Tag Archives: movie lovers

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.

10.03.22
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Ticket to Paradise

Two divorced parents, David and Georgia Cotton, travel to Bali after learning that their daughter, Lily, is planning to marry a man named Gede, whom she has just met. They decide to work together to sabotage the wedding to prevent Lily from making the same mistake they made twenty-five years ago.

Ticket to Paradise is a welcome reunion for two legendary stars, George Clooney and Julia Roberts, years after they worked on the Ocean’s films, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, and Money Monster together. They elevate a film that occasionally threatens to fall into generic territory by breathing fun and charm into the film, even when they’re ripping each other to bits with insults. Clooney’s performance is certainly the glue here, as he embraces his comedic chops and his character often pokes fun at himself while being grumpy and over-the-top. Speaking of reunions, fans of Booksmart will love to see Kaitlyn Dever and Billie Lourd sharing the screen again — Dever is great as their daughter Lily, and Billie Lourd is a scene-stealer as her best friend Wren, a character that the plot maybe could’ve done without but when Lourd is so entertaining, the movie suddenly feels infinitely more upbeat with her in it.

The movie can sometimes fall into cheesy territory especially with some obviously scripted lines and an exaggerated ending, as well as some unclear themes about who is more right about what, but it never sinks the film’s heart and sweetness. It’s a film that means to charm and show the nature of flawed parents getting over their own immaturities while loving their daughter, and when the parents are played by two of the most charismatic people in the world, you’ve got yourself a winning film. Though it’s nothing you’ll be urged to watch more than once, or even the best comedy out right now, given how much more memorable and hysterical Bros is, Ticket to Paradise is certainly a harmless and heartfelt good time, especially for today’s rom-com standards, with laughs, vacation-y settings, and charming performances.

09.13.22
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The Woman King

The Woman King historical epic inspired by the true events that happened in The Kingdom of Dahomey, one of the most powerful states of Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries. Viola Davis makes every performance of hers seem effortless, and her role as General Nanisca of the Agoije, the Dahomey’s all-female group of warriors who defend the Kingdom, is no exception. Davis portrays the titular character as a fighter with a tough exterior who eventually peels back layers to reveal pain she must defend herself from through physical and emotional strength. Thuso Mbedu and Lashana Lynch are both outstanding, Mbedu as a new recruit who must grow into a courageous fighter, and Lynch as a commander who gives it her all into the role physically and makes you care so much about her character.

The action is staged very well and is surprisingly strong for a PG-13 rating, but it’s never distractingly holding back from showing violence either, though nothing is disturbing here. The grandeur of the costumes and sets makes the atmosphere work so well, and the film benefits from a spectacular score from Terence Blanchard, who should at least get nominated for an Oscar. Though the film does occasionally slow down between the powerful moments, the last act especially is the most exciting, investing and empowering and elevates the entire movie. It’s a great popcorn action film but also a showcase of amazing production and performances that’s built for the big screen.