David Ward

While other reviews of this film emphasize its pointed satire of foodie culture, I also noticed a much more pervasive theme: how we idolize our heroes and leaders ( be they from entertainment, religion, sports, culinary or especially given the current climate , political) and how much power we allow them to have over us, even at the expense of our own common sense or safety. The people that come to Chef Slovik’s ( Ralph Fiennes) private island restaurant either are there to adore his food artistry or think they can gain from it by somehow controlling or influencing its reputation. As the evening wears on, and we come to realize that Slovak has a bone to pick with each of them, the tension and dangers mount. I began to wonder why his beleaguered guests didn’t try harder to at least resist what was happening, ( they do, to varying degrees of success or lack of it) and are of course pretty trapped by their location and the small army of cooks and goons under Sloviks employ. But beyond their helplessness at the situation, there is a sense that no matter what horrors the “ Great Man” throws at them, they somehow still wish to bathe, even bloodily, in his power. Only the the utterly luminous Anya Taylor Joy is immune, but she is there almost by accident and her lack of connection to this sycophantic world is her best defense. While the films treatment of the mad devotion of Slovik’s staff and the complacency of his victims may seem unrealistic, those of us old enough to remember Jonestown, Heaven’s Gate or Waco, or even the unfathomable loyalty to current public figures gives The Menu’s satire some sharp bite.

Who’d have thunk it? An animated Star Trek series co produced with Nickelodeon about a bunch of teen misfits commandeering an abandoned starship and going off on adventures in outer space? Dumb? Infantile? Insulting to the venerated franchise that is Star Trek? None of the above. With well crafted characters, intricate story lines, imaginative settings and visits to truly strange new worlds, this little series brings back the sense of wonder and discovery that good sci fi should have. There are also lots and lots of Easter Eggs, references and direct plot links to the ST canon to please every die hard fan. What surprises is this: A. At times it is actually genuinely funny without sacrificing plot or character and B. The warmth and love between the characters as they face obstacles and grow together is genuinely heartfelt and makes the viewer truly care for them. While the time travel plot in season 2 might make your head spin, the fast pace, great art direction and valuable life lessons for younger viewers ( friendship, loyalty, standing up for yourself, doing what’s right, loving science and learning etc,) makes this a must see series for Trek fans and fans of science fiction in general. Proceed at warp speed!

SPOILER ALERT! Do not read this if you have not seen the film. YESTERDAY is a very likable , fun sweet romance comedy, but I feel compelled to speak about one scene. Late into the film, Jack discovers that he is in fact not the only one in Earth with knowledge of The Beatles. A middle aged Liverpool couple reveal that they also remember the Fab Four and present Jack with a piece of paper with an address. This leads him to a remote beach house where he meets this reality’s John Lennon ( played with a prosthetic nose and no fuss by Robert Carlyle) who was never gunned down at 40, but in the movies reality has made it to a happy 78 years old, albeit in obscurity. However, he tells Jack that his life was rewarding and well lived, compelling Jack to come clean with the world about the actual source of his musical “genius .” It was the one spot in the movie that made me genuinely emotional. It’s interesting though that most of the reviews of this movie hate this scene, calling it jarring and ghoulish. I disagree. It points to a deeper meaning (which admittedly, the film doesn’t really explore very deeply) of what price success and what defines happiness? What means more; a long life of homey contentment or creating a lasting legacy of sublime art that gave you fame and fortune, but in a weird way, most likely got you killed at an early age? And does any of that matter to who you are as a human being. Jack still is deeply honored to meet Lennon even though this version as done nothing Earth shattering. It’s a deep question that the film raises without answering ( to its demerit) but at least it brings it up. Overall , even with its faults, it’s a nice film to kill an afternoon with.

One of the most vulgar sports movies in existence. Also maybe the funniest. Reviews are now subjective for this film as it has passed into film legend. After seeing it just recently for the first time, what I found so refreshing was it's total lack of any feel good sport movie cliches, mostly because they hadn't come into popularity yet. Paul Newman may be a little too pretty to be a womanizing louse loser minor league small town hockey player coach, and the sex humor is mysogonistic and dated, but, as a perfect portrayal of a down and out team of guys who find a wrong headed but successful winning formula, this film is a hoot! Oh yeah and... The Hanson Brothers!