• Home
  • About The Swirl World
  • Meet The Contributors
  • Shop
  • Contact Us
  • Disclosure Policy
  • Privacy Policy

The Swirl World

Celebrating and Elevating Black Women - mind, body, soul and spirit!


Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

Joyll’s Movie Review: Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

May 28, 2015 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway Leave a Comment

Mad Max

“Aunt Harriet used to call them anti-seeds, plant one and watch them die!”

One of the most amazing things you must immediately realise about Mad Max Fury Road is that for nearly the first 20 or so minutes Tom Hardy speaks VERY little and yet, conveys SO MUCH!

Not only does that take talent, but it also requires fantastic writing as well as directing. As a director you HAVE to be able to give the film the flow necessary to have one of your top draw co-stars relay his true emotional state, his true energy from scene to scene WITHOUT SPEAKING for quite some time!

After having watched those first 20 or so minutes I was beginning to wonder if that was all that I could find that makes this cinematic marvel a masterpiece. Knowing George Miller, Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron and their talents and gifts as I do, I am over the moon elated to say, I was indeed INCORRECT.

Now, let’s get to it shall we?

#WhatWorks:

Feminism and Capitalism. Two key concepts in MMFR. In fact, I would surmise, the only concepts that carry you through the film and into that slice of Nirvana I believe every filmmaker hopes to achieve and every filmgoer hopes to see.

Why? What is it about these two important issues that George Miller seems to have a brilliant mind to display so well on-screen, scene after scene, dialogue after dialogue that you find yourself talking about them in vivid detail days later? At initial glance, one might think that MMFR is solely a commentary on environmentalism and man’s brutal abuse of our planet. And while that is a central concept, it’s not what makes MMFR such a phenomenal movement in film.

There are some extremely powerful, firecracker, highly intelligent, and stubborn women in MMFR! In fact, feminism is a concept that is amazingly front and center nearly the entire film. In this dystopia, in this barren wasteland, you see the strength of will and the will to survive portrayed so gallantly in every central character. It’s necessary yes, but the manner in which is showcased makes you feel exactly WHY it’s necessary.

You see so many women kick arse in this film and make no apologies for wanting not only to survive, but to live a life filled with a greater sense of humanity and hope. They fight for what they want, for what they believe in and there’s no leaning in, no apology for valour and brutality. This film absolutely obliterates the Bechtel test literally from almost the beginning of the film and handles THAT task so masterfully, you wonder why it’s taken this long to have a film be able to dismiss it so handily that didn’t appear to be pandering!

Capitalism….’do not my friends become addicted to water, for it will take hold of you and you begrudge/resent its absence’…

One of the many things George Miller has handled so dynamically well in this film is the conversation about capitalism. Greed, lack of empathy for the destitute, and lack of plausible solutions about how to get more people working at jobs that pay them livable wages that will actually allow for them to invest their hard earned money back in the economy to help it grow – these concepts are key.

There’s even a milking farm which is a very mirror image metaphor for the favouritism known as capitalism. Immorten Joe is not only a metaphor; he’s also an outcome, the metamorphosis of all that indeed can be wrong with a capitalist society. He’s the epitome of how trickle down NEVER works and Miller staged these scenes that show this so well, you find yourself reflecting upon just how accurate and scary these scenes truly are. Indeed a mirror reflection of life for most of the planet.

Greed…….chastity belts, his ‘property’, “coming to count the cost”…”WHO KILLED THE WORLD?” “Perfect in Every Way”…..”Back then everyone had their fill, back then there was no need to snap anybody”…..Splendid…

The world has indeed gone MAD. All of it. And in such a place survival is the order of the day. EVERY DAY. But what happens when survival is no longer the aim, but the assumption? As in, those who assume because not only do they have more, but that they have better stature, better location, better physicality, that no one else’s needs, desires, and dreams need be heard or addressed? You end up with people like Immorten Joe and The Citadel.

There’s a tremendous presence of Xenophobia, Genomics, and elitism from those above, and an immediate requirement of the ultimate sacrifice for those below. Never mind who or what is undoubtedly responsible for the status of all in Mad Max’s world, those who PAY the cost are nothing like those who COUNT the cost.

Hope……..witness me, all chrome, out here EVERYTHING hurts….the seeds…the green place of many mothers….by his hand we will be redeemed… As a viewer into the world of Mad Max, you’re introduced immediately to the cult of desolation that is Immorten Joe and The Citadel.

