The Shape of Water

     The Shape of Water is directed by Guillermo del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth) and stars Sally Hawkins (Paddington 2), Michael Shannon (Midnight Special), and Doug Jones (Hellboy II: The Golden Army). It tells the unique love story of a mute woman and amphibian creature, as they venture through this relationship in the face of prejudice and hardship.
     Revered as Guillermo is, this was my first time experiencing one of his directorial efforts. Hawkins was also a bit of a newcomer for me, an actress I had never heard of until the marketing for this movie began. Yet even with such uncertainty from the talent side, the buzz around this movie was electric ever since its premiere at Venice International Film Festival.
     I loved this movie, perhaps my favorite part being the creature itself. The physicality with which Doug Jones acts at times melts away the costume he is wearing and he feels just like any other man. Learning afterwords that his outfit was almost all practical gave me a new respect for the team behind the movie as well. Physicality also plays a large part in Hawkins performance, as she is mute yet is still able to emote in a tragic way.
     Michael Shannon was terrifying as the film's villain, something that more or less he has been type cast into. But he continues to nail it time and time again. I would be remised if I did not mention Michael Stuhlbarg (A Serious Man), whose character goes through some interesting turns throughout the run time. Stuhlbarg was a stand out in 2017, with roles in this film, The Post, Fargo, and Call Me By Your Name.
     Some criticisms I have heard levied against this movie is the fantasticalness on display in some of the more grandiose moments. While I can see where they are The Shape of Water is best enjoyed if thought of as a fairy tale, which it genuinely is at heart. Although the romance may be a bit unconventional, the heart is still very much there.
coming from, I cannot agree with this sentiment.
     The Shape of Water may have just missed out on my top 10 list for 2017, but it may have been the hardest omission. The practical effects alone are worth the price of admission. But add on top of that some truly great performances and a beautiful heart, and you have something special.

When should you watch it?
Opening Night

Downsizing

     Downsizing is directed by Alexander Payne (Nebraska) and stars Matt Damon (The Departed), Kristin Wiig (Bridesmaids), and Christoph Waltz (Inglorious Basterds). It tells the story of a revolutionary scientific technique coined downsizing, which shrinks down people in order to help save the environment.
     Ever since the Oscars from last year came out, this picture had been considered a possible contender for the Best Picture this year. An intriguing premise with an all-star cast is usually sure fire Oscar bait. The trailers seemed promising enough, with great special effects and funny moments.
     Unfortunately, Downsizing is a mess. I will give in and say that the first thirty or so minutes of this film had me excited. Certain twists were genuinely surprising and the premise appeared it could actually amount to an entertaining time. And this opening act flew by. But then the film comes to a screeching halt. Mixed messages are thrown at the viewer about humanity and our effect on the environment. The social satire was left behind as it give way to a message piece that never really hit the strides of the opening.
     The performances are passible, but you cannot help but feel the wasted potential on screen. Damon and Waltz do nothing we have not seen before, which is not necessarily bad but just feels cliched at this point. Hong Chau (Inherent Vice) gave the most interesting performance. However, her character is ultimately wasted in lieu of this awkward warning for humanity.
     I could tell that Payne was attempting to impress an important issue on the viewer, yet the exact message never came across, leaving me very confused. The film shies away from any climax, content with just continuing the story but not letting viewers in on its secrets.
     Downsizing had all the promise in the world, yet it fumbled on execution. Thankfully, the Oscars stayed away from this movie, and you should too.

When should you see it?
Cable (and turn it off after 30 minutes)

I, Tonya

I, Tonya is directed by Craig Gillespie (Fright Night) And stars Margot Robbie (The Wolf of Wall Street), Sebastian Stan (Captain America: The Winter Soldier), and Allison Janney (The Help). It tells the story of the rise and fall of figure skating legend Tonya Harding and the events surrounding the attack on Nancy Kerrigan.
     I had very little knowledge of the events surrounding this fateful event in American sports history. So a getting a chance to learn more about it was an exciting prospect. And the buzz around this movie was very positive with the cast being reason enough to give it a chance.
     The positives of the movie are most definitely within the performances. Robbie disappears into the character of Tonya Harding, showcasing emotion in what could prove to be a career defining role. But the standout for me was Paul Walter Hauser, who plays Tonya's completely inept security guard. His comedic delivery was special and the character's mindset provided some of the biggest laughs throughout.
     Perhaps my biggest issue with the film was a feeling of tone deafness. It was rough to watch the domestic violence that Harding faced throughout her life, first starting with her mother and then moving to her boyfriend/husband. The violence would be interjected with humor, leaving me as the viewer unsure whether I should be laughing at the joke or feeling empathy for Tonya. The film did not give enough time for both to be felt at the same time.
     At the end of the day, I, Tonya had enjoyable scenes but certain moments still do not sit right with me. I commend the actors involved, but cannot help but feel the film may have been helped if helmed by a slightly more experienced filmmaker.

When should you watch it?
Dollar Theater