Category Archives: Show Time

Vol. 13, No. 9 – Jan 29 – Feb 11, 2020 – Movie Review

Movie Review by Cindy Summers
Bad Boys for Life

Breeze rating from 1 to 4 palm trees, 4 being best.

Bad Boys Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) are back out on the streets of Miami for one last time to settle issues from a past criminal mastermind. Released by Columbia Pictures, Directed Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, Written by Chris Bremner, Peter Craig and Joe Carnahan and Starring Will Smith as Mike Lowrey and Martin Lawrence as Marcus Burnett.

After spending 25 years on the force, Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) makes the decision to retire and spend more time with his family, having just had a new grandson born with his namesake. Having been partners for 20 years, Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) wants to continue working on the force but doesn’t want to work without his partner. Burnett stubbornly refuses until Lowrey is shot repeatedly in front of him, giving him no other option but to help Lowrey “just one more time” pursue the shooter after having regained his health.

Due to the fact that Lowery was the victim in the shooting, Captain Howard (Joe Pantoliano) forbids Lowery to work on the case, though Lowery is unstoppable so Captain Howard relents and allows Lowery to work the case as long as he follows Howard’s guidelines regarding working with the force to solve the case instead of on his own. Lowery learns that the killings are related to a drug cartel leader who had recently broke out of prison in Mexico City and with whom Lowery has a complicated past.

Complicated pasts seem to be Lowery’s M.O. as he is also forced to work with an internal agency named AMMO (Advanced Miami Metro Operations) that’s headed by his ex-girlfriend Rita (Paola Nunez). Throughout the movie Lowery tries to leave AMMO out of the loop, while Burnett secretly contacts them every time for backup and support.

Lowery eventually comes to the conclusion that Isabel Aretas (Kate del Castillo) is behind his attempted murder and a rash of killings involving local public officials after having broken out of a Mexican prison seeking personal revenge and to avenge the death of her ex-husband. Unfortunately, Captain Howard is targeted by the same man that shot Lowery and kills Howard at his daughters event in front of Lowery, spurring Lowery and Burnett to Mexico to find the killer.

Aretas actually sent her son Zway-Lo (Nicky Jam) to kill the group responsible for her incarceration and her husband’s death, requiring Lowery to be the last one killed and the only target left for Zway-Lo when Lowery and Burnett arrive in Mexico. A bloody battle ensues at an abandon palace, leaving Aretas dead and Zway-Lo alive but injured.

The buddy banter between Smith and Lawrence will have you laughing from beginning to end, while the action will have you on the edge of your seat, wincing at every painful experience of which there are many as unlike other big actions films, these heroes actually get shot and injured at lot as would be expected but mostly rejected by big film directors. The final scene also points to a plot line for the Fourth installment of the ‘Bad Boys’ film franchise.

R (for strong bloody violence, language throughout, sexual references and brief drug use)
123 minutes

Vol. 13, No. 9 – Jan 29 – Feb 11, 2020 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine

Transport’s “Bloomsday” captivates

Every so often Transport Theatre Company gets back on the boards. Through February 2, they are back, full force. A theater company without a permanent home, their current production of “Bloomsday” by Steven Dietz is playing a limited run on the south stage of the Elite Theater in Oxnard.

Transport, founded in 2006 by Artistic Director Linda Livingston and Producer John Procter, has continually, albeit sporadically in time, mounted superior theatrical experiences. Bloomsday is no exception.

The four-member cast is superb. Chandra Bond and Trent Trachtenberg handle the roles chronicling when and how Caithleen and Robbie first meet. John D. Reinhart and Linda Livingston embody the same characters after 35 years have passed. The ensemble is outstanding as we witness what could have been, perhaps what should have been, and how life ultimately played out for the two.

The background of the play is James Joyce’s novel Ulysses. Robbie is visiting Dublin, Ireland, when by chance he is approached by Caithleen, a tour guide who is in need of a “fourteenth” member to even out her tour attendance. The tour covers areas of Joyce’s life and adventures, many of which are reflected in his novel. Along the way Robbie and Caithleen find themselves revealing themselves to each other, creating a strong bond. The very Irish Caithleen (speaking in what to my ears is a superb Irish dialect), in the end, cannot be as spontaneous as Robbie would like, and thus they part.

