Rating: 3/5

Synopsis:

Kenneth Branagh is an outstanding talent in the film industry. I can’t for the life of me understand why he is continuing with the Poirot mystery films. The first two were mediocre at best. Does he have better luck here? Detective Hercule Poirot is now retired, living in Venice and steering clear of mysteries. He is asked to attend a séance to verify its credibility. But when an attendee is murdered, Poirot is forced to come out of retirement and figure out who the killer is.

Positives:

Although Branagh’s Poirot films have been underwhelming thus far, I’m happy to say this was an improvement over the previous two. It still isn’t great and loses steam in the middle section, but it is certainly worth a watch. The most impressive aspect of the film is the set design. Branagh possesses an eye for the theatrics and it shows here. The Venice setting is accompanied by lots of spooky artifacts and architecture. The lighting in the film highlights these pieces to elevate the tone. I felt more immersed in the mystery because the setting really transports the viewer.

The performances were also the best of the Poirot films so far. Branagh is likeable in the lead and Michelle Yeoh adds a nice touch as Mrs. Reynolds. But the most surprising performance came from young Jude Hill. He portrays a witty young man with an intelligent demeanor. I enjoyed how they incorporated his character into the story so much, letting him and Branagh go toe-to-toe. By the conclusion, the reveals about the supernatural aspects and why each character experienced certain events were a nice surprise.

While the film isn’t very scary, it has a lingering sense of dread. I enjoyed that Poirot’s newest mystery leaned into a creepier aesthetic. It gives this story a unique identity, proving even Poirot something new to unpack. This goes hand-in-hand with the setting as the spooky Venice canals mixed and old brick buildings make each character want to check behind each corner to make sure they’re safe. If nothing else, “A Haunting in Venice” is a fun watch to bask in the Halloween spirit.

Negatives:

I’ve previously criticized these films for being glitzy and glamorized while having little substance behind them. A “Haunting in Venice” is certainly an improvement, but not a large enough leap forward to truly change my mind on the series. Thank goodness for the horror elements in this one, otherwise the film would have felt stale. The format of the mystery isn’t entirely unique either. We’ve seen stories like this before, diluting some of the surprises. Not that the film doesn’t have a few, but in general I don’t think this mystery is doing anything game changing.

I also found the story to be confusing at times. There would be exchanges with characters that didn’t make sense leading into the conclusion. But the conclusion itself is something I had an issue with. While the reveal was surprising as a whole, there weren’t enough clues that made sense correlating to the resolution. I like it when stories are unpredictable and keep everyone guessing, but here I found that there was no way to put certain pieces of the puzzle together.

Conclusion:

I’ll chalk “A Haunting in Venice” up as a win. It improves upon the previous two movies with a spooky ambiance and a mystery that has some surprises worth sticking around for. I don’t think it does enough to truly get this series on course, but I had a fun time with it. Check it out on streaming with a seasonal candle and a cocktail when the leaves are changing.

The post A Haunting in Venice Review first appeared on Hollywood News Source.

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis:

National Batman Day comes to a close with “The Dark Knight Rises”. The final chapter of Nolan’s Batman trilogy is the biggest and boldest of the bunch. Eight years after the Joker’s destructive crimes, Batman is forced to resurrect from the shadows and combat a relentless mercenary named Bane. To save Gotham, he must enlist the help of Selina Kyle and the police force that hates him in order to stop Bane’s plan. Can Bruce overcome his greatest challenge yet?

Positives:

Any film coming on the heels of “The Dark Knight” will have its work cut out for it. I’ve always believed “The Dark Knight Rises” to be an incredible film on its own merit. The movie is very different in tone and aesthetic, where most of it takes place during the day. The story is also more action packed and carries a larger conflict; mirroring “Batman Begins” in this way. I like that the trilogy comes full circle as it ties together the League of Shadows storyline while including the Joker’s ramifications on the city. If Nolan had told a story similar to “The Dark Knight” it would feel repetitive. So the premise really works for me.

Much like the rest of the trilogy, the performances anchor the film. Bale brings a sense of finality to the character where Bruce’s arc feels complete. His broken demeanor at the beginning of the film makes for a compelling resurgence by the end. When we see him in the Batsuit for the first time riding through the street tunnels, I still get chills. So good! Tom Hardy is also phenomenal as Bane. I remember being skeptical when seeing his appearance for the first time. But his physical intimidation and booming voice won me over instantly. Hardy conveys lots of emotion through his eyes and body movements since most of his face is covered. He’s now one of my favorite Batman villains! But we can’t forget about Anne Hathaway as Catwoman. She conveys the sleek, smart persona very well. I loved her interactions with Batman. It is probably my favorite on-screen dynamic between the two. Oldman and Caine also deliver. Alfred feels the most human here, where he truly seems like Bruce’s family rather than just a butler. We see how much he truly cares for Bruce during some very emotional interactions. Oldman’s morally conflicted Gordon makes sense as he feels responsible for letting Batman take the fall of Harvey’s crimes. He is forced to confront this guilt and make things right by assisting Batman once again. Each arc is complete and every character’s resolution feels earned. Character development like this doesn’t happen often.

I also find that “Rises” is the most fun film in the series. There are plenty of good action sequences, ranging from the opening plane attack, Batman’s police chase, and the fights between him and Bane. So many scenes triggered a silly grin across my face as I felt the heroic weight of Batman in full force. Hearing Hans Zimmer’s score roar as Batman approaches the screen still hits like it was the first time. Seeing him getting stronger throughout the film and overcome the trials he faces make him feel larger than life. Nolan balances this nicely by keeping it grounded but lets Batman earn the ”super” in superhero. But the most wonderful feeling that Nolan provides is a sense of finality. We don’t get teased with a possible sequel or how it might tie into another universe. All ends are buttoned up and the audience is left wanting more, but in the best way possible. I wish more movies knew how to do this.

Negatives:

Although “The Dark Knight Rises” isn’t perfect, I believe it gets too much flack. The flaws pointed out generally don’t resonate with me and don’t impact my enjoyment of the film. Some may argue that there are time gaps that don’t make sense in tandem with the story being told. I will admit when Gordon lights the flare and omits a large Bat Signal feels strange. How would Batman have time to do that with a time sensitive nuclear explosion approaching? These events mainly happen in the third act of the film when Bruce returns to Gotham and the timing of the events feel blurred. It makes sense, but for some reason it always tracked fine with me. Bane’s dialogue feels muzzled at times due to the mask he was wearing. Most of it was fine but sharpening the sound up might have been helpful.

Conclusion:

Batman’s final outing comes as a resounding success. “Rises” manages to conjure a bold story, fitting arcs, and a conclusion that is incredibly satisfying. I will always shout its praises as one of the most epic superhero movies ever made. The film creates an identity of its own and stands apart from “The Dark Knight” nicely. Give it a fresh watch and I’m sure the unique approach will be satisfying. Yes, the fire does indeed rise!

The post The Dark Knight Rises Review first appeared on Hollywood News Source.

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis:

Part 2 of National Batman Day features the behemoth of superhero movies. “The Dark Knight” is one of the most influential films ever made and (in my opinion) one of the best. We find Gotham City struggling with crime, where mob influence is stronger than ever. But when a new criminal known as The Joker is threatening to upheave order in Gotham, Batman must find this murderous clown and bring him to justice. If Batman fails, Gotham’s corruption will expand, chaos will reign supreme, and the city’s soul will be lost.  

Positives:

Where do I begin with “The Dark Knight”? It is one of my all-time favorites! There are so many compliments I could give the film, but I will keep my summaries contained. The most impressive (and obvious) strength of the film is the performance of Heath Ledger. He brings a gritty new edge to the Joker never before seen. Where Nicholson was whimsical, Ledger went demented. He really leans into the gritty side of the character, bringing out the grounded, realistic take that fits perfectly into the film. His edgy makeup and his quirky mannerisms create an unnerving presence to his presentation. The chaotic nature of the film is perfectly relayed by his actions, where nothing about The Joker’s backstory is confirmed. The scary ambiguity of the character makes this interpretation very interesting. There are few performances that I can analyze as closely as Ledger’s Joker. It is truly one for the ages! But we can’t forget the rest of the cast. Bale again impresses as Batman, portraying a character in the groove of his career. He is more poised, experienced, and driven in this film. But Aaron Eckhart’s performance as Harvey Dent is extremely underrated. The progression and fall of his character is heartbreaking, as we see Gotham’s White Knight poisoned by a psychopath intent on revealing the ugly side of humanity. Credit to the special effects team for the work on his split face. Of course, the rest of the cast is wonderful as well.

The story is incredibly thought provoking and powerful. “The Dark Knight’s” subject matter has been analyzed from all professions and backgrounds. To this day, conversations about thematic relevance still happen. How else can one define a timeless classic? Just look to this film! I’m fascinated that each time I watch it I pick up new little details. Whether it be the analysis of civilized society, the effect of crime on citizens, or the moral conflict faced by nearly every character in the film…each are filled with good content. The fact that the film manages to raise the bar for superhero movies is so important. Because Nolan dared to explore this content, audiences finally started taking superhero movies seriously.

A good sequel raises the stakes while respecting what came before. “The Dark Knight” toes this line very well. The story is bigger and bolder, one that I consider “the meat” of the Dark Knight Trilogy. It moves at a brisk pace compared to “Batman Begins”, which fits the chaotic nature the Joker concocts throughout the plot. The film is so jampacked with content that if a viewer looks away, they’ll miss something. Just goes to show that each time I watch, I still pick up new details and find the story engaging. A hero is only as good as their villain, which is where “The Dark Knight” thrives the most. Batman is challenged immensely, attempting to care for his loved ones, combat the mob, and grapple with the psychological torment inflicted by The Joker. His journey is not easy and his moral compass is explored like never before. I really enjoy that the story doesn’t end on a happy note. It challenges the viewer to consider their own sense of right and wrong, good and evil, just and unjust. Scenes like Joker’s interrogation, the ferry sequence, and the concluding confrontation with Harvey are all standouts. Exploring what it means to be a hero and how humanity can intermix kindness and cruelty never gets old. Such a fantastic film.

