Lynn Venhaus

Total Post: 1132

Lynn (Zipfel) Venhaus has had a continuous byline in St. Louis metro region publications since 1978. She writes features and news for Belleville News-Democrat and contributes to St. Louis magazine and other publications.  She is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved film critic, currently reviews films for Webster-Kirkwood Times and KTRS Radio, covers entertainment for PopLifeSTL.com and co-hosts podcast PopLifeSTL.com…Presents.  She is a member of Critics Choice Association, where she serves on the women's and marketing committees; Alliance of Women Film Journalists; and on the board of the St. Louis Film Critics Association. She is a founding and board member of the St. Louis Theater Circle. She is retired from teaching journalism/media as an adjunct college instructor.

Heartfelt Performances in ‘Supernova’ Deal with Soul-Crushing Loss

Heartfelt Performances in ‘Supernova’ Deal with Soul-Crushing Loss

By Lynn Venhaus
A hard look at mental health when facing a life-altering course, “Supernova” is a well-meaning, if underdone, love story that features virtuoso performances from Stanley Tucci and Colin Firth.

Sam (Colin Firth) and Tusker (Stanley Tucci) have been a couple for 20 years. They take a road trip through England in their old camper van, visiting friends, family and special places from their past because Tusker has early-onset dementia. He knows that this might be the last time he can absorb the feelings about all things he loves.

Meanwhile, Sam is trying to cope with the decline of his longtime partner and facing an uncertain future.

Tucci, one of the best character actors working today, has only been nominated once for an Oscar (“The Lovely Bones”) but hopefully that will change, because he vaults to frontrunner status with this heartbreaking turn as a man confronting soul-crushing loss – of his identity and health.

As supportive partner Sam, Firth, Oscar winner for “The King’s Speech,” tries to be the rock, but can’t hide his pain or insecurities. The pair will be tested, and it’s gut-wrenching.

Both actors, who are longtime friends, convey an intimacy and history as they believably portray longtime companions.

However, the rather mundane movie isn’t as satisfying as their work.

Writer-director Harry Macqueen has obviously done his research on dementia, which is relatable to any family member dealing with a loved one’s decline. However, he holds back on the hand wringing and panic, which would be real emotional tsunamis, so it’s rather all tastefully represented. What’s felt seems to be bubbling up under the surface, ready to break through but rarely emerging.

A ribbon of melancholy is present throughout, as the film does meander while the men face the unpleasant reality and unknown of the future.

Their journey through the United Kingdom’s Lake District is a lovely drive. Sam’s family homestead is a stop, while Tusker is from America.

One of the more frustrating aspects of the film is its stubborn refusal to parcel out a backstory. Sam is a classical pianist and Tusker apparently has written books, but we don’t know too much about them as individuals or as a couple – except they’ve been together for two decades.

The subject matter is depressing, but the lack of oomph in storytelling doesn’t help in engagement.

A little too plain, ‘Supernova” needed to give us more than a showcase for two outstanding actors.

“Supernova” is a drama written and directed by Harry Macqueen, starring Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci. Rated R for language, the film’s runtime is 1 hour, 33 minutes. Lynn’s Grade: B. Available in theatres Jan. 29 and Video on Demand on Feb. 16.

Dispatch from the Hills: Condemn or Condone –No Gray Area, Congress!

Dispatch from the Hills: Condemn or Condone –No Gray Area, Congress!

By Lynn Venhaus
Collective amnesia? Not shamed by the hypocrisy?

My mind is blown on a daily basis by the willingness to dismiss the gravity of Jan. 6, when an insurrection tried to take over the Capitol and destroy democracy. Did you not see the videos? The selfies? The news reports?

So far, 164 people have been arrested. Five people died.

There are 140 Capitol police officers with injuries, some severe. One lost his life that day. Two officers took their own lives. One might lose his eye. Beaten, bruised, stabbed — some bad enough to have spinal cord and brain injuries. Look it up if you don’t believe me.

These mindsets of “Stop the Steal” aren’t dangerous?

Despite his lies and protests to the contrary, disgraced Missouri Senator Josh Hawley went on Fox News Jan. 4: When asked if he was saying Trump would still be president Jan. 21, he said (and it’s on tape):

“Well, Bret, that depends on what happens on Wednesday.”

He was a self-righteous prig before his fist pump, now he is just a lying despicable traitor, betraying his oath of office. His former mentor Sen. John Danforth has called him out and said what he’s saying is “Baloney!” Hawley is whining about his views being muzzled but he’s been all over the media saying his revisionist history. KMOV said they have repeatedly asked him for comments and he has declined.

Mr. Two-Face. His victim act is so disingenuous.

Gaslighting is still going on after #45. I can’t believe people who I describe as “lifelong Republicans but never Trumpers” don’t find all of this appalling. Liz Cheney, Mitt Romney and Cindy McCain do, and they were ‘censured’ by the Arizona GOP!?!?Even though he took that once Grand Old Party hostage, the morally bankrupt Trump was never a real Republican nor a Christian (inexplicable Evangelical support).

And speaking of the former president, he will be on trial in the Senate, so a potential juror (Kevin McCarthy) is visiting the defendent/witness today in Mar-a-Lago? WTH?

One of the recently elected lunatic fringe in Congress, QAnon supporter Marjorie Taylor Greene, is being criticized for her astonishing social media posts, calling for violence and being flippant about harming the ‘opposing side,’ such as Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. She is saying it doesn’t count because it was before she was elected.