The grown-up Robbie (John D. Reinhart) semi narrates what went before, to the confusion of the younger couple. Grown-up Caithleen (Linda Livingston) also enters to help her younger self understand why some things happened and how they could have played out differently had choices been made. The premise can be a bit confusing in the beginning, but clarity emerges as the play progresses.

As noted in the program, “Bloomsday celebrates the novel, its author, and the characters’ lives”. First celebrated in 1954, the commemorative event occurs in Dublin annually on June 16, the day the novel Ulysses takes place in 1904. It is named after the protagonist Leopold Bloom. Considered a literary street festival, participants frequently dress in period attire and readings from Joyce’s work are performed. Attendees also walk to pubs and locations noted in the book. It is this that the “tour” in the play mirrors.

The setting is simple. A few seating areas, a few sheer scrims behind which the actors can pass as though transcending time. The venue is intimate so the audience (well, I did, anyway) felt thoroughly involved in the tour as well as the back story.

Quite a bit of humor emerges through the lines, enhanced by the actors’ clear understanding of how to play their characters to the fullest. Director Tom Mueller expressed his delight at the actor’s abilities to inhabit the roles so completely. Overall, I found it to be a compelling experience.

Bloomsday runs until Feb 2 at the Elite Theater, 2731 Victoria Ave, Oxnard (Channel Islands). Tickets available at www.BrownPaperTickets.com. Runs Fri and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. All seats $22. Seating is limited so reservations are recommended.

Vol. 13, No. 8 – Jan 15 – Jan 28, 2020 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine
Classic comedy commences at Conejo

You Can’t Take It with You, a comedy penned by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, premiered to acclaim in 1936. It won a Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1937 and went on to become immortalized in film in 1938 (with some plot alterations), winning an Oscar for Best Picture.

Conejo Players in Thousand Oaks opened its 2020 season with its rendition of this classic comedy featuring an abundance of energy, laughter and sterling performances. Director Alan Waserman has assembled a cast fully up to the challenge to keep the audience engaged and in stitches for the entire performance.

The story has many facets. It is a social commentary on how two very different social strata view life, happiness and government, and it is a love story embracing the beauty of eccentricities and the ability to adapt.

We are introduced to the Sycamore family along with extended family including “adopted” characters. While they each have their singularities, they somehow function quite well as a unit, to the surprise of others.

Without giving away the pearls of how each family member came to their talents per se, suffice it to say that it somehow all makes sense in the bigger picture.

Ronna Jones portrays Penny Sycamore, a writer and painter of sorts. Her husband Paul, played by Jim Miller, matches her “whatever happens” attitude with aplomb. The patriarch, Grandpa, (Donn Robinson) steers the family with a steady hand and sharp mind.

The two Sycamore daughters, Alice and Essie, are opposites. Alice (Timorah Brown) is the sensible one, holding down a full-time job and falling in love with the vice-president of her company, the owner’s son Tony Kirby (Carl Garcia). Sycamore sister Essie (Briana Bauer) is in lifelong training to become a ballet dancer, which she practices nonstop. She and her husband, Ed, (Alex Carrasco) live in the family home where Ed enjoys using his printing press and making music.

Also gracing the home are a Mr. de Pinna (Jim Diderrich) who fashions fireworks in the basement. The cook Rheba (Carla Ames) is practically a member of the family as is her boyfriend Donald (Daniel Krause) who is on permanent “relief”.

Gabriel Vega is a Russian dance coach Boris Kolenkhov, a frequent dinner guest. Vivian Latham takes a hilarious comic turn as actress Gay Wellington, who has clearly had one or two too many martinis.
When the boss and his wife, Mr. & Mrs. Kirby (Robert Craig and Cindy Lopez) arrive on the scene on the wrong night, son Tony admits he told them the wrong night on purpose, in order to be sure the two families were their true selves. Predictable chaos ensued.

