Spider-Man: Far From Home Film Review

Directed by Jon Watts

Starring: Tom Holland, Samuel L. Jackson, Jake Gyllenhaal

Rated PG-13 for sci-fi action violence, some language and brief suggestive comments

Spider-Man: Far From Home directly follows the events after Avengers: Endgame. So if any viewer has not seen Endgame and is coming into Far From Home without seeing the previous Marvel film would confuse the viewer. But considering that Endgame is the second highest grossing film of all time, its hard to find one viewer who has yet to seen Endgame. With the events that proceed Endgame, Spider-Man: Far From Home is a wonderful addition to the MCU.

Spider-Man: Far From Home is the 23rd MCU film and newest addition to the Spider-Man series. Peter Parker/ Spider-Man (played by Tom Holland) goes to Europe with his classmates for a vacation. His vacation is suddenly cut short by Nick Fury (played by Samuel L. Jackson) who needs Spider-Man to help save the world with Mysterio (played by Jake Gyllenhaal).

Spider-Man is a story that has told multiple times throughout the years. The first Spider-Man film that came out in 2002 with Tobey Maguire tells the origin story with Uncle Ben and MJ as his love interest. The Amazing Spider-Man with Andrew Garfield told the same origin story with the exception of MJ being replaced with Gwen Stacey. But ever since Tom Holland has stepped into the role, we have yet to see the origin story or Uncle Ben. I give props to the current series not giving us the origin story since we have seen in multiple times. But I also think the reason being that we have yet to see or hear the mention of Uncle Ben is because Tony Stark is Uncle Ben. Stark is certainly a father figure to Parker who passed away. Stark’s death certainly has a toll on Parker that carries with him throughout the film. I enjoy that we don’t have to see the traditional Uncle Ben story arc, but instead the story arc is swapped out for one character for another.

Both Tom Holland and Jake Gyllenhaal as Spider-Man and Mysterio, respectively, are a joy whenever they are present on the screen. Holland’s acting as Spider-Man has progressed since we first saw him in Captain America: Civil War. There are multiple scenes where Holland acts emotional due to Stark passing in the previous MCU film. On the other hand, Gyllenhaal proves why he is a great actor. Without giving any spoilers, Gyllenhaal certainly has fun as Mysterio in the second half of the film. In addition to both Holland and Gyllenhaal, Zendaya as MJ breaks away from the traditional MJ character we have seen in previous films. MJ is a totally different character from audiences are used to, it is also refreshing having one character arc being different than we were expecting.

The biggest problem with Far From Home is the first half of the film feels slow. Not that the film is not to par but there are certainly scenes that could have been left in the cutting room floor. It is not until we see the reveal of one character does the film actually pick up. The reason for this is because we now know the actual streaks and serious danger the other characters are in. And of course, the reveal in the half way point of the film was very predictable, for me at least. The moment I saw the trailer for the film, I knew how the film would play out. To keep it short and simple, I felt like I was watching The Incredibles (2004).

Nevertheless, Spider-Man: Far From Home is fun and exciting that audiences will enjoy. Although the first half of the film moves on at a slow pace, the second half is great that ends with a jaw dropping cameo that fans of the series will enjoy. I highly recommend to view Far From Home, casual viewers and fans of the series will certainly have a blast with this one.

3/4

Midsommar Film Review

Directed by Ari Aster

Starring: Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, William Jackson Harper

Rated R for disturbing ritualistic violence and grisly images, strong sexual content, graphic nudity, drug use and language

There is a phrase many filmmakers and film critics love to say, show don’t tell. It is so commonly said when a filmmaker needs to present something on screen instead of having characters say it. Seasoned filmmakers know when to use this aspect and a majority of them use them well. Writer and director Ari Aster not only uses the concept of show don’t tell, but unfortunately uses it way too much.

