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Kevin Phillipson (10072 KP) rated Ticket to paradise (2022) in Movies
Sep 24, 2022
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BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated The United States vs. Billie Holiday (2021) in Movies
Apr 17, 2021
Unfortunately, he tries to do so much with this film, that he accomplishes very little.
Letâs start with what works in this film: the TERRIFIC performance of Andra Day as the titular character. Day embodies the troubled artist strongly and she does all of the singing of this world renowned performer. It is a superb performance and she rightfully deserves her Oscar nomination.
What doesnât work? Pretty much the rest of the film.
Daniels has so much material to work with - and a terrific actress at the center of it - that he tried to cram EVERYTHING into this film, consequently, the film is scattered and doesnât know what it wants to be.
Is it a biopic? A look at an artist who overcame a horrific childhood? A look at an artist that is battling demons? A look at an artist that has toxic relationships with men? OrâŚis it about the United States Government trying to suppress free speech in order to keep the African American from rising up in the 1950âs?
The answer isâŚit is all of thatâŚand none of that. Just when you think the film has itâs footing in one direction, it pivots in another and rarely gets back to tie off the other.
For example, look at the title of the film - THE UNITED STATES VS. BILLIE HOLIDAY. So, it must be about the United States (in this instance, the Federal Drug Agents) trying to bring Billie Holiday to justice. AndâŚat the beginning it IS about thatâŚnamely in the guise of stopping her from singing STRANGE FRUIT and trying to frame her for her drug use. SoâŚyou would think that the film will, eventually, get Holiday on stage to sing a triumphant FULL version of Strange Fruit.
You would think that, wouldnât you.
NowâŚto be fair to Daniels and this film, there is about a 15 minute portion of this film in the middle that shows Holidayâs heartbreaking childhood, followed by a haunting song sung by Day. It is a very effective portion of the film, and that (and Dayâs performance) are worth wading through the âhighlights and lowlightsâ of Holidayâs life that is the rest of this film.
I have not seen the lauded 1972 LADY SINGS THE BLUES that is a more straightforward Bio-pic of the singer (starring Diana Ross), after watching this film, I think I will.
Letter Grade: B- (because of Dayâs performance and that 15 minute segment)
6 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
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