C’MON C’MON
Joaquin Phoenix reveals his softer, loving side in Mike Mills’ magnificent family drama about connection, a mother’s strength, and listening to and understanding how a child (of any age) express themselves when life gets tough and makes no sense. Johnny (Phoenix) is a radio journalist who hasn’t seen his sister Viv (a sensational Gaby Hoffman) and her son Jesse (Woody Norman) in over a year. But when he comes to visit, it winds up being an unforgettable experience in how an uncle and his nephew deal with each other – growing slowly into something beautiful and moving.
Phoenix’s gentle, nuanced performance is something he hasn’t shown us in quite awhile and he’s never better. His excellent chemistry with the sensational young Norman is arresting and absolutely affecting. Told in stunning black and white, it’s impossible not to be enamored with Mills’ sweet, perceptive, and brilliant film. It feels honest and real, having a kind, empathetic soul that should be cherished. Not only is this the best of the fest, but one of the best films of the year.
OLD HENRY
In a cracking performance as the titled character, Tim Blake Nelson looks right at home in this convincing and thrilling Western actioner. He portrays a widowed, isolated farmer shrouded in mystery who takes in an injured man with a satchel full of cash that stinks to high heaven of trouble. Him and his son (Gavin Lewis) find themselves in the crosshairs of a gang of assumed lawmen, lead by Ketchum (a vicious Stephen Dorff), wanting what they have. While a nice homage to a timeworn genre, writer/director Potsy Ponciroli has a terrific twist up his sleeve to boot for his high-class, violent, and redemptive gunslinger tale. The past comes calling for Henry, and Nelson, showing unadulterated grit, ain’t backing down. Firing on all cylinders, it’s an absolute pleasure watching him command the screen like never before.
LUZZU
Writer-director Alex Camilleri transports us to the beautiful seas of Malta where we follow Jesmark, played by Jesmark Scicluna who delivers a fabulous, low-key performance in his acting debut. He’s a fisherman having a tough time making ends meet for his wife and newborn son. Confronted by the harsh realities of life and a tradition that’s a dying breed, he’s left with a difficult, life-changing decision to make. Does he give up the boat that’s been handed down from generation to generation, or sell his soul to work inside the shady dealings of the fishing business? It’s a simple yet authentic slice-of-life drama enriched by the region it’s exploring. It’s similarly the same place Jesmark is struggling to survive, and it’s heartbreaking to watch.
BERNSTEIN’S WALL
Leonard Bernstein is easily one of the most significant musical figures of the 20th century. However, admittedly, I can’t say I know a whole lot about him and I’m sure I’m not alone. Leave it to writer/director Douglas Tirola’s benevolent portrait of the consummate conductor/composer to assist in our understanding of the man, his genius, and how he saw the world. It’s also told almost entirely in his own words, along with splendid archival footage, which is music to the viewers’ ears.
This documentary is surely interesting and informative when unloading Bernstein’s early career and him continuing to reach new heights while gaining international fame. Same can be said for his outspokenness for social change and his complex yet loving marriage to Felicia Montealegre for nearly 30 years, even though he was a hidden homosexual as revealed by peeks of intimate letters. Though, it’s a little puzzling as to why Tirola decides to practically leave out Bernstein’s male relationships. And that’s not the only note missed here.
One of his most famous works, West Side Story, is mentioned but hardly discussed. Additionally, Bernstein gets wrapped up in some Black Panther controversy involving a party he threw at his house, yet comes across as nothing more than an afterthought. These feel like important events that border on being downright discarded, which seems weird. The legacy of Bernstein isn’t on full display; however, Tirola still manages to capture what Bernstein was made of and how he used his extraordinary gift for good.
Check out our episode of The Vick’s Flicks Podcast on the 2021 Nashville Film Festival here:
Listen to “Ep. 86: The 2021 Nashville Film Festival” on Spreaker.Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of The Vick’s Flicks Podcast. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
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