“Midsommar” is a horror film in which a group of friends are invited to a Swedish village, which partake in cult like events. The main protagonist is Dani (played by Florence Pugh), who is recently recovering deaths in the family and is invited by her boyfriend, Christian (played by Jack Reynor). “Midsommar” is a film that is filled with shock and horror, along with gory images that are very unsettling.

This is the main criticism that was mentioned earlier, show don’t tell. There are too many aspects of director Aster showing too much on the screen such as graphic sex or gruesome deaths. For example, when we see two characters in the nude, we know sexual activities are engaging. But Aster has this scene play out for a few minutes which makes the audience feel extremely uncomfortable, that is perhaps the intentions of the director. But there is a line that is crossed when it comes to sexual and violent images and “Midsommar” certainly crosses the line.

But while there is criticism to be had with the imagery, I can commend the technical aspects of the film. Florence Pugh (who caught my eye in “Fighting With My Family”) does a tremendous job carrying the film. There are many moments where her character has to convey emotions of sadness, anger, confusion and all without saying any word. She does a great job with her acting, it is the highlight in the film. I certainly agree that Pugh was great to watch on screen and I do hope to see more of her in future films. The film is also filled with great cinematography and editing. The cinematography was certainly eye catching and was very pleasing to see on the screen. There are multiple scenes where the director chooses not to cut but instead keeps the film rolling.

The first 15 minutes of the film features a family dying in a disturbing fashion. Not only is it unsettling but it adds nothing to the rest of the film. There are multiple instances of this being brought up in the rest of the film but quite frankly, if this scene was not included in the film, then it would not change the film. The best way to describe the film is that it’s just slow. It is after the one hour mark where we actually get introduced the horror elements. When it is introduced, the film does drag on for the worse. To make matters worse, the film has a run time that is over two hours. Not that films with a considerable long run times are bad, but they need to be long for a specific reason. There were multiple scenes that could have been left on the cutting room floor to make the film shorter.

Although the film’s highlights are the acting, cinematography, and editing, the film unfortunately a slow burn with uneasy imagery. “Midsommar” is not meant for mainstream audiences, it is meant for the audiences who love indie films. If you are expecting a smart horror film that makes you think, this will certainly be your cup of tea but those who are expecting something else, such as myself, I would pass on this one.

2/4

Yesterday Film Review

Directed by Danny Boyle

Starring: Himesh Patel, Lily James, Sophia Di Martino

Rated PG-13 for suggestive content and language

Hey Jude. A Day in the Life. Yesterday. These are just some of the iconic songs that were written by Lennon-McCartney along with George Harrison and Ringo Starr. These four men wrote and preformed some of the most influential songs in music that are still being heard today. The Beatles emerged from the early 60’s and throughout the decade, the group wrote classics after classics. So when “Yesterday” asks the question,”what if the Beatles didn’t exist?” it showcases how one man uses the Beatles classic to reintroduce them to the world.

“Yesterday” is a Danny Boyle directed film that stars Himesh Patel. Patel plays Jack, a musician who is struggling to make it big. After an accident, Jack realizes that no one knows who the Beatles are, therefore he takes their songs and credited it as his songs. “Yesterday” has a very interesting concept as the screenplay is written by Richard Curtis. Curtis wrote a heartwarming love story that features exceptional songs. This is the best way to describe “Yesterday” as a feel good rom-com that is above average.

The film also features Ed Sheeran as himself who does a decent enough job in his acting. It is not exciting but interesting to see him act than more just a cameo. We also get Kate McKinnon, who is know for playing zany, goofy characters. But the character McKinnon plays is a villain like manager of Jack who is just wanting money. I suppose the character is supposed to be an allegory of actual music managers who are in it for money but it is odd to see McKinnon play a character that is not the protagonist. McKinnon does get multiple laughs every once in a while but in short, I feel like she was miscast.

