ScreenFish

where faith and film are intertwined

Bobby Cannavale

Nine Perfect Strangers: Everybody has a Story

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Based on the New York Times best-seller by Liane Moriarty, Nine Perfect Strangers is set at an elite health and wellness resort in the mountains of California. For 10 days, nine clients are selected to join guru Masha (Nicole Kidman) for a time of inner healing and transformation. Stressed out from the burdens of urban life (and life in general), the strangers gather together to find hope and healing for their tired minds and bodies. However, as Masha’s methods become increasingly invasive and personal, so too must her clients decide if the treatment is worth the potential cure.

Nine Perfect Strangers is a weird and wild exploration of the darkness that we all keep underneath the surface. Directed by Johnathan Levine, the series seeks to deal with the psychology of trauma (and the traumas of psychology). Set amidst the stunning backdrop of Australia (subbing for California), Strangers highlights the tranquility of nature yet also uncovers the turmoil from urban life. In essence, despite the serenity of the surroundings, Levine’s uses the personal struggles of his characters to swirl within them with a chaotic rage.

Certainly, there are aspects of the series that simply don’t work. For example, without giving any spoilers, a twist that begins to explain why characters are having their spiritual encounters is particularly strange (and unethical) to say the least. Even so, despite its flaws, Strangers strangely keeps you watching. Build upon an intriguing premise and mysterious setting, Strangers operates on a slow build that unravels its secrets at the right pace.

In some ways, Strangers is reminiscent of ABC’s classic drama Lost, a series which also balanced psychological and mystical components. When most people remember Lost, they usually focus on elements like the ‘smoke monster’ or ‘the hatch’. However, that was not what made the show work so well (and arguably what killed the series). Instead, the most intriguing aspects of that show were always the backstories of its characters and their influence on the present, rather than the more supernatural elements that influenced events. The real story to that series was watching people deal with the tragic events of their past and thankfully, Strangers also keeps its eye firmly on its characters.

While not all nine strangers receive equal investment from the script, there’s something fascinating about their individual arcs and performances that makes this a compelling watch. Strong chemistry between Melissa McCarthy and Bobby Cannavale make them an intriguing ‘will they/won’t they’ couple. A surprisingly muted but enthusiastic performance by Michael Shannon adds to the complexities of his family’s compelling backstory. Even Nicole Kidman’s Masha maintains enough mystery in her own flexible morals to keep the viewer interested. 

And Kidman’s Masha really is the lynchpin to the series. As the evil (or is she?) mastermind to the resort, Masha is portrayed as both guru and maniac. Although she is more than willing to play fast and loose with the emotional well-being of her clients and staff, there also appears to be a method to her madness that somehow makes her seem disarming. Having specifically chosen her applicants based on their psychological profiles, Masha uses their traumas in ways to play them off of one another in their own journey towards healing. Although their arcs are entirely separate from one another, Masha sees aspects within them that helps both expose their flaws and enhance the healing of others.

In this way, Strangers emphasizes the importance of the fullness of everyone’s story. Each one of the resorts clients have come to this space in desperation, looking for some form of hope. Driven by secrets that remain buried deeply within them, their sufferings have crushed their spirits. Broken and battered by the pain of life, every character sees this resort as their last resort as they attempt to come to grips with their own inability to achieve the perfection that they expect of themselves. However, although they could not be more different, each of their stories remains important and valuable. 

As their internal wounds are exposed by Masha’s bizarre teachings and tactics, so too are they able to face the pain which has plagued them for so long. As such, the purpose of this retreat is not merely to tell them that ‘everything will be okay’. Instead, it is about owning their darkness as an important part of their journey and accepting the truths that they deny. For Masha, hope lies in our ability to face our darkness and own it.

To her, healing is about wholeness and hurt has its place within that.

Wild and mysterious, Nine Perfect Strangers is far from a perfect series. Admittedly though, its strong performances and enigmatic atmosphere make it a compelling watch. While Masha’s methods may border on a lawsuit at times, so too does she prove that these strangers do not need to be perfect. They merely need to understand themselves more fully in order to find peace.

