stormryder_thomas Reviews

Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2019)

A mess of a movie, a mess of a trilogy.

[4/10 · 19 December 2019]

When Emperor Palpatine returns, Rey must face him & the truth about her past. Meanwhile, Kylo Ren makes a final effort to convince Rey to join him.

The end of a 40+ year Saga, TRoS promises an epic final battle & satisfying closure to our beloved characters.

Unfortunately, the latest episode of Star Wars marks a disappointing low for the franchise with a lazy script, full of aggressive pandering & fan service so condescending, it clouds any hope of a great concluding story. Oh how the mighty have fallen...

Disappointing signs from the get go, Episode 9's pacing is unnecessarily fast. We are constantly jumping from scene to scene without narrative cohesion. McGuffin after McGuffin is forced (no pun intended) onto our characters to get them constantly moving without letting the audience breathe. As this is the final Skywalker installment, there are moments where both characters & audiences need to process information for emotion when we can't. All attempts at pathos were absent. There was just apathy...

Unearned story revelations & plot devices seem to grant our characters God mode, as not a single threat seems to challenge our leads. Whenever a problem approaches them, it's inexplicably resolved within the next, or even the very same scene. The convenience of the plot will make you pull your hair out, as you expect this dumb-downed, uncreative story telling from maybe a Terminator film, but never a Star Wars film. This franchise is known for inventive storytelling, character investment & after The Last Jedi, subversive genre-play. This was stupidly safe.

J.J. Abrams' form of mystery story telling does this film no favours, as when he 'answers' fan questions from previous films, he just creates more with threads never resolved. Cramming random & unexplained lore, TRoS retcons its predecessors by abolishing its narrative structure over the last 2 films. This trilogy has no throughline, clearly no vision & makes a complete mess both as a film & a 3 part saga. What a waste.

It's not all bad for fans though. The visuals are still stunning, the music is great & Adam Driver proves he can give a great performance even when his source material is subpar. TRoS is a film made by committee to appease, not challenge fans. It's a film full of rushed, undeserving segments that thinks it's giving me what I want, but now, what I really want is my money back.

Beast (III) (2017)

Big mood, little payoff -- but a valiant directoral debut.

[6/10 · 11 September 2018]

Feature debut director Michael Pearce brings us a modern gothic romance that showcases an intimate spiral down insanity through its complex characters and eerie atmosphere. Pearce demonstrates an amateur eye with his low-budget approach to locations and static camera work yet shows potential as a new up and comer. The film has a well of thematic complexities that although are imbedded in our lead characters are sometimes too muddled and lost in their toxic relationship that anchors the plot. It's part mystery killer, part forbidden romance that attempts to balance the best of both but falls short of thought provoking enjoyment, straining the audience in the last half to stay engaged.

Beast originally debuted at last year 2017's Toronto Film Festival, finally finishing its festival circuit one year later. So, after a year of generating buzz, how does it flare up? Beast is set in Jersey, a small island town off the coast in the UK that has recently been burdened with mysterious murders and disappearances of three young girls. The story focuses on Moll (Jessie Buckley), a detached and isolated young woman who through her oppressive mother and sick father, is commonly misunderstood by her high-class family. On the evening of her family birthday party, Moll escapes to go out dancing where she meets Pascal (Johnny Flynn), a ruffled yet fascinating young man who she befriends after he saves her from a drunken creep. As their relationship develops, Moll has to fight her inner demons, family conflict and growing suspicions as Pascal becomes a prime suspect for the recent murders.

Jessie Buckley gives a strong, dynamic performance. Moments she is reserved and quiet, acting through subtle body movements and facial expressions, while others she is loud, frightening and does not hold back. The same can be said for Johnny Flynn, who plays the wit and charm of a scruffy Jersey local paired with a darker, more violent side to make his Pascal well rounded. The story's melancholy truly comes through via Buckley, but unfortunately that is all she is, a melancholic mess. As the film progresses the audience is put on a strain, as Moll lacks moments of likeability or relatability. The film chooses to show a bunch of corrupt and damaged people which doesn't leave the audience anyone to latch on to. This lack of engagement makes any ending for these characters unsatisfactory.

