Soul Film Review

Directed by Pete Docter

Starring: Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Graham Norton

Rated PG for thematic elements and some language

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.

4/4

Artemis Fowl Film Review

Directed by Kenneth Branagh

Starring: Ferdia Shaw, Lara McDonnell, Josh Gad

Rated PG for fantasy action/peril and some rude humor

Artemis Fowl is a Kenneth Branagh directed film based on a book series by Eoin Colfer. In this film, Artemis Fowl (played by Ferdia Shaw) teams up with his butler (played by Nonso Anozie) and a fairy officer (played by Lara McDonnell) to rescue his kidnapped father (played by Colin Farrell). In order to save his father, Artemis must retrieve a sacred fairy item and hand it over to a pixie (voiced by Hong Chau).

It goes without saying that the titular character, played by Shaw, has to carry the entire film. But its unfortunate to say that Shaw’s acting is not a strong suit in the film. This is not a dig towards Shaw, as I can certainly see potential in his future. Also, he is a newcomer so his acting abilities are not going to be as strong as a veteran actor. But I will place most of the blame on the filmmakers, particular screenwriters Conor McPherson and Hamish McColl for writing a disjointed flat screenplay (more on that later). Also director Kenneth Branagh bares some fault here. I was almost convinced that we were seeing the first takes of some scenes. A director’s responsibility is to direct their actors and try to get the best take from them. But Branagh, who is a masterful director who has made multiple Shakespeare films missed the mark here.

On the opposite side of spectrum, we have Judi Dench who plays a commanding officer of the underground world. Dench is a terrific veteran actor who is known for her strong acting. But like Shaw, her performance is not as strong as it could have been. For the most part of the film, Dench somehow looks bored and tired. It doesn’t help that Dench has to play her role in an off putting voice that doesn’t suit her at all. It’s a shame that an incredible actor like Dench is reduced down to a forgettable role in a largely boring film.

As mentioned before, the screenplay is mostly disjointed. In the beginning of the film, we learn that Artemis Fowl Sr is actually a theft who has stolen some of the world’s most important artifacts. Because of this information, we learn that Fowl Sr is wanted by police. But soon after, he is kidnapped by a pixie. Throughout the film, I keep wondering when will this play a role in the film? But its clear that it is not as it doesn’t serve any purpose at all. We never see police come to mansion nor is it really mentioned again. If the subplot of Fowl Sr being wanted by police for his crimes were left on the cutting room floor, it would not changed the film at all. The film could have began with Fowl Sr kidnapped and the audience would not be missing anything. I have not read the novels and I am not sure if this subplot is in the book. But if it is, then it has no place in the film. At least in the book, the author has the opportunity to explore this idea, but a film has a time limit and cannot waste time.

The film certainly doesn’t help itself when a majority of it is dull. While the film tries to entice its viewers with great locations and incredible makeup of the goblins, it doesn’t do much to make itself stand out. Reflecting back on the film, there’s not one thing I can recall from the film, except the location and makeup. Everything in the film soon gets largely forgotten after viewing, mostly because of a tired plot that is being acted with actors who are trying their best to make sense of the mess of a screenplay.

Most of this film review is listing the faults the film has and rightfully so. But there are some moments that are enjoyable. But the decent scenes are not enough to recommend the film entirely. I suppose fans of the novel may want to watch this to compare and contract the film and the novel, but that’s about it. I cannot say in confidence that Artemis Fowl is a film audiences should watch.

1.5/4

Onward Film Review

Directed by Dan Scanlon

Starring: : Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Rated PG for action/peril and some mild thematic elements

Onward is the newest Pixar film in which two brothers go on a quest to see their deceased father. On his 16th birthday, Ian (voiced by Tom Holland) is given a magical spell on how to bring back his deceased father. After failing to bring him back completely, Ian and his brother, Barley (voiced by Chris Pratt), go on an adventure to completely bring back their father before time runs out.

The animation in Onward is quite stunning, as is the order for Pixar films. Every detail that is placed in the animation makes the world of magic seem very realistic. For example, Barley is a character who has some facial hair and it is noticeable on his face. It’s a small detail to point out but it goes to prove how much time and passion the animators put into the film. Regardless if a Pixar film is hit or miss, the animation in it is always in top form.

