The 93rd Academy Awards have just wrapped up and I have to say, this is probably the worst Oscars show I have seen. Yes, I am also including the horrendous Oscars hosted by Anne Hathaway and James Franco in 2011. At least that year’s ceremony was energized and fun, even if the majority of it was awkward. This year’s award ceremony was tedious to watch. The show started off great with Regina King presenting a couple of awards. But then it dawned on me that the rest of the show would be exhausting.
First, there was too much talking of the films nominated. Films are a visual medium that we watch. Why talk about the film when we can watch a small clip of the film. It may seem like a small thing but the clips of the films nominated missing was a mistake. The second mistake the academy made was letting the speeches go on for too long. It’s great that filmmakers want to celebrate and thank their close friends and family. But why should the speeches go on for mere minutes? There is a reason why past award shows have enforced the time limit. A speech going longer than it needs to not only gets boring but it drags down the show.
The entire ceremony was a slow burn. There were moments where I wanted to check out, something I have never done with the Oscars. But then came the last few minutes. Rita Moreno came on stage to present Best Picture. However, the leading actors awards had yet to be presented. Nomadland was presented Best Picture. Not my favorite film, certainly would have liked another film to take this one, but it’s a good enough film where it deserved the win.
After the Nomadland win, the two lead actors awards were presented. Frances McDormand won for leading actress. Again, I thought someone else should have taken this one but I have no complaints that McDormand took this one home. The final award of the evening was lead actor. Leading up to this awards ceremony, Chadwick Boseman had won nearly every lead actor award at other awards show. When Anthony Hopkins pulled an upset and won the award, it felt a bit insulting. Not insulting that Hopkins won, because he’s a fine actor, insulting that the Oscars pushed Best Actor for the last award for either ratings or to get an emotional send off due to Boseman being the front runner to win. They used the late actor yet when he wasn’t announced as the winner, the producers of the show must have felt embarrassed due to the rushed ending. I would not have a problem with this if Best Picture was the last award handed, not Best Actor.
When someone watches a film, the ending is the most memorable part as it is the last thing we see. If this year’s Oscars were a film, this was a poor film. The entire show being slowly paced and the fact that the ending was a complete mess made for one of the worst shows in history. Here’s hoping next year is a vast improvement.
Rated R for strong violence including sexual assault, language throughout, some sexual material and drug use
In Promising Young Woman, Cassie (played by Carey Mulligan) is a medical school dropout who is troubled by her past. While in school, her best friend was sexually assaulted. As this was never investigated and those who assaulted her were never punished, Cassie takes revenge in those who were part of the assault or did not further actions.
I was pleasantly surprised by Promising Young Woman. Admittedly, I wanted a bit more from the film, yet I left the film very satisfied. Since this is a revenge film, I was expecting more excitement and more violence. As a person who loves revenge films, I want my revenge films to be bloody and violent. However, I will give props for the film staying grounded in reality. After all, not every film can be a Quentin Tarantino revenge fest.
The story told in Promising Young Woman is one that doesn’t have a clear path. The film could have gone in multiple directions. It sometimes feels like the film is going towards a romantic comedy path and at times it feels like it’s going towards a horror film. Writer and director Emerald Fennell writes a screenplay that is nothing but simple. This is a complex screenplay that doesn’t give you the answers upfront. Instead this is a screenplay where patience is key for enjoyment. Finally, the ending of the film is pure brilliance. The final five minutes of the film is what elevates Promising Young Woman from a good film to a great and enjoyable one. Without revealing anything the final minutes of the film is the real highlight of the film.
It is difficult to not discuss the main star of the film, Carey Mulligan. Mulligan shines in this film as a thirty year old trying to avenge her friend’s death. Yes, her character can seem like a deranged person on the surface yet she is a very sympathetic person. After all, her best friend was sexually assault and those involved were not punished. Like the film she is in, Mulligan keeps her performance grounded in reality as her character is very believable. There is nothing to not like about Mulligan in this role. The supporting roles are also very great. I was very surprised to see the likes of Clancy Brown and Laverne Cox appear in the film. I would have loved to see more of their characters in the film.