You right away meet the WAR BOYS (that’s in caps for a reason I promise). You’re introduced to the cult of desolation disguised as the cult of hope. You hear proclamations which are genuinely requests like “witness me, I need chrome, and only by his hand are we redeemed.”

The WAR BOYS are so indoctrinated into The Cult Of Immorten Joe and The Citadel, their greatest fears are not dying, but dying with no one to witness them thus not being allowed to rise and live again. There is an extreme sense of Zealotism that would frighten many, if we hadn’t already seen something very similar in today’s time with religions and other avenues of faith.

It’s clear, that mankind has not learned its lesson about how to better handle the doctrine and its continued use by many to simply control others and elevate or indemnify themselves. Even Furiosa and the five wives have a sense of hope, dreams, maybe even memories. They’ve decided their fates are to be their own and they risk life and limb to make those dreams a reality. The land of the many mothers gives a sense of hope where before for at least 7000 days, there has been none. There’s no way anyone could tell the Furiosa Five that they’re not deserving or worthy. It’s doctrine, flipped upon its head.

Humanity……. I am the one who runs from both the living AND the dead…..the seeds… Max makes a heart stopping testament very early in the film that cannot be ignored. “I am the one who runs from both the living and the dead.” This serves not only to give you a strong back story about Max, but it also manages to tether you to the humanity that he holds deep inside, even while dealing with survivalists whom now only showcase the WORST in humanity.

Max is a MAN. Yes there is chaos, yes there is insanity, yes the world has indeed gone mad, but MAX IS A MAN. And no matter what you see, no matter what you witness, chromed or not, nothing has taken that away from him, YET.

There is also a brilliant introduction of the seeds. Not only do they signify HOPE but they signify GROWTH. Possibilities. Remember this from the beginning? “Aunt Harriet used to call them anti-seeds, plant one and watch them die!” This refers to a common theme in the film that is the ANTITHESIS of seeds which bring change, essence, energy. The antithesis are DEATH, DESOLATION, DESPAIR. I am reminded of one of my favourite quotes, which is such a strong parallel here that I had to take more than a few moments to gather my thoughts. “They wanted to bury us, but they forgot we were seeds.” Every single moment of survival and triumph in MMFR is more water for the seeds, the people, of this destitute wasteland.

Redemption….For Furiosa, the dangerous journey to the land of many mothers isn’t self-serving in a way most others would think. For her, every single one of those 7000 days (plus the ones she can’t remember) has been sheer torture, sheer hell on earth. Her ancestors, such strong women, such fighters of injustice, and symbols of RENEWAL have guided her to this very moment. To this very crossroad.

For Max, his failures have meant the worst consequences anyone could imagine. And until he atones for those failures, there will be many days of nightmare saturated sleep, no uplifting of spirit, no self-forgiveness. When he begins this journey, it’s solely about survival. When this portion of the journey ends, it is about counting the cost, planting the seeds, and healing his broken spirit, heart, and world.

The brilliant fact that Tom Hardy’s Max, says VERY little during the entire film, and yet manages to convey so very much about not only how he got to this pointe, but how the rest of humanity arrived at such a parched, chaotic, hurtful and dreary existence.

#WhatDoesNOTWork:

I think the fact that we’ve had so many apocalyptic/dystopian films in the past 10 years is the sole strike against this perfect, awe-inspiring masterpiece of cinema. Having screened it twice and being an enthusiast from the first film which debuted over 30 years ago when I was a small child, I watch the reactions and listened to the discussions of others in the crowd. The majority of those viewing the film were white males in their late 30s-late 40s and their wives, many of whom had to be dragged into see this movie. (Ironically enough, everyone seemed to actually enjoy MMFR and appreciate it for what it is, as well as the changes in current film making techniques that it will undoubtedly bring about).

But I couldn’t help but notice many in that target demo, whom although they enjoyed the film, had far too many pivotal moments go over their heads, and clearly were suffering from dystopian/apocalyptic fatigue. That’s a shame because this pillar of symphonic cinematic achievement is kilos ahead and above every dystopian/apocalyptic film since its predecessor.

It’s certainly worth a second, third, or even fourth look in theatres. There’s something new, interesting, different, and game-changing every time you screen it. It’s an absolute #MUSTSEE a full FIVE STARS and something you will find yourself discussing because if it’s timeliness for years to come.

And “Oh What A Lovely Day;” the flame-throwing guitar is indeed REAL!!!

#SheCritiquesIt #WhatWorksWhatDoesNot

 

Our Resident Movie Reviewer Joyll Cambridge hails from Manchester, United Kingdom and currently lives in New York, New York. She loves all things movies, fitness and swirling. To read Joyll’s personal blog at The Humanist Exec, click here.

