Marley

Deb 9        Me 9

This is a straightforward well done documentary on Bob Marley, one of the originators of reggae music and an advocate of the Rastafari movement. Now this is embarrassing to admit, but I knew nothing about Bob. I'm not a fan of reggae and turn the radio channel whenever I hear that peculiar rhythm, so I don't know Bob's songs. That's all changed now.

The documentary takes us from Marley's mixed lineage, the social circumstances he was raised in and his development as a musician. It is really an inspiring rise as told by friends, family and collaborators in archival footage and new interviews that are artfully woven.

Like so many great men with a universal vision, they often overlook those closest to them. The cat is not a god and even though this film focuses on the buttered side of the toast, flaws are revealed too. But in the movie the things he stood for and accomplished so heavily outweigh his weakness that some of them seem almost incidental. 

The little bit I heard about the Rastafarian religion, the little bit of the music I have heard (not knowing the artist), the little bit I've seen of his mug on tee shirts for the last forty years did nothing to prepare me for what a dynamic cat this is. The things that influence him are explained to a satisfying point without loosing sight that the subject is Marley the man, not his religion or music or environment. 

But these elements shape his vision. His impact on individuals collectively moved nations to change. I am really enthused about what this film gave me, a reminder that one man armed with universal positive values can have global impact. It could be and should be you and me doing the same things with whatever tools we have, there is a way to get good messages out there.

There were a few things brought up that weren't revisited or resolved, but the basic package of telling a life story in two and half hours is done Very well. Whether you are a fan or not, I hope you see it. The next time I hear that peculiar rhythm I will turn up the radio and listen to the words.

We Have A Pope

Deb 7     Me 6

I thought I saw this billed as a comedy; it's not. Had some light moments, but not a comedy. I don't mind giving the movie away because you probably wont see it. Its a movie about non-resolution. Ostensibly the movie is about the appointment of a new reluctant Pope. But really everything in the movie is unresolved which holds a modicum of interest, but not a lot of affection. It is beautiful to look at and I love the sound of the Italian language used in the film. The regency of the religious garb is pretty cool and the actors do a fine job in this beautifully directed film. But in an industry that has bred generations of viewers who rely on conflict AND resolution, they have really stirred the pot here by ignoring a key ingredient. This is to be expected in more guerilla type 'o underground flick and strangely out of place here. Whether dealing with parental deprivation or a game of football, there isn't one thing that gets taken care of here. On one hand I like that. Should the scenario that takes place in the movie actually happen, it would probably look And feel like this. Perhaps it is accurate, just not great to watch on the screen.

Jeff, Who Lives At Home

Deb 7 Me 8

Based on the previews, this is not the movie I thought it would be. The synopsis is much better, it reads: "On his way to the store to buy wood glue, Jeff looks for signs from the universe to determine his path. However, a series of unexpected events leads him to cross paths with his family in the strangest of locations and circumstances. Jeff just may find the meaning of his life... and if he's lucky, pick up the wood glue as well."
Jeff is a big and kind guy played very well by Jason Segel; I've never seen him before and I like him. His brother is played by Ed Helms who I've seen on TV and the previews for Cedar Rapids. He seemed pretty one dimensional but it works for him here. Susan Sarandon is her usual self and it was nice to see Rae Dawn Chong again. But their part in the movie is pretty incidental and really had little to nothing to add to the movie.
As a movie it's just fine. Nothing earth shattering but an enjoyable buzz. There are unanswered questions, a few holes and a lot of laughs. Short at an hour and a half so there's no big investment here, but I liked the payoff. The opening has a graphic with a Jeff quote about everything in the universe being connected. I like that thinking and enjoyed the rest of it with that perspective in mind. Sarandon seems to gravitate toward that sort of theme, here it is played out in a fun and plausible story.