"Love & Mercy," "Entourage" and "Spy" Weekend Movie Binge

Posted this on Twitter today: Weekend movie binge. @entouragemovie ⭐️⭐️⭐️❤️❤️ @SpytheMovie ⭐️⭐️⭐️😃😃@lovemercyfilm ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❤️❤️❤️❤️👍👍 after a weekend movie binge.

But here's a little more on each film.

In a silly way, the critics were just plain snarky about the "Entourage" movie. Maybe that's because a lot of film critics don't watch TV shows. So, forgiven. But I liked it from beginning to end - and especially the end. The production values were a tad on the tight budget side, but the boys (and girls) came to play. I was a fan of the HBO series, and actually recently re-watched in advance of the film release. In other words, I came to the movie pre-disposed to appreciate. It could have let me down but it didn't. It was a pleasure. btw, if you are an Entourage fan, don't miss Jerry Ferrara's Bad 4 Business podcast. He is known as "Turtle" in the show, but, gosh, he's a fine interviewer, and his "Entourage" series is a treat for buffs of how the sausage is made. 

"Spy." I like Melissa McCarthy. I'm a fan of "The Heat," but less so of "Bridesmaids." Why? Her comic timing is so fine and so naturally gifted that she doesn't need the testosteronish vomit and shit jokes, though I understand they are critical to box office $$$$. I worry about her weight, and hope she doesn't keep it on because "Hollywood" has told her that's the golden ticket. What she accomplishes in her movie roles transcends her weight. And "Spy" is just one more example. 

I walked into "Spy" expecting to enjoy myself. Seeing Jude Law in a well-cut suit, doing a charming spoof of James Bond, was a treat. The fact he's aging nicely is also a treat. Jason Stathem. Well, I've seen all his films and I'm a fangirl. He spoofs himself, but (like Law) in some fairly awesome duds. If McCarthy is the delish entree of this film, Law and Stathem are the excellent side courses. The theater at this early matinée was not filled, but everyone was laughing.

I saved the best for last, without even knowing that was the flow, though this was the order in which I binged this weekend.

"Love & Mercy" made me swoon with the opening credits, a sentimental head trip through the hey day of Beach Boys hits. The film takes us intimately into the creative life of the "surfer" band and their visionary force, Brian Wilson. Most of all Brian. I can't love this movie too much. It is excellent and essential for anyone who loves pop music.

Oldies playlists, or greatest hits of the 60s, 70s, 80s, etc on Sirius, aren't big with me. I tend to aggressively not live in the past, which hosts a lot of pain; the music stirs emotional turmoil. Watching glimpses of Brian Wilson's brilliance was so inspiring and warming and took me back to some very important markers of my life on earth. I eagerly wanted to jump back in to their song list. 

The critical arc of the story is Brian's music but also his mental anguish. They never give it an official medical diagnosis, but do attribute the influence of drugs and alcohol, and an abusive father. As we know from his very public story, he pulls free from a controlling "life coach" - before we called them that -  and gets it together and there is a happy ending.

We all have our different frailties. I watched my husband, who suffered from chronic depression, transform on Prozac, and I've periodically been glad there was Lexapro for my fits of anxiety (true business hell, jobless/debt madness). "Love & Mercy" is an empathetic balm, and the performances and the music are enriching on many levels. 

I especially loved delving into the process, watching him work with The Wrecking Crew, the details and elements of crafting a record. In a word, its engrossing.

So, now, go to the movies.