Monthly Archives: July 2023

07.23.23
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Oppenheimer

Christopher Nolan’s new film tackles the story of American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb as part of the top-secret Manhattan Project during World War II. Aside from being the most immersive and devoted filmmaker of our time to the cinematic experience, Nolan is known for often trying to top himself with his ever-growing ambition, style and scale. Oppenheimer is his equivalent to Lawrence of Arabia or Amadeus, a three-hour historical epic that shifts time periods, perspectives, and color styles consistently. The cinematography is absolutely stunning, with the practical sets and effects sticking out, and the creative choices during the explosion scenes managing to awe and surprise. Ludwig Goransson’s arresting score may have topped even his work for the Black Panther films and Tenet, and the intricate editing is commendable. But one thing Nolan should also be appreciated for here is his writing, that packs a level of sophistication about history, human nature, science, and what it’s like to be a genius who may have the ability to unlock horrific powers. It’s a film that focuses on the new era the atomic bomb marked for the world, because of the destruction such immense power and its knowledge could cause in the hands and ego of mankind in power. Will such an invention cause scorched earth, or the end of the earth?

Cillian Murphy gives a performance that may end up defining his image as a celebrity and actor. The transformation is unreal and his eyes give so much to Oppenheimer’s mannerisms and attitudes towards the scenery. The film has an Avengers-sized supporting cast of named actors, some even being Oscar winners who only show up for a scene or two. Among the standouts are Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, Josh Hartnett, Jason Clarke, Jack Quaid, and Benny Safdie — and some A-listers who aren’t even in the trailer so I won’t reveal them in case you don’t already know — but Robert Downey Jr. gives a career standout of a turn and really manages to own all his scenes while giving sides of him we hadn’t seen before. Though there is an incredible amount of story and dialogue that’s given to you at a quick pace, and it feels like this for the whole 3 hours, I also respect that the film sees its audience as intelligent and eager to learn such information. It has something for buffs of history, Nolan, or simply visual grandeur. It’s Nolan’s most stylistically challenging yet mature achievement and one of his best written films as well, but not just that, it may be one of the best directed movies I’ve ever seen. It’s a monumental study of an era in the world and the man behind that name, shown through Nolan’s beautiful eye for the gorgeous, yet unimaginable (in this case), possibilities of human endeavors.

07.21.23
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Barbie

Stereotypical Barbie (Margot Robbie) leaves the Barbie-run utopia of Barbie Land alongside Ken (Ryan Gosling) in search of self-discovery after realizing she might not be as perfect as she thought.

Director Greta Gerwig of Lady Bird and Little Women fame takes what could’ve been a tiringly formulaic fish-out-of-water toy-based film and makes it a clever and cheeky good time. For all its ridiculousness, there is an undeniable heart here and the cast seems to be having such a great time. Gosling in particular gets to show off his master skills as a comedic and physical performer and America Ferrera is an important character who’s inarguably the heart of the film. Aside from Robbie, Simu Liu, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Kingsley Ben-Adir Alexandra Shipp, Emma Mackey and Will Ferrell are also as delightful as some of the performances are campy, though that’s definitely the point of the movie thematically. The bright colors and fun costume designs, as well as the spot-on soundtrack add to this film’s level of meta irreverence that’s only matched by The LEGO Movie, a movie that may draw comparisons, including the fact that Will Ferrell plays a character related to business in both. 

While this may be the most self-aware movie of all time and it leans into that quite well, it also packs some delightful surprises in its humor and themes that definitely weren’t written particularly with kids in mind. It’s so in touch with its audience, who may be especially tweens and teens, but may also be a great watch for mothers. The movie explores the idea of Barbie as having been a representation of womanhood and shows with honesty the complexity of the human condition and women as flawed individuals who are expected to always be at their best but that isn’t quite life, and that’s the beauty of it. It also unpacks some of the ridiculousness of social constructs such as gender stereotypes and the patriarchy in a way that occasionally hits you on the head but adds nuance to this film about Barbie dolls. Best of all, the jokes are great and so passionately delivered by the actors that like I said, the fun they must have had on set feels contagious to the audiences watching. 

Barbie may be obvious in its thematic delivery but also absurdly charming and witty, with an excellent message for young girls and an all-star cast that’s the best live-action movie about dolls we could’ve imagined.

07.21.23
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Past Lives

Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are wrested apart after Nora’s family emigrates from South Korea. Twenty years later, they are reunited for one fateful week as they confront notions of love and destiny.

Though stories about “what if” romances are not alien for audiences, director Celine Song introduces herself to the mainstream with a magnificent film that’s beautifully told through her gentle eye and script. The style is filled with meditative melancholy, exploring the beauty of fate and what does and doesn’t come out of it, and that happiness and destiny can also mean loss and regret — this is heavily indicated through Greta Lee, who’s lovely performance inhabits lots of emotions but with great restraint in her profoundly kind and poignant expression of the character. Teo Yoo is also excellent as Hae Sung, and John Magaro is delightful as Nora’s husband who deals with this interesting situation for him with patience, understanding, and goodness.