 

Be sure to “Like” The Swirl World on Facebook and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.

You can also follow us on Sound Cloud and listen to the show on Stitcher Radio. You can also hear us on PlayerFM!

Copyright ©2015 Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, The Swirl World Podcast™, The Swirl World Inspiration Daily™, Swirl Nation™, All rights reserved. Photo of Joyll Cambridge used with permission. Movie poster of Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) obtained from the Mad Max Official Facebook page here. All rights reserved.

 

Be Sociable! Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print

Like this:

Like Loading...

Filed Under: Movie Reviews, Uncategorized Tagged With: Charlize Theron, film, Joyll Cambridge, movie reviews, movies, Tom Hardy

They Don’t Always Have To Be White!

May 6, 2015 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway Leave a Comment

Fourteen year-old Charlotte Spencer is a self-taught anime artist whose future aspirations include producing animated movies and cartoons.

Charlotte Spencer's logo

Charlotte Spencer’s logo

She has some very definite ideas about the types of characters she wants to see in her movies – and she’s not shy about sharing her viewpoint.

“Main characters don’t always have to be white!” Charlotte exclaims.

Charlotte3

She has her own website and has already begun putting in the work and time necessary to make her dreams come true.

Charlotte is the biracial daughter of Interracial Marriage and Family Dating Coach Lorraine Spencer. Charlotte has done the research and has some very definite ideas about the types of characters she wants to see in her movies.

Charlotte6

She’s determined to ensure her characters – well, listen to the podcast and find out!

One thing we have to say about Charlotte and fact that she’s Lorraine’s daughter: the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!

If you can’t see the podcast player, click here for the direct download or here for the show’s permanent link.

You can also listen to this and other episodes on Sound Cloud.

If you can’t see the Sound Cloud player, click here. You can also head over to iTunes, Stitcher Radio and FMPlayer.

CharlotteSpencerTo visit Charlotte’s website, click here.

Want to be a guest on the podcast, or know someone who should?

Send an email to Podcast@TheSwirlWorld.com.

Be sure to “Like” The Swirl World on Facebook and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.

You can also follow us on Sound Cloud and listen to the show on Stitcher Radio. You can also hear us on PlayerFM!

Copyright © 2015  Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, The Swirl World Podcast™, Swirl Nation™, All rights reserved.

Photos and original art Copyright © 2015 Charlotte Spencer. Used with permission.

Be Sociable! Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print

Like this:

Like Loading...

Filed Under: Black Girls, Black Women Living Well, Fantastic Fans, Goal Setting, Interracial Families, Podcast, Uncategorized Tagged With: anime, biracial, Black women, Charlotte Spencer, interracial couples, interracial dating coach, Interracial Marriage and Family, interrracial marriage, Lorraine Spencer, mixed, movies, podcast

She Critiques-Night At The Museum, Secret Of The Tomb (2014)

December 28, 2014 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway Leave a Comment

Night At The Museum: The Secret Of The Tomb (2014)

Night at the museum

First, very fitting tributes to Robin Williams and Mickey Rooney, two greats of the silver screen and the grey screen. May they rest in eternal power and may others come to appreciate all they put into their art as I do! The Magic NEVER Ends!

This is actually my favourite of the Night At The Museum series because it brings the magic in such way that it’s constant throughout the film but it doesn’t take away from the dialogue and the message behind it all. So here we go.

What Works:

The connection between Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) and Nick Daley (Skylar Gisondo)!!! These two do a fantastic job of taking the typical connection between a Father and his teenage son and making it, well, ATYPICAL. Their banter is solid and genuinely believable and enjoyable!

I love the supporting cast in this film including the monkey!!! Teddy, Akmenrah, Atillia, Sacajawea, Ovtavious, Jeddediah and more?!?! Absolute fun on the run!!! Even a welcome addition in Rebel Wilson who brings her own brand of humour and realism!!!

The effects?!?! You literally feel like you can reach out and touch them! Why they didn’t bring this film out in 3D I will never know. The journey they take through the British Museum, is such a master class in realism and history, it’s well worth the price of admission for that section alone!

 

What Does Not Work:

Honestly? NOTHING. I think if you go into this film with the expectation that it’s just a fun, family oriented film, as well as one of Robin Williams and Mickey Rooney’s last films, you really will enjoy yourself. The MAGIC NEVER ENDS.

