Richard Jewell: Hero or Suspect?

Richard Jewell is the seventh-movie-in-a-row for director Clint Eastwood about real people.

Richard Jewell was released on March 17. Viewers can try Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital. The Digital format appeared early on March 3.

JEWELL

Clint Eastwood is 89-years-old. For such a long career, there is bound to be some good, bad and the alright.

While his previous work, The Mule, made about a cool $186 million worldwide, Richard Jewell stopped around $44 million.

Critics appeared to be a lot more favourable towards the movie with a 76% on Rotten Tomatoes. The American Film Institute called it one of the Top 10 movies of 2019. The National Board of Review Awards agreed and also awarded Kathy Bates for Best Supporting Actress, and Paul Walter Hauser won Best Breakthrough Performance.

The Academy Awards and Golden Globes nominated Bates for Best Supporting Actress, as well.    

Richard Jewell is based on the true story of the 1996 Olympic Games bombing in Atlanta. The film stars Sam Rockwell as Watson Bryant and Kathy Bates as Richard's mom, Bobi. The movie also stars Jon Hamm, Olivia Wilde and Paul Walter Hauser as Richard.

The screenplay was by Oscar nominee Billy Ray. The basis of the story came from the Vanity Fair article, 'American Nightmare: The Ballad of Richard Jewell.' Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill may be the surprising names getting producing credits.           

Richard Jewell is rated R for language, some sexual references and brief bloody images.

TAKE

Would I buy this film? Yes.

Of Eastwood's last few movies, this is easily so much better than The 15:17 to Paris.

The strong acting from the cast. Richard's compelling story of being wrongfully accused that I was not familiar with at all.

It is a dramatized movie, so of course, people will argue it is not 100% accurate. There was much controversy of Olivia Wilde's journalist Kathy Scruggs (also a real person, but she passed away in 2001.) With the implications, Kathy would do a certain kind of 'trade' to get close to the story. (The debates still show up today on the first page of Google results.)

The film is about 132 minutes. The first 20 minutes are a bit slow as they set up the characters. And also show Richard's unusual and quirky behaviour as a security guard on a college campus, which gets him fired, but will grab a different kind of attention later on.

When things move on to the Olympics and Richard's discovery of a mysterious backpack with a bomb in Centennial Park - is where the momentum picks up speed. While people died, and many were injured, everyone agrees Richard saved many more lives that night with his actions.

But with such a worldwide event, people want answers very quickly. So, hearing a little bit of information, the FBI and the media make a quick assumption and jump to the conclusion, well, Richard must have been involved. He becomes the number one suspect.

Paul Walter Hauser is impressive as Richard. His behaviour may be a little off-putting at first, but I kind of warm-up to the character throughout the movie. Sam Rockwell and Kathy Bates were also stand-outs with their roles.

(In the special features, Richard's actual mother, couldn't believe how much Paul looked like her son.)

Nevertheless, I think at 89-years-old, Clint Eastwood still proves he has what it takes to run a movie production.               

SPECIAL FEATURES OVERVIEW

The Making of Richard Jewell (6 minutes, 58 seconds.)

- Clint Eastwood talks about why he wanted to do the story. The production strived for much accuracy as they could. They filmed at the real Centennial Park in Atlanta. The outside views of where Bobi and Richard Jewell live - was where they did live in real-life. The actors talk about being part of the production.

The Real Story of Richard Jewell (6 minutes, 39 seconds.)

- The true Bobi Jewell and Winston Bryant talk about their thoughts of Richard and the movie. The cast talks about the pressures of playing real people.

Warner Brothers Home Entertainment

Joker: Lots of Buzz

Smile.

Joker was released on January 7. Viewers can buy the Blu-ray, DVD and Digital. The Digital format appeared early on December 17.

JOKER

Joker has been on an impressive run. It made over a billion dollars at the worldwide box office and is one of the top movies of 2019. It also smashed expectations to become the biggest R-rated movie ever at the box office.

Joker’s run continues by doing surprisingly well during this awards season. Joaquin Phoenix won a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice award for Best Actor. Hildur Guðnadóttir won each for Original Score and Best Score.

Most notably, Joker picked up a cool 11 nominations for the upcoming Oscars. These include Best Picture and Best Actor for Joaquin Phoenix.

The past wins make Phoenix a good contender for an Academy Award. If it does happen, it would be a huge ‘acting win’ for comic-book movies since Heath Ledger won posthumously for Best Supporting Actor. (Which would be even more intriguing as Ledger was the Joker in 2008’s The Dark Knight.)

