09.26.23
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Dumb Money

Dumb Money is the ultimate David vs. Goliath tale, based on the insane true story of everyday people who flipped the script on Wall Street and got rich by turning GameStop into the world’s hottest company.

A true story released only two years after the real events happened has the potential to be concerning, but Dumb Money takes a ridiculously fun approach to its outrageous story. In order to tell such an insane turn of events that actually happened, you need to match that with a style that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and the soundtrack and comedic tone of the film very much understand that. Similar to The Big Short, it also does a great job of making financial talk sound accessible and engaging. It also frames the Gamestop short squeeze as an underdog story, and ordinary people gathering knowledge about finance and investing as a positive incentive. Everyone is great, from Paul Dano who plays the film’s lead rebel and hero, to funnier roles like Seth Rogen and Sebastian Stan. America Ferrera gives the film a lot of spirit and Anthony Ramos, Myhal’la Herrold, Talia Ryder and Shailene Woodley are also very entertaining. However, Pete Davidson is sure to get the most audience reactions as hands-down the funniest and most memorable presence in the film. With a cast this awesome and a style this entertaining, it’s hard to find much that doesn’t work about what Dumb Money sets out to do — or a reason not to watch it in theaters.

09.21.23
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A Haunting in Venice

Hercule Poirot attends a seance at the suggestion of his friend, mystery novelist Ariadne Oliver, who wants to expose a medium as a fraud, but a murder occurs and Poirot must get to the bottom of what seems to be an impossible deadly truth.

Though Kenneth Branagh has seemed to find a formula that works in his slew of Agatha Christie-based films in which he directs himself as the iconic detective, he also wisely ditches the CGI-heavy look of the last two films for a more intimate setting within a darkly lit Venice palazzo one stormy Halloween night in 1947. Though the cast has more weak links this time, Jamie Dornan, Kyle Allen, Jude Hill, Michelle Yeoh and others deliver interesting performances, with Tina Fey being as cocky and entertaining as you’d expect her to be as a writer in the 1940s who’s friends with the Hercule Poirot. It embraces some of the visual and tonal aspects of gothic horror but cleverly doesn’t fully indulge in the genre and remains a solid Whodunit murder mystery, although the pacing still has its slow moments. As I said before, the less “obnoxious” or massively cinematic style helps it better establish a darker mood and a murder mystery that feels contained and believable, and delving just enough into the concept of spirits to feel unique compared to the last two, without throwing too many supernatural elements at you. In other words, it’s another delightful Poirot mystery that never quite surpasses the description of satisfactory, but still fun enough for a watch.

09.18.23
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Golda

Golda focuses on Israel’s Prime Minister Golda Meir as she faces internal and political pressures during the Yom Kippur War, as she fights for her dignity and the existence of the state of Israel.

Helen Mirren shows up as she always does and disappears into the role of Golda Meir in this biopic, elevating what would’ve been a very slow, by-the-numbers historical film otherwise. Besides some amazing make-up work on her, Mirren emulates the spirit of a fighter, who was balancing personal health and guilt struggles with the weight of making decisions that could determine the fate of her reputation and her country’s fragile existence forever. She captures Meir’s cocky but patient, empathetic, and demanding spirit very vividly. Camille Cottin also does a good job as Meir’s personal assistant who becomes family to her, but unfortunately, she’s the only member of the supporting cast who feels interesting or soulful, though Liev Schreiber has a solid scene that he shares with Mirren.

Though Mirren’s performance carries the film, it also struggles with its pace, as some of the decision-making scenes feel repetitive, and even with its 100-minute runtime, it could’ve been more engaging. But it’s also a huge step up from Hollywood’s last big take on Israeli history, 2018’s 7 Days in Entebbe, which was a disaster. Though Golda isn’t that much more memorable or a necessary theater watch, the outstanding lead performance makes it a much easier watch and I’d even argue it’s a great gateway into Israeli history, and thematically strong about people making sacrifices and battling for Israel’s right to exist as a sovereign state, while being respectful to the soldiers and their loved ones involved in the Yom Kippur War.

