Movie Review: Judy

I recently watched the premier movie of Judy, the life of Judy Garland, an American actress and singer. The film starred actress, Renée Zellweger known for her 1990s' movie hit, "Jerry McGuire". 

The film was set in her waning years of her life. The film director, Rupert Goold selects a period in which Garland is in her most fragile and vulnerable. The film shows flashbacks as a child actor to her present day superstar status. Undoubtedly, this side of Garland is closely examined in the film at times unbeknownst to her beloved fans.

The start of the film provided a calming introduction to Judy Garland's current state of mind. She has her children with her and has them be part of her act and see her role as promising and uplifting. The film settles you into the realities of her real life as the film director chooses to change course for a more dark and unsuspecting side of Garland.

I personally thought I would expect a film about the famous Judy Garland to be a more "rags to riches" episode. Sadly, the film takes a more vulnerable route to lead us to the real Judy.  But I think in fairness, understanding the side of Garland was more noteworthy. Actress, Zellweger gives a stellar performance portraying Garland. Coupled with her natural acting abilities, and singing prowess, the “red” shoe fits perfectly for her role of Judy Garland. Of the songs that were sung in the film “Over the Rainbow” was the most touching of all. The song encompassed all of Judy Garland’s overall hopes and dreams clearly addressed in the magical lyrics made for the film, “The Wizard of Oz”.

I don’t know how Judy Garland became a gay icon, but clearly the film lightly presents this in the type of fans she draws. Could it be the untimely death in 1969 in which the Stonewall Inn riots occurred in the same year? This remains to be seen.

Overall, the film was touching, tearful, and memorable. As I exited the theater, I began to hum one of her songs, as I am not a gifted singer, humming was much more respectful.

If you’re in the mood for nostalgia for her signature songs, check it out, it’s worth it to spend “face time” in front of a movie screen, as you place your phone on do not disturb mode.  

Movie trailer: https://binged.it/359K2dq

Coco Movie Review - Delightful. Hopeful. Entertaining.

The university I work for featured a free screening of Disney's critically-acclaimed and 2018 Academy Award nominee for Best Animated Feature & Best Song: COCO

This screening was sponsored by UCSF's CLCA (Chicano Latino Campus Association), CHE (Chicanos/Latinos in Health Education), LMSA (Latino Medical Student Association), HSDA (Hispanic Dental Student Association), LAPS (Latino Association of Pharmacy Students), Voces Latinas Nursing Student Association, SACNAS (Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science), LGBT Resource Center, Multicultural Resource Center and Family Services.

I thought, why not, a free screening, I didn't really know anything about the film, but when the lights went out and the movie started, wow, it's been awhile since a film really "moved" me to tears. 

The film was about a young Latino boy named Miguel who has a secret desire to be a musician despite his family's efforts to erase any inclination of any enjoymement of music. The movie quickly sets a tone of what this young boy's expectations are and that no desire for music is part of it.

As the story develops, the protagonist desire strengthens to go against the wishes of his family. Morals sets in from "should I do it" or "follow my family's expectations of me". We all go through some type of pressure to follow what's expected versus to follow our true desires in life. In Miguel's case, music. He secretly honors his hero, Ernesto de la Cruz who was the most famous musician in all of Mexico.
In Miguel's desire to follow his dreams, he learns more about his family, his hero, and his own capabilities. 

Thoroughly entertaining film for both young and old, it gives the viewer their own opportunity to reflect on a passing of a loved one and embrace who they currently have. 

Kudos to Disney and Pixar to bring on the big screen a hopeful and at the same time a delightful story. 

More Coco info click on image