The evening provided an escalating deluge of laughs as the families collided. Superior comedic timing was employed by all as the pace rose. At times one didn’t know where to focus. There was a lot going on.

The show is a lot of fun and gives a much-needed opportunity for laughter. Enjoy the quirky characters in all their glory.

You Can’t Take It with You runs through February 1 at Conejo Players Theatre, 351 S Moorpark Rd, Thousand Oaks. Friday and Saturday shows are at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. There will be one Thursday night, Jan. 16 at 8 p.m. Contact www.ConejoP)layers.org or (805) 495-3715 for tickets.

Vol. 13, No. 8 – Jan 15 – Jan 28, 2020 – Movie Review

Movie Review by Cindy Summers
1917

3 out of 4 palm trees

 

 

 

Set during the First World War, two young British soldiers, Schofield and Blake, are sent on a seemingly impossible mission to cross the German front and deliver a message in 24 hours to prevent 1600 troops from walking into a German trap, including Blake’s own brother. Released by Universal Pictures, Directed and Written by Sam Mendes and Starring George MacKay as Lance Corporal Schofield and Dean-Charles Chapman as Lance Corporal Blake

In April 1917, two young British soldiers, Schofield (George MacKay) and Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) are tasked to deliver a message to the 2nd Battalion to call off their planned attack on German troops. The Devonshire Regiment of 1600 soldiers, including Blake’s brother Joseph, were unknowingly walking into a trap and high command had no way to communicate with them due to the German’s cutting the phone lines upon their retreat from the front.

Schofield and Blake set off across no man’s land toward the German front and find that the Germans had retreated as reported and deserted their position as well as destroying all of their guns and weapons. They witness an aerial dog fight outside an old farmhouse and a German plane end up crashing almost on top of them. Wanting to be good Samaritans, they pull the German pilot from the plane, but the pilot turns on them, stabbing Blake in the stomach.

Unfortunately, Blake dies almost immediately from his wounds, and Schofield is left to continue the mission on his own to warn the troops. Schofield spends his day dodges sniper bullets and eventually ends up in the bombed-out area near the river that he had been told to find. Discovered by German soldiers, Schofield escapes by jumping into the raging river and eventually finds the 2nd Battalion, but not before the first wave is launched.

Schofield eventually makes it to the front line command post and delivers the message to Colonel Mackenzie, who calls off the attack. That having been accomplished, Schofield then finds Blake’s brother Joseph to share the unfortunate news of his brother’s passing. In the end, we find Schofield too had reasons to continue, finding a peaceful spot under a tree to cherish photos of his own wife and two daughters back home.

The film’s design of long shots holds the viewer in the moment and emotion of this perilous journey, though the deeper story itself seems to remain mostly hidden behind the very dramatic and realistic war situations.

R (for violence, some disturbing images, and language)
110 minutes

Vol. 13, No. 7 – Jan 1 – Jan 14, 2020 – Movie Review

Movie Review by Cindy Summers
Bombshell

Breeze rating from 1 to 4 palm trees, 4 being best.

Based on actual events, Bombshell recounts the brave women who brought down Fox News creator and CEO Roger Ailes for sexual harassment, a scandal that exposed the longtime offenses that happened to over 20 women working for the man that created the most powerful media empire of its time. Released by Lionsgate, Directed by Ray Roach, Written by Charles Randolph and Starring Charlize Theron as Megyn Kelly, Nicole Kidman as Gretchen Carlson, Margot Robbie as Kayla Pospisil, and John Lithgow as Roger Ailes.

Fox News CEO Roger Ailes (John Lithgow) was very controlling with the operations of Fox News, he would watch the network 24/7 and had a direct line phone into the production room where he barked out orders regarding how he wanted things to operate, one such example being that he wanted the camera to be wide shots to primarily include the female anchors legs. He also commented on the female anchors attire, saying that some dresses were too long, even though they were mid thigh which is generally not appropriate for executive offices.

