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Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire (2023)
Unfortunately, lazy storytelling
***SPOILER ALERT*** From the beginning I found this film to be full of cliches. There were some elements I liked, like the main female lead's strength and badass-ness, as well as entertaining nods to all sorts of cinema styles and other films (Star Wars, Western films, The Matrix, etc). It was refreshing, similar to Dune, to see a new sci-fi world appear and some badass characters + makeup/costuming like Tarak or Nemesis. Plus, there were a couple particularly epic slowdown action scenes that I did enjoy.
That being said, the stories that try to make this film an epic have been retold one too many times to be interesting anymore (such as: the overdone stories of the overly aggressive soldier, the horrific attempted rape of the village belle, the uber-evil villain whose only purpose is to destroy, etc). It's 2023, can we move away from trite one-dimensionality in our characters?
On top of that, some plot movers just seemed blatantly senseless, and actually went in direct contradiction with how smart these rebels were depicted to be. The fact that Kora has no hesitation to immediately trust an opportunistic Kai seemed stupidly short-sighted (particularly for someone who is so smart and risk-averse, as we see in the beginning), and some rebels (like Nemesis or the elusive Darrian) had little to zero explanation nor real initiative for why they had joined this suicide mission - which seems careless from a plot perspective. The ending actually made us laugh out loud - the flash of the robot soldier appearing suddenly as a deer king seemed misplaced and a little ridiculous.
I wish Rebel Moon would have tried to flesh out more of the things that make it unique - such as the robot form of the Noble or the impact of the Princess' special abilities. Instead, these seemed to be just sprinkles with no taste, and were left undeveloped and unsatisfactory in meaning or impact to the rest of the film.
Some good action, left a lot to be desired.
Seven Years in Tibet (1997)
Great for raising awareness for Tibet, but problematic Orientalist narratives
While this movie is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, has a few great scenes that will make you laugh, and shares a powerful message, its delivery was hindered by its painfully white perspective. The infantilization of Asia and all-knowing Western male figure make up an example out of an Orientalism textbook. Perhaps bringing Brad Pitt into this movie was the only way to attract Western audiences to this political subject, but I still believe the idealization of white foreignness in Asia and cringey depictions of cross-cultural interaction were highly problematic aspects of this film.
Knives Out (2019)
Loved the trailer; underdelivered in comparison
The trailer in the movie theater was absolutely delightful. I could not wait to see this film because of it. Unfortunately, I found the chemistry between the characters to be a bit empty and superficial. It's difficult to achieve depth of character with such a large cast, but regardless, they could have focused much more on character development and interaction. For one, Daniel Craig's accent really threw me off and just personally didn't like it much. His character development seemed strange to me, as if he were conveying being a little bit dumb and highly intelligent at the same time, which doesn't correspond well with his big Sherlock-style reveal at the end. I did find some things funny and was mildly entertained, but not nearly as intrigued or engaged as the trailer made me believe I would be. 7/10 for the general story, entertainment, some acting, but heavily lacking in making each character not feel so one-dimensional, in my opinion.
Jerry Maguire (1996)
This is the power of Hollywood
"Jerry Maguire" I watched in 2020 for the first time, and I was absolutely captivated by the insanely quality acting by part of Tom Cruise and the many supporting roles in this film; the beautiful/funny/iconic cinematography; the witty/perfectly timed dialogue (I loved the au pair); and the internal/interpersonal conflict that drives forward oh-so-well the plot in a way that never bores. Did I mention the incredible acting? You don't find quality of acting with a similar depth of expression these days. The development of Jerry's relationship with his client over the film, as well as the fantastically dynamic change of pace in Jerry's character (excited, fast, over-the-top to mellow, sensual, and thoughtful) aged like fine wine over those 2 hours. The way in which they finally achieve their goal is unique, hilarious, and tearjerking too. This film made me feel a LOT of things, and I was hooked from the beginning and now attached to it for good, for better or worse.
Sure, this film has its downsides too (it is Hollywood, after all).
-Renee Zellweger's character predominantly plays the role of the typical, head-over-heels woman who falls for the guy literally every single time he makes even a half-assed attempt to win her back. Clearly she gets what she wants, but not having learned a damn thing about herself even by the end of the film (not a good female role model - that's Hollywood for ya). Not blaming Renee - she was fantastic - but the ones who created the persona of her character fatally missed the vital interesting ingredient: true female empowerment.
-I felt like the blah, typical happily-ever-after dramatic scene in the living room truly took away from the brilliance of this film, which succeeded in making this story come to life from so many different facets.
