Film reviews

Every Body Review

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The term intersex is at the center of Every Body. For those unfamiliar with this term, intersex refers to people born with genitals, chromosomes or reproductive organs that don’t fit into a male/female sex binary. It is a story of individuals who have encountered many hurdles before owning and accepting their bodies. Every Body is a daring documentary and a revolutionary achievement. Every Body is a film that proves how hard it can be to be accepted. I found the film engrossing because the stories are touching and courageous. The exploration of fear experienced by the starring individuals is where Every Body stands as a sentimental struggle.

Every Body shares the stories of Sean Saifa Wall, Alicia Roth Weigel, and River Gallo. These individuals shine by being brave as they share their secrets about their own bodies. They talk about how medical advice and shame have brought them mental challenges throughout their tough journeys. The film is brilliant in capturing their emotions as they elaborate on hiding the truth about themselves. Every Body is a sensory experience and an important and invigorating documentary.

It is said in the film, “Surgery is not medically necessary.” This quote reminds us that one’s gender is about how one chooses to live their life. Someone may want to live with the body parts they were born with.  Others may elect surgery to help them feel like they are their true gender. Every Body is a scientific ride which reveals the traits, personalities, and complex challenges of Wall, Weigel, and Gallo. Their success is illustrated in this documentary as all three intersex individuals have had to overcome many rough encounters while dealing with their unique gender scenarios.

I respect those who identify in different ways. I feel I have even more empathy for those who feel the way they do after watching Every Body. The in-depth descriptions and topics are emotional and compelling. The stories described in the film display how there is increased awareness and more support for gender diversity in society today. The topic is still quite sensitive, but the film demonstrates the resilience of those impacted by being intersex and the hope that there is increased understanding. The documentary shines a light on the positives of being open and honest about the issues that are highlighted in Every Body.

The emotional content of the film is sensitive and requires empathy. It is a documentary of a serious topic told in a highly personal way. The concept of delving into individuals’ feelings connected to their gender and anatomy is bold. Every Body carries a strong and powerful message that everyone no matter what their gender should be accepted. The talents that Wall, Weigel, and Gallo carry with them add to the unique way they each identify with the world around them. Every Body is an intriguing documentary focused on awakening acceptance and being an ally for those who identify differently. Three and a half out of four stars for Every Body.

Film reviews

Indiana Jones and and the Dial of Destiny Review

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Unlike the previous films in the franchise, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is not directed by Steven Spielberg. It’s directed by James Mangold. But Spielberg did serve as an executive producer and, most importantly, Harrison Ford is back in his role as Dr. Jones. Ford continues to bring the joy and excitement that audiences know from the previous Indiana Jones films. The film doesn’t have many crazy surprises, but it’s a lot of fun in terms of adventure, finding clues, and keeping the archaeology side of Jones alive.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny begins with Jones on a suspenseful adventure (of course). His mission goes awry, he escapes, and the film then transitions to Jones trying to retire. But calling it a day as an archaeologist doesn’t happen soon enough for Jones. His retirement plans begin to get chaotic when he is informed of a one-of-a-kind artifact that could change the future. There are clues, puzzles, and the many layers of archaeology associated with this mission. Jones must deal with Dr. Voller (played by Mads Mikkelsen), the criminal madman behind the artifact. With an old student returning into Jones’s life, Helena (played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge), and Jones’s old friend Sallah (played by John Rhys-Davies) involved, they all play a part in trying to get their hands on the artifact. Because if it falls into the hands of Dr. Voller, disaster could ensue. Jones also has a weird relationship with Marion (played by Karen Allen), but Jones maintains the classy vibe that the world loves. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny has humor and action, but then key moments of seriousness while they’re trying to retrieve the artifact.

The film has a number of moments that its audience will remember, mostly due to the personality in Ford’s performance. The adventure and action, with jumping off buildings and shootings, is fun as well. But even with the fun and excitement, I still felt Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny was a bit too predictable. The outcomes were expected, the music always comes in at the same time as in the previous films. Its setup feels like it’s been repeated consistently throughout the franchise.

Nonetheless, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is a unique continuation of the franchise. And in my view this one probably tops the previous film in the franchise from 2008, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. So even though it didn’t feel super special, it leaves a positive mark going forward.

Is Jones’ mission worth it? Are there new people to add to his mission? Will Jones ever be able to enjoy retirement? Find out in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Two and a half out of four stars.

Film reviews

Joy Ride Review

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Joy Ride is a title that was used in another film, from 2001. That one was a horror and suspense flick. This version of Joy Ride has suspense but not horror, and it’s focused on four close friends who are on an adventure with a lot of annoyances. The director is Adele Lim, who wrote Crazy Rich Asians (2018). In many ways Joy Ride is almost like Crazy Rich Asians on acid. There are drugs, big international errors, and much humor and ridiculousness. The writing felt heartfelt, but the film was really quite bonkers.

Joy Ride introduces its audience to a diverse group of four women who decide to go on a getaway through Asia. They are Audrey (played by Ashley Park), Kat (played by Stephanie Hsu), Lolo (played by Sherry Cola), and Deadeye (played by Sabrina Wu). As they travel they each begin to realize their purpose in life, what they love, what they are interested in, and many aspects about theirselves. But the process through which they gain these realizations has lots of slapstick. One of the women has a goal of trying to find her birth mother, while the rest seem to mostly wonder what raunchy behavior they can become part of. Sex, drugs, misused social media, and rock and roll are all part of the formula. Joy Ride has seemingly no filter to its explicit, yet hysterical, directing. There is a dark side to Joy Ride, but the laughs are more of the focus.

For me, the gross moments in Joy Ride were some of funniest, like when drugs make one of the characters very aroused, to the point where sports equipment becomes a means of sexual gratification. These ladies seem to be inexperienced or ignorant about use of drugs, and this is what leads to many of the gross scenarios.

But the dynamic between the four friends is where Joy Ride really gets its positive joy. Despite the weird or dangerous scenarios that arise on this international trip, the film is a reminder of all the fun that true friends can have together. The trip is a ride of quirks and mysteries throughout. The moments of laughter, disasters, and irreverent scenarios just doesn’t stop. The disasters that arise make the film’s audience want more and more.

There are some somber moments in Joy Ride, especially with the friend trying to find her birth mother. It’s not a major focus of the film, and its presentation comes in at the right time in the film, to calm the craziness a little. But there is plenty of time for both having fun and getting serious in Joy Ride. Three out of four stars for Joy Ride.

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