Behind closed doors, Ailes would counsel female anchors on how to excel at their job and seek advancement, but would do it conditionally stating that he would need something in return for assisting them in their careers. His indiscretions were not only verbal, but physical and always done under the pretense that it was what was required to create a mutually beneficial situation.

Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman) was the first to take action against Ailes, seeking legal advise to determine the best course of action to win her case. It was decided that it would be difficult to go after Fox News itself, but that they could go after Ailes individually for his actions. Carlson continued her employment for approximately one year, then quit and publicly outed Ailes for sexual harassment.

This created a media frenzy, and Fox News supporters actively attacked and threatened Carlson in public, as well as sending hate mail and using social media. Carlson was hoping that going public would help more women victimized by Ailes to come forward and aid in the legal case against him. It was at this time that Kayla Pospisil (Margot Robbie) a new news producer at Fox who was looking to get into the anchor seat, became Ailes next interest.

Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron) had been a long time anchor at Fox News and covertly began to seek out other victims, having had been harassed by Ailes herself a number of years prior. Kelly finally joined Carlson in the suit against Ailes, which uncovered over 20 more women who would finally come forward during the investigation.

This all star cast does such an excellent job at bringing the viewer into the emotion of the situation, some of which can be difficult to stomach, though feel this movie can be very insightful and supportive to those going through similar situations. Hopefully it inspires those affected to take action against harassment in the workplace however daunting, as these women were publicly attacked, shammed and threatened but they were also the first to take down such high level, well-known execs (Roger Ailes and Bill O’Reilly) for their disgusting behavior toward women in the workplace.

R (for sexual material and language throughout)
118 minutes

Vol. 13, No. 6 – Dec 18 – Dec 31, 2019 – Movie Review

by Cindy Summers
Richard Jewell

Breeze rating from 1 to 4 palm trees, 4 being best.

 

 

 

 

Richard Jewell is based on true events involving the bombing that happened in 1996 at the Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, and shows how media misinformation can cloud the truth and destroy people’s lives. Released by Warner Bros. Pictures, Directed by Clint Eastwood, Written by Billy Ray, and Starring Paul Walter Hauser as Richard Jewell, Kathy Bates as Bobi Jewell and Sam Rockwell as Watson Bryant.

Richard Jewell got a job as a security guard at the Olympics in Atlanta after numerous failed jobs in law enforcement and related positions due to his overzealous enforcement and inappropriate authoritative attitude. He was very conscientious but socially awkward and spent his time studying penal codes and learning about guns and other military weapons.

After an altercation with some drunk teens, Jewell noticed an unattended backpack underneath the bench next to the sound booth tower and immediately contacted other law enforcement officers on the scene. Jewell was often thought to be too much by the book and the others played off the incident at first, but ultimately called a bomb specialist and discovered 3 large pipe bombs in the backpack.

Jewell and the other security staff feverishly tried to move the crowd away from the area, and at that same time, a call came in to 911 “There is a bomb in Centennial Park”. The bomb went off minutes later, and though people were wounded many lives were saved due to the keen site and heroic efforts of Richard Jewell.

For several days, Jewell was heralded as a national hero on television and everywhere he went, but due to the fact the FBI had no good leads, they turned to looking at Jewell as the prime suspect. The FBI decided that Jewell was a “false hero”, that fit their “hero bomber” profile due to recent similar events involving other bombing and fires.

Information regarding this direction in the FBI investigation was leaked to the local press, and Jewell was thrust into a “trial by media” and now hated by the public and chased by the media unrelentingly. Jewell sought the counsel of Watson Bryant, a previous coworker and attorney with his own firm.

Due to his somewhat simple mind and respect for law enforcement, the FBI was able to manipulate Jewell into false testimony and trick him into following their storyline. Fortunately for Jewell, Bryant was a pit bull and defended Jewell feverishly, as well as helping him to find his center in the chaos that swirled around him.

The FBI spent 3 months trying to find, and seemingly at times fabricate evidence to support their belief that Jewell was guilty, all the while the press kept falsifying and exaggerating the facts. Jewell was finally dropped from the investigation and six years later Eric Rudolph was found to have been the bomber.