Negatives:

“The Dark Knight” is surrounded by excellence that it is easy to overlook a few nitpicks. The main weaknesses I notice are a few logic gaps. Specifically, there are instances where The Joker’s plan works out so perfectly that it’s almost unbelievable at times. Sequences like the jail confrontation when the bomb explodes and everyone but The Joker is harmed make me tilt my head and say, “hmm, that’s unlikely”. Or when Batman saves Rachel by falling from the top of a skyscraper (leaving both unharmed) feels like a stretch. But issues like this don’t take away from my enjoyment of the film. If anything, it’s impressive that the film is so good that I can overlook issues like this and still piece everything together.

Conclusion:  

A film like “The Dark Knight” comes around once in a blue moon. The level of detail and thematic weight is undeniably impressive. I yearn for more superhero films to create this level of quality. If more come along to challenge it, good! But for now, “The Dark Knight” remains the star at the top of the tree. I have no doubt this will remain a classic in another fifteen years. There aren’t many movies that rank on the same level as this one. “The Dark Knight” is a genre defining film. It is a story that rattles audiences, challenges our POV, and has us coming back year after year to revisit it. I love this movie and will always argue for its greatness!

The post The Dark Knight Review first appeared on Hollywood News Source.

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis:

The Dark Knight trilogy returns to theaters for National Batman Day. Only fitting I see all three back-to-back-to-back! We are introduced to Bruce Wayne as a broken man, reeling over the murder of his parents many years ago. Bruce yearns to fight injustice but lacks the tools to do it. He learns the necessary skills to combat criminals and returns to Gotham to improve it. But when a secret society threatens to destroy the city, Bruce must become Batman to inspire the public and stop the destruction.

Positives:

“Begins” has always been criminally underrated to me. When originally released, it never gained the traction it deserved. After the trilogy’s conclusion and years of aging, it has finally gotten due credit. I think “Batman Begins” is fantastic from top to bottom. It crafts a story worthy of the character, managing to explore his trauma in a way that feels real. I’ve really come to appreciate the journey Bruce goes on to become Batman. His training alongside The League of Shadows explores the psychology of the character in a way that forces him to confront his fear. In turn, he uses this fear to fight injustice with a grounded moral code, which is where he comes into conflict with Ra’s al Ghul. Their conflicting views on crime and injustice make for an incredible conflict that really sets up Batman’s character well. Over the course of the film, Batman must grapple with the idea of rising above fear and saving those worth fighting for. It is truly a wonderful story from beginning to end.

The performances are also excellent all around. Christina Bale brings the balance needed for Bruce Wayne. He gives us a character that is tortured and impulsive at first, but wise and tactful by the end. The arc in this film alone is magnificent. His Bat voice is my favorite of the bunch in this one too. Michael Caine and Gary Oldman are awesome as usual, proving how important Alfred and Gordon are to Batman’s entire operation. They both provide logic to Bruce and create a strong emotional connection with him. Of course, we can’t forget about Liam Neeson and Cillian Murphy giving A+ performances as the villains. I actually prefer Katie Holmes as Rachel over Maggie Gyllenhaal in “The Dark Knight”. The film’s success wouldn’t be possible without these great performances committing to Nolan’s vision for Batman.

Origin stories are difficult to pull off, but “Begins” took a risky gamble with a darker interpretation of the character. This risk paid off immensely, where the idea of fear is explored through the Scarecrow villain. His plan to poison Gotham’s water supply to create mass panic mirrors the fear Bruce has faced throughout most of his life. This combined with Ra’s al Ghul’s plan to tear Gotham apart through mass hysteria makes for an exciting conflict. I believe this was the perfect story to tell at the beginning of Batman’s career. It shapes the character in a grounded way while staying true to the comic roots. The cinematography is also excellent, creating a cool color hue throughout the film. Whether it be training in the icy mountains or a city brawl with the villains, the film’s visual aesthetic is very appealing.

Negatives:

My negatives for this movie have actually gone down over the years. The more I watch it the more appreciation I have for the story being told. But there are a few areas where the film could have been sharper. The main aspect I’m mixed on are the fight sequences. They are edited to look so quick and choppy that it’s hard to discern what’s going on. Nolan has stated this was intentional to make Batman more intimidating and agile. A good idea for sure, but not the best to experience as a viewer. I also find the execution of Bruce and Rachel’s romance to be a bit forced. But viewing it as a large piece to the trilogy makes it more palatable.

Conclusion:

“Batman Begins” is one of the finest origin stories ever told. It tells Bruce’s story from an most emotional perspective while leaning into the gritty elements of Batman’s lore. Each piece of the story is well executed and the performances all around are fantastic. I’m so glad this one is getting the credit it deserves because it is one of my all-time favorite superhero movies. Give this one a rewatch with a fresh perspective and I’m sure all the love and nostalgia will come back. “Begins” rocks!

The post Batman Begins Review first appeared on Hollywood News Source.

Rating: 3/5

Synopsis:

Most would agree that “The Nun” spinoff was one of the more disappointing entries in the Conjuring franchise. It lacked scares and felt a bit bland. However, I found the gothic atmosphere and creepy villain enough salvage it. “The Nun II” finds Sister Irene living an isolated life after the events of the first film. But she is recruited by the church to investigate a series of murders happening to Priests around the world. She makes her way to a boarding school in France, where she discovers Valak is still at large. Can she finally contain the evil before it spreads too far?

Positives:

The best area the “Nun II” improves upon is its characters. Each person returning from the first film is accompanied with more nuance and development. Sister Irene gets some backstory that helps us understand her role as a Nun and a force for good. Frenchie on the other hand is handled as an important piece of the connection between Sister Irene and Valak, while also finding a potential love interest. I enjoyed seeing them again and look forward to what the future holds for these characters. Speaking of characters, no one is safe in the film. There were some surprising deaths and grisly sequences that were a step up from the original. However, I still believe the Nun films can go darker.

The film also chooses a nice setting to create a spooky atmosphere, trapping a group of schoolgirls at a remote boarding school. There were a few neat sequences that pulled characters into an isolated location in a dimly lit area. My favorite being when Sister Irene approached a magazine stand, only for the pages to start flipping rapidly to create Valak’s shape. Scenes like that will keep viewers in suspense. I also liked that the film felt more tied into the Conjuring universe by the end. Where they go with the story next will be exciting to see as it will likely feature Ed and Lorraine Warren (fingers crossed).

Negatives:

Although “The Nun II” improves certain aspects, it still has some work to do with a likely sequel on the horizon. I won’t sugar coat it, there are many teases for another movie. Much like the first film, it wasn’t very scary. It leans more so into the jump scare laden sequences of the first one. It again lacks the lingering tension in films like “The Conjuring” and “Annabelle: Creation”. Those stories showcase how truly scary these films can be, so keeping a character as scary as Valak in the background is a shame. She mainly shows up in small doses for very short periods…again. I certainly hope the filmmakers can finally get her right in the next one.

Much like the first film, this story feels flimsy. It jumps back and forth between certain character dynamics which creates an unfocused plot. Sister Irene could have used some more screen time as her character’s lore is built up in the film. While Frenchie was handled better, I was disappointed he was used as the main conduit to create conflict rather than Valek herself. The scares just aren’t as intense when it’s possessed Frenchie. This is where I hope to see more of Valak creating the scares next time. Michael Chaves is also a question mark for me. This is the third film in the Conjuring franchise that feels underwhelming under his helm. I just don’t think he has the same craft as James Wan. I hope he improves, but after a third film that isn’t very scary…my hopes won’t be very high. There is a logic issue that features a frame from “The Conjuring 2” which was very jarring. I’m not sure how it makes sense considering this film happens prior to that one.

Conclusion:

“The Nun II” is a decent entry in the Conjuring universe. It utilizes a creepy setting and some nice character developments to create an engaging enough story. But some problems from the first remain. A lack of scares, strange logic, and absence of The Nun hold it back from being one of the better films in the series. I hope the next crew takes advantage of Valek. She’s a great villain and still feels a bit squandered here. Seeing her again is a good time, but this isn’t the hard reset we had hoped it would be.

The post The Nun II Review first appeared on Hollywood News Source.

Rating 3.5/5

Synopsis:

Russel Crowe venturing into a horror film is an intriguing premise. Here, he plays Father Amorth, the most famous exorcist in the world. He is informed of a strange case to investigate in Spain. Upon his arrival, he realizes this case has a unique caveat via a Vatican coverup. Father Amorth must uncover the truth before the demon’s plan becomes reality.

Positives:

Unfortunately, I missed this one in theaters. The trailer wasn’t very enticing and seemed to follow tropes from other exorcism films. But “The Pope’s Exorcist” is a cut above the rest! It has some nice surprises that prove even exorcism movies can do something new. Russell Crowe is the reason the film is successful. He brings a strong performance as Father Amorth, an unorthodox and witty priest who handles exorcisms better than most. Crowe delivers many great lines that counter demonic cynicism well, cracking jokes with a pairing of whisky. What’s nice is that his sense of humor brings a fresh perspective on the church and how his faith grounds him through and through. For a genre that often feels repetitive, Father Amorth delivers some much-needed energy! Crowe is accompanied by a younger priest with less charisma and confidence. Daniel Zovatto plays Father Esquibel, who has a nice character progression by the end of the film. The two develop a likable dynamic that I would love to see in a future film.

