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Film reviews

Superman Review

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This is the next chapter and a new beginning. In this film, James Gunn uses his mind to jump right into what the superhero franchise is about. There is not much of a foundation, but it is all laid out—Superman, Lex Luthor, Lois Lane, and the world filled with many dangers. This movie is one for the ages. David Corenswet plays Superman, Nicholas Hoult plays Lex Luthor, and Rachel Brosnahan plays Lois Lane. The dynamic cast from the younger generation brings more to the table with a storyline to support them.

Gunn’s directing is one-of-a-kind. He utilizes his writing so that audiences are looped in instantly (as if the many events of Superman have already happened). In addition, there is more of a political side in the futuristic setting of Superman. Lex Luthor is a political enemy and nemesis. Superman is Clark Kent (a reporter) when he is not wearing the cape trying to save the world. Lois Lane is the one right in the middle trying to maintain her professionalism while having feelings for both Superman/Clark Kent. The chemistry between the film’s characters is even more exciting than I anticipated.

What I found most clever in the film is the dog Krypto. He is a major contributor to the story and gave a Wizard of Oz vibe, i.e., Superman has his own Toto sidekick. Not only that, but Lex Luthor has monkeys performing IT tactics to help him achieve his mastermind plans. The layers of good and evil tango with new universes, creatures, and egos. Gunn nails the many moving parts to keep the punches rolling in Superman.

Even though at times the movie seems over-the-top, the writing and fictional settings work. Audiences will not miss any important aspects. Instead, they will appreciate the powers of good and evil lasering down on them from soaring skies as Superman flies high.

Within the depths of technology, I appreciated the interactive comic book approach in Superman. The film surrounds itself with old-school branding. The comic book style is nostalgic yet realistic. Overall, the narrative keeps the momentum colorful and leaves promising angles for more doors to be opened. Superman is definitely poised to have opportunities for new beginnings.

As one who loves many Superman films, I felt that there were going to be some let downs. Unfortunately, there were a few minor ones in the middle of the film, especially in the writing and characterizations. Somehow though, they recover easily. Gunn successfully keeps the presence of action which audiences hope to keep up with. This continued action adds intriguing layers to the new beginnings. It also makes audiences wonder about how the universe may be re-invigorated. Will Clark Kent/Superman find love with Lois Lane? Will there be time to save the world? Are there more centuries or areas at risk? Is the future in a tight spot? The cinematics creating the most anticipation are ones in which the skies are blue and a new hero is ready for the making. This story represents a solid new beginning, and one that is worthy. Three out of four stars for Superman.

Film reviews

This is Spinal Tap (Fathom Entertainment) Review

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This is Spinal Tap is a grandeur of brilliance that is filled with classic moments. Rob Reiner’s early project has led to more audiences over the years. This mockumentary/rockumentary is one for the ages. While the various moving parts and witty characterizations seem improved, in the end it is all about how the film holds up over time. It may seem by some as low-quality, but I found the quality mesmerizing in this story which still has momentum. Revisiting this masterpiece on the big screen brought back lots of forgotten nostalgia thanks to the old footage in restoration mode.

With Reiner playing the lead of Marty DiBergi and directing, it is a film that despite struggles with marketing has become a sensation. The story about an unruly band of misfits holds appeal fo all generations. The tour is filled with trials and errors as the group that keeps trying to achieve success. The picture that is painted is realistic while maintaining clever humor and outstanding continuity. “Spinal Tap” is the group’s name. Many of the members continue down the road of hoping for stardom as they showcase their creativity. Along the way, they must overcome various plateaus that arise during their tour.

The group is dubbed one of, “England’s loudest bands.” The film feels loud due to the humorous and clever aspects that fuel the comedy and narrative. Even though this was filmed during Reiner’s early days of filmmaking, he created a masterpiece. Interested fans can learn about the details of the film and its release from Reiner himself with the screening hosted by Fathom Events. For those who want to relive the moments of This is Spinal Tap with higher quality, in-depth cinematography, this event is not to be missed. Rock and Roll with grainy fun that is taken to new heights. Four out of four stars for This is Spinal Tap.

Film reviews

Heads of State Review

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A thriller based on a global threat starring Idris Elba, John Cena, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas is overrated for serious thought and more geared on laughs. In Heads of State, there are only two characters that are of major importance, Elba and Jonas. Because the UK has a central focus in the story, they fit the bill more effectively. Cena is literally the tag along who is tangential and relies upon his over-inflated ego to fuel the film’s comical mischief. This film’s writing seems initially to flow with promising value. Espionage and conspiracy are what sells the audience, but the outcomes of what is trying to be accomplished keep falling off track, In the end, the audience is left to think, “Where do the lines correlate?”

The setup is two political figures in mayhem. There is the US President Will Derringer (Cena) and the UK Prime Minister Sam Clarke (Elba). The undercover agent is Noel Bisset (Jonas). Will and Sam are two high-end individuals with big egos. Their personalities successfully fuel the joyful silliness that audienceswill cherish in Heads of State. Will used his fame to make his way to becoming President from acting gigs in major motion pictures. Sam earned his merit as the UK Prime minister by working his way up in the old school manner. Both struggle with some arrested development in different ways. At the same time, they must learn to survive together without killing each other.

Heads of State fuels the international vibe by having the film shift to various interesting locations including Italy, France, and Poland. Political and European espionage is spotlighted through the writing which is sometimes slapstick in nature and at the same time two-sided. The film has moments of stupidity but then comes back with funny punchlines. Many of the punchlines are based on the egos tangling between Will and Sam. Soon, however, they learn to work with each other to save their own lives as well as the ones that matter to them most. Despite the characters’ individual merits, the film is captivating because it is built upon a foundation of dark comedy mixed with a political flavor.

In all honesty, it is one-of-a-kind. The world may view Cena as a pro wrestler continuing to climb his way to bigger roles due to his celebrity. It may also view Elba as the British actor who many assume is the closest to the becoming the new 007. The film has some overrated moments, but they work together well at delivering a comedic boxing match. Overall, I found myself being sold on Heads of State especially given the fact that it has British culture woven throughout. The references to Fish and Chips play well in the celebratory scenes.

Do these two men escape? Are politics stronger than anticipated? These are pieces of a puzzle which grow deeper and fuel the fire for something more invigorating. A dazzling, albeit slightly mediocre circus of fun. Two-and-a-half out of four stars for Heads of State.