Paul Walter Hauser did a superb job embodying the persona of Jewell and kudos to Clint Eastwood for sharing the true count of events of this sadly diminished hero.

R (for language including some sexual references, and brief bloody images)
129 minutes

Vol. 13, No. 6 – Dec 18 – Dec 31, 2019 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine

Plaid Tidings hits all the right holiday notes

The holiday season is a time to enjoy familiar tunes, tons of laughter, friendship and all things red, green and festive. The Rubicon Theatre Company brings all this and more to their stage as 2019 comes to a close.

Plaid Tidings, a special holiday edition of the popular musical Forever Plaid, tells the story of a quartet of lovable, slightly nerdy musicians whose careers are cut short in an auto accident one fateful night. They are given the opportunity to come down to Earth to perform the holiday show they couldn’t complete in life.

And what a show it is. Written and directed by the Original Creator, Stuart Ross, Plaid Tidings is simply heavenly from start to big finish. It has warmth, an abundance of humor, great harmonies, toe-tapping choreography, and four highly multi-talented young men with sparkles in their eyes to delight the audience throughout. For me, it is one of those shows I didn’t want to end, it was so captivating and enjoyable.

All four of the Plaids come with extensive theater credits and it shows. Sean Bell, Adolpho Blaire, Zak Edwards and Joshua David Cavanaugh each bring a wide range of skills to delight and amuse. They each shine in their solo areas as well as complementing each other beautifully.

Interspersed with holiday tunes are familiar refrains from the 50’s and 60’s such as “Hey There,” “Fever” and “Matilda” (with a twist). The Plaids even geta little heavenly help from Rosemary Clooney and inspiration from Perry Como.
A three-minute rendition of an entire Ed Sullivan Show features well known elements and much hilarity as the four frantically pack in more than one would think possible. It’s great fun and a bit nostalgic.
Accompanying the quartet is a piano and a bass, led by Musical Director Andrew M. Chukerman. The seemingly simple setting is like a magician’s box of tricks, with props and details appearing in surprising ways. The entire theater is strung with holiday lights, adding to the beauty and the general festivities to sustain the holiday mood.

Ross made some alterations to the ever-in-progress script to customize some areas for Ventura’s Rubicon Theatre, adding a quite personal element to the performance. The actors speak directly to the audience at times and even enlist the assistance of a few to move their story along. He also makes use of some of the actor’s special talents, such as Edwards on accordion, a soft-shoe for Bell and more. As Ross relates, he enjoys “creating a special and unique production” for each cast and the theater in which they perform.

If you love holiday music and can attend only one holiday performance this season, I heartily recommend this one. Take your family. Share it with a friend. Enjoy.
Plaid Tidings runs through December 29. Performances are Wednesdays at 2 and 7 p.m. Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Rubicon Theater, 1006 E. Main St, Ventura. (805) 667-2900 for tickets. Prices vary.

Vol. 13, No. 5 – Dec 4 – Dec 17, 2019 – Movie Review

by Cindy Summers
Harriet

Breeze rating from 1 to 4 palm trees, 4 being best.

 

 

 

Harriet is based on the true life story of Harriet Tubman, known historically for her work and leadership in the Underground Railroad that brought slaves to free territories. Released by Focus Features, Directed by Kasi Lemmons, Written by Gregory Allen Howard and Kasi Lemmons, and Starring Cynthia Erivo as Harriet Tubman.

When she was in her early 20’s, Harriet had married a free black man, but her slave owners went against a former agreement and would not allow her to go and live a free life with her husband. She decided then she would be free or die, so committed to escaping, first seeking the advice of her free father who sent her to the local pastor for help.

Harriet was strong in her faith, prayed and talked to God a lot, and it seemed that he tended to listen to her requests. She also had visions of future events which she called spells that helped to guide her throughout her life and was known by her family and those around her to be reliable information.

The pastor told Harriet that fear was the enemy, and that she needed to put all fear aside and follow his directions exactly if she had any chance at escaping. Part of the issue was that like most slaves Harriet could not read, so had to memorize route markers and names given to her by the pastor to make the 100 mile journey to free territory.

