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Zombieland: Double Tap (2019)
Nothing New to See Here Folks
Rule 32: Enjoy the little things
Zombieland Double Tap is a satire on American culture that succeeds in delivering a few laughs while failing to offer any new insights into Americana. Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) are all back riding out the zombie apocalypse in their new residence, the White House. Subtle political references permeate the space without becoming overbearing. For instance, Wichita can't become intimate with Columbus unless the eyes of Abe Lincoln's portrait are taped over lest he see's anything inappropriate. It's these small jokes woven in out of the film that entertain despite its well-trodden subject matter.
Rule 4: Wear seat belts
My biggest complaint with the direction of the feature is that it perhaps plays it a little too safe. Instead of exploring new subject matter, it sticks to the tried and true tropes of Americanism like shopping at the mall, and obsession of celebrity. While the jokes still work, they felt a little outdated, and more importantly, out of touch with the current western climate. Consequently the sequences felt very formulaic and familiar. I couldn't help thinking they were missing some opportunities to break new ground.
Rule 5: No Attachments
For the most part, Zombieland Double Tap arbitrarily enforces rule number five on its audience by offering nothing new. While Zoey Deutch delivers a sidesplitting performance as the mall obsessed Madison, she is the colorful exception in this otherwise opaque adventure. At the end of the day, the flick entertains throughout its runtime but when the end credits roll there is little attachment to the characters or the world they inhabit.
Shazam! (2019)
DC Comics has Struck Lightning with SHAZAM!
Shazam is a fun super hero movie, in the veins of Deadpool (minus the dark humor.) Although the transition between young and old shazam is jarring the performances are solid and this faux pas can be overlooked. If you're in the market for some lighthearted fun before the summer block buster season starts, just say Shazam to your nearest box office ticket agent.
Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017)
Star Wars: The Last Contradiction?
Laser cannons flash as "X" wing and Tie fighters do their best to dodge in between the deadly streaks of light in a desperate attempt to survive and win the day for their respective armies. Heroes loom larger than life, at times unrealistically so, as sarcastic quips rip through the explosions overshadowing the deadly struggles they're involved in. Impossible situations are serendipitously overcome time and time again as heroes manage to narrowly escape the clutches of their relentless enemies. Laughter, and clenched tears, are skillfully wrung from the audience as careful dialogue and likeable characters (despite their shortcomings) are centered on the silver screen. Such is the mixed bag of nuts that is Star Wars: The last Jedi, a movie that doesn't live up to the lofty expectations nor is it the abysmal failure that some have mistakenly accused it of.
I liked this movie. It was a visual and audio masterpiece, as the sights and sounds literally seemed to jump off the big screen and surround the darkened theatre in bright lights and thunderous booms. But like with most of the notable attractions of the film, it's being pulled down by it's equal share of out of balance moments. The over the top wisecracks by some of its heroes, at the beginning of the movie left me wondering if I shouldn't be viewing this film through a dark comedy lens instead of an action sci-fi epic I've grown to expect from this franchise. There were also several times when the characters were in some pretty tight spots, but instead of finding a clever way out of their situation, there was always a convenient prop that showed them the way out in the very next scene. These in of themselves were not movie wreckers for me, but it had the jarring effect of breaking immersion, and it took me awhile to get back into the film.
Despite its flaws, the sequel has many things going for it. The action and special effects were superb, and the overall story arc was interesting and fun to watch unfold. While at some points the writing seemed, lazy there were plenty of other times when the characters and dialogue really pulled at my heart strings, and I really cared about what was going to happen next. My two cents, if you're on the fence and wondering whether to see it in the theatre or not, I'd say see it on the big screen. Just beware its not an earth shattering movie but at the end of the credits, it's a great bit of escapism and a treat to watch.
Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi (2001)
A young girl named Chihiro must find away to rescue herself and her parents after they are whisked a way to another world. A world where the spirits of Japan find solace and comfort in a traditional Japanese
I'm not a big fan of Japanese anime, however I found myself thoroughly enjoying this film. This movie has the ability to affect you on many different levels. At the lower level, it's a enjoyable adventure, that will appeal to audiences of all ages. Dig a little deeper however, and you will be confronted with such themes as gluttony, greed, courage, and kindness. Although these ideas have been played out in countless movies and books, what makes it special here, is when you see how western culture has invaded Japanese society, and how these problems are solved with traditional Japanese values. The voice acting is very good, one of the benchmarks that I use when judging voice acting is if I forget that the characters are animated then the film has succeeded, and this is certainly the case here. Suzanne Pleshette's performance as the evil Yubaba is particularly memorable, but of course you would be hard pressed to find a bad performance anywhere in this film. The DVD also comes loaded with special features. Of particular interest to me was a segment called behind the microphone, where the actors divulged their insights on the characters of this movie. This is definitely a movie that is worth watching, but I'll take it a step further and call it a movie worth owning.
Abandon (2002)
Humdrum says it all
An attractive, overachieving college student is deeply disturbed by the mysterious disappearance of her boyfriend. As she struggles to hold on to her ambitious dreams a down and out detective, wrestling with his own demons, attempts to help her put the loose ends together.
This movie is neither really good nor really bad, it just is. As the story unfolded, I felt no emotional attachment for the characters what so ever. I found myself so indifferent at their on screen problems, I was rather glad that they were suffering as much as I was, watching this film. My best piece of advice, save your money, buy some paint and watch it dry. Its a little more entertaining.
True Blue (2001)
A disheartened cop is seduced into the seedy underworld of blackmail and betrayal, when he falls headlong for a sultry young vixen.
The movie has a very dark feel about it. In each progressive scene the director takes the viewer deeper and deeper into the abyss of inner city corruption. The dreary mood of the film serves as an excellent backdrop for the mature subject matter being presented. The main character played by Tom Berenger, does a great job of portraying a man who is on the brink of losing it all, and sets the stage for his apparent liability. Although some of the scenes are predictable, the film does a good job of keeping you guessing as to what's coming next. Overall I found this to be an enjoyable, and entertaining film, well worth the price of a rental for an evening.