On the flip side, like plenty of movies - despite all the awards love and huge box office - a lot of people do not like Joker. The Rotten Tomatoes has a “Fresh’ rating of just 69%. Some critics called it awful, stupid, and dumb.

This new origin story of the Joker also brought controversy.

It’s 1981 in Gotham City. The city is fractured. The mentally-ill and troubled comedian, Arthur Fleck, has been taking care of his mother, Penny (Frances Conroy), while she is dreaming of Thomas Wayne to save them.

One shining light is the show Live! with Murray Franklin (Played by Robert De Niro.) Arthur imagines making an appearance.  

Arthur’s bleak world eventually reaches a breaking point, and he descends into more madness and murder. Some felt the story came across too much like real-world news that it might inspire real-life violence when the film was initially released. And some viewers were so put off by the story that they walked out of the theatre.

TAKE

Would I buy this film? Yes.

Todd Phillips directed the movie and co-wrote the screenplay with Scott Silver, based on characters from DC. The movie was produced by Phillips, Emma Tilliger Koskoff and Bradley Cooper. Yes, that Bradley Cooper.

The cast includes Phoenix, De Niro, Conroy, Zazie Beetz, Brett Cullen, Gleen Fleshler, Bill Camp, Shea Whigham, Marc Maron, Douglas Hodge, Josh Pais and Leigh Gill.

Batman was my superhero pick when I was a kid. He still is. I have The Dark Knight movies. I’ve probably even seen the George Clooney version a couple of times. I’m curious what Robert Pattinson will do with the role.

So, if there is anybody expecting something like a Batman movie, though, you will likely be disappointed in Joker. There are no big action sequences, and things are much smaller scale.

And yes, there is no dispute. The movie is dark and disturbing. When the violence comes it feels more shocking because it comes across more real. But somehow, the film is so well-done and looks so different from other comic-book movies that I found it hard not to like.

Phoenix is practically in every scene of the 122 minutes, and although I can’t debate the other acting nominees, I get the impression Phoenix is well-deserved of the awards. He’s sweet and awkward and caring to unsettling and murderous. I think I was tense, just watching him in certain scenes. Arthur Fleck’s laugh is uncontrollable at inappropriate times because of a medical condition - which is a real mental illness and not made up for the movie.  

While De Niro is in a much smaller role - and I have not watched The Irishman - this is probably the best acting I’ve seen from him in a long time.

If you are a Batman or comic-book fan, it is probably best to set your expectations accordingly. Director Todd Phillips even called the story an alternate universe in the special features.

But if anything, I say it’s Joaquin’s Phoenix’s performance is what makes the movie.   

SPECIAL FEATURES OVERVIEW

Joker: Vision and Fury (22 minutes, 25 seconds.)

- The most interesting of the special features because it is the most extensive. As Director Todd Phillips called the movie an alternate universe, he also calls the story as a character study. How does a person become a certain way? Gotham was inspired by New York in the 80s. There is also talk of Joaquin was the first person in mind for the role and how Arthur Fleck is an original character, with no history in the comics.

Becoming Joker (1 minute, 25 seconds.)

- Joaquin was going through various looks as Arthur and Joker. There is no talking whatsoever.

Please Welcome…Joker! (2 minutes, 44 seconds.)

- There was no such thing as a repeated take for Phoenix. They showed his entrance to the Murray Franklin Show. Every single take, he did something different.

Joker: A Chronicle of Chaos. (3 minutes, 4 seconds)

- A series of photographs from the movie.

Warner Brothers Home Entertainment

A Star Is Born: Special Encore Edition

Ready for an Encore?

A Star Is Born Encore arrived June 4. It will be on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital. The Blu-Ray and DVD will also have the theatrical version.

ENCORE

A Star is Born Encore offers almost 12 extra minutes to the movie. 

Do the 12 minutes change anything drastic? 
My take - No. 

Most of the additions go towards longer performances and some never-before-seen footage.

- The opening song 'Black Eyes' is longer and so is the song 'Alibi.'
- When Ally sings 'Shallow' for the first time in a parking lot, it lasts a few more seconds. 
- The wedding sequence includes the song, "Is That Alright,' which was only featured on the soundtrack. There was no performance in the theatrical version.  
- Other never-seen song snippets. (These are all within a minute length.) - Jack and Ally writing a new song called 'Clover.' Jackson in the studio singing 'Too Far Gone' and Jackson and Ally have a jam session for 'Midnight Special.'

There are also a few extended and never-before-heard dialogue.
 - Jackson's and Noodles (Dave Chappelle) first conversation has a few extra words. 
- There is a brief zipline scene with Jackson and Ally.
- During the Roy Orbison Tribute, it shows Jackson and the singer, Marlon Williams, having more of a conversation. 

