Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Film Review

Directed by George C. Wolfe

Starring: Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman, Colman Domingo

Rated R for language, some sexual content and brief violence

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is a new Netflix directed by George C. Wolfe. Based on the play by August Wilson, the film centers legendary blues singer Ma Rainey and a recording session. Tensions boil over with Ma’s diva attitude and disagreements with trumpeter Levee (played by Chadwick Boseman) on how songs should be sung.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is a film that heavily relies on dialogue. The film itself feels like it is a play being filmed with excellent sets. As the film is based on the play by August Wilson, it does not make any secret this is a dialogue driven film. A good majority of the film is dialogue driven and it does it very well. The film doesn’t drag down a bit with the dialogue heavy scenes and actually keeps the audience engaged. The conversations are realistic and sometimes feature intriguing stories that give some context on where characters come from.

While Viola Davis is the top billing and her character being the name of the film, this film actually belongs to the late Chadwick Boseman. In his final role, Boseman plays a trumpeter who is wanting to start his own band and make his own music. But for now he has to play a backup role to the legendary singer Ma Rainey. Boseman steals every scene he is in, which is almost all of them, and commands his presence. At first, he is child like and likes to joke around. But as the film progresses, we learn more about the character. We learn about his childhood and his beliefs. As the film gets closer to the end, we see a man who is somehow broken inside. Boseman not only gives his final performance but also his best. It’s very unfortunate his sudden passing this past summer means we will no longer see Boseman in future roles.

However, Viola Davis is also fantastic as Ma Rainey. Ma Rainey acts as a diva as she is on her own time and gets whatever she wants. In the beginning of the film, we seem a bit indifferent towards Ma Rainey’s attitude. But towards the middle of the film, we understand why she acts the way she does. She knows she is being used for her voice and will take advantage of any opportunity that is presented to her. Davis brilliantly portrays Ma Rainey and makes us sympathetic for her character, despite how she acts. While Ma Rainey’s name is on the title of the film, she is not the main star of the film. She is not properly introduced until thirty minutes into the film. When she is in the film, she takes the backseat to the film and is not featured prominently. If Davis was less of a supporting role and was featured as much as Boseman was, then she would easily be the best performance in the film.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is an interesting look at the legendary blues singer. While not a biopic and only highlights a few hours in a recording studio, the film does a tremendous task of showcasing Ma Rainey and her actions and why her she does what she does. Boseman is the star of the show and steals every scene he is present in. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is a film with powerhouse performances from all actors who bring August Wilson’s brilliant words to the big screen.

3.5/4

Mank Film Review

Directed by David Fincher

Starring: Gary Oldman, Amanda Seyfried, Lily Collins

Rated R for some language

Mank is a Netflix film directed by David Fincher. Mank tells the story of screenwriter Herman Mankiewicz (played by Gary Oldman) and the period in which he wrote the screenplay Citizen Kane. Set in the 1940’s, Mank not only tells the story of how Herman Mankiewicz wrote the legendary screenplay, but also his encounters with Hollywood legends such as Orson Wells (played by Tom Burke) and Louis B. Mayer (played by Arliss Howard).

When you come to a film like Mank, you expect powerhouse performances and the film delivers. Gary Oldman as Mank is fantastic and delivers a strong performance. It is one of his memorable performance as throughout the film he acts like a drunk. He interacts well with everyone he encounters, with one lone exception that will be explained later. The scenes featuring Mank interacting with Mayer, William Randolph Hearst (played by Charles Dance), and Marion Davies (played by Amanda Seyfried) are not only well done but well acted. In particular, the scene in which Mank drunkenly describes the idea of writing Citizen Kane. While all the actors in the film are fantastic, I can see Gary Oldman and Amanda Seyfried getting Oscar nominations.

