Film reviews

Shayda Review

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This film takes place in Australia in the year 1995 and writer and director Noora Niasari opens Shayda with racing thoughtsconsisting of turmoil and overwhelming moments. It is a scenario where having a better life will entail a mother taking risks. She is trying to find peace and discovers that escaping a troubling life comes with sacrifice and unexpected consequences. This is a story of a sheltered life that is eager for a fresh start.

Shayda is the name of the main character, and she is played by Zar Amir Ebrahimi. She is living in a shelter in Australia with her daughter Mona, played by Selina. Shayda is trying to provide normalcy for Mona—she does what she can to provide positive activities to promote a better mindset for her. They are in the shelter with other women and children. The environmentis set as a safe-haven, however the safety is questionable and there are always unsettling moments.

The holiday around the corner of the film is the Iranian new year…Nowruz. Shayda is spending the days leading up to that holiday in the shelter to maintain the safety of her daughter and herself from her soon-to-be ex-husband Hossein (played by Osamah Sami). Hossein is a narcissist and an outspoken individual. Shayda explores how a dramatic life shift and separation can create mental strife. It is a journey that keeps aconclusive atmosphere—Shayda needs to remain stable for the sake of Mona and to maintain a strong position in the legalitiesof her situation.  

As Shayda revisits moments in her divorce process, the devastation in her eyes belies detrimental  hopelessness. She maintains her loving mother’s attitude when she is with Mona. When Shayda deals with the dynamic stress, she lets out her feelings of heartache. She keeps to herself and limits her interactions with Hossein. The film brings up many questions. Is Shayda going to take custody of Mona? Are they going to have to do joint custody? Does Shayda understand that the situation is confusing and impenetrable for Mona? When Shayda must let Mona have time with Hossein, she is scared for her life. She fears she could lose Mona at any time.

The direction of Shayda also provides a view of life in the shelter. There is a dynamic of mothers with their children dealing with situations of abuse and neglect—they all want a new life outside of what they are suffering from. Shayda finds joy when she hangs out with Lara (played by Eve Morey) and Vi (played by Jillian Nguyen). Shayda also meets Farhad (played by Mojean Aria), and he is a nice guy that she feels is encouraging. The community around her reminds her to think of the holiday season of Nowruz. Despite all of what is going on, the holiday and the many people in her life fuel her confidence.

I find that the film explores themes of grieving and desperation. The shelter is the center for place of peace and well-being in Shayda. Shayda may be dealing with layers of inevitable conflicts with her Hossein, but the shelter is where she can feel at ease with her upsetting turmoil. This portrays a poetic dynamic of hardship fighting to find the light. The abusive pattern of Hossein is overwhelming. He is the most unbearable character in the film. There are moments where he devises manytactics to sabotage Shayda. He does this so he can have the upper hand in the arrangements of the divorce settlement. He also does so to make it seem like he is the better parent for Mona, although he clearly is not. Mona remembers to tell herself, “I am not afraid,” and faith is restored from the parenting of Shayda.

Despite all what Hossein tries to do, Shayda is always the one that will be the stronger and more shielding parent. There is that awareness of confidence that is written profoundly—the bitter situation forces her to climb to a brand-new reality. The suffrage throughout Shayda is long and crushing, however the bond of mother and daughter elevates the story to a more redemptive level.  Moments of Shayda’s past are ones where there is empathy for her situation with her daughter. Will they be alright? The domestic situation is one where the realism is gut-wrenching. Truly a vivid journey of love that is lost and found in different aspects of a blurred situation of conflict. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for Shayda.

Film reviews

Kung Fu Panda 4 Review

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The adventures of Poe are continued in a creative adventure in Kung Fu Panda 4. With Jack Black still starring as the voice of Poe, his dialogue and humor are featured in this entertaining, family-friendly film. Kung Fu Panda 4 had a variety of scenes which caused me to laugh due to their positivity. This installment does not have as much combat as the originals did.This time around, the story is primarily in journey and adventure mode. Kung Fu Panda 4 dives in with full-on and almost continuous giggles.