The screenplay written by Richard Curtis is unfortunately a tad bit predictable. “Yesterday” is a love story that we have seen in multiple films prior but credit due to the intriguing question of “what if the Beatles never existed?” that follows the film throughout. There are also many questionable decisions that are written into the film. For instance, no one also knows who Oasis are. I can accept that as if the Beatles were never formed or never gotten big as they were, then a band such as Oasis never got inspired by the Fab Four, therefore Oasis never became a band. But no one in the world also knows what Coke or Harry Potter are. Were the Beatles influential to the soft drink and the book series? Although it gets a laugh when presented on screen, it is very odd to have this inclusion. It leaves more questions than answers.

“Yesterday” may be predictable but in the end it is a very lovable, heartwarming love story that revolves around one of the most influential musical acts of all time. If you are a big fan of the Beatles, there is much enjoyment to be had due to the Easter eggs and references to the Beatles. “Yesterday” has a few laughs and numerous unforgettable songs that are featured, “Yesterday” a good time that audiences will certainly enjoy.

3/4

Toy Story 4 Film Review

Directed by Josh Cooley

Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Annie Potts

Rated G

Pixar is one of the studios that constantly generates great quality after another. Pixar had a golden streak in the mid to late 2000’s, lately the studio has been releasing multiple sequels to their original works. Finding Dory, Monsters University, Cars 3, and now Toy Story 4. Coming into the film, I was a bit skeptical of another Toy Story due to Toy Story 3 having a perfect ending. But Toy Story 4 is another great addition to the series that does not disappoint.

Toy Story 4 features the voice of Tom Hanks as Woody, a toy who reunites with an old Bo Peep (voiced by Annie Potts) while on the road. But Woody is trying to save a newly created friend, Forky,(voiced by Tony Hale) who is beloved by their owner Bonnie. The film also does feature Toy Story regulars such as Buzz (voiced by Tim Allen) and Jessie (Joan Cusack).

The very first Toy Story was the first computer generated animated film that was made. In comparison to this film to Toy Story 4, there is a audible difference with the animation. In the first Toy Story, the animation is very clunky at times but still very good. But in Toy Story 4, the animation looks so smooth. There are two instances where the animation stands out. One with two characters talking in the rain and one cat who just shines. At time, the animation feels like this is an actual live action film. The animators did a fantastic job with creating the world of a fair and the new characters we are introduced to.

With the new characters we meet, the stand outs are Ducky and Bunny (voiced by Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, respectively). These two toys are quite hilarious and steal the scene almost every time they are featured. This is in part of Key and Peele who are known for their great humor. These two are also joined by Forky as well who i quite funny as well. In addition to those characters, we also meet Gabby Gabby (voiced by Christina Hendricks). Her presence on screen brings out the horror elements of the film. The character, along with the dummies, are quite frightening when on screen, it is something new for this series.

While viewing the film, the score also standouts when it is presented on the screen. The score is composed by Randy Newman who has been with the series since the beginning. Ever rarely do I mention a film score but this is a score that is actually quite memorable. The score does it job quite well, as it elevates the scenes and adds more emotions to the scenes, when needed.

While much praise given to the film, unfortunately not much is given to Jessie and the rest of the supporting characters. What made all the Toy Story films so beloved is because it is a team effort. All toys from Rex to Hamm are regulars to the series but this film has their role reduced to a minimal. This is of course a minor grip but the supporting characters are what make Toy Story a film series that is viewed year after year.

Toy Story 4 is a great addition to the Toy Story series that brings humor and heart. The film has us reunited with old characters and in the end it made me smile and will do so for the rest of the audience. I highly recommend to view Toy Story 4 as all audiences will enjoy it.

4/4

Shaft (2019) Film Review

Directed by Tim Story

Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Jessie T. Usher, Richard Roundtree

Rated R for pervasive language, violence, sexual content, some drug material and brief nudity

Shaft is the fifth film series of the Shaft series that originated in the 70’s. The film stars Samuel L. Jackson as John Shaft II, a private investigator in New York who helps his son, JJ (played by Jessie T. Usher), find what really happened to his best friend, who died under suspicious circumstances.

