Film reviews

The Death of Robin Hood

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Technologically brilliant is how I define The Death of Robin Hood. The rest of the film is hampered by a blurred storyline dominated by vengeance beneath the surface. The continuity of the film felt flat in spite of the grandeur of cinematography in a setting centuries ago. The acting is stunning, but I had issues with the pacing. Written and directed by Michael Sarnoski, this film is about a battle of grief past and present seen through the eyes of Robin (Hugh Jackman).

The plot involves Robin dealing with his dark history of murder and crime. He seeks redemption. However, at the same time he cannot put his past behind him. Jackman displays seriousness well in The Death of Robin Hood as he finds himself reeling from an injury. With the help of a lady named Sister Brigid (Jodie Comer), he sees some light ahead. Also, with a man named Edward (Bill Skarsgard), there is a theme of teamwork and redemption, yet the storytelling is confusing.

Jackman’s performance delivers a haunting message that his character is not to be messed with. Moments from his present and past spiral in ways that feel unpredictable. I struggled with what the director chose to emphasize in the film primarily because the backstory felt drawn out. Overall, it was very subtle and quiet. Unfortunately, the establishment of an understandable landscape was not truly there. I just felt there could have been more context established to explain why Robin Hood is facing so many perils. The film relies too much on technology and darkness for its selling points.

Sarnoski incorporates some effective storytelling, but it felt removed from the central conflict. He relies on cinematography and Jackman’s performance to create suspense. These scenes take on more importance than the dynamics between the characters played by Comer and Skarsgard. I felt they deserved more. I  felt the film kept spiraling around an angry man looking back at his past with moments of brutal violence. In the end, the revolution fails to be supported by a compelling narrative. The movie starts off OK, but then slides down to flatness leading to a steady slew of disappointment.

Overall, there are some meaningful moments showing how grief and revenge take their toll. Sarnoski knows how to portray humanistic values. Still, the film failed to satisfy me. The historical components do not have the wonders I anticipated. Therefore, I only give it two out of four stars.

Film reviews

Toy Story 5 Review

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When it comes to Disney and Pixar Animation, The Toy Story franchise has always held a special place in my movie history. Being born in 1993, I have grown up watching the evolution throughout the Toy Story films. Toy Story 5 paints a portrait of how much reality has changed, yet there is a strong sense of having a heart for the past. Directed by McKenna Harris and Andrew Stanton, the invigorating animation in this franchise still tops the charts. The toy clan is still together in different places, but their new challenge is today’s reality with screen-time. 

When it comes to technology, the new adventures of Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), Buzz (voiced by Tim Allen), and Jessie (voiced by Joan Cusack), involve finding ways to get the attention of the kids in the neighborhood who are all hooked on their tablet devices. Looking back at the previous Toy Story films, there was not yet this form of technology featured. The writing in this film syncs up with the transitions that have occurred over time. The animation combined with the writing seeks to inspire audiences of all ages.

Looking back in time, the toys now find themselves fading into the past. This aspect of the story is central to this fifth installment of the franchise. The choice of technology over toys is inevitable. The fight for love and attention does not come easy, but with positive teamwork and the spirit of “YOU GOT A FRIEND IN ME” hope springs eternal in this timeless adventure. 

The well-done animated scenes are worthy of admiration in Toy Story 5. Whether the scene is in someone’s old bedroom, a backyard, or a forest—the toys find ways to keep pushing forward. That is the Toy Story movies never fail to entertain people of all ages. The special role that toys play in people’s lives sparks joy which is noteworthy again in this fifth edition. 

This time around, there is a device called a Lilypad (voiced by Greta Lee), a new device holding the children’s attention. The primary child character is Bonnie (voiced by Scarlett Spears), and she is aching for attention. Her parents have resorted to technology to help her fulfill her need for friendship. Bonnie still has a connection to the toys, yet feels pressured to fit in by dismissing them. Woody, Buzz, and Jessie fight for the sentimental value that toys hold. 

