Morning Movie Madness
Time is a gift and one we should cherish, even if that time is available because you aren’t where you wanted to be or doing what you intended to do. Our holiday preparations were long since completed, and nearly all the Christmas cards mailed out so, we had free time for reading and watching new films. Sometime ago, the Chief Penguin dubbed watching a movie at a time we wouldn’t normally (a bit like playing hooky), “Morning Movie Madness.” This week we are indulging in some madness. Here are comments on some recent films that you can stream at home.
Belfast (Apple TV $)
From the violent opening scene to the poignant ending, Belfast is simply excellent! In some ways, it’s a simple story of a multi-generational Protestant family caught up in the Troubles in Northern Ireland in 1969. In others, it’s a heartfelt account of a cosseted childhood in the bosom of grandparents and scads of cousins. This family is one of a few Protestant ones on a one-block street of Catholics, but these folks know each other and mostly get along. Ten-year old Buddy is the focus, and daily life is viewed through his perspective. His father works away in England coming home every few weeks, his mother is the linchpin holding all together, and his grandparents provide solace, words of wisdom, and sometimes questionable advice.
It’s Kenneth Branagh’s warmhearted paean to his hometown. The cast is wonderful with Jude Hill as captivating Buddy, Caitriona Bafe as his mother, Judi Dench as Granny, and Ciaran Hinds as Pop. The soundtrack with music by Van Morrison is memorable, especially for anyone of that era.
Tick, Tick… BOOM! (Netflix)
Tick, Tick… is Lin Manuel-Miranda’s debut as a director, and the film is based on Jonathan Larson’s autobiographical musical. Larson, played here by Andrew Garfield, won fame for his groundbreaking musical, Rent. Feeling pressured to have a success before 30, Larson at 29 is struggling and agonizing over composing the final song for a musical he’s writing. In the process, he neglects his friends, puts off his loyal girlfriend, and wonders if he should be doing something other than working in a diner and not making any headway.
Even though the Chief Penguin and I saw a very fine production of Rent, I was not familiar with Larson’s history. Overall, the film is enjoyable light fare and perfect for a gray morning.
Spencer (Amazon Prime $)
If you’re looking to be entertained, this is probably not the film for you. If you’re curious about this psychological fable or fairy tale about Princess Diana, then be prepared for grand settings, disturbing fantasies, and a lost princess. Celebrating Christmas at Sandringham, Diana is distraught, seeing visions of Anne Boleyn, seeking to visit her childhood home, and sympathetically treated only by her dresser. This is Diana untethered.
It’s an often painful film to watch and yet still absorbing. And, the ending may well surprise you—it did me. I found Kristen Stewart believable as Diana. Prince Charles is played by Jack Farthing with a permanent sneer on his face, for me evoking memories of him as the evil George Warleggan in Poldark.
Tomorrow is Christmas Day. May it be a joyous and healthy holiday for all who celebrate. Merry Merry Christmas!
Note: The header photo is of my mother’s Christmas tree some years ago. She loved the color red and Christmas gave her another excuse to use it liberally.