Well, Al Franken was pressured to resign as a senator when a photo of him taken years ago surfaced during his term, when under scrutiny from #MeToo movement. She hasn’t taken anything back, including harassing one of the Parkland kids about her right to conceal and carry. She doesn’t believe the biggest mass shooting tragedy in America happened in Vegas. Oh yeah, give her a seat on the Education Committee when she called school shootings “false flags.”

Other people are held accountable for their views. Public figures should be held to higher standards.

As for people screaming about the First Amendment, it doesn’t give carte blanche to everything. You can’t shout “Fire!” in a crowded movie theatre. Words Matter. Everyone’s parents say so. Why is it different now?

You can’t minimize Jan. 6.

This wasn’t fratboy hijinks! This was weaponized domestic terrorists shouting “Hang Mike Pence!” How can this be rationalized?

And with her outlandish conspiracy theories, MTG is an embarrassment as an elected official. She was too extreme for the Republican Party when she ran in the primary (check out who supported her opponent — one Kevin McCarthy!) But when she won, they were all in, accepting her crazy Q views.

She is not some sassy sitcom sidekick there for comic relief. What do they think? It’s a Ricky-Lucy moment when Desi Arnaz says she has some ‘splaining” to do?

Wake up from this fever dream. People should stand for something good and noble and decent. Call on America to be better, do better. Marjorie wants to carry a gun in the Congressional chamber. She has been OK with inciting violence in Facebook posts. Wouldn’t you be uneasy if she was your co-worker?

People who sometimes say crazy inflammatory things do act on them. Ask people whose workplace was the scene of a disgruntled employee going ballistic.

Yes, we have to bring the temperature of hateful rhetoric down. I think it’s the height of hypocrisy for legislators to say things like “We need to move on because this will further divide people” when you were fully on board with the Bully-in-Chief’s incendiary tweets and attacks for four years.

You cowardly stood by without denouncing Charlottesville. You’re OK with the divide and conquer fascist methods because you are OK with an authoritarian government. You are OK with your voters being white supremists, You need those votes to stay in power, pretending to support your oath when you don’t follow it.

And Mitch McConnell said no impeachment trial until after inauguration but when the Senate starts, the GOP object because he is no longer president! WTH? Trump has had nothing but breaks his whole life — mind-boggling that he believes he is always a ‘victim’– but accused of treason needs to be addressed. You say things that lead to violence and you are NOT at fault? We held Osama bin Laden and Charles Manson responsible even though they were not at the scene of the crime. He and his minions also impeded law enforcement that day. Oh, let’s “FORGET”?

There are not separate rules. Our government is ruled by the U.S. Constitution. You don’t get to cherry-pick it.

After the lack of evidence of fraud in the presidential election, you still sought to overturn a fair and free election because of a massive disinformation campaign. And you were part of the Big Lie. That is a seditionist.

The thing about media is that they can roll the tape, bring up the clip, and show the newspaper clipping of what you said. You can run from reporters, but you can’t hide forever. How do you get out of that?

My life’s mantra is: “When people show you their real selves, believe it.” Thank you, Maya Angelou.

We must believe in the real threat of radicalized domestic terrorists – and it’s not over, oh no. The Department of Homeland Security has issued a warning. Beware public officials.

This is not a TV show. We saw the Capitol breached in real time. We saw the “Camp Auschwitz” T-shirt. We saw Officer Hodge scream in pain as the angry mob tried to crush him. We saw an American flag used as a weapon. We saw proud Americans waving Confederate flags. We saw elected officials and their staff hide under desks and chairs. We can’t “move on.” We need to hold people accountable. As more facts come out, the situation, the planning and the movement become even more frightening. There is cause for alarm — we are not being paranoid or overly dramatic.

We must stop the gaslighting. We saw what we saw. We heard what we heard. As they used to say: “Don’t pee on my leg and tell me it’s raining.”

We need unity and healing, but it won’t happen until people take responsibility for their actions — and their words — that caused harm.

Compelling Performances Boost Crime Procedural ‘The Little Things’

Compelling Performances Boost Crime Procedural ‘The Little Things’

By Lynn Venhaus
The little things do matter in this gritty cat-and-mouse thriller where three Oscar winners deliver strong nuanced performances.

What starts out as a crime procedural takes a more unusual approach, shaking up the genre as a former detective teams up with a big-deal LA detective to catch a serial killer. Young women are being hunted and murdered. The crime scenes are grisly. The trails are mostly dead ends.

Deke (Denzel Washington) is now a deputy sheriff in rural Kern County but once was a crackerjack LA detective. He becomes involved in the hunt for a serial killer and begins helping hotshot LA detective Jim Baxter (Rami Malek), much to the aggravation of Captain Carl (Terry Kinney).

Deke has a troubled history – he had left years ago after questions were raised about his methods during another string of murders. He had a triple bypass, a divorce and a suspension within six months. He’s haunted by the old case – but his intuitive skills – for the ‘little things’ – prove eerily accurate. However, his willingness to not play by the rules will impact the case for Baxter as they chase prime suspect Albert Sparma (Jared Leto). And he can’t really escape the past.

Writer-director John Lee Hancock decides to circle around the case, preferring to offer minimal nuggets, with limited disclosures, which is frustrating. The climax is unsatisfying and the overall execution is a mixed bag.