Samuel L. Jackson, plays Shaft, plays the same character he normally plays. He’s the tough guy who has to curse every other sentence but it works for a character like this. It is a character Jackson is used to playing and does it well. Jackson along with Usher are pretty funny with their silly one liners. I would say the film is more of a comedy than it is a action flick. I would say Jackson along with Richard Roundtree and Regina Hall are the ones who have the best one liners.

But with the film’s comedy being strong, the storytelling is weak. The plot is something we have seen multiple times and is a tad bit predictable but audiences are not seeing Shaft for the plot. In addition to the weak plot, some of the acting is presented poorly. Some of the villains act like generic villains that we have seen multiple times. Replace the actors who play the villains and nothing is added to the story. The lack of villain as well is underwhelming. The forgettable villain does not appear until the third act and only appears for a mere few minutes.

Overall Shaft is a fun comedy-action film that audiences will have a good time with. Is Shaft a bad film? Well, no but it is not necessarily a good film either. Should the film be watched in a theater? Probably not, Shaft is better viewed at home when it is available on Netflix or other streaming services. Shaft is a funny guilty pleasure that many will surely have a relaxing time with, I would check it out if it is available on rental anytime soon.

3/4

Fighting With My Family Film Review

Directed by Stephen Merchant

Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Lena Headey, Vince Vaughn

Rated PG-13 for crude and sexual material, language throughout, some violence and drug content

Fighting With My Family is an incredible true story of how now retired WWE superstar Paige entered the wrestling world. Paige, real name Saraya, (played by Florence Pugh) and her brother Zak (played by Jack Lowden) grew up both wrestling fans and even train in it once they become older. One day both Saraya and Zak are given an opportunity to audition for the WWE but only Saraya makes the cut while Zak does not. Paige now has to show that she is worthy of joining the WWE and does her best to do so.

Off the bat, the film is heartwarming with a extraordinary story. Fighting With My Family follows in the vein of other sports underdog films such as Rocky. Saraya, or Paige, has the odds against her and she overcomes it to become the WWE Divas champion. There are points in the training where she is willing to quit but is pushed to go further by her family. It is moments like these that make the film so inspirational and heartwarming.

The film is also surprisingly very funny for one that features heavy drama. The film is directed by Stephen Merchant, who is well known for his comedy, brings his comedy knowledge to the film. There are genuine moments of laugh out loud laughter in multiple scenes. While there are many hilarious moments, there are also many dramatic moments that work as well. While Paige continues with the WWE training, her brother Zak, who was rejected, falls into a deep depression. The film has many emotional moments that are handled very well all due to the acting from Florence Pugh and Jack Lowden.

But the film does feel like one long promotion for the WWE, after all it was produced by WWE Studios. This is evident with the numerous archival footage of the past wrestlers and the WWE logo being present at almost every opportunity. But this is of course a minor grip, it does not totally take away from the viewing experience. Director and writer Stephen Merchant does a well job explaining what the WWE is and why it is so important to the family. So if one is coming into the film without any prior knowledge of wrestling and WWE, the film does explain the entire business.

Fighting With My Family has heart, humor, and emotional depth that makes it so inspirational. If you are a fan of the WWE or Paige, you will definitely enjoy this but even the casual film viewer will enjoy the film for what it is.

3.5/4

Licence to Kill Film Review

Directed by John Glen

Starring: Timothy Dalton, Robert Davi, Carey Lowell

Rated PG-13 for action violence and drug content

This week marks the 30th anniversary for the 16th James Bond film, Licence to Kill. The film stars Timothy Dalton as Bond, previously playing Bond in The Living Daylights. Both films were moderately successful but Dalton’s performance as Bond invokes mixed results from the fans of the series. Licence to Kill is probably one of the better Bond films but from a different perspective, it understandable why Licence to Kill is not well liked. But there are many reasons why Licence to Kill is actually one of the better Bond films and here’s why.

