Migration

With the waning days of 2023 at hand, I ventured to my local movie theater one last time to see the latest family film from Illumination: Migration.  Migration took five years to bring to the big screen due to COVID delays and all the voice actors recorded their lines separately, never meeting.  A practice that became the new norm during the pandemic (Luca, Raya and the Last Dragon).

I’ve taken a few extra days to ponder on this one trying to figure out how I feel.  I’m pretty much drawing blanks. 

For me, Migration is just okay at best and largely forgettable.

The film’s animation is spectacular, with fantastic colors and textures that leap off the screen.  Yet most everything else about it rolled over me like the proverbial water off a duck's back.

The story isn’t new by any means (Finding Nemo). The majority of the characters aren’t engaging and come off as flat and even annoying with the exception of Carole Kane’s Erin. The hour twenty-three-minute runtime felt much longer.  The “cuteness” and “humor” didn’t land.  

Much like the minion short prior to the film, Migration is bland, uninspired, and standard fare at best. Three fourths of the way through the film there are moments which had some life and interest in them, but it was much too little, far too late.  

There’s little beyond the animation to hook adults.  Only the youngest audience members seemed engaged with let alone enjoyed the film in the showing I took in.  Older kids and the vast majority of parents were restless.  

I opted to utilize my time deciding what I was going to have for dinner. FYI, I went with a creamy tomato basil soup and a three-cheese grilled cheese sandwich. Comfort food.

Migration is the animation equivalent of an eye-popping meal that readies your tastebuds for a culinary delight only to leave you disappointed and unsatisfied with each bite.  A lot of empty calories with little enjoyment. 

Save yourself some time and money and wait until this one is available on one of your streaming services.  

Shouldn’t take long.

Migration gets a 4 from me.

#migration

 

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

 

Once again, I emerge from the darkened movie theater to share my thoughts on my latest film viewing: Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom.  

First let me apologize for keeping this one short, it’s a cold rainy day and my desire to curl up with a hot mug of tea, cuddle under a blanket, and watch one of my annual Christmas movie films supersedes spending too much time on this review.  Second, it should be noted that any and all desire to see this film evaporated months ago. Too many controversies plaguing it for too long and the trailers weren’t exactly screaming “must see”. 

So why go?

Umm, Jason Momoa and curiosity of course.

Yes, there was a fair amount of dread going into this one for sure, but I admit it wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. Nice surprise there. However, when it comes down to it, I didn’t find ATLK as good as it could or should have been.

Momoa does his best to bring the fun and joy from the first film and does a pretty decent job, but it still feels flat and forced overall.  Pretty much the case for the entire film actually. 

Everything about Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom is a very hit and miss proposition.  

Returning cast of Momoa, Wilson, Abdul-Mateen II, Kidman, Morrison, Lundgren and more? Great.  The elephant in the room? Not so much. Clearly not in the film as much as originally intended, but more than should be with cringe worthy results.

Humor throughout? 

Yes. Sadly, it falls flat as often as it lands. 

CGI eye-popping or downright gawd awful depending on the scene. 

Great action sequences interspersed with pure silliness. 

A plodding “been there seen that got the t-shirt plot” that’s both simplistic yet overly convoluted, somehow managing to do too little and too much simultaneously.  

Dialogue that offers up a few tasty morsels but is arguably mostly trash. 

There’s a weird boring energy that persists throughout the film and a sense of laziness from all the things you’ve definitely seen before in other films which did it better.

While more watchable than I expected, Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom suffers from all the delays, numerous studio recuts, and an identity crisis surrounding what kind of film this wants to be.  All which hang over the end product like the sword of Damocles and you never get past that feeling of dread/doom while viewing. 

Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom has its moments, they are definitely few and far between. I enjoyed the music, a lot of the back and forth between Orm and Arthur and, seeing other returning characters, and various other bits and bobs that pop up. But I never found myself fully engaged with the film. I didn’t hate it, but I’m far from clamoring for more.  ATLK is leftover DCEU fair, and it shows. No one involved seems invested in the end product and I left the theater feeling the same way.  

Still, I’m going to give Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom an overly generous 6, largely based on my fondness for Momoa and several other cast members alone. The snacks were also particularly tasty too. 

In actuality Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom is more of a 4.

BTW, there’s one credit scene.

#Aquaman2

Wonka

 

Seasons’s greetings!

I once again emerge from my darkened, local movie theater to share my thoughts on the latest family fare offered up by writer/director Paul King, Wonka.  Being a huge fan of Gene Wilder's 1971 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory I couldn’t wait to see what King (Paddington) came up with for this companion piece to the original.  This go around, the story is an origin story focused on the young, idealistic, and naive Willy Wonka as he pursues his dream of becoming a chocolatier and the friends he makes along his journey. 

As an origin story, Wonka is a fresh and interesting take which is simultaneously original and familiar. A combination that makes for an overall pleasant and enjoyable movie experience. 

The cast, peppered with frequent collaborators of other King films bring the energy, laughs, and whimsy.  Well-acted and cast across the board. Once I got out of my own head (as a fan of The Good Place Timothée Chalamet takes me a minute to get behind) I enjoyed Timothée Chalamet's portrayal of Wonka. The chemistry with Calah Lane’s Noodle is great. Olivia Colman continues to live her best life onscreen. Paterson Joseph makes villainy fun. Hugh Grant as the Oompa Loompa is a long time making an appearance, but well worth the wait. And Jim Carter is a delight and possess some serious pipes. 

The new musical score fits this new take while having a couple of callbacks to Pure Imagination theme from the original tying the films together.  However, while well done and catchy, these songs and their accompanying dance routines aren’t nearly as memorable.  

Overproduced perhaps? 

Don't get me wrong. I definitely enjoyed them during the movie but didn’t leave the theater singing any of them.

Visually the film is eye-catching and leaps off the screen.  The costumes and sets are vibrant and whimsical bringing the "magic" of the film to life. Yet somehow the use of visual effects over practical definitely undercuts the impact in some places toning down the “wow” factor.  The awe and wonder become noticeably flat.

When all is said and done, Wonka delivers what it sets out to do.  Namely gives the audience an hour fifty-six minutes of entertaining escapism the entire family can enjoy.  Can’t complain about that. So, I'm not going to. I will say while I did have a good time watching Wonka, I was left with a sense of being underwhelmed.  

Why?

My take? Wonka is a solid, entertaining piece of work, but it’s safe.  

Too safe.  

There’s no edginess or darkness lying below the surface. I missed that in this version. It's a little too sweet. For me it keeps Wonka in the good category, not great.

Wonka gets a 7.5 from me.

Yes, there’s some credit sequence action that you need to hang around for.

#Wonka

Wish

 

STANDARD DISCLAIMER: 

Full disclosure. I do own stock in the Disney Company.  

With Thanksgiving happening this week in the United States, Disney’s latest family animated film Wish has hit the big screen.  Billed as being 100 years in the making Wish, takes the Disney theme of wishing upon a star to new levels in a new original, nostalgia filled musical homage.

Despite being a Disney fan and stock owner, I can’t say I had any sense of anticipation or great interest going into this film.  The trailers looked okay but didn’t exactly scream “must see” for me, more, “eh, could be cute.”  Combined with the only recently ended actor’s strike there hasn’t been much buzz around this one.  Hell, I had no idea who any of the voice actors were until I actually watched the film.  Still, I opted at the last minute to check Wish out on a last-minute whim before holiday crowds pack the theaters.

I’m so happy I did.

Wish is an hour thirty-five-minute joy to behold.

The old school watercolor animation combined with CG animation is beautiful.  It’s classic and comforting, yet fresh and lively.  When they said 100 years in the making, the film’s creative teamed leaned in hard and the result is amazing.  

Wish is filled with overt and subtle references that cover the history of Disney animation that warm the heart and soul, but don’t detract from the original story or characters.  So, yes, there’s plenty to make you think of Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin, Frozen, and so many more Disney films, these elements and references are combined in such a way they bring new life to each film and elevate the current one. If you like Easter eggs and pop culture references, you’ll have a blast with Wish.  

POP QUIZ/SPOILER ALERT

Asha's seven friends are a direct reference and exhibit the characteristic of the Seven Dwarves.

END SPOILERALERT

Filled with great musical numbers, Wish had me seat dancing and head bobbing from beginning to end with a very apt, soaring musical score.  There are definitely two songs destined to be the latest Disney earworms driving you crazy for the next few months.

Wonderful casting with Ariana DeBose, Chris Pine, and of course Disney (and my favorite) Alan Tudyk leading the way.  DeBose was actually the inspiration for the character of Asha, so it’s no surprise she does a beautiful job bringing her to life.  Tudyk is well, Tudyk and makes Valentino as charming and endearing as possible.  Then there’s Chris Pine.  He goes full tilt and absolutely nails Magnifico.

Speaking of leaning in hard, Disney goes all in and gives a delightful, scary villain that doesn’t pull any punches.  

And I was all for it.  

So many films these days are giving such weak, watered down baddies they undercut the overall film.  Happily, not the case here.  In fact, there are a few scenes that had me “damning” out loud and wondering if young kids may find it a bit much.  Hence the PG rating I’m guessing.

Wish is fun, entertaining, and classic Disney at its best with a twist.  A perfect tribute to all the creators and artist that have contributed to the magic of Disney animation for the last 100 years.  Thoroughly a job well done and definitely worth a trip to the theater to see at least once on the big screen.  And when you do, heads up, there is one post credit scene at the very end. It’s not long, but it’s sweet and sure to give Disney fans the feels. I know it brought a smile to my lips and a tear to my eyes. 

While I may not make it back to see it again during its theatrical run, but Wish is on my list for repeated viewings going forward and I can’t wait.  It’s a crowd pleaser.

Wish gets a 10 from me.

#wish

The Marvels

 

Wow, it’s been a minute since I’ve ventured out to the theater to check anything out.  The whole life gets in the way thing and all.  

True confession time. I wasn’t particularly interested in going to see this one. I felt like viewing was more of an obligation than a desire. I certainly feel like the MCU has been hit and miss as of late.  Also, try as I might, I simply haven’t gotten into Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel.  There’s just something about the portrayal that fails to garner any more interest from me than... I dunno. Apathy?   As for Iman Vellani’s Ms. Marvel, I liked her and her series (love the family) overall but have issues with parts of the character portrayal.  Teyonah Parris’s Monica Rambeau has me curious.  

Anywho, with this in mind, I nonetheless geared up and headed out to catch the latest offering from Marvel Studios, The Marvels.  

It’s been almost 24 hours since I watched The Marvels and I’m definitely feeling some kind of way about the film.  What exactly that is, however, I’m still not sure.

I didn’t hate it.  If anything, I feel it was better than I may have expected.  But I also don’t think it’s the greatest either.  I will admit that I’m feeling more hopeful and positive about what’s coming next in the MCU and the direction they seem to be heading than I have felt in a minute.  The one credit scene hit me in the feels, took me to my happy place, and got me really excited. This scene alone made the entire film worthwhile.

Other positives and there are quite a few.

Samuel L. Jackson.  Love him.  Love his portrayal as Fury and he killed me again and again every time he’s on screen.  His dialogue and delivery are pure perfection.  The humor and the humanity he brings to each situation had me laughing, cheering, and vibing throughout.  

As previously mentioned, the Kahn family.  Having them on the big screen is a joy.  Also loved them bringing in some of the Ms Marvel stylistic elements to this project.  

Nia DaCosta’s direction is impressive. Especially how she handles all the amazing fight sequences.  Kudos to her and the editing team pulling off all the body/power switching shenanigans.  

Goose and the Flerkens. 

Good humor. 

Good cameos.

I won’t call them negatives, but I do file these under “my issues”.  

I still don’t have any particular interest in Captain Marvel after this film, but in fairness this is the most engaging portrayal of the character to date. 

Ms Marvel. I understand she’s a “kid” but between the series and events of this film, the endless, over-the-top fawning/fangirling has gotten tedious to me.  She’s been through and seen enough $#@! at this point she shouldn’t still be on 11.  Dial it down and bring it to at least a 6 or 5.  Character development and growth are good things.  

Yes, The Marvels is a more lighthearted and fun film, but the one bit that was just plain silly? No, just plain stupid didn’t do the movie any favors.

The continuing big bad issue.  Once again, our villain, Dar-Benn played by Zawe Ashton is lacking. The character doesn’t have my character development, takes way too long to explain her motive, and for all intents and purposes doesn’t come off as being more than a generic threat.  Lackluster is now the norm, I guess?  They've forgotten the better the villain our heroes to overcome the better the story.