The demonic possession scenes are surprisingly strong too. Crowe’s charisma is matched by a demon that brings a fresh sense of terror. This raises the stakes for the boy being harmed and the spiritual vulnerability the church faces. I enjoyed the sense of mystery that lingered until the big reveal. What’s exciting is that I would actually enjoy seeing a sequel. Since Father Amorth had so many cases throughout his career (yes, he was real), there is plenty of material to explore. Another unique aspect is the set pieces. We are featured to some dark, creepy underground relics that elevate the situation at hand.

Negatives:

“The Pope’s Exorcist” could have been one of the best horror films of the past few years. In certain ways, it is! It has some unique story elements and a strong lead character. But a few problems hinder the film from being truly great. While I appreciate some gutsy new directions, I think it tries to explore one too many ideas. There are certain segments that get lost in the weeds that are largely left unexamined. Simplifying the third act would have made the story more efficient.

The family being tormented was a weaker part of the story. The only thing we learn about them is that the father in the family passed away. Otherwise, they are largely left unexplored. Since the boy doesn’t talk in the film (outside of the possession) we don’t get much development from him. If the film explored how each character was affected by their father’s passing, the emotional pull would have been stronger. But this problem continues until the film’s end. The family’s resolution is quite abrupt and we don’t get much closure. I wish their trauma was examined further and they got a more fulfilling conclusion.

Conclusion:

“The Pope’s Exorcist” is one of the better exorcism movies in recent memory. It combines a unique story with a charismatic lead, making the film stand out amongst the pack. It’s not the scariest movie to come out this year, but it should provide enough thrills to satisfy genre enthusiasts. Give it a watch in preparation for spooky season, or simply to see Russell Crowe instigating arguments with a demon.

The post The Pope’s Exorcist Review first appeared on Hollywood News Source.

We are introduced to a young new hero, for a new era in the form of Blue Beetle, played by rising young star Xolo Mariduena from Netflix’s Cobra Kai. In his first starring feature role in film he plays a young, bright, goodhearted Latin/American college graduate Jaime Reyes who gets chosen to become the modern incarnation of ‘The Blue Beetle’ whether he likes it or not. He begins a down path of a new destiny that was not his original plan, and has to find his way for not only himself but family and friends to embrace all that comes with it. Jaime Reyes returns home to Palmera City from studying Law at university in Gotham with idealistic hopes and dreams to find a better life for himself and his family. But things take a turn when he finds out that his family has not been completely honest with him about everything. They are in bad debt and are about to lose their home. There is rising debt amongst the the gentrification going on in the city and rising property prices due to to the influence of Kord Industries who has a stranglehold on Jaime Reyes’ hometown. This is very true to the current climate in a lot of major cities around the world. Mariduena is supported by a very talented cast of actors including newcomers such as Brazilian actress Bruna Marquezine as Jenny Kord, Belissa Escobedo as Jaime’s younger sister Milagro, and veteran and legendary actors George Lopez and Academy Award Winner Susan Sarandon as Victoria Kord. Blue Beetle is a fun, action-packed, sci-fi movie with a lot of heart and some dark moments. Within the story there is a power struggle going on between Kord Industries CEO Victoria Kord and her niece, the heir to the company Jenny Kord. While Victoria is focused on weaponizing the scarab which gives the Blue Beetle its powers to make the company wealthier and weapons more advanced by any means necessary with her genius and ruthless ambition, Jenny wants to carry on her father’s legacy of giving back to humankind. Her smart and resourceful niece Jenny steals the alien technology and gives it to Jaime Reyes who also happens to have a crush on her for safekeeping whom he meets when interviewing to work at Kord Industries. He inadvertently unlocks the scarab and Alien Technology, who picks him to take up the mantle. The transformation scene which happens at his home looks terrifying, chaotic, and funny with great physical comedy from the whole family who witnesses Jaime become the Blue Beetle in front of them. The Blue Beetle suit gives Jamie Reyes the ability to summon any weapon he can imagine, along with flight and superhuman enhanced abilities thanks to how the parasite-like advanced alien technology entity fuses with its host. The alien-like Artificial Intelligence is voice by the talented actress and singer Becky G. Jamie learns a lot through battling adversaries such as Victoria Kord and his counterpart Carapax – that nobody is simply born with a dark heart or evil inside, and that circumstances and perspectives play a massive part. Through his own experiences and heartbreak he faces trials and tribulations that will test his own morality and integrity to stay in the light or embrace his own darkness.

Directed By:

Angel Manuel Soto

Starring:  

Xolo Maridueña, Adriana Barraza, Damían Alcázar, Elpidia Carrillo, Bruna Marquezine, Raoul Max Trujillo, Belissa Escobedo, Harvey Guillén, with Susan Sarandon, and George Lopez

From Warner Bros. Pictures comes the feature film “Blue Beetle,” marking the DC Super Hero’s first time on the big screen.  The film, directed by Angel Manuel Soto, stars Xolo Maridueña in the title role as well as his alter ego, Jaime Reyes.

Recent college grad Jaime Reyes returns home full of aspirations for his future, only to find that home is not quite as he left it. As he searches to find his purpose in the world, fate intervenes when Jaime unexpectedly finds himself in possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology: the Scarab. When the Scarab suddenly chooses Jaime to be its symbiotic host, he is bestowed with an incredible suit of armor capable of extraordinary and unpredictable powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the Super Hero BLUE BEETLE.

Starring alongside Maridueña (“Cobra Kai”) are Adriana Barraza (“Rambo: Last Blood,” “Thor”) as Jaime’s grandmother, Nana, Damían Alcázar (“Narcos,” “Narcos: Mexico”) as his father, Elpidia Carrillo (“Mayans M.C.,” the “Predator” films) as his mother, Bruna Marquezine (“Maldivas,” “God Save the King”) as Jenny Kord, Raoul Max Trujillo (the “Sicario” films, “Mayans M.C.”) as Carapax, with Oscar winner Susan Sarandon (“Monarch,” “Dead Man Walking”) as Victoria Kord, and George Lopez (the “Rio and “Smurf” franchises) as Jaime’s Uncle Rudy.  The film also stars Belissa Escobedo (“American Horror Stories,” “Hocus Pocus 2”) as Jaime’s sister, Milagro, and Harvey Guillén (“What We Do in the Shadows”) as Dr. Sanchez.

Soto (“Charm City Kings,” “The Farm”) directs from a screenplay by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer (“Miss Bala”), based on characters from DC.  John Rickard and Zev Foreman are producing, with Walter Hamada, Galen Vaisman and Garrett Grant serving as executive producers.

The director’s creative team behind the scenes includes director of photography Pawel Pogorzelski (“Midsommar,” “Hereditary”), production designer John Billington (“Bad Boys for Life”), editor Craig Alpert (“Deadpool 2,” “The Lost City”), Oscar-nominated costume designer Mayes C. Rubeo (“Jojo Rabbit,” the “Thor” films), visual effects supervisor Kelvin McIlwain (“The Suicide Squad,” “Aquaman”) and composer Bobby Krlic (“Midsommar,” the “Snowpiercer” series).

A Warner Bros. Pictures Presentation, a Safran Company Production, “Blue Beetle” soars into theaters only internationally beginning August 2023 and in North America August 18, 2023.  It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

Blue Beetle will be released in the UK on 18^th August 2023 by Warner Bros. Pictures.

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The post BLUE BEETLE Review: A New Hero Arrives first appeared on Hollywood News Source.

Rating: 3.5/5

Synopsis:

Summer movie season concludes with an interesting true story. Instead of focusing on gaming, “Gran Turismo” decides to showcase a human character who plays the video games. He is recruited by Nissan to perform against the best gamers in the world with a chance to compete in real racing events. He is assisted by a washed-up former driver and optimistic executive. Will this young racer be able to take advantage of this opportunity? Or simply go back to his normal life?

Positives:

I always enjoy it when a movie surprises me. Coming into “Gran Turismo”, there were no expectations one way or another. I had never played the video game and wasn’t familiar with this story. I’m happy to say it was a pleasant surprise. It’s great to see director Neill Blomkamp behind the camera again. After a string of mediocre films, he rebounds here nicely. I hope this catapults him into another one of his signature sci-fi films as “Gran Turismo” plays it a little safe. But it’s a start…and I’m glad to give him that credit! The performances of David Harbour and Djimon Hounsou were excellent. Both are reliably committed actors who anchor the emotionally heavy scenes. Even Orlando Bloom returns to the screen as the peppy executive. It was great having him back and I hope to see more of his work in the future.

The CGI was quite impressive, especially for the budget of the film. Certain sequences creatively form a car around Jann while he’s gaming, making his passion for racing more evident. It was helpful to put us inside of his mind and see what he’s trying to achieve when in racing mode. This is how CGI is supposed to be used: to complement the story around it while being used sparingly. The underdog element of the story is an easy aspect to get on board with. I found myself sympathetic with Jann and the rest of his crew. Each of them took risks in certain ways that raised the stakes throughout the story. Although the plot doesn’t do much new, it was certainly a crowd pleaser. Most audience members who enjoy racing movies will have fun here. The race scenes were well shot and edited, helping audiences feel like a part of the action.

Negatives:

Although I’ll hand Blomkamp a win, there are adjustments that could have made the film more effective. The largest component that was missing was Jann’s connection to those around him, especially his girlfriend and father. I think the story would have been stronger if the girlfriend element was removed entirely, saving us some time to further develop with his family. The relationship with his father was a driving force that pushed Jann forward. If the emotional connection was explored further, the story would be more rewarding. The only connection that really felt genuine was between Jann and Jack. After a rocky start between them, they learned to trust one another and work together towards a common goal.

I also felt the training scenes were a bit hollow. It didn’t seem like Jann was really evolving as a racer or athlete much. This section could have been extended to showcase how difficult this journey was for him. The film almost made it seem like his journey came together through little hardship, which I know is not the case. Further showcasing the struggles and obstacles each character went through would have felt more fulfilling. In general, I wish the film would have embraced the emotional scenes and given us a greater payoff. The story also leans into genre cliches. There’s very little that is game changing or new, but that’s not to say it wasn’t fun.

