Orpheus in the Underworld

GENERAL INFORMATION

View Date and Location: 27 September 2015 at the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk, VA

Premiere Date: 21 October 1858 at the Theater des Boufffes-Parisiens in Paris, France
Language:
Composer: Jacques Offenbach
Director: Sam Helfrich

REVIEWS

MY RATING: 10

STORYLINE

There is a little difference between the rulers of heaven and hades, Orpheus has no interest in rescuing his wife Eurydice, whom he really just does not like, and the phrase "go to hell" is usually a cause for rejoicing. Her sudden death while having an affair with a handsome Acadian bring s the pair to hell, where all meats are roasted and all the guests are toasted. 

MY REVIEW

The snappy and sassy retelling of the Orpheus story by the Virginia was much needed. The original Offenbach story was a little dull and the little hints of fun that Helfrich brings are much appreciated. I loved the risqué nature of the "devils" and they did get the best songs and production numbers!

What I DID LIKE about this movie:

• COSTUME DESIGN- this was likely my most favorite part of the whole opera. The costuming was a never-ending smorgasbord of amazing dress and a half-cocked circus. Loved this so much.
• DIRECTION- Master piece!
• SET DESIGN- Just look at that backdrop! It was sexual and sensual and really made sense with the story. The "songbird" that was a mix of heaven and hell was my favorite part.

Black Mass

GENERAL INFORMATION

Release Info: 18 Sept 2015

Director: Scott Cooper
Writer: Mark Mallouk and Jezz Butterworth
Running Time: 122 Minutes

Staring:   Johnny Depp, Benedict Cumberbatch, Dakota Johnson and many more!

Rating? R

SPOILERS? NO

REVIEWS

IMDB: 7.7 of 10  / /  Rotten Tomatoes: Critics-76%, Audience- 77%

MY RATING: 9

STORYLINE

The true story of James "Whitey" Bulger, the brother of a state senator and the most infamous violent criminal in the history of South Boston, who became an FBI Informant to take down a Mafia family invading his turf.

MY REVIEW

The movie is BASED on facts. There is a documentary out called "Whitey: United States of America v. James J. Bulger" that I suggest you see BEFORE you see the movie. (Click HERE to read my review of the Documentary.)

Excellent. GO SO THIS MOVIE!

What I DID LIKE about this movie:

• Johnny Depp IS amazing in this movie. He truly transformed into James Bulger with the unnerving yellowed smokers tooth and odd blue eyes. He was the star of this movie, hands down. 
• The cinematography and the script are pure gold. I feel like the entire cast made their part in making this a very well done movie.

What I DID NOT LIKE about this movie:

• Characters- Johnny Depp's Whitey Bulger is really the entertainment value here. The remaining characters are really nothing special, no real value to build development for me at all. I could really have cared less for these people. 
• This movie attempts to cover too much ground to smash into a tight 122 minutes.

On a more personal note..... Look who we met today!?!? This is going to be out new little one! His name is a tie currently between Dexter Morgan and Tyrannosaurus Rex. I hope Jinx is okay with this when we bring him home in a few days!!

The Man from U.N.C.L.E

GENERAL INFORMATION
Release Info: 14 August 2015
Running Time: 116 Minutes
Staring:  Armie Hammer, Henry Cavill and Alicia Vikander
Rating? PG-13
SPOILERS? YES

REVIEWS
IMDB: 7.6 of 10
Rotten Tomatoes: Critics: 68% Audience: 80%
MY RATING: 8 of 10

STORYLINE
Set in the early 60's, CIA Agent Solo and KGB Operative Kuryakin work on a joint mission against a mysterious criminal.

MY REVIEW:
First, I'd like to say that I am not old enough to remember the original series and I don't recall much from syndication.

The movie definitely set the tone in both fashion and music for it being set in the 60's. Henry Cavill did an outstanding job of speaking in a way that definitely helped with the message of the movie. He played Napoleon Solo, a delightfully suave and intelligent crook turned CIA guy. Guy Ritchie, whom I typically scoff at as a director, did well with the cinematography.

Storyline was fun and entertaining and did keep you on your toes. I loved the multiple storylines and the over the top choreography really brought out the 60's tv show idea for me. It was a pretty decent hit.