As the film is set in the 1930/40’s, director David Fincher not only makes the film feel like it is the 1930/40’s with its production designs, but the way the film is filmed. The film is black and white, but the film feels like it was made with a camera from this era. There are moments in the film in which the film gets a bit a grainy, like older films would. Cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt succeeds in making the film feel like it is a product of the golden age of Hollywood. Messerschmidt does not use large fancy lights that are commonly used in other films. Instead, he relies on natural lights, such as candles or a lightbulb, to light a scene.

The screenplay was written by David Fincher’s now deceased father, Jack Fincher. The screenplay was written in the 90’s but the film did not come into fruition until now. While the screenplay was written in the 90’s, it still feels very relevant to today. A large chunk of the film features the discussion of politics, in particular the gubernatorial election of 1934 in California. The election included Upton Sinclair, a Democratic socialists who would like to end poverty. The political discussions in the film are not just relevant to 1934, but are relevant to today. The film poses the question of should Hollywood play a role in politics? There are Hollywood major players who not only support a candidate but push out propaganda that can influence the average moviegoer.

Mank is a fantastic film with some exceptions. First, Charles Dance as William Randolph Hearst is not featured in the film too much. While his character does not play a major role in the story, he was still a fascinating character which I would like to see more of. Also, I mentioned that Gary Oldman interacted well with all his fellow actors with a lone exception. That lone exception is Rita (played by Lily Collins), Mank’s secretary. While I won’t fault Lily Collins for this, her character is just forgettable. She doesn’t stand out as she doesn’t have a memorable line or scene. The only memorable thing about her is that her partner is presumed to be missing in action during World War II. This is quickly resolved towards the end of the film, but it felt pointless. This was more than likely added to give the character sympathy for not only watching over Mank but also worrying about her partner possibly being dead. I can appreciate what Jack Fincher tried to do here, unfortunately it falls flat.

Overall, Mank is a fine film that has a lot to offer. The outstanding performances, camera work, and screenplay are not only very distinct, but grab the viewer’s attention and commands their attention. While this film will not be everyone’s cup of tea, it is a film all film buffs who love the golden age of Hollywood will enjoy.

4/4

Hillbilly Elegy Film Review

Directed by Ron Howard

Starring: Amy Adams, Glenn Close, Gabriel Basso

Rated R for language throughout, drug content and some violence

Based on the novel of the same name by J.D. Vance, Hillbilly Elegy is a new Netflix film directed by Ron Howard. In this film, J.D. (played by Gabriel Basso) is a Yale student is in the middle of interview week at school. In the middle of the week, J.D. gets a call concerning his mother, Bev (played by Amy Adams), being put in the hospital due to the use of drugs. With the news of his mother, J.D. returns to his hometown in Ohio and recalls all the memories he had of growing up in the town.

Upon researching this film, I saw Hillbilly Elegy has negative reviews. Upon seeing these reviews, I pondered on why the film has these reviews. While the film is not perfect, its also not a horrific film that deserves the negative reviews. Let’s start off with the acting. When you have actresses such as Glenn Close and Amy Adams, you know you are going to get powerhouse performances and that is what is delivered. Close and Adams, and even Basso who plays the main character, all deliver strong performances. The top notch performances are the strongest aspect of the film and make the film worth watching.

While I enjoyed the strong acting in the film, I did take issue with the story. The story revolves J.D. returning to his hometown in Ohio after receiving a call that his mother is on drugs again and is hospitalized. On the surface, it seems like a simple narrative. College students returns back home and recalls all the good and bad memories he had in town. But when the main character recalls his childhood, the story slows down a bit. Since almost half of the film consists of flashbacks, the film seems longer than it is. After the first few flashbacks, we understand the concept that J.D.’s childhood was awful. We understand why he went to the military and went to school in the northeast. The film didn’t have to force this narrative multiple times. I was more interested in the current story of J.D. trying to find a room for his mother and trying to get back to school on time.