Promising Young Woman tackles a very serious subject matter and makes it not only enjoyable and fun. The enjoyment comes the all star cast, in particular Carey Mulligan, put in a note worthy performance. The fun comes from guessing where the film is headed towards next, if you’re viewing it for the first time. While I wanted just a bit more from the film, Mulligan’s performance and the last few minutes of the film make up for my disappointment.
The nominations for the 93rd Academy Awards were just announced. Generally speaking, when the nominations are announced, there always seems to be snubs. However, after reviewing the nominations, there were very little snubs. Almost all the nominations were unsurprising. For the first time in a long time, I am almost satisfied with the nominations. But enough of the snubs, so here are my predictions for the major Oscars categories.
BEST PICTURE “The Father” “Judas and the Black Messiah” “Mank” “Minari” “Nomadland” “Promising Young Woman” “Sound of Metal” “The Trial of the Chicago 7″
Predicted winner: “Nomadland”. I am only predicting “Nomadland” as the winner because it won the Golden Globe and the Critic Choices Awards. While the film is certainly the front runner this year, the tide could still turn. Last year, “1917” was the front runner, until “Parasite” won the SAG, BAFTA, and ultimately the Oscar. I would keep an eye out for the upcoming guild awards.
Should win: “The Trial of the Chicago 7”. The film is one that is not only intriguing by also exciting. The cast is phenomenal, the writing is engaging, the story is memorizing, what else is there more to say about this film?
BEST DIRECTOR Thomas Vinterberg, “Another Round” David Fincher, “Mank” Lee Isaac Chung, “Minari” Chloe Zhao, “Nomadland” Emerald Fennell, “Promising Young Woman”
Predicted winner: “Chloe Zhao, “Nomadland”. Once again, I am only predicting this win due to the precedent made with the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards. I appreciate what Zhao did with the film and somehow made the film work considering there was very little story in the film. However, I think someone else is more deserving of the award, David Fincher.
Should win: David Fincher, “Mank”. Fincher is a director who is long overdue for an Oscar. He has made countless amazing films such as “The Social Network” and “Zodiac”. If Fincher does somehow wins on Oscars night, it won’t be for his work on “Mank”, but for his work for his previous works, akin to a lifetime achievement award.
ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE Riz Ahmed, “Sound of Metal” Chadwick Boseman, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” Anthony Hopkins, “The Father” Gary Oldman, “Mank” Steven Yeun, “Minari”
Should win and predicted winner: Chadwick Boseman, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”. This past year, the movie world was shocked to hear the sudden death of Chadwick Boseman. While a recognizable actor due to his work in the Marvel films, his star was rising. He was only branching out to other film genres such as action and drama. Then we learned about his illness and death. “Ms Rainey’s Black Bottom” is not only Boseman’s finest role, but also his last. Expect the Oscars to award Boseman because this is the only opportunity they have to do so.
ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE Viola Davis, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” Andra Day, “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” Vanessa Kirby, “Pieces of a Woman” Frances McDormand, “Nomadland” Carey Mulligan, “Promising Young Woman”
Predicted winner: Andra Day, “The United States vs. Billie Holiday”. I’m only predicting this winner based off the Golden Globes. While Day may be the front runner, she is only the front runner by a hair. She’s not nominated for a SAG or a BAFTA, which is a bad sign. Additionally, “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” is not a film that is getting praised like other films are. I’m comfortable saying Day is the predicted winner as of today but I could foresee myself changing my opinion the day of the Oscars.
Should win: Viola Davis, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”. In hindsight, Davis’ role is a supporting role, only because Chadwick Boseman stole the show. However, Davis is almost unrecognizable in this film. She certainly transforms herself into the legendary Ma Rainey.
ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Sacha Baron Cohen, “The Trial of the Chicago 7” Daniel Kaluuya, “Judas and the Black Messiah” Leslie Odom Jr., “One Night in Miami” Paul Raci, “Sound of Metal” Lakeith Stanfield, “Judas and the Black Messiah”
Predicted winner: “Daniel Kaluuya, “Judas and the Black Messiah”. This is a tough category because everyone here is fantastic. I’m surprised Lakeith Stanfield received a nomination in this category. I was ecstatic when Paul Raci was announced as a nominee. But Daniel Kaluuya may win this one. He’s been winning all the awards, so this is his to lose.
