lokicola Reviews

Barbie (I) (2023)

Strong Start... and That's It

[6/10 · 24 July 2023]

I walked out of the theatre thinking, "Yeah, I had a good time in that movie". But as the day went on I kind had that "Ok, that kebab probably wasn't a good idea."

The film is stunning in its production design and creativity, and Margot Robbie is perfectly cast as the Stereotypical Barbie. For the most part, the songs are catchy and performances are solid for the type of characters being portraying.

When we strip away the outside world and all the messaging, Barbie and Ken have a few poignant moments - Barbie realising she's not as perfect as she's been made to believe, or when Ken receives his first modicum of acknowledgement of being a sentient being he's ever had in his life. They also share a couple learning and growth moments which I thought would pay off at the end of the film.

I don't know why, but I was hoping for something that would actually enlighten its audience, to acknowledge that things are a mess and make intentional and meaningful steps to get us closer to understanding and equality. The Barbie brand, history, controversies are so engrained in our culture that this movie had a potential to change our perspective of the world, and what the future could be. That's a lot of pressure for one film, I know.

However... this film is absolutely not immune to the not-so-subtle messaging that has permeated all forms of media and entertainment recently. In fact, it embraces is. So much so that you have a scene where a man walks up behind Barbie and slaps her on the backside, in broad daylight, in a crowded space, in front of her boyfriend.... And this kind of portrayal of men in 2023 appears to be how the film views the world.

Maybe it was this kind of overt comical depiction of men and the world generally that allowed me to get through the movie and kind of enjoy it, but upon reflection, I realise now it's just kind of... yuck.

Barbie had the rare opportunity to be a film experience that not only highlighted issues in the real world, but offer and foster some ideas for change. Instead, we receive divisive and mean-spirited attack on half the human population as well as anyone who thinking having a family is an acceptable path in life. And also flat feet and cellulite.

If you kind of switch off your brain for an hour and a bit, and don't take this film too seriously, then maybe you'll have a lasting positive memory after seeing this movie.

But if you need to do that to enjoy something, then you need to ask yourself: why?

Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)

Unapologetically Awesome

[9/10 · 17 July 2023]

Given that I saw the trailer for the first time half an hour before I went to the cinema (and squeezed in a YouTube series recap), if it wasn't for a co-worker mentioning this film was about the sacrifices made by friends for each other, I really would not have been interested in this film at all.

Without resorting to hyperbole - this movie is freaking amazing. It's the kind of 2.5hr plus movie that doesn't feel that long at all, engaging the audience with incredible action sequences, subtle yet impactful character moments, and all-round excellent performances by all.

As noted above, I hadn't kept track of the most recent MI films so wasn't attuned to the comradery and friendship that developed between Ethan, Luther, Benji and Isla. Dead Reckoning allows the cast to shine in their roles and their chemistry is wonderful to watch.

Grace, the newest member of the team, is well-written and perfectly cast as a skilled international spy, but is completely out of her depth when her life - and the fate of the world - is on the line. Her growth is natural and cathartic and the audience is rooting for her to succeed.

Tom Cruise truly is one of the few action hero superstars of our time. In the last couple of years, he has helmed two of the most entertaining blockbusters audiences have seen in a very, very long time. Both films take legacy characters and build upon them, upping the stakes and allowing our hero to make choices consistent with their character and arc. And with both critical acclaim and smashing the box office, maybe the film industry could take some notes from Mr. Cruise.

It goes without saying the stunt work, location filming, and grand scale of this film is breathtaking. There are some pacing issues and awkward leans into comedy, but overall, Dead Reckoning is the exhilarating tension-filled ride we've all been aching for and a welcome departure from the rushed CGI worlds we've endured in recent times.

Although it's a two-parter, the film has its own ending, and sets up perfectly for the next one.

And I can't wait.

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023)

Fun Enough

[7/10 · 15 June 2023]

I watched the previous films to prepare for this, but turns out Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is set in 1994 so although I relived some unapologetically outrageous 2000s filmmaking, it provides no relevant backstory to this movie.

ROTB spends a lot of time in Brooklyn baby! With its human characters and tends to drag on about the struggles of main character Noah, introducing his ill younger brother and shady neighbourhood buddy. Enter the museum intern who happens upon an artefact which gives us a map to find this key thing.

