Displaying items by tag: Stanley Tucci

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2

US, 2026, 190 minutes, Colour.

Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, Kenneth Branagh, Justin Theroux, Lucy Liu, Tibor Feldman, B.J.Novak, Patrick Brammel.

Directed by David Frankel.

We all enjoyed the original film 20 years ago. What could happen in 20 years? What are they all like now? Has Meryl Streep’s Miranda mellowed in any way? And what about Andy and Emily, just beginning their careers in those days? Have they had success? And, the ever faithful Nigel. Is he still working for Runway?

As we launch into this enjoyable sequel, overcoming the two decade gap, the entity is mainly, yes. And it is still very much the same, Meryl Streep obviously enjoying this dominating and controlling personality, very much evident as she encounters Andy and Emily again, disdain, feigning not to know them and wonders have they ever met! But, the times are certainly changing. There are threats to Miranda’s dominance. (However, she now has a husband and, unseen in the film, twins – and the advantage of having Kenneth Branagh playing her husband.)

But, the success story is Anne Hathaway’s Andy, an award-winning journalist, and, during an award ceremony just before her acceptance speech, a text to tell her and her fellow-journalists that they are fired.

In fact, this is a strong theme of this sequel, the changes from 2006 to 2026 in terms of print media, magazines, online publication, social media, the struggle to find followers, the threats to traditional publications, challenges for the future. In this way, the film is rather pessimistic about journalism, outlook and future.

But, back to Alex, she is employed again by Runway, a feature writer, still put down by Miranda, encountering Emily once more, Emily Blunt, setting up some conflicts along with challenges to business models, corporation executives, and, with quite some flourishes towards the end at a fashion show in Italy, the management of the world of fashion.

There is also a scene in the Dominican Priory in Milan with Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper on the wall, as a location for a social event. (And a touch of inventiveness for the romance, Andy finding an Australian boyfriend, Patrick Brammel.)

Same writer, same director as before, and they bring the relish they had two decades ago to this sequel, not so surprising, of course, but old audiences welcoming the opportunity to see and engage with these characters again. And delighting a new audience.

1. The popularity of the original film? 20 years? Continuity of the stars, age, 20 years later? Memories of the original characters?
2. New York, the world fashion, publishing, business and corporations? International sequences, Milan, fashion, the catwalks, the visit to the Dominican priory and da Vinci’s Last Supper? The musical score?
3. 20 years and changes in publications, social media, the role of journalists, reorganisations, sackings, online communications, articles, target audiences and success not? Attempts at revitalising journalism?
4. The focus on Andy, with Miranda 20 years earlier, with Nigel, with Emily? As a success, a roving journalist, the initial awards ceremony, her win, the text of their all being sacked, her vigorous speech, Irv and his son and seeing it, the offer of the job, and the later revelation that Nigel urged him on? Her life, her good friends, sharing, the enthusiasm, going to Runway, the initial encounter with Miranda and Nigel, their not knowing, going to the meeting?
5. Andy, after 20 years, success, relationships? The visit to the apartment, the encounter with Peter, Australian, friendly, her initial faux pas, meeting him again, dating conversations, his Australian direct personality? Her leaving for Milan, leaving him stranded?
6. Miranda, over the years, her manner, remembering Andy and Emily, the touch of disdain, her success? The surprise to find she was married, her husband, pleasant, musician, past drinking, supportive? That she had twins and did not spend time with them? The dependence on Nigel, taking him for granted? The upset, the meeting with Irv and his son, the plan for her to be head of editing, the attitude towards Andy?
7. Andy, hard work, writing the articles, the apology for the precarious situation about fashion and child workers? At the board meeting, raising it, Miranda off-hand? Relationship with the staff, with Miranda’s imperious assistant, with Charlie, with her new assistant, friendly?
8. Irv, the celebration, birthday, everybody gathered, Miranda and hopes for the announcement, his collapse and death? His son taking over, casual, in his father’s shadow, his board meeting, advice, the 2020s and the different approach?
9. Sasha, her success, wealth, seclusion, Miranda wanting an interview, Andy and her many attempts, final success, session pleasant, the interview, the article and success? And her past relationship with Benji? The later plan, her investment, coming to the rescue?
10. Emily, after 20 years, her manner, failed marriage, children, her manner, her work, retail? Meeting Miranda again and disdain? Meeting Andy again? Her relationship with Benji, his character, manner, imposing, wealth, promises to Emily? The meeting with Benji, the deals, Emily and negotiating with Andy, not telling the t//ruth, the buying of Runway, her being editor, wanting to be on the cover…?
11. Milan, the fashion show, the range of models, elaborate? The dinner, the visit to the Dominican priory, the Last Supper and Miranda’s comment about the leader? Her giving her speech, Andy advising Nigel to do it? Nigel, in the background, his fashion sense, friendship with Miranda, the difficulties, persevering over the years? Writing speeches – and his giving the speech and place of Miranda?
12. Andy, her ideas, collaboration with Miranda, the phone calls, all day, the plan, the final revelation, Benji and the sale, the break with Emily, Sasha and the rescue?
13. The happy ending, everybody nicer, happier? Miranda, her relationship with her husband, the discussions, his support? Her mellowing, changing – but at the end her manner and style? Andy, older and wiser, enterprising, her future?

