Tag Archives: 20th century Fox

Film reviews

Avatar: Fire and Ash review

Leave a comment

Director James Cameron does not stop in his creative tracks to keep the mesmerizing world of the Avatar franchise flowing. With Avatar: Fire and Ash, the heat is in the moment as the world of Pandora hits territory with new revelations. At the same time, bad allies form—at the intersection of science, planet and people. It all comes down to whose side everyone is fighting for. Cameron keeps the momentum going in every fragment and in every detail. This fascinating film dazzles and shines boldly because the graphics of the vast areas of forests, skies, and seas are spectacular. The magical cinematics are uniquely blended which results in dynamics that keep this franchise getting better with each film. James Cameron knows what he is doing.

It has been three years since the events of Avatar: The Way of Water. This time, the uncharted territories on the lands of Pandora are the setting. Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) are still trying to protect their children from the many events of the previous film. However, the dangers caused by the corruption of Recom Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang) are not over. Now, Pandora has more advanced scientific experiments, yet the war is not over. Political aspects abound as civilizations take their stance in Avatar: Fire and Ash. The creatures and the people stand together. As the saying goes, “This family is our fortress,” which describes the defense that weaves togethers both emotionally and technologically in Avatar: Fire and Ash.

In this film, mayhem is working more effectively since the battles have been fought since the first film. The key focus is the conflict between Sully and Quaritch. Quaritch wants to maintain control and utilize Pandora for other purposes once he has the chance to demolish it. For Sully though, it is his home. He will not give up the fight for his family and homebase, especially with a native who wants to be one of them. The boy Spider (Jack Champion) is connected to Jake’s family. However, no human can breathe on Pandora without a mask. What if he has the chance to become one of them? Science is what matters, but mayhem reinforces the main point of the film.

There is a continued, formulaic approach that broadens even more in Avatar: Fire and Ash. Cameron utilizes technological components to keep the film’s various conflicts moving to points of breach. The film is captivating in portraying the fight between good vs. evil. Jake is with his family and has joined the forces on Pandora, but many of those he started with still want to navigate the sciences to abuse and torment. The subjects of civilization and democracy are what Cameron so effectively tackles both cinematically and technologically.

Additional characters add much emphasis to the film includeRonal (Kate Winslet), Dr. Grace Augustine (Sigourney Weaver), General Frances Ardmore (Edie Falco), and Parker Selfridge (Giovanni Ribisi). Ronal and Dr. Grace Augustine are on the same side as Jake and Neytiri, but General Frances and Parker Still remain on the opposing side. General Frances wants to bring the military back for execution, while Parker is focused on science for business. War, in this film, goes up several notches with a new creature Varang (Oona Chaplin) in the mix. She brings threats to Jake and his family, but also to the rest of the Na’vi. There are double the enemies, added chaos, and incredible cinematography which makes this Cameron film brilliant.

Looking back to the beginning, there is a pattern and tone to the writing which continues to become more immersive as these films continue. Scientific advancements in the world combine with conflicts between the humans and the Na’vi. Jake is in the middle and has become one of the Na’vi. Beginning as someone who cannot use his legs, the world of Pandora is where he stands. The people he began with are allies of both good and bad. Fortunately, there is much more to the planet that can be utilized for good. For Cameron, the journey towards acceptance and perseverance does not end without a rollercoaster ride. I was blown away by watching this movie in Dolby Digital. The flying and action scenes were enthralling. The things Cameron is known best for are all back again. As always, he takes this installment to new heights. Four out of four stars for Avatar: Fire and Ash.

Film reviews

Ella McCay Review

Leave a comment

Writer and director James L. Brooks returns to directing a movie with a good heart. There are many positive, down-to-earth traits in Ella McCay, a story where family, politics, and life areblended with turmoil. The narration keeps the film alive and afloat. At the same time, this gem of a movie is not only funny but poetic. The film is focused on someone trying to fulfill happiness while grappling with various challenges and plateaus in life.

Emma Mackey plays Ella McCay. She is dealing with conflicts with her father Eddie McCay, played by Woody Harrelson. In the story, she also has back and forth issues with her motherHelen McCay, played by Jamie Lee Curtis. Emma is into politics and is working to run for governor. She has a mixed relationship with the current governor named Bill, played by Albert Brooks. There are many moving components where life is up and down for Ella. At the same time, the main character’s go-getter persona makes Ella McCay delightful.