Against all odds she arrived in Philadelphia where she met William Still (Leslie Odom Jr.) eventually known as the father of the Underground Railroad, who recorded her slave story and then gave her a new identity from the new name she chose for herself – Harriet (for her mother) Tubman (the surname of her husband). Still helped Harriet to settle into a new free life, but she was lonely, so against his advice she decided to return to bring her husband back to a better life.

Harriet returned to discover her husband had remarried, thinking Harriet had died in her initial escape attempt, so Harriet decided to rescue and free her brothers and their wives, though sadly her sister would not go. Having been successful on her second journey, Still had her inducted into the secret Underground Railroad that was set up by whites and blacks to help slaves escape to freedom.

Harriet would sing from the woods “let my people go” and dozens would run away from the plantations and follow her to freedom. Due to the fact that no one saw her, and she dressed in male clothes, the plantation owners called her Moses (thinking she was a man) and offered increasing rewards for her capture. Harriet was never caught, and herself was responsible for leading 70 slaves across the Underground Railroad to freedom. She also lead 150 troops to free 750 slaves in one single event, and was the first known woman to lead troops into battle.

Cynthia Erivo is outstanding in the role of Harriet, and truly embodies her fierce demeanor in this amazing tale of how one determined woman fearlessly freed herself and thousands of others with her belief that God didn’t intend for people to own people. Harriet is not only an inspiring true story, but also shares some uncommonly known aspects of Harriet Tubman’s life as well as some interesting historical details.

PG-13 (for thematic content throughout, violent material and language including racial epithets)
125 minutes

Vol. 13, No. 5 – Dec 4 – Dec 17, 2019 – A View from House Seats

From beginning to end, the stage is filled with beloved characters.

by Shirley Lorraine

Seussical, an Amuse-ical Musical

The Ojai Art Center Theater closes out its 2019 season with the City’s Urban Forestry Department’s new 4,000 gallon water truck, the Musical directed by Gai Jones. An amalgam of Dr. Seuss stories bring their characters together for a new look at many of the familiar characters as their tales intertwine.

Performed almost entirely in Seuss’s inimitable and fanciful rhyme, the show builds around the plight of the hapless Horton, the elephant who egg-sits for the flighty and flamboyant Mayzie the bird who literally flies the coop. Horton is assisted by love-struck Gertrude McFuzz and, of course, the ultimate catalyst for chaos, Cat in the Hat.

From beginning to end, the stage is filled with beloved characters. Who-Ville is represented, naturally, complete with charming Cindy Lou-Who. Yertle the Turtle and General Ghengis Kahn Schmitz with his merry band of cadets grace the stage. The Wickershams, a lively group of monkeys (kudos to make-up artist Kaelynn Adams) play pranks throughout. Even the Grinch makes an appearance. A quite large cast handles creative choreography, scene and prop changes and colorful background throughout.

In short, the production is fun, lively and visually entrancing. Sheryl Jo Bedal has outdone herself with creative costuming to bring the characters to life. Choreography by Debbie Ayes is innovative and appropriate for all skill and age levels. Live musical accompaniment accents the rapid lyrics and keeps the singers on pace for the almost non-stop musical numbers.

Several roles are double cast. The night I attended Steven Michael held the pivotal role of Cat, Kyra Amal-King played JoJo (a Who-Ville lad whose travels help save Who-Ville) and Hayley Silvers played Mrs. Mayor. Although the players may be different when you attend, the performers will no doubt be just as capable as the cast I saw.

Michael McCarthy as Horton provides a solid representation of the down-trodden, put-upon but loyal elephant. McCarthy also designed the intricate set and graphics. Standout performances are given by Emily Hall as Mayzie, Marisa Miculian as Gertrude McFuzz, Christian McAteer as General Ghengis Kahn Schmitz and Evan Austin as Mr. Mayor.

When you go, if you can still get a ticket, be prepared for a high-energy performance. As a bonus following the show, the cast holds autograph signing in the Gallery or patio, weather depending. Young patrons especially will delight in the opportunity to meet and greet their favorite characters.

