Tag Archives: Ethan Hawke

Film reviews

The Weight Review

Leave a comment

Directed by Padraic McKinley, The Weight is almost a masterpiece. The film is just slightly uneven. The era is the 1930s during The Great Depression. The story begins in Eugene, Oregon and is focused on the struggles of a father and daughter. The two face hurdles and many financial deficits. The writing is captivating in the sense that poverty sells the film. The main character is Samuel Murphy, played by Ethan Hawke. Hawke delivers an astounding performance.

The title has meaning, because their struggles carry a lot of “weight.” The film is about a heavy mission since they must cross over uncharted territory. Their goal is to find freedom sooner. Given the difficult setting, things do not go smoothly.

The main plot of the film begins with Samuel Murphy doing all he can to put a roof over his daughter’s head. There is not much context to why he struggles, yet the background says it all. However, after an eviction, he finds himself in a scenario where his daughter is taken from him and is made a ward of the state. With Samuel serving time, there is a glimmer of hope provided by his captain, J.J. Clancy, played by Russell Crowe. He informs Samuel that if he completes a task that he can get his sentence shortened.

The film highlights a risky mission and I found it to have layers of exhilarating cinematography and continuity. Samuel must smuggle gold over many miles through rough terrain in the wilderