Us

Movie Review: Us 

Jordan Peele’s Get Out freaked my freak on so many levels it’s crazy.  Needless to say, I’ve been anxious/excited to check out his sophomore film release, Us. The trailers looked creepy as all get out, and being a big scaredy-cat, I waited until I had a weekend where I could see it and have plenty of time to still get a good night’s sleep.  This was that weekend.

Us starts off slow.  REAL slow.  Yeah, yeah, you gotta set up the whole backstory/average family scenario before the $#@! gets real, but the pacing of the first twenty minutes or so drags too much.  The edge of your seat anticipation quickly becomes an exercise is tedium.  Then, FINALLY, much to my relief, Evan Alex’s Jason Wilson utters the line, “there’s a family in our driveway”.  That’s when the film and the real “fun” starts.

First, Us, while a bit bloody and certainly violent, isn’t a standard “horror” film.  It’s definitely creepy/scary but more psychologically so. I categorize Us more towards the thriller end of the horror spectrum.  Something I greatly appreciate and find more disturbing than the standard slasher/monster horror movies.  Much more disquieting and impactful.  As such, definitely not a horror movie for everyone that simply wants blood, gore, and things springing out at you.

Second, as someone with a perverse sense of humor (runs in the family apparently), Us also contains quite a bit of laugh-out-loud humor.  There are some looks, lines, and visuals that had my family and I rolling (a Needful Things experience all over again), probably to the chagrin of the other audience members. 

The soundtrack is stellar.  Reminiscent of old school horror film usage to unsettle and escalate the heart thumping anxiety.  Great cinematography and editing.  The set dressings and costumes (clothing) are subtle to obvious keys to the story and play great homage to the 80s. The plot is a bit convoluted but falls well within the realm of better than most to exceptional. 

Third, there’s the cast.  Exceptional across the board!  Lupita Nyong’o continues her award winning/captivating ways and shows once again why she’s a star.  Winston Duke as the hapless Gabe is the perfect foil for Nyong’o and their chemistry truly grounds the film ramping up the tension/stress of events.  Then there’s the Wilson’s kids, Shahadi Wright Joseph (voice of young Nala in the upcoming The Lion King) and Evan Alex.  Fantastic young actors both and captivating in their duel rolls.  The kids from Dumbo need to take a master class from these youngsters.  I bought into every moment of their performances and loved what they brought to the screen.

Us isn’t perfect, but it’s a damn fine sophomore undertaking.  There are numerous ideas explored though not necessarily explained (your interpretation of what you’re seeing/experiencing is paramount), something that normally irks me as a complete cop out or just bad/lazy writing.  However, here, I feel it works exceptionally well.  Duality. Good v evil.  What’s good? What’s evil? Being your own worse enemy.  How do you escape your personal demons? Can you? Fight or flight?  Lots of questions and so many more.  

Jordan Peele has created a thinking man’s horror film wrapped in a shiny survivalist wrapper.  Us definitely worked for me, is one of those films I’ll be thinking about for some time and is certainly worth repeated viewings.  I’ve got to give this one an 8.

The Best of Enemies

Been in a bit of a slump on the movie front.  Haven’t seen anything lately that really “does it” for me.  While the subject matter is far from light or what I’d normally call “entertaining”, The Best of Enemies starring Taraji P. Henson and Sam Rockwell looked like a good bet for a quality film experience. 

The Best of Enemies, happily, delivers on quality from start to finish.  Based on true events in Durham, North Carolina in 1971 the film follows events that led to public school integration and the resulting stranger than fiction friendship that developed through the fight.  Henson portrays black activist/community organizer Ann “Roughhouse Annie” Atwater, bringing a fearless “in your face” tour de force performance. Going toe to toe with Henson is Sam Rockwell as C.P. Ellis, local Ku Klux Klan leader. Both actors chew major scenery, raise the others’ game, and are mesmerizing.  In fact, the entire cast delivers.  The boisterous in your face moments, balanced by nuanced and subtle facial expressions and body language gives a rich texture to the film that’s quite unexpected.