#SheCritiques #WhatWorksWhatDoesNot

 

Joyll Cambridge

Joyll Cambridge hails from Manchester, United Kingdom and currently lives in New York, New York. She loves all things movies, fitness and swirling. To read Joyll’s personal blog at The Humanist Exec, click here.

Joyll joined our team as our Resident Movie Reviewer. To contact Joyll or request a review of a specific movie, email her at SheCritiques@TheSwirlWorld.com.

Be sure to “Like” The Swirl World on Facebook and subscribe to our podcast on iTunes.

You can also follow us on Sound Cloud and listen to the show on Stitcher Radio! 

Copyright ©2014 Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, The Swirl World Podcast™, All rights reserved. Photo of Joyll Cambridge used with permission. Movie poster from the movie “Night At The Museum” obtained from IMDB.

 

Be Sociable! Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print

Like this:

Like Loading...

Filed Under: Movie Reviews, Uncategorized Tagged With: Ben Stiller, Joyll Cambridge, Mickey Rooney, movie reviews, movies, Robin Williams

She Critiques-WILD (2014)

December 28, 2014 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway Leave a Comment

WILD (2014)

WILD (2014)

WILD (2014)

“Denying her wounds came from the same source, as her power!!!!”

WILD is an introspective and retrospective look into the life on a young woman who’s lost her way, no more like, she’s lost HERSELF. The above should really give you an idea of why this film is an absolute personal cinematic achievement for Reese Witherspoon, and also why this film could not be more timely. First let’s talk about:

What Works

I had my doubts when I heard Reese Witherspoon had been cast initially because I wasn’t certain if she could perform strongly enough to be in nearly EVERY SINGLE frame of a film. I can say happily, I was indeed incorrect in my assumption.

Cheryl Strayed’s journey and the people she encounters is so poignant, so moving, so scary and yet, you can’t imagine this wasn’t the place and moment in time that she was destined to be. There are so many times during this film, when Cheryl’s situation and how she’s come to be where she is, is an immediate reflection upon our own lives in some way. It’s so much more about living just for the sake of actually LIVING as opposed to existing for the sake of dying.

You’re moved, the earth moves, you’re pulled in my this enormous black hole of guilt and yet you find yourself being redeemed in ways you never even began to imagine. The physicality of this role and the strength both physical and emotional that Reese Witherspoon had to endure in order to give us Cheryl Strayed? Method yes, but mind-blowing all the more so!!!!

Another example of a near perfect casting? Laura Dern as Cheryl’s Mum Bobbi. I can’t even begin to describe how key it was to GET IT RIGHT. The connection between Cheryl and Bobbi is so strong you can almost see the physical manifestation of the lines between them.

The parallels in how each Mother and Daughter lived their own broken lines is absolutely frightening. “I was never me…” Bobbi tells her children and yet even in that simple and short statement there is such a triumphant story. Why Mums are the way they are, why they make the ultimate sacrifices for their children, why they endure the things they do, all to give their legacy the brightest future possible.

The contacts, the connections, the random people out on the trails with Cheryl, some who add to her life, her experiences, and some who solely exist to take something away. They’re not merely ships, they ports of call, they’re antagonist, protagonists. They’re reminders of humanity and how key it is not only to be true to yourself, but always to present your best self to others especially if they mean something to you.

Cheryl’s connection to her ex-husband Paul, who sanctions her journey and yet doesn’t initially feel she has what it takes to go the distance. He’s a motivator and a skeptic all in once played nearly perfectly by Thomas Sadoski. The people who are helping her along her journey are just as lost as she is in many ways and yet there she is, not necessarily looking for guidance, so much as beacons to light things up when the darkness overwhelms her.

 

 

What Does Not Work
Honestly? If I could find something, I would tell you but alas I am unable to do so. There are some minor issues with the flashing from past to current day, but they’re not so much flaws as they are wake up calls or sorts, to remind you what’s holding you down and lifting you up all at the same time.

I leave you with another quote from this film that has stuck with me from the very moment I heard it and will become a permanent fixture in my life as I live and breathe:
“I Found My Own Way Out Of The Woods….”

Yes Cheryl, you did indeed, and I know a few more people you helped find they own way out of the woods, TOO.

 

#MUSTSEE
#SheCritiques
#WhatWorksWhatDoesNot

 

Joyll Cambridge

 

Joyll Cambridge hails from Manchester, United Kingdom and currently lives in New York, New York. She loves all things movies, fitness and swirling. To read Joyll’s personal blog at The Humanist Exec, click here.

Joyll joined our team as our Resident Movie Reviewer. To contact Joyll or request a review of a specific movie, email her at SheCritiques@TheSwirlWorld.com.

