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.

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.

Treating cinema in many forms of art!