THE ELECTRIC STATE

US, 2025, 125 minutes, Colour.

Chris Pratt, Millie Bobby Brown, Woody Norman, Jason Alexander, Giancarlo Esposito, Ann Russo, Greg Cromer, Stanley Tucci, Holly Hunter, voices of: Woody Harrelson, Ke Huy Quan, Alan Tudyk, Anthony Mackie, Jenny Slate, Brian Cox, Hank Azariah, Colman Domingo, Kurt Loder.

Directed by Anthony Russo, Joe Russo.

There were high expectations for this big-budget action fantasy adventure, set in an alternate world in the 1990s. It was directed by the Russo Brothers who had moved from smaller popular films to three Captain America superhero epics and then to two Avengers adventures, Avengers Endgame registering the highest box office.

Then came this ambitious fantasy adventure, based on the graphic images by Simon Stalenhag, adapted by the Russo Bros regular writers for the Marvel Universe films. And a very strong cast of character actors led by Chris Pratt and Millie Bobby Brown and including Stanley Tucci, Woody Harrelson, Holly Hunter, Anthony Mackie, Brian Cox, Colman Domingo…

However, reviews were unfavourable and the film was not popular. However, there is much to appeal to audiences who like imaginative, futuristic fantasy adventures.

1. The status of the film, the budget, the cast, the directors? Based on an illustrated novel? Pull critical response?
2. The 1990s, the title, an alternate world history, humans versus robots? The title?
3. The American cities, the war, the deserts and outposts? The musical score?
4. Ethan Skate as hero and villain, his technology an empire, the robots, taking over the consciousness of human minds, the reaction of the humans, many living and vegetative life, rising up against the robots, the human victory, robots to the Exclusion Zone?
5. 1994, Michelle, history of the crash and her parents, in foster homes, Ted and his lazy life, Michelle at school, not using AI technology for her work?
6. Cosmo, the sense in robot, the TV character, Michelle’s brother, Christopher and his delight with Cosmo? Cosmo programmed with gestures, sounds, controlled by Christopher’s consciousness?
7. The sense of mission, the encounter with Keats, his history, his character, offhand, soldier? The visit to Dr Amherst and his declaration the Christopher was dead?
8. The adventure, the journey, the trek through the desert, Keats and is exploitations? The Exclusion Zone, home of the robot, Mr Peanut? Characters and voices?
9. The confrontation with Skate, his character, presumptions, using Christopher and his mind and consciousness, the impact for humans, robots?
10. The pursuit of Christopher, Col Bradbury, the deadly mission, candle Bradbury and is disillusioned with Skate, changing his attitude?
11. Michelle, PC at the robots, the confrontation with skate’s Army? The role of Bradbury?
12. Christopher, the explanation, his wanting to be disconnected, Michelle disconnecting? The further attacks, the attack on Herman, the smaller version?
13. The aftermath, Christopher dying, Skate and his loss of control, arrest? Michelle and her explanation of what it happened? And the possibility of humans and robots and the Exclusion Zone in the future?

THE BIG NIGHT

US, 1996, 107 minutes, Colour.

Stanley Tucci, Tony Shalhoub, Minnie Driver, Ian Holm, Isabella Rossellini, Alison Janney, Marc Anthony, Caroline Aaron, Campbell Scott, Robert W.Castle, Liev Schreiber.

Directed by Stanley Tucci, Campbell Scott.

