Can You Forgive Me?



When I first heard Melissa McCarthy in a dramatic movie I thought to myself "She's chasing Oscar." And she very well might be because she earned a Best Actress in a Leading Role Oscar nomination for 2019, but it was WELL DESERVED!


"Can You Forgive Me?" is the story of the late author Lee Israel played by Melissa McCarthy. Lee is an outspoken, alcoholic, out of work author who HAPPENS to be a lesbian obsessed with her cat. That's where the stereotype stops. She fights for her worth which includes clashing with her agent (Jane Curtin). One day while researching her pending biography of Fanny Brice, she stumbles on a handwritten letter from Fannie to a friend. Lee adds one embellishment on the letter in Fanny's voice and a world of possibilities opens up. Soon Lee is writing letters in the voice of several deceased authors to various people in their lives. She begins selling these letters and making money hand over fist. When the FBI gets involved she finally realizes although what she's doing was illegal, it was the best time of her life. Richard E. Grant co-stars as Lee's gay bestie Jack Hock (scoring himself a Best Actor in a Supporting Role Oscar nod).


From the directing to the script to the acting this movie works. You know she's doing something illegal, but you find yourself rooting for Lee to get away with it forever. And Jack is a hoot.


Five star movie easily; don't believe me? It scored 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. Worth seeing, and although I do not regret my words Melissa earned that Oscar nomination.

Second Act

A surprisingly touching dramedy about a woman (Jennifer Lopez) in her mid 40s wondering "what's next?" She's working in a job she feels no advancement at, in a relationship (Milo Ventimiglia) that isn't progressing, and when she gets overlooked for the promotion she deserves her bestie's (Leah Remini) son fudges her resume. Suddenly the world is her oyster as offers pour in. She takes a job with an already successful brand, even though she doesn't have the experience expressed on her resume her knowledge is eye opening to all. But how long can she keep the ruse up?

So not a typical JLo movie, but well worth the price of admission. 4 out of 5 stars. Vanessa Hudgens co-stars as well. 

The Upside

At this point I have seen "The Upside" twice. VERY good movie. Funny, dramatic, and smart.

Based on a true story about a recently released convicted criminal Dell (Kevin Hart) goes to get three signatures to satisfy his unemployment efforts (and parole). He accidentally interviews for Life Auxiliary job with quadriplegic author Philip (Bryan Cranston) and his employee Yvonne (Nicole Kidman). Philip loves Dell's attitude, hires him, and the two form an unlikely bond.

It will tug at the heart strings, it will make you belly laugh, but mostly it makes you understand what you see on the outside of a person isn't necessarily who they are inside.

Highly recommend! 4 stars out of 5.

Robin Hood

This does not reflect on Taron Egerton, whom I love, but this movie was TRASH! Ima give it 1 star out of 5 simply because of Taron. OH MY LANTA! So poorly written and plotted and directed.

Years ago they remade "Robin Hood" with Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett, and it worked on a billion levels. Been expecting a sequel...I did not expect this hot garbage. Just no. No no no no.

Do not waste your time. 

Bumblebee

Not good. Not great. OKAY at best. This was a Bumblebee version of the first Transformers. There was nothing new or exciting. It showed how he lost his voice and a female Decepticon, but nothing new. UGH. Just ugh. And because it was a prequel it felt even more strange because they kind of hinted at it as if it was a sequel.

I'm giving it 2 stars out of 5.