Quiz Show

Quiz Show (Robert Redford, 1994)

Click here for the basics

Rating: Q=6, P=6 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Based on True Events, 1950s, Television, Law, Courtroom, Crime, Philosophical

I'm not sure how this one slipped my radar, but Quiz Show is a great film that I really enjoyed. I didn't live during the early days of television, but I know a little bit about the absolute hold shows had on people. This time gave birth to celebrity-ism and brought scandal to a whole new level.

I think I liked this film more for the philosophical/ethical issues it raised than the actual story line. It was interesting to see how people wrestle with truth vs. fact vs. fiction/entertainment. And the issues of race and class were also fascinating and disappointing. We are a strange species.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi

Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (Rian Johnson, 2017)

Click here for the basics

Rating: Q=7, P=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Science Fantasy, Saga, Action

Compared to Episode VII, I was thoroughly impressed (see my previous post here). This Star Wars installment might be my favorite and the most "complete" story. The visuals were beautiful, awe-inspiring, and epic. Almost all the narrative questions I had in all the previous episodes were answered--finally! This was a perfect balance of nostalgia, character development, and potential. I think watching both Episode VII and VII together will be fantastic.

This story seems to be a beginning as much as an ending, which is a personal favorite kind of narrative strategy. Excited for more!

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

My Life as a Zucchini

My Life as a Zucchini (Claude Barras, 2016)

Click here for the basics

Rating: Q=6, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Claymation, Coming of Age, Adoption, Complex Relationships

What a lovely story about coping, grief, friendship, and family. Love comes in many shapes and forms and we all encounter hardship at some point in our childhood. This is a refreshingly simple and honest film about the importance of sharing and finding comfort in relationships.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Death Comes to Pemberley

Death Comes to Pemberley (2013)

Click here for the basics

Rating: DSQ=9, SP=4 / Average Snack

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=3, Scale D=2, Scale E=2

Miniseries, BBC, Mystery, Crime, Romance, Based on Book

A fun adaptation of the P.D. James novel which continues the story of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Set in 1803 Britain, a unsolved murder brings out scandals and intrigue and secrets galore. Of course, all the reputation "tainting" that murder and scandal  brings to elite families must be dealt with. An excellent cast and script. Enjoyable.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here