Licence to Kill is a revenge story in which Bond goes after a drug tycoon, Franz Sanchez, who nearly kills Bond’s friend and ally, Felix Leiter. Off the bat, the film differs from other Bond adventures. As the previous Bond films have Bond flirting with Moneypenny, followed by M briefing Bond about a villain who wants to take over the world or some other devious plot, proceeding that with the Q lab scene, Licence to Kill skips this. Licence to Kill is a story of Bond going rouge, therefore there is no need for the above mentioned scenes with the exception of a Q scene later. The film takes chances and succeeded by doing so by not doing the same formulas we have seen in multiple Bond films. This is one of the reasons why Licence to Kill stands out from the rest of the Bond catalogs.

Timothy Dalton is usually forgotten when ranked among the Bond actors. But Dalton’s Bond brings gritty realism that was read about in the original Ian Fleming novels and we would later see in Daniel Craig. Dalton does a exceptional job as Bond. Bond is a human just like the rest of us, his emotions can get in the way, this is something that was sorely needed after the comical, almost goofy, Roger Moore. Dalton is not a Bond who cracks one liners after killing off a henchman. He is a man who is set on revenge, he does not have time for witty one liners. Audiences in 1989 were so used to Moore who was the previous Bond from 1972-1985. Dalton was unfortunately a product of being ahead of his time. Now we have someone like Craig who is serious, yet audiences and critics adore him for it. Dalton would be praised today if Licence to Kill was released in 2019.

As much praise I give Dalton for his work as Bond, equal praise is given to Robert Davi as the villain, Franz Sanchez. Sanchez is an international drug lord who is not set on destroying the world or starting World War 3, as we have seen so many villians attempt to do in the previous films. Instead he is a man who is set to rule the drug kingdom and make lots of money. This is what makes Licence to Kill so refreshing because the villain’s motivations are somewhat relatable. Not that selling drugs or being a drug lord is relatable but his motivations are not crazy ideas such as killing millions of people and creating a new world in space or underwater. There are actual drug lords who strive to be the best and make millions while doing so. Sanchez is a character who would be found in today’s world.

With Dalton bringing realism into the role, we also get to see a more serious Bond film. The film shows some brutal deaths but does not make them gory. For instance, we see a character’s head blow off as if it were a balloon and a man be set on fire before quickly dying. This may have turned off Bond fans at the time who were used to a villain flying off to space or falling off the Golden Gate Bridge behind a green screen. No longer was it the Bond series that was aimed for young audiences but it was trying to bring in mature adults who were wanting realism in their films.

Licence to Kill also features a great score, with Michael Kamen scoring the film. The score feels somewhat different, in comparison to the previous scores done by John Barry. It is a welcome change and stands out from the crowd. But as much praise is given to the film, the film has an issue with the Bond girls. The acting from both Carey Lowell and Talisa Soto can be wooden at times and both characters seem to be fighting to be the main Bond girl.

Overall Licence to Kill was a welcomed change to the Bond formula when it first premiered. But Licence to Kill is a precursor to the Daniel Craig films that would follow in the 2000’s. Ultimately the film series decided to take a risk in mixing it up but unfortunately it yielded mixed results. But Licence to Kill certainly deserves a second look at, especially if you are a fan of the current film series.

4/4

Pulp Fiction Film Review

Directed by Quentin Tarantino

Starring: John Travolta, Samuel L Jackson, Uma Thurman

Rated R for strong graphic violence and drug use, pervasive strong language and some sexuality

What could be said about a universally beloved classic film that hasn’t been said before? Pulp Fiction is indeed a classic film because it is a film that still holds up 25 years later. The snappy dialogue, the funny moments, the relateable anti-heroes are aspects that makes Pulp Fiction a film that is still remembered to this day, all thanks to writer and director Quentin Tarantino.