Jessie plays a bigger role in the fight this time, because her adventures bring her back to where it all began. The memories from Toy Story 2 came back to me due to Jessie’s story especially when she realizes that a previous connection to someone can be dismissed. Toy Story 5 inspires viewers to never let go of what is most important in our lives. It also still reminds us that technology should never take the place of  human connection. Even though the focus of the story is on the toys, they also fight for humans to remain together.

When it comes to beloved characters Woody and Buzz, their leadership is still entertaining. This time around, they live in different places yet find themselves collecting dust. This tactic added to the technology focus makes for many joyful adventures in Toy Story 5. The movie gives audiences a chance to look back at the past and compare it to the present. It also piques curiosity about what may happen in the future. The popular quote, “TO INFINITY AND BEYOND,” still resonates in Toy Story 5. The competition for love and companionship lands just right in Toy Story 5.

Toy Story 5 is not only noteworthy due to the wonderful script, but also because it illustrates how much today’s kids rely on technology over playing with toys. I will be fully open. As someone on the spectrum, I remember loving to play with toys, even those related to the Toy Story franchise. In the 1990s, there were far fewer advancements in technology. Watching Toy Story 5 reminded me that kids today often play online more than they do in person. While both options offer a form of connection, this movie offers a gentle reminder that technology can have a detrimental impact. Therefore, choosing to step away from screens to play with friends or toys the old-fashioned way can lead to great enjoyment. Can Buzz, Woody, and Jessie find a way to get that message into Bonnie’s head? Find out in Toy Story 5. Four out of four stars.

Film reviews

The Furious Review

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There is kung-fu with vengeance and a rapid rollercoaster of writing that continuously boils the pot. The Furious fuels with flames of rapid violence and intense action. I felt the punches; I heard the sounds from far away. The conflict kept me in full-on attention mode. The Furious is a gut wrencher of an experience. Directed by Kenji Tanigaki, there is criminality that electrifies in The Furious.

The Southeast Asia setting spotlights the criminal underworld of operations in a rough setting that includes kidnappings for profit. To defend it  there is lots of kung fu and karate-type action. The story surrounds a father named Wangwei (Xie Miao) and his daughter Rainy (Enyou Yang). Enyou is abducted by a group of evil kidnappers in a dangerous operation. If Wangwei can save his daughter, he can save many other children as well. The film immediately jumps into streets of chaos and violence. The motor starts running as soon as the kidnapping occurs. 

I adore the fatherhood theme in this story, especially the way Wangwei teaches his daughter Rainy how to fight. Much of this happens in the beginning  before all the mayhem starts. The foundation of defense creates shields for the wild battles to come in The Furious. The film explores the components of teamwork while also being brutally violent. For some, the violence may be too much to handle, but I still felt the movie provided a stellar experience.

Everyone is connected, that is why the fighting continues between police forces, wealthy men, and allies, The Furiousthrows everyone in the pool in a one-of-a-kind way. The outcome is a war of martial arts that is both revolutionary and thrilling. Overall, viewers are taken on a  dazzling ride of surreal entertainment that cannot be missed. I loved every aspect of this film. Despite how overly violent it is, the characterizations and the plot offer hurdles of spellbinding brilliance.

The twist to the film is that there are two individuals seeking the same thing. Wangwei ends up teaming up with Navin (Joe Taslim) because Navin is looking for his wife who went missing. However, the criminals around them are all dangerous and  skilled in evil tactics. The displays of martial arts continue to rock this film making the action too perfect to look away. From cars with individuals dangling to fights with hammers. The experience felt like cinematic hammers banging on my head wanting more action. 

The criminality adds to the excitement in The Furious. There is no looking back due to the complex operations and bad people that Wangwei and Navin keep facing. There is much more than they anticipate, but somehow the way they team-up leads to the success of the film. There are lots of invigorating moments which add up to surreal brilliance. The Furious is an epic adventure that will keep audiences enthralled. Three-and-a-half out of four stars.

Treating cinema in many forms of art!