The two main characters in the film are voiced by Tom Holland and Chris Pratt, who have great chemistry on screen. Holland is exceptional as the voice of Ian, who really shines in the third act. Holland perfectly voices a shy 16 year old boy who just wants to see his father for one day only. Ian’s brother, Barley, is the opposite of Ian, in which he is not shy and is always wanting to go on a adventure. In our world, he would be a stereotypical dungeons and dragons player who rides in a van who listens to rock music. A part of me feels like this role should have played by Jack Black. Pratt does a great job voicing the character, but the entire time I just envisioned Jack Black perfectly doing the voice work. In addition to Holland and Pratt, Julia Louis- Dreyfus and Octavia Spencer also voice two characters who are trying to find Ian and Barley. They are both hilarious and every moment they are on screen, they both shine.

Onward is certainly a fun and enjoyable film. The first two acts of the film certainly as its moments, but things really pick up in the final act. And while it is an enjoyable film, the film does have emotional moments that may make anyone tear up. When the film presents the emotional moments, it is well done. It doesn’t need the sappy music or heavy dialogue that films try to add. All it needs is the facial work the characters express. The final 10 minutes of the film show that no words are needed to make the audience cry.

Onward is not the best film from Pixar, but it is still a well done film. The cast in the film do an excellent job portraying their characters. It’s an enjoyable film that has fun stored within it. In a world filled with magical creatures and spells, Onward still manages to have a human connection.

3/4

The Lion King (2019) Film Review

Directed by Jon Favreau

Starring: Donald Glover, Beyonce, Seth Rogen

Rated PG for sequences of violence and peril, and some thematic elements

When “The Lion King” was announced as the next film that would get the live action remake treatment, I was excited to see how the film would be done. Doing a remake of a beloved film brings a new opportunity to showcase something or an idea that is not explored in the original version. Then the casting was revealed and I was more excited because I am fans of multiple actors who are in the film. But after viewing the actual film, my expectations were let down.

“The Lion King” (2019) is the newest Disney “live action”remake of the 1994 animated film. The films tell the story of Simba, a cub, who is next in line to the throne. But when Simba’s father, Mufasa, is killed by Simba’s uncle and Mufasa’s brother, Scar, Simba runs away and soon enough needs to return home to take the throne from his uncle.

“The Lion King” has an A list cast, from recent Grammy winner Donald Glover to film legend James Earl Jones. While I praise the filmmakers for getting this A list cast, I do have some issues with the voice acting. But first, Chiwetel Ejiofor, as Scar, does a fantastic job with his voice work. Ejiofor is of course a great actor and always brings his A game when coming into a new role. But a part of me could not help make the comparison to Jeremy Irons, who voiced Scar in the 1994 original film. Nevertheless, Ejiofor does a fantastic work as Scar and is the standout from the voice work.

But as much praise is given to one actor, I do have issues with the other voice actors. For example, when I saw Zazu (voiced by John Oliver) and Nala (voiced by Beyonce), I did not see those respective characters but the actors doing their voice work. As much as I enjoy John Oliver’s program on HBO, I did not enjoy his voice work here. Probably because all I kept thinking is Oliver in a recording booth reading lines. The same goes to Beyonce as well. Not that they are great actors but because the characters they play that are being portrayed on the screen as not given much facial expressions when they are on the screen. Zazu is quite unpleasant to watch on screen, his design is inferior compared to the 1994 original. Nala on the other hand does not stand out because she looks the same as the other lions in the film. This is why a film like this works well in animation as in animation, the characters can stand out by their facial expression and colors. But there is none here as all the lions look the same, with the exception of Scar. This is the biggest issue that plagues the film. The lack of character distinction and facial expression does not support the voice actors who are trying to do their work. It’s unfortunate that great talent such as John Oliver and Keegan-Michael Key are wasted due to an issue they have no control over.

But as mentioned before, a remake gives the audience an opportunity to explore new ideas that were not shown in the original film. But no new ideas are shown in the film, it sometimes feels like a shot by shot remake. After thinking for some time, this remake is unnecessary. “The Lion King” is nothing more than a cash cow for Disney as nothing new is added. The film is not even a “live action” remake as 99% of the film is CGI. Only one shot of the film is actually real.