Also unexpected and welcome is the humanity given to both main characters.  I’m a Sam Rockwell fan (though I am starting to wonder what’s with all the racist roles) from way back, but I didn’t expect to have much if any sympathy or understanding for his character.  Robin Bissell’s writing, however, brings forth the mindset of what could easily be a simply “heinous” character. Understanding and compassion follow, making for a next level film. 

While rough to watch/listen to in places given the context of the movie, overall The
Best of Enemies is at its core an inspirational and uplifting film with an underlying message of hope that’s certainly needed today.  Also, not all gloom and doom, there are sweet/touching/emotional moments along with genuine humor.  A slow paced, character driven film, heavy on dialogue, Enemies never drags or feels forced and my attention never waned.  Good soundtrack as well.

Rich characterization, substantive message, powerhouse performances.  The Best of Enemies is definitely worth a trip to the theater and easily the most enjoyable movie experience I’ve had so far in 2019.  

It’s a 9 from me.

Dumbo (2019)

                                                          Movie Review: Dumbo 

Disney has been very hit and miss with their live action versions of their classic films, from my vantage more miss than hit.  So much so, I’m about ready to write them all off as a loss and forgo seeing them at the theater.  Then I saw the first trailer for Dumbo (2019).  The lullaby, Baby Mine and the feather drifting across the screen alone had me fighting to hold back tears.  With the addition of the film being helmed by Tim Burton, I grabbed a nap and headed to the theater opening day.

First off, apologies.  I’m not really sure how I feel about this one.  Even as I sat in the theater, I was trying to put my finger on what it was I was thinking/feeling about what I was watching.  So, this may not be the most coherent review as I attempt to suss out my thoughts.

Okay, off the bat, I gotta say this live action CGI version of Dumbo is one of the cutest elephants you’ll ever see.  The kids in the theater were absolutely losing their minds every time he’s on screen.  Plenty of screams of “he’s soooo cuuuute” throughout the film.  I’m pretty sure there were a few adults joining in on that as well.  No doubt the cute factor played into having a number of said kids actually cheer/applaud a character death.  First time I’ve experienced that, rather unsettling for sure.

Anyway, while the character of Dumbo and by and large the film itself is undeniably cute, there’s not a lot more to carry the film. Yes, there’s some amazing sets and the visuals are stunning.  For the Tim Burton fans there’s a definite Burton-esque “feel/look” that gives the picture a slightly skewed otherworldliness vibe, but that’s about it.   I have to categorize this as another, “I didn’t hate it, but I certainly didn’t love it (and I wanted to)” film.  Danny Elfman’s score is good, but I found myself missing/wishing for the original Disney songs from 1941.  I mean really, no “When I See An Elephant Fly” in a Dumbo movie?!  Sacrilegious! The pacing is uneven and especially slow at the beginning.  I found myself just waiting for Dumbo to appear so we could get things started.

Therein lies the problem.  Whenever Dumbo is on the screen, the film is without a doubt at its most delightful, fun, emotional, and engaging.  And I think that fact is the crux of why the film is a bit of a disappointment.  Unlike the original animated film where the story is told from Dumbo’s pov, the 2019 version is told from multiple human characters pov.  So much so, that Dumbo becomes a secondary character instead of the main focus!  Huh?!  A certain WTF were you thinking decision if there ever was one.

Speaking of the human characters.  Wow, not at all what I expected/wanted given the caliber of actors involved.  Colin Farrell, Danny DeVito, Michael Keaton, Eva Green, Alan Arkin give it their best shots, but it’s not enough.  They aren’t given a lot to work with given the expanded storyline. The characters are stiff, two-dimensional (at best), have little or no chemistry within the story or to one another, and come off as flat, emotionally void cardboard cutouts being moved around the set garnering no vested interest from the audience.  The two kids?  Even worse.  They’d have to step up their game at least three -fold to be worthy of disdain.  Nico Parker, I realize she’s a child, but her performance isn’t even Razzie worthy.

All told Dumbo (2019) is a standard somewhat bland film with all the creativity and imagination given to the visuals and little to the story itself.  Again, while not bad, it’s far from great and feels more like it's on autopilot than an honest attempt to reimagine a beloved classic family film.  On the Disney live action scale, Dumbo is a huge step up from Cinderella and The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, but nowhere as good as Maleficent or Beauty and the Beast.  Kids will certainly love it and while I’m no worse off for having seen it, can’t say that I plan a repeat viewing.  Dumbo (2019) gets 5 pink elephants from me.