Nine Perfect Strangers is available on Hulu on Wednesday, August 18th, 2021.

Sing 2: Can a Song Save Your Life?

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Can a song really save your life?

Sing 2 sees the return of Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey), the can-do koala bear who has developed an entertaining show with his musical friends. When he hears of an opportunity to take their performance to the next level, he enters his team in a singing competition led by promotion king, Jimmy Crystal (Bobby Cannavale). However, in order to entice Crystal’s investment, Moon suggests that he can get legendary (and reclusive) rock star, Clay Callaway (Bono) to star in his production. Peaking Crystal’s interest, Moon and his friends suddenly have a mere three weeks to develop an entirely new production while convincing Callaway to come out of retirement.

Written and directed by Garth Jennings, Sing 2 is a light-hearted and enjoyable film that is also a vast improvement on 2018’s original. Featuring some truly eye-popping animation this time around, Sing 2 feels far more cinematic than its predecessor. Whereas the first film focused more on urban settings, the more artistic elements of the story here allows for a great deal more pop to the film’s visuals. From the opening musical number to its wild finale, this entry into the franchise is simply stunning with its use of colour and animation. (If this were a real stage production, it would easily by the most expensive one ever produced…)

In addition, whereas Sing felt like a soundtrack in search of a movie, Sing 2 feels like it has a story to tell. Although still fueled by the pop music madness of the original, the sequel seems to offer more ‘soul’ through its characters and feels more driven in its storytelling. As with the first film, Buster Moon’s arc focusses on his bravado and desire to create something special for audiences (and, arguably, himself). Even so, he is far less of a schemer here than he was in the original. (Admittedly, there’s another big lie that drives the narrative yet, somehow, it seems more harmless than before.) Moon’s character has always been ambitious but there seems to be a deeper sense of care for his people here that overrides his decision-making (most of the time). As Moon fights to prep his big show, he has genuinely learned the value of the people that work with him and he does his best to find the best possible showcase for their talents. (Of course, it also helps that Sing 2 finally has a true villain in Cannavale’s vicious wolf, Jimmy Crystal. By bringing him into the franchise, Moon is allowed to lean into the role of inspiring—but flawed—hero.)

But let’s be serious. This film is really all about Bono. 

As reclusive artist Clay Callaway, Bono’s story feels infinitely more important than many of the other arcs that are taking place. (In fact, one wishes that we had gotten even more of him and his emotional journey.) As the reclusive artist, Bono absolutely shines. His distinct voice disappears into Calloway’s deep-throated growl and is almost unrecognizable. However, just like his character, his songs and his voice still make an impact. 

Perhaps ironically, the film almost feels like a redemption project—if one were necessary—for Bono and U2‘s music. Having been lost to this generation after their ill-advised decision to release an album entirely free on iTunes several years back, U2 has fallen out of the pop-culture zeitgeist. In many ways, Sing 2 is an invitation for a new generation to begin to get to know their music. Selectively choosing three of their more well-regarded hits for the soundtrack, the film has a sense that their music still resonates. 

Their music still matters. 

Certainly, this speaks to the film’s emotional core as well. Grieving the loss of his wife, Callaway refuses to see visitors and hides away from the public eye. Believing that he has nothing to offer without the love of his life, he will no longer even pick up a guitar to play for himself. However, Ash and Moon recognize that the power of his music still gives life and hope to others. There is a soul to his music that the world still needs, even if it is a challenge for him to step back onto that stage. Having been locked away by his grief, the power of his own lyrics helps Callaway remember the hope that he had lost. (In fact, the moment that he and Ash begin to sing ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’ takes on almost religious significance. Specifically choosing to emphasize a verse about believing in the Kingdom Come and how the colours will bleed into one is not an accident.)

Though the film’s theme argues that a ‘song can save your life’, maybe its the truth within it that truly offers healing.

