Film reviews

Dracula Review

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I experienced boredom despite several interesting moments. My eyes were dry, my thoughts were wandering, and this movie kept failing to captivate me. Written and directed by Luc Besson, this is Dracula, a film where revival is such a strong focus. The layout felt promising, but then sadly relied too much on terror to suffice for the rest of the film. Dracula is a dry adventure that left me feeling blurred because of the way science and reality were co-mingled in the picture. Overall, I just was not sold.

The setting is 15th century Romania. The main character is Prince Vladimir/Dracula, played by Caleb Landry Jones, who is a king of power with lust for his young wife. He also fights for his glory with the swordsmanship, so much so that his characterization appears unstoppable. But then a tragedy takes his wife, Princess Elisabeta/Mina, away from him. She is played by Zoe Bleu. It all comes down to believing in God, and that is where Priest comes in. Priest is played by Christoph Waltz. Mina is his experiment. The study of vampires goes way back, but then Vladimir/Dracula comes back from the dead to redeem what is lost. In the end, the power of faith combats everything.

The film just felt like it was pushing too many boundaries. The context was out of place. However, I give much credit to the performance of Waltz. His character is detail-oriented with keenknowledge which allows him to take many risks in the face of uncertainty. When it comes to vampires, the battle just does not work. Dracula relies upon its historical context to explore evil, greed, and lust, but the execution is severely lacking and fails to make the current film exhilarating. 

I went to the movie anticipating much excitement due to the exorcism, but overall, it just never delivered. The crumbling of a dynasty seems to have become the sole focus. So much of the action surrounding the characterizations of Prince Vladimir/Dracula and Elisabeta/Mina just never really clicked. With Elizabeta/Mina being studied by the Priest, that storylinesimply did not add much value. Again, there appeared to be a strong start, but then transitioned to evil spirits lingering which went off in directions that did not speak to me at all. This is one of Besson’s most lacking projects which is unfortunate.

With all the theories and the fantasy vibes, this film is a beauty of a mess. Dracula is presented like the writing was still going on during the process of making the movie. I felt like there werepage-breaks between the scenes. Some were monstrous and medieval, and then scientific later. Then there would inexplicably be a hypothesis or a blank slate.

Despite my frustration, Dracula may have value for some fans, especially those who go deep into backstories of monsters during this era. Overall, the story appears to be presented to make those who believe in hierarchy worship evil. It could havebeen done so much better, instead of being rushed. Two out of four stars for Dracula.

 

Film reviews

The Moment Review

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This is one of the most dazzling mockumentary films I have seen–one with purpose, realism, and politics. Directed by Aidan Zamiri, this is The Moment. A film that works to capture every moment in the life of Charli XCX. It is a legit story around the real Charli, portraying the artist in the center of encountering pressures prior to her new arena tour. The film starts off wonky and feels a bit surreal, but it does captures the essence of pressure.

Charli is on the road navigating new directions and trying to figure out how to manage marketing and her public presence. Rachel Sennott is one of her assistants and stars as herself. Charli finds herself in a complicated scenario with taking on her new stage tour, especially with the direction of a new stage director named Johannes, played by Alexander Skarsgard. On top of that, there is the media constantly surrounding her. Another one of her assistants, Tammy, is played by Rosanna Arquette. The film is a rollercoaster of stage and fame pressure that takes the audience on a ride that captures the essence of its reality.

The focus on the stress of the tour, is where The Moment speaks for its title. Charli consistently talks about how she feels pressured, used, or pushed. It all comes down to her winning an audience and a following, but also maintaining relationships with clients and co-workers. There is no easy way to define the tension presented in The Moment. From my point-of-view though, I found it spellbinding. The tour is back-and-forth, the narrative is superb, and the film is funny in its character moments of trial and error.

With the performance of Charli, audiences really get a sense of the mindset that is driven to be famous. The film captures her stress continuously. There is no easy way to explain the levels of it, however I can say that the outcomes are mind-blowing. The film presents footage to look archived or old-school adding layers that make one feel part of the film itself. The world is not easy in The Moment. 

The Moment creates a pattern where much of the pressure is felt through the performances Charli XCX and Alexander Skarsgardbecause it is dynamic, like a boxing match. Charli finds herself  looking like a mixed bag based on how Johannes puts together the stage and she’s not happy about it. She feels the symbols and logos do not match her attitude or meaning. On the other hand, Johannes is a drill sergeant about that and feels like his vision is the only way to success, but should that be his choice alone? Ultimately, it is about how Charli wants to move forward, and how she wants to shine.

This film is not necessarily mesmerizing, but it achieves its goal. The captivating tale of a life on tour holds true on a fair level. The Moment stays authentic in its writing and narrative track. The pacing just tends to be a little glitchy, but the pressures of fame are all thoroughly conveyed. Three out of four stars for The Moment.

 

Film reviews

The Voice of Hind Rajab Review

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I have not felt this tense about a realistic matter in a film for ages. My feelings were intensified by the real-life recordings which led to a traumatic, yet surreal ride. The Voice of Hind Rajab is a film that captures the reality of Gaza, a place where politics and war interfere with those who need immediate assistance. Throughout the film, the perilous journey of those trying to save someone is documented. So many deep and complex thoughts kept my head spinning with overwhelm. The movie makes audiences feel what is necessary, i.e., heartbreak due to a serious matter.

The film is a true story about Hind Rajab, a very young girl that people are trying to save via telecommunications. Her voice is shared through archived recordings which makes the story more compelling. Audiences will feel they are in danger along withyoung Hind. Written and directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, it is a film that sparks political debates regarding what is happening in foreign countries and what sort of conditions citizens are encountering. There are many factors to consider, including what the other side is experiencing. The Voice of Hind Rajab is a portrait of danger and highlights the lengths people will go to save someone on the other side.

There is no easy way to define the experience, but it is breathtaking in its realism. The main characters are Omar (Motaz Malhees), Rana (Saja Kilani), Nisreen (Clara Khoury), and Mahdi (Amer Hlehel). They are a team of Red Crescent Volunteers. Omar answers the call from Hind when she tells him that she is stuck in a car. Outside the car, there is an ongoing war, and she is scared for her life. Omar is doing everything he can but also finds himself to be extremely angry. The tension is heightened because they are blocked from sending someone to save Hind. Omar gets into disputes with Mahd, the superior.  They keep finding themselves in a holding pattern because of the corruption in the political systems. It takes navigating many different moving parts before ensuring safety in The Voice of Hind Rajab.

Most of the film is full of tears and terror. The difficulties the characters experience trying to figure out uncharted territory made my heart race. The thought of war, and a small girl in grave danger was just devastating. However, the invigorating tone is fueled by the mental fight to save her. The writing in this story about the battle to save a child is spellbinding in The Voice of Hind Rajab. The film is a powerhouse which highlights extreme scenarios that come together in spite of the horrific conditions occurring day in and day out.

Because I firmly believe in being there for other people, The Voice of Hind Rajab made me feel a heavy sense of empathy. The performances and dynamics between Malhees, Kilani, Khoury, and Hlehel are vast and enticing. With their Middle Eastern heritage, they expose the reality of dire circumstances in such an enticing way. No one will want to take their eyes off The Voice of Hind Rajab. Three-and-a-half out of four stars.

Treating cinema in many forms of art!