Dolemite is My Name
Starring: Eddie Murphy and Wesley
Snipes
Rated R
This is the story of Rudy Ray Moore who
became famous for his outrageous films and appearances as “Dolemite,”
during the 'blaxploitation' era of the 1970s.
“Dolemite Is My Name” is a crude,
viciously uncomfortable film to watch, but that being said, it offers
up one of the best performances of the year. Eddie Murphy immerses
himself in the role of Rudy Ray Moore, a mild and shy man who finds
his confidence in playing the over-the-top character of “Dolemite,”
who made several low-budget neighborhood films during the late
70's.
Expect a Best Actor Oscar nomination for Murphy who absolutely shines as this 'Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' character.
Expect a Best Actor Oscar nomination for Murphy who absolutely shines as this 'Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' character.
In the final reel, “Dolemite Is My
Name” is just a fun film to watch because of its “All In”
attitude.
It gets a B and is rated R.
Joker
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix and Robert
De Niro
Rated R
In the film a man slowly and
methodically descends into psychopathic and sociopathic madness as he
is discarded and displaced by society.
Joaquin Phoenix is phenomenal in the
role of Arthur Fleck, who is unwinding before our eyes. Phoenix
delivers a complicated character who painfully submits to his brutal
surroundings and the treatment he receives at the hands of his
tormentors, all the while building up to a crescendo of violence.
But “Joker” is also problematic in its pacing and developing the universe in which this villain is forged. And it's an uncomfortable problem because it desperately tries to mirror our reality and point fingers at modern society's flaws.
Yes, the film is violent. But we have had many violent films in the past. “Joker” is not any more or less violent than John Wick, Inglorious Bastards, Rambo, Natural Born Killers and Kill Bill to name a few. What “Joker” does offer... is along with the violence, there is a serving of fear that it could happen and is happening here.
“Joker,” is a just a character study. It is not a superhero film. It is an intense cautionary tale which grabs on and doesn't loosen its grip.
But “Joker” is also problematic in its pacing and developing the universe in which this villain is forged. And it's an uncomfortable problem because it desperately tries to mirror our reality and point fingers at modern society's flaws.
Yes, the film is violent. But we have had many violent films in the past. “Joker” is not any more or less violent than John Wick, Inglorious Bastards, Rambo, Natural Born Killers and Kill Bill to name a few. What “Joker” does offer... is along with the violence, there is a serving of fear that it could happen and is happening here.
“Joker,” is a just a character study. It is not a superhero film. It is an intense cautionary tale which grabs on and doesn't loosen its grip.
Because of Joaquin Phoenix's brilliant
performance, one which will certainly get an Oscar nod, “Joker”
gets a B and is rated R.
