“Dumplin’” Movie Review

    Netflix keeps pumping out their original movies and the platform seems dead set on competing with the multiplex.  So seeing films of higher quality will hopefully grow more and more common in a few years.  The streaming service has already worked with the likes of Alfonso Cuarón and The Coen Brothers and the platform is even bigger internationally than it is in the United States (shows such as CBS All Access’ “Star Trek: Discovery” and DC Universe’s “Titans” are available on Netflix outside the US).  Short of a few movies here and there, their original films have been lacking somewhat.  Still, my girlfriend and I thought “Dumplin’” looked interesting so we gave it a shot and I was pleasantly surprised by the film.

    The film is essentially the coming of age story for a character named Willowdean Dickson.  Willowdean’s mother, Rosie, is a former beauty queen and the two have a strained relationship.  Willowdean was primarily raised by her Aunt Lucy, a Dolly Parton loving carefree type whom Willowdean adored.  Unfortunately, Willowdean’s Aunt passed away and her and her mother Rosie must try to mend their relationship.  Willowdean is plus-sized and feels unaccepted by her mother and peers as a result.  When she finds out her Aunt Lucy, who has also plus-sized, had half filled out an application to a beauty pageant years ago (the one her mother won), she decides to sign up to the one her mother is hosting as a form of protest.  During the pageant however, she learns more about accepting herself than she realized.

    I thought the movie was a unique coming of age story about the importance of feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin.  What better message can a movie have then the simple truth that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  It also goes into the importance of family as a theme.

    The film had comedic elements but was primarily a drama.  The scenes with the drag queens were very entertaining and provided some sweet moments as well as some chuckles.  I really thought setting the movie primarily to Dolly Parton music made it feel different and special.  Parton was famous for her strong yet vulnerable vocals which very much connect with the themes of this film.

    The film stars Danielle Macdonald as Willowdean.  Macdonald, an Australian actress who resides in the UK, pulls of an amazing performance which would shock you to learn that she isn’t from Texas.  Jennifer Aniston also gives a surprisingly strong performance as Rosie, a role which could have easily came off as one dimensional but Aniston manages to give a layered performance.  Luke Benward gives a sweet performance as Bo, the guy who sees Willowdean for who she really is and loves her for it.  Harold Perrineau from “Lost” is almost unrecognizable as a drag queen who helps Willowdean and gives her guidance.

    Michigan native Anne Fletcher directs the film and does a stellar job.  It is more complex and emotional than her previous films which include romantic comedies like “27 Dresses” and “The Proposal”.  The film is based on the novel by the same name by Julie Murphy.

    “Dumplin’” was surprisingly sweet and original.  The film dives into struggles we can all relate to and helps to show the beauty in individuality.  You can only be you, so be the best you that you can be.

Grade: B

Let’s Get Physical, Physical: The Importance of Physical Media in the Modern Era

  Why does physical media seem to be such a bad thing to major studios these days?  Are they really losing any money by releasing a catalog title on a format such as blu-ray if no conversation is needed?  I understand the costs of converting some popular titles such as "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" might not seem worth the cost since they were not shot on film, but why is it that some titles never seem to be worthy of a physical release beyond their first DVD release.  I just don't understand why the studios seem so opposed to releasing smaller cult hits on a high definition format.  Warner Archive has the perfect set up in which consumers can order their older catalog titles and they can make them "on demand".  Still, even with the praise I will show Warner Archive, there are still plenty of titles the studio seems to turn a blind eye to.
  I understand the studios feel the future is digital, but I don't think that future is as rock solid as they seem to think it is.  The average person only makes so much money a year.  I am a working class person myself.  I work hard for my money and I personally like the feeling of having something to show for my money.  Also, with a few streaming services available, the decision to pay for Netflix and Hulu (and Amazon Prime) isn't too difficult.  Yet, now we also have CBS All Access.  We are soon going to be introduced to DC's streaming service and in a few years Disney is throwing their hat into the streaming race.  How many choices are consumers going to have to make before streaming becomes as expensive or more expensive than buying the physical copies like they did during the DVD boom of the early 2000's?
  I just feel like studios shouldn't be so keen on shutting the door on physical media.  As long as film fans like me live, there will always be film collectors.  It's in our blood and if the studios lose us, they lose their money.  That's just my opinion though.  Thank you for reading this post and have a good day!

-Jeffrey S.