Conclusion:

“Gran Turismo” ends the summer movie season on a high note. It’s a fun, energetic story that will leave audiences feeling good. I’m glad to see Neill Blomkamp pivot and try something new. Racing fans and underdog enthusiasts will have lots to enjoy here. I’d say wait and stream this one, but who am I to take away the theatrical experience from someone? Check it out on the big screen!

The post Gran Turismo Review first appeared on Hollywood News Source.

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis:

“Jurassic Park” is truly a genre defining film. So of course, I’d be buying my tickets to see it on the big screen…in 3D no less! It follows the development of a theme park built on a remote island. The park is designed to get tourists from all over the world to see dinosaurs created from a lab. Owner John Hammond needs the approval from paleontologists Alan Grant and Ellie Sadler to proceed with the park’s construction. But when the technology at the park fails, the dinosaurs break loose and cause havoc to those inspecting it. Will the group survive the chaos?

Positives:

What can I say about “Jurassic Park” that hasn’t already been said? The film is a generational achievement that stands the test of time. What’s crazy is that the film looks and feels more immersive than most films made in the current day. From top to bottom, the movie is top notch. Spielberg crafts tension wonderfully by building the dinosaur’s uncontrollable nature into the film before their arrival. Those educated on the animals know how dangerous they can be and how creating a park like this could be catastrophic. Sam Neill and Laura Dern portray the leads very well, being characters that are wholesome yet concerned. Intelligent but not arrogant. Their portrayal perfectly contrasts with Richard Attenborough’s John Hammond, the well-meaning but mistaken owner of the park. His character’s evolution throughout the film could mirror that of the audience’s, whose awe and wonder of the concept could sweep them up in the excitement. But the harsh reality of scientific evolution throughout millions of years cannot be stopped. Dinosaurs are not to be trifled with!

Jeff Goldblum is the performance to be noted though. He plays the witty Ian Malcolm, who realizes the park’s dangers before anyone else. There are so many classic lines he delivers that stand true even today. He clashes with John about the ideas of interfering with natural evolution, where playing God and turning it into a profitable scenario would be problematic. Some things are best left in the past as he would put it. But one new addition to explore is the 3D. To my surprise, it was adjusted well, especially when a dinosaur’s face would lunge at the screen. Not seamless, but it was better than the reformatted Jaws a few years back. The old school special effects still hold up though. Seeing the T-Rex approach the trucks in the rain and terrorize the children felt real. Genuinely like there was something on screen as a threat larger than life, not a computerized dinosaur that takes audiences out of the experience. This is the purpose of special effects: to enhance the experience of a film, not be saturated in it.

I really enjoy that Spielberg creates a film that is smart enough to be thought provoking, but accessible enough to trust the audience in deciphering its larger themes. It isn’t trying to be too smart for its own good and doesn’t dumb it down to become another mindless blockbuster. The film knows how to toe the line very well, which is why it will continue to age well. I’m amazed at what the film accomplished in a runtime of just over two hours. The pacing is exceptional, avoiding long winded segments that feel unnecessary. When the film ended, I couldn’t believe it went that fast. “Jurassic Park” knows how to intertwine smart dialogue, terrifying chases, pulse-pounding action, and thoughtful commentary.

Negatives:

“Jurassic Park” has always been a film that translated well to at-home TVs. But the theatrical experience is a place where it shines! I think the 3D was a gimmick that wasn’t completely necessary for the re-release. Certain elements of the 3D were cool to see, but I think formatting it in IMAX might have been more effective. There are a few aspects of the story that get a little farfetched, especially in the third act. When the kids were able to push away a raptor as the door closed or when the T-Rex comes to the rescue at the end, those were instances where I thought, “Meh, I’ll just roll with it I guess”. But they didn’t take away from my experience with the film. It is a thoroughly entertaining and groundbreaking sci-fi epic.

Conclusion:

I’m so glad I got a chance to see this on the big screen. “Jurassic Park” helped define genres and a generation of filmgoers. It reminds me why I love going to the movies, where a group of people from all different backgrounds and experiences can sit together and immerse into the same experience. I turned my head and peeked around, witnessing so many people oohing and aahing at the screen. That’s the kind of movie “Jurassic Park” is, one that will never go out of style. One that will capture the hearts of audiences everywhere. It’s that good. Of course, I highly recommend the film and would love to see future entries in the franchise borrow the best of this film. While at the same time, we can forget the missteps of the “Jurassic World” films.

The post Jurassic Park 30th Anniversary 3D Review first appeared on Hollywood News Source.

Thanks to Warner Bros. Pictures, we had a chance to review “The Flash” Blu-ray combo pack with our very own copy! Below is our description and analysis of the product.

Be sure to pick up your copy on 8/29/2023!

Burbank, CA, July 12, 2023 – Prepare for the time bending adventure of a lifetime when “The Flash” arrives for purchase Digitally at home on July 18. The film is directed by Andy Muschietti with Ezra Miller reprising their role as The Flash/Barry Allen in the DC Super Hero’s first-ever standalone feature film. The film will also be available to purchase on 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD on August 29.

• On July 18, “The Flash” will be available for early Premium Digital Ownership at home for $24.99 and for 48-hour rental via PVOD for $19.99 SRP on participating digital platforms where you purchase movies, including Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, Google Play, Vudu, and more.
• On August 29, “The Flash” will be available to own on 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD. “The Flash” will also continue to be available to own in high definition and standard definition from participating digital retailers.

“The Flash” ensemble also includes rising star Sasha Calle, Michael Shannon, Ron Livingston, Maribel Verdu, Kiersey Clemons, Antje Traue, and Michael Keaton. “The Flash” is produced by Barbera Muschietti and Michael Disco. The screenplay is by Christina Hodson, with a screen story by John Francis Daley and Joby Harold, based on the characters from DC. The executive producers are Toby Emmerich, Walter Hamada, Galen Vaisman, and Marianne Jenkins.

Synopsis:

Worlds collide in “The Flash” when Barry uses his super powers to travel back in time in order to change the events of the past. But when his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry becomes trapped in a reality where General Zod has returned, threatening annihilation, and there are no Super Heros to turn to. That is, unless Barry can coax a very different Batman out of retirement and rescue an imprisoned Kryptonian…albeit not the one he’s looking for. Ultimately, to save the world that he is in and return to the future he knows, Barry’s only hope is to race for his life. But will making the ultimate sacrifice be enough to reset the universe?

Additionally, on July 18 “The Flash” will be available as a Web3 Movie Experience, a multimedia NFT allowing fans to own and engage with the 2023 DC Super Hero film in an exciting way. Through dynamic menu options based locations from the film, owners can watch the film in 4K UHD on desktop, mobile, tablet or TV, access special features, collect standard or motion key art, discover digital easter eggs, uncover hidden AR collectibles, and more. The Flash Web3 Movie Experience will be available for purchase at https://web3.wb.com.

Also included with “The Flash” purchase on digital is the six-part original scripted podcast “The Flash: Escape the Midnight Circus.” An original, standalone audio series, the podcast features Max Greenfield (TV’s “New Girl”) as the voice of The Flash/Barry Allen. The podcast is also available to follow on Apple Podcasts at https://apple.co/theflashpodcast.

HNS Review: The Flash is one of the most fun DC movies in years. It crafts a high stakes story for our hero and forces him to deal with the ramifications of altering the past. Ezra Miller turns in a nice dual performance as both Barrys while getting a nice character arc by the conclusion. The story is packed with action, humor, and heart. As a Batman fan, seeing both Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton grace the screen as the Caped Crusader was worth the price of admission alone. Keaton didn’t miss a beat, getting some cool fight scenes and an updated suit. While some of the CGI could have been tidied up, The Flash is a worthwhile DC adventure and sets up a bright future for films to come.

About the Product: The product features both a Blu-ray and digital code. This makes it handy for users on the go as they can watch at home and remotely. The package comes with a sleeve featuring one of the theatrical posters, highlighting The Flash, Batman, and Supergirl. The Warner Bros. 100-year anniversary is highlighted at the top of the case too.

About the Special Features:

Making The Flash: Worlds Collide – This section was a real treat to unpack for a DC fan like myself. Pandemic effects seemed to have a large effect on the film’s production, adding to the already dense task of making a film like this. Retaining employees was difficult during the shooting schedule due to schedule changes and unpredictable circumstances. Seeing The Flash’s running process on wires and treadmill was very cool. Miller’s double performing as the other Barry is in nearly every scene of the movie. The Batcave was the most extensive/largest ever built, which was so cool to observe as a Batman diehard. They built an entire Batcave just for the film. A large crew used to shoot the Batcave scenes as numerous angles and technical aspects needed to be perfected. Seeing how giddy the crew were observing Michael Keaton back as Batman was great. I would have been the same way! It’s nice even seeing professionals let their fandom show.

The Flash suit was made of lights and flexible material. I enjoyed seeing how the team behind costume designed crafted a suit that was practical and looked cool. This was fitting for a hero of his magnitude. Director Andy Muschietti set up a small role for himself in the film, posing as the hot dog man at the courthouse. Even Miller’s double got to play a reporter as the film was concluding. Observing how the batwing scenes were shot was a treat. The crew edited the wings and flying sequences heavily while using a moveable seat section for Keaton and Miller. Keaton’s fight scenes were very cool to get a look at. He received a huge Batman cake on last day of shooting which was shared with the crew.

Barry’s childhood home scenes were shot in the UK due to COVID restrictions. The homes were all built for the purpose of filming these scenes as the land the crew used was mainly empty tree-filled areas beforehand. Most of it was shot at night but a large light was used to transition from daylight to night quickly. This was cool because I thought the scene used CGI to achieve this. Shooting the goodbye scene to Barry’s mother was emotional for entire crew. I can understand why because saying farewell to a parent when you know their fate would be devastating.