Pulp Fiction tells a non linear story of two hitmen, a washed up boxer, a wife of a crime boss, and a couple robbing a dinner. It a sense, it shows “a day in the life” of these characters we meet on screen but the story is not told in chronological order. This aspect is what is remembered from the film and deservedly so got praise for this. This influenced other films that followed Pulp Fiction to tell a story nonlinear.

But the highlight of the film comes from writer and director Quentin Tarantino. Tarantino was coming off fresh from his debut, Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction was his sophomore effort. It is still impressive that a film like Pulp Fiction was well written coming from a director who had only directed one film prior. Pulp Fiction would turn Tarantino into a household name and becoming a director to watch with all of his following successors.

Pulp Fiction is a dialogue driven film that is still remembered to this day. There are many scenes that feature several minutes of dialogue, yet the film does not feel like its dragging because of it. The first act features two hitmen Jules( Samuel L Jackson) and Vincent (John Travolta) walking to an apartment with a job to do. The moment both Jules and Vincent exit their vehicles and enter the apartment, we see the two characters have a conversation about foot massages, of all things. Most writers would have skipped the walk from the vehicle to the apartment and gotten straight to the action, but Tarantino is a writer that can make the dialogue work.

All of the acting is top notch as well. Travolta is the main star in Pulp Fiction, who has the most screen time in the film. His presence shines in the film, playing a drug using hitmen and he makes it work. We also get Samuel L Jackson in his most remembered role in his career and it also skyrocketed his profile and for good reason. When people think back to Pulp Fiction, most will think of the two most iconic characters of the 90’s Travolta and Jackson as Vincent and Jules, respectively. We also get Bruce Willis, who had mostly been in action films prior. His turn as a washed up boxer is a welcome change from a hero who is saving the day to a man who is in over his head.

Although the film is near perfect, it is not without its fault. The scenes that feature Bruce Willis and Maria de Medeiros are a bit slow but entertaining at the least. But when Willis goes off to retrieve his father’s watch, it starts to pick up. Nonetheless, Pulp Fiction is a must see movie as it is still has influences to this day. Reading a review of how excellent the film is does not do it justice. Pulp Fiction is indeed a timeless, classic film that stand the test of time.

4/4

Dark Phoenix Film Review

Directed by Simon Kinberg

Starring: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action including some gunplay, disturbing images, and brief strong language

The X-Men series was a game changer when it first arrived in 2000. The X-Men series is a precursor to the superhero genre overload we are getting today .With that being said, it is unfortunate that we are seeing an end of an era with the Fox X-Men series coming to a close. But after a viewing of Dark Phoenix, it is more unfortunate that the X-Men series comes to disappointing end.

Dark Phoenix is the newest installment in the X-Men series, in which Jean Grey (played by Sophie Turner) has uncontrollable powers that turn her into the Phoenix, an all powerful force that wrecks havoc. The X-Men try to track her down and help her before she can hurt anyone else. Meanwhile, there is also a villain (played by Jessica Chastain) who is wanting Jean’s power and tries to extract it from her.

From the plot line, the audience is lead to believe that this is something that would be interesting. But Dark Phoenix is very dull and boring, despite the possibility of being very interesting. Most scenes feel tedious to watch and feels like a chore. All the dialogue and “character driven” scenes add to nothing. Towards the middle of the film, you want to film just to end. But when you think its over, its not. Dark Phoenix has a run time of just under two hours, but the long, overdrawn scenes make it seem like it has the run time of a Transformers film.

The film is also filled with multiple continuity errors. Most of these are more than likely not errors, but director and screenwriter Simon Kinberg being lazy and not doing his job well. In X-Men First Class (2011) which takes place in the early 60’s with McAvoy, Fassbender, and Lawrence playing young characters of Professor X, Magneto, and Mystique, respectively. But Dark Phoenix takes place in the early 90’s and none of those characters mentioned have aged a day. Dark Phoenix also takes place several years before X-Men (2000) and its hard to believe that McAvoy and Fassbender will turn to Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellan in just a few years. If Simon Kinberg wanted a somewhat believable continuity, he should have had those actors in makeup just to avoid a huge error.

