Hollywood
Movie Review: ‘Am I OK?’ is a charming comedy about friendship that features Dakota Johnson’s endearing genuineness.
Naturally, we begin with a veggie burger.
The 30-year-old best friends Lucy and Jane can easily recite Lucy’s usual order at the diner—a veggie burger and sweet potato fries—when they meet again.
Therefore, Jane’s expression shows a hint of hurt when Lucy goes rogue and requests a tomato and spinach omelette late in “Am I Ok?” Even though it was simply a veggie burger, it seems absurd, but to Jane, it represents a comforting, known object that is no longer in her life.
This is Tig Notaro and Stephanie Allynne’s directorial debut, and it’s filled with such lovely, subtle touches that work much better than the sporadic attempts at broad humour that come across as forced or, at the very least, as something else entirely.
Of course, Johnson is the main subject of the lingering camera the entire time, and with good reason—her unwavering genuineness consistently comes through in her roles, even when the material surrounding her occasionally falters.
This is a heartfelt, straightforward story. This is a story about a coming-out, but unlike most coming-out stories we encounter, the protagonist is 32 years old.
The writer of the movie, Lauren Pomerantz, came out when she was 34. This particular narrative is hers. A few strikingly moving scenes reveal how intimately involved she is in the proceedings; one such instance is when Lucy experiences anguish while a straight woman plays with her feelings. It’s among the movie’s most poignant scenes.
We start at the aforementioned diner after an opening montage that sets up the female friendship at the centre of the film. Jane tells Lucy that she really should meet up with a certain cute male friend who clearly likes her: “Just do it,” she urges. Lucy is unable to give a reason for her refusal.
Jane, the more experienced of the two in terms of her career, is about to undergo a significant upheaval in her life. Her manager gives her the opportunity to go to London and open an office in Los Angeles. Her extremely nice partner is also starting to come around. However, Lucy is devastated by this news, as evidenced by the insincere manner she continues responding, “Wonderful!” when Jane breaks the news to her one evening over drinks.
The two friends end up crying together after drinking a lot of tequila, just like close friends do when they urinate in the bathroom and then later during a sleepover. Lucy admits to Jane that she likes girls there.
Jane is an unwavering source of support. Ever the aspirant, she actually tells Lucy that she will become “the star of the lesbian community.” And she decides to assist her in finding a woman, going so far as to take her out to a gay bar. On the dance floor, though, it’s Jane who ends up kissing a woman. Lucy, ashamed, runs away.
However, Lucy works as a receptionist at a spa where there’s this sensual massage. Lucy is finally brave enough to respond to Brittany’s intense flirtation. She helps Lucy come out of her shell, but the outcome is ultimately depressing. Moreover, Lucy is no longer seeing Jane, who was typically the first person she would call in a heartbreak.
Though this film centres on two friends, you will find yourself most invested in Lucy’s life as you watch the incredibly likeable Johnson manage grief and uncertainty. A last-minute setback to Jane’s carefully thought-out plans for her trip to London seems a little improbable, or perhaps it just feels forced in as if to imply that, well, both ladies have problems.
Whatever the case, this month has been fantastic for female buddy comedy. While Pamela Adlon’s comedy “Babies” focused heavily on the chaos that comes with childbirth, “Am I OK?” aims for a more tender, poignant tone. It’s satisfying to be back where we started, discussing issues at that restaurant table. The moral of the story is straightforward but reassuring: friendships can endure and grow despite change.
even if an omelette triumphs against a vegetarian burger.
The Motion Picture Association has rated Warner Bros.’ “Am I OK?” R “for language, sexual references, and some drug use.” 86 minutes of running time. An overall rating of 2.5 stars out of 4.
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Web Series
HBO defends JK Rowling’s involvement in Harry Potter series despite problematic stance on transgender community
JK Rowling, whose Harry Potter book franchise gave Warner Bros a blockbuster film franchise, is also associated with its upcoming HBO series.
JK Rowling has remained decidedly steadfast on her controversial stance on the transgender community. In a statement to Variety, HBO explained why the author is still involved in its upcoming series on Harry Potter despite her problematic gender politics. (Also Read: This Oscar-nominated actor lost out on Luna Lovegood role in Harry Potter, says how it ‘stayed with me over the years’)
What HBO said
“We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter — the heartwarming books that speak to power of friendship, resolve and acceptance. JK Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement,” HBO’s statement stated.
It also added that its parent company Warner Bros “been working with JK Rowling and in the Harry Potter business for over 20 years” and “her contribution has been invaluable.” The report also states that HBO chief Casey Bloys informed the media at an event on November 12 that JK Rowling was “very, very involved in the process selecting the writer and the director,” and her anti-trans statements “haven’t affected the casting or hiring of writers or productions staff.”
A couple of days before that, Rowling had shared a screenshot of a tweet by an X user who wrote, “My disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined” when the author had revealed that she’s “very involved” in the Harry Potter series. Rowling wrote along with the screenshot, “I’ve only just seen this response to me saying I’m very involved in the Harry Potter TV show and I think I’ve pulled something laughing.”
About Harry Potter series
Warner Bros launched an open casting call for the leads Harry, Hermoine and Ron, who were played by Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, respectively, in the eight-part movie franchise.
The series will most likely go ahead with newcomers for the top three characters and mix it with veterans for the adult cast, like the movie franchise, which featured Richard Harris as Dumbledore and roped in Michael Gambon after his death. Late star Maggie Smith played Professor McGonagall, and Alan Rickman starred as Professor Snape.
Mark Rylance, 64, who won an Academy Award for best supporting actor in 2016 for his work in Steven Spielberg’s Bridge of Spies, is reportedly at the top of the casting wishlist to play Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series.
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