Be sure to “Like” The Swirl World on Facebook and subscribe to our podcast on iTunes.

You can also follow us on Sound Cloud and listen to the show on Stitcher Radio! 

Copyright ©2014 Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, The Swirl World Podcast™, All rights reserved. Photo of Joyll Cambridge used with permission. Movie poster from the movie “Wild” obtained from IMDB.

 

Be Sociable! Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print

Like this:

Like Loading...

Filed Under: Movie Reviews, Uncategorized Tagged With: Joyll Cambridge, movie reviews, movies, Reese Witherspoon, WILD

She Critiques- FoxCatcher (2014)

December 27, 2014 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway Leave a Comment

Foxcatcher (2014)

Foxcatcher 2014

Foxcatcher 2014

I’ve been sitting here contemplating this film have just left the theatre an hour or so ago, and I must admit initially I was at a loss. Why? Because it took me quite some time to identify what does NOT work in this absolute marvel of a film. There are so many things that work brilliantly well that any perceived flaws took quite some time to appear in my consciousness.

First the particulars: Foxcatcher basically stars three highly transformed men, and one ‘lady’ (errr more on her later). It’s the story of Mark and David Schultz, played masterfully by Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo. John DuPont, eerily and magically played by Steve Carell. And Madame Jean DuPont, played by the always indefatigable Vanessa Redgrave.

John DuPont wants to be the Captain and Coach of the gold medal winning US Men’s wrestling team and he’s relying heavily on Mark and David to do this. This man has such a desire, such an intense hunger for gold that he would stop at pretty much nothing to obtain it.

Let me just stop right here momentarily to catch my breath and make a statement, if Steve Carell doesn’t scare you in real life after seeing him in this film, there’s something deeply wrong with the both of you! Whew! Ok onward….

 

 

What Works:

The INTENSE and highly skilled transformations of Steve, Channing, and Mark into John, Mark, and David. This film is going to win some awards for makeup and costumes if it already hasn’t. But the scary part is it’s NOT just makeup. There’s almost a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde transformation in EVERY key player in this film, including demeanor, stance, and speech flow/patterns.

You find yourself tripped up quite frequently, have to remember that that’s Steve Carell, that that’s Mark Ruffalo, and yes that’s Channing Tatum and Vanessa Redgrave but…..there are such frequent moments of disbelief that you almost want to pull up IMDB constantly to ensure you’re in the right theatre, screening the right film because it’s just that sublime, the transformations.

They’re not subdued in any manner, they’re SCARY as such. There is a new level of admiration and respect that you find yourself pleased with bestowing upon the cast. It’s indeed well-deserved and once you can finally reconcile that those are indeed the actors you thought were acting in this film, the film is ended.

The mode of John, as tasked to Steve Carell is deadpan, dead on, and so even keel all at the same time. It’s very difficult to ascertain what John is feeling, because he’s a king of sarcastic banter and yet you find yourself warming up to him before his volcano blows.

You are shown glimpses of his childhood, you’re also shown that the man who has everything appears to have nothing. There’s no sense of achievement, no sense of fulfillment and he initially easily garners your sympathy, you empathy. The way that he handles his staff, the way that he approaches each scenario like he owns everything and then his circumstances, he interactions remind you there are many things he can take no ownership of and it’s clear how that frustrates him deeply.

Mark; he’s stoic. He’s an Olympic gold medalist and one of the things that this film does very well is set you up solidly, as to why a man as skilled as Mark, can be so easily withdrawn, so easily solemn, and so easily manipulated as John is so tongue in cheek at doing.

There’s a theme in this film that Channing Tatum as Mark does such a phenomenal job of conveying and that John seems receive that torch and continue you on with it. It’s about being at your lowest. Mark is at an EXTREMELY low point in his life, as is John, but even their lows while different, are eerily similar and that is where their connection is formed from.

The other brother. The one everyone seems to respect and admire, the stand-up guy who is always looking out for others including Mark of course. The one everyone seems not only to look up to as a mentor, as a desired friend, as an ally, as the shining light. This is David. He and Mark are both gold medal winners and yet he seems to have gotten the luck of the draw so to speak. He’s the IT man, and this leaves Mark feeling highly inadequate and this so susceptible to John’s folly.

Make no mistake, Mark and David are brothers in arms, and yet the differences between them are so poignant and so well displayed you almost find yourself willing their dynamic to be different. You want things to be better between them. You want people to SEEK Mark like the see David. You want that FOR THEM.

