It was a pretty average viewing this weekend, but fear not! It’s the calm before the holiday weekend storm, so I more than plan to make up for it in my next recap. Anyways, here’s a high level look at what I managed to watch this weekend.
My Son – Man, this thriller was fairly average, and that’s a shame with such an awesome casting in James McAvoy and Claire Foy. McAvoy plays an absent father, Edmond, who shows up at some remote campsite to join his ex-wife, Joan, as they look for their missing son. I mean, talk about horrifying. McAvoy’s character is a lot, and definitely a bit paranoid. He’s convinced that Joan’s boyfriend Frank has something to do with his son’s disappearance, but his actions only manage to get him arrested. In the end though, Edmond’s relentlessness does lead him to the location of his son who was specifically chosen to be kidnapped. Somehow, Edmond is going to spend time in prison for his actions, but at least he’s beginning to prove himself a worthy father. If you’ve got Peacock, then go ahead and give this a shot, but overall it was fairly average.
King Richard – Ugh, this movie warms my heart! I think you’ve had to be living under a rock if you’ve never heard of Venus or Serena Williams. Well, whatever you know about them, this story is about how their father helped them get there. The movie opens with Richard Williams pitching his daughters to any coach who will listen. Eventually, two coaches do give them a chance and they are rewarded for their belief. What’s most touching about this movie is how Richard is able to balance family life with his vision for his younger daughters. While the family is set on success, they still have a humble and modest upbringing. That just makes Venus and Serena’s rise to the top that much more satisfying! Definitely recommend watching this, and I’d say you might just be watching an Oscar-winning performance from Will Smith as the Williams’ patriarch. Also, if you’re looking for more awesome tennis movies after this one, I can’t recommend Borg vs McEnroe enough!
Spencer – After a second viewing, this just confirms to me even more that it’s a psychological horror over drama. Diana is extremely paranoid about the royal family, always looking over her shoulder. But for good cause! I’d say she’s constantly being watched. It’s tough at times to see the toll this life takes on her mental state, but it’s equally refreshing to see her true personality shine through when she’s with her kids. Again, if Kristen Stewart doesn’t nab best actress, I’ll be truly shocked.
Tick, Tick…Boom! – I’m sure I’ve said this before, but I really don’t like movie musicals. I don’t know why I ever bother watching them because I always walk away feeling annoyed. Well, things can change folks! If future movie musicals are anything like Lin-Manuel Miranda’s take on Jonathan Larson’s personal musical, Tick, Tick…Boom! then I’ll watch them all! This movie and musical covers the time in Larson’s life pre-Rent, and on the cusp of turning 30. This musical covers the events of his life at this time, in which he attained almost no success, and a disappointing turn out for a musical he spent copious amounts of time on, as well as tarnishing several personal relationships. Most impressive is how he was able to catch the eye of Stephen Sondheim on a couple of occasions! Despite all the hurdles Larson faced, he never quit on himself and was able to find inspiration and success out of his failures. It’s crazy how much Rent was able to achieve and that sadly he didn’t get to see any of it (he passed from an aortic dissection on the morning of the first off-Broadway preview for Rent). I would say see this regardless of your musical theater preferences, but if you’ve seen Hamilton, you’ll have a nice little treat in there somewhere.