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Film reviews

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Review

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It’s been five years since the first Aquaman film. The first one was rather slow and dragged at times. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom also drags a bit, but only briefly. Director James Wan brings this new chapter of Aquaman more surprises and more fascinating moving parts. As a result, it is at least several notches above the original film.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom takes place with Arthur Curry/Aquaman (played by Jason Momoa) as the king of Atlantis and a member of the Justice League. He took over the throne after defeating his brother King Orm/Ocean Master (played by Patrick Wilson) in the first film. Arthur Curry/Aquaman also has a child with his wife Mira (played by Amber Heard). When an enemy with vengeance, David Kane/Manta (played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), comes around aiming to regain power by building his evil empire, Aquaman and Ocean Master must come together to fight off the threat.

I watched Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom in 3D and I strongly recommend that viewers do the same. It adds to the enjoyment and makes you feel much more in tune with the film. The correct use of 3D in a superhero movie is where there are many objects flying at the viewer’s face, and there is lots of that in this film. The writing in the film seems at times to throw pieces together a little too quickly, but it doesn’t detract much from the exhilaration. And Mamoa’s performance keeps that classy vibe intact while also adding a few giggles into the action. I was enthralled by Mamoa’s humor. The film also dives into superhero encouragement while keeping the positive tune flowing. There is some revisiting of dark moments from the previous film, but that doesn’t stop this sequel from being entertaining.

The relationship between Arthur Curry/Aquaman and his brother King Orm/Ocean Master has that love/hate chemistry that flows through their adventures. They come across dangers above ground and underwater—including encounters with talking bugs, talking squids, and other bizarre creatures. The main weapon of destruction is the Trident (as always). In my eyes the trident should be called the “Trident of Triumph”.

One of the issues with this and other sequels is that tackiness can sneak in. In addition, in the DC universe the films often lack proper development of the storyline or characters. But Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom manages to dodge both of those issues. It has a solid foundation with more to offer in the future.

Overall, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is a technologically cinematic and encouraging film that has some short moments of boredom. It is a sequel where the storyline creates steppingstones that will continue to build the story. But what will fate hold for Arthur Curry/Aquaman—heroism or failure? Go watch the film in 3D and find out for yourself. Three out of four stars for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.

Film reviews

Rebel Moon: Part One-A Child of Fire Review

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I went in with mixed expectations with Rebel Moon-Part one: A Child of Fire. The movie’s director, Zack Snyder, is known for visual captivations and a lot of invigorating action. He always finds the right components to bring those elements to his films. A great example would be his 2007 blockbuster 300. A film where the action uses a lot of slow-motion and sounds that the audience can feel as they watch the movie. There are a few of those components in Rebel Moon-Part One, though sadly it is one of the biggest mediocre experiences of 2023. Set against a sci-fi horizon dealing with perilous forces, it looks attention-grabbing perceptibly, however its writing is scanty.

The film takes place on a distant moon where its normally peaceful existence is in danger from authorities of a nemesis force. One woman, Kora (played by Sofia Boutella) fights for survival. She is one of the strangers that knows the routes to fighting for the existence of her home and the villagers around her. She begins to assemble a team for a war. The enemy is Admiral Atticus Noble (played by Ed Skrein). The army thatassists her is made up of Kai (played by Charlie Hunnam), Gunnar (played by Michiel Huisman), Tarak (played by Staz Nair), and General Titus (played by Djimon Hounsou). Much of Kora’s team are people from different lands, outcomes, environments, and lifestyles. Each person on Kora’s team has a backstory which adds to the futuristic component of the film. Their mission is to battle with Mother World. It is a setting where galaxies have boundaries along with politics. The premise is clever, but the film is dry.

Even though this is just the first part, I will give credit in respect to its establishing the characters and their settings. It seems mostly to lay the ground for what is to come in the second film.I still lack faith going forward though. There is not much to say that is positive about Rebel Moon-Part One: A Child of Fire. It is a blur of a fictionalized storyline which could have been much more creative in its telling.

The sci-fi element keeps afloat in being superb in its technological factors. The storyline though, remains unclear and with a weak script. It felt rushed and forgettable. I was not impressed by its lack of effort to put its pieces together. I will say the one piece where I felt served a purpose was a ship hovering over a galaxy. That is a piece to the puzzle that has a form of meaning. That would be because it reminded me of District 9 (2009). This film has that apartheid vibe but tries to make itself go into the realm of a comic book type experience, but it never makes it. There is nothing special or comically intriguing about the film. The experience leads to a boredom where factors just keep falling into place without explanation. The film attempts to make up for its poor storyline with action and suspense, but it is hard to enjoy when there is no foundation established. This makes viewers wonder which piece of the puzzle they missed. Many questions are left unanswered and lead to pure confusion and frustration.

Seeing this film was a treacherous experience of exasperation. A sci-fi adventure with no surprises is no fun. It had great action and suspense with CGI galore…but no meaning to any of it. I feel that the direction of this was not looked over well enough in the process. It was as if the writing was being done as the film was being made. One out of four stars for Rebel Moon-Part One: A Child of Fire.

Film reviews

Origin Review

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Origin is a deep film which is faithful to a true story. The film is about a meaningful journey in society with moving elements as well as an inspiring purpose. The cinematography in Origin delivers seriousness and the technical environment creates tension. Origin is about the writer Isabel Wilkerson played by Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. Wilkerson is the author of the 2020 novel Caste: The Origins of our Discontents, a book that was published during the beginning of the Black Lives Matter movement. Origin is the story of Wilkerson’s approach to her novel and various issues surrounding her research.

The film has a sense of tough love experienced while trying to find the right places. Origin begins with Isabel and her husband Brett (played by Jon Bernthal) and then transitions to Isabel being asked to write a piece about the Trayvon Martin case. Isabel is focused on doing research and writing the story. Herwords are her art and her voice. Many things happen in her life which cause her to feel depressed. Her husband and her mother die, and her sister Marion (played by Niecy Nash) is all she has left. The story that comes to her mind based on her research is how race and caste systems have evolved in society.

The film jumps to a narration of human divisions from prior eras when there were serious restrictions based on race. Origin is a portrait of how dynamics in society have changed over time. The inspiration for Isabel is the in-depth focus of her research and her prolific writing. Her mind boils with emotions as her goal is to write a thesis based upon her research on minorities, racism, and caste systems. Origin is a portrait of how reality has stressors that can be hard to tango with.

As Isabel begins to dive deep into her story, rising empathy grows throughout Origin. A moment of grief inspires change. A moment of loss causes a sad climax. Origin is an experience which demonstrates that life has meaning. The film’s writing and direction develop characters trying to fulfill what provides light in their lives. Isabel believes instead of soul-searching with one specific focus, she can expand her horizons. Isabel strives to connect the dots of racism and loss into a story that can inspire the world.

The mission of the film is to offer a refresher on past eras and how they have evolved. Origin reminds its audience that even though rules and systems for minorities have shifted, they still exist today. The presentation of Isabel and her research offers athought-provoking experience. The film’s honesty and sense of sadness flow throughout the story.

Racism in politics, countries, systems, and theories— all connect for a riveting story of truth in Origin. As part of her research, Isabel visits other countries, including Germany and India, to understand their political systems and their evolution over time. She finds herself in turmoil when she faces disagreement with her beliefs in other countries. Although there are “structural similarities,” each country has developed their own society in their own way which has led to different outcomes. Origin is a revelation of empathy and hope as it provides context which aids understanding. The film and Isabel’s story will touch many hearts. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for Origin.