Multiple locations were used for the Wayne Manor scene which was interesting. I didn’t catch this in the film so props to the editing team for disguising it. I enjoyed seeing that the Batman chase scene was filmed with regular people acting as bystanders. Affleck and the stuntmen rode the bike throughout the streets of Glasgow for the street sequences, but the larger turns were performed in the studio in front of a green screen.  

When young Barry finds out he has powers, Miller had to perform the scene at 4 AM with wires and flickering lights behind him. This was difficult to shoot because the crew had a limited window to get the scene right. Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot brought a reunion for these DC characters which was fun to see one last time. Affleck even used his directorial skills to help craft the scene. The hospital scene also took lots of set building and preparation. Since this sequence used a lot of CGI, props and set designs had to be on point to make sure this was achieved.

Flashpoint: Introducing the DC Multiverse – Something I didn’t know was that The Flash was trailblazer for the multiverse idea. He was really the first comic character to run with it (no pun intended). Andy Muschietti wanted to emphasize that time was all around us in this story, but not like a wormhole. The filmmakers wanted to create a unique version of time travel that was different than other multiverse movies. Barry’s speed was a topic that was discussed heavily, breaking him into a different realm where life is laid out before him. This made for a unique take on the “Chronobowl” and how time is laid out before us. Lots of 3D effects and data heavy technology was used to create this vision.

Let’s Get Nuts: Batman Returns, Again! – Keaton returning as Batman was big reason the Muschietti’s wanted to do this movie. They liked Keaton’s sarcastic nature as a coping mechanism of trauma. The idea of his lone wolf Batman being thrown into the world of teamwork was interesting. I enjoyed this new arc as it deepened the backstory of his Batman. Something not in the film (which I wish had been) was why Keaton’s Batman retired. Apparently, he went against his moral code and killed a criminal in front of his child. He couldn’t cope with his actions and hasn’t forgiven himself. By helping Barry, he gets a sense of redemption, forgiving himself in the process.

The new bat suit design was inspired by the classic one but wanted an evolution, allowing Keaton to be nimbler and move around better. I’m glad they did this because his old suit really hindered Batman’s ability to fight well. Keaton was emotional putting on suit 30 years later. He wanted to get pictures in the suit for his grandson to capture the first moment being back. The crew were impressed with Keaton’s fitness and commitment to jumping back into the Batman role as he did most of his choreography himself. Getting Keaton’s nostalgic lines right was also important to impress the fanbase.

The Bat Chase – A gritty, brutal chase that thrilled the fans was the goal when filming this sequence. Batman’s motorcycle was built like a tank, but also needed the ability to move well/lightly. The crew had to shoot scenes with explosions at an airfield in the UK due to the dangerous nature of them. When the truck was toppling over, the crew had to make sure it fell with a driver inside. Then the explosion had to take place safely. The entire sequence took two weeks to shoot. Muschietti wanted to make the action scene fast paced and well planned to keep it interesting. I loved the scene’s fast past nature and riveting part where Batman was being dragged by his grapple on the truck.

Saving Supeprgirl – Another set that had to build was Supergirl’s prison at the Russian base, taking inspiration from a military prison. Sunlight as a visual cue to show that Supergirl is gaining strength, highlighting her similarities to Superman on earth. Sasha Calle trained extensively for her fight scenes and did most of her own stunts. She was definitely committed to this role.

Battling Zod – Zod’s scene didn’t use green screen in the background. Capturing light during the scene in the proper setting was key to develop the desert setting. The VFX team had to digitally create lots of tanks and Kryptonians around the actors to create the military style battle sequence. Actors on set had to be cued to where certain things would be to make the sequence come to fruition. I imagine this was an extremely tricky scene to craft as it was very CGI heavy. Seeing some of the computer technology to make Keaton’s fight with the goon was cool too.

Fighting Dark Flash – Muschietti wanted Dark Flash’s look to signify that he’s been traveling for years and years, obsessed with the idea of reversing time properly. Ezra Miller had to perform three different versions of Barry to make this scene happen. Volume Capture (new technology) was used to bridge motion with computer effects while the actors performed. This made it easier to filter miller’s face on the body double. Muschietti hoped it was seamless where audience wouldn’t recognize it. I don’t think this was completely successful during this scene. Aspect of it were super cool but the technology could be sharpened up in the future.

Supergirl: The Last Daughter of Krypton – DC wanted to shake things up with some innovation by creating something similar to Superman. However, they wanted to make this character unique by having her own background and ideology. Supergirl is meant to be hopeful for young girls. The fanbase enjoyed having a female hero amongst the popular male characters in the DC Comics. Superman relates more to humans since he grew up in Kansas while Supergirl relates more to Krypton since she spent most of her life there. Her character has evolved in film over the years, spawning different iterations with tweaks to her backstory. Supergirl became very courageous and was deemed the heart of the Crisis on Infinite Earth story. Newer versions portrayed her more feisty and tempered, testing Superman more often. She has a complex moral code where Superman is the tried and true hero. Supergirl in The Flash is jaded and compound, going for a different look in the movie than any version before.

Deleted Scenes – This was a fun section. I enjoyed seeing the extended Bat chase scene through the farmer’s market. Seeing older Barry pretend to be younger Barry while carrying his laundry was funny. The deleted Wayne Manor scene offered a humorous bend to their entrance as he dresses up in one of Brue’s old knight costumes. Another scene in Wayne manor shows an extended conversation between Bruce and Barry and how he initially rejects his request for help. Young Barry has a deleted scene where he runs around the Bat Cave, but I’m glad it was cut because the VFX were too cartoonish. The Bat Wing scene in this section explained why Keaton’s Batman retired. I wish they kept this version because it would have added more nuance to Keaton’s backstory. A cut extension was in the Russian facility where Barry makes fun of Supergirl’s suit. Probably good it was cut. We also find young Barry finding Supergirl attractive while being vulnerable and awkward in front of older Barry. The electrocution scene was altered in this cut, but I preferred the theatrical version.

THE FLASH: ESCAPE THE MIDNIGHT CIRCUS Trailer – Short trailer for the full story. The trailer uses voice to highlight the actor’s voices describing what will happen during the episode.

THE FLASH: ESCAPE THE MIDNIGHT CIRCUS – The entire six-episode podcast series is featured. Fun for Flash/DC fans as each episode is around twenty minutes. I was surprised this was included in the special features as it is a lot of free material included with the purchase.

THE FLASH In Session: ESCAPE THE MIDNIGHT CIRCUS – Description on how Flash worries if he’s getting too cocky in his current status. Voice actor Max Greenfield explained his take on the Flash story and how it was crafted uniquely.

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Rating: 3.5/5

Synopsis:

Dracula has emerged from the grave, choosing a more intimate story this time. Last Voyage comes directly from Bram Stoker’s novel, choosing to specify on one chapter. The plot follows a group of sailors coming from Romania to England. They quickly realize they have a dangerous passenger on board who hides in the shadows. When they realize this malignant creature is intent on taking down the crew, they must fight to survive their journey before arriving in England.

Positives:

I didn’t have huge expectations for this one. All I wanted was an atmospheric creature feature that brought something new to the table. I’m happy to say Last Voyage accomplishes that. There are some bumps along the way, but I’m glad I stuck around for the journey. Period piece horror films are few and far between these days, so getting to jump back in time and bask in the 1800s was a treat. With this comes a close quarter setting via The Demeter ship. Such an atmosphere provided great opportunities for a sense of helplessness and claustrophobia among the crew. The environment was utilized well, especially during chase sequences. I was impressed with the cast as well. Corey Hawkins, Liam Cunningham, and David Dastmalchian all turn in nice performances that elevate the situation the characters are in.

A surprising aspect I didn’t expect to enjoy was the unpredictability of the character’s deaths. No one is safe in this story, creating an extra sense of dread. Dracula’s design was one of my favorite parts of the film. It was extremely creepy, combining elements of Nosferatu and Kurt Barlow from Salem’s Lot. I enjoyed seeing his raw, creature form because it switches up the standard Count Dracula persona. Maybe we will see this version of Dracula evolve in a future film? Who knows. The film also features narration from the ship’s captain. It relayed the growing sense of unease amongst the crew as the film went on while capturing the captain’s uncertainty of what to do next.

Negatives:

Although Last Voyage was a pleasant surprise, there were a few pieces that could have been tidied up. I believe the film would have been stronger with a shorter runtime. There were certain sections of the plot that felt extended for the purpose of making a feature length film. Since this is only one chapter of the Dracula story, trimming the excess could have been helpful. I also wish certain sequences leaned into tension in the dark more. I did enjoy the close quarter setting, but I didn’t feel like there was much lingering tension. This could have made the film scarier and elevated Dracula’s presence.

The beginning of the film also gives away the ending, which wouldn’t matter for those who’ve read Bram Stoker’s novel. But for someone like me who hasn’t, it spoiled some of the mystery of the story. In another sense, this made the story grimmer because we know what’s coming. A bit mixed depending on how the viewer sees it. The ending is also a point that feels mixed. If there’s no sequel it will be disappointing because there’s a lot that is teased.

Conclusion:

Last Voyage is well worth the wait after its troubled production. It doesn’t hit the highs of the horror greats but serves as a nice reinvention of Dracula. Audiences who are on the fence don’t need to worry about it being too scary, but it does feature some gnarly gore. Check this out as it mixes up the recent horror genre with a fresh, atmospheric story. Dracula’s legacy is intact, and I welcome another film should the filmmakers pursue it. I’m glad the famous vampire has risen from the coffin!

The post The Last Voyage of the Demeter Review first appeared on Hollywood News Source.

Rating: 2.5/5

Synopsis:

I was never the biggest fan of the original Meg movie, but I thought it was fun enough to warrant a watch (once). With its financial success, Meg 2 has swum onto the big screen. Jason Statham returns in true fashion, as he is recruited to join an exploration of the deepest section of the ocean. Their voyage gets out of hand when a mining operation gets in the way of their journey, causing a fight for survival. With large Megalodons and other sea monsters surrounding them, the team must outlast competitors and their sea foes to make it back to the surface.