There are metaphors in this film that if you’re not careful, you may overlook, or not see how they relate to the calamity that is the life on John DuPont. Things like, the horse, the trophies (and yes there are many), the military weapons all over the compound.

The backdrop that is Valley Forge while a beautiful, peaceful place to live and of course film, provides such an interesting juxtaposition to the chaos that is the hellhole that is John Dupont’s life. And no, this being that hell hole will never provide the excuse as to why John lives the way he lives, why he acts the way he acts, and ultimately why he completely lets what little foothold he has on life slither away. And that brings me to what does NOT work.

What Does Not Work:

As I stated previously, this took a while. There are two things that a great a film as this is, as great a performance that all actors presented us with, that simply do NOT work. The connection between John and Lady DuPont is unfortunately not one of them. Yes they are aloof when it comes to one another. And yes, their interactions do a great job of showcasing just how dysfunctional their relationship is, but even will all that, it isn’t enough.

Their lack communication, their lack of affection, their lack of affinity for each other, rings hollow. It’s all too easy to lay the burden of John’s folly upon Lady DuPont, but it doesn’t hold up. I suspect that’s because many of the people who spent their days around these two, learned the skills necessary to tune their dysfunction out. In other words see no evil….well you get the idea.

And therein lies the second issue. The WHY. There isn’t enough of a trigger, enough reasoning, enough insanity on screen to explain the WHY of it all. You find yourself wanting desperately to say, yeah I understand exactly WHY he did that. And it’s so close you find yourself at a loss that stays with you long after the credits have rolled. You’re like, that can NOT be all of it. There has to be more than the story. There has to be some sort of justification for such heartbreak, such tragedy.

Sure, what you see onscreen is full of fire and full of exuberance. It’s just not, the smoking gun (ironically enough) necessary to explain what brought all this to fruition. Still, even with that, I cannot express how much I enjoyed this film.

It’s a definite #MUSTSEE if only that gain an understanding that Foxcatcher Farms is The Emerald City and John DuPont is indeed the wizard. And we all know what we must do when we see Emerald City right? We’re off to see the wizard!!!!

#WhatWorksWhatDoesNot #SheCritiques

 

Joyll CambridgeJoyll Cambridge hails from Manchester, United Kingdom and currently lives in New York, New York. She loves all things movies, fitness and swirling. To read Joyll’s personal blog at The Humanist Exec, click here.

Joyll joined our team as our Resident Movie Reviewer. To contact Joyll or request a review of a specific movie, email her at SheCritiques@TheSwirlWorld.com.

Be sure to “Like” The Swirl World on Facebook and subscribe to our podcast on iTunes.

You can also follow us on Sound Cloud and listen to the show on Stitcher Radio! 

Copyright ©2014 Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, The Swirl World Podcast™, All rights reserved. Photo of Joyll Cambridge used with permission. Movie poster from the movie “Foxcatcher” obtained from IMDB.

 

Be Sociable! Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print

Like this:

Like Loading...

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo, movie reviews, movies, Steve Carell

She Critiques- Top Five (2014)

December 27, 2014 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway Leave a Comment

Top Five (2014)

Top Five (2014)

Top Five (2014)

 

Ordinarily this is the part where I use my opening sentence to give you guys a quick summation of what makes Top Five special, but truthfully, there’s so much that makes this film special that it deserves better than that so here we go.

This is a story of a successful comedic actor Andre Allen (played superbly by Chris Rock), who happens to have a few issues that have derailed his mojo and hence his career and he’s trying to straighten all that out and get back on top. He has a beautiful fiancée (who just happens to have a reality show) and a staff whose sole job it is to keep him OUT of trouble. The thing is, he’s headlining a new film that’s a DRAMA instead of the comedies he’s known for and people aren’t warming up to this new Andre, and not believing that a tiger can ever change his stripes. He meets this beautiful reporter for the NYT Chelsea Brown (Rosario Dawson) who wants to follow him around for a day as press for the movie and as press for his rapidly approaching wedding to the aforementioned fiancée.

What Works:

The insane chemistry and back and forth between Andre and Chelsea. He’s not a willing participant in this interview solely because he’s been burned by the NYT before regarding his OTHER films which are absolute trash. And Chelsea (played by the perfect partner in Rosario Dawson) isn’t exactly the type to NOT get what she wants and she wants an exclusive entrance into the Andre who started from the bottom and now he’s here (and yes that’s corny but trust me when you see it, it WILL make sense).