The plot is a continuation from the third installment. Poe is experiencing success and opens a restaurant which leads to additional fame. The animation in this fictional world then diversifies. Poe has a new goal; he is training to become the spiritual leader of his Valley of Peace. This goal that is not as easy as it seems. Due to his departure as a Dragon Warrior, someone must take his place. Zhen (played by Awkwafina) is on his side and has hopes of taking Poe’s place. Poe has come a long way since the three previous films. His sensei is still Master Shifu (played by Dustin Hoffman) and his adopted father is still Mr. Ping (played by James Hong). Poe’s world is still one of a Warrior. However, a treacherous task awaits because a new enemy lies ahead for Poe. This enemy is the Chameleon (played by Viola Davis).  Her abilities include the power to assemble people from the past. Poe’s extensive training and many years of dedication are put to the test in Kung Fu Panda 4.

It’s all about the pieces of the puzzle in Kung Fu Panda 4. The elements Poe faces are detrimental, yet joyfully engrossing. There is a pattern of humor that swims through the many corners where obstacles lurk for Poe and Zhen. They even have moments when they distrust each other because they questioneach other’s skillsets and tactics. The film’s writing is fully in tune with the formula which works for animated movies to keep families enthralled.

The fighting scenes have effective dialogue and humor which connects. The journey has obstacles that are interesting and invigorating. The continuity is blurry and disconnected at times, but it still manages to send positive vibes throughout the film which results in non-stop fun. The message of the story in this movie is about connection and it is brought to life through the creativity of the martial arts.

Unfortunately, I did not love Kung Fu Panda 4. I do, however, have appreciation for the continuity of the franchise and this installment’s faithfulness to the franchise. Poe continues to be the primary focus of the story and grows into being the leader going forward. The voice of Black is stellar as always. Two-and-a-half out four stars for Kung Fu Panda 4.

Film reviews

Problemista Review

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This is a one-of-a kind creative film with loads of artistic value. Writer/director Julio Torres is also the lead and audiences will enjoy falling into his invigorating world in Problemista. Time is of the essence in this surrealist experience that is attention-grabbing. Problemista addresses real-life struggles and exploresmoments of desperation but leaves a trail of hope. The film is an immersive tale of wonders that succeeds thanks to the innovative direction and performance of Torres.

In Problemista, Torres plays Alejandro, an individual doing what he can to make ends meet as a toy designer. Alejandro comes from El Salvador and keeps hitting plateaus with the opportunities he is pursuing. The harsh world of rejection is very frustrating in Problemista. However, Alejandro gets a chance when he meets Elizabeth, played by Tilda Swinton. She is an inspired artist with a wild and egotistical sense of humor who serves as aa role model for Alejandro. She is also the one person who may be able to help Alejandro overcome his work visa conflict while also finding ways to approach his career path.

The scenes in Problemista are colorful. The writing has anaudacity of grandeur that is deep within the narration of the film. Isabella Rossellini is the narrator, and her voice has a tone which fuels the audiences’ faith in the artistic life of someone who has grown desperate. Problemista is revolutionary and engrossing. It is a portrait of the bigger picture of an artist trying to find work in a difficult field. 

The story provides context which helps demonstrate how who you know in a complex job arena can make all the difference when it comes to landing a job or an opportunity. Alejandro has limits due to his work visa and New York is a complicated and costly city to navigate.  Alejandro must stay close to Elizabeth and keep sucking up her in order toimprove his status and chances of growth and employment.

As someone who loves the arts, the story of Alejandro’s struggles enthralled and moved me. Problemista offered a landscape that caused many questions to come to my mind. Is Alejandro’s art repetitive? Are Alejandro’s ideas not in-demand? Is Alejandro’s voice enticing enough to pitch to the level it needs for fulfillment? While Alejandro’s works to complete his tasks, Elizabeth proves overwhelming for him to work with. Although she provides needed benefits. She provides the benefit of consistency so that Alejandro has someone to fall back on when he hits plateaus with his visa and art projects. Will Elizabeth remain true to Alejandro? Problemista offers a realistic look into an arena where the right voices and connections to the right people truly count. 

There is a long road of irritations for an individual who is hopento broaden his path into something more worthwhile. Problemista shows how tolerance and perseverance matter.Alejandro is destined to find his dream, and Elizabeth is his guide to that. Does art eventually lead to bigger aspirations? Find out in Problemista. Three-and-a-half out of four stars.

Treating cinema in many forms of art!