Yet it’s the performances that are compelling,  so that we become invested in the characters if not the methods.

The dance each character does around the other ones adds intrigue, particularly with how the creepy suspect Albert Parma messes with the two cops’ heads in such a disturbing way. Jared Leto, with some facial prosthetics, gives off eerie vibes as an odd loner, who takes great delight in his effect on them. Leto masterfully gets under their skin. His stares leave burn marks.

As the two sharp investigators doggedly chase down evidence, it’s clear Deke has considerable baggage, but his skills at profiling are superb. Denzel Washington knows this guy – but we don’t ever understand why his peers turned on him during a brutal manhunt years ago, because he’s really good at what he does.

We are left hanging. However, he and Rami Malek are convincing as two opposites who pair up well.

A crucial scene depends on us believing Malek’s Jim Baxter’s missteps. Not so sure such a meticulous by-the-book operative, slick on the outside and cool on the inside, would err that way.

Hancock, best known for “The Blind Side,” wrote this script 30 years ago, after he worked on the Clint Eastwood drama “A Perfect World” starring Kevin Costner.

He kept “The Little Things” set in 1990, so there aren’t any fancy technology tools to use, which adds an interesting element without cell phones or DNA evidence.

Your ultimate response will be how far you are willing to suspend belief and whether you are OK with loose ends. Unfortunately, expectations aren’t met.

““The Little Things” is a crime thriller written and directed by John Lee Hancock, starring Denzel Washington, Rami Malek and Jared Leto. Rated R for violent/disturbing images, language and full nudity, the movie is 2 hours, 7 minutes. Lynn’s Grade: B. Warner Brothers will release in theatres and on HBO Max on Jan. 29.

St. Louis Film Critics Association Honors ‘Nomadland’ with 4 Awards

St. Louis Film Critics Association Honors ‘Nomadland’ with 4 Awards

The independent drama “Nomadland” has won four awards from the St. Louis Film Critics Association, including film, director, editing and cinematography.

After losing everything in the 2008 recession, middle-aged Fern (Frances McDormand) embarks on a journey through the American west in writer-director Chloe Zhao’s “Nomadland.” Zhao also edited the film. Joshua James Richards earned Best Cinematography.

“Promising Young Woman,” writer-director Emerald Fennell’s social commentary thriller about toxic masculinity, was recognized for Carey Mulligan’s performance and Fennell’s original screenplay as well as soundtrack for a total of three awards.

Other multiple award winners included Pixar’s “Soul” for animated feature and music score by Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross and Jon Batiste; Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet” as best action film and visual effects; and “The Invisible Man” for best horror film and best scene in which the sisters meet to dine at a restaurant.

In acting honors, Chadwick Boseman was named Best Actor for his final performance in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” Paul Raci of “Sound of Metal” and Youn Yuh-jung of “Minari” for supporting roles.

The Romanian film “Collective” won for documentary and the Danish film “Another Round” won for foreign language film.

The awards were announced on Sunday, Jan. 17, with nominations in 22 categories were announced Jan. 10.

Eligible films include those that opened in St. Louis during the 2020 calendar year or were made available as a video on demand or streaming service release.

For more information, visit the website, www.stlfilmcritics.org, follow us on Twitter (@stlfilmcritics) and “Like” our Facebook page.

Here is a complete list of the awards:

BEST FILM: Nomadland
Runner-up (tie): “First Cow” and “Promising Young Woman”

BEST DIRECTOR: Chloé Zhao – “Nomadland:
Runner-up: Emerald Fennell “Promising Young Woman”

BEST ACTOR: Chadwick Boseman – “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”
Runner-up: Delroy Lindo, “Da 5 Bloods”

BEST ACTRESS: Carey Mulligan – “Promising Young Woman”
Runner-up: Frances McDormand, “Nomadland”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Paul Raci – “Sound of Metal”
Runner-up: Sacha Baron Cohen, “The Trial of the Chicago 7”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Youn Yuh-jung – “Minari”
Runner-up: Maria Bakalova, “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm”

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: “Promising Young Woman” – Emerald Fennell
Runner-up: Aaron Sorkin, “The Trial of the Chicago 7”

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” – Charlie Kaufman (Screenplay); Iain Reid (Novel)

Runner-up: Kemp Powers (screenplay and play) “One Night in Miami”

BEST EDITING: “Nomadland” – Chloé Zhao

Runner-up: Robert Frazen, “I’m Thinking of Ending Things”

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: “Nomadland” – Joshua James Richards

Runner-up: “Mank” – Erik Messerschmidt

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN: “Mank” – Donald Graham Burt\

Runner-up: “Emma” – Kave Quinn

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS: Tenet
Runner-up: The Invisible Man

BEST SCORE: Soul – Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross and Jon Batiste
Runner-up: Nomadland – Ludovico Einaudi

BEST SOUNDTRACK: Promising Young Woman
Runner-up: Hamilton

BEST ACTION FILM: Tenet
Runner-up: Birds of Prey

BEST COMEDY FILM: Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
Runner-up: Palm Springs

BEST HORROR FILM: The Invisible Man

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE: Soul
Runner-up: Wolfwalkers

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE: Collective

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FEATURE: Another Round
Runner-up: Beanpole

BEST SCENE: The Invisible Man – A restaurant meet-up between sisters is interrupted.
Runner-up: Rudy Guiliani visits hotel room in “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm”

Here is a complete list of nominations:

BEST FILM
First Cow
I’m Thinking of Ending Things
Nomadland
Promising Young Woman
The Trial of the Chicago 7


BEST DIRECTOR
Emerald Fennell, “Promising Young Woman”
Lee Isaac Chung, “Minari”
Spike Lee, “Da 5 Bloods”
Aaron Sorkin, “The Trial of the Chicago 7”
Chloe Zhao, “Nomadland”

BEST ACTOR
Riz Ahmed, “Sound of Metal”
Chadwick Boseman, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”
Delroy Lindo, “Da 5 Bloods”
Anthony Hopkins, “The Father”
Gary Oldman, “Mank”

BEST ACTRESS
Jessie Buckley, “I’m Thinking of Ending Things”
Viola Davis, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”
Vanessa Kirby, “Pieces of a Woman”
Frances McDormand, “Nomadland”
Carey Mulligan, “Promising Young Woman”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Bo Burnham, “Promising Young Woman”
Sacha Baron Cohen, “The Trial of the Chicago 7”
Bill Murray, “On the Rocks”
Leslie Odom Jr., “One Night in Miami”
Paul Raci, “Sound of Metal”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Maria Bakalova, “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm”
Ellen Burstyn, “Pieces of a Woman”
Olivia Colman, “The Father”
Amanda Seyfried, “Mank”
Yuh-jung Youn, “Minari”

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Lee Isaac Chung, “Minari”
Emerald Fennell, “Promising Young Woman”
Jack Fincher, “Mank”
Andy Siara, “Palm Springs”
Aaron Sorkin, “The Trial of the Chicago 7”

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Charlie Kaufman, “I’m Thinking of Ending Things”
Kemp Powers, “One Night in Miami”
Jon Raymond and Kelly Reichardt, “First Cow”
Ruben Santiago-Hudson, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”
Chloe Zhao, “Nomadland”

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Benjamin Kracun, “Promising Young Woman
Erik Messerschmidt, “Mank”
Joshua James Richards, “Nomadland”
Newton Thomas Sigel, “Da 5 Bloods”
Dariusz Wolski, “News of the World”

BEST EDITING
Alan Baumgarten, “The Trial of the Chicago 7”
Kirk Baxter, “Mank”
Robert Frazen, “I’m Thinking of Ending Things”
Jonah Moran, “Hamilton”
Chloe Zhao, “Nomadland”

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Donald Graham Burt, “Mank”
Christina Casali, “The Personal History of David Copperfield”
Michael Perry, “Promising Young Woman”
Kave Quinn, “Emma”
Mark Ricker, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”

BEST SOUNDTRACK
Birds of Prey
Da 5 Bloods
Hamilton
Lovers Rock
Promising Young Woman

BEST MUSIC SCORE
Ludovico Einaudi, “Nomadland”
Ludwig Goransson, “Tenet”
James Newton Howard, “News of the World”
Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, Jon Batiste, “Soul”
Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, “Mank”

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Birds of Prey
The Invisible Man
Mank
The Midnight Sky
Tenet

BEST ACTION
Birds of Prey
The Gentlemen
Greyhound
The Old Guard
Tenet

BEST HORROR
Alone
The Invisible Man
La Llorona
Possessor Uncut
The Vast of Night


BEST COMEDY
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
Emma
The King of Staten Island
On the Rocks
Palm Springs

BEST DOCUMENTARY
City Hall
Collective
Dick Johnson is Dead
My Octopus Teacher
The Social Dilemma

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
Onward
Over the Moon
Soul
The Wolf House
Wolfwalkers

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Another Round
Bacurau
Beanpole
Collective
Vitalina Varela


BEST SCENE
Human Resources complaint discussion in “The Assistant”
Rudy Guiliani hotel room visit in “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm”
Dinner with parents at farmhouse in “I’m Thinking of Ending Things”
Sisters dine in restaurant in “The Invisible Man”
Questionnaire administered in “Never Rarely Sometimes Always”

National Board of Review Honors ‘Da 5 Bloods,’ Spike Lee

National Board of Review Honors ‘Da 5 Bloods,’ Spike Lee

“The NBR is proud to honor ‘Da 5 Bloods,’ Spike Lee, and the film’s incredible ensemble cast, along with all of our 2020 awardees,” NBR president Annie Schulhof said in a statement.

“Lee is one of our greatest filmmakers, a bold auteur with a cinematic vision and an astute perspective on human relationships, focusing at times on that intersection between the personal and the political. ‘Da 5 Bloods’ is not only a unique portrait of the experience and lingering trauma of Black Vietnam War veterans, but also a moving story of enduring friendship, a suspenseful jungle treasure hunt, and a powerful reckoning with the American dream. We are also honored to present the posthumous NBR Icon Award to Chadwick Boseman, an extraordinary talent who represented the best of what an actor could be no matter what the role.”

The NBR was established in 1909 by theater owners protesting the New York mayor’s attempt to block the exhibition of motion pictures in the city.

According to The Wrap, In the 88 years it has been naming the year’s best film, it has agreed with the Oscars 22 times, though only once (“Green Book”) in the last 11 years.

The National Board of Review is not a critics’ organization. The group is made up of “knowledgeable film enthusiasts and professionals, academics, young filmmakers and students” in the New York area.

The Wrap said much of its relatively high profile comes from the fact that it is normally one of the first groups to pick the year’s best films — although in this year’s extended awards season, it made its choices well after the critics’ groups that adhered to calendar-year eligibility.

