wonderfully by a light and often comedic script. As someone who isn’t remotely in tune with the Catholic Church or religion in general, I can safely say that The Two Popes is in no way geared solely for a niche audience. It’s an exceptional character study with a religious back drop, but one that is relatable across all spectrums of life. And although the film can’t be viewed as a reliable historic source, these monumental moments in the Catholic Church are delivered exactly how we wish they would have happened. It’s not often you can sit down in the comfy confines of your own home and enjoy one of the year’s most impressive titles, but that’s exactly what Netflix is offering with their newly dropped Best Picture hopeful, The Two Popes.

GRADE: 4/5

Geekscape Movie Reviews: Lady Bird

by MCDave

Thanks to countless collaborations with acclaimed indie filmmaker Noah Baumbach, Greta Gerwig has cemented her standing as a formidable lead actress in contemporary Hollywood. And even after a steadily climbing career inexplicably found her on the outside looking in at this past Oscars ceremony, where her work in Mike Mills’ 20th Century Women was actually one of the year’s strongest performances despite the snub, Academy voters will have a difficult time turning a blind eye to Gerwig’s beloved festival darling, Lady Bird. This indie treat combines the witty charm of Gerwig’s screenplay with a familiar Oscar player, Brooklyn star Saoirse Ronan.

The self-nicknamed “Lady Bird” (Ronan) wants nothing more than to escape her Northern California roots by getting into an east coast college despite her mom’s (Laurie Metcalf) strongest efforts to keep her local. And as Lady Bird navigates through senior year with her best and only friend, Julie (Beanie Feldstein), she encounters many firsts that slowly shape her her transition into adulthood.

Sadly, if you’ve seen Lady Bird‘s official trailer then you’ve seen many of the films most memorable moments. But still, Gerwig’s endearing script miraculously finds ways of triggering familiarity to our own teenage years, full of awkwardness and immaturity that we’ve all encountered in some shape or form. Saoirse continues to demonstrate her acting prowess by channeling her inner irrational self, without a filter and desperate to develop a sense of self. Lady Bird makes for such an interesting character because she’s so relatable, a testament to Gerwig’s crafty writing and Ronan’s ability to bring the title character to life. Equally as impressive as Ronan’s stout onscreen performance is the reemergence of Roseanne co-star, Laure Metcalf. Playing Lady Bird’s combative mother, Metcalf brings a natural fluidity to the role and their meticulously crafted co-dependence proves a marvelous component to the film. Lady Bird moves well with its brisk nearly 90-minute running time, but it also lacks a big emotional punch to the gut with its meandering resolution. Gerwig’s effort is certainly a strong one and seems primed to be an Oscar player as the year comes to a close, but Lady Bird also falls short of greatness in many regards.

GRADE: 4/5

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SXSW Movie Reviews: Gemini

by MCDave

Lola Kirke first caught my eye in Noah Baumbach’s 2015 indie-comedy, Mistress America. Even standing alongside the versatile indie starlet, Greta Gerwig, from scene to scene, Kirke’s performance jumps off the screen and immediately commands your attention. The same can be said for her latest work in Aaron Katz’s new L.A. mystery, Gemini, which completely reaffirms that Lola Kirke is an emerging star.

Jill (Kirke) is a personal assistant and best friend to her famed Hollywood-celebrity boss, Heather Anderson (Zoe Kravitz). Throughout the course of the day, Heather’s odd behavior ultimately makes mortal enemies out of her now ex-boyfriend, and a filmmaker whom she leaves hanging out to dry. Therefore, when Jill returns to the actress’ home the next day and finds her dead body on the floor, she becomes the lead detective’s (John Cho) number one suspect in a sea of possible murderers, prompting her to manipulate her appearance and dig deeper into the mystery herself.

Aaron Katz delivers another fine piece of filmmaking with his latest feature, Gemini. Katz’s direction continues to embolden itself with every subsequent project. It’s been an absolute pleasure to watch his progression as both a writer and filmmaker, which culminates into this new career-best effort thanks to brilliant performances and a clever screenplay that help propel his overall vision. Leading star Lola Kirke possesses a hypnotic ability as a performer, one that takes you on her chaotic journey through Katz’s smartly written murder mystery. Zoe Kravitz also provides an exceptional supporting turn by molding a complex and conflicted character. Gemini swiftly navigates through a bleak Los Angeles backdrop, disjoint from all the glamour and glitz of Tinsel Town, in order to tell a unique story. And despite the film’s mildly unsatisfying finale which leaves a little to be desired, this twist-filled “whodunit” tale still proves to be completely worth the ride.

GRADE: 4/5

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