I genuinely believe that if the film reduced the flashbacks and focused on the present day plot, it would have been a hit. I understand this film is based on a book and these flashbacks probably work for an autobiography, but it doesn’t work here unfortunately. After a few flashbacks, we understand that J.D.’s mother is a mess and his grandmother is the glue of the family. The film didn’t have to show this for half of the film because it just brings the film to a halt. Hillbilly Elegy is not the awful film many critics are leading you to believe and it is certainly not an Oscar worthy film (well, maybe a nomination for makeup and acting) but it has its moment. Hillbilly Elegy is worth a watch for audience members who enjoy these types of dramas, but be prepared to get a bit bored.

2.5/4

The Trial of the Chicago 7 Film Review

Directed by Aaron Sorkin

Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Alex Sharp, Sacha Baron Cohen

Rated R for language throughout, some violence, bloody images and drug use

The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a new Netflix film written and directed by Aaron Sorkin. Based on a true events, the film centers around eight, later seven, individuals who are on trial for inciting violence at the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago. While the film may be simple in its premise, it does pose interesting questions and commentary that can be related to today.

With a film like The Trial of the Chicago 7, it was bound to have an ensemble cast given that the film focuses on multiple characters. The cast includes the likes of Eddie Redmayne to Mark Rylance and from Sasha Baron Cohen to Joseph Gordon-Levitt. All the actors in this film give top notch performances.They got lost in the character and become the character they are portraying. While everyone gives a fantastic performance, there are a few actors that did stick out. The first is Sasha Baron Cohen as Abbie Hoffman. While we all know the actor for being in raunchy films such as Borat and Bruno, he is an actor who can give a decent performance when given the right material. It was refreshing to see Cohen not be the over the top character, but the calm and well mannered one. He is hilarious whenever he is on screen with Jeremy Strong as Rubin, another individual charge with inciting violence. These two are Yippies, a group protesting the then Vietnam War in a peaceful manner. Occasionally, Cohen will give a stand up routine to other fellow Yippies and this is where he shines the brightest.

Representing Mr. Hoffman in court is William Kunstler who is portrayed by Mark Rylance. Rylance’s character is also well mannered and speaks softly towards the beginning of the film. However, as soon as the trial drags on and its clear the judge is biased against the defendants, Kunstler becomes more enraged that things are not going well. It is with these particular moments where Rylance takes his character to another level. These are the moments we relate to the character and feel their frustration as well. Most of this frustration comes in part by Judge Julius Hoffman (played by Frank Langella). Based on the judge who actually heard the real life case, Judge Hoffman is a lawfully evil character. He isn’t corrupt by any means, but he is a judge who has clearly made up his mind and does not let his individuals have a fair trial. He lets the trial become a circus as the very start to its end, as the trial is a mess. He is an individual who uses the law to his advantage as in one scene he gags an individual in his courtroom. Throughout the film, the audience grows to abhor a judge who is willing to do anything to make sure the Chicago 7 have an unfair trial.

What makes these characters interesting is the writing which is well done. Aaron Sorkin is an exceptional writer and The Trial of the Chicago 7 is no exception. The film is over two hours, but not once does the film drag on. The film flows like a stream and does not intent to slow down once. When the film is in the courtroom, the film still keeps the story engaging. It doesn’t try to delve deep into the legal language, but instead keeps it simple for the audience.

The Trial of the Chicago 7 is one of those films that can be related to today. The same conversations that were being held in the tumultuous year of 1968 are still being held today. Writer and director Aaron Sorkin has delivered a strong film filled with compelling characters and a timely story. The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a must watch film as it is guaranteed to bring not only enjoyment, but also a lesson on how history is bound to repeat itself.

4/4

Hubie Halloween Film Review

Directed by Steven Brill

Starring: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Julie Bowen

Rated PG-13 for crude and suggestive content, language and brief teen partying

In Hubie Halloween, Hubie Dubois (played by Adam Sandler) is a social outcast who gets picked on by everyone in town. On Halloween night, Hubie is a self proclaimed safety monitor, for the town of Salem, who watches over the kids treat or treating. But this Halloween night, people start disappearing mysteriously. Now its up to Hubie to find the missing townspeople and save Halloween.