Like the Oscars and most guilds, the NBR allowed films to qualify this year as long as they were being released by Feb. 28, 2021.

Plans for an awards ceremony to celebrate 2020 winners will be announced at a later date.

Here’s the full list of winners below:

Best Film:  “Da 5 Bloods”

Best Director:  Spike Lee, “Da 5 Bloods”

Best Actor:  Riz Ahmed, “Sound of Metal”

Best Actress:  Carey Mulligan, “Promising Young Woman”

Best Supporting Actor:  Paul Raci, “Sound of Metal”

Best Supporting Actress:  Youn Yuh-jung, “Minari”

Best Adapted Screenplay:  Paul Greengrass & Luke Davies, “News of the World”

Best Original Screenplay:  Lee Isaac Chung, “Minari”

Breakthrough Performance:  Sidney Flanigan, “Never Rarely Sometimes Always”

Best Directorial Debut:  Channing Godfrey Peoples, “Miss Juneteenth”

Best Animated Feature:  “Soul”

Best Foreign Language Film:  “La Llorona”

Best Documentary:  “Time”

NBR Icon Award:  Chadwick Boseman

NBR Freedom of Expression Award: “One Night in Miami”

NBR Spotlight Award: Radha Blank for writing, directing, producing and starring in “The Forty-Year-Old Version”

Best Ensemble:  “Da 5 Bloods”

Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography:  Joshua James Richards, “Nomadland”

Top Films (in alphabetical order):

First Cow
The Forty-Year-Old Version
Judas and the Black Messiah
The Midnight Sky
Minari
News of the World
Nomadland
Promising Young Woman
Soul
Sound of Metal

Top 5 Foreign Language Films (in alphabetical order):

Apples
Collective
Dear Comrades
The Mole Agent
Night of the Kings

Top 5 Documentaries (in alphabetical order): 

All In: The Fight for Democracy
Boys State
Dick Johnson is Dead
Miss Americana
The Truffle Hunters

Top 10 Independent Films (in alphabetical order): 

The Climb
Driveways
Farewell Amor
Miss Juneteenth
The Nest
Never Rarely Sometimes Always
The Outpost
Relic
Saint Frances
Wolfwalkers

Dispatch from the Hills: Insurrection, Fascism and Socialism

Dispatch from the Hills: Insurrection, Fascism and Socialism

By Lynn Venhaus
There are not two sides to the Insurrection. You either support democracy and the US Constitution or you don’t. Foreign and domestic terrorism is a real threat because of lies and misinformation. 

No voter fraud. 50 Secretaries of State certified votes. 60 cases thrown out of court for lack of evidence and merit. Biden won. Highest turnout ever. 81 million. Majority in electoral college. Facts.

BTW, there is no such thing as Antifa. It’s not a group. It’s a stance. You are anti-fascist if you support democracy and the US Constitution. Nazis were taken down by anti-fascists. There is no good fascism.

Socialism is social security, Medicare, FEMA, police, fire, parks, CDC, libraries, unemployment benefits and much more. Public schools. Community colleges. You don’t like government benefits? Did you cash your stimulus check?You can’t have it both ways. So misunderstood and weaponized.

If you are listening to crazy nationalists and support autocracy and conspiracy theories, take the tin-foil hat off and go to the light. Listen to facts. We are Americans who worked hard to preserve democracy.  What are you so angry about? 

Why do you support a man who told 30,000 lies in 4 years and will go down as one of the worst administrations ever, approval never above the 40s, corruption off the charts and looming indictments? Abuse of power, obstruction of justice, and like Osama bin Laden and Charles Manson, directed his followers to commit heinous acts?

Definition of a patriot is not any part of QAnon, Seditionists, insurrectionists, white supremists, fascists, and anyone who participated in violence Jan. 6. Accountability matters. Truth and justice matter. Then we can talk about unity. Which is a two-way street.

God Bless the USA and the determined, focused and compassionate Biden Administration as they tackle four serious crises that they inherited: More deaths than in World War II, dismal coronavirus response, worst economy since the Depression, and a deeply divided nation.

Note to Kevin McCarthy: No, I do not bear responsibility for what happened Jan. 6. It is on you and your seditionist friends promoting The Big Lie.

Women marching in pink hats on Jan. 21, 2017, because of America electing a sexual predator and misogynist is not the same as beating police officers and murderous intent on public officials.

Nice to be able to have a good night’s sleep now. 

In the end, America picked the kid who stuttered over the bully.

I will always speak out against tyranny. It was an attempted coup and all this “spin” does not change facts.

Dispatch from the Hills: I have COVID-19

Dispatch from the Hills: I have COVID-19

By Lynn Venhaus
I have COVID-19. This is my personal story. It is my experience, not anyone else’s, and I certainly don’t have any medical expertise on this public health crisis or any insight into a global pandemic’s effect that has caused 400,000 deaths in the U.S. I am one of 25 million cases to date..

I would describe my illness as a mild case. I feel very blessed. For two weeks, I have had the extreme fatigue that everyone mentions – it’s nothing like I have felt before, and aches like I have been pummeled by a heavyweight champion. Four naps a day are not uncommon. Very strange. This is real – it is not a hoax or a government conspiracy.

We all need to take this seriously. And it’s so pervasive and the likelihood of contamination seems inevitable, even with trying to do the right protocol and follow the restrictions. Now, there are new strains. It can be easy to let your guard down for a brief period even if you are trying hard to do what’s suggested. I know. We’ve been at this for nearly a year.