While the writing is strong for the more humorous and lighthearted elements of the film, the dramatic bits are more hit and miss.  There are moments in particular with the three main characters that really come off as forced and contrived.  

As I stated, these aspects of the film may simply be no more than me being a grouchy old woman. So, grain of salt.

My final stance.

Yes, I did enjoy the film. Yes, I’m glad I saw it in the theater. I certainly laughed and left the theater feeling hopeful for what has been set up.  Yet, my overall feelings remain, apathetic toward the film as a whole. 

As such, The Marvels doesn’t get a rating from me.

#TheMarvels

A Haunting in Venice

 

I’ve been an Agatha Christie fan since my elementary school librarian turned me on to her novels.  I’ve been thrilled that Kenneth Branagh has been bringing the stories to the big screen as both actor and director since 2017. However, I’ve also felt the last two films results were a bit of a mixed bag for various reasons.  Still, with this new original adaptation of the Agatha Christie novel Halloween Party I went into A Haunting in Venice with high hopes that the third time would be the charm and Branagh would’ve successfully cracked the code on delivering a great Agatha Christie movie.

Point of fact. A Haunting in Venice is again a mixed bag for me.

The pros. 

Good cast. Strong acting by Branagh (easily his best turn as Poirot to date) and Jude Hill (Belfast). Wonderful cinematography. Terrific set design. Location, location, location! Top notch atmospherics capture the supernatural, brooding darkness perfectly.

The cons.  

Much like the last two films, A Haunting in Venice is a slow burner that’s an absolute slough to get through at least the first third if not half of the film. From the beginning I was barely engaged and really struggled to not only be interested but stay awake.  Like Death on the Nile, it took ages for the first body to drop and the movie to get going.

For such a good cast, the bulk of them are underused and feel wasted.  Then there’s Tina Fey.  Love her, but feel she was miscast in her role of Ariadne Oliver. Her performance came across as more of a SNL skit version of the character.

The overuse of jump scares becomes silly and undercuts the overall eerie disquiet the film creates.  There’s also an overall lack of energy to this one that pulls the entire production down. 

The mystery and the clues to solve it are fairly obvious this go round so the “whodunit” aspect is fairly weak.  What's the fun in that?

At the end of the day, A Haunting in Venice is a good effort and mildly entertaining but isn’t a film you need to get to the theater to see.  It should be available for home viewing before long, check it out then.

A Haunting in Venice gets a 5 from me. 

#AHauntingInVenice

The Equalizer 3

 

This week Denzel Washington re-teams with director Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, The Magnificent Seven) purportedly for the 3 and final time, in the role of Robert McCall. There’s not a lot to say about this one, so I’ll keep this short and sweet.

The Equalizer 3 is the movie you want and expect going in, only with a different approach than the other two.  This time around McCall’s completely international. We’re also left in the dark as to what’s going on and why until the very end of the film which delivers a different flavor to the storyline.  E3 overall is a slower burner as a film as well in terms of the pacing.  But it actually benefits the film in the process.  Washington is almost 70-year-old now so having more exposition and character development as opposed to non-stop action makes sense, keeps the film grounded, and makes the action sequences pack and even harder punch.

In regard to the action, yes. 

Yes. 

YES. 

It’s intense, no holds barred, gory, and shockingly brutal in its violence.  In short, everything I wanted and expected.  Juxtaposed against the calm and quiet of the majority of the film it really stands out and makes these moments even more satisfying.  Robert McCall takes to peace and quiet and retirement about as well as John Wick and you don’t want to be on the wrong side of this character as a result. 

The settings are gorgeous, the cinematography beautiful.  The good guys are good and the bad guys deliciously wicked so the brutal force in which they are dispatched is a pure delight.  If anything, there are couple I wished suffered a bit more before their demise, but that’s just me.  

The international cast all deliver strong and engaging performances.  Having Dakota Fanning re-teaming with Washington 19 years after their last film together (Man on Fire) is a bonus treat.

The third time is certainly a charm for The Equalizer 3.  It’s fun, entertaining, and you get what you came for in a satisfactory experience.   I had the pleasure of seeing this film with a great crowd and the interaction made it even more enjoyable. It was one big watch party in the best sense.

It’s a solid 8 from me.

 #TheEqualizer3