Positives:

If The Meg wasn’t appealing, this won’t win over those who didn’t embrace its silliness. Meg 2 continues the antics from the first but adds certain elements to the story. Jason Statham was actually better in this than he was in the original. His kick-butt action hero schtick was in top form here. All of this while he’s trying to avoid death at the bottom of the ocean and fighting giant sharks…how is that not somewhat fun? I enjoyed how the world of the ocean was expanded too. We get to see an even deeper region of the ocean along with the developing technology investigating it. This added a darker, more mysterious feeling to the team’s mission as the lighting was dim for most of the voyage. The feeling of lurking creatures surrounding the team was effective, making the mission more dangerous for everyone.

I thought the idea of adding another exploration team that competed with Statham’s team an interesting dynamic (if not altogether successful). The first act of the film offered a promising start, creating lots of new opportunities to explore the possibilities of large sharks existing in our time. But the third act delivers on what was promised: big dumb fights with huge sea creatures. This was the most fun part of the film as the partying tourists get eaten by our large friends beneath the surface.

Negatives:

When paying for a ticket, customers will know exactly what they’re getting. Meg 2 expands on the silliness of the first while adding many new plot devices to this sequel. But unfortunately, not all additions were successful. What was billed as an expansion of the Statham vs. Megaladons premise is largely abandoned for multiple new subplots. None of them are quite as interesting. What’s funny is that if the filmmakers chose to focus on one of these new subplots, the story might have been interesting enough to explore. But instead, the movie is bogged down by confusing alliance shifts, lots of dull characters, and a surprising lack of giant sharks. The final 20 minutes provides what audiences wanted, but the rest of the movie feels unusually clunky. That’s saying something for a Meg movie. The first film was no awards contender, but at least the action-packed shark premise was prominent. I’ll give director Ben Wheatley credit for making some cool attempts to bring a new pivot to the franchise, but most of these ideas go nowhere. When most of the shark movie is spent on forgettable characters instead of shark mayhem, that could disappoint audiences.

The PG-13 rating also hampered the ability to lean into the gore and carnage one might expect from a movie like this. Wish they were willing to fully embrace the concept that was promised. This is a strange critique, but something I noticed was some Chinese bias within the film. Meg 2 (and its predecessor) was co-produced by a Chinese studio. In turn, a good portion of the film is spoken in Chinese and performed by Chinese actors. I found this interesting as much of the exploration takes place off the coast of China, integrating the Chinese and American cast together. But once the carnage started it was noticeably the American cast getting eaten, the American tourists acting stupid, the American being the greedy party, etc. Whereas the Chinese cast was displayed as heroic and patriotic. I just found it strange that the Chinese studio likely had THAT much pull. Pretty one sided and noticeable (no wonder the film is doing better financially in China).

Synopsis:

Meg 2 somewhat delivers on its promise of a ridiculous prehistoric shark movie. But logic gaps and missed opportunities plague the movie from fully embracing its fun concept. It won’t win over those who hated the first and didn’t do enough to really impress me. I had fun with the first and third acts of the film, but the second act went in some strange directions. If you are going to check it out, give it a go on streaming. Don’t expect Meg 2 to redefine the shark genre, but it has some fun along the way.

The post Meg 2: The Trench Review first appeared on Hollywood News Source.

“Barbie” rating: 4.5/5

“Barbie” has been the most-anticipated film of the summer. Perhaps of the decade.

I haven’t been to the movie theatre since 2018, but I knew I had to see “Barbie” on the big screen. Growing up, I had dozens of Barbies and accessories. From Mermaid Barbie, to Pop Star Barbie to Vet Barbie, I had an abundance of them. So, of course, I was excited to see the dolls I grew up with come to life. I didn’t expect to cry, though.

Girl Power to the max

It was so refreshing to have a movie where the main female character isn’t just a sidekick or the-hot-girl-next-door, but her own actual person (doll). In a lot of movies, we see woman portrayed through the male gaze, and it’s exhausting. Let’s just have them be the kick-ass heroes of the movie/show. Don’t get me wrong, there is a lot out that in our media landscape but not nearly enough.

“Barbie” shakes things up. Women are the heroes in the movie; women are held in a higher power; women save the day. And they do it without falling into the arms of the hot guy, which proves it is possible to have a woman character that isn’t just for a romantic interest. SHOCKING!

We know the story of Barbie and Ken — Mattel had them as a package deal. However, Greta Gerwig spun this story around and had Barbie not interested in Ken in a romantic way. She just wanted to hang with her gal pals and go about her day. Once Ken was faced with rejection did he flip the script and became a pseudo-villain because Barbie didn’t return his affections. As if women can’t reject men. But once Barbie explained to Ken that he’s much more than his crush on her. He, like her, is his own person. That he is Kenough. Love to see it.

Let’s also touch upon the fact that Gloria was so low on the totem poll at Mattel but had the best ideas for the company. Also, her speech was inspiring, and I felt myself tearing up during it. Because what she says is true: women are complex and being a woman is hard. In fact, it’s exhausting!!! At the end of the day, as seen in the movie, men and woman are all equal.

Endless laughs and heartfelt moments

Sure, the movie went deep, and I totally appreciated that, but we also can’t forget all the laughs. Ryan Gosling’s portrayal of Ken is TOO GOOD. From his weird dance moves, his endless jealousy of other Ken, to his love of the patriarchy and horses…he had so many funny moments. I’ve only seen him in “The Notebook,” so this was a fresh new look. Also, we can’t forget the beach off between all the Kens and the choreographed dances that went along with it. And we all can’t help but want Ken’s job of “Beach.” He is living the dream.

Weird Barbie also hilarious moments, especially her desire to see a little more of Ken. That’s not surprising considering Weird Barbie is played by Kate McKinnon.

Amongst the funny parts, there were also some parts that had me tearing up. I mentioned Gloria’s speech about the hardships of being a woman, but her relationship with her daughter was also sweet. The moody-tween and her mom banded together to save BarbieLand from Ken and his Mojo Dojo Casa House and his fur coat. The moment between the creator of Barbie and Barbie was also sweet. Most notably when Barbie decided she wanted to be more than a doll and venture into the real world. Birkenstocks and all.

Brilliant performances, costumes and settings GALORE

Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling embodied Barbie and Ken so well. I can’t imagine any other actors portraying those characters, even though when I first learned this was going to be a movie, I thought Gosling was an odd choice. I was so wrong! America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Michael Cera and more really elevated the movie as a whole. The casting was on point.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the costumes and setting. I wanted every outfit Barbie wore, but I so so liked that there were so many familiar Barbie outfits in the movie. I grew up being a pink, glittery girly, so I was all for the pink, glittery outfits in the movie. The setting was colorful and eye-popping! Everything about it was just so pretty and appealing.

More notable moments

• The Mojo Dojo Casa House was pure gold and meant to be a meme for months, years to come.
• Ken losing interest in patriarchy when he realized it wasn’t about horses KILLED ME.
• Barbie’s Chanel outfit…I want.
• I liked seeing the discontinued Barbie in one of the scenes because what was Mattel thinking with some of those?
• I can’t get over Ryan Gosling’s performance. I won’t be able to watch him in anything else and not think of him as Ken.
• Also, the scene when he asked for a white coat and clicky pen to do surgery cracked me up.
• Let’s not forget Alan, who banded with the Barbies to get BarbieLand back. So sweet — we love Alan.

Overall, “Barbie” definitely lives up to the hype, and I will definitely be watching it a second time when it comes to streaming. Also, a round of applause for it reaching over a billion dollars from a woman director. Heck yes!

You don’t have to be a fan of Barbie dolls to see this. If you’re looking for a boost of girl power, laughs and great performances, then this is for you.

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“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” Rating: 3/5

Another TMNT reboot is upon us. How will this one turn out? For me, it was a mixed bag.

We find the turtle brothers in their younger years, getting antsy with the underground sewer life. They yearn for a normal life and want to be accepted by humans. But once they find a group of mutants intent on eradicating mankind, the turtles must emerge and stop them to win New York’s heart.

Positives

As a kid, I frequently had the TMNT movies on repeat. They are undoubtedly fun to the right audience. I happened to be in that audience in my younger years. There have been varying interpretations of the turtles, with each generation having one they relate to best.

“Mutant Mayhem” will likely be a huge hit among the younger generations as the colors pop off the screen. They are bright, unique and full of life. While I have my qualms with the animation style itself, I’ll always commend a fresh set of ideas. But the animation isn’t the only aspect that’s new.

We find the turtles portrayed in a new light, being younger and more naive than previous versions. I enjoyed seeing them behave like teenagers where they’re still figuring out who they are and what their purpose is. They contemplate ideas of acceptance, meaning and a moral compass. What I love about these characters is their unique features. Each of them has a distinct personality, bringing a specific element to the team. While this isn’t highlighted as much in the film, I expect it to follow in future movies.

The film’s standout was Jackie Chan’s portrayal of Splinter. He was hilarious and added a unique charm to the character that felt less serious than the previous versions. This was a change I welcomed (although I do enjoy serious Splinter, too).

Another aspect that intrigues me is the world building. The film sets up a TV show and future movies, so there are many possibilities to explore in the TMNT lore. Looking forward to what comes next!

Negatives

I’ll be honest, this isn’t my favorite iteration of the turtles. I recognize my version of the turtles is long gone and this is geared for younger viewers.

The main problem with “Mutant Mayhem” is the overstuffed nature of the story. For a film intending to be the first of a rebooted franchise, there are way too many characters introduced. Unless you’re a fan of the comics, they can blend together and get lost in the crowd.

