In the midst of some other big life stuff happening, I've only managed a double feature this week at the cinema, both of which take us to Tokyo. Rental Family (5 stars) is a wholesome, uplifting, poignant look at human connection and loneliness, told through the eyes of an actor (Brendan Fraser) who takes up a role with an agency that provides people to stand in at important occasions.
After playing the role of a husband at a wedding (rather than the bride revealing her true self to her strict parents), Fraser is enlisted to be a 'dad' to a girl whose doting mum is hoping to enrol her at a particular school. He is needed for the entry interview, and as the film progresses, lines are crossed between him providing a professional service and getting to know his clients & wanting to help them in real life.
Fraser is superb in this story. Subtle, almost child-like naivity at times, and clearly a man looking to make a difference in the world. Some reviews have really slated this fiilm, with The Observer calling it "glib, silly, and pointless". I thought its portrayal of a man just trying to put something meaningful back into the universe worked really well, so perhaps you just need to watch and decide for yourself! The cinematography was lovely too, and I really fancy a visit to Tokyo during cherry blossom season.
Marty Supreme (4 stars) is set in the world of 1950s ping-pong, which doesn't sound like the most thrilling premise for a film. However, with Timothee Chalamet in the starring role, you can be guaranteed a fun time. This was an at times ludicrous tale of a narcissistic, chaotic, hungry for success shoe salesman turned table tennis player, who will stop at nothing in his fight to reach the summit of his sport.
There are many crazy twists and turns in the story, and not every scene worked for me, but it certainly kept my attention right through to the Tokyo finale. Gwyneth Paltrow is also brilliant in her role as a faded movie star attempting a comeback (not a candle in sight, luckily!), and there were some Nicole Kidman Babygirl vibes in some of the raunchier scenes. Paltrow also revealed in a recent interview that Chalamet's 'bad skin' (actually make-up) had her convinced that it was real during filming, and she offered him skincare advice!
Some laugh out loud funny bits, a few jawdropping lines, and a briliantly unlikeable lead character. The best scene involving a falling bath tub since Last Of The Summer Wine, a mission to retrieve a kidnapped dog that goes awry, and a lot of Hilton room service food orders, this is a pot pourri of delights. It even opens and closes with Tears for Fears songs! Don't be deterred by the fact it's about a table tennis player. It offers so much more! Perhaps about half an hour too long, but it's a minor criticism, to be honest.
