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Dune: Part Two (2024)
Incredible Scope
This film excels in all the areas that matter. The production is unparalleled, but more importantly, it has the direction, cinematography, and performances to back it up. The story holds fairly true to the book; the deviations present are justified and do not alter the questions posed by the book. Every aspect of this film works together to provide an extremely engaging adventure and, for those who care to delve further, an exceptionally detailed case study in sociology. Simply put, this is an epic.
Javier Bardem and Rebecca Ferguson give standout performances here. That said, there are no performances in this film that lack true service to their characters. The themes tackled are poignant, relatable, and well worth contemplating. The age-old story of being torn between duty, love, and personal desire is the crux of Paul Atreides' journey in Dune Part Two. Timothee Chalamet's range is showcased throughout this film, with Paul's evolution from a dutiful son to becoming his own person. Director Denis Villeneuve elicited great, confronting, and honest acting portrayals from all actresses and actors involved.
This is a film that will stay with you long after it is over.
Please watch.
Bel-Air: Dreams and Nightmares (2022)
Nostalgic and fresh
Fans of the fresh prince, with open minds, will enjoy the throw back and fun nods to the original. Very keen to see where this goes, the foundation it is set on is good. They lean into the dramatics a little too much. But with some growth, this could be really good.
Snowpiercer (2013)
Snowpiercer Review:
Once the film had ended, it was the exciting moments that lingered with me more so than the disappointing ones. Most aspects had me entertained, the choreography, the comic-book comedy and quirkiness of the characters, and the great escape-esque plot. The performance of Chris Evans drew you in and the comedic nature of Tilda Swinton's portrayal kept you entertained. Initially I jumped on the praise train, thinking the cinematography and choreography alone made this a great movie. Though since commencing this review, certain things kept gnawing at me, making me realize I didn't enjoy certain choices made or the narrative it displayed.
As stated before, I enjoyed the choreography, some sequences had you on the edge of your seat, others had you intentionally disturbed, all of which had been completed in tight spaces. It was impressive and thrilling to watch. The cinematography was also compelling, it didn't rely on the shaky-camera method to pass any of the action sequences, it panned out of each train carriage in clever ways, and even with the restrictions of space on the set pieces, it didn't feel claustrophobic. The set pieces were surprising too, each carriage brought a different feel and played heavily into the light comedic nature of film.
The story of the film is quite simplistic, pushing semi-political themes of oppression with the poor, barbaric, and inequal treatment of others. Some of the smaller details, I feel, didn't make sense. These details include the discovery of what is in the protein blocks that are being fed to the members of the tail carriages. These people, who have confessed to not only cannibalism but the eating of babies, are astonishingly shocked that the food being given to them are insects. Perpetual motion is the basis to how the passengers have survived, it's unclear how they obtained the insects if that's the case. It's the case with most science fiction work but this film needs the suspension of disbelief in more ways than the usual. It becomes increasingly difficult not to become critical as the movie progresses: Soldiers were equipped with no bullets in the one place that they were needed, limbs were taken very well with minimal screaming or looks of pain, and a man stabbed and choked seemingly to death wakes up and continues on his killing spree looking fine. Moments like this take away from the enjoyment shown from the action sequences.
The progression and climax of the second half of the film was free from the excitement that came from the first half. With the antagonist spewing information that wasn't seen and only hinted at in one poorly conveyed instance. Who was Gilliam to Wilford? Was Gilliam in agreement with Wilford's way? The ending was not nearly as dramatic or engaging as it traded the thrilling mystery, and the answers needed, for philosophical thought that is appears in place of answers.
Overall, the action sequences were impressive, and the set pieces were interesting. The story starts off thrilling but suffers from not having a satisfying end.
Review Score: 5/10
Gemini Man (2019)
Uncomplicated
Seen before, done many times, there isn't much new with "Gemini Man" except it's gimmick feature of cloning.
That being said, it's not bad, it's just simple. The story is basic and has been similar to the plot of many other action films that involve government security. Although they play it safe it does excite, it does draw you in, and it is enjoyable. What counts most in movies like this, that try to get you asking questions, is the ending. When you think of the plot and soak in what just happened, you cannot help but think "oh, it's a less complicated Bourne movie."
Acting from its lead, Will Smith, is great and he is in incredible shape. He is undoubtedly committed and truly becomes the character that's been written for him. He is impressive when acting out his clone, however the CGI is hard to watch. For the most part it works, but some scenes focus too much on his face, forcing the viewer to dwell on the fakeness of the CGI. The supporting cast are also quite good, although a little shallow with them not being fleshed out as well as they could have been. This isn't because of their acting ability, but because the writing was simple.
At the end of the day, what takes away from this film is it's writing. It could have explored the moral choices and consequences of cloning a little more but all we get is a little conversation at the end with no real outcome. If not that, it could have made the plot of government conspiracy a little more complex and heavy.
Good acting. Fun time. Uncomplicated.
Joker (2019)
Watch with no preconceptions.
I went into this film knowing not to expect the supervillan we have seen portrayed many times over. This prepared me for the story, and more so, the messaged conveyed.
Ultimately this piece of cinema tells
the audience of the harmful effect that comes from neglecting, bullying, and abusing. All while suggesting empathy and true friendship to all people regardless of mental health. The beauty of this film is that it produces conversation on how to be better and what we can do to be better, not just individually but collectively, as a society.
Finally it would be remiss of me not to mention the work put into this film, namely Todd Philips and Joaquin Phoenix. From direction to the edit, every process expelled masterclass for the film. Reminding me of a Scorsese picture, this films production was astounding. Of all these operations, the soundtrack blew me away, making each moment feel exactly how the director wanted. Joaquin's performance was unnerving and dedicated, Todd's direction was twisted and beautiful.
Joker is not a light-hearted film, there is depth and discomfort. A story to produce change and show the importance of empathy. A masterpiece in the art of cinematography.
Twin Rivers (2007)
Pleasantly surprised
The debut feature film from Matthew Holmes delivers a beautiful coming of age story that leaves you thinking of the decisions you make in your own journey.