Film reviews

Afraid Review

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Today, there is a reality where AI is convenient. AI helps people stay organized with navigating tasks. Can AI be advanced on a personal level? Afraid loops in the context of questioning an AI innovation. Written and directed by Chris Weitz, his approach is on family dynamics (with AI). Screen time, technological addiction, and behavioral patterns are the discerning factors in Afraid. The approach is up-and-coming in the film. Its AI moving parts are resourceful. How real does AI grow to be in Afraid?

The film follows Curtis (played by John Chou). Curtis is a father working for a company that aims on AI technologies. At his home, his children rely on staring at their screens consistently. His oldest daughter, Iris (played by Lukita Maxwell), is obsessed with social media. His two sons, Preston (played by Wyatt Lindner) and Cal (played by Isaac Bae), play games on their tablets too much. Curtis and his wife Meredith (played by Katherine Waterston) feel changes need prioritization in their home. They got this new device called AIA. AIA is like Alexa. AIA is double the amount of intelligence over an Alexa. She thinks in advance. She makes sure there are no conflicts between Curtis and his family.

It begins to shift in the eerie path. Iris finds herself in a social media conflict. This situation links back to AIA. Preston makes wrong choices with friends. Finally, Cal listens to what AIA says more than his parents. It is only a matter of time before AIA’s words and mind games rain down with a terror of turmoil.

Where the film finds its haunting factor is its presence in its characterization. The personalities and facial expressions look blurred (because they look at screens so frequently). For improvements, Curtis is looking at new technology for his family. Is this a great idea? The personality of drained minds (due to overuse of devices) feeds the technology addiction in Afraid. It does before it gets more unpleasant.

When Afraid begins to see the red flags of AIA, the suspense is vast on a level of anxiety. That is because the advanced side of AIA is programmed to get ahead of moving parts more than its audiences anticipate. Some may think AIA is evil. Some may think AIA is convenient. Regardless, the influence of AIA is highly concerning. Weitz uses a direction that loops in mental stressors of the dangers of reliance. “Dangers of reliance” is among Curtis and Meredith for putting forth trust in AIA for their children. The high levels of stressors dig deep in Afraid. What will AIA do? What will Curtis do to protect his family? How enabled will his children be with their fascination with AIA?

Once the questioning factors of detrimental suspense come around, Afraid begins to feel the predictable vibes. It does well with keeping AIA as the focus of the potential threat. With the continued concern about how AI is bound to have red flags, Afraid is an average example of those “red flags.” The screen time takes a (minor and inviting) turn for the worst in Afraid. Two out of four stars for Afraid.

Capsule Reviews, CUFF 31, Film reviews

Flying Lessons (CUFF 31) Review

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This is one of those rare and distinct documentaries that captures struggle and frustration.  This film displays the art of tolerance while dealing with a crisis and dives into the depths with a blissful meaning and purpose. Flying Lessons is an audacious and gorgeous work-of-art about finding bonding moments in life. Directed by Elizabeth Nichols, Flying Lessons had me questioning how the film found its positive voice. How does it remain optimistic given the issues  beneath the surface that are so difficult to cope with?

Flying Lessons focuses on Philly Abe, a punk artist. The director examines Philly’s life from what she tells her. Philly lives in an apartment on the Lower East Side of New York City and is dealing with an abusive landlord related to issues of fairness and rent. Philly has ways of coping with the stress through music, art, and culture. The film links to a lot of artists in the 80s as Philly talks about her struggles growing up. The story is an experiential ride that throbs with heartache and pain.

Philly is an inspiring force in this surreal story of exploration. She thrives on telling her story, and explaining what she does with her artistic value to stay afloat. The director is skillful atputting herself in Philly’s environment by spending time in her home and listening to the many stories she shares. Flying Lessons showcases the reality of class facing a real problem. It is charismatic in its poetic writing which portrays the evolving patterns of art.

The perspective of a home-life in turmoil based on inevitabledetrimental causes is compelling. The director of Flying Lessonsencourages the audience to use their voice to build resilience and fortitude.  Philly’s daily routine and the development of an amazing artistic path make Flying Lessons intriguing. The mental approaches used by Nichols come from poignant angles which result in light in each word she hears from Philly. Three-and-a-half out of four stars.

Flying Lessons is destined to be part of the 31st Chicago Underground Film Festival. The festival runs from Wednesday,September 11th to Sunday, September 15th. Flying Lessons will play at the Harper Theater on Thursday, September 12th at 9:30pm and Saturday, September 14th at 12:00pm. Go to https://cuff.org/ for listings, tickets and passes.

Film reviews

Blink Twice Review

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Blink Twice is cast with an all-star list of talent with Naomie Ackie as Frida, Channing Tatum as Slater, Alia Shawkat as Jess, Christian Slater as Vic, Simon Rex as Cody, Adria Arjona as Sarah, Haley Joel Osment as Tom, Geena Davis as Stacy and Kyle MacLachlan as Rich. Directed by Zoe Kravitz, I felt the party was heated with many lines that keep the twists of the Island party hopping. Blink Twice is unique in its style. There is the setting of paradise where people are encouraged to cut lose and be free. There is a penalty with that freedom though. It is one of those films where it is set to have a catastrophic episode on a nightly basis…its continuity keeps its momentum steady.

In the film, Frida and Jess are two close friends who livetogether. They find themselves working a catering job that keeps them in the dumps. Frida is praying for an escape to have a therapeutic break from all the mental aggravations in her life. She is obsessed with Slater. This is because he is an icon of wealth. As luck would have it, Frida and Jesse are invited on a getaway to his private island, a place with no technology and a lot of weird natural resources. The trip also includes a group of people displaying some bizarre behaviors. The dismissal of technology on the island creates a strong attention to the reality of the circumstances and situations presented. Is it truly what Frida and Jesse think the adventure is though?

The film finds its points of being questionable though when moments of drug use kick in. This is where the behaviors of many of the guests begin to have a form of confusion, especially with Tom and Vic. They are weird ones. Other questionable characters include Stacy and Rich who throw in some odd dynamics. There remains an aspect of wondering what the truthreally is in Blink Twice.  All around there is a threat of danger. Slater may be wealthy, but what is he hiding? The depths of the getaway going downhill is where my mind kept finding its thrills. “Thrills” to the extent that all actions have consequences, and that despite how funny or serious the setting—there will be an outcome one or way the other.

Tatum is the party host who has that laid-back attitude, and he is also very welcoming. Does he know how truly crazy he is though? Does he know the dangers of the Island? Is everyone so drugged up on so many substances that they are totally oblivious to danger? This is a trail ride of questions where Blink Twice brings on buckets of sweat as the anxiety heightens. The party does not stop. No matter how dangerous or out of hand it gets.

A throbbing whirlwind of exhilaration, the party does not stop until the authorities get involved. How can the authorities make it on the Island when it is so remote with no technology? The island creates its own outcome with irresistible and psychological suspense. It is a comical party which keeps moving in a detrimental direction. The range of the problemspresented here leave questions with multiple choice answers. Is the island the risk? Is the host the risk? Are the guests the risk? Find out in Blink Twice. Three out of four stars.

Treating cinema in many forms of art!