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

The Kitchen: Messy

Welcome to The Kitchen.

The Kitchen arrives on November 5. It’s on Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital.

The Digital format appeared early on October 22.

EXPECTATIONS

The Kitchen may have had higher expectations for the summer 2019 release.

Melissa McCarthy was riding the wave of her first-ever lead Oscar nomination from Can You Ever Forgive Me? But she also won a Razzie. For the worst performance in The Happytime Murders and Life of the Party.

(The stats show McCarthy has been hit and miss, the last few years. I didn’t mind Life of the Party. But one viewing felt like enough. The Happytime Murders I haven’t watched.)

The Kitchen cast is rounded it out with many familiar faces. Tiffany Haddish and Elisabeth Moss are the other two female leads.

Domhail Gleeson, James Badge Dale, Brian d’Arcy James, Margo Martindale, Common (an Oscar winner), Bill Camp, Jeremy Bobb, E.J. Bonilla, Wayne Duvall and Annabella Sciorra, are in the rest of the ensemble.

Yet.

Not only did the movie struggle - but it bombed by many box office standards. It made just $15 million worldwide. The Rotten Tomatoes rating came in at a measly 22%.

The DC Vertigo comic book series created by Ollie Masters and Ming Doyle is the inspiration for the movie. The screenplay was by Andrea Berloff, who was also the first-time director.

TAKE

Would I buy this film? No.

The curiosity factor may be the only worthwhile point of checking out the movie. I do not know the DC Vertigo comic book series, so I cannot make any proper comparison.

It’s 1978 in Hell’s Kitchen. Three men are sent to prison by the FBI. Of course, there are connections to the mob. So, three housewives enter the uncharted territory to fend for themselves. They decide to take the business into their own hands. They hope to make the community better with the mob duties, instead of only taking the money and disappearing. They can set their own way until their husbands return.

The film gets points for the 1970s feel and the soundtrack. The music was cool. Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain and Carry on my Wayward Son by Kansas, as an example.

It’s an R-rated film, so it is violent and dark at times, and plenty of colourful language. 

Overall though, it doesn’t work for me. At 102-minutes it actually ended up feeling way too long. The pacing of the story came across jumbled for a crime film, that honestly, it was boring at times to watch.

I do like McCarthy, Haddish and Moss in general as actresses. They do well with the dramatic stuff. But, I never really cared much for them in this story.

For wives who were never involved in their husbands’ shady work. Yet, the three quickly challenge their mob competition, take to getting protection money, conduct negotiations, and are involved in murders and violence, and it all seems like surprising ease for them. The number of funerals becomes almost laughable, too, if it wasn’t meant to be a serious movie.       

It’s an impressive cast. The Kitchen felt like it could have been so much better, though.

SPECIAL FEATURES OVERVIEW

Running Hell’s Kitchen (9 minutes, 1 second.)

- Discussion of the filming, the graphic novel/comic book, and how much women were involved in the production.

Taking Over the Neighbourhood (5 minutes, 22 seconds.)

- Some history on Hell’s Kitchen, how they made the movie feel 1970’s New York with the clothes, store signs and even the garbage on the street.

Deleted scene (1 minute, 25 seconds.)

- The quick scene is between Tiffany Haddish and James Badge Dale - her husband in the film. Like four lines of dialogue. I can see why it was cut out.

Warner Brothers Entertainment

Creed II: Second Round

It all starts with an underdog boxer named Rocky in 1976. And a writer and actor named Sylvester Stallone.

Rocky has since appeared in seven other movies in a span of over 40 years. It’s become the top sports movie franchise in film history.

Now, there’s just this kid named Adonis Creed stepping into the ring.  

Creed II arrived March 5. It’s on everything from the 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, the Blu-Ray Combo Pack and DVD. The Digital format appeared early on February 12.

BOXER

Rocky Balboa’s story initially ended in 2006. This changed because of a man named Ryan Coogler (The future Black Panther director.) He co-wrote and directed Creed. Which was released in 2015.