Since Hubie Halloween is a Happy Madison/Adam Sandler film, you can tell what type of film this will be. While this film is by no means excellent or well crafted, it also is not the horrendous Sandler film we are all used to. However, there are some glaring issues. First, the plot is all over the place. I understand Sandler films are not well known for their plot and I am not expecting a complex plot. I actually support the simple plot the film has here. But did we really need all these side plots? For example, Hubie’s neighbor, Walter (played by Steve Buscemi) may or may not be a an actual monster. This side plot did not have to occur, it adds nothing to the story. The film has too much going on in the background and too many side characters. It’s nice to see Sandler offer film roles to his friends, but there’s a point where too much in the background can distract from the main story. If the film had condensed all these side plots, it would have made for a more cohesive story.

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If Hubie Halloween would have been more cohesive, the film still would have failed due to it being unfunny. It’s a shame to say that a film filled with a great cast who have been known to be funny are just not. It took about twenty minutes before the film could get a chuckle out of me. However, the film does bring a few decent jokes. There is a brief Shaq cameo, which was the funniest bit in the film. It was very unexpected and the man actually knows how to bring a laugh. Also, I would say Mrs. Hennessy (played by Maya Rudolph) did bring a few chuckles as well. The film certainly has its moments, but not enough to turn the tide on the unfunny moments.

While I had many issues with the film, I would be lying if I said Hubie Halloween wasn’t fun. This is a type of film that is meant to be a good and enjoyable time and the film does succeed in that aspect. While I wouldn’t recommend watching this film for the humor, I would recommend watching it to get in the Halloween spirit. The film is lighthearted, isn’t a total trainwreck, and it does have a few decent moments. Hubie Halloween isn’t the best Sandler or Halloween themed film, but it does get the job done as it is does keep the audience entertained.

2/4

The Devil All the Time Film Review

Directed by Antonio Campos

Starring: Robert Pattinson, Haley Bennett, Tom Holland

Rated R for violence, bloody/disturbing images, sexual content, graphic nudity, and language throughout

The Devil All the Time is a physiological thriller that centers around multiple stories in a town 1950/1960’s West Virginia. Some of the stories include a World War II veteran, (played by Bill Skarsgård) who is raising a family, Arvin (played by Tom Holland), a young man in 1960’s West Virginia, and a corrupt Sheriff (played by Sebastian Stan) who is trying to win re-election. Although all of these stories seem separate from one another, they all eventually connect with one another.

The brief synopsis given above does not even to scratch the surface of all the stories explored in the film. The film have several stories that do eventually connect, but at times it feels like its one too many. The first 40 minutes of the film focuses on two different stories, two families, that are related, and their unfortunate end. The film is establishing the characters and what the film is going to be about, but the film focuses on these families a bit too much. It’s hard to explain without going into detail too much, but there could have been scenes left on the cutting room floor. But soon after the 40 minute mark, we move on to a different set of characters that are related to the first set of characters we saw at the beginning of the film. My main argument here is that there are too many plot points and characters. The film does get a bit too convoluted a point and the film needed to step back a bit and make it a bit simpler.

This film is based on the novel by Donald Ray Pollock, who also narrates the film. The film almost plays out like a book, from its constant narration to its ambiguous ending that is commonplace for novels. Throughout the film, I kept getting the feeling that the film wanted to emulate To Kill a Mockingbird. While both films take some time to establish the characters and the setting, To Kill a Mockingbird eventually gets to the plot and sticks to it. While I have yet to read the novel this film is based off, The Devil All the Times seems to be ripped off the pages. When adapting a novel to a film, there are some elements that have to be revoked in order to make a cohesive film. Instead, the film just didn’t know how to translate a novel to a film.