Pearce excels in building tension and suspense. His scenes always have a sense of dread and ambiguity. He uses well timed ambient noise and a melodic score that when it isn't obnoxiously drowning an already depressing scene, is where the film stands out, creating a palpably anxious environment that we can't escape, mirroring its claustrophobic mood. There are messages it touches on such as oppression, solace, escape and redemption, but brushes on all four instead of harnessing one well first. It's murder mystery side plot almost seems a waste as it bleeds into the background for most of the film, where it could have easily shared the foreground with the romance. Beast overall is a rich indie effort that has a lot of ideas but seemingly leaves the audience emotionally unengaged, no matter how captivating the leads were. It's a valiant debut for Michael Pearce who although has no distinct style or voice as of yet, Beast shows he has potential.

Alien: Covenant (2017)

Couples Retreat with Aliens needs therapy

[5/10 · 11 May 2017]

Covenant is the 6th movie in the franchise with director Ridley Scott returning. So what did they get right? Well as expected the visuals are always stunning. Scenery of the planets, art design and cinematography are aspects of Alien with Scott's direction I can always count on. In terms of acting, Michael Fassbender gives a chilling performance. He manages to portray creepiness, desire and obsession so well it got under my skin. He was given the most to do with his existential themes and creator complexity so that was expected. Unfortunately I still left the theatre underwhelmed. Scott clearly wanted to return to the roots of the 1979 classic so much, that it essentially BECOMES that. The film becomes the conventional horror flick it so started in '79 riddled with tropes (if they're alone; THEY DIE, if they're having sex; THEY DIE). It offers nothing new in the franchise as we've grown to see the scene where a dude looks into an facehugging egg, or a revelation that androids can't be trusted. It certainly tries sets up new directions they could've taken but never quite gets out of its comfort zone and in the end we get a plain "monster-picks-off-people-one-by-one" story. Also the CGI Xenomorph PALES in comparison to the mechanic puppet used in previous films. This lack of practical effects was also a bummer. In the end though it acts fine as a sci-fi horror if you're not too attached to how revolutionary Alien and Aliens are. Part of me wanted something a little more unfortunately.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

The Guardians Strike Back

[8/10 · 24 April 2017]

I was lucky enough to see this on 20/4 at an industry screening which allowed me to sit on the film for a few days before I gave a review. I can safely say GotG Volume 2 absolutely wowed me. I can't believe these bunch of lovable misfit a-holes made one of the most MATURE themed films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film is visually gorgeous. The use of colour, design and the straight up imagination of the source material outstand any MCU film prior. The action is glorious and astonishing. One scene in particular, I was jaw-dropped in its entirety as direction, action-choreography and music all came together so harmoniously. And THE MUSIC! What an eargasmic soundtrack. The songs are more poetic this time around and fit the subtext of the film perfectly. The trailers gave me the feel of the first movie; a straight-up Sci-fi action-comedy with a simple point A to B plot. GotGV2 is so much MORE than this! This film is patient with its characters and there is an emphasis on growth and family. It manages to balance 7-8 characters and gives almost all of them a satisfactory emotional arc. There is so much to chew on here with the issues and motifs felt by certain characters and I applaud that! This film is vastly different and I'm glad because I just love these characters so much! They are still so fun and energetic. It's great to see the team again and how their dynamic transforms. Also I forget to mention, the film is laugh-out-loud funny! All thanks to Drax who is by far the most comedic character and put me stitches.

Overall, this was both (I can't believe I'm saying this about the Guardians of the Galaxy) an emotionally dense and exciting blast. If Guardians 1 is the fast-paced Sci-Fi adventure like Star Wars was in 1977, then Vol. 2 is the deeper & richer film that takes its time to expand our beloved characters; just like Empire Strikes Back.

The Martian (2015)

Beautiful scenery, a great cast and a down-to-Earth story makes a genuine cinematic experience.

[9/10 · 24 September 2015]

The Martian sees Matt Damon play astronaut / botanist Mark Watney as he survives stranded on Mars after an accident during a mission leaves him presumed dead. The Martian is a sci-fi thriller and adventure, showing a return to form for Ridley Scott. This shows space is what he does best.

