Making The Day

 

 

Co-Writer/Producer/Director Michael Canzoniero’s comedy Making The Day is a dazzling romp on the harrowing process of raising money for the production of an independent movie.

Steven Randazzo plays Nick, a character actor from the ‘80s/’90s, who has written a script celebrating his deceased wife.

Dwayne Hill plays a hulking mobster, who loans Nick $300K in cash to make the film, with the proviso he will get the money back in 90 days with a “clean check.”

Juliette Bennett plays an aspiring actress determined to land the film’s leading role by any means necessary.

With the looks and dynamism of a combination Meg Ryan and Reese Witherspoon, Ms. Bennett sparks the film and is an example of why producers attempt making indie films; because it’s possible to vie with Hollywood by creating a gem like Making The Day.

I give it a 4 out of 5.

Look for it in one of the online venues, if not in theaters.

 

Promising Young Woman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If Writer/Producer/Director Emerald Fennell’s Promising Young Woman is not the Best Film of 2020, it is, certainly, the most interesting. 

From the ironic title to the shocking climax and dramatic ending, as well as including the best (and most saleable) wardrobe for a leading actress, this film constantly surprises and provokes the viewer.

 

I won’t give too much away except to say Cassie Thomas (Cary Mulligan) is an attractive and (I’ll note it again) stunningly well-dressed 30-year-old medical school dropout, who still lives with her parents in Ohio. 

Cassie’s best friend Nina was raped (and, presumably committed suicide) while they were classmates and, subsequently, Cassie spends most evenings seducing young men by feigning drunkenness before turning the tables on them.

Cary Mulligan is absolutely wonderful in this role and the rest of the rest of the cast are excellent foils for her actions.

This film is a reckoning for those who think they hold the power and I give it a 4.9 out of 5.

 

Raya and the Last Dragon

 

Directors Don Hall’s and Carlos Lǿpez Estrada’s Raya and the Last Dragon is an exquisite and totally delightful animated film that is sure to become a classic.

In the land of Kumandra, there are 5 separate peoples who lived in harmony with each other and dragons until hideous creatures of dark smoke called Druuns invaded.  

The dragons sacrificed themselves to save the humans, but 500 years later, the Druuns have returned and both greed and mistrust on the part of the tribes causes the destruction of the talisman that have kept them at bay.

It is up to Raya and the last remaining dragon, who had been in hiding, to resurrect the talisman and destroy the Druuns.

 The film poses a unique solution of becoming sure enough of oneself to be willing to trust one’s enemy.  And so, it succeeds on all levels…story, emotion and presentation.

I give Raya and the Last Dragon a 4.9 out of 5.  This is a film the entire family will enjoy.