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Film reviews

Karate Kid: Legends Review

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It was good to see Ralph Macchio back in the franchise, especially in his role helping someone fulfill a destiny. Karate Kid: Legends is a continuation that should have happened years ago. Directed by Jonathan Entwistle, he brings the dynamic of what shapes a team and provides mentorship to a new level in Karate Kid: Legends. After the success of Cobra Kai, the franchise focused on teamwork in a more realistic way this time around.

The most essential remaining aspect from The Karate Kid(1984) is consistency as taught by Mr. Miyagi. I fondly remember the late Pat Morita’s famous lines, “Wax on, right hand. Wax off, left hand. Wax on, wax off. Breath in through nose, out of the mouth.”  Sadly, he passed away in 2011. The legacy of patience as a virtue stands the test of time in Karate Kid: Legends. Daniel LaRusso (Macchio) is one of the individuals promoting success now along with Mr. Han (Jackie Chan). Karate Kid: Legends is a new universe with potential.

The new young warrior is Li Fong (Ben Wang). He moves from China to New York. His mom, Dr. Fong (Ming-Na Wen), hopes Li can dismiss his fighting as they adapt to their new lives in the USA, but the combat finds Li. Some positives do happen for Lias he forms a friendship with Mia (Sadie Stanley) who works at a pizza parlor with her father Victor (Joshua Jackson). As Li navigates new routes in New York, he realizes the chance to fight is just around the corner. His mentor is Mr. Han and that is who he learns most of his motives from. Karate Kid: Legends is filled with interpersonal dynamics that lead to a bond that is stronger than I expected.

Before continuing into details about the dynamics, I want to touch upon the fact that the film’s writing may feel like it is trying to be a blockbuster. Unfortunately, I found it somewhat lacking especially when it came to the pacing of the franchise’sbiggest alumni…Daniel LaRusso. Macchio is the gem of the franchise. He is a mentor, learner, and someone reevaluating his own combat. Kung-fu and karate have separate terminology, but they find common ground in their juxtaposition. When Li is about to enter a competition, he plans to go up against a bully/jock by the name of Conor (Aramis Knight). With much uncertainty given the various relationships, Li finds himself in the middle—trying to settle the conflict by competition. I believe this is where Karate Kid: Legends highlights the mastery of martial arts and persistence in a dazzling way.

There is no easy way out for Li. The world of New York is his playground, and he uses the streets and subways as his training ground for becoming a winner. The encouragement of champions is presented in a captivating way. Karate Kid: Legends is not mesmerizing, but the message it sends to never give up is a knockout. Three out of four stars for Karate Kid: Legends.

Film reviews

Bring Her Back Review

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This is one of those psychological rides that takes a new approach with layers of uncertainty below the core. With terror that shocks and surprises, it has treacherous backstory behind it. The sense of authenticity sparks incredibly, as Bring Her Back justifies itself to being one that will truly creep out its audiences and inevitably horrify them. It is not only the plot though, it is the fact that there is depth and pieces to put together. They are predictable, but the promising side of speculation is what makes it so engrossing.

Written and directed by Danny and Michael Philippou. These two filmmakers try to move up the ladder to new levels of excruciating and immersive scares in their continued projects. It sure notches up a few in Bring Her Back. To compare, Talk to Her correlates to Bring Her Back, but the premise has been twisted, they have added more truths and secrets in Bring Her Back. This is a guardianship scenario that is ignited with wrongdoings, and it must be stopped before it gets more out of hand. What captivates me with the Philippou duo is their forms of writing. They have a craft for creating fake or disturbing characterizations that are bound to be a lie—that is their key approach to creating their invigorating suspense in Bring Her Back.

The film centers on a brother and a sister, Andy (Billy Barratt) and Piper (Sora Wong). Their father has passed, and Andy is still too young to be a guardian to Piper, who also happens to be blind. They get paired with Laura (Sally Hawkins), a foster mom that delivers an eerie vibe. She also has another boy in the house named Oliver (Jonah Wren Phillips), and he displays characteristics that are concerning. Andy begins to see the dangerous side of Laura, who has an intrusive nature and is always placing blame on him. She is doing it to turn Piper against him. After the death of their father, the pattern of the house creates a nightmare portrait for Andy. He can see it clearly, but Piper cannot due to her disability. Did Laura kill their father? Why does Laura have Oliver in concerning patterns of behavior? Why does Laura have bizarre rituals? Why is Laura encouraging abusive matters? Laura does have a motherly personality, but the writing is on the wall of the lies behind that façade.

The context of Bring Her Back presents itself as a truth that does not want to be believed. The audience will not want to believe all of what is happening, and neither do the characters themselves. The juxtaposition of terror disbelief drives forwarda unique brand of a nightmare in Bring Her Back. Many of the characteristics link to wrong choices, a lot of which are from Laura, who loops into action to create a more detrimental experience for Andy and Piper. 

 Bring Her Back delivers imagery that is hard to get out of viewers’ heads. Without giving away spoilers, I will say do not watch the film on a full stomach. It may leave some aching moments, however, it is also surreal, invigorating and inviting. Three out of four stars for Bring Her Back.

 

Film reviews

Lilo & Stitch Review

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Aloha times five! Lilo & Stitch is a joyful ride that provides fun for the whole family. Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, I felt so much nostalgia from the animated version of this movie. The adventures of friendship and positivity to be found in moments of suspense make Lilo & Stitch feel special. To go right into the plot, the film focuses on Experiment 626 aka Stitch (voiced by Chris Sanders). Stitch is a little blue alien that has run away from Pleakley (played by Billy Magnusson) and Jumba (played byZach Galifianakis). Stitch has landed on Earth and be-friends Lilo (played by Maia Kealoha). Lilo is a young girl living alone with her sister Nani (played by Sydney Agudong). Their sibling relationship is filled with love and some complexities. Stitch and Lilo are inseparable, but can they deal with the crazy dangers that Stitch has brought to the planet?

The film is boisterous with Stitch pretending to be a dog. His infectious energy causes both kids and adults to laugh. I love this real-person adaptation because it is so authentic and true to the animated version from 2002. There are so many smiles, happy places, lots of sun, and plenty of waves. The Hawaiian setting perfectly highlights the adventures of this family. Because the detectives assume Stitch is a threat, hiding the obvious becomes more challenging. It also fuels the motives for sticking together as a family. The one spy that creates a dark brand of humor is Cobra Bubbles (played by Courtney B. Vance). Given his detective instincts, he knows there are fishy aspects going on with Stitch, Lilo, and Nani. The many ways to hide lead to lots of suspenseful moments and a sore belly from all the laughs. Lilo & Stitch is simply wonderful. 

With all the highs for Lilo connected to friendship, and Nani trying to adapt to Stitch, the theme of “Ohana” hit hard and touched me. The saying goes, “Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.” That term frequently comes to my mind thanks to Lilo & Stitch. It reminds me to remember to think about others and makes me think about my own family. For example, even though Stitch drives Nani crazy, she tolerates him because he is part of their “family.” Watching the film again filled me with memories of my younger sister who learned to surf during a beach vacation in Hawaii. While I am not a surfer, we loved watching the animated version of Lilo & Stitch when we were kids. I was reminded of her fascination with surfing and other special childhood memories while watching this new version.

I loved everything about Lilo & Stitch from the many ways it promotes happiness to the theme of doing what is right. It is an extremely well-done movie with an engaging vibe. It is an enjoyable ride of family and connection that will make hearts explode with empathy. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for Lilo & Stitch.