-Tom Cruise is so attractive that it is mortifyingly distracting (maybe not the worst negative to a film, but worth mentioning nonetheless).
All in all, although I gripe with the lack of substance behind Renee's character, I can't help but preach that this film is brilliant and one that truly had me at hello.
Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus (2006)
Poor script and no essence to the film
I can't understand why they would choose to have Nicole Kidman play Diane Arbus. She plays a flimsy, seductive, wishy-washy, air-headed and frankly adulterous female figure, making the role of a female photographer into one that is unfortunately completely superficial. As a female photographer myself, I felt some anticipation in the beginning seeing her pick up a camera and potentially use it in a way that would highlight the strength in her artistry and passion for the art. Turns out it was all a façade. The camera literally only comes into play once Robert Downey Jr. is shaved down to look like a normal person. What's the point? What's the message? You're only worth being recorded once you look normal? I don't see the pride in it. Additionally, it barely even seems like she knows how to use that camera. There's not really much connection between herself and the camera whatsoever in this film. Additionally, the random insertion of a Siamese twin at one of the very last scenes is just a reinforcement of the fact that these non-traditional figures are used as props at best. I also don't really get how the storywriters thought it would make sense for her to blatantly carry out an affair right under her husband's nose (if not physical at first, at least emotional) for such a long period of time, and to have no retaliation from him... the whole family relationship is not really a believable one. 6/10 for the cinematography alone but very disappointed by the deeply flawed plot and misogynistic, morally depraved and empty portrayals of a woman who was supposed to be a strong female photographer.
Water for Elephants (2011)
Not believable
I liked some aspects of this film. 1. The character of August was somewhat well-acted (although his actions are not always consistent - how he rationalizes how he suddenly starts to like Jacob or how he gives him free passes didn't seem believable or coherent with his type of character) 2. Some quotes, such as the ones about illusion 3. Was entertaining. 4. Some moments of heartwarming feeling of closeness/family within the circus.
However, there was a lot more I didn't like. 1. The movie glamorizes the circus and the connection between the performers and the animals when in fact there's much more cruelty and sadness than is shown in this film. 2. Reese Witherspoon's acting was just terrible. Her voice, emotions, movements... everything about her was uninspiring. For instance, the way she said "darling" to August made me feel like she was reading off a script, and her facial expressions rarely changed in a significant or moving way. 3. Jacob didn't seem to have much personality. 4. Very childish and unbelievable in this film how Jacob and Marlena are willing to fight August and risk everything for their favorite/star animals, yet don't do anything at all when it comes to all the other animals or even the humans that are being mistreated even worse! Short-sighted actions and a sense that they are selective in their courageousness. 5. Scenes that were not believable, like when August makes Jacob/Marlena hug/touch each other in front of him... they both start to do it without August even threatening them except for speaking in an agitated tone! 6. Little to no chemistry between Marlena/Jacob. The only thing they have in common is pity for certain animals and are both typically attractive. 7. Framing of the story was too much like the Titanic. Also, the young man was weirdly curious/smiling the ENTIRE time, which also was not believable.
Contracorriente (2009)
Last scene is enough to make up for the whole film's flaws
Miguel is extremely selfish. He doesn't seem to be overwrought with grief when he understands that Santiago is dead, when he actually should be. Also he doesn't seem to consider much that Santiago's ghost is but fiction - or if not, suffering a great amount in the black hole that surrounds him when he is not close by to Miguel. Thirdly, he lies constantly to his wife to the point that she is sick of it (not to mention completely that he completely insults Santiago while doing so). His character could have had fewer of such fatal flaws, but I suppose that is why he loses everything at the end.
A second criticism is that there are some contradictory aspects to this film. The main one is that it plays with the idea of religion and homosexuality at the same time. Why exactly does it support the concept of religion by framing the story around Santiago's soul/ghost (only possible for one who would believe in religion), yet focus on and admire something considered anti-Catholic, being homosexual? Whatever flaws the film or Miguel had, the love story was nonetheless very beautiful. I loved the moments in which Santiago is truly happy for Miguel, even though what makes Miguel happy is not related to Santiago himself (i.e. when Miguel is happy after seeing the ultrasound of the baby, when Miguel shows him the baby and is now a father). Some of their actions with each other, like the first hug that Santiago gives to Miguel - full of warmth - and the boyish, incredibly joyful smile of Miguel when they are able to walk together in public.