The film captures Ella trying to be this lady of wonders. What makes this movie extra special is seeing Ella thriving through the role of the narrator, Estelle. She is also Ella’s Secretary, played by Julie Kavner. What could be more entertaining than hearing the voice of Marge Simpson explain details throughout a wondrous portrait of reality? Many times, Estelle steps out of her role to narrate which made me love Ella McCay even more. There are many scenes in the film where there is a layer of reassurance. Brooks knows how to adjust the dynamics so that even during down moments the audience can find the light of joy.

I adore the role of Mackey, because she plays an individual who displays an unstoppable force of tenderness. No matter how devastating matters in her life are, her character is created to fall and get back up. She does this frequently and courageously in Ella McCay. To elaborate on this, she has a brother named Casey, played by Spike Fearn. Casey has some learning struggles and spends most of his time in introvert mode. Yet, he has the audacity to try to get back with his ex-girlfriend named Susan, played by Ayo Edebiri. This talented actress has a unique way of bringing neutral emotions to the table. Moving forward, Casey wants to try again with Susan, and Ella inspires him. The theme of siblings helping each other out is thought-provoking and endearing in Ella McCay. When all may feel lost, there is still a chance of reconciliation and improvement.

Even though many of the characters are in the film only briefly, and the film’s writing may be a bit all over the place, the concept of positivity is one-of-a-kind in Ella McCay. Brooks has created a masterpiece in which the puzzling components of life and human errors are featured. There may be numerous hurdles facing Ella McCay, but Brooks creates a portrait that makes audiences think deeply about what makes us human and resilient. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for Ella McCay.

Film reviews

Predator: Badlands Review

Leave a comment

Predator: Badlands is jolting and offers a thrill ride where creativity with CGI combined with a new beginning puts it at the top of the game. With a sci-fi direction that is unstoppable in its ability to deliver glorious imagery during exciting action sequences. Compelling motions weave back and forth and caused me to jump out of my seat frequently. Combats of landsand monsters take place in uncharted territory. The era of this franchise is on a track that I find amusing. Predator: Badlands exceeded my expectations.

The film is about a young predator that is not in his clan. His name is Dek, played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi. Things went awry with his team, and the planets and territories are shifted. He meets an ally named Thia, played by Elle Fanning. There is an alien creature dynamic in which the moving parts are colliding in the world. Teamwork is at hand, while also on the verge of clashing components. There are lots of monsters, lots of vast lands, and spaceships abound making Predator: Badlands quite unique.

There is fully a vibe of CGI taking effect. Its utilization creates scenes that feel like they are being correctly executed in a way that many would expect for a movie with “Predator” in the title. There are moving creatures, different ships, clans all over the place, and clashes and chaos everywhere. I was sold on this full throttle adventure because of how it evolved. While there is initially much disconnect, the film progresses into finding an ally and then working through complicated trails as the story continues. The duo has a strong force.

Director Dan Trachtenberg keeps stepping it up with his films and alien creatures. His ability to find connections amid conflict is highlighted by his writing which focuses on continuity. He can effectively bring connections into play for a purpose. Predator: Badlands was on-point. The “point” was “chaos” among clans and a creature ostracized. Predator: Badlands strikes up a new source of meaning. Typically, in sci-films, there is a bigger source of influence when an alien is out of their circle—that is what creates the wars among allies and politics in the fictional settings. Given that context, the question that is also asked is, “Is Thia trustworthy?” The journey of wrongdoings has many loopholes creating a mysterious sci-fi ride unlike any other in Predator: Badlands.

The ride of questioning components in crazy lands with new creatures is invigorating. Predator: Badlands was colorful in the way the film depicts skies and space as well as lands of intensemilitary action. Overall, it is stellar. For those who love the previous Alien or Predator films, this one is a treat. The graphics are well correlated with the levels of terror and suspense. There is accuracy with it. So many moves along the way in Predator: Badlands makes for non-stop fun. Lots of space, lots of adventure and tons of robotics too. I rate Predator: Badlands at three-and-a-half out of four stars.