Film reviews

The Devil Wears Prada 2 Review

Leave a comment

Twenty years later, and the competitive fashion world is still bringing the heat. The Devil Wears Prada 2 has class. It is an enticing sequel in which themes from the first film are woven into something bigger. The dynamics between the mean boss, Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), and awesome assistant, Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway), are a knockout. I was compelled by The Devil Wears Prada 2 because the direction is original and the message has a purpose. The A-team of actors still glimmer with  glamour and success.

Andy has been working in the journalism industry and chasing stories. She finds her way back to a job with the fictional high-fashion magazine, Runway, under the supervision of Miranda. The compelling aspect to this storyline is that Andy is focused on finding stories. However, her stories may get ugly due to the rivalry with Emily Charlton (Emily Blunt). The two women were competitive co-workers under Miranda back in the original Devil Wears Prada. The fashion industry may be in shambles, and the luxurious world they live in may be inturmoil. Overall, the new film maintains its unique glory by creating a sequel based on many of the same accomplishmentsthat made the first film so popular.

From stylized dresses to clingy egos, The Devil Wears Prada 2 pours like an expensive bottle of champagne full of delights. Watching Andy navigate the complicated game of fashion and journalism under Miranda again is a treat. Thankfully she still has Nigel (Stanley Tucci) by her side. The amazing clothing and last-minute travels still speak to audiences. When the conflict between Andy and Emily gets going, the heat is on. The two characters continue to struggle with a love/hate relationship that viewers enjoyed from the first film. At the same time though, there are several reminders throughout the movie of how industries have changed channels over the past twenty years. This natural evolution was handled creatively in the narrative. Still, there are scenes that feel overwritten, yet the setup is still stellar. I was fascinated throughout The Devil Wears Prada 2because the film has so much to offer. I was sold on many fronts.

Audiences will find themselves curious about Andy primarily because her new priorities put her in places to pitch more stories. In the first film, she was dealing with Miranda and her wardrobe, this time she is trying to play a major role in the story about wardrobes. While Andy deals with her writing, she also must deal with Miranda (as her boss) and Emily (as her rival). The film is a glorious sequel. The personal connections and incredible fashion still manage to rise and shine. Three out of four stars for The Devil Wears Prada 2.

 

Film reviews

Mother Mary Review

Leave a comment

This film is like a fantasy where the lines between talent and reality are blurred. The artistic side seems universally magnificent. However, the pacing and characterizations are out of tune. Directed by David Lowery, he creates places of power and love and adds layers of a Kingsman era. Only Mother Mary is strictly female. There are moments of openness which express artistic talent, yet the meaning behind it is tainted. The film combines a mixture of various moments in which nothing gets accomplished. Cinematically wonderful, but the writing side…a flop!

The main characters are Mother Mary (Anne Hathaway) and Sam Anselm (Michaela Coel). The film follows suffering iconic pop star, Mother Mary. She finds herself getting together with her costume designer Sam. Mother Mary is on the verge of regaining her fame by performing. Her costumes and her appearance have elements that she questions. The film becomes an odd and bizarre journey of self-discovery. Unfortunately, I found continuity and creativity lacking.

The film has some imaginative dynamics. In Hathaway’s performance, she portrays a character who is pursuing her destiny by pushing above and beyond. In Coel’s performance, she demonstrates a persistent desire to compete. At the same time, they are both females with interesting creative narratives, and they adequately fit their roles. The dynamics of the film have potential which are not fully harnessed. Specifically, the cinematography and choreography are impressive in parts. The rest of the film…trash! It starts by using wonderful elements and then throws them down the drain.

I am trying to be positive about this film, but it is not easy. I thought the pop and dance stuff would lead to a Black Swan or Moulin Rouge type of experience, but it didn’t. What I got was a film where imagination and a comeback fail to see eye-to-eye. Hathaway’s performance of struggle speaks, but the rest of the film fails to comply. Mother Mary is a pop concert filled with confusion, silliness, and wasted creativity which never delivers. The film does have some scenes with very cool red lighting. In the end, they’re also a waste since this rest is so lacking.

Mother Mary should have built on the cinematography. But the artistry in the characterizations is some of the worst I have seen. I came prepared to appreciate the performances. It is a pity that they fall apart. Two out of four stars for Mother Mary.

42 CLFF, Film reviews

Becoming Vera-42nd Chicago Latino Film Festival-Movies with Tarek

Leave a comment

This is a film where all may feel lost, but deep-down hope prevails. There is audacious and grand desperation to seek a new light in this story which is one of the best films in the 42nd Chicago Latino Film Festival. The composition is strong and the persistence is mesmerizing. The film captures someone whorelies upon resources to survive. Despite the mattersencountered, the film is about pushing past hurdles. This is Becoming Vera, written and directed by Sergio Vizuete. He is stellar at capturing rare talent in this one-of-a-kind drama centered on fascination with the piano.

The film’s main character is Vera, and she is played by Raquel Lebish. She has been in and out of the system since she aged out of the foster care program and now finds herself jumping between jobs and homes. Vera has a talent for piano, because her former foster mom had a piano in her life. However, Vera has been self-taught. She lands a job painting someone’s studio. The studio is under a man named Hector, and he is played by Gabriel Dehl. He is teaching a pianist named Ellen Rivera, and she is played by Mikaela Monet. Once Vera touches Gabriel’s instruments, he decides to give her a shot.

The film explores multiple angles of competition that Vera faces. The film is vivid at showcasing persistence. While Vera continues to juggle her life as an orphan, she is also prepping in the piano studio with Hector. She has an opportunity to work her way up in the Latin music scene. Her nemesis, however, is Helen. Both musicians possess different styles. While Vera is self-taught, Helen has been taught how to play through structured lessons. Helen has the upper hand because of her musical education and the fact that she is more connected with those in the music industry. Vera’s only connection is Hector, and he can be two-faced.

The film does a great job of exploring this journey of someone who must work their way to the top. I appreciate the value of the message in this film focused on never giving up. The craftsmanship of the writing is so pure and beautiful. It is a moving picture of someone trying to thrive with love for a craft while also grappling with the uncharted territory she continues to encounter.

The devotion from the performance of Lebish is gold. She repeatedly shows up to do the impossible. Despite being an orphan, she keeps taking the chance to prove her piano playing has purpose. She goes above and beyond. She pushes herself to the limit. She disregards the hardship that circles around her. The film reinforces how important it is to live life in the present.As she says in the film, “I’m a fast learner.” She means it. Orphan life is an obstacle, but becoming an accomplished artist is an opportunity. Vera is unwilling to throw in the towel. Four out of four stars for Becoming Vera.

 

Treating cinema in many forms of art!