Category Archives: Film reviews

Film reviews

Mission: Impossible-Dead Reckoning Part One

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The franchise continues. Tom Cruise is back as Ethan Hunt, Simon Pegg is back as Benji Dunn, Ving Rhames is back as Luther Stickell, and Rebecca Ferguson is back as Ilsa Faust. Mission: Impossible-Dead Reckoning Part One is the start of a new adventure where the mission goes deeper, the risks become more dangerous, and Cruise is still doing his own stunts. The film starts off seeming like it could be a drag, but that all changes as soon as Cruise comes in and the storyline starts to develop.

In Mission Impossible-Dead Reckoning Part One, Ethan has a new mission, one that is tedious and frustrating, but many lives around the world are at stake. He must collect a key that holds the ability to give someone a lot of power, and has the potential to cause serious destruction, financially and otherwise. Benji and Luther are back to help Ethan with this mission. The team must contend with the enemy Gabriel (played by Esai Morales), and both Gabriel and the team have to deal with Grace (played by Hayley Atwell), who has a similar background to Ethan, Benji, and Luther. She has a relationship to the key and she stands to earn redemption if the mission is pulled off successfully. And as the team moves forward with the tasks and operations seemingly under control, there are moments where trust is questioned. Could it be that there are both allies and enemies within the IMF?

The technology on display in Mission Impossible-Dead Reckoning Part One is next level, so the team is advanced for success but also has its moments of failure. I was intrigued by the innovations that Benji and Luther exhibit. I was also intrigued by the many layers of suspense—ten times the suspense of the previous films. Cops, criminals, and the IMF having a brawl of multiple vehicles through different countries, disguises with surreal twists, and Cruise riding a motorcycle off a mountain, free-falling then opening a parachute and trying to land and save a train, are all part of the formula.

A film with Cruise doing his insane jumps and stunts makes for a pure Mission Impossible expedition. Seeing Cruise jump off buildings, make it through collisions, and perform many other amazing stunts proves that this franchise is far from over. If the stunts sell, the movie sells. The technological elements and creative advancements also make Mission Impossible-Dead Reckoning Part One mind-blowing on a whole new level.

But could this new mission be too much for Ethan to tolerate? Is the IMF at risk of imploding from within? Mission Impossible-Dead Reckoning Part One will enthrall its audiences from the very opening, with layers of unexplained events bringing anticipation. Three and a half out of four stars for Mission Impossible-Dead Reckoning Part One.

Film reviews

Every Body Review

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The term intersex is at the center of Every Body. For those unfamiliar with this term, intersex refers to people born with genitals, chromosomes or reproductive organs that don’t fit into a male/female sex binary. It is a story of individuals who have encountered many hurdles before owning and accepting their bodies. Every Body is a daring documentary and a revolutionary achievement. Every Body is a film that proves how hard it can be to be accepted. I found the film engrossing because the stories are touching and courageous. The exploration of fear experienced by the starring individuals is where Every Body stands as a sentimental struggle.

Every Body shares the stories of Sean Saifa Wall, Alicia Roth Weigel, and River Gallo. These individuals shine by being brave as they share their secrets about their own bodies. They talk about how medical advice and shame have brought them mental challenges throughout their tough journeys. The film is brilliant in capturing their emotions as they elaborate on hiding the truth about themselves. Every Body is a sensory experience and an important and invigorating documentary.

It is said in the film, “Surgery is not medically necessary.” This quote reminds us that one’s gender is about how one chooses to live their life. Someone may want to live with the body parts they were born with.  Others may elect surgery to help them feel like they are their true gender. Every Body is a scientific ride which reveals the traits, personalities, and complex challenges of Wall, Weigel, and Gallo. Their success is illustrated in this documentary as all three intersex individuals have had to overcome many rough encounters while dealing with their unique gender scenarios.

I respect those who identify in different ways. I feel I have even more empathy for those who feel the way they do after watching Every Body. The in-depth descriptions and topics are emotional and compelling. The stories described in the film display how there is increased awareness and more support for gender diversity in society today. The topic is still quite sensitive, but the film demonstrates the resilience of those impacted by being intersex and the hope that there is increased understanding. The documentary shines a light on the positives of being open and honest about the issues that are highlighted in Every Body.

The emotional content of the film is sensitive and requires empathy. It is a documentary of a serious topic told in a highly personal way. The concept of delving into individuals’ feelings connected to their gender and anatomy is bold. Every Body carries a strong and powerful message that everyone no matter what their gender should be accepted. The talents that Wall, Weigel, and Gallo carry with them add to the unique way they each identify with the world around them. Every Body is an intriguing documentary focused on awakening acceptance and being an ally for those who identify differently. Three and a half out of four stars for Every Body.

Film reviews

Indiana Jones and and the Dial of Destiny Review

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Unlike the previous films in the franchise, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is not directed by Steven Spielberg. It’s directed by James Mangold. But Spielberg did serve as an executive producer and, most importantly, Harrison Ford is back in his role as Dr. Jones. Ford continues to bring the joy and excitement that audiences know from the previous Indiana Jones films. The film doesn’t have many crazy surprises, but it’s a lot of fun in terms of adventure, finding clues, and keeping the archaeology side of Jones alive.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny begins with Jones on a suspenseful adventure (of course). His mission goes awry, he escapes, and the film then transitions to Jones trying to retire. But calling it a day as an archaeologist doesn’t happen soon enough for Jones. His retirement plans begin to get chaotic when he is informed of a one-of-a-kind artifact that could change the future. There are clues, puzzles, and the many layers of archaeology associated with this mission. Jones must deal with Dr. Voller (played by Mads Mikkelsen), the criminal madman behind the artifact. With an old student returning into Jones’s life, Helena (played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge), and Jones’s old friend Sallah (played by John Rhys-Davies) involved, they all play a part in trying to get their hands on the artifact. Because if it falls into the hands of Dr. Voller, disaster could ensue. Jones also has a weird relationship with Marion (played by Karen Allen), but Jones maintains the classy vibe that the world loves. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny has humor and action, but then key moments of seriousness while they’re trying to retrieve the artifact.

The film has a number of moments that its audience will remember, mostly due to the personality in Ford’s performance. The adventure and action, with jumping off buildings and shootings, is fun as well. But even with the fun and excitement, I still felt Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny was a bit too predictable. The outcomes were expected, the music always comes in at the same time as in the previous films. Its setup feels like it’s been repeated consistently throughout the franchise.

Nonetheless, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is a unique continuation of the franchise. And in my view this one probably tops the previous film in the franchise from 2008, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. So even though it didn’t feel super special, it leaves a positive mark going forward.

Is Jones’ mission worth it? Are there new people to add to his mission? Will Jones ever be able to enjoy retirement? Find out in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Two and a half out of four stars.