The Art Center is also collecting donations of new or gently used Dr. Seuss books to be given to the Ojai Union School District. You can help introduce new generations of youngsters to the whimsical imagination of Dr. Seuss. The gift of reading is always an excellent offering.

I left the theater challenged to make a sentence without rhyming for the entire drive home and had a hard time keeping my feet from continuing to dance. Not a bad way to spend an evening.

Seussical continues through December 15. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., 2 p.m. matinees Saturdays. and Sundays. $25 general admission, $20 for seniors and Art Center members, and $10 for those 25 and under. The Ojai Art Center is located at 113 S. Montgomery, phone (805) 640-8797 or www.ojaiact.org .at:
113 S. Montgomery Street
Ojai, California 93023

Tel: 805 640-8797cated at:
113 S. Montgomery Street
Ojai, California 93023

Tel: 805 640-8797

Vol. 13, No. 4 – Nov 20 – Dec 3, 2019 – Movie Review

by Cindy Summers

FORD v FERRARI

Breeze rating from 1 to 4 palm trees, 4 being best.

FORD v FERRARI is based on the amazing true story of pioneering car designer Carroll Shelby and fearless English born driver Ken Miles and their quest to build a race car for Ford motor company to beat Enzo Ferrari in the Le Mans in 1966. Shelby and Miles together overcome the challenging physics, corporate egos and seemingly unbeatable odds to build Fords first race car, the Ford GT40. Released by 20th Century Fox, Directed by James Mangold, Written by Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth, Jason Keller and Starring Matt Damon as Carroll Shelby and Christian Bale as Ken Miles.

In the early 60’s, Ford Motor Company was suffering significant losses and Henry Ford II fired everyone and gave them the option to come back if they came up with an idea to turn things around. Ferrari was building the best cars that would win the Le Mans Grand Prix every year, but there was a high cost in building cars one at a time that had the company in financial troubles. Lee Iacocca (Jon Bernthal) approached owner Enzo Ferrari (Remo Girone) with a proposal to merge and Ford and Ferrari, but Ferrari was so insulted he called all the Ford execs “sons of whores” and belittled Henry Ford II by calling him number 2.

This fueled Henry Ford II in an all out war against Ferrari to build a Ford race car that could win the Le Mans. Iacocca then contacted innovative auto designer Carroll Shelby, an ex race driver who previously won the Le Mans in 1959, who owned his own company building and racing Corbas with British driver and ace mechanic Ken Miles. Shelby was winning races, but Miles was known to be “difficult to work with” and often threw tantrums, fighting with race officials, etc.

The synergy between Carroll and Miles was pure brilliance together creating the Ford GT40, and set out to race it in the 1965 Grand Prix., and had a very close relationship like brothers, and even got into “brother like” physical fights but were together were a great team at building fast cars. There was just one problem, Ford corporate executive Le Beebe (Josh Lucas) did not like Miles, and convinced Ford to exclude him from the Le Mans racing team, which ended up losing.

Henry Ford II goes after Carroll for the loss, but Carroll argued it was due to Miles not racing, so Ford gives the team another year to engineer and race in the 1966 Le Mans. They face challenges and compromise of working with corporate execs and their underhanded ways of control, even tricking Miles into throwing the Le Mans by asking him to slow down and have all three Ford cars cross the finish at the same time, and though way ahead in the race placed 2nd due to a technicality.

Carroll and Miles brushed it off, and set out to better the engineering on the Ford GT, but the car malfunctioned during a test drive and Miles died in the crash. Ken Miles was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame and Ford won the Le Mans in 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969 and was the only American car to ever win the Le Mans.

FORD v FERRARI is a thrilling story about people who love their life’s endeavors and live their lives pursuing excellence through gifted brilliance and perseverance. Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt were originally cast in the starring roles, and feel that the success of this movie comes primarily from the winning combination of Damon and Bale and their ability to immerse viewers in this inspiring true story of American ingenuity.

Rated: PG-13 (for some language and peril)
152 minutes