A small-budget movie but a critical and popular success.

After a slow start where two Italian brothers who run a restaurant in Brooklyn find they have no money to continue, the film concentrates on a magnificent feast.  They have heard that the musician Louis Prima is to visit their restaurant.  The movie shows in loving detail the preparations, the eating and the aftermath. 

Stanley Tucci, who co-wrote and co-directed the film, is often abrasively frantic as the entrepreneur.  However, Tony Shaloub as the chef, gives a sympathetic performance which gives a humane feel to the film.  An assorted set of characters from the district (rival restaurateur (Ian Holm), his wife (Isabella Rosselini, a florist, a car salesman) are sketched in - and then each is invited to the `big night'.  If one is patient with the first half, despite the frantic behaviour of the cooks, the second half is entertaining, especially for food connoisseurs.

Stanley Tucci is a versatile character actor.  He also directed The Imposters and Joe Gould's Secret.

1. Title, expectations, the popularity of the film, critical acclaim?
2. The 1950s, the Italian migrants, New Jersey should? The times, atmosphere? The musical score?
3. Audience and food films, cooking, ships, restaurants, Italian style?
4. Italian migrants after World War II, Calabria, what they brought to the US, the challenges in settling?
5. The two brothers, Primo and Caps a condo, the characters, in themselves, the relationship? Their uncle bringing them to the US, the experience of migration, food, the restaurant, hopes, efforts, lack of success?
6. Primo, talents and cooking, relationships? Perfectionist?
7. It’s a condo, business, relationships and affairs, not so successful in business, Pascal’s arrival, asking him for a loan?
8. Pascal, marriage, relationships, betrayals? The suggestion to invite Louis Prima? Hopes for success?
9. The Big Night, feast, the food, time passing, no-show, everybody eating, sexual implications, Pascal and his trick?
10. The beach, the fight, Pascal and the truth?
11. On the beach, the omelette, some sharing, possibilities for reconciliation? Hope?

CONCLAVE

UK, 2024, 120 minutes, Colour.

Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Lucian Msamati, Jacek Koman, Brian F.O'Byrne, Isabella Rossellini, Valerio Silva.

Directed by Edward Berger.

Many audiences will be eager to see Conclave because they have read Robert Harris’ exciting novel, the story of the death of the Pope, the gathering the Cardinals, the details required by Vatican regulations, the need for security, the holding of the conclave and the election of a new Pope.

The Catholic audience, especially those with a familiarity with the workings of the Vatican, the nature of the hierarchy, the different perspectives, even of popes during the last half century, a lot to interest, to enjoy, and a provocation especially about stances for going back to consolidate past traditions or an openness to contemporary issues in the wider world and their repercussions for the church.

For non-Catholic audiences, they will enjoy the delineation of characters and their variety, the elaboration of issues, machinations, religious motivations, personal and ecclesiastical challenges. But, it would be by way of observation, the same way non-British audiences may be intrigued by a drama about the intricacies and politics, say, of Britain’s Brexit campaign.

For audiences critical/sceptical about the church, it may seem rather esoteric or politically and ecclesiastically pompous.

But, back to the Catholic perspective. The central character is Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, played in a wonderful  performance by Ralph Fiennes, always intense, but, even when not speaking, the audience very conscious of what concerns him, what he is thinking, what is making demands on him. He has wanted to resign as Dean of the Cardinals but the late Pope has refused. Which means that he has to organise the conclave.

So, there we are in the Sistine Chapel, workers in to protect security, the organisation of desks for the Cardinals, the sisters brought in to cook and cater for the conclave, the arrival of the Cardinals, from many different cultures around the world, some pomp and circumstance, some religious earnestness.

To dramatise  the different points of view, there is the open-minded Cardinal Bellini, Stanley Tucci, the hoped-for candidate from the “progressive/liberal” attendees. On the other hand, there is the almost crusading, very Italianate Cardinal Tedesco, Pietro Castillitto, with an Italy-first mentality, opposed to contemporary changes, and militantly hostile to refugees making their way to Europe. And there are some complications with an African Cardinal from Nigeria, raising issues of sexuality in the church today, and some realities of sexual abuse. And, on the worldly side, the money-political perspective, there is an American Cardinal played by John Lithgow.