I wish the writers would have reintroduced the turtles on a more intimate level and waited to add all the villains. As I mentioned before, I’ve always enjoyed the unique personalities each of the brothers have. This film doesn’t distinguish them very well. I hope they’re built into the traditional roles so this criticism goes away. The turtles tend to talk over each other…a lot. Yes, I understand that young siblings do this, but it doesn’t always make for an enjoyable experience as a viewer. When they are shouting and yelling at the same time, it’s just annoying. Hopefully they cut the number of instances this happens in the next film.

Seth Rogen is heavily involved in the creation of this movie, too. His sense of low-brow humor oozes (no pun intended) into the story. On this note, there are so many pop culture references that younger audiences might find funny. Older audiences probably won’t enjoy them as much. I didn’t find many of the jokes funny but some at my screening did. Seemed to be half and half.

I also found myself on the opposite side of the fence regarding the animation. Many people seem to be enjoying the edgy, graffiti style. I found it quite ugly, to be honest, especially when it comes to the animated humans. It was actually distracting. Like I say, I always admire unique ideas and the ability to think outside the box. The animation certainly does that. Oddly enough, I found unfinished street style animation to fit the turtles well. As a whole, it didn’t work for me. I’ll compare it to putting pineapple on a pizza. Some will really enjoy the unique approach, while others won’t think the combo works. I’m on the side of live action or maintaining a different animation style. To each their own — many seem to be enjoying it. Just something to consider.

Conclusion

“Mutant Mayhem” is a film that will appeal to the target audience. Kids will love the fun colors and bombastic style of animation. The younger demeanor of the turtles will also provide laughs and relatability.

For classic fans, the leisures taken might be off-putting. Not to mention the evolved style of storytelling and over-crammed set of villains. If I could give this a 2.8/5 I would, but I’ll stick to a decisive rating. There’s fun to be had here, so audience enjoyment may depend on how much slime and mutants are tolerable. In any case, it’s fun to see the turtles again. I hope the sequel makes some improvements though.

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“Talk to Me” Rating: 3.5/5

A24 has invested in a demonic possession film. I’m happy to say they pulled it off (mostly).

“Talk to Me” tackles modern topics with a creepy bend, where a group of friends use a spiritual hand to contact the dead. This dangerous new thrill provides a rush, where the internet soon discovers their experiences. But one connection goes horribly wrong, releasing something sinister they cannot comprehend. Can the group reverse their actions? Or will the spirits take over?

Positives

To say A24 makes divisive movies would be an understatement. But I always give them credit for creating unique stories.

“Talk to Me” continues that trend with a crafty possession story with some weighty thematic elements. The film is nice to look at, featuring unique camera angles and eerie shots of the possessed teenagers. The lighting was also a highlight. Certain encounters with the spirits are in dark rooms, making for a very unsettling experience.

Many of the performances are by new actors. Each of them do well here, making their integration into a friend group who is reckless and naïve believable. I especially thought Miranda Otto (the only familiar face) gave an awesome performance. But Sophie Wilde brings a sense of humanity to the character of Mia. The loss of her mother is a large reason why she’s so interested in reaching out to the spirits. Her traumatic experience plays directly into the relationships she has, creating problems for everyone as the story moves along.

But the most impressive aspect of the film is the way it examines trauma and how it can affect so many within a group. I really like how first-time filmmakers Danny and Michael Philippou show how loss can lead to vulnerabilities and insecurities, and everyone in that circle will feel the repercussions. Tying in how sinister entities sense that trauma and take advantage of her is a cool way to make the film emotionally engaging. In turn, this makes the film scarier!

The ending is also getting a lot of buzz. I found it quite effective as it ties the ideas together in a bleak and creative way. It will certainly stick with audiences after the film ends. An interesting decision to make was distorting Mia’s perception. Her sense of reality begins to deteriorate as the spirits inch closer, so questioning reality made the story more unsettling as it went on.

Negatives

“Talk to Me” has a lot going for it. The story is creative and thoughtful. But some of the ideas explored are left unexplained. Certain aspects of the plot don’t come together by the film’s conclusion and left me scratching my head. I enjoyed how certain ideas began, but not all of them come together. If I had to guess, the filmmakers likely left some plot elements intentionally vague. This can be a nice tool to tease the viewer’s mind, but there were one too many loose ends.

Unlikable characters also plague horror films from time to time. Unfortunately, most of the characters in the film struggle to maintain sympathy. Many of them take cheap shots or have a narcissistic bend, so seeing them go through the ringer wasn’t as effective as if they were likable. However, this could be the point.

Recklessness and quick fads intermixed with dark consequences make an effective point by the end. Some clarity on where the hand came from would have been helpful, as well as certain rules within the spiritual world.

I was hoping the film would be scarier too. Much of the marketing insisted this is the scariest film in years…it’s not. It more so provides an unnerving sense of dread rather than being truly terrifying.

Conclusion

“Talk to Me” is a creative, thoughtful paranormal story that does a lot with a small budget. The premise is unique and adds something new to a genre that has felt stale recently. It’s certainly creepy but doesn’t get scary enough to rank among the best. I’d say give it a watch if you’re a genre junkie.

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The last Comic-Con I attended was in 2019, and you know what happened after that one. Although I wasn’t able to make it to 2022’s con, I was more than ready to be back for SDCC23. Comic-Con has this energy, when you’re there, that is so contagious that you can’t help but want to go back asap. That’s how I felt this year, despite the lack of TV/movie panels and press rooms this year.

Suffice to say, it was quite different. However, even though I am used to experiencing Comic-Con in another capacity (ie. attending press rooms and panels), this year, I was able to attend it as a fan and press. I attended a few things as press, but I was able to tend to my duties and be a fangirl at the same time. It was the best of both worlds for me! I got to attend some amazing and fun activations and off-sites while there.

Without further ado, I present the off-sites/activations of SDCC23!

The Pop-up Offsite of “The Haunted Mansion”

This was nowhere in the con’s agenda, so it was a great and spooky surprise! The line was short, and my sister and I waited about half an hour in line. If you’ve been to Comic-Con, you know that’s the best wait time outcome ever.

When you entered, you received a poster. Then, you entered a room that was set up to reflect a room in the Haunted Mansion, complete with Madame Leota. There was enough spooky occurrences in the room, including one spook that actually made me jump a bit!

Once you left that room, there were a few opportunities for photo-ops. My favorite was the one where I was included in a picture with the characters in the movie!

Overall, it was a quick but memorable offsite.

HULU ANIMAYHEM: ENTER THE 2ND DIMENSION

I am all about the off-sites, and this was one of the most intricate ones I’ve been to! From “Bob’s Burgers,” to “Futurama,” to “Solar Opposites,” there were multiple rooms in the off-site that you can become part of the show.

There were so many fun photo-ops available for fans, as well as interactive experiences. The setup was amazing, and those in the off-site seemed to be having a great time posing next to their faves. Plus, the line for this off-site was 24/7 BUSY.

When you left, you received a green, 2D book bag, as well as “Solar Opposites” and “Futurama” pins. I received some of the best swag from this off-site! Major kudos to Hulu for this interactive off-site.

NBC’s Quantum Leap Activation

I think my favorite off-site/activation came from NBC this year. In the past, I’ve been impressed with their off-sites, such as “The Good Place” from 2018.

In this activation, you visited (or should I say leapt through?) three realms of TV shows: “Law & Order,” “SVU” and “Organized Crime,” “The Voice” and “Chucky.” I was entertained in each TV realm because the actors within the activation really made you feel like you were part of the shows. To exit each TV show, you had to complete tasks as a team. My favorite was definitely having a karaoke session in the world of “The Voice.” There was something so freeing about singing (horribly) “Don’t you (Forget About Me)” with a group of people.

I really enjoyed how interactive this activation was and how into it the actors were! It made for a great time and experience.

Paramount +’s The Lodge

Speaking of cool off-sites, Paramount +’s The Lodge was a good time. There were photo-ops and experiences for fans of “Yellowjackets,” “1923,” “Spongebob” and more. Also, there were themed drinks!

We went after the convention hall had closed, so it was fun to do something that provided some relaxation and fun at the same time. Plus, you got some awesome swag, which is always a plus.

Freevee’s “The Jury Duty” After Dark Experience

After the exhibit floor and off-sites had closed down, my HNS colleague and I headed to Freevee’s “The Jury Duty” After Dark Experience. It was a party that had enough references to the show and games that made it for a perfect way to close out the day.

Again, more themed drinks!

FX Immersive Activation

FX usually has a space by the Hilton Bayfront for their activations. Within the activation, they have various shows for convention-goers to experience. If you’re up to the challenge!

This year, they brought immersive activations for shows like “What We Do in the Shadows,” American Horror Story,” and more. FX always goes all out with their activations, and this year was no different. They create the world of their shows right along the bay front, which makes you feel like you’re part of the show.

Comic-Con, you may have brought a different experience this year, but I still had a great time! It’s always a good time, though, so not surprised. Also, a quick shoutout to the “Only Murders in the Building” activation that gave out some memorable swag — I got Rare Beauty mascara that I was jazzed about.

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In the midst of the crowds, exhibit hall, off-site activations and panels is the Stern Pinball Pop-Up Arcade located within the Marriott Marquis next door to the convention center. Within that arcade, Stern Pinball has brought a new pinball machine to debut to pinball fans and convention-goers alike.

Comic-Con 2023 was my fourth year — my first convention was in 2017. I never knew there was an arcade on campus for convention-goers to play. So, I scheduled a demo with Stern Pinball for their newest pinball machine, Venom, that launched worldwide at Comic-Con.

I’ve played pinball multiple times in my life and have gone to breweries/bars that had pinball machines on-site. Pinball always makes for a fun night out! Escaping the buzz (and heat) of Comic-Con, I was excited to get a hands-on demo from the Stern Pinball team of their newest machine, and it did not disappoint! I learned more about the company and the new machine before I got to play the Venom pinball machine myself. Fun fact: Stern is local to where I live in Chicago! It brought a hometown-feel to my Comic-Con experience.