The beautiful wide shots that linger on the characters express the energy they feel within the space they inhabit, and the calming score is simply unforgettable. Within moments of the film, the simplistic yet intimate style pulls you into the love, pain, and reflection these characters experience. It’s one of the most enchanting, touching movies about love and connection I’ve ever seen, deserving a mention in the same breath as Her and Before Sunrise. Yet this one may not just make you reflect on romance, but about those special people in your life who may come in and out but change your life forever. It’s one of those films that digs to the deepest points of your heart and never leaves and may leave you as filled up as heartbroken, and may end up being a defining film for 2023.

07.12.23
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Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

Ethan Hunt and his IMF (Impossible Missions Force) team must track down a dangerous weapon before it falls into the wrong hands.

Mission: Impossible is a franchise that has my utmost respect for how much it aspires to keep daring and topping what came before. Each of the last four installments have delivered unforgettable action scenes and helped redefine the franchise, so Dead Reckoning does… just that. And seven movies in, it’s still got a phenomenal amount of excitement to go along with the loud, immersive action. Tom Cruise commits to the massive action set pieces in a way that’s audacious, commendable, and likable. With the various locations, vehicles, weapons, and lighting styles, Christopher McQuarrie has proven himself to be a top-tier action director of the 21st century with this and the last two installments. Not to mention it doesn’t just look cool, but also nail-biting as I felt my body in suspense throughout a lot of the film.

Cruise also isn’t the only winning part of the cast — Simon Pegg and Ving Rhames’ lovable IMF members continue to be expanded on and serve the movie’s mood, Rebecca Ferguson proves again that she’s the best of the franchise’s female badasses (though I’d have liked to see her given more to do than she had here), and Hayley Atwell is a charming and fun addition to the cast. Vanessa Kirby, Shea Whigham, and Pom Klementieff are also giving it their all in memorable roles, and Esai Morales is a simply fantastic villain. His layered voice compliments his chilling appearance and dialogue — I only wish his motivations were expanded on a little more.

Similar to Fallout, the visual style feels gritty, like almost anything could happen, though it also effectively embraces the fun and humor even more. But like its predecessor, the writing is so complex it may take rewatches to understand every objective, alliance, motivation, and MacGuffin the script presents. However, it’s rewarding to see this franchise keep aiming for higher while never losing what’s made the last few installments into epic must-watches. I also loved the way the film modernizes the saga in that it explores technology and its dangers in a way that hopefully enough people out there take note of. There’s only a few minor narrative points I would’ve polished, like an emotional moment for Ethan that should have embraced the darkness of what Ethan was feeling more, but it’s not like the movie isn’t already 163 minutes long — but don’t worry, it flies by. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One isn’t just a must-watch in theaters, it made me feel lucky to have caught such a marvelous action movie on the big screen. Tom Cruise continues to show us, well, the impossible, in countless ways, but that and the stunning thrills, fun, scale, cast and directions the story and filmmaking take make it worth every second of its length, and shows the action spy genre at some of its finest ever.

07.01.23
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Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

Archaeologist Indiana Jones races against time to retrieve a legendary artifact that can change the course of history.

One of the most impactful franchises in movie history has returned for one grand final outing, with Harrison Ford showing that at age 80, he’s still one of the most lovable and awesome stars in cinema history. The physicality and charm he gives to the role invokes the heroism he’s had since his younger days, but also shows his dedication, charisma and love for his work that continues into his later career. The rest of the actors are very well cast, including Phoebe Waller-Bridge as Indy’s curious, sarcastic goddaughter. Though their banter is fun, their bond that grows throughout the film doesn’t quite reach the legendary dynamic between Indy and his father, played by Sean Connery in The Last Crusade; she’s much better than Shia LaBeouf in Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, though. Mads Mikkelsen never misses as the villain, who also has a very audacious motive, though it should’ve been revealed earlier in the film. Boyd Holbrook is especially great is the main antagonist’s right-hand man as well. Antonio Banderas is lots of fun as an old friend of Indy’s, as is John Rhys-Davies returning as Sallah, who’s been a beloved part of the franchise from the start.

Though some may raise an eyebrow when they see this film is the first movie in the franchise not to be directed by Spielberg, one would be a fool to ever doubt James Mangold (of Logan and Ford v Ferrari). The visual look of the film, from an incredibly immersive and entertaining opening scene that gives you the true Indy feel, is stunning, with the film-like cinematography, the production design and the background effects creating a historical globe-trotting action adventure of the largest scale possible. Not to mention John Williams, whose musical scores have transported us to these grand cinematic worlds for six decades. The music, including the iconic Indy theme, which is one of the most recognizable leitmotifs in music history, gives the film that same adventurous and timeless sense his films have been giving us since Jaws. Not to mention, the mythology and different historical settings the films explore are always fun to journey along with the characters. Dial of Destiny delivers on the promise of a visually spectacular sequel with an adventurous spirit that proves once again Harrison Ford’s place in movie and action star history.