TAKE

Would I buy it? Yes. If I had never seen the movie. 

A Star is Born is still my contender for the best movie that I have watched in 2019. I still like the music, too.

But casual viewers may not even notice the difference with the Encore version. (I actually had to search the Internet for some of the scene additions.) 

For my viewing experience though, the extra music is cool. I didn't really feel like I missed out on the extended dialogue scenes. 

The hardcore fans, who want a little bit more of Jackson and Ally, may find the 12 minutes to be exciting and worthwhile.

The Special Features only have Musical Moments.

Below is my February Movie Take, when I saw the film for the initial Blu-Ray and DVD release.

STAR

A Star Is Born is essentially the fourth time this story is being told. There is the 1976 version with Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson. The 1954 movie with Judy Garland and James Mason. And the original goes back to a 1937 film with stars Janet Gaynor and Fredric March - but it had nothing to do with music. Gaynor played an actress with a big dream.

All have the same title - A Star Is Born.    

Bradley Cooper decided he wanted to take on the task of this new version. He went all in, too. He earned his acting, directing, writing and producing credits.

He cast Lady Gaga, in her first leading role. She played the struggling singer, Ally, whose star may be on the rise. There is also Andrew Dice Clay, Dave Chappelle and Sam Elliott to round out the cast. Rami Gavron and Anthony Ramos also have roles.

Cooper and Gaga wrote original songs for the movie. This also includes a handful of artists, like Lukas Nelson (Willie Nelson’s son), Jason Isbell and Mark Ronson.

All songs were recorded live during filming, too. No lip-syncing, nothing recorded beforehand.   

Most critics and audiences seem to agree that the movie was worth a look. It has a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It made over $209 million in North America and $421 million worldwide.

A Star Is Born brought the acclaim and countless award nominations. Won Best Original Song - Shallow - at the Golden Globes. (The official music video has nearly 300 million views on YouTube. Plus countless covers which most recently includes Kelly Clarkson.)

The movie won three acting awards at the National Board of Review. This is for Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga and Sam Elliott. It also won two Grammys including Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.  

The movie was nominated for eight Academy Awards. This includes Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Mixing and Best Original Song.

The movie only took home a single Oscar. But it was for the one that a lot people figured would be the obvious category win - Best Original Song for Shallow. The award went to Gaga and co-writers Mark Ronson, Andrew Wyatt and Anthony Rossomando.

So, yes, Lady Gaga is now an Oscar winner. Gaga's performance of the song with Cooper at the Oscars managed to be one of the more talked-about moments of the night.

TAKE

Would I buy this film? Yes.

It’s so well-done, it may just be one of the best movies I’ve watched in 2019.

But it’s safe to say it’s not a family-friendly movie with an R rating. There’s plenty of language through 136 minutes, and the story is not always an easy watch. There are issues like love, heartbreak, substance abuse/addiction and mental health/illness to deal with.

I can’t say I was ever really a Lady Gaga fan. I don’t mind some of her songs, but I never got excited to listen to them.

But I think A Star Is Born made me appreciate her musical talents a little bit more. There is no doubt, the Lady can sing.   

There is a scene in a parking lot with Cooper. She sings a small part of Shallow with no music. She sounds impressive.

It a little bit surprising how good Cooper is as the musician, Jackson Maine. A man whose music career isn’t exactly going smoothly. Rocket Raccoon is pretty cool from Guardians of the Galaxy, but I think this is Cooper's best work since American Sniper. (2014.)    

For original music, they really aren’t bad songs. You may even want to listen to some of them a second time. (I have already.)

Will the movie be for everybody? Probably not. But you may just find something to like. I think the award nominations feel earned and deserved.

SPECIAL FEATURES OVERVIEW

Jam Sessions and Rarities

- Baby What You Want Me To Do

- Midnight Special

- Is That Alright

It hits a little bit below 10 minutes. ‘Baby What You Want Me To Do’ and ‘Midnight Special,’ you get a behind-the-scenes look of singing. It's blended in with footage that appears to be cut from the movie. ‘Is That Alright’ is a music-video which may be wedding song material for some people.

The Road to Stardom: Making A Star is Born

Roughly 30 minutes. The first 5 minutes is standard behind-the-scenes stuff. But things get more interesting as Bradley and Lady Gaga discuss musical ideas with Lukas Nelson and Mark Ronson. Acting with Sam Elliott, Andrew Dice Clay and Anthony Ramos. Cooper also tells of his directing choices and how that went.    

