Tag Archives: Capsule Reviews

4K, Capsule Reviews, Film reviews, Warner Bros

Warner Bros 4K Releases: North by Northwest, Blazing Saddles, and The Terminator

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What’s better than reliving cinematic nostalgia? Continuing the collection of physical media! While we live in a time whenphysical media is limited, Warner Bros 4K Releases offer a combination of films that are surreal and unforgettable. From running from planes in North by Northwest, laughing with cowboys in Blazing Saddles, and seeing Arnold Schwarzenegger play the hero in The Terminator—there is an excitement and an adrenaline rush that lasts for ages. These are classic 4K releases that are worth the time, the money, and the energy to enjoy either for the first time or the tenth.

North by Northwest is a film I have watched four times in my life. The first experience was in a classroom, the second experience was in the cinema (in standard definition), the third was also in the cinema (in print projection), and the fourth was the 4K physical release. The layers of investigative purpose in this movie dive boldly, and still ignite my love for the film. Each cut or new restoration serves to brighten the suspense. The 4k experience makes the chase scenes more exciting as does wondering who is at fault in the film’s many suspenseful moments.

As a die-hard fan of Mel Brooks, Blazing Saddles is one movie that always makes me laugh out loud. It reminds me of a time when comedies were much more successful. Originality back in the day served a greater purpose and had a greater impact. The sound quality makes the laughter heighten the atmosphere which in turn causes the comedy to whirl around in circles leading to entertaining revelations. It is easier and more interesting to experience the humor in the audibles of Blazing Saddles in 4K.

Finally, there is James Cameron, a director who has always navigated his writing and craftsmanship with the skill of a champion. The Terminator is the beginning of a franchise that boils into many layers that demonstrate what filmmaking is all about. The 4K cut is one-of-a-kind. The many aspects of thecinematics and the characters fuel the fire of success in the 4K version. The quote, “I’LL BE BACK,” is the perfect message toremind viewers of the nostalgia in revisiting this classic.  

Film reviews

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim Review (A British Film Institute IMAX Experience)

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The IMAX screen at the British Film Institute! The biggest screen in Europe

The tales of The Lord of the Rings continue to glow. The wind blows through the early days of the backstory in a franchise the world loves. This presentation has a crispness and audacity that feels faithful. It is a cinematic wonder of kings and leadership. There is a lot to hash out and revisit in The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, an animated film which is the storyline to the franchise directed by Kenji Kamiyama. The graphics in this animated feature deliver an ambience of grandeur. I had the opportunity to see this at the British Film Institute IMAX in the Waterloo area of London on the biggest screen in all of Europe. The film may leave audiences with some mixed feelings but the immersive moments in The Lord of the Rings: The War of Rohirrim stuck with me.

The plot takes place almost two-hundred years prior to the events in the original trilogy. It is presented in an animated form that is carefully constructed. Its characters are Wulf (voiced by Luca Pasqualino), Helm (voiced by Brian Cox), and Hera (voiced by Gaia Wise). The early days of Rohan are at risk and there is vengeance that collides. This is a journey that goes way back to a time before the moving parts of the original trilogyoccur. During this era of fighting monsters and protecting rings, there is a more foundational approach which plays out using a unique form of animation.

The overall experience of the film was just above average. It seemed rushed to find a combat mode to deliver exhilaration for audiences. I am amazed the movie was only a little over two hours long which is well below the three-hour mark of the other films in the trilogy. The IMAX experience at the British Film Institute made me feel immersed into many previous events I was unaware of which happened before the trilogy I grew up with. The giant screen around me made me feel the animated sequences due to the immense sound. I felt I was riding in aworld of animation. The leadership and adventures of Hera are wonderous. The film is slightly hurried, but its grandeur should not be dismissed. In the end, it faithfully delivers something different than what its large fan-base is used to. Three out of four stars.

British Film Institute Entrance
60th Chicago International Film Festival, Film reviews

Okie Review-60th Chicago International Film Festival

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The film is a portrait of writer’s block and its struggle. It is a drama that hits close to home (for me) because I grew up in Illinois. Directed by Kate Cobb, she brings her audience to a world of detrimental stress in the life of a writer. Okie is artistic with a vast landscape of a soul-focused direction.

The film’s main character is Louie (played by Scott Michael Foster). Louie feels that reality is hitting him hard. He has a bad past with a deceased parent. Louie is on a journey back to his home around De Kalb, Illinois. The frustrations contain a sense of tension (based on Louie’s reputation as a writer).

What is intriguing about Okie is its continuing purpose of getting through hurdles. Louie is the one dealing with them. Louie has success from dishonesty and lies. The many old folks around him do not forget that. More frustrations unfold, and Okie is a journey that contains harsh pasts, connecting again (with others), and common grounds complex.

Okie is a blur written thoroughly (because its main character is in one throughout the film). Its writing and portrait of aggravation take the cake cinematically. Once one event goes wrong, another one does after. Okie is full of surprises on the realistic levels of life challenges. Three out of four stars for Okie.