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Film reviews

From the world of John Wick: Ballerina Review

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I love all the John Wick films and I truly adored From the World of John Wick: Ballerina. I enjoyed it from the structure in thebeginning to the pattern of revenge which evolved throughout the film. Directed by Len Wiseman, the aspect that fuels thisfilm is the background correlating to the John Wick franchise. As it moves forward it contains the same momentum that results in non-stop mayhem until a price is paid. It is a rollercoaster that is unstoppable and a force of power that is not to be messed with. From the World of John Wick: Ballerina weaves a mode of continuity that makes audiences come to worship Ana de Armas.

Ana de Armas plays Eve in the film. She saw her father get killed right in front of her at a young age. Her childhood wasrough, but she always has a plan for revenge. She is introduced to Winston (Ian McShane). For those familiar with the John Wick films, Winston is an inspiration for some unsettling and throttling events. Eve begins her training to find the man who killed her father. The dangerous target is The Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne). Over the course of the film, Eve gets her training and finds herself on the run while hunting down The Chancellor. The correlation to John Wick is the presence of his character, played by Keanu Reeves. Wick is not a massive presence, but the correlating lines of vengeance expand rapidly. 

It is a two-hour ride where Armas is brutally and insanely good. The riveting components of revenge leads to in-depth motions that are loud and fearless. Gasp as grenades go spiraling, watch fighting on roller skates, and do not mess with Armas. From the World of John Wick: Ballerina paints a portrait of one “ballerina” that is not be reckoned with. The many intriguing aspects of this franchise’s universe are bound to have more to offer. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for From the World of John Wick: Ballerina.

Film reviews

Blonde Review

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The new film from director Andrew Dominik is rated NC-17, which means that—unlike R rated films—no one under 18 can be admitted to the film even with an adult. But what causes Blonde to be NC-17 instead of R? Is it sexual content or language? Is it violence or disturbing content? Again, why is Blonde rated NC-17, and not R? Viewers will need to see this brilliant film and decide for themselves.

Blonde is the story of the life of Norma Jeane, aka Marilyn Monroe. Ana De Armas plays Norma Jeane. The film opens with many harrowing moments from Norma Jeane’s disturbing childhood. Gladys is Norma Jeane’s mother, and she is played by Julianne Nicholson. After the disturbing events for Norma Jeane at a young age, the film jumps to her life of glamour and fame, when she becomes blond and takes the name Marilyn Monroe. From there, Blonde is an intense exploration of the good and the bad times of this complex woman. Dominik does not hold back on the drastic facts or information, which may be true or not, about the wild and dangerous life of Norma Jeane or Marilyn Monroe. It is lethally enticing.

Blonde is based on the award-winning novel by Joyce Carol Coates. With intense realism, the film is a blur of many emotions. As the film moves towards the fame days for Marilyn Monroe, the unsettling backstory continues. With quiet, sad, or harsh moments, the cinematography fades to black and white. These black and white fading transitions are one of the most effective film techniques I have seen in a life story adaptation in a long time.

Marilyn’s acting contracts and her relationships are the most cohesive aspects of her life, fueling the many emotions of the film’s storyline. Her relationships go in chronological order with those relationships involving Cass (played by Xavier Samuel), Eddy (played by Evan Williams), the ex-athlete (played by Bobby Cannavale), and the playwright (played by Adrian Brody). With all the odd or twisted relationships, and her mental health problems, Dominik’s direction makes the characterizations seem very authentic.

Dominik is also the screenplay writer for Blonde, and his writing is faithful to keep his audience in tune with the new chapters or new events in Norma Jeane’s life. And Armas is the true lady to portray the role of Norma Jeane. She has the voice, the looks, and the aptitude. She also stays in character and is amazing in her role. Her performance is Oscar-worthy.

Blonde was definitely one of the best cinematic experiences of the year for me. I have not seen a director who uses technology as well as Dominik does to shift the emotions of his audience. Viewers will certainly feel sorry for Norma Jeane, but Dominik also makes viewers hope that there is still light for her. Blonde’s tagline, “Watched by all seen by none,” is one that is important to the dark and uncharted territories for Norma Jeane. The film’s overall message is that money and fame are not the key to happiness. To the contrary, they can be the key to dark places and, for Norma Jeane, the can bring disconnect from family, mixed up relationships, and abuse.

From my experience, the heartbreaking moments on a film like Blonde can actually create a sense of connection for its audience. And as someone who appreciates film and cinema in many forms, I loved so much about Blonde. What I truly appreciate it for, though, is how it proves that even for the famous, that there can be times of tremendous struggle. Four stars for Blonde.