D Alex2

I truly enjoyed this film! The cast was phenomenal—Fantasia being the standout. I did not compare it in whole to the original film given it’s not fair to compare a musical to a dramatic film—in my opinion. There were some memorable, haunting songs, as well as smoking hot choreography which most definitely made up for a couple of missteps (the chain gang scene-LOL). All in all, I enjoyed the film and believe it is definitely worth watching.

One of my favorite Elizabeth Taylor films. I do not give away the story in my review! This movie covers topics that were unheard of in 1950s. The performances of Taylor and Hepburn are flawless. The storyline is suspenseful and shocking at times as it delves into mental illness and sexuality. Sebastian, a colorful and complex individual to put it mildly, is the character on which the story is based. He is portrayed in vivid flashbacks and stories narrated by Hepburn and Taylor. (Love how Hepburn says his name😆). This film offers splendid performances by the perfect cast in what had to be a shocking story at the time of its release.

This is one of my favorite westerns. John Wayne and Roscoe Lee Browne deliver wonderful performances as father figures for a group of young lads on a cattle run. Browne was an accomplished actor in his own right—he is a delight to watch as Jebediah. The boys are taught life lessons of courage, fairness, and honor driving those cattle. Bruce Dern plays the loathsome villain in a role that Wayne predicted would negatively impact his career. An awesome good versus evil battle ensues. Splendid film!

One of my favorite August Wilson plays, “Fences” the movie provides us with the complexity of being human. It is not an easy story to watch at times. Mr. Wilson did not mean it to be. It shows us both the bad and the good “the crooked and the straight” and makes us think. Yes, there is lots of dialogue which younger viewers (or those that have not been to a play) may not follow easily. There is much to learn and digest here about the complicated relationship between fathers and sons of color—the generational impact of racism, rage and bitterness. Denzel’s performance is nothing short of masterful in portraying Troy. Viola Davis brings a sweet sadness to her role. She has accepted her life as wife/mother (as many women did during that time) with all focus on Troy. She proves to be powerful and strong. Underneath a story that may at first seem to be a simplistic “life in the day of”, Wilson’s “Fences” allows us to witness the painful unraveling of a man enveloped in bitterness but reaching for the light.