Should win: Paul Raci, “Sound of Metal”. In my review of “Sound of Metal”, I stated Paul Raci gave a genuine performance. Raci makes his performance and acting look like easy work while A list veteran actors make it look like a chore. I personally think he was the best part of the film and he should get every recognition he can get.
ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Maria Bakalova, “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” Glenn Close, “Hillbilly Elegy” Olivia Colman, “The Father” Amanda Seyfried, “Mank” Youn Yuh-jung, “Minari”
Should win and predicted winner: Maria Bakalova, “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm”. Again, this is a tough category because it is so unpredictable and a bit of a weak field. Jodie Foster, who won the Golden Globe, is not nominated here. I would love to see Maria Bakalova win this category because it is a bit of a long shot. Who would have ever thought a Borat film would win an Oscar? And she may win the award. There is a lot of momentum going towards her, I think this may be the upset of the evening.
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY “Judas and the Black Messiah” “Minari” “Promising Young Woman” “Sound of Metal” “The Trial of the Chicago 7”
Should win and predicted winner: “The Trial of the Chicago 7”. Aaron Sorkin is a darling in Hollywood. Everything he touches, it becomes gold. “The Trial of the Chicago 7” is no exception. In a film filled with an all star cast, Sorkin balances the roles out. He doesn’t have an actor have too much screen time or no too little. Expect Sorkin to win in this category.
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY “Borat Subsequent MovieFilm” “The Father” “Nomadland” “One Night in Miami” “The White Tiger”
Predicted winner: “Nomadland”. Since “Nomadland” may take home Best Picture and Best Director, it may as well win this award as well. I’m not too confident “Nomadland” would win this one since there is a lack of a story. “The Father” and “One Night in Miami” may win as well because it those films are adapted from a play.
ANIMATED FEATURE FILM “Onward” “Over the Moon” “A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon” “Soul” “Wolfwalkers”
Should win and predicted winner: “Soul”. “Soul” was not only the best film of 2020, but one of the best films I’ve seen in a long time. And I’m sure I’m not alone in this sentiment. Also, it’s Pixar. Never bet against them.
Rated R for language throughout and brief nude images
Ruben (played by Riz Ahmed) is a drummer in a heavy metal band. After one random evening, Ruben starts to slowly lose his hearing before becoming deaf. With the support of his band and romantic partner, Lou (played by Olivia Cooke), Ruben stays at a deaf community. With the help of Joe (played by Paul Raci) and the rest of the deaf community, Ruben learns how to deal with his hearing loss and how to communicate without words.
The Sound of Metal is a film that took me by surprise. I was not sure what to expect when I was first saw it. But this pleasant surprising film is a thought provoking one. I am not a deaf person nor do I know anyone who is deaf, so the film made me think on how I would react if this ever occurred to me. It’s a subject that is not often discussed, but I am glad it is. This film not only shows us the effects of going deaf, but highlights the deaf community. I applaud the film for highlighting this as its something we do not see often. The film makes a great effort to showcase a usually forgotten community and I enjoyed that.
However, I do not think this film would have succeeded without the actors in the film. Riz Ahmed fantastically plays a character who just feels lost by being deaf. He brilliantly displays his emotions on screen without conveying words. We can just look at his character and see his pain in this situation. Also, the actor has a lot on his plate in this film. Not only does he play the drums in the film, and does it well, but also communicates via the American Sign Language (ASL). I am unsure if he came into the role knowing how to drum and communicate using ASL, or if he had to learn as part of the role, but he does a fantastic job with the different “languages” he speaks.
Riz Ahmed does a fine job in his role, but I think Paul Raci as Joe steals every scene he is in. Joe is also deaf and takes in Ruben to help him transition into his new lifestyle. Raci’s role in the film is very simple. His role is grounded to Earth, as there’s not a scene in which he yells or gives an emotional moment like other films love to have. And this is what makes his role perfect. I loved how genuine the performance was. There is something about Raci’s performance that makes it so memorable. I cannot pin point what exactly it is but I think he’s the best part of the film. I could watch an entire film with just Raci in the deaf community.
The Sound of Metal is a fantastic film. One of the best films of the year. It would have certainly made my best of list in December. I highly recommend this one as there is much to enjoy.
