Death Becomes Her - 1/5

This is a self-aware black comedy that tries to ham it up but fails miserably. I usually enjoy macabre humor but this was too cheesy, too plastic, too over-the-top corny for me to enjoy. Instead of making jokes about death, it uses uncanny body disfigurement as the punchline without bothering to provide humor to go along with it. None of the actors are making an effort to be charismatic, but instead feel like they’re relying on their fame to carry their performance and expecting the audience to be won over by their mere presence. This is a dud that has rightfully faded into obscurity.

Content warning: partial female nudity

Closest comparison: It’s like Bruce Willis at the height of his narcissistic hubris trying to imitate Tim Burton’s style and failing.

Setting: Tawdry Drama
Plot: Comedy Horror
Tone: Black Comedy

The Devil Wears Prada - 5/5

This movie is simultaneously a gorgeous symphony of style and a scathing critique of the fashion world, but instead of being limited to one industry its searing witticisms are broadly applicable. The acting is top tier, and there is subtlety conveyed in every line that adds depth and complexity to the characters and plot. Despite its brightly colorful cinematography the world it presents is gray, with every character’s motivations a mix of selfish and altruistic, though the excellent script keeps things clear for the audience. The total effect is a fairly standard setup with exceptional execution every step of the way.

Closest comparison: It’s like Goodfellas in the trappings of Sex And The City.

Setting: Self-actualization
Plot: Fish out of water
Tone: Comedy Drama

Mary Poppins Returns - 4/5

Tasked with the impossible, this movie does quite well. No one can recreate Julie Andrews’ iconic performance, but Emily Blunt does a great job as the character. There’s singing and dancing, as one might expect, and it follows the beats of the original movie in a way that is more comforting than distracting. Still, it finds plenty of new things to do. They go into a cartoon world again, but this time it’s a ceramic bowl. There are villainous bankers again, but this time with more tie-ins with the children. They even manage to have tear-jerking song that far surpasses the heartfelt “Feed The Birds”. If you like the original, definitely give this one a watch.

Closest Comparison: It’s an updated Mary Poppins with a new coat of paint.