As soon as the film begins you are just immersed by the scenery. Some of the wide shots and the detail put into the setting of Mars is phenomenal. It is honestly stunning and almost makes you think "how did they film on Mars?!". Mars' rich red and stark desert is captured in beautifully composed shots and polished cinematography. The 3D adds a layer of depth that really stood out for me.

The cast is spectacular. Great performances all round. Some examples that stood out in particular was Jeff Daniels, Chiwetel Ejiofor and even Kristin Wiig who obviously comes from a comedic background naturally fell into her character and gave a solid performance. But overall this movie would be no where without the leading man Matt Damon who is exceptional. He drives this film. When he's on screen you are with him surviving Mars. When the film cuts back from Mars to Nasa back to Mars to Nasa again it doesn't feel boring or that you like a certain plot better, the film meshes and blends well because these characters and actors deliver stellar performances.

Which brings into the writing. The writing is witty, smart and without a doubt hilarious. This movie could have been mopey and very emotion-driven throughout, the film has time to fit in humour here are there and it works! Watney seems to find the funny side in his situations and I had numerous good laughs. I did not expect the film to be this funny and it'll come as a pleasant surprise to people.

You are rooting for Watney the entire film. Damon's performance accompanied by witty writing makes for a likable protagonist. The supporting cast elevate the emotion of this event and how it effects everyone and all can relate. Beautiful CGI and directing makes for the aesthetic that is the Mars landscape is really one of the main reasons this movie is so good. A classic and unexpectedly groovy soundtrack too make one of the most entertaining and well-rounded cinema experiences this year. You will be cheering in your seat praying for Watney to make it home!

Paper Towns (2015)

Forget the book, this is a coming-of-age film in it's own right.

[7/10 · 19 July 2015]

Paper Towns is based off the book written by John Green of the same name. Book adaptations can go either way, with films leaving out certain moments and themes for a normal runtime. Paper Towns is no different to this formula and even makes it an overall better film. This review will be a comparison between the two and why the film is better.

The focus on certain themes are vastly different. The book is very romantic, one teen's will to find the love of his life since early childhood. That is the sole book's focus. However the film merely uses Q's love as a plot medium and substitutes the film's center as a coming-of-age, tumultuous journey for Quentin and his friends.

The film takes a classic formula of teen, 'growing up' films as it touches on particular themes with certain characters. For spoiler reasons, I won't name who with what themes, but expect themes about virginity/sex, self-image, closure, discovering one's self, life after high school and the bond of friendship. Of course love is in there but as I said earlier, it's merely a plot device to expand on the other themes. The book does not touch on these themes as much and that's why I believe the film in it's own right is an improvement on the book and a romance novel turned coming-of-age film was a big pay off.

The film's flaws are with the book adaptation. To be honest, the adaptation after the first act was messy, as certain pinnacles and big reveals in the book are merely brushed over within 5 minutes (book readers will know what I'm talking about). Certain character's relationship with Margo are never seen, we only see Q's. With the book expanding on every important character and their connection with Margo, the film simply does it through quick exposition, which makes it confusing and sometimes makes characters seem insignificant.

Other than those weaknesses without going into spoilers, the film is a very enjoyable ride. The characters are very likable and seeing these friends grow closer and closer is a journey worth watching. The writing finds balance between very funny and sometimes very serious. The soundtrack is perfect and teenagers/young adults will find relatable qualities through out. Turning the romance-driven book into a coming-of-age tale I felt was a bold choice that bettered the film overall.

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

Proves Marvel's Streak Will Not End for a Long Time.

[7/10 · 22 April 2015]

Avengers Age of Ultron is nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece. It has set a new bar for superhero movies to come and gives us a glimpse into Marvel's ever-growing future. Whedon knows his audience and he delivers every time. Action scenes are masterful and every frame a painting. Every actor knows their role in and out, including Spader who's performance is incredible. And not forgetting how well the jokes blend in. They are executed perfectly and really break up the tone every now and again. This is a sequel done right and proves that The Avengers are the superheroes not to be reckoned with at the box office. This proves Marvel's high streak will last. Love them or hate them, this movie shows that they are capable of anything.