Fortunately, I work from home and could call people for interviews, contact through email and work with my editors online. I did not miss a BND deadline or my KTRS radio segment (even though I didn’t sound like myself Thursday and had some cough breaks). We Zoom our Reel Times Trio podcasts these days. (What would we do without Zoom? Thank you, technology!).

Nevertheless, getting stuff done on some days was a challenge. And there are the coughing fits.

I also don’t have a family to take care of or a job I must be at full-time, so I was lucky in that regard. I can’t imagine what that is like. I only ran a low-grade fever a couple of times – nothing to cause alarm. The body tries to fight the virus off. (After all, it is an animal disease that jumped to human that our DNA doesn’t recognize, therefore no immunity).

Because the virus tries to settle in your lungs, I have been doing lung exercises that are supposed to help. I walk around the block to get some ‘cardio’ and fresh air daily – it’s quick. I don’t pass anyone nor do I stop. Some days, you can hear the slight ‘wheeze’ in your lungs. I don’t sleep ‘flat’ – as I heard that helps.

I have been taking extra Vitamin D and Zinc for a year now, and actually think that has helped. Those are recommended by doctors. And lots of fluids. A dear nurse friend has been advising me. She suggested Vitamin C, plus melatonin to help sleep. Even when you are tired, it’s not always a restful sleep.

I have A- blood type, which is supposed to be the worst one for getting this. At 66, I am in the tier that’s next for the vaccine, but now, since I contracted the virus, I will have to wait 90 days once they start with my age/high-risk group. Missouri is last in the nation in vaccinating folks. I am still unclear about it all, but I will find out soon enough.

I can only guess where I might have gotten it. I have been staying in, living in isolation for the most part. I go for a grocery run at a non-busy time and I always have a mask on and social distance, go through the drive-through at Sonic on occasion, but always wear my mask when I roll down the window. I went out to dinner on my birthday Dec. 23 (Peacemaker in Benton Park had socially distanced tables and waiters with masks), and I was in a long Target line for Christmas Eve afternoon shopping.

Sometimes, I get delivery or curbside pick-up from local places because restaurants need our help. I have not traveled or hung out in public places. I took my uncle to some doctor appointments, but haven’t done that in awhile. I was with three people on Thanksgiving and four people at Christmas.

I haven’t seen my son Charlie, who lives in Brooklyn, for over a year now (even missed his wedding, which is a long story that I shared in September).

I spent the spring lock down thinking I was helping the greater good, but we’re back to square one. So, it was so far, so good, until now. This is work, and anxiety, and fatigue just trying to stay safe.

In my 4-unit apartment building, I am one of three senior singles living here, one is vacant, and we all have had COVID-19 in the past month. First, my two neighbors and then me.. I talked to one when I opened my door without a mask — but she was six feet away and had a mask on, so who knows?

My symptoms timeline: I began New Year’s Day with my annual bronchitis – it usually appears late fall or during the holidays or in January. As it went on – it usually lingers now that I am in my 60s — my lungs hurt, so that was a different feeling. Then, symptoms of a sinus infection arose.

This was on Sunday, Jan. 10. My face hurt, I just didn’t feel ‘normal,’ was going through a lot of tissues, and that’s when I think the coronavirus surfaced. By Wednesday night, as it continued to get worse, I made up my mind to go to an Urgent Care the next day. I thought they’d give me a Z-pack.

That was Thursday, Jan. 14. Did I want a COVID-19 test? Yes, please. Swabs up each nostril. Didn’t hurt. Very easy. Physician Assistant came in to tell me that I tested positive. If I came down with a fever or a bad cough, go to a hospital. But as my symptoms were ‘mild,’ just keep taking over-the-counter cold medicine and Tylenol. No steroids. They checked my oxygen level, which was normal.

I was shocked at the news, but a nurse friend had told me they were seeing a lot of people who thought they had a sinus infection, but it was COVID-19. The PA said they were either seeing positive patients with the sinus issues or respiratory. It felt like a bad cold.

I went straight home. Notified my son, family, some close friends. Mucinex DM was helping. The worst part was the anxiety of having it – thinking about what might be ahead. I did not lose my senses of smell and taste, although they are not at 100 percent.

The St. Louis City Department of Public Health called to ask me questions. They send you an official letter too. Keeping track of cases for the public record.

Even though I think it started Jan. 10, and two weeks are over for quarantine, I’m counting Thursday, Jan. 28, to return to ‘normalcy.’ As in return to the outside world. I think I am turning a corner but know I need to be careful. I still tire easily. I’m still coughing and sneezing, though not as frequent. People do get this again.

I have learned to get things done during bursts of energy and then take it easy, or the exhaustion will be worse. I do think rest and nutrition are key.

I am grateful for people’s well wishes and concern, and their offers to help. A friend went to pick up an oximeter for me. I recommend these – judges your oxygen. Put your finger in a slot. Should be in the 90 to 100 range. Fortunately, mine has been 98-99, thank God. If it’s below 80, get to a doctor.

I appreciate all the kindness shown me the past couple of years. December is a tough month for me, and people were so nice – and I meant to start thanking everyone New Year’s Day, so I will get around to individual thanks, just a delay. It is really special for people to reach out and care about how you are doing, feeling, and I don’t take it for granted.