Creed is a spin-off and also a sequel. It continues the story within the world of Rocky Balboa. But gives the spotlight to a new boxer, Adonis Creed played by a very good Michael B. Jordan. Adonis is the son of Apollo Creed, who is featured in the initial Rocky movies.

The story was unexpected enough that Stallone was even hesitant to do it.

The idea seemed to work, though. Creed received much critical acclaim - many calling it one of the best Rocky movies in years. Stallone won his first ever Golden Globe because of it. And awarded the third Oscar nomination of his career. The movie took in over $173 million at the worldwide box office.

Guess the pressure was on for a sequel. Coogler moved to an executive producer role. Stallone returned to his writing roots of Rocky with a co-writer credit with Juel Taylor. The story credit goes to Sascha Penn and Cheo Hodari Coker. Steven Caple Jr. went behind the camera as a director.

Jordan and Stallone reprised their roles. Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, Wood Harris, Andre Ward, Florian Munteanu and Russell Hornsby rounded out the cast. Dolph Lundgren returns as Ivan Drago, as he first appeared in Rocky IV. Drago is someone who made a lasting impression on the lives of Rocky and Creed.              

Creed II did not receive as much acclaim as the first round. It was only 84% on Rotten Tomatoes compared to Creed’s 95%. But that didn’t seem to matter, Creed II saw more people going to the theatre.

Stats says over $213 million at the worldwide box office.

TAKE

Would I buy this film? No.

If you are a fan of Rocky, Creed or boxing movies in general, you should.

I say no because I don’t own any of the other Rocky/Creed movies. I like them, but I’m perfectly fine with renting, streaming or looking for that discount DVD price.

It is a spin-off/sequel to seven other films…so start with buying a movie called Creed II? It’s not a way to go. I think, anyway.

Creed II can be called a ‘boxing’ movie. There are really only three big matches highlighted in the 130-minute story. When they come, they are intense though. The way the fights are filmed, I cringed at some of those punches. There is also the requisite training montage, which pops up in basically every Rocky movie.

Creed II is also a drama. I think Michael B. Jordan and Stallone don’t miss too many acting steps from their relationship in Creed. They both struggle with the appearance of Drago and what it means...while trying to deal with issues in their personal lives.      

There are many changes in Creed’s relationship with his girlfriend. Played by Tessa Thompson. 

There are even moments focused just on Drago and his son, and the fallout they have had to deal from over 30 years ago.

I have a feeling the characters are a small part why Rocky's world is still going on after all these years.

Will there be a Creed III? The movie doesn’t give it a solid answer.

I won't be in any rush to buy it, but I don't think I will mind watching it.

SPECIAL FEATURES OVERVIEW

Fathers and Sons (7 minutes, 16 seconds.)

- Focus on the idea of family within the story from Creed to Drago. Apparently, they blend in some ‘Shakespearean’ aspects for the drama.

Casting Viktor Drago (5 minutes, 43 seconds)

- Florian Munteanu is Viktor Drago. He is a force in the movie, but this is his first real acting role. He talks about how much work he did for the movie.

The Women of Creed II (5 minutes, 51 seconds)

- Tessa Thompson and Phylicia Rashad discuss their characters and how integral they are to the story. The women power goes back to the original Rocky and how much Adrian turned out to be a big part of his life.

The Rocky Legacy (15 minutes, 1 second.)

- If you are a Rocky fan, this is the feature to watch. It talks about the underdog story, the memorable theme music - how Rocky still remains over 40 years later. Stallone and Lundgren even take a deeper look at their fight in Rocky IV.

Deleted Scenes (9 minutes, 46 seconds.)

- There are four scenes. One may be the more interesting to Rocky fans, as he gives a eulogy about someone from the old days. One is an extended sequence of Creed and Bianca at a restaurant. Another is Rocky giving kids training tips.

Warner Brothers 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