Intense Trailer for Netflix's Great-Looking Film THE DEVIL ALL THE TIME with Tom Holland and Robert Pattinson — GeekTyrant

With the criticisms of the film, I have to give credit for the strong performances given throughout the film. The main standouts include Tom Holland and Robert Pattinson, who both transform into their roles and get lost into them. Pattinson, while only being in the film for a few scenes, standouts as a new pastor who has sexual relations with young girls. Pattinson is slowly becoming one of those actors who goes beyond acting and actually becomes a character. Not once did I think of the actor on the screen, but more of the character I was viewing on the screen. Holland did a fantastic job of conveying the emotions of a young man who has recently killed others. We know he has done horrific acts, but somehow the audience cheers the character when he escapes death or succeeds in his plan.

The Devil All the Time is one of those dark films that can bring a somber mood. The film best succeeds in bringing the despicable characters to the screen along with the grim atmosphere, however, it does have a glaring issue of a complicated screenplay. If the film would have made a few cuts to a few characters or scenes, this would have been a fantastic viewing. The film already has a superb cast giving terrific performances, a great screenplay would have helped the film. I know this film has been receiving positive reviews, The Devil All the Time was not my cup of tea. I understand there will be fans of the film, and I can respect that, but this is was a bit of a miss.

2.5/4

Project Power Film Review

Directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman

Starring: Jamie Foxx, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Dominique Fishback

Rated R for violence, bloody images, drug content and some language

Project Power is an action sci fi film starring Jamie Foxx as a man trying to find the source of a powerful new drug. A new unknown drug that gives the user a unique superpower for five minutes hits the streets of New Orleans. Art (played by Jamie Foxx) teams up with Robin ( played by Dominique Fishback) in finding the supplier of this new drug. Frank (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is also on a mission of finding the source of the drug, but is also seeking Art, as Frank believes he is the supplier of the drug.

The film’s main star, Jamie Foxx, absolutely sells this film as he is the best part of it. As always, Foxx delivers in a role that, quite honestly, doesn’t require too much range. But Foxx gives it his all in a role that could have been done without an emotional depth. Dominique Fishback is also a main player in the film and does an excellent job. While she has not done too much work and is considered a newcomer, she certainly holds her own against veteran actors Foxx and Gordon-Levitt. She leaves a mark on the film mostly due to the type of character she plays. The film doesn’t treat her character as a sidekick and never stoops down the be the damsel in distress. Fishback is perfect in the role of Robin, we can only hope we see more of her in future roles.

As alluded before, this a film that has a plot of a new drug giving its users a unique superpower. This concept has originality and is worth exploring in a film. Unfortunately, this concept is not fully explored in the film until the final act. Having a drug giving users superpowers is an excellent concept and the film could have gone all out with it. Throughout the film, we only hear of stories on the radio of drug users creating chaos throughout the city. While we get a few glimpses of people taking the drug and using the power, we can only imagine how others react to the drug. A filmmaker’s main goal is “show, don’t tell”, meaning show us the action, don’t tell us it happened. The film’s main flaw is its telling us what happened to drug users, not showing us. I am not sure if the film decided not to show us how powerful the drug is due to budget constraints or not wanting to go full superhero film, but it fails in leaving a mark in its respective genre.

Since the film doesn’t utilize its original concept until the final act of the film, it mostly falls flat. Having Art and Robin search for the source of the drug in its first two acts of the film feels like your run of the mill mystery film. Yes, there are some instances in the first two acts where someone takes a pill and we see their power, but its only a few characters. Just imagine if two characters took the pill and we see two powerful beings engage in a brawl. Once again, there could have been more done with this concept. But the film not exploring its ideas to the fullest does not take away enjoyment from the film. With all the flaws of the film, it does have its moment and it is a simple watch. I would be lying if I did say I did not enjoy some moments or some of the action. When the action hits the screen, it does grab the viewer’s attention. While some of the action does feature of subpar CGI, the CGI necessary doesn’t take away from the film. It is noticeable and it is worth pointing out.

