Old So What

  I can’t say enough in praise of the new Netflix program, “Captivating the King.” An historical drama, set in Joseon times, that is simply incredible.   And it gets even more incredible as it goes on, especially when the love story begins. It may well be one of the best features to appear on any television anywhere…anytime. (Coming from someone who has watched TV since 1950). The cast is impeccable with Jo Jung-suk and Shin Se-kyung taking the two top leads.   But the cast and director have played this story so well, with ALL leads.   There are very few minor roles.   Everyone is at the top of their game. Bravo to writers, directors, producers, actors, musicians, set designers, and anyone else, happily for us, to be participating in this production! This lovely series captures your heart.   It truly does.

Now showing on Netflix Starring and directed by Bradley Cooper with Carey Mulligan A movie is very much like a train. It leaves the station, and through dialog and other controls, (including the actors, the screenplay, sometimes the costumes and set design), winds itself along on the tracks of a story. With a successful film, the viewers of the movie also participate. They are right there with the director, cast and camera crew.  They are all in. But the “train” called “Maestro” leaves the station without the passengers. They are left still sitting alone on the waiting room benches. They are not taken along for the ride. This is a movie that wants to get your attention, and it does to a certain extent. Its method is a sharp, quick and innovative style. It wants to show you how different it is from other movies.  It wants to break through, to became a new genre.  Maybe it tries too hard.  It’s exhausting.  All the effort shows.  We don’t want to see “the lit...