It’s worth noting that the film’s stunning visuals absolutely pop on home video as well. Despite the smaller screen, the film’s bright set pieces are rendered beautifully in 4K and should keep your children fully entertained. What’s more, it’s worth noting the Illumination has done a wonderful job with their special features here as well. Along with the expected digital shorts (there’s always room for more Gunter…), outtakes and behind-the-scenes features, they also do a good job targeting child engagement with additions such as sing-a-longs and even a ‘how to dance’ feature. (Incidentally, I… did not do well at this…) All in all, there’s certainly enough here to justify the purchase for your family.

With energy and enthusiasm, Sing 2 still offers all the fun that marks the franchise. Most importantly though, the film has found a way to balance the song-filled silliness with a story that resonates. Like Callaway himself, Sing 2 has definitely found its soul once again.

Sing 2 is available on 4K, Blu-ray and DVD on Tuesday, March 29th, 2022.

Motherless Brooklyn: Pulling at the Thread of Power

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Directed and adapted for the screen by Edward Norton, Motherless Brooklyn tells the story of Lionel Essrog (Norton), a Brooklyn detective in post-war New York. Working with street smart private investigator Frank Minna (Bruce Willis), Lionel (who also goes by the name Brooklyn) and his team uncover the truth for hire. However, when Minna is shot and left for dead, Lionel determines to unravel the mystery, plunging him into a Brooklyn underworld riddled with crime, corruption and colourful characters. As his quest for truth leads him further up New York’s ladder of power, Lionel’s investigation is complicated by his Tourette syndrome, which leaves him prone to compulsive behavioural tics and inappropriate verbal outbursts.

Adapted from the 1999 novel of the same name, Brooklynis a tightly written throwback film to classic Hollywood’s noir films like The Big Sleep or Chinatown. With a stellar cast and tightly written script, Norton creates a world which feels both foreign and familiar. While the film transports the audience back to 1950s New York, it also feels current in today’s culture, highlighting racial tensions and the growing divide between the upper and lower classes. In Motherless Brooklyn, power is a drug that gives people the freedom to ‘do whatever they want, whenever they want’ but it’s also short in supply. Divided by racial and financial lines, Brooklyn is a city on the brink of chaos.Those that have little power are struggling to make their voices heard while those who have much fight ferociously to maintain it. 

As Brooklyn himself, Norton’s performance is sharp, engaging, and loving. At the same time, the character becomes a metaphor for the town for which he’s named. Plagued by Tourette Syndrome, Brooklyn feels as though there’s a chaos in his mind that bubbles over and has to be released. While the casual passerby may not immediately notice Brooklyn’s struggle, his mental chaos inevitably reveals itself. With this in mind, the film clearly draws a line between his character and the city itself, as its own unseen chaos can’t help but overflow from the underground. Diffused lighting and growing shadows point to tension between light and darkness, as Brooklyn (the character) attempts to uncover the truth about Brooklyn (the city). Like his compulsion to pull on the threads of his sweater, Brooklyn also must unravel the web of deception until the facts about his city is revealed.

Furthermore, the film also does not shy away from engaging in the complexities of Brooklyn’s mental health issues. Bullied as a child for his affliction, Brooklyn has always been the one that was pitied by others. After Minna’s death, Brooklyn becomes seen by others primarily for his mental affliction as they constantly try to ‘look out’ for him, rationalizing that he needs their protection. Frustrated by his inability to control his mind and constantly reminded of the burden he is by others, Brooklyn remains ashamed and embarrassed by his behaviour. 

Conversely, however, while clearly struggling with his mental illness, he also recognizes its value. Despite the chaos within him, his Tourettes is also what makes him a great detective by forcing him to ‘pull on the thread’ of truth and allowing him to retain incredible amounts of information. What’s more, the film even paints a portrait of Tourette syndrome with an element of beauty by highlighting the musical aspect of Brooklyn’s mental chaos. (For example, this comparison is highlighted when, in one particularly poignant scene, Brooklyn’s inadvertent vocables cause him to become a participant in a jazz ensemble.)