08.25.23
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Gran Turismo

Gran Turismo is based on the true story of racer Jann Mardenborough, who wins a series of Nissan-sponsored video game competitions through his gaming skills and becomes a real-life professional race car driver. Though the spectacle is strong with this film, the overall execution is muddled and mostly carried by David Harbour’s performance as Mardenborough’s trainer. Harbour is excellent as a hard but deeply encouraging mentor figure who develops a camaraderie of sorts with Jann, and the story of a gamer achieving the impossible and fulfilling his dreams becoming a real racer has some fun to it considering its a true story, but there’s also dragged out “sports underdog” cliches and a muddled execution. Blomkamp’s directing is fashionable but often jarring, with headache-inducing editing during the racing scenes that clearly look expensive but lack the adrenaline of Ford v Ferrari and Rush. Archie Madekwe is solid in the lead role, but the supporting cast doesn’t feel as interesting or human, with the exception of Harbour and a strong Djimon Honsou. The first two acts though are dragged out and the montage-style pacing feels frustrating and uninteresting, with weird video game-like edits that are supposed to feel meta but instead take you out of the scene.

Gran Turismo has enough references for fans of real-life racing, and racing scenes for fans of action and sports, and the third act is a fun and significant improvement over the first hour and a half of the film, but may not warrant a watch unless you’re strictly looking for sports and spectacle.

08.20.23
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Blue Beetle

When recent college gradaute comes across a valuable piece of military tech designed by Kord Industries, he suddenly gets attached to a sentient scarab and becomes its host. He must use his new suit to discover his identity and fight for his family.

Blue Beetle has no concern with scale or world-building like the other last few DCEU films, but feels effortless in building beautiful family dynamics among the Reyes family that give our lead character a real soul and a reason to fight. It’s lovely to see such a supportive family with no strings attached in a superhero film, and see Jaime as a college graduate going through relatable life issues. But the character could’ve easily still fallen flat in the script had the film not struck gold with its casting. Xolo Mariduena is a ray of light and as Jaime. Not a moment goes by where you don’t feel his charm and energy as a magnetic and empathetic presence, but as Jaime learns, he isn’t the same without his family. He’s surrounded by a cast of fantastic performers as the family. George Lopez in particular is absolutely hilarious as his Uncle Rudy, not to mention a scene-stealing Adriana Barazza as his grandma. Belissa Escobedo is also a breakout as Jaime’s sister Milagro who is an incredibly layered and likable character, and these actors come together to build a support system that helps Jaime understand the importance of family while cheering him on on his own journey. Bruna Marquezene is also great as Jenny Kord and adds a lot to the film, and Harvey Guillen has a small but hysterical role. Susan Sarandon is well-cast as Victoria Kord, though her lines and motives are riddled with superhero corporate baddie cliches.

Though the cast helps make the movie as soulful as it is, the visual look of the film can be underwhelming. The 80s campy feel is appreciable but the quality of the CGI and the lighting choices are uninteresting, and occasionally questionable. That being sad, the cheeky energy converts enough into smiles and emotion that the audience feels for its lead characters, making Jaime Reyes potentially one of the best DCEU protagonists, and worth a watch for fans of superhero films.

08.04.23
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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

For years, Raphael, Michaelangelo, Donatello and Leonardo have been trained in the ways of ninjitsu by their father Splinter, and have been told not to leave the sewers for fear of what the humans will do to them. But the turtles decide to foil a dangerous plot and become the heroes New York City needs.

After numerous iterations, the Ninja Turtles franchise finally has an installment that understands the tone this IP deserves to feel lively and memorable. The turtles are voiced by actual teens, so they really get to feel youthful and like genuine characters (as much as mutant turtles can), and perhaps animation was the best way to go all along. The live-action designs of the characters in the past always looked too silly or creepy, and the style always helps this film live up to the mayhem suggested in the title. The Spider-Verse-inspired animation style of 3D graphics and 2D coloring gives the film a teenage feel, but more than that, something imaginative, wild, and fresh that doesn’t demand to be taken too seriously like the Michael Bay-produced live-action iteration. The dynamic “camera movements” and hip-hop soundtrack gives the film a constant energy that always put a smile on my face. The packed voice cast is also great, particularly Jackie Chan as Splinter, who may secretly be the heart of the film. Chan gives the talking rat a soul that makes him unique beyond what could have been the typical strict parent in an animated movie. Ayo Edebiri is also lovely as April O’Neill, an aspiring teenage journalist who befriends the turtles instantly and is a refreshing departure from the hyper-sexualized it-girl April from past iterations. Ice Cube is a very entertaining villain whose personality and understanding motivations make it easy to enjoy his cliche evil plan. The only character I didn’t quite enjoy was Maya Rudolph’s Cynthia Utrom, not because of the voice performance but rather the generic archetype and motives that had nothing to elevate or make her feel necessary.

I’m surprised to say that I finally find the Ninja Turtles to be great, but this movie is incredibly funny and booming with imagination and heart. Though it does draw a lot tonally from the recent iterations of Spider-Man, it’s hard to complain when the animation and script are this much fun.

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.