Project Power is a film that works due to its stars who give excellent performances and its straightforward action. While an original idea such as the one presented in the film should have been a home run, unfortunately, it fails to delivers. Since the film decides to play it safe and not go all out, Project Power is an forgettable film that only succeeds due to the cast and action sequences. Project Power is worth a watch if there is nothing new to watch on Netflix, but don’t expect to get much out of this project.

2.5/4

“The Old Guard” Film Review

Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood

Starring: Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, Matthias Schoenaerts

Rated R for sequences of graphic violence, and language

“The Old Guard” is a Netflix fantasy film directed by Gina Prince- Bythewood. In this action filled film, Andy (played by Charlize Theron) leads a army of four mercenaries who are immortal and have been on Earth for hundreds of years. They take a new solider, Nile, under their wing (played by KiKi Layne) as they try to keep their immortality a secret and defend themselves from a company trying to obtain their powers.

While “The Old Guard” is a fun and exciting film, there are some minor issues that plague the film. The first 15 or 20 minutes of the film goes by too fast and doesn’t let the audience take a breath. The film begins as we see the army lead by Andy meeting Copley (played by Chiwetel Ejiofor) as he offers the team a job to save kidnapped school girls being held captive by an armed militia. After a quick scene, the team is in South Sudan trying to rescue the girls. They soon find out the job was a set up and the team is quickly killed by gunfire. But we soon learn these characters are immortal, so they are still alive. While I do not have any problem with this scene or how it was executed, as it is a great scene,I have more of an issue of the lead up to the scene. Most films begin with an exposition, the audience is introduced to the characters and setting and then we slowly get to the plot. But the film seems to skip this and introduces the characters for a few minutes then gets to the plot rather quickly. It is understandable that the film has to get started and shouldn’t waste any time. But in the first few minutes of the film, we should learn that the characters are immortal and want to keep their secrets. But once the film gets to introduction of Nile, the film finally stops speeding and finally finds its own pace.

The very fast pacing of the 15 minutes of the film doesn’t take a toll on the film as its very engaging, especially in the second half of the film. Most of the excitement come from its star Charlize Theron who plays a tough mercenary who knows how to take command of her team. Theron seems to get more and more comfortable with these action roles and it certainly shows. She looks at ease in the film and gives a fantastic performance in the film. The rest of the team is also great as they certain hold their own and are able to succeed in hand to hand combat. In addition, the action sequences are quite fantastic. In the second half of the film, things really start to pick up and we see how great the team can function as a whole. When it comes to the action, these scenes are not only gruesome but also fun and energized.

“The Old Guard” works best as a Netflix film as its one of those films that can be viewed on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The end of the film certainly sets up the possibility for a sequel or even trilogy. I wouldn’t mind seeing a sequel to the film, seeing the team on screen and actually engage in warfare, as most of the characters have done in the past. I recommend viewing “The Old Guard”, as its enjoyable, fun, and exciting for all audiences.

3/4

“Eurovision Song Contest:The Story of Fire Saga” Film Review

Directed by David Dobkin

Starring: Will Ferrell, Rachel McAdams, Pierce Brosnan

Rated PG-13 for crude sexual material including full nude sculptures, some comic violent images, and language

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga is a comedy film starring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams. They play Lars and Sigrit, two Icelandic singers who try everything to succeed in the music industry. They are finally given a chance when they participate in the Eurvision Song Contest, a annual contest that showcases the best singers from all participating European countries. The only issue is that these two are not too particularity good and the country of Iceland has very little faith in the duo winning the contest.

