"Judy" Review - To Infinity And Beyond The Rainbow

There’s no better way to start off this hot new movie season than with something as dramatic, immersive, depressing, and so heavyweight with Oscar love than “Judy”

This film takes us on a ride through Judy’s Garland’s last year of her life as she performs her last concerts in London while battling with all the struggles that eventually resulted in her life being taken away too soon. This cinematic look into the 1969 musical ride is beautifully colorful with sparkling cinematography along with having a smoothly executed story that’s based in itself on a Tony Award winning play. There was only one scene that felt a bit pointless, and it only serves it’s purpose at the end of the movie, but other than that, this biopic is a heavy hitter that hits all the right notes while diving into the legend that has a more heartbreaking story than people realize.

Which brings me into my last point; Renée Zellweger makes it happen full stop. I don’t know if anyone else could’ve carried a script like this. The way Renée transformed into a beloved, yet drug-riddled misunderstood Hollywood superstar surprised me in ways I never could've imagined. Yet again, it’s hard not to be surprised by her talent, as she’s proven time and time again that her acting is powerful far beyond measure. But this performance is truly special. It brings back the musical chops she showed us in “Chicago” and yet takes her broadway skills to a whole other level. If a biopic like this may not be your thing, fine. But go see it just to witness Zelweger’s best performance in almost 15 years. You won’t be disappointed.

It’s a cautionary tale of what Hollywood can do to the brightest stars, but it also gives a huge spotlight on a star who had one of the best voices in history. For all that Judy Garland went through, one thing’s for sure is she kept going until the end of her life. A movie like this gives her justice for all the negative press she got in her later years. To have a terrific piece of cinema and something that honors someone like her is all I could ever ask for.

Two Nebs Up!