In short, “The Lion King” fails to live up to the high expectations set by the original film. The film is an unnecessary remake that is nothing more than a money maker for Disney. Fans of the original “Lion King” are better off watching that instead of the remake.

2/4

Dumbo (2019) Film Review

Directed by Tim Burton

Starring: Collin Farrell, Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito

Rated PG for peril/action, some thematic elements, and brief mild language

I will admit that I have yet to see the 1941 version of Dumbo. Therefore there will be no comparisons to the the original version. I although do think its unfair to compare a remake to a original version. A remake is done to introduce a film to a new generation and have a different take on the original. Dumbo is a live action remake directed by Tim Burton. I have never been the biggest fan of Burton but I can appreciate his earlier work. Unfortunately Dumbo is following the recent trend of mixed bags from Burton. Dumbo stars Collin Farrell as a father who tasked of watching the title character, who is an elephant who can fly. Farrell along with his children, played by Nico Parker and Finely Hobbins, work in a circus which showcases the elephant, along with other acts. Dumbo also stars Danny DeVito and Michael Keaton as the owner of the Medici Brothers circus and an entrepreneur who invests in the circus, respectively. These two actors reunite with Burton once again after working with him previously.

Off the bat, Dumbo is a lovable and cute elephant. Every time he is on the screen, you feel nothing but love and emotion of the animal. Dumbo is sadly separated from his mother in the film and you feel sorrow for both elephants. It is generally hard for a director to make the audience feel sadness for a non human character that is CGI, but director Tim Burton excels at making the audience do so. When Dumbo first flies, there is a sense of movie magic on the screen. Seeing Dumbo fly with a trapeze artist, played by Eva Green, takes you back to your childhood as if you are seeing something magical and are in awe of it. The beautiful score by Danny Elfman helps elevates these great scenes.

As mentioned before, Dumbo stars Collin Farrell as a father who tends to the elephant. Farrell’s character, Holt, is a World War I veteran who has recently returned from war. Upon returning to the circus, in which he has worked at before, Farrell’s character learns that his wife has passed due to illness. This is something that is not explored enough and is tossed to the side, along with another moment. Farrell’s character shows little emotion and mourns very little. He is seen later looking at and old picture of her and nothing more. Her death is not explored anymore, except a brief mentioned of the wife here and there throughout the film. I blame the writing and the direction of Burton for this poor decision.

Another tossed moment occurs towards the middle of the film. In this film, Farrell is escorting Dumbo in his first appearance in the circus. When Farrell is walking with the elephant, another man asks, “Is that Captain Holt Farrier?” Farrell immediately places a fake mustache to disguise himself. It is later discussed that Farrell is dressed as a clown because he does not want to be recognized. But why is that? Did he abandon his post or was he dishonorably discharged? It is never revealed why Farrell doesn’t want to be recognized. And later on, this is tossed to the side as he doesn’t wear a disguise and walks around in the crowd like its nothing. Why is this mentioned if there is nothing to it or its not explained the reasoning for the disguise? It is moments like these that bring down the film and just add nothing to the plot.

Dumbo is a delight whenever he is on screen but some of the human characters are not. My biggest complaint is Vandevere, played by Michael Keaton. Michael Keaton is a great actor and we have seen what he can do when he is working with great material. But his character is over the top and acts like a cartoon villain, and not a very bright one. Towards the end of the film, Vandevere is angry that another character is betrayed him. He is at a control tower and presses random buttons that ultimately causes a fire. But Vandevere keeps pressing random buttons, which a stupid thing to do. Does he not realize that he has caused a great fire and pressing any button will not stop this. I blame Burton’s direction for this over acting has this is something we have seen in previous Burton films. The reason why I bring up a scene a like this is because the stupidity of a character can make a film messy. Show, don’t tell is also something that should have been implemented as well. When you need a character to pet the title character, do it instead of saying it. This may be minor but is something that did bother me while watching the film.

Dumbo, the character, is a joy and cute elephant when he is present on the screen. Unfortunately the same cannot be said about Dumbo, the film. You can take the kids to see this one as there are some great moments but you won’t be missing much if you do skip it.

2/4