A cool feature, that may or may not startle you, is shown in the video above. Shhh…it’s a surprise! This was a neat effect to the game, as I’ve never played a pinball machine where something “popped out” from the inside of the machine. Select your host and then begin! Also, the music within the game was on point and created a fun vibe while playing. Look at how slick the machine looks, too! It really catches your eye.

Be sure to look for the Venom pinball machine the next time you’re out at an arcade or brewery/bar! Thanks to the Stern Pinball team for this exclusive demo and for letting me play the machine.

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It was so good to be back at San Diego Comic-Con this year, and it was made even better catching up with the amazing (and hilarious) talent behind Audible’s upcoming original series, Third Eye!

We sat down with Felicia Day, London Hughes and Jonah Ray to learn ALL about Third Eye. You don’t want to miss these interviews — trust us. Now we just eagerly await the release of Third Eye!

*Interviews conducted with multiple media outlets*

Felicia Day

London Hughes

Jonah Ray

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“Cobweb” Rating: 3/5

“Cobweb” is a sneaky little horror film that flew under the radar with the “Barbenheimer” hype. Rest assured, I’ve got the scary movies covered, too.

Peter, a shy young boy lives with overprotective parents. He begins to hear knocking noises coming from inside his wall. The knocking soon turns into voices, leading Peter to believe his parents are hiding something sinister. Is Peter imagining things? Or does something terrifying lurk within his walls?

Positives

Whenever visiting small-scale movies, I’m reminded of what filmmakers can do if they get creative. There’s plenty to achieve with small budgets, and director Samuel Bodin does a lot. Sometimes simplicity, creepy imagery, slow-burn tension and a dreary score make for an effective little film.

The story manages to include some creepy, symbolic imagery that creates intrigue and dread. Whether it be Peter’s wall, a creepy house or the fall setting, there’s no shortage of spooky vibes. These elements are highlighted with neat utilizations of silhouettes and visuals.

I was surprised to see such a good cast from a film that received very little marketing. Lizzy Caplan, Antony Starr, and Cleopatra Coleman all deliver solid performances here.

Patience is also an attribute the film succeeds with. The 88-minute runtime never overstays its welcome, but there are enough slow moments to feel the claustrophobic nature of Peter’s life. He doesn’t know what to believe once these events start taking place. His parents are clearly distributing erratic behavior, and the voice in the wall adds to his discontent. If I were a child in Peter’s shoes, his parents would terrify me. Their unsettling actions kept me engaged and wondering what would happen next. Let me say, there were certainly surprises to be had.

Some thematic elements of childhood trauma, overprotective parenting and neglect are explored, as well. The film gets scarier and scarier as the story moves along. At first, it almost seemed like the film would take a dramatic/thriller approach, but the third act unleashes a truly bonkers finale filled with gore. I suppose the suspense of what lurks beneath was a fun mystery to experience. Sometimes that’s enough, right?

Negatives

“Cobweb” has so much going for it, but there are some truly perplexing directions with the narrative that bring it down. Certain story beats borrow from other horror movies to a degree that is copy/paste. There’s enough about the plot to stay interesting, but we’ve seen most of this before.

Some serious logic issues ensue as well, starting with Peter’s teacher. She’s introduced as a substitute, but quickly forms enough of an attachment to visit his home on multiple occasions. It feels unrealistic and inappropriate, so I understand why the parents would be upset with her.

I also felt the story’s tone was a bit jarring, feeling like a drama or a thriller, rather than a creature feature. It seems like they were piecing together three different movies. Plot holes were also prominent, whether that be bringing together the story or the parent’s motivations for their actions taken. It’s hard to explain without spoiling, so I’ll stop there.

The ending of the film is underwhelming too, wrapping up on a point that doesn’t feel satisfying. It’s as if the filmmakers couldn’t decide on an ending or rewrote it entirely. Like I say, the final 20 minutes feel very separated in tone from the rest of the film. There’s also a bully element to the film that felt stretched to an extreme degree, particularly in the third act. These flaws are unfortunately large and hamper “Cobweb” from being great. Hopefully director Samuel Bodin takes notes on plot fluidity and logic gaps for his next film because he has lots to be proud of here.

Conclusion

I’m glad I found “Cobweb” after looking through the new releases this month. I believe it could find success among the mainstream crowd, but perhaps the charming indie nature of it would be spoiled if it did.

The film crafts some suspenseful sequences and a drab tone throughout. Really feels like a creepy Halloween flick destined for a cult following. Some glaring issues hold it back from being one of the year’s best horror films, but the story is unique enough to warrant a watch. Plus, who wouldn’t want to see Antony Starr in a horror movie?

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“Oppenheimer” Rating: 4/5

Christopher Nolan tackles a dense historical drama that is endlessly intriguing.

It follows the career of J Robert Oppenheimer, long regarded as the father of the nuclear bomb. We see his involvement in the Manhattan Project and the moral complications he faces during and after the bomb is completed. The story examines what mankind is capable of. Where ego, morality and warfare are debated in detail.

Positives

From the moment “Oppenheimer” was announced, the collection of actors in Nolan’s arsenal was astounding. There aren’t just a few big names, but the entire cast is full of excellent talent. I can’t remember the last time there were so many heavyweights working together. Such a treat for cinema fans!

Cillian Murphy is captivating as J Robert Oppenheimer. He captures facial expressions, mannerisms and emotional turmoil as the film goes on. I’ve always admired him as an actor and am thrilled he’s finally a big-time lead. Other standouts are Robert Downey Jr, Jason Clarke, Matt Damon, Josh Harnett and more. It’s hard to pick a favorite performance!

Nolan also creates a perspective bending story, where the scenes shot in color represent Oppenheimer’s perspective and the black and white scenes are Lewis Strauss’ point of view. This is fascinating as a viewer because we get to see Oppenheimer presented in different ways, adding to the complexity of his character.

The time jumping also creates a sense of unreliable narration from both, wondering which side is providing the audience with the correct presentation of events (or if neither are). But it’s safe to say that each perspective makes the events taking place more impactful to the rest of the world.

Nolan has always been one to avoid CGI, and he follows that trend here. The film allegedly uses 100% practical effects to create the bomb sequence. In a world where CGI dominates special effects, Nolan bucks this trend and crafts a truly tense sequence where the detonation of the bomb is tested. The scene is elevated by a chilling score, building a sense of dread as the detonation time gets closer.

The score throughout the film is quite good. It generally adds to the tone of each scene, but I think it goes on too long at times.

I’m also a filmgoer that likes when stories pose questions. Where we are asked to question motives, perspectives and moral ambiguity. “Oppenheimer” explores the idea of mankind destroying themselves through political tension, scientific development and ego inflation. It also highlights the idea of governments using their brightest minds to further an agenda and disregarding them when they are no longer of use. Oppenheimer’s psychological destruction is conveyed wonderfully by Murphy, who captures his drive to be the most important man in the room, while recognizing that he gave the world the ability to destroy itself. The conflict Murphy conveys in the film is tremendous. The fact that Oppenheimer is portrayed as a complex man was a great avenue to go. The story could have easily made him out to be a hero who saved America during WWII or a villain who let his ego get the best of him. Instead, the story explores each perspective and presents Oppenheimer as a flawed man with an abundance of intelligence. The complication of his involvement in left-wing/communist ideals made for an interesting bend to his loyalties during an extremely tense time in world politics.

“Oppenheimer” is certainly a film that makes us think, and for that I commend it.

Negatives

There’s no doubt that “Oppenheimer” commands the audience’s attention with thoughtful insight, but a few areas hold it back from being one of Nolan’s best films.

I mentioned the score being a highlight, but at times, it doesn’t know when to quit. Certain dialogue driven scenes were overloaded with the string heavy score, drowning out the dialogue and intensity that should have been there. This wasn’t a problem for the entire movie, but it certainly stood out enough to warrant criticism. If the actors were allowed to carry these scenes themselves, I believe the story would have had a sharper impact.

The bomb sequence was also an area of anticipation surrounding the film’s release. While it certainly left an impression, I feel like it was a bit underwhelming. The buildup to the explosion was excellent, but the scene felt a bit small in scale, compared to the hype surrounding it. Exploring the consequences of the bomb’s existence was a much stronger area of the film. Maybe that’s the point?

I’d say there’s an overabundance of characters introduced throughout the story. This can make the film feel overstuffed and unfocused, especially when shifting perspectives between Oppenheimer and Strauss. Yes, there were many people involved in the Manhattan Project and hearings following the development, but as a filmgoing experience, it can feel overwhelming.

One main area the film explores is the complexity of having weapons so detrimental to humanity’s disposal. I loved this exploration, but I feel as though the film gets pigeonholed into making this an American conundrum. Realistically, if the United States didn’t develop the bomb, it’s likely the Soviet Union or Nazi Germany would have. That’s where the moral complexity lies, not in the nation who developed it…but the horror in wielding a weapon so powerful. Nolan could have highlighted this a bit more. Not to say he didn’t at all, but it could have made the overarching message more potent.

Finally, I don’t think the hype around the IMAX was warranted. There’s no need to spend the extra money to see this on an IMAX screen as the 3-hour-runtime is mostly dialogue driven.

Conclusion

I certainly have many thoughts on “Oppenheimer.” The film masterfully constructs a story that questions humanity’s desire to be in control. Where political leverage and tension drive scientific advancement at the expense of humanity’s safety. I loved pondering these ideas as Cillian Murphy commands the screen as Oppenheimer. I believe the film will be highlighted during awards season with plenty of nominations.

Certain aspects could have been sharper to highlight these complex ideas, but nothing takes away from the strong experience Nolan provides. History buffs will really enjoy this one, but I think most audiences will find something to appreciate here.

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