Full of heart, humor and horrible singing Florence Foster Jenkins never makes a mockery of the famous (or infamous) woman who sold out Carnegie Hall at the age of 76. The film delicately presents the untalented yet aspiring Opera singer who genuinely loved music and had the resources to pursue her dreams in spite of many challenges.
David Lowery’s Pete’s Dragon is a warm, and sentimental palate cleanser that allowed me to laugh out loud, shed a tear, and carry on. With challenging, emotional, and weird films filling my brain lately (The Lobster, Free State of Jones, and Swiss Army Man) this re-imagining of the original 1977 live-action-animated-musical that I loved as a kid was gentle on my eyes, ears, and emotions.
The one word that keeps coming to mind when I recall Love & Friendship is delight. Director Whit Stillman delivered all of the typical characters I've come to expect from an Austen classic, but in an unexpectedly bold and hilarious way.
When I think of quintessential Jane Austen, I expect a clever love story, a stirring soundtrack with sweeping scenes of the English countryside, and big names in pretty dresses with impeccable English accents. Love & Friendship addresses most of these expectations, but with one big difference: this film, its story, and its leading lady are audacious. This sheer, delightful cheekiness caught me off guard. Click below to read on!