There is an unexpectedly Mexican-born missionary in Congo and in Kabul, who arrives, claiming as having been made a cardinal “in pectore”. Isabella Rossellini plays a very forthright nun who has no hesitation in speaking directly to the Cardinals.

Robert Harris’ novels read very well, compelling, covering a wide range of issues from ancient Rome to 20^th century fascist and communist states, to contemporary issues. Which means that he has an interesting story to tell, the filmmakers generally checking to give some kind of authenticity to the storytelling, and an ending which will raise many eyebrows and leave many audiences suddenly shocked and, perhaps, struggling to work out what they think, and some questions for the future church.

1. The popularity of Robert Harris’s novel? A papacy story, 21^st-century?
2. The title, the death of the Pope, the rituals, the gathering the Cardinals, the conclave, the voting, behind-the-scenes? Audience knowledge of conclaves?
3. The Catholic atmosphere, Vatican, the Curia, the Cardinals, International, political stances, religious stances, the enclosure, the discussions, the voting, the black smoke, the white smoke?
4. The situation of the church, the dead pope, criticisms of his being progressive, his keeping tabs on the Cardinals, his hidden report, keeping Cardinal Lawrence as Dean, his dismissal of Cardinal Tremblay? Lawrence going in to break the seal, finding the document? The ceiling of the room, the removal of the body, the smashing of the ring?
5. Fiennes as Cardinal Lawrence, the complete focus of the film on him? The performance, the intensity, communicating the interior questions and doubts? His background, wanting to resign, go to a monastery? His having to organise the conclave? His reliance on O’Malley, Logistics, searching information, interviewing personnel? Mexican priest from Afghanistan? Tremblay and his background? The importance of confidentiality?
6. The background of this logistics, the Sistine Chapel, preparation, security, the accommodation, travel by bus, the rooms, the meals together, the sisters in the kitchen? Audiences appreciating such detail?
7. The key Cardinals? The Nellie, friendship with Lawrence, progressive, his ideas, his declarations, ambitions or not? To disco, irritating, bombastic, conservative, scheming, his following, his outburst after the bomb blasts, his intolerance, racist perspectives on the African Cardinal? Tremblay, American, the Curia, his manoeuvres, financial benefits for followers, arranging the nun from Africa to discredit the African Cardinal? The Cardinal from Milan, the discussions, his concerns? The range of other Cardinals, International, friendships, groups, smoking…?
8. The arrival of the man from Afghanistan, Mexican, his previous mission experience, created a Cardinal, “in pectore”, his arrival, dishevelled, the interview was Lawrence, the discussions about the authenticity, suspicions, acceptance, his background? Presence of the conclave? Lawrence leading the applause from the Cardinals?
9. The assemblies, the voting, the rituals, the county the numbers, the variety over the days, the African Cardinal, the incident with the nun in the dining room, his walking out, Lawrence and the discussions with Sister Agnes, with the nun, confession, learning the truth, the confrontation with a Cardinal, his confession, 30 years earlier, a lapse, his hopes to be Pope, the votes for him, his having to withdraw, sitting alone?
10. The confrontations with Tremblay, the information from the Monsignor who served the Pope, his drinking, last-minute talking to Laurence? Lawrence conferring with the Nellie? Confronting Tremblay, his immediate 40 reaction? Lawrence going into the patron, finding the document, the public exposure, the humiliation of Tremblay?
11. Sister Agnes, her presence, the nuns, forthright, stern, protecting the nun from Africa, standing up to Laurence, sensing the person in the Pope’s room? Her speech, a woman’s voice, the women observing, the strong stand?
12. The changes in fortune, the discussions, the Nellie and his challenge to Laurence, their friendship, his later asking for forgiveness?
13. The Cardinal from Afghanistan, his visit to Laurence, continually voting for him? Lawrence then voting for himself?
14. The tensions in the room, to disco and his behaviour and look? The African Cardinal? Tremblay humiliated?
15. The bomb blast, terrorists, Tedesco’s outburst, the speech by the Mexican, his appeal for unity?
16. The final vote, the election of the Mexican, his acceptance, the name of Innocent? O’Malley, the information about Switzerland, the Institute? Lawrence talking to the Mexican, the surprise of his situation, the transgender issue? His decision?
17. The ending, the future of the church, Pope Innocent, and the revelation? Lawrence looking at the window, the nuns coming out of the building, the end of the film and audiences left to ponder?