Starring: Frances McDormand, David Strathairn, Linda May
Rated R for some full nudity
In Nomadland, Frances McDormand plays a nomad, an individual that is “house-less” and travels to various places. Set in the early 2010’s, Fern (played by McDormand) lives in her van and travels throughout the American West. She takes various jobs and meets interesting individuals, including fellow nomad, Dave (played by David Strathairn).
If the previous synopsis makes the film set out to be one without a plot, well it kinda is. The film follows around the aforementioned Fern and her adventures. She goes to eye popping locations, works at interesting jobs, such as Amazon and a campsite, and meets other nomads, which play a fictionalized versions of themselves. Unfortunately, the film does not have a central plot as most films have. Most films have a goal a character has to achieve. Often our main character could grow and learn something new. This does not apply to Nomadland. In hindsight, the film plays out like a documentary with the exception of the scenes that involve Fern and Dave. Looking back, the film would have been perfect as a documentary. The film already features real life nomads, why not interview them about their journey? The film could have followed around a real life nomad for a year and see how she lives in various locations.
These are of course just ideas for what could have been a documentary on the subject. And stating Nomadland should have been a documentary does not diminish the film in anyway. It is still well made film that keeps the audience engaged, despite the lack of plot. I suppose the lack of plot is suppose to mirror the real life nomads. Going to life without a real destination and simply enjoying the beauty of nature.
Speaking of nature, this does bring me to the part of the film I enjoyed the most, the cinematography. Cinematographer Joshua James Richards does an excellent job displaying what mother nature has to offer. From the cliffs of a windy beach to the deserts of Arizona, Richards makes use of the nature around the characters and presents it beautifully on the screen. The whole film could have been just shots of nature throughout the American West and I wouldn’t mind it one bit.
Finally, I would like to mention the acting performances in the film. For a film that only has two Hollywood actors, Frances McDormand and David Strathairn, the film does an excellent job with the real life nomads, who I assume had zero acting experiences prior to this film. These real life individuals sell the film. I am not sure if they were given a script or were told to improvise, but they certainly make an impression. I personally would not become a nomad, but seeing these individuals make me understand why they are doing this. I understood the importance of not being tied to a mundane life and seeking adventure even if it means that you are living in a van and having little income. And of course, Frances McDormand and David Strathairn are just fantastic in the film. The two veteran actors bring their A game and blend in as nomads. Not once did I see these two as actors portraying nomads, but actually viewed them as actual nomads. Except an Oscar nomination for McDormand and, considering the Oscars love to throw in a surprise nomination,perhaps Strathairn.
If Nomadland was a documentary feature, this would have been a perfect film. However, the mix of non fiction and fiction does throw me off a bit. I truly believe director Chloé Zhao should have made this a documentary as a story like this works well for a documentary. While the lack of a plot does disinterest me, it is still an enjoyable film that features two great veteran actors along with real life nomads who sell their story well against the beautiful backdrop of mother nature.
Another year, another awards season. As tradition, we get nominations for the Golden Globes ceremony, which honor the best in film and TV. It is also tradition that we view the nominations and discuss the snubs and surprises. Instead of discussing who may win the awards, because I have not seen all the films nominated, here are the snubs and surprises of the 2021 Golden Globes nominations.
SNUB: Da 5 Bloods
Spike Lee is no stranger to awards ceremonies. Having been nominated and even winning an Oscar for BlackKklansman, Lee should have been a shoe in for a couple nominations. Except, Lee’s Da 5 Bloods was completely shut out from the nominations. This begs the question as to why? Critics certainly were in awe of the film. The film was nominated in certain film critics awards ceremonies. It features the late Chadwick Boseman who brought interest to the film. It’s hard to say why the film received zero nominations, but here’s hoping its not shut out from the upcoming Oscars.
SURPRISE: Jared Leto for The Little Things
I recently saw The Little Things and I was baffled as to why so many critics disliked the film. Sure, it wasn’t amazing but it wasn’t awful either. I was more baffled as to why Jared Leto received a nominated for his role in The Little Things. Personally speaking, I didn’t care for his performance. It’s just Jared Leto doing Jared Leto. Nothing memorizing here and certainly nothing to get a nomination for.