We get to see some stunning robot action sequences as well, which is probably the closest feeling you'll get to the original 1986 animated movie. The Transformers, Maximals and bad guys all look amazing. The voice work is both personable and commanding, and well-executed by all involved. Pete Davidson shines as Mirage. Peter Cullen is Optimus. We see Optimus in a way we're not used to, and it's oddly refreshing although I missed his overt leadership and kick-assery.

While there's a whole lot of conveniences that push the story along, there appears to be at least some effort in making the characters realistic enough to not render them absolute morons or overly powered/awesome.

It's a lot of fun and definitely has the original 1986 movie vibe.

Unicron is terrifying. Make sure you're in a cinema with the best sound possible.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

A Little Too Incredible

[9/10 · 13 June 2023]

Just as the lights dimmed, I was told this was a two-part film and I groaned. Why drag it out? But then the film starts and even at over 2 hours, I was itching for more.

Gwen opens the film and its action-packed and brings up straight back into the ground-breaking animation style from the first film, and after a confrontation with her cop dad, we learn how she joins the other across the Spider-Verse gang.

We get an intimate glimpse of the Morales family dynamic and the strains Mile's superhero'ing causes. Their interactions are realistic and awkward, the over the top metered with genuine moments.

The film explains the multiverse in probably the most coherent way in recent history, with the idea of disruption of "canon events" lead to the destruction of the universe in which that disruption occurred. Lots going on! There are a couple of twists that are carefully set up throughout the film so when they're revealed, it pays off. The cinema I was in literally gasped in unison at them.

The main villain comes from humble beginnings to ultimate top-tier bad guy, and we understand why this happens. It's quite uncomfortable to see how, due to no fault of his own, the villain is made fun of, not taken seriously and dehumanised until he is driven to prove his worth in the most maniacal way possible.

I understand this is a movie with multiple Spider-People, but at times the film feels bloated and repetitive, and some bits could have definitely been removed. The main antagonist Spider-Man - leader of the group - is well-crafted, imposing and eventually menacing, and having our Peter Parker make an appearance is welcomed.

Across the Spider-Verse is not quite as impactful as the first film, but I don't think that was a realistic expectation to have. The visual style is out of control and coherent at the same time but you may find yourself having to close your eyes for a moment to reset your optic nerves.

The plot twist cliff-hanger? Dang.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry (2023)

Superb Leads, OK Everything Else

[6/10 · 13 June 2023]

Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton. That's all I needed to know to go see this film. Both deliver incredible performances ranging from that unique British wit, the inevitable pulled heartstrings to having it outright ripped out of your chest.

Thematically, the film asks us to let go of the things we think we need - the things that hold us back. Which Maureen (Wilton), wife of Harold for at least a few decades, rightfully takes quite personally. You wonder why Maureen just let's Harold leave, but we discover later she's not completely in the right, either.

Unfortunately, the supporting cast feel forced, two-dimensional and pepper Harold's journey purely to impart information that could be taken or left behind. This isn't helped by the stunted pacing and frequent B-roll cutaways to presumably things Harold wouldn't have seen if hadn't set off on his adventure.

The social media/celebrity element leaves a bad taste in the mouth, and his first follower appears endearing at first but then descends into cult follower territory trying to find meaning from someone else's cause.

Again, I cannot emphasise enough the stellar performances by both leads. I'm tearing up just watching the trailer while writing this. The film is let down by its supporting cast and weird editing.

I didn't know this was based off a book so I can't make any comparisons with the source material.

But if I were to give this a second viewing, I'd only watch the scenes with Harold and Maureen interacting with each other, with one notable exception: when Harold asks for a glass of water in a café. Heartbreaking.

Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead (1991)

Absolute Classic Ahead of its Time

[9/10 · 13 June 2023]

Christina Applegate leads this 90s paragon as a teenager thrown into the role of working mum of three after their babysitter keels over and dies.

Not only is Applegate perfect in this role, the film feels ahead of its time. Aside from being genuinely hilarious and heartfelt, this movie asks Sue Ellen ("Swell", superbly played by Applegate), to sacrifice her summer holiday (of going to the beach and watching Oprah) to go to work to put food on the table for her younger siblings.