As mentioned before, Dark Phoenix is supposed to take place several years before the original events of X-Men. Without giving away some spoilers, some of the events happening in this film make some of the events happening in X-Men and its original two sequels impossible. This is another failure on the part of the screenwriter who lazily wrote this with no references to the previous X-Men films.

With the cluttered mess of Dark Phoenix, the highlight of the film is Sophie Turner as Jean Grey. Turner does a well job portraying a young woman who is confused on what to do with her powers. Upon further research, Turner did study dissociative identity disorder and schizophrenia which does show when Turner is on the screen. Turner’s co-star, Jessica Chastain plays an uninteresting villain who wants Jean’s powers. Most of the blame is on the screenplay, which writes Chastain as a boring villain with a cliche motivation.

Dark Phoenix is a total failure and a disappointing end to a once beloved film series. The film has nothing to offer with the exception of Sophie Turner doing a good job with the mess of a screenplay given to her. The continuity “errors” make the film unwatchable for fans of the series, Dark Phoenix is a poor excuse for a film that is not necessary to watch.

1/4

Ma Film Review

Directed by Tate Taylor

Starring Octavia Spencer, Diana Silvers, Juliette Silvers

Rated R for violent/disturbing material, language throughout, sexual content, and for teen drug and alcohol use

Ma is a horror film directed by Tate Taylor and stars Academy Award winner, Octavia Spencer. Tate and Spencer have worked together in The Help, in which Spencer won an Oscar for. Sue Ann (Octavia Spencer) is a middle aged woman who starts to buy alcohol for minors and throws parties in her home. Sue Ann, or commonly referred to as Ma, soon starts to stalk and become obsessive with the kids she starts to party with.

Octavia Spencer as Ma gives a great performance. She is a lonely woman who was never given a chance in high school and in life in general. A good villain is one who the audience who can sympathize with. Ma is someone who is sympathetic and the audience can relate to Ma and understand why she is obsessive. In one scene, you can genuinely feel Ma’s emotions as she tearfully cries as how she is treated. This all comes down to Spencer’s acting, who is an exceptional actor in all her roles. There is a reason why Spencer is an actor with an Oscar with multiple nominations. The highlight in Ma is Spencer who shines as a villain.

But Ma is not just a horror film, it is a psychological horror film. I generally like horror films that get more in depth with its characters. Ma is not just about a middle aged woman being obsessive about teenagers, it is about how one characters takes revenge on teenagers due to her traumatic experience in high school. With the film being a psychological horror film, it does not rely on cheap jump scares as often as another horror film with as it doesn’t need to. The scares from the film come from the fact that someone as crazy as Ma is a character some people can actually relate to.

Unfortunately as much as I give props to Spencer and her character, Ma does yield some mixed results. Ma feels a bit slow in certain scenes, which does bring the movie down. The teenagers in the film are also a bit forgettable as well. The actors playing the teenagers do a fine job with the material given but in the end, the characters they play are not something you take away with as being a highlight of the film.

In addition, the film is predictable. The moment we saw Ma being yelled by her boss (played by in Allison Janney in a surprise role) , we knew how she was going to end up. The moment we saw a young, quiet girl in what seems like the 80’s, we knew how it was going to end up. Having a predictable screenplay is a sign that the film was not well written. The screenplay also has an anti climatic ending. The ending just end abruptly, there was a missed opportunity in the third act.

Although Octavia Spencer does a great job as Ma, Ma is a film that feels like a slow burn and ultimately suffers due to it. Ma is a unfortunately a forgettable film but hopefully we get to see Octavia Spencer in more starring roles down the road.

2.5/4