Film reviews

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale Review

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In the final chapter of this beloved series (including a TV show and movies), family and loyalty are tested, but at the same time tradition still counts. Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale provides a mesmerizing flow of curiosity for its audiences. The events of the previous two films showcase many hurdles in this finale. It is a calming, yet cinematic joy in which beautiful UK scenery brings much delight to the screen. The characters everyone loves, including Lady Mary Talbot (Michelle Dockery), Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville), and Mr. Carson (Jim Carter) brings a lot to the table in Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. Their honorable devotion to long-held family traditions are entangled during a time of change which leads to unexpected circumstances.

Mary is in a public scandal and the family hits financial challenges. This puts their household into quite a state as society’s norms are questioned. Going forward, Mary must learn to deal with her new reality, but also face the fact that publicity is a major factor in their well-respected household. Her American uncle, Harold Levinson (Paul Giamatti), visits to help figure out ways to provide financial support. Harold also brings Gus Sambrook (Alessandro Nivola), a smooth businessman. Mary initially has feelings for Gus, but as someone as traditioned as her, her choices are high on the radar of the public eye. Because of her father, Lord Grantham, Mary’s choices are not easy, and neither are her feelings.

The era of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is quite emotional, because of the major changes occurring in society, the family, and the household (both upstairs and down). After so many years, it is time for this popular series to come to an end. At the same time, the themes of love, boundaries, expectations, and respect are all played out in vivid grandeur.

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is filled with many special, joyful moments. As someone who loves the UK and has seen all the films, I’ve always enjoyed the evolution of the society showcased in this franchise. It has been fun to get a glimpse inside the workings of a wealthy family. In the end, nothing can replace the feeling of a connected family. Witnessing the rituals of both the servants and the family around cooking, meals, entertaining, and maintaining a historic property are interesting and entertaining. The film will leave audiences wanting to fancy a chat with a wondrous cup of tea. Three out of four stars for Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.

 

Film reviews

The Long Walk Review

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Based on the novel by Stephen King, director Francis Lawrence delivers a breathtaking masterpiece with The Long Walk. In thisfilm, survival and sacrificing everything has depth and meaning in every step of the way. Even though some may find the subject matter disturbing, the displays of connection and keeping those close just to survive is powerful. This is a poetic and moving thriller where emotions tackle each other. Cooper Hoffman is unbelievably good, and Mark Hamill is ferocious. The Long Walk is a ride filled with deaths, curiosities, and questions about what’s been accomplished upon reaching the end.

Hoffmann plays Raymond Garraty. Hamill plays The Major, the commander of this long, treacherous, and unexplainable walk. Raymond meets some friends along the way. The ones he holds close to him are Hank Olson (played by Ben Wang) and Peter McVries (David Jonsson). Some of the others on the walk are questionable characters, but that is something audiences will have to see for themselves. Going forward, Raymond has a mission. He wants to do this walk because he feels the politics in his life have impacted his family, and if he wins, he can change it all. However, as the days go by, more people on the walk die. Raymond and Peter begin to grow a closer bond of brotherhood. Every time someone stops along the walk, they are given three warnings, and if they do not continue, they are shot and eliminated.

The film is mesmerizing because it tests the waters of friendship and tolerance as it builds in intensity. A great deal of focus is on Raymond and Peter who keep at it while trying to help maintain each other’s momentum. Each time someone falls and fails in the race, my jaw dropped and my heart began to race. I felt the pain and the agony, and at the same time, I kept saying in my head, “Keep going!” That is what The Long Walk is all about. Resilience is the spirit throughout the entirety of this treacherous walk.

Despite the harsh subject matter, the encouragement to persist is intense. The film’s dazzling writing takes viewers into uncharted territory. Not only is there an award if the race is won, but walkers build connections which turn into a lasting brotherhood. The performances of Hoffmann and Jonnson, who are blood brothers, make The Long Walk heartbreaking and unforgettable. When one falls, they both will because sticking together goes a long way in The Long Walk. Three-and-a-half out of four stars.

Film reviews

Splitsville Review

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Monogamous and polyamorous relationships often spark conversations related to boundaries and other considerations. Watching the subject matter play out in a movie is a whole different experience. Splitsville is a comedy where love and arguments are intertwined in both fabulous and convoluted ways. The situations are fun yet sometimes repetitive, but no one wants to admit they are wrong.

There are intriguing dynamics with the different types of relationships explored in Splitsville. The film is written by and directed by Michael Angelo Covino. Kyle Marvin is a co-writer and is also one of the stars. Corvino plays Paul and Marvin plays Carey. The story begins with Carey and Ashley (played by Adria Arjona). Ashley wants a divorce from Carey. This promptsCarey to seek advice from Paul and Julie (played by Dakota Johnson). Once one relationship falls flat, many others begin to struggle as well. Issues related to love, sex, and commitments take their toll and result in a wild ride that is funny and clever. 

What I love about the setup and the direction of this film is the way the tone of the actors has them trying to remain cool and act normal. At the same time, however, anger and frustration is simmering. As the film lingers on, the dynamics and the affairs are not going as planned. New events occur. Scenarios involving characters sleeping with each other and making each other jealous add up to nothing pleasing anyone in Splitsville. It is a boiling pot of jealousy where openness is presented as fun at one point but then tolerance eventually is tested until it no longer exists. The writing in this experimental comedy has brilliance that I found intriguing and vivid.

Polyamorous and monogamous love may collapse in this film, but it is not a negative comedy. The story has a unique heartfelt side despite the multiple disasters. This is a gem of a film about friendships crossing boundaries but not wanting to step completely outside of them. The human elements of people being unwilling to change their morals, but experiencing the consequences are shown in a creative light in Splitsville. Three-and-a-half out of four stars.

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