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Film reviews

Clayface Review

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The setting is Gotham in this film where a DC comic/character villain is actually the good guy. It’s usually Batman territory, only difference is that this time Batman is not the focus, as Matt Hagen aka Clayface takes center stage. Directed by James Watkins, he centers solely on a character that the world knows to be a villain in the Batman universe. With a generous amount of misdirection there is a lot of vengeance that swirls in circles with Clayface. He suffers a mutation that gains him a reason forrevenge. The film is jumpy and fun, but not so much of a masterpiece.

 

Matt Hagen/Clayface is played by Tom Rhys Harries. Matt is a rising movie star with a lot going for him. Big projects are coming his way, and his name is all over the press. All of this changes though, when a mob member named Markos Szabo carves into his face with a blade. With so much going on for Matt, he is determined to get his face back. He hires a surgeon for skin treatment named Caitlyn Corr to help him. Caitlyn is played by Naomi Ackie. They work together to get Matt’s face back, and there is lots of trial and error, with the result being thathis face can mutate into practically anything.

 

Everything Matt touches begins to become a power for him. He can transform into other people, and his skin is irreversible and literally magnetic. He utilizes all of it in full-throttle mode. With losing his Hollywood golden moments, his mission now is vengeance. The question though, is one of revenge being the right thing.

 

The film spends too much time on watching melted skin through the first half—very disgusting. It took away eighty percent of the enjoyment throughout the beginning of the film for me. I was thinking that I am here to watch a movie about vengeance, not to truly keep seeing a face melt or get more destroyed. The pay off comes around eventually. I just felt that it dragged with too many special effects moments of a melting face while waiting to get to the actual crux of the picture. 

 

The name Clayface comes around because of how Matt’s face is literally made of clay—it goes in and out of all different forms. A small spoiler… when he gets angry his skin gets tighter and he looks much like normal again. This is not always the case though. The question is, can he get his life back? Can he star in Hollywood movies again? Can he track down his nemesis, Markos? He sure can. Even though the character is an enemy in the comic book series, he is truly the protagonist who is forced to be the antagonist by events that were out of his control. The film is interesting and, yes, even captivating at times. It is almost amazing, but with a bit too much quirkiness to take seriously.Two-and-a-half out of four stars for Clayface.

 

Film reviews

Supergirl Review

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This film is rather boring, but also fun in a certain way. Directed by Craig Gillespie, the DC Universe now has a Supergirl in motion. The movie has scenes with flying and saving people, yet the quality of it is hit or miss. There is a predictable plot and a lousy setup. The saving grace is the execution of the action. Milly Alcock plays Supergirl, a party superhero who is bound to save the world if she can get her act together to do so. 

The film begins with Supergirl being hungover but she can still utilize her powers to do her own deeds and fulfill her own desires. The story is based on the premise that she has no desire to get into superhero mode. This is actually where the film picks up some entertaining momentum. That all changes when a young girl named Ruthye (Eve Ridley) needs her help. She wants to put an end to the enemy Krem (Matthias Schoenaerts.) Krem has wrecked Ruthye’s life but has also hurt Supergirl’s dog, Krypto. Both seek revenge. While there are moments of laser focus, it is not enough to make this film fly. 

Supergirl does find herself connecting with Superman (David Corenswet). The film Superman (2025) is much better than this one because the foundation is much stronger than the one Supergirl. This movie has a bizarre, flawed storyline. Still, Alcock does wonders trying to be a hero especially in scenes where she must utilize her powers and work with Ruthye. Oh, and there is also Lobo (Jason Momoa). Lobo has a biker attitude and only cares about himself due to his ego. Fortunately, Momoa’s performance was not too shabby. Overall, however, this introductory superhero film was cheesier than anticipated. 

Even though there are some laughs along the way,  it is disappointing that Supergirl was portrayed as a party animal. I felt that it diminished the purpose of her character. It is sad to say that the majority of this film is MEDIOCRE!  Viewers should not expect an inspirational storyline. Instead, they can look forward to someone trying to save their dog from the enemy. Pets in movies are normally fun but give them a bigger purpose. I’m trying to find the positive in this film, but it’s not easy.

There were plenty of strange moments, rushed scenes, and a bunch of  errors.  It was hard for me to find value in even the most impressive elements in Supergirl. Yet, I did adore Alcock’s performance. She plays a hero with an attitude that could have been written in a way that was much more inspiring. 

The lack of context via a meaningful storyline is why I am not fond of Supergirl. The IMAX experience does allow the visuals to soar during the flying, fighting, and space segments. In the end, the rest of the film…predictable! Feels like a made-for-TV movie. The saving grace is that Alcock is a leading lady who can fly, dive, and thrive. The foundation deserved better. Two out of four stars.

Film reviews

Superman Review

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This is the next chapter and a new beginning. In this film, James Gunn uses his mind to jump right into what the superhero franchise is about. There is not much of a foundation, but it is all laid out—Superman, Lex Luthor, Lois Lane, and the world filled with many dangers. This movie is one for the ages. David Corenswet plays Superman, Nicholas Hoult plays Lex Luthor, and Rachel Brosnahan plays Lois Lane. The dynamic cast from the younger generation brings more to the table with a storyline to support them.

Gunn’s directing is one-of-a-kind. He utilizes his writing so that audiences are looped in instantly (as if the many events of Superman have already happened). In addition, there is more of a political side in the futuristic setting of Superman. Lex Luthor is a political enemy and nemesis. Superman is Clark Kent (a reporter) when he is not wearing the cape trying to save the world. Lois Lane is the one right in the middle trying to maintain her professionalism while having feelings for both Superman/Clark Kent. The chemistry between the film’s characters is even more exciting than I anticipated.

What I found most clever in the film is the dog Krypto. He is a major contributor to the story and gave a Wizard of Oz vibe, i.e., Superman has his own Toto sidekick. Not only that, but Lex Luthor has monkeys performing IT tactics to help him achieve his mastermind plans. The layers of good and evil tango with new universes, creatures, and egos. Gunn nails the many moving parts to keep the punches rolling in Superman.

Even though at times the movie seems over-the-top, the writing and fictional settings work. Audiences will not miss any important aspects. Instead, they will appreciate the powers of good and evil lasering down on them from soaring skies as Superman flies high.

Within the depths of technology, I appreciated the interactive comic book approach in Superman. The film surrounds itself with old-school branding. The comic book style is nostalgic yet realistic. Overall, the narrative keeps the momentum colorful and leaves promising angles for more doors to be opened. Superman is definitely poised to have opportunities for new beginnings.

As one who loves many Superman films, I felt that there were going to be some let downs. Unfortunately, there were a few minor ones in the middle of the film, especially in the writing and characterizations. Somehow though, they recover easily. Gunn successfully keeps the presence of action which audiences hope to keep up with. This continued action adds intriguing layers to the new beginnings. It also makes audiences wonder about how the universe may be re-invigorated. Will Clark Kent/Superman find love with Lois Lane? Will there be time to save the world? Are there more centuries or areas at risk? Is the future in a tight spot? The cinematics creating the most anticipation are ones in which the skies are blue and a new hero is ready for the making. This story represents a solid new beginning, and one that is worthy. Three out of four stars for Superman.