Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

Recently I saw Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.

Original image located here. Accessed 4th November 2024

Well Afterlife was a hit and proved there may be some life in the franchise yet so it should come to no surprise that a sequel would emerge. 

Thing with Ghostbusters though, is that the original movie was a satire of 1980s action heroes - a truth that would no doubt have gone over the heads of it's dedicated fanbase. So the further this franchise advances from the Reagan era, what else can it say?
The impression I got from this movie is that it appears to be at odds with itself.
On one hand the OG Ghostbusters are there to pass the torch to the new guys. But on the other, they seem to play a more active role in the action.
On one hand Melody gives the idea that ghosts are friendly. But on the other, she has her own agenda.
On one hand the film is trying to say something of it's own. But on the other, there are plenty of call-backs to the first movie.
On one hand Phoebe is set up to be the main character. But on the other, there's a large cast here with everyone clamouring for a time to shine.
On one hand it's great to see some familiar faces return. But on the other, they are still competing with the already large cast for something to do.
On one hand the threat has a load of potential. But on the other, it is overcome quite anti-climatically. 

The list goes on.

Where do we go from here indeed....

An American in Paris

 And this week's Friday night movie has been... An American in Paris!

Original image located here. Accessed 29th March 2024

Best Picture Oscar winner no.: 24 (1951)

One thing that has arisen from partaking in this year long quest to watch more Best Picture Oscar-winning movies is that I will be stepping out of my comfort zone and watching movies and genres I wouldn't otherwise have given the time of the day. I don't have the best connection with musicals - as I believe the greatest musical movie ever made is the South Park movie - but I am willing to give a chance to any movie to see if it surprises me, 

Well I did enjoy the music and I was astonished by the dance chorography - in particular that astonishing fifteen minute one at the end. But this movie has not aged well: Beyond the spectacle there's not a lot else to this movie and the plot of 'guy hitting on friend's girlfriend' will certainly rub more than few people the wrong way. 
And to think that this won Best Picture over A Streetcar Named Desire. Sheesh....

All About Eve

 And this week's Friday night movie has been... All About Eve!

Original image located here. Accessed 22nd March 2024

Best Picture Oscar winner no.: 23 (1950)

One of the undisputed classics of cinema. It tells the story of an aging theatre actress taking on a younger protégé only for the latter becoming more successful and famous than the former.

It seems that this movie's reputation relies on the performances - in particular that of Bette Davis - as well as the witty dialogue, the satire and the general nastiness involved. Personally I'm not one to argue with such an assessment so yeah, this was a lot of fun to watch. 
Having done a number of stage shows, can I confirm that such an environment is anything like this? Yes and no. Yes I may have had my share of bitchiness in certain shows but other times I have found such an environment to be very supportive. Guess a lot depends on which cast you end up surrounding yourself with...

All the Kings Men

 And this week's Friday night movie has been... All the King's Men!

Original image located here. Accessed 15th March 2024

Best Picture Oscar winner no.: 22 (1949)

I was drawn to this one as it tells a story that would sound familiar to modern audiences: A lawyer makes the leap into politics where he appeals to the common man. Utilising claims that he represents their interests, the politician goes from strength to strength but it isn't long before he starts getting his hands dirty.

For a movie made in 1949 this is hasn't aged and is still relevant (unfortunately). It was even quite ballsy for the time, having elements that I wouldn't have expected from a movie of this era. And it is equally surprising that a movie of this nature would've won Best Picture at the Oscars.
But what makes this movie particularly interesting is the unclear nature of the protagonist: Was he a good man seduced by corruption of power? Or was he already a bad man whose intent truly came out when success came? And that's what makes this movie shine.

Hamlet

 And this week's Friday night movie has been... Hamlet!

Original image located here. Accessed 8th March 2024

Best Picture Oscar winner no.: 21 (1948)

 I recall watching the Academy Awards on TV back in 1998. It was the seventieth anniversary year so, as part of the broadcast, a montage was shown of previous Best Picture winners. Many of these winners were new to me and I saw plenty of names I recognised. But one standout was the 1948 winner: An actual adaptation of a Shakespeare play.
This was a major surprise to me because the Academy didn't strike me as the kind who would honour such an adaptation. This is compounded by the fact that, as anyone who has adapted Shakespeare will tell you, the challenge presented by Shakespeare is taking material that has been performed countless times before and putting a new spin on it. 
Needless to say, when I started this year-long project, this was one movie I was keen on seeing - moreso considering that this featured Laurence Olivier, quite possibly the greatest Shakespearean actor ever lived, in the title role. And director. And producer. 

And what Olivier does is approach the title with that of a horror movie. There are plenty of shadows, towering sets, lots of fog, and striking angles, all building up to an astonishing atmosphere. And even the Ghost is the most frightening interpretation that I have ever seen.
Other highlights are Jean Simmons' performance of Ophelia, nailing the moment where she goes insane, Patrick Troughton (yes, THAT Patrick Troughton) as the Player King, the handling of Claudius' character and the final duel. But in the end, it's Olivier's show and he delivers in spades.
Certainly a surprise to see a Shakespeare adaptation win the Best Picture Oscar but it seems it was a well-deserved winner.

The Best Years of Our Lives

And this week's Friday night movie has been... The Best Years Of Our Lives!

Original image located here. Accessed 1st March 2024

Best Picture Oscar winner no.: 19 (1946)

Last month I watched Mrs Miniver so it's fitting I should watch this. That's because both films share the same director, William Wyler, and both have the same DNA. Whereas Mrs Miniver was a film made during World War II and focuses on the civilian life during the war, The Best Years of Our Lives was made after the war and focuses on the lives of three servicemen as they adjust to the aftermath. 
Well, you can't accuse the Academy for not lauding films that tackle topical narratives.

I assume it would be safe to say that this movie perfectly described the feelings and mood of people in the aftermath of World War II. And if this movie exists to function as a document of that time period then it is well and truly successful. It is, if anything, honest and challenging - pretty much all that a great movie needs to do.