Flick of the Month: Labyrinth
If you can get past the oddness, the puppets, and the David Bowie-ness of it all, check out the beautifully quirky Jim Henson film Labyrinth. I was raised with this film and am overjoyed to revisit it as this month’s flick.
Bowie’s presence in the movie gives it a bit of spice and eccentricity that wouldn’t typically be found in Henson’s other work, which includes The Muppets. While maybe not an objectively skilled actor, Bowie’s performance as the Goblin King is as memorable as any other beloved character from my childhood favorites. The role suits him well, and Labyrinth would not be the same without him or his iconic song from the soundtrack, “As the World Falls Down,” which happens to be my favorite song of all time.
Of course, we can’t shout out David Bowie without mentioning Jennifer Connelly, the star of the movie. I’ve loved Connelly throughout her entire career in film, but it was this project in particular that drew me to her. Cast at only 14 years old, she portrayed teenaged Sarah with such a fantastical and aloof depiction that was whimsical, inspiring and unique. Although this is not a particularly new release and Connelly has since grown up parallel to her acting skills, it is my favorite role of hers.
All in all, this long-time favorite film of mine is a must see for lovers of fantasy and Bowie alike.
Show of the Month: Bridgerton
Coming in as my top TV show of the month, in honor of season two being released this month, is Netflix’s original show, Bridgerton. I gave it a second watch as a refresh for the upcoming season – though I, as well as MANY other viewers, am sad to lose the gorgeous Duke of Hastings. Regé-Jean Page will not be joining the cast for season two. After such a debut in the first season, fans all over the world will miss his beautiful face and all else he brought to the show.
I don’t know if it’s just me, but there’s something about ballrooms and courting that is fascinating. Bridgerton is the very exemplification of historical fiction, gowns, gossip, rigid social classes, and the drama that filled the lives of members of higher society.
I found the mixture of modern language and themes to be captivating against the Victorian setting of the show. We all applauded the diversity of the cast and greatly enjoyed the fact that the producers hired actors of color as many other producers fail to do. I appreciated the conscious effort in portraying diverse people and expressing inclusivity.
Bridgerton’s creators made sure to integrate the show with contemporary elements in a way that made it easier for audiences to understand and relate to. Of course, I’m also referring to certain spicier scenes.
The one aspect that truly frustrated me was the latter half of the first season, seeing Daphne Bridgerton and the Duke of Hastings experience issues in their relationship and completely avoid talking about it. Several episodes were wasted while they gave each other the silent treatment when all of their problems could have been solved with a single conversation. It felt stretched, with their tension spanning multiple episodes with little resolution. Defiantly choosing not to have a child out of spite for his deceased father was, to me, a weak and irritating excuse.
Aside from the annoying method of Daphne and Hastings’ problem-solving, Bridgerton did exceedingly well at keeping their audience surprised. The reveal of Lady Whistledown, anonymous author of the local gossip rag, shocked me after such a suspenseful journey in uncovering her identity. The creators knew what they were doing when they led us to believe Lady Whistledown to be one person – they’d give us evidence and tease us into believing her to be someone, and then we would realize that we were wrong. I enjoyed the drama, betrayal, fanciness and heat of the entire season and greatly look forward to more answers in season two.
Catch up on Bridgerton before the new season is released in mid-March. I will be patiently standing by for more romance, glimpses of life in wealth and society, and gossip, which is practically boundless from what we’ve seen in its debut. Overall, a great watch for lovers of drama and passion!