Featuring strong performances and well-written script, Motherless Brooklyn is an entertaining and engaging return to the noir genre. Under the Norton’s direction, the film is also impressive visually, as the shadows and darkness of New York’s underworld are constantly warring against the light of truth. 

Motherless Brooklyn unravels the mystery in theatres on November 1st, 2019.

The Nut Job 2 – Nutty By Nature: Easy Doesn’t Build Character

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From the Canadian writer/director team of Cal Brunker and Bob Barlen (Escape from Planet Earth, upcoming Son of Bigfoot), The Nut Job 2 is the clever sequel to the 2014 animated film starring Will Arnett that wasn’t The Lego Movie … but was just as funny. Starring as Surly, Arnett’s voice drove the story of a group of animals from Liberty Park who found a cache of food in a local nut shop. In the sequel, Nutty by Nature, Brunker and Barlen steer their crew of forest friends into a battle with corrupt Mayor Muldoon (SNL’s Bobby Moynihan) over the amusement park he wants to erect on the remains of their park home.

Let’s be clear: at this point in my life, I’m seeing 99% of the animated films released in theaters and on home media, and I’m very aware that they are hit or miss. (For the record, I’ll call Sing, Moana, Zootopia, and Trolls some of the hits.) But Arnett’s vocals – and the clever collection of assorted characters that surround Surly – are amusing and laugh out loud funny, and the script is remarkably engaging as well.

First, we have a star, animated turn by Jackie Chan as Mr. Feng, a country mouse-turned-city mouse who leads his band of “don’t call me, cute” Shaolin-trained mice in defending their turf. While the outtakes during the credits are funny, Chan’s parts are genuine scene-stealers. Throw in Jeff Denham’s Mole, who accidentally causes the nut shop to explode via his own neglect and sets in motion the action of the film, and the pug and bulldog combo of Precious and Frankie (Maya Rudolph and Bobby Cannavale) adds to that as well. For me personally, the perpetual “we’re gonna die!” refrain from one of the chipmunks is absolutely funny, too.

But in a surprise turn – where animated films seem to be either funny or poignant, NJ2 nails both. Here, we hear from Surly’s “girlfriend,” Andie (Katherine Heigl), push Surly to be responsible, even before the nut shop blows up. She tells him that good things don’t come easy, that “easy doesn’t build character,” and continues to implore him to lead well. She’s also the one that reminds Surly that “we’re better together,” and that nothing can’t be accomplished when we work together as a team. These are elements of faith and community, whether you believe in one thing or another, that bind us together as human.

While the film is one I look forward to seeing again for its action, adventure, and hilarious moments, it’s one that I give my highest honor: it’s preachable. Because in the midst of the world we live in, with the ways that things are often presented to divide us and isolate us, NJ2 reminds us that we are all created special, with gifts and grace that we’re supposed to share.

Vinyl Season One: Where Do You Find Your Worth?

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vinyl

The latest hit from HBO isn’t an ensemble power play. Yes, it’s an ensemble show, but the power of this show is Bobby Cannavale’s American Century record executive Richie Finestra. Finestra is a force of nature who cares about his company – and music – in a way that he is begging his team of executives and those around him to care.

In ten episodes of season one, we’re treated to the way that Finestra struggles for recognition and respect, pursuing deals and artists in a way that speaks to his desperation. With wife Devon (Olivia Wilde) in tow, Finestra blows his way through an arc that encounters the ups, downs, and problems of being in the music business.

Music fans will dig the vibes here, and historical collisions and crossed paths with luminaries like Andy Warhol and Robert Plant. There are mobbed up moments, and cop elements, which show the influence of Terence Winter and Martin Scorsese, to balance the musical influence of Mick Jagger, who also co-produces. But audiences will see a mashup of music and style that is unrivaled this side of MTV… twenty years ago.

In the end, we hope Cannavale’s Finestra is left standing, but there’s no guarantee that will happen. The music scene is just too unpredictable.