SNUB: Ben Afflick for The Way Back
Ben Affleck starred in this almost forgotten film about an alcoholic who coaches a high school basketball team. It was released at the time when movie theaters were getting shut down due to the pandemic, so not too many audience members viewed the film. The Way Back features Affleck strongest performance in years, mostly due to Affleck being a real life former alcoholic. It’s a shame that the studio didn’t push harder for an acting nomination for Affleck because he would have certainly gotten a nomination for this film.
SURPRISE: Regina King for One Night in Miami
I love Regina King. She is a powerhouse actress that deserves more recognition. But I have to ask myself why was she nominated for directing One Night in Miami? King did not do a poor job as director, but the film isn’t too memorable. The best part of the film was the acting, not the directing. I think King will find her footing in directing a couple films in, if she decides to direct more films. In all honesty, her nomination slot should have been replaced by Spike Lee. Again, I have nothing for respect for Regina King, but her directorial efforts was not worthy of a nomination.
SNUB: Frank Langella for The Trial of Chicago 7
I’m glad to see The Trial of the Chicago 7 get some nominations, especially Sacha Baron Cohen getting a nomination for Supporting Actor, but there is one key actor who was not nominated: Frank Langella. Langella was the best part of the film and a very memorable villain. Every time he is present on screen, we loathe him because he is very biased in a role in which he is not supposed to. Langella stole every scene he was present in and its a shame he was not nominated.
SURPRISE: Hamilton
I enjoyed viewing the recent Hamilton film released on Disney +. However, I am a bit confused as to why it was nominated in multiple categories. This isn’t a film adaption from the musical, it is simply the Broadway musical getting film on stage. I do not think Hamilton should have gotten nominated as it simply does not qualify. I suppose the musical/comedy categories this year was very weak that Hamilton was able to sneak in.
Starring: Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge
Rated R for language throughout
One Night in Miami is the directorial debut of actress Regina King. In this film, Malcolm X (played by Kingsley Ben-Adir), Cassius Clay, before he became Muhammad Ali (played by Eli Goree), Sam Cooke (played by Leslie Odom Jr.), and Jim Brown (played by Aldis Hodge) are in a motel room celebrating the latest Cassius Clay win. In what is supposed to be a celebratory evening, the four men indulge in meaningful discussions that will ultimately change their view points on certain subjects.
My main takeaway from One Night in Miami is that its a fine movie. It’s enjoyable and has some redeemable quality. Yet, I find myself at odds with the film. I didn’t love the movie as much as I expected, nor did I find myself doing more research on the historical figures, as I do when I view historical dramas. (This is probably because I already knew who the men in the film were and knew their stories). I didn’t find myself fawning over this film because it felt too scripted to me. How do I mean? The film is based on a play and it shows. The film’s dialogue plays too much like a play and doesn’t adapt to the screen too well. The screenplay does a fine job hitting its mark with certain subjects and making us sympathize with the characters, but ultimately, I thought the film felt too scripted. Some of dialogue coming out of the characters didn’t feel natural. I did not get the sense these were four friends hanging out. It felt more like actors pretending to be friends who were hanging out. If the the original source material made more of an effort to adapt to a film, I think it would have been for the better.
While I had issues with the writing, I love the actors in the roles of the famous men. Eli Goree perfectly embodies the cockiness Clay (later Muhammad Ali) displayed on the ring and in front of the cameras. He fit the role so well, I was almost certain that was not Ali himself. Leslie Odom Jr. plays the legendary singer Sam Cooke very well. The same goes for Aldis Hodge who plays Jim Brown. However, Hodge’s role is more of a background character as he is not given much to do. And while I think Kingsley Ben-Adir did a fine job portraying Malcolm X, a part of me could not make the comparison to Denzel Washington’s portrayal in the Spike Lee film. I recently saw Spike Lee’s Malcolm X and was in awe of the film. So naturally, when seeing Ben-Adir play the controversial figure, I had to make the comparison. I know it’s unfair to do this, but I wanted to see how each actor portrayed the figure. Ben-Adir plays him a bit playful, but stern while Washington plays the role as a stern figure who is very serious about his teachings. Each actor is going to naturally going to bring something different to the role, so I applaud Ben-Adir for taking the task of bringing such an important figure back to life and making it his own.