What works well in Eurovision is that Ferrell and McAdams surprisingly have good chemistry. It’s not great, but is passable for a film in which they spend the majority of screen time together. They both work great off each other and whenever they are not on screen together, the film slows down. It’s as if the film requires these two to be together at all times and if they are not, then it doesn’t work. But just because these two are together for the majority of the film, doesn’t mean that the film always succeeds. I also have to give credit to the music. In a film that is centered around music, it certainly works. This is due to actual past Eurovision winners lending their voices to a few songs. It also helps that a great singer such as Demi Lovato makes a brief appearance and also lends her voice.

But if Eurovision has two good leads and excellent music, why am I not more enthusiastic about the film? Well, to start off, the film is a bit too long. The films clocks in at over two hours and you can definitely feel the runtime. A film should only be two hours if the story calls for it. There were multiple instances where scenes should have been left on the cutting room floor. In particular, the party scene at the mansion and the two scenes with the elves do not do anything for me. Also, as mentioned before, the films comes to a halt when Ferrell and McAdams are not on screen together. This rings true at the mansion party scene as the film starts to drag on. This is the point in the film where it becomes tedious to watch but fortunately, it soon picks up.

Will Ferrell Eurovision movie: 8 real-life moments that made the cut

With a comedic film like this one, the real question is not is the story decent, its “is the film actually funny”? Well, yes and no. While I found myself chucking at a few jokes, there are multiple instances where a joke missed a mark. The film also misses a lot of opportunities with some of its characters. For example, we get the hilarious Graham Norton who plays a commentator for the contest. Unfortunately, he’s not given too many funny lines, instead is given decent jokes and sometimes unfunny jokes that do not work at all. Why would the film have someone like Graham and waste his character only useless commentary? Another example is at the mansion party. In this scene, we see statues of Alexander (played by Dan Stevens) that have large penises. Instead of using this joke and maybe having a bit where he’s exaggerating or something to that extend, its only used a gag joke for that scene only that once again doesn’t work. These are just a few examples where bits are only used once and not further explored.

Coming into this film, I wanted to have fun and enjoyment with the film. With all the current events, we should all have a film to watch and have fun with. Unfortunately, Eurovison Song Contest is not that film. Yes, the film has great music and its two leads, Ferrell and McAdams, work great together. But these two aspects are not enough to save a dull film that has very little humor.

2/4

The Lovebirds Film Review

Directed by Michael Showalter

Starring:Issa Rae, Kumail Nanjiani, Paul Sparks

Rated R for sexual content, language throughout and some violence

The Lovebirds is a Netflix romantic comedy starring Kumail Nanjiani and Issa Rae. In this film, Leilani (played by Issa Rae) and Jibran (played by Kumail Nanjiani) are a couple that are on the run after they think they are framed for a murder. While on the run, they decide they should investigate the murder and clear their name. What ensure is a night filled with an adventure the couple will never forget.

To start off, our main leads, Rae and Nanjiani, have great chemistry. These two interact like how any couple would, to the warm feeling of falling in love to the bitter arguments that come with it. It’s believable how these two interact and one could mistake them for a real couple. On top of that, these two are quite funny together. These two come from a comedy background and use it to full effect in this film. I wouldn’t say the jokes in the film are laugh out loud hilarious, but they are still good jokes that get a chuckle out of me. But not every joke does stick the landing unfortunately. There are sometimes where either the jokes are unfunny or go on for too long.

The film itself is an hour and a half, which is the perfect runtime for a film like this. The film gets to the point and doesn’t waste any time with its short time. The film is fast paced, as we see the couple go to various places throughout the night. One scene they are in a bar, the next they are at a barn. It goes without saying that the film uses its setting of New Orleans to great use. But while the film does goes at full speed, there are some times where the film does lose some steam. This can be due to the film giving us some complicated exposition or the jokes in the film are not working at all.

Sure, The Lovebirds does have its fair share of issues, but its still enjoyable. There are some great moments and its stars Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani work great together as a couple who are madly in love at first, but then are on the brink of breaking up. I am glad The Lovebirds is a Netflix film because that’s where it works best. It’s a film to put on when you have 90 minutes to kill and you just want to have a good laugh.

3/4