Alita: Battle Angel

Movie Review: Alita: Battle Angel 

I really had no intention on seeing this film.  The trailers didn’t really grab me, had no idea what it’s about, and the thought of sitting through another crappy sci-fi film left me cold.  However, due to coworkers second hand recommendations and another film I’ve been thinking of seeing starting way to late for a school night, I decided to give Alita: Battle Angel a shot.  Not knowing the source material, having absolutely no preconceived notions or expectations, I went in cold.  Knowing only that James Cameron worked on the screenplay and produced, Robert Rodriguez directed, and Christoph Waltz was one of the stars, how bad could it be?

Not bad.  Not bad at all.  In fact, Alita is the most “enjoyable” futuristic (26^th century) dystopian world I’ve gotten into since Blade Runner Runner 2049.  The story is straight forward, but is executed with a number of twists, turns, and surprises.  Visually, the film is stunning with some really spectacular CGI and f/x work.  Admittedly, the lead character, Alita, took some getting used to.  I found the anime eyes rather freaky and disturbing on a non-cartoon character.  The action sequences are thrilling, fast-paced, and expertly done.  The overall pacing of the film was rather quick, but never felt rushed and still contained character and emotional development.  Towards the end of the film, there is one scene that’s corny as all get out, so much so I thought my eyes might roll out of my head, but it was a one of and fortunately didn’t last long.

The casting/acting is solid.  Characters and their development fairly substantial, especially Alita.  Freaky eyes withstanding, I really got into her character and her journey from innocent/naïve to badass protector. Good music score, strong editing, and great blend of action/drama/emotion/humor. 

Alita: Battle Angel is simultaneously refreshing and different, yet familiar. I characterize it as a much more intriguing/watchable/entertaining Elysium + Ready Player One with a dash of Power Rangers and a nod to the Borg for added flavor.  A thoroughly enjoyable movie experience that left me with questions and anxious to return to Iron City and Zalem. I’m giving Alita: Battle Angel an 8 and a hope for more.

Movie Event

Thursday March,14th 1:50pm AMC Foothills 15

Captain Marvel

I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned it before, but it bears repeating; I was never a comic book kid growing up.  Therefore, going into the latest Marvel film my knowledge of Captain Marvel was limited to what I garnered from trailers, a few entertainment articles, and late-night promotional clips. Does Captain Marvel follow cannon? Have the socio/political/gender agenda etc.  that’s fueling a lot of haterade out there for this film? No idea.  I’m not looking at the film from any of those standpoints.  I’m basing my thoughts/feelings purely on what I saw on the big screen as a newbie to the character, her introduction to the MCU, and my moving going experience.  In short, was it worth my changing out of my pjs after a long hard week, driving to the theater, and plunking down my hard- earned cash?  My knee jerk answer is…

To say I was excited to see Captain Marvel during its opening weekend is a slight understatement.  I didn’t know what to expect, on that I wanted it to be well written/acted, entertaining, and all around awesome.  By and large the film delivers on all those points and more. 

The writing is solid however I found the pacing to be uneven throughout the film.  The opening Marvel credit sequence alone had me pumped and bouncing in my seat with anticipation.  A truly wonderful, smile- inducing tribute to the late, great Stan Lee.  The film started and my curiosity/questions kicked into high gear.  The movie itself not nearly as much.  It’s not bad, but it’s a rather slow, lurching burn as we’re given bits and dribbles of origin/backstory and current events.  While I never became fully bored at any point in the film, my excitement/enthusiasm did wax and wane for at least half the film.  Maybe it was my annoyance of the child seated next to me yakking non-stop in between mucus filled hacking fits (thanks mom and dad for making sure your sick kid was as far away from you as possible so you could have a relatively undisturbed viewing of the film. And thanks Zicam and Alka Seltzer Plus for waiting at home to try and stave off me coming down with whatever little Typhoid Mary was spreading), but I didn’t feel that Captain Marvel has the seamless integration of drama, action, and humor that previous films capture wonderfully.  Again, while not awful, it’s more “clunky” this go around. This also caused the film’s tone to be uneven, jarringly so at times.