There’s a vibrancy and electricity that you can visibly see flowing back and forth between these two and no I don’t mean romantically, they’re not yin and yang, more like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers whose steps mirror each other so perfectly and so intensely it would creep an unappreciative person out! It works and it works brilliantly. There’s so much more to this pairing, just like there’s so much more to this film.

Another thing that works extremely well is the beautiful use of New York City as a backdrop. Not only are we gifted with the wondrous sights and sounds, but we also share in the magic spells that were cast not only to create these two characters, but also we are privy to racial and socioeconomic commentary that is linked to key parts and characters in the film (and no not just these two) and you realize just how essential those things are, and how ones culture manifest itself in who we’ve become. We meet Andre’s family, people from his past-some who had just as much influence on who he became as whom he did NOT. (This is KEY-remember this)

Silk, (J.B Smoove who handled that I must say) is Andre’s handler and childhood friend who keeps him focused and out of trouble. But don’t minimize him to being Andre’s bodyguard because he’s so much more than that. He brings a sense of warmth and nuance to the relationship between he and Andre and yet his sense of loyalty and devotion that others might give a negative assessment to, really is an about the understanding of Andre’s biggest desires and goals, and even more so his greatest fears. Silk is an anchor, a link not so much to the past, but to the truth which is oftentimes the only ground we have left to stand upon when all else fails.

What Does Not Work:

Houston, we have a problem is all I’m going to say and leave it at that. (You have to SEE it to believe it!)

The relationship between Andre and his fiancée Erica (played enjoyably by Gabrielle Union-Wade). Why? Because we don’t really get an opportunity to see WHY these two are together. It’s implied, but it’s a hard sell because there just isn’t enough screen time, connection, and momentum in the limited scenes between these two. Andre tells you WHY there together, but telling us is not the same as making us SEE why and it comes across as forced and underdeveloped.

Another thing that just seems out of place is the relationship between Chelsea and her boyfriend Brad. From the moment we first meet Chelsea there isn’t ANYTHING about her that screams, I have a boyfriend or significant other. She’s a bit star struck from the time she first encounters Andre and that pretty much continues in one way or another to the very end of the film.

Make no mistake, Top Five isn’t a RomCom. It’s very much a comedy with romantic thematic elements. There’s not much missing from the gem of a film, and there are so many wonderful and unexpected cameos that are just so much fun and add a bit of depth that we weren’t expecting.

I highly recommend it, and it earns a well-deserved #MUSTSEE from me! Have fun and enjoy!

#WhatWorksWhatDoesNot #SheCritiques

 

 

Joyll Cambridge

Joyll Cambridge hails from Manchester, United Kingdom and currently lives in New York, New York. She loves all things movies, fitness and swirling. To read Joyll’s personal blog at The Humanist Exec, click here.

Joyll joined our team as our Resident Movie Reviewer. To contact Joyll or request a review of a specific movie, email her at SheCritiques@TheSwirlWorld.com.

Be sure to “Like” The Swirl World on Facebook and subscribe to our podcast on iTunes.

You can also follow us on Sound Cloud and listen to the show on Stitcher Radio! 

Copyright ©2014 Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, The Swirl World Podcast™, All rights reserved. Photo of Joyll Cambridge used with permission. Movie poster from the movie “Top Five” obtained from IMDB.

Be Sociable! Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print

Like this:

Like Loading...

Filed Under: Movie Reviews, Uncategorized Tagged With: chris rock, Joyll Cambridge, movie reviews, movies, rosario Dawson, She Critiques, top five

The Swirl World Mug
The Swirl World Mug
by TheSwirlWorld

Join The Swirl Nation and Receive Updates Via Email!

Are You In?

Provide your email address if you'd like to hear from us from time to time. We promise we won't spam you!

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

Looking for something? Search here!

Welcome!

I’m Michelle Matthews-Calloway, and I’m A Swirl Girl! Greetings to you from The Swirl World. We encourage Black women to expand their relationship options by dating and marrying interracially. Our overarching mission is to see Black Women live their best life. Come Swirl with us in The Swirl World™, where we celebrate Black women and the diverse men who love us!™

Join The Swirl World on Facebook

Join The Swirl World on Facebook

Listen to the Podcast on Sound Cloud

Join A Swirl Girl On Instagram

Instagram

Connect With Michelle On LinkedIn

View Michelle Matthews Calloway's profile on LinkedIn

Check Out Interracial Match!