But the most touching scene of all that gave me goosebumps for a full minute straight was the very last one. The sudden yet soft sweep with which Santiago's hand reaches for Miguel's face made me feel my heart rise all of a sudden, caught in the air. Their loving last kiss is what makes you feel like everything Miguel lost was worth it, just knowing that that flame ever existed between them.
A creative, well-acted (excluding the 2 white actresses), and touching film, if not a bit frustrating. But the ending - sublime.
Maria Full of Grace (2004)
Not impressed
I am rather surprised by how many good reviews have been posted on this film. I agree that the subject matter is very compelling and important for everyone to know about; but is this a strong film? Not in my opinion.
1. Maria's decisions She's a character who is fed up with her shitty boyfriend/boss; she is strong enough to leave them both. Yet she is not strong enough to stand up to her demanding sister every time she is pushed to hand over the little money that she makes? I found this to be incongruous in her character. One could claim that she cares about her family, but then one thinks about the scene near the end in which she recklessly steals the drugs and runs off, which basically means the murder of her mother, sister and sister's baby.
In relation to that scene, she made an incredibly stupid/irrational move. Why did she have to take the drugs when she already had the $800 given to her, and wasn't going to get killed since she had already gotten the pills out? What was she even planning to do with them? She didn't have to run away with the drugs in the first place; she could have stayed or left without the drugs, and not put herself/her family in such a hazardous position. This uncalled for reaction strongly lessened my regard for Maria's decision-making/logic in this dangerous situation.
Additionally, after she takes the drugs, she ignores her friend Blanca's advice to give back the drugs, then not long after, gives back the drugs. This scene further highlights her shifty decision- making attitude.
Maria chooses to lie. She lies a lot in this film, and we see that she makes a big mistake with lying about who she is to Lucy's sister in order to have a place to sleep. That was low of her; she already had enough money to stay someplace for the night, but instead decides to take advantage of the dead girl's sister just to save some of her earnings. The moment in which Fernando, very kindly let her see him a second time without calling the police and tells her to inform Lucy's sister of the death, goes yet again undeserved by Maria as she fails to do this task as well, suddenly too weak to hurt somebody, when she already showed that she would let her family die/friend get lost in the city at nighttime. I agree with Blanca's statement that she's extremely "mentirosa", and I find her selfish as well. The only times she shows herself to be caring are with Lucy/her own baby. It's amazing how easily she can forget about all the other people in her life.
2. Unrealistic parts of the film It is not realistic that Maria's family was not killed almost immediately after the drug dealers found out that the drugs were missing. Additionally, it is unbelievable that she and Blanca are not killed after calling the drug dealers and returning the pills, even getting their money back... Really? Plus, she is extremely reckless in the way she even fights with the drug dealer, screaming "Es SU responsibilidad!" In the world of drugs, there is no way Maria could have gotten so much leeway for the actions she took. She totally deserved getting screamed at in the face by the drug dealer. She was acting like she had world-class privileges, even demanding extra money from them. The story, and her life, should have ended there, if we were to be realistic.
The scene in which Maria was being screened in the airport was ridiculous. I was in disbelief at how horrible her acting was as a character in that situation. Who would have believed her with her large silences, and then quick, one-word, on-the-spot responses to the policewoman? No further description, laughably unbelievable shows of denial like "No traigo nada"... She made herself extremely suspicious. It was ridiculous that she got out of there.
I also found it absurd how she and her friend Blanca just split up after running away. You're in a foreign country, you don't even speak the language, and the best you can do is split up? It shows how annoying stubborn the two characters were, and how terrible their survival skills were, which makes their survival all the less believable.
The scenes in which Maria is just wandering around the city - unrealistic. You've just escaped from two drug dealers. Is this the best you can to do avoid getting caught by them?
I agree with some other reviewers that it felt like Maria's care for Lucy was forged so that she could have redemption at the end. I didn't see how she could feel so close to Lucy to have paid for her body and to have begun crying when Lucy's sister found out about her death (which was a scene that was very difficult to watch because you see how frustratingly incompetent Maria is - just crying immaturely and saying "Perdón" after all the horrible things she did. She couldn't spit out one thing that would have actually made sense to say in that moment). Additionally, does caring about one person whom she barely knew make her close enough to being a saint, as is alluded to in the title and the image of her in the poster? Not at all for me. Not to mention that the religious imagery and connection was weak in this film, which is disappointing when there is supposedly a pun about religion and drugs in the title itself.
There were some interesting aspects to the film, such as the motorcycle/bicycle white/dark comparison, which gives some cultural understanding as to why Maria got easily led into the business. But overall, I think the film could have been done much better with a different actress and a better script.