Casting and acting are uneven as well.  Brie Larson, while not bad varies in degrees of being engaging, believable, and very human in her portrayal of the title character.  There are moments where, if I’m to be honest, I became annoyed with her outright. She’s too wooden and distant/disinterested even cocky and arrogant (not quite Ben Affleck Batman, but along those lines). Other times, I definitely see the potential of the character and enjoyed what was happening on screen.  Samuel L. Jackson brought it (as usual) and made the movie for me.  He’s familiarity with Nick Fury and what we the audience want and expect from him with this character is master class level.  As for Jude Law, Clark Gregg, Djimon Hounsou, and Lee Pace (the latter two reprising their characters from Guardians of the Galaxy) they were good but left me wanting more.  They aren’t very prominent in the film and the lack of expanding upon their characters feels like a missed opportunity.  Annette Bening also could benefit from a deeper character dive, but just having her inhabit the role(s) she has is so cool and unexpected, I can’t complain too much on that count. Ben Mendelsohn, a surprising and refreshing villain delivered with an emotional and nuanced performance.

Good soundtrack, great action sequences, some stellar f/x, fun nostalgia for us older folks, a couple of twists you may not see coming (especially if you didn’t watch last seasons’ Agents of Shield), and some “bigger” picture questions answered.  All told, I can’t say that Captain Marvel is my favorite Marvel film.  While I do find it to be a bit of a let down (again, I’ve been told I’m too critical) a Marvel let down is still better than others best efforts.  Yes, I expected/wanted more, but no, I wasn’t sorry I went and saw this one in the theater.  It is fun.  There’s some genuinely good stuff running through this one.  I think things just got a little too scattered and the vision of this film isn’t quite as clear as other films.  As one of the most powerful heroes in the Marvel Universe, I expect the next outing to be better integrated and look forward to taking that one in on the big screen as well.  As for Captain Marvel, I’m giving this one a 7.5. 

My standard reminder: don’t bolt as soon as the credits roll (why do people still do that?). There’s a mid-credit sequence scene setting up The Avengers: End Game.  There’s also a post credit scene that’s cute/gross/funny as well.

Tyler Perry's A Madea Family Funeral

As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.  Such is the case of Tyler Perry’s beloved character Mabel “Madea” Simmons.  After 20 years, Perry has decided to hang up his size 12 heels and wig, letting the character go not so gently into that good night.  The only question is, will Perry bring the curtain down on a high or sour note?

I went into this film hoping for an elevated experience from the last Madea outing I watched: Boo! A Madea Halloween (I haven’t bothered to see the sequel).  Initially, as far as I’m concerned, A Madea Family Funeral was on track to follow in the same footsteps as Boo!. While there were people cracking up in the audience around me, I feel the film has a slow, uneven start with a few amusing/light chuckles as you wait for something to happen.  Thankfully, unlike Boo!, Funeral doesn’t take two thirds of the film to get cracking.  About fifteen minutes in starting with the traffic stop scene, Funeral starts to find its footing.  By the waiting room sequence, Perry and company are firing on all cylinders. 

The physical comedy, especially with Madea and her friends is solid comedic gold.  The verbal sparring/comedy is a bit more hit and miss, definitely favoring the hit side of things.  The extended family the film centers around fall on the generic side and aren’t overly developed but are serviceable within the story.  The lack of character development stunts the film emotionally until the end of the film when Madea sets the family straight with her no holds barred come to Jesus straight talk, and the hard hitting, surprising revelation by Jen Harper’s Vianne.  More than making up for the superficial emotional tone of the rest of the movie.  A Madea Family Funeral is at its best when focused on Bam, Hattie, and the four (yes four) characters inhabited by Perry: Brian, Joe, Heathrow (a newly seen, raunchy brother) and of course Madea.

While not as tightly scripted or strong storyline as earlier films featuring Madea, A Madea Family Funeral overall is widely entertaining, funny, and a pretty fitting last hurrah for Mabel Simmons.  A Madea Family Funeral ends(?) the franchise/character with less of a resounding bang, more of a hearty pop and thankfully not a fizzle.  This one’s a 7.  

Be sure to stay put for the first couple of minutes of credits as there are some choice outtakes.