InterracialMatch.com - the best interracial dating site!
InterracialMatch.com - the best interracial dating site!
The Swirl World Logo Flow Tee
The Swirl World Logo Flow Tee
by TheSwirlWorld
The Swirl World Logo Sticker
The Swirl World Logo Sticker
by TheSwirlWorld

Podcasts We Love

  • #SmartBrownVoices
  • Back2Us Radio Network
  • Behind The Brilliance
  • Black Girl Nerds
  • Design The Life You Want
  • Her Power Hustle
  • Interracial Jawn
  • Just Thinkin' Out Loud Media
  • Live By Design Inspiration Radio
  • Nerdy Black Chicks
  • The Freedom Biz
  • The Productive Woman
  • This Week In Blackness

Blogroll

  • 500and50
  • A Black Girl's Guide to Weight Loss
  • African American 101
  • Afrobella
  • Alaia Williams
  • Alphanista
  • Awesomely Luvvie
  • Baggage Reclaim
  • Beyond Black & White
  • Black Female Interracial Marriage
  • Black Girl Nerds
  • Black Girls Blogging
  • Black Women Deserve Better™
  • Black Women with Other Brothers
  • Black Women’s Interracial Relationship Circle
  • Bougie Black Girl
  • Chonilla
  • Courtney Herring
  • Elle Veg- All Things Vegetarian
  • For Harriet
  • Happy Black Woman
  • Interracial Dating Coach
  • Joyce L. Rodgers
  • Just Ask Kaye
  • Kaywanda Lamb
  • Littlefoot's Journey
  • LorMarie's Place
  • Married Girl in a Weird World
  • Mom's 'N Charge
  • MONETIZE THYSELF with Nicole Walters
  • Neecy's Nest
  • Oneika the Traveller
  • Petals
  • Socialite Dreams
  • Surviving Dating
  • Talk To Amber
  • The New Elegant Black Woman
  • The Social Graces & Savoir Faire Institute of Etiquette
  • The Sojourner’s Passport
  • The Style and Beauty Doctor
  • The Trendy Socialite
  • The Working Home Keeper
  • The World of Miss Glamtastic
  • Tia Delano
  • Water Cooler Convos

Copyright Terms:

All rights reserved. All work is the copyright of the respective owner, otherwise copyright ©2015 Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, The Swirl World Podcast™, The Swirl World Inspiration Daily™, Swirl Nation™, all rights reserved, Dallas, TX, USA.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Archives

  • October 2018 (1)
  • August 2018 (1)
  • May 2018 (1)
  • March 2018 (1)
  • February 2018 (1)
  • January 2018 (2)
  • December 2017 (1)
  • November 2017 (1)
  • October 2017 (1)
  • August 2017 (2)
  • July 2017 (2)
  • June 2017 (2)
  • May 2017 (2)
  • April 2017 (2)
  • March 2017 (1)
  • February 2017 (1)
  • January 2017 (2)
  • December 2016 (14)
  • November 2016 (3)
  • October 2016 (2)
  • September 2016 (1)
  • August 2016 (4)
  • July 2016 (9)
  • June 2016 (9)
  • May 2016 (11)
  • April 2016 (5)
  • March 2016 (11)
  • February 2016 (13)
  • January 2016 (7)
  • December 2015 (34)
  • November 2015 (32)
  • October 2015 (35)
  • September 2015 (34)
  • August 2015 (34)
  • July 2015 (32)
  • June 2015 (38)
  • May 2015 (40)
  • April 2015 (37)
  • March 2015 (37)
  • February 2015 (33)
  • January 2015 (37)
  • December 2014 (18)
  • November 2014 (7)
  • October 2014 (5)
  • September 2014 (8)
  • August 2014 (7)
  • July 2014 (12)
  • June 2014 (9)
  • May 2014 (3)
  • April 2014 (4)
  • March 2014 (8)
  • February 2014 (5)
  • January 2014 (7)
  • December 2013 (8)
  • November 2013 (2)
  • October 2013 (2)
  • September 2013 (4)
  • August 2013 (6)
  • July 2013 (30)
  • June 2013 (4)
  • May 2013 (5)
  • April 2013 (29)
  • March 2013 (5)
  • February 2013 (5)
  • January 2013 (31)
  • December 2012 (4)
  • November 2012 (29)
  • October 2012 (2)
  • August 2012 (1)
  • July 2012 (1)
  • June 2012 (3)
  • May 2012 (1)
  • April 2012 (1)
  • May 2011 (4)
  • April 2011 (5)
  • March 2011 (4)
  • February 2011 (4)
  • January 2011 (4)

Copyright © 2025 · The Swirl World™ LLC. All Rights Reserved. · Log in

%d