On the Basis of Sex (2018)

On the Basis of Sex is a fine biopic with solid acting. It's a pretty ordinary telling of an extraordinary life. It focuses specifically on one case in Ruth Bader Ginsburg's illustrious career. The movie does not benefit from choosing to spotlight a tax case. Yes, obviously it is the case that "topples the whole system" but even she knew that there is nothing interesting about tax law. The courtroom scene, I presume, is dramatized. I'm not going back to the court transcripts, but I have to imagine that Ginsburg, the brilliant perfectionist she is, didn't botch her submission. Like many biopics, it ends with words on the screen detailing what happens next. It ends with a short sentence on her confirmation vote of 96-3. But that's of little significance. Ginsburg is a pioneer in the women's rights movement. Who cares what the confirmation vote was? It really detracts from the theme of the movie.

Titanic (1997)

Upon a second viewing of James Cameron's massive classic disaster film, it still holds up.  What I always found so amazing about the Titanic is that it is a story that everyone knows, we all know exactly how it is going to end, and yet it is still exciting.  You still feel sad for these fictional characters on this ill-fated ship. You still feel the anxiety and the adrenaline and anticipation.  The Titanic lasts over three hours.  It is a marathon that requires stamina and a big block of free time.  The ship actually taking on water and going down lasts literally for hours to give you enough time for panic and hopelessness and despair to set in as if you were actually on the ship.  The spectacular visuals really immerse the viewer in the experience.  The most extraordinary scene, of course, is the moment the ship snaps in half and sinks into the depths of the Atlantic Ocean.  Arguably the romantic story is as important as the disaster.  The romantic leads Rose and Jack, reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet, are what make the sinking of the Titanic so tragic.  And what would the Titanic be without Celine Dion's iconic song with the pan flute accompaniment?    

Tammy (2014)

Tammy is Melissa McCarthy's latest reincarnation of the same old character she always plays.  She typecast herself in a role that does not really let her talents shine.  She is a very funny comedian but I fear that in the future she will continue to be typecast.  The character is great in Bridesmaids,  but I think the audience has tired of it.  Susan Sarandon makes for a great crazy grandmother character.   The dynamic between her and McCarthy,  however, does not work nearly as well as with McCarthy and Sandra Bullock in The Heat.   Sarandon really gives it her all given subpar script.  It is amazing how many big names this script attracted and really goes to show the power and popularity of McCarthy.