Music Videos and Musical Moments

There are the music videos for Shallow, Always Remember Us This Way and Look What I Found, I’ll Never Love Again. You can also pick specific music moments from the movie to watch again.

Warner Brothers Home Entertainment

A Star Is Born: Contender

“…Music is essentially 12 notes between any octave - 12 notes and the octave repeats. It’s the same story. Told over, and over. All any artist can offer the world is how they see those 12 notes…”  

A Star Is Born arrived February 19. It’s on everything from the 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, the Blu-Ray Combo Pack, the DVD Special Edition. The Digital format appeared early on January 15.

STAR

A Star Is Born is essentially the fourth time this story is being told. There is the 1976 version with Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson. The 1954 movie with Judy Garland and James Mason. And the original goes back to a 1937 film with stars Janet Gaynor and Fredric March - but it had nothing to do with music. Gaynor played an actress with a big dream.

All have the same title - A Star Is Born.    

Bradley Cooper decided he wanted to take on the task of this new version. He went all in, too. He earned his acting, directing, writing and producing credits.

He cast Lady Gaga, in her first leading role. She played the struggling singer, Ally, whose star may be on the rise. There is also Andrew Dice Clay, Dave Chappelle and Sam Elliott to round out the cast. Rami Gavron and Anthony Ramos also have roles.

Cooper and Gaga wrote original songs for the movie. This also includes a handful of artists, like Lukas Nelson (Willie Nelson’s son), Jason Isbell and Mark Ronson.

All songs were recorded live during filming, too. No lip-syncing, nothing recorded beforehand.   

Most critics and audiences seem to agree that the movie was worth a look. It has a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It made over $209 million in North America and $421 million worldwide.

A Star Is Born brought the acclaim and countless award nominations. Won Best Original Song - Shallow - at the Golden Globes. (The official music video has nearly 300 million views on YouTube. Plus countless covers which most recently includes Kelly Clarkson.)

The movie won three acting awards at the National Board of Review. This is for Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga and Sam Elliott. It also won two Grammys including Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.  

The movie is nominated for eight Academy Awards. This includes Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Mixing and Best Original Song.

The movie only took home a single Oscar. But it was for the one that a lot people figured would be the obvious category win - Best Original Song for Shallow. The award went to Gaga and co-writers Mark Ronson, Andrew Wyatt and Anthony Rossomando.

So, yes, Lady Gaga is now an Oscar winner. Gaga's performance of the song with Cooper at the Oscars managed to be one of the more talked-about moments of the night.

TAKE

Would I buy this film? Yes.

It’s so well-done, it may just be one of the best movies I’ve watched in 2019.

So far, of course. It is only February.  

But it’s safe to say it’s not a family-friendly movie with an R rating. There’s plenty of language through 136 minutes, and the story is not always an easy watch. There are issues like love, heartbreak, substance abuse/addiction and mental health/illness to deal with.

I can’t say I was ever really a Lady Gaga fan. I don’t mind some of her songs, but I never got excited to listen to them.

But I think A Star Is Born made me appreciate her musical talents a little bit more. There is no doubt, the Lady can sing.   

There is a scene in a parking lot with Cooper. She sings a small part of Shallow with no music. She sounds impressive.

It a little bit surprising how good Cooper is as the musician, Jackson Maine. A man whose music career isn’t exactly going smoothly. Rocket Raccoon is pretty cool from Guardians of the Galaxy, but I think this is Cooper's best work since American Sniper. (2014.)    

For original music, they really aren’t bad songs. You may even want to listen to some of them a second time. (I have already.)

Will the movie be for everybody? Probably not. But you may just find something to like. I think the award nominations feel earned and deserved.

SPECIAL FEATURES OVERVIEW

Jam Sessions and Rarities

- Baby What You Want Me To Do

- Midnight Special

- Is That Alright

It hits a little bit below 10 minutes. ‘Baby What You Want Me To Do’ and ‘Midnight Special,’ you get a behind-the-scenes look of singing. It's blended in with footage that appears to be cut from the movie. ‘Is That Alright’ is a music-video which may be wedding song material for some people.

The Road to Stardom: Making A Star is Born

Roughly 30 minutes. The first 5 minutes is standard behind-the-scenes stuff. But things get more interesting as Bradley and Lady Gaga discuss musical ideas with Lukas Nelson and Mark Ronson. Acting with Sam Elliott, Andrew Dice Clay and Anthony Ramos. Cooper also tells of his directing choices and how that went.    

Music Videos and Musical Moments

There are the music videos for Shallow, Always Remember Us This Way and Look What I Found, I’ll Never Love Again. You can also pick specific music moments from the movie to watch again.

Warner Brothers Home Entertainment