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Film reviews

Sorry, Baby Review

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This is a portrait that I was mesmerized by. It is a film that leads to curiosity as it explores human nature. Sorry, Baby leaves a trail of questions. Why do things happen? Why do people do what they do? Ultimately, how does the person who has been impacted keep a calm demeanor? Eva Victor is the writer, the director and the lead in Sorry, Baby. She gives everything to this performance. Her mental awareness and her ability to portray disconnect are impressive. Sorry, Baby shines in displaying matters of stress and relief. It is built upon a foundation of the steps it takes to go forward. The result is a landscape of trial and error that paints a clear picture of what it means to go with a gut-feeling.

Victor plays Agnes. She is working through the steps of completing her thesis to become an advisor. She shares a house with her close friend Lydia (Naomi Ackie), who is pregnant. Agnes and Lydia bond over their shared appreciation for hard work. For Agnes, however, her life takes a turn due to her thesisadvisor Preston (Louis Canceimi). Agnes is thriving the best she can her and then her world rotates once she meets Preston. While the audience does not see the tragic events, she has a harsh encounter with Preston involving assault.

Once the assault happens, the mood of Sorry, Baby understandably changes. Victor’s writing reflects the introverted mode caused by embarrassment and shame. Going forward, it begins to create a positive form of movement because Agnes keeps her head high and works through her emotions. She focuses on her thesis and leans on her friends, including Lydia. Then she finds herself at ease hanging around with her neighbor Gavin (Lucas Hedges). Sorry, Baby displays Oscar-worthy characterizations that soar with encouragement from the creative mind of someone who shows how growth from a harsh reality is possible.

The real-world scenario of Sorry, Baby leaves audiences with an influential reminder. Specifically, there is often something helpful to be learned from even a horrible encounter. At the same time though, it also shows how difficult it can be to talk about it. Victor’s writing showcases the sensitive layer of vulnerability that has the audiences hoping for better outcomes for Agnes. Her skills at writing, directing, and acting have led to a masterpiece.

With the harsh encounters creating anxiety in the film, the way Agnes deals with the post-event is thought-provoking. Does it scare her? Yes. Does it impact her? Yes. Does she open up about it? Not entirely. Her introverted personality and lighthearted attitude display that it is not about ruining one’s life, but about how one can move forward positively. Lydia’s pregnancy is one of the distractions for Agnes, and so is a cat she adopts. Slowly, the sweeter aspects of life fill the landscape in Sorry, Baby and light the way for an inspirational path.

There is turmoil, there is sadness, and Sorry, Baby turns despair into hope. Victor’s performance in all three roles (writer, director, actor) is one for the ages. The disconnect from reality is just the beginning and the steps to redemption are one-of-a-kind. Four out of four stars for Sorry, Baby.

Film reviews

Jurassic World: Rebirth Review

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Dawn of the dinosaurs may be upon this respected franchise, but this time around it is lacking a storyline. Throughout the years, I have loved the Jurassic Park films by Steven Spielberg. However, the many different directions taken by the Jurassic World franchise continue to struggle to attain a memorable achievement. Jurassic World: Rebirth is a film in which some scenes are surreal, but then the conclusion seems to always bethe predictable running away from dinosaurs.

In some parts of the movie, there was a level of clarity especially in the captivating scenery that surrounds Jurassic World: Rebirth. The background serves a bigger purpose than the storyline. With Gareth Edwards as the director, he tests the limits of CGI with futuristic approaches. Disappointingly, his skills do not hit all the right spots in Jurassic World: Rebirth. While Edwards creates a modern environment that starts strong, the suspense comes marching in slowly via the dinosaurs and island adventures as the film progresses.  

The premise of the film focuses on DNA samples which are the primary mission. The main characters are Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson), Dr. Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey), Martin Krebs (Rupert Friend), and Duncan Kincaid (Mahershala Ali). This group teams up in their adventures. Dr. Henry Loomis is a genius facing hardships at the museum where he works. However, the scientific background is what Zora and Martin come to the table with. They present the idea of new and evolving discoveries. In order to find their new extinct dinosaurs, the team must go on a brave expedition into uncharted territory. The territory, though, proves to be exactly what viewers will expect.

As the film progressed, my mind kept shifting to the question, “How much more?”  I kept feeling that I was seeing the exact same outcome with every continuation in Jurassic World. Spielberg’s Jurassic Park was original. In comparison, the dinosaurs in this new film are just combined components which are rushed in the hopes of more success. On some level, it is still entertaining, but in the end, it all comes down to experiencing the chases.

In some parts, the directing goes on a deeper path when capturing the underwater creatures and interesting parts of the island. I liked it when the film explored an era that seemedmodern but with an out-of-focus timeline. Overall, the age of extinction does not mix well with the velocity or depth in Jurassic World: Rebirth. This film flew below my radar. Although it tried to go in a new direction, it didn’t succeed. 

The foundation attempts to build off WHOA DINOSAURS! Other than that, this film is the most overrated Jurassic World film yet. It just falls down the slippery slope by relying on CGI tactics for amazement. This is a tactic which has been overused at this point. Yet, there are some solid moments and a few captivating surprises. In the end, looking at the entire picture, the result is a catastrophic mess. Two out of four stars for Jurassic World: Rebirth.

Film reviews

M3GAN 2.0 Review

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Robots and artificial intelligence stroll along well in this sequel. I found myself feeling like I wanted to do the robot dance. The brigade of adventures is set right from the beginning of M3GAN 2.0. The events of the first film, M3GAN in 2023, are not forgotten which helps take this sequel to a new level. Directed by Gerard Johnstone, this film contains promising factors—because the world of revenge and robots keeps testing the limits. Only this time, M3gan must be revived.

Life has shifted in new directions for Gemma (Allison Williams) and her niece Cady (Violet McGraw). Gemma still utilizes technology and has learned to promote her work within thelimitations of technology utilization. The events of the first film take a new approach and Cady is still in her rebellious stage. Gemma tries to help Cady with the process of growing up. At the same time though, their home is filled with all kinds of artificial intelligence. A new risk comes presents itself when there is a new robot on the loose that goes by the name of Amelia (Ivana Sakhno). This means that going forward, Gemma and Cady may have to revive M3gan who bashed in a lot of heads in the first film.  The question is whether she can fight to stop a bad cause.

M3GAN 2.0 feels scientific with the suspense building based on factors related to technological differences. Gemma is still intent to do good with her resources, but at the same time, Cady is still a young girl testing boundaries. Their main risk, however, is Amelia. Espionage goes a long way in M3GAN 2.0 and there is plenty of danger in this new and daring adventure. M3gan is played by two actresses—Jenna Davis and Annie Donald, both of whom make M3GAN 2.0 dance and thrive with the action they are programmed for. There is a moment where M3gan is told to, “Get down,” and she dances with vengeance. The world of robots at risk and the revival of M3gan leads to a rapid tango.

This is a most thought-provoking and joyful sequel. M3GAN 2.0keeps robot dancing for fun, danger, and to save the world. I felt like there was a Robocop feeling to this sequel especially with more robots programmed, and clouds storage spaces encountering risk. All these components come together to push the limits of safety. In addition, this comes at a time where the utilization of teamwork excels in M3GAN 2.0. The movie is a thrilling rollercoaster filled with lovely lady robots flying. There is no escape from the many joyful tunes in M3GAN 2.0. Three-and-a-half out of four stars.