We see her stumble, learn, pick herself up and excel as both an employee in a high-stress work environment and as a carer for her family. She's able to hold her own against a sleazy executive and a badgering co-worker. She manages to go on a few dates and organise a work showcase that ends up saving the company from financial ruin.

The dynamic between the siblings is on point. What begins as abject apathy toward one another becomes respect and growth. There's a particularly moving scene between Swell and her brother Kenny about burnt casserole.

Watching this film again recently highlighted the nuanced, well-crafted character writing, brought to life by Applegate and a wonderful supporting cast - from her encouraging and zealous boss, to her siblings of varying ages and her head-in-the-clouds love interest, they create a world that is believable with a sprinkling of charm.

And through it all, Swell never loses herself in all the roles he has to play. She is determined, sure of what she wants, compassionate. And she owns up to her mistakes.

Please watch this film. An absolute classic.

Power Rangers (2017)

A Welcomed Kind of Different

[7/10 · 31 May 2017]

I'll preface this review by stating my extreme bias. As most of you know, I am somewhat a Power Rangers fan. So, let's go:

I've been waiting for this movie for most of my adult life so even if I was insanely excited that this film was being made, I had my doubts.

The film has a lot of the elements of the original series – cringe-worthy one-liners, mid- fight banter, stating the obvious – but there is a new depth to the characters. While definitely not anything exceptionally new, seeing these characters being regular kids is a nice touch. There are some really great moments in this film, most of which takes the audience by surprise, but wholeheartedly welcomed.

Performances are solid all-round with this new cast, and Elizabeth Banks takes Rita Repulsa to an entirely different level. Her take on Rita is chilling as it is threatening. The film has a darkness to it and not in a Christopher Nolan kind of way. Instead, it plays on emotions and the consequences of decisions. When we were kids, every decision seemed like it could mean the end of the world. Now? Possibly still.

Visually the film plays it safe, though there are some really well-crafted sequences that really make you realise, "Shit, this isn't just made for kids." They actually don't spend that much time in the suits and their reveal is a little lame. The music is also a little distracting, but the solid pacing of the film makes it all forgivable. Also Angel Grove is pretty much turned to rubble (of course).

You should see this film. I loved it.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

Zero Expectations

[6/10 · 31 July 2016]

The combination of pretty decent performances, casting (undecided on Eisenberg still), cinematography and CGI is not enough to salvage such a sloppy, lazy story.

The film lacks any real character development and reveals are awkward and fall flat, and I sometimes wonder how Metropolis or Gotham still even have a population. Adding to that, the story is full of convenient coincidences that make even less sense than Wonder Woman taking a commercial airline flight.

You should go see this film; if not for the cool explosions, then to remind you that while money can certainly help, it can't fix everything.

Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)

Great movie, but I'm still not a fan.

[6/10 · 31 July 2016]

There really isn't anything that unpredictable about the film. Story-wise, it goes from A to B in a very simple way.

Visually though, its practically flawless. J.J. Abrams really knows his stuff. Everything is literally epic in this film. John Williams' score is no exception. Performances take a bit of time to warm to, but by then end make you eager for more.

Admittedly, the only thing I'd seen before the actual movie was the poster from a distance. Never bothered to look at it properly. I didn't even know that Han was going to be in it.

For the most part, it's lighthearted and fun but there are some beautiful moments too. Probably just enough to convince us to care about their fates.

From a non-fan, this film is kind of incredible.

X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)

We finally get to see what the X-Men are really capable of.

[7/10 · 31 July 2016]

For what it is - entertainment with familiar characters - it definitely delivers. It was refreshing to see the characters use their powers as we've been expecting since the first movie, although the relatively new cast don't have the screen presence to draw us completely in.

Fassbender and McAvoy are flawless in their roles, and it makes you question what kind of film this is - an action adventure comic book film, or a gut-wrenching exploration of what one is capably of after they've lost everything.

There lacks the cohesion that the first two films had (the third doesn't exist), and kind of jumps between awkward humour and heavy drama. Some reveals and build up fall flat or seem too obvious.

But like I said, we get to see our childhood heroes and villains really kick ass and wreck havoc. I had a lot of fun watching it.

And I was never really a fan of Quicksilver before, but let's say after this film, I think he's kinda cool.