We are all in this together. So that’s my tale. I hope I am getting stronger. I feel like I am but also know I’m not ‘back to normal’ or feel 100 percent. It might take awhile. I hope there are minimal after-effects. There is the brain fog…

And I have no idea why some of us work through it while others have it worse and must be on ventilators.

There is so much we don’t know about it. My heart goes out to people in the local ICUs and families who have lost loved ones. It’s devastating.

Thank you to all the health care professionals guiding us through this ordeal. They are putting themselves at risk to help us.

We have all experienced emotional exhaustion and collective grief. This has been hard. Of course I miss going to cinemas and theaters, meeting people for lunch and dinner, and hugging friends and family. I can’t imagine what a restricted funeral would be like for a family after having arranged both son Tim’s and my brother Matt’s services. (www.grief.com is a good start if you need help).

Now, the Biden Administration is forging through with plans to get this pandemic under control. I hope we can see results sooner than later but at least we are getting honest answers and information. Viva le Dr. Fauci.

In the meantime, trust science. Wear a mask. Stand apart. Wash hands. All of it really does help. Only you know how safe you feel.

When my 88-year-old uncle had COVID-19 in November, and we didn’t know it yet, I had sat with him in a doctor’s tiny examination room at BJC– but we both had masks on, and I weathered that with no ill effects. He wound up having a mild case – and he has COPD! We were certain the masks saved people from not spreading it.

Like I said, there are things we can’t explain about this disease. I just know it’s real, the fatigue is something else, and I hope we can get through these next few months by rolling out the vaccine to many people.

We have never been through anything like this, and lives have been forever changed. It’s not going to be over anytime soon, and we have to deal with it. One thing — everyone is in the same boat. Our way of life has been altered, and in some ways, we’ve learned a few things. And concentrated on priorities and what’s important. When we return to whatever passes for ‘back to normal,’ I have a feeling we will really appreciate the little things, the small moments.

My advice is to seek medical help if you have any symptoms – don’t wait. The goal is to stay alive.

We have to be patient. We have to ‘suck it up.’ We endure, adapt, move forward with resolve.

Take care. Stay safe. Use common sense. I hope everyone can be spared. It is a scary time. Godspeed.

Small Axe’s ‘Red, White and Blue’ Is a Tragic, Essential Story

Small Axe’s ‘Red, White and Blue’ Is a Tragic, Essential Story

By Alex McPherson

Director Steve McQueen’s “Red, White and Blue,” the third installment of “Small Axe,” provides a heartbreaking look at racism within policing, and a thought-provoking, brilliantly acted character study.

“Red, White and Blue” depicts the true story of Leroy Logan (John Boyega), a forensic scientist living in London during the early 1980s with his West Indian family. Yearning to more directly impact the community he resides in, Leroy considers joining the local police force. After his father, Kenneth (Steve Touissant), is beaten by a couple of officers seemingly at random, Leroy’s motivation to become involved heightens, despite Kenneth’s fierce objection.

While Leroy understands the difficulties that this career choice entails, he believes, somewhat idealistically, that he can shift attitudes and mindsets from within it, helping to combat the flaws pervading policing. Although Leroy receives support from his loving wife, Gretl (Antonia Thomas), and family friend Jesse (Nadine Marshall), who works as a liaison for the Met, he soon finds himself ostracized by his own community and encounters challenges that leave him scarred and exhausted, yet ever aware that major systemic change must occur.

Featuring an absolutely incredible lead performance, and a story that viscerally showcases the difficulty of fighting a system much larger than any single person, “Red, White and Blue” is a sobering exploration of injustice and family bonds, providing some of the most powerful moments of the entire “Small Axe” series.

Similar to “Mangrove,” McQueen spends ample time establishing who Leroy is as a person and detailing his relationships with friends and family members, particularly his father. Leroy is an admirable, strong-willed individual with a warm heart and diligent work ethic, who’s determined to make a noticeable impact in the police force. He puts in his all, even outperforming a number of his peers in police training. Boyega is an endearing presence throughout the film, portraying Leroy’s skepticism and self-doubt later on with heartbreaking impact. 

Indeed, “Red, White and Blue” grows increasingly grim as it goes on, as Leroy’s own end goals seemingly slip away from him. The film frequently slows down to focus on Boyega’s reactions and Leroy’s self-reflection. As Leroy looks at himself in the mirror, for example, dressed up in uniform, we understand the inner conflict he feels, and appreciate the threats and dangers he faces in this line of work. With only one other person of color on the force with him, Leroy feels adrift and alienated practically wherever he goes, lacking figurative reinforcements to help him achieve his vision.  

Although he receives some aforementioned support from family members, Kenneth adamantly opposes Leroy’s decision to become a police officer — believing that Leroy is squandering his education to become involved in an organization pervaded by prejudice, putting his own and his family’s way of life at risk. In fact, this father-son relationship remains the film’s emotional core, providing two valid yet conflicting mentalities that provide much food for thought.

 Finding a balance between Leroy and Kenneth’s views is quite challenging — a balance between comfort and risk, between change and maintaining the status quo. McQueen depicts them both as weathered, wise individuals eventually sharing an understanding that they exist in a world where change is often slight and difficult to achieve, yet always worth fighting for, even if it means starting from scratch. As a result, “Red, White and Blue” lacks clear resolution or a sense of catharsis, ending on a note of meditative reflection that resonates with me long after the credits rolled. 