This review would make it seem that I didn’t enjoy the film, but I did. Would I watch the film again? Probably not. Ultimately, I was generally disappointed that I didn’t get much out of this film. I’m disappointed that I didn’t love this film more. One Night in Miami has strong acting performances that carries the film. However, the strong performances aren’t strong enough to make the film worth watching again.
It’s safe to say 202 was not a traditional movie going year. Due to an ongoing pandemic, our movie going experiences were limited to the comfort of our own homes. While 2020 did not provide us with a vast array of films like a regular year would, there were still great films released. Here are the best films of 2020.
5. The Gentlemen
The Gentlemen came out earlier in the year when we could still attend the theaters. This film is filled with an impeccable A list cast that delivers great performances. The film is also funny and very enjoyable. It has a laid back energy and doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is great. While I have not seen the film since it was released in theaters, it is still a memorable one that certainly deserves a second viewing.
4. Mank
From director David Fincher, Mank is a cinephile’s film. Telling the story of how Citizen Kane was written, Mank is one of those film that tries to embody the films from this era. Jack Fincher, David Fincher’s late father, writes an interesting screenplay that is still relates to today. While not his best role, Gary Oldman still turns in a great performance as Herman Mankiewicz. His character is not the most likeable, however Oldman’s performance makes him very likeable. Amanda Seyfried also steals the show as Marion Davies, who protrays herself as a relatable film star. Mank is a film for those who love the art of cinema, it’s worth a viewing.
3. Da 5 Bloods
Also from Netflix and another legendary director, Spike Lee. Da 5 Bloodstells the story of five black Vietnam War veterans who return back to Vietnam to retrieve the body of a fallen fellow soldier and some gold. I recall another film reviewer calling this a “Tarantino like film” and I couldn’t agree more. The film is violent, funny, and entertaining. However, it is still a Spike Lee joint as he incorporates politics into this film, something he often does with his film. Lee makes the decision to include a black Trump supporter to show us the aspects of politics the media rarely talks about. Lee also shows us the horrors soldiers have to endure and how they still carry that weight 50 years later. One of Spike Lee’s best work, Da 5 Bloods is a acting powerhouse film that is supported by a talented writer and director in peak form.
2. TheTrial of the Chicago 7
The Trial of the Chicago 7 is another film filled with strong performances. Written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, the film tells the true story of eight, later seven, individuals on trial because they may have incited a riot at the 1968 Democratic convention. It’s hard to find a false note in this film. The acting, from Sasha Baron Cohen to Frank Langella, deliver unforgettable performances. Baron Cohen is a hilarious, yet sympathetic character you root for and Langella is one of the nastiest villains put on screen. Sorkin writes a screenplay that may have taken place in 1968, but still feels relevant today.
1.Soul
It’s not often watch a film a second time immediately after the first viewing. That’s what exactly I did after I viewed Soul on Christmas Day. Soul is a beautiful film that tells the story of Joe, who after given a golden opportunity, is in a coma and sent to the Great Beyond. The film is unexpectedly hilarious, mostly due to the great chemistry of Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey’s voice work. I don’t believe the film would have succeeded without these two as the lead. I did not mention this in my original review, but the score is also fantastic. Jon Batiste brings original jazz compositions to the score, while Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross bring an electronic feel to the score that helps elevate it. Immediately while watching the film, the score stuck out to me and I haven’t stopped listening to it ever since. But I believe what makes Soul so great is it’s message and the way it presents it. While I have enjoyed the most recent Pixar films, the message and the way its has been presented in recent Pixar films feels forced. Soul’s message feels authentic and doesn’t feel forced at all. It’s earns it’s heartfelt message as it simply puts it “live life to its fullest”.
Wonder Woman 1984 is the second installment in the Wonder Woman series. In this film, we see Wonder Woman/Diana (played by Gal Gadot) in Washington D.C. in 1984. After coming in contact with a stone that grants anyone a wish, Diana wishes for her former lover Steve Trevor (played by Chris Pine) to return. Not only does Trevor return but the stone’s power is embodied into businessman Maxwell Lord (played by Pedro Pascal). With everyone getting a wish, the world turns into chaos.
