garyleewebb-1 Reviews

The Honorable Woman (2014)

A business woman tries to overcome personal tragedy

[7/10 · 5 July 2014]

I have never been a fan of Maggie Gyllenhaal, as she always seems to have the same sad expression on her face. And as an American playing an Englishwoman, I had my doubts she could pull off the role. Miss Gyllenhaal does the opening voice over, and I have to admit, the British accent was quite passable. I was glad that was not going to be a problem. The opening title sequence is very reminiscent of Homeland, but rather than have the female protagonist be a spy, a la Claire Danes, she is a business woman. Yet there is a hint of under dealings that may involve government(whose?) spooks in some way. There are long passages of not very much happening:walking in a ceremonial robe, looking at home movies, making a speech coupled with cuts to scenes of other happenings. A good effect, as it helps develop the Gyllenhaal character while advancing the story, as thin as it is at this point. Much of the story feels like a foreshadowing of coming events, so the viewer needs to be engaged and pay attention. I love the classical sounding musical soundtrack, with the strings giving heart to the proceedings. Overall, an enjoyable first episode. I do intend to watch the next episode, but hopefully they will fill in the plot points.

Oblivion (I) (2013)

Sci fi without the sermon

[7/10 · 24 July 2013]

Spoilers*******************************

This movie is a throw back to the classic sci-fi era, without the BEMs(bug eyed monsters). And it keeps you guessing up until the foray into the radiation zone.

At first I thought Tom Cruise was too old for the part(the best Earth could send up to meet the Unknown ET). But then I realized that we have real astronauts who are about that age (it takes years of training to become one of the special few). And Cruise's character was on an exploration mission when he went to meet the Tet. My only quibble is that if the alien AI were to clone thousands of Tom Cruises, I think they would stop the growth when the clone would reach the appearance of 20, not 50 +.