Despite the film’s intensity, however, there’s still much to relish in “Red, White and Blue,” just like the other “Small Axe” entries. McQueen’s attention to period detail is on full display, with a soundtrack featuring Al Green songs that infuses the proceedings with added emotional and symbolic weight.

The cinematography by Shabier Kirchner is outstanding, once again, containing numerous shots — especially during an atmospheric, nail-biting sequence where Leroy tracks down a criminal on his own — that have etched themselves into my psyche.

Even though I wish McQueen would have shown more of Leroy’s life story, such as his founding of the Black Police Association, the power of “Red, White and Blue” is undeniable. This is yet another fantastic entry in McQueen’s “Small Axe” series, tragic yet essential viewing. Although little has seemingly changed regarding policing between then and now, the film remains a testament to bravery, heroism, and perseverance to confront social issues that remain sadly relevant today.

“Red, White and Blue” is part of the “Small Axe” anthology, directed by Steve McQueen, that is a part of a TV mini-series on Amazon Prime. The drama’s run time is 1 hour, 20 minutes. Alex’s Rating: A

‘The White Tiger’ Ruthless Tale of Caste System in Modern India

‘The White Tiger’ Ruthless Tale of Caste System in Modern India

By Lynn Venhaus
Using a rooster coop as a metaphor, the crux of the story is that you are either in line waiting to get your head chopped off by your master or you kill your master. Simplified – rich, corrupt; poor, good.

Using his wit and cunning, Balram Halwai (Adarsh Gourav) narrates his epic journey from poor Indian driver to successful entrepreneur in modern India. He first works for rich masters Ashok (Rajkummar Rao) and his American wife Pinky (Priyanka Chopra-Jonas), making himself indispensable. Then, a night of betrayal occurs, and he realizes what he must do to rebel and rise up.

A long and meandering film, “The White Tiger” has strong performances from Adarsh Gourav as the ambitious Balrim, Rajkummar Rao as a new generation business leader and Priyanka Chopra-Jonas as his American wife Pinky.

Their presence helps considerably, but after a significant plot twist, which ruined the movie for me, continuing the journey was hard.

The caste system, along with the extreme poverty and squalor, in India have been explored numerous times, notably in the 2009 Best Picture, “Slumdog Millionaire.” The similarities are unavoidable, especially when director Ramin Bahrani never misses an opportunity to emphasize it.

Based on the New York Times bestselling novel by Aravind Adiga, “The White Tiger” has a meaty story to tell. But is Balrim is the most sympathetic anti-hero to spotlight? He is compromised.

At times, “The White Tiger” is insightful to the lower-class plight in India and the corruption that runs rampant in the ruling class. 

But how invested in the story you are depends on your allegiances during the two hours in which they ricochet. By the end, it’s been a harrowing, exhausting, mostly unpleasant journey.

“The White Tiger” is a drama directed by Ramin Bahrani starring Priyanka Chopra-Jonas, Rajkummar Rao and Adarsh Gourav. It is rated R for language, violence and sexual material and has a runtime of 2 hours, 5 minutes. Lynn’s Grade: C. In theaters and on Netflix Jan. 22.

‘Our Friend’ Pulls Heartstrings in Family-Focused Feature

‘Our Friend’ Pulls Heartstrings in Family-Focused Feature

 By Lynn Venhaus
In darkest times, you remember who stood by you, was there for you. Based on a true story, “Our Friend” shows how rare and special unconditional friendship is, with earnest performances from Casey Affleck, Jason Segel and Dakota Johnson.

Matt Teague (Casey Affleck) is a journalist and father of two young girls whose wife, Nicole (Dakota Johnson), has terminal cancer. While living in Fairhope, Ala., the family comes to depend on their friend, Dane Faucheux (Jason Segel), who has put his own life on hold to help.

While living in New Orleans, Nicole becomes involved in community theater, where she meets Dane. Her husband Matt and Dane bond as bros, and he becomes a part of their lives, even after moving to a small Alabama town and starting a family.

In 2012, Nicole is diagnosed with cancer, and thus begins a heartbreaking journey until her death, at age 36, in 2014.

The film matter-of-factly depicts the overwhelming demands of coping with a life-altering situation and terminal illness.

The three actors are sincere in their performances and convey the ups-and-downs of life’s curves. It’s tough material, no matter how one approaches it, with a tendency to be maudlin. The sweet and sentimental moments of friendship help smooth the harsh reality of a vibrant young person’s early demise.

Matt Teague was a consultant and executive producer on the film, and his Esquire magazine article, “The Friend,” is the source material for the screenplay. The article won the National Magazine Award. Screenwriter Brad Ingelsby, who wrote “The Way Back” among other Ben Affleck films, captures ordinary people well.

However, the film is hindered by its choppy narrative approach, moving back and forth between the timeline.

Director Gabriela Cowperthwaite, a longtime documentary filmmaker whose 2013 feature “Blackfish” won much acclaim, takes a realistic approach but it needed smoother transitions.

One character that needed more screen time was hospice nurse Faith Pruett, played by the wondrous Cherry Jones.

Still, the film is thoughtful and engaging. “Our Friend” reminds us of the importance of being there for the people we love.

“Our Friend” is a 2019 biographical drama directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, starring Casey Affleck, Dakota Johnson and Jason Segel. It is rated R for language and runs 2 hours, 4 minutes. Lynn’s Grade: B-, In theatres and on Video on Demand Jan. 22.