Wonder Woman 1984 is a fun and exciting film, with some drawbacks. First, Gal Gadot is near perfect as Wonder Woman. She embodies the character and makes it her own, akin to the same way Sean Connery did with James Bond or Arnold Schwarzenegger did with the Terminator. Gadot is Wonder Woman and I cannot imagine another actress in the role. She is kind, funny, and tough when she needs to. It would be an understatement to say Gadot brought energy to the film and is the reason why the film works so well. In addition, the supporting cast is excellent. Pedro Pascal, who is slowly becoming one of my favorite actors, is fantastic as Maxwell Lord. Pascal brings a charm to his character and makes him quite likeable. You somehow root for the character although you know he’s the villain. This can be attributed to the fact that he is given some personality. We see why he acts the way he does and sympathize with him.
While I enjoyed the actors in Wonder Woman 1984 and have a soft spot for some of the story elements presented, I was not the biggest fan of the entire story. Unfortunately, the film does throw a lot at the viewer and asks of them to keep up. We have Steve Trevor coming back, Maxwell Lord having the power to grant everyone’s wishes, and Barbara (played by Kristen Wiig) who is slowly losing her identity, but also wants to become like Diana. While all of these plot lines are connected, it can become overwhelming at times. The film should have stuck to the Max Lord plot and maybe hinted at the Barbara/ Cheetah story for the next film. Speaking of Cheetah, she is only in the film for mere minutes. It’s disappointing to see Wonder Woman’s arch enemy on screen for a few minutes and its not done well. Again, the film should have saved this for a potential sequel and focused on Max Lord.
It also goes without saying that the CGI were not too great. In particular, the graphics on Cheetah were a miss. Normally, I wouldn’t mention an element like this as it does not take away from the film. However, considering Wonder Woman 1984 has been placed on the shelf for months due to the ongoing pandemic, you would have thought director Patty Jenkins would have saw this as a perfect opportunity to fix these the sloppy graphics. The CGI doesn’t ruin the film, but it does stick out like a sore thumb. And because how long the film has been collecting dust, I have to call out the mistakes of the filmmakers.
There are some clear issues with Wonder Woman 1984, but there is still fun with the film. Gal Gadot and the rest of the cast are clearly having fun with the film and rightfully so. It is an enjoyable piece that we sorely need right now. While fun and exciting on the surface, issues start to arise for Wonder Woman 1984 the deeper you look into the film.
Soul is the latest Pixar film on Disney +. In Soul, Joe (voiced by Jamie Foxx) is a middle school teacher who has been given a once in a lifetime opportunity, to play in a prestigious jazz group. However after an accident, Joe’s soul is sent to the Great Beyond, another dimension that can be considered the afterlife. Joe with the help of another soul, 22 (voiced by Tina Fey), has to go back to his body before the jazz concert.
Soul is an excellent film from beginning to end. The film has a great voice cast, from the likes of Jamie Foxx to Angela Basset. The voice cast in the film is quite superb as we can hear the depth and emotions in their voice. Jamie Foxx in particular is fantastic as a middle school teacher who has just been given a big opportunity. He works well with the voice of Tina Fey off the bat. Hearing these two voices together gives the sense that these two have been friends for a while. Hearing Foxx and Fey’s voices interact reminded me of the chemistry Tom Hanks and Tim Allen brought for Toy Story.
Soul‘s voice cast works so well because they are given a brilliant screenplay to feed off of. The plot in Soul is one that is well written. Writers Pete Docter, Mike Jones, and Kemp Powers take a seemingly simple premise and make it their own. On the surface, Soul has the simple presence of a man who is on the verge of death trying to get back of an unconsciousness state. However, the film takes this idea and makes it unique. The film also offers us some life lessons that everyone can use. Life your life to its fullest. You don’t have to wait for a grand opportunity to see that life can be great.
These lessons presented in the film is why Soul is such a great film. It’s not the voice acting, score, or humor that makes this film enjoyable. It’s the fact that you can view the film and take something away from it. I personally enjoyed Soul so much that I had a repeat viewing soon after I was done watching it. Never have I done a repeat viewing immediately after watching the film. In the second viewing, I still had the same enjoyment as the first viewing. I still laughed, I still pondered on certain questions, and I still got emotional. If a film still holds up after a immediate second viewing, then its destined to be a classic.
Edward's Film Reviews 