Film reviews

Disclosure Day Review

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When I think of Steven Spielberg, I think of imagination and admiration. Spielberg has delivered many films throughout the decades with plots and stories that invigorate and inspire. Deep down, however, Spielberg has a unique ability to take viewers on a journey into the unknown. Once we arrive in a different universe, our hearts are touched. From a boy finding connection with an alien creature in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial to a boy wanting to go from a robot into a human in A.I. Artificial Intelligence. Spielberg delivers again in his new film, Disclosure Day. This fictional story is political, philosophical, and a grandeur of a ride that never stops seeking answers.

In Disclosure Day, finding an inevitable truth is at hand. The film begins with the slow unraveling of a conspiracy. There is an alien encounter, and it is in a universe where the answers should not go public. The film has fascinating characteristics which all serve a unique purpose.  The main characters are Dr. Daniel Kellner (Josh O’Connor) and Margaret Fairchild (Emily Blunt). Both are brilliant individuals who are connected to the alien life form. The one after them who is seeking answers is Noah Scanlon (Colin Firth). The conspiracy gets critical quickly. With scientific elements and various sporadic events, Disclosure Day flies high. 

The person connected to Daniel and his rough journey is Jane Blankenship (Eve Hewson). She tries to help him navigate his harsh situation where he is trying to hide the truth. Margaret is trying to hide the truth as well. Her partner is Jackson (Wyatt Russell). However, given the many strange scientific angles appearing around every corner, there is so much to contend with during Disclosure Day. The brilliance in this film is highlighted by all the barriers to protect what is sacred. The new creatures are sacred, and the world is as well. The theories that Spielberg’s movie entails combined with the scientific and political theories mix in a way that demonstrates resilience and pure imagination. It is a spellbinding adventure that will blow the minds of viewers around the world.

Throughout the film, there are so many questions. Disclosure Day has some surprises, which is why it is enticing. For example, when there is a moment of truth, Margaret finds herself speaking in other languages. There are also scenes in which characters find themselves in a mode where their senses feel something is wrong. With aliens as the focus, the question of who to trust during critical times creates wonders in Disclosure Day. It is thought-provoking gem thanks to the direction of Spielberg.

When time is of the essence, Disclosure Day captures all the perfectly timed moments. The film also captures suspense. More importantly, the story does not take its focus off Daniel and Margaret. They are soul-searchers determined to find out what is going on. With the scientific background underlying the film, these characters hold the key to the doors of many wonders in Disclosure Day. Four out of four stars for Disclosure Day.

Film reviews

Pitfall Review

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When there is a hole full of spheres in a wretched forest, it sets the scene for an unforgettable survival game. Pitfall had me in wonders. I was shocked and elevated. The film had plenty of motion linking present and past events. There is a dynamic where a harsh past impacts new territories with dangerous elements. Directed by James Kondelik, this is one of the most gory and brilliant terror films I have seen. The brutality in this story captivates and requires thick skin.

The hiking adventures take place around British Columbia.There are a group of friends, Scott (Marshall Williams), Lars (Richard Harmon), Ashley (Alexandra Essoe), Gwen (Jordan Claire Robbins), and Charlie. Scott and Ashley are siblings. They are going on a camping adventure. Their past causes the forest to bring back terrorizing memories. Yet, they feel getting back out in the woods will help them regain their confidence.

The film brings in a storyline about grieving. It highlights aspects of the emotions humans face when dealing with things that are right in front of them. These parts of the film are uplifting and offset the crazier moments in Pitfall. To continue with the plot, Scott falls in a hole, and his leg is stuck and he is at risk of bleeding out. Everyone tries to search for Scott, but an enemy is in their midst. He is Hunter (Randy Couture). When it comes to Hunter, it is his forest, his territory, and his traps. He is like a combo of Big Foot meets Zelda. However, an even uglier type.

I love this movie because I love slasher flicks. With the forest and the trees providing a mix of resources, I felt nature fit wellwith the battle and survival sequences. Trees always offer a form of protection, even if the wood is thin. After pursuing many angles, there is no clear way out in Pitfall. There is only sticking together and hoping to make it out alive. This is a solid shock and awe thriller with a new brand vengeance that I was wrapped up in from beginning to end. Three-and-a-half out of four stars.

Film reviews

Passenger Review

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This film about an RV trip that finds itself in shambles has class. It has karma, symbolism, and eye-opening lines. At moments it is quirky, but chilling in the scares. Passenger soars. The momentum is gradual and audacious. The forest settings are surreal. The plot is promising. Best of all, it is not so predictable. There are hidden gems that spiral ferociously in Passengerwhile. demonic moments of evil linger.

The movie is directed by André Øvredal and written by Zachary Donohue and T.W. Burgess. These writers have backgrounds that began with short films. This one is Burgess’s first main feature. Their creative minds are determined to haunt viewers in Passenger. The RV plays a starring role in Passenger during a romantic getaway where nightmares abound, and the story takes compelling turns.

The film is about a couple, Tyler and Maddie (Jacob Scipio and Lou Llobell) who are on the road to an engagement. Tyler lives for his RV and Maddie goes along with it. Before their adventures the film introduces audiences to a scenario involvinga car accident. That spirit then follows Tyler and Maddie. The karma from those events continues to follow Tyler and Maddie. It is likely to make this RV excursion their last one.

There are moments of imagery in the film where Maddie feels like they’re being followed. Someone is painted to appear menacing, and he is. However, it takes time for Tyler to get caught up with this lingering component in their travels. The film transitions to focus on their relationship. I appreciated that part of the story because I feel relationships do not always have a strong focus in a film like this. Fortunately, their relationship is explored in various parts of Passenger.

There is a line that gets crossed frequently in the film. I felt the adventures they faced on the road trip stirred both horrid and good questions during the ride. There is no happy way out. There are lots of twists and turns, but the way they stick together makes it enjoyable yet not amazing. Three out of four stars for Passenger.

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