Doing What's Best for Family
The Best We Could Do
Thi Bui
A graphic novel telling Thi Bui's family story, from her parents' life in Vietnam before the war to the difficulties they faced as Vietnamese citizens during the war to their adaptation to life in America. It's a good history lesson and illustration of the sacrifices people make for family.
Quiet, Unexpected Crisis of Faith
First Reformed
A movie about a preacher at a historic, "display only" chapel connected to a mega-church that was not at all what I was expecting. I was never quite sure where it was going with the theme or the ending. At times, I thought I was watching propaganda. At other times, a sick fantasy. But that's what I liked most about it: How crisis of faith is more than just religious and what the devastating power of guilt does to people.
Blurring Performance, Reality and Relationships
Madeline's Madeline
A "Black Swan"-esque example of blurring the lines between performance and reality. Madeline's the budding star of her theater program, and her teacher capitalizes on her devotion. She encourages Madeline to explore her relationship with her mom, which turns into exploitation of that relationship. A dream-like movie open to interpretation with an incredible attention to sound.
Delightful Documentary about Shocking Artist
Narcissister Organ Player
The story behind Narcissister, the masked, sexually explicit performance artist. An emotional look at the artist's family and how her experiences as a middle class, interracial woman inform her art. Plenty of footage of her performances and her process when creating them.
Teen Troublemakers Come of Age
mid90s
What did teens in California do during the mid-90s? Exactly what you'd expect, according to this movie. Skateboard, cause trouble and get into trouble. I couldn't get past that the main character looks about 10 years old, yet he's heavily drinking and using drugs without getting sick. Probably an accurate picture of how many teenagers refuse to see the consequences of their actions, no matter how severe.
Authentic Social Commentary on America
Blindspotting
Collin's trying to make it through his final days of probation, but his white friend makes it increasingly difficult. This social commentary on race, class and gentrification highlights the discrepancies between what's OK for a white man and a black man to do in America. Some of the most powerful moments of the movie come when you can't help but think "he's going to get shot," which goes to show how real stereotyping and racism still is.
The Spider-Man We Need RN
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Initial thought: "Why do we need another Spiderman?", and I was pleasantly surprised to find the creators of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse answered this within the movie. The animation is fantastic, the story is great and the message is sweet. Miles is the Spider-Man we need right now in a divided county: One who works with the help of others and isn't afraid to show emotion.
Old Man Finally Takes Responsibility
The Mule
Clint Eastwood is back as essentially who you'd expect him to be: an old man who's into some trouble. Pros: It's an entertaining tale of cruel justice, and Eastwood is creating roles for elderly actors. Cons: Yet again, an old white man gets away with a lot because he's an old white man, which I can't help but to relate to Eastwood's empty-chair speech in 2012 and support of Donald Trump. I'd like to see the DEA agent who feels bad for the 30-something person of color caught doing the same thing.
Pick This Before Anything Else:
Blindspotting. It's funny, it's relevant and its message is powerful. And honestly, I think all of the movies this month (except mid90s and maybe The Mule) are worth watching if you have a chance. They're all thinkers.
Which book are you most likely to read based on its five-word review? What movie most interests you? How would you summarize one of the selections above in five words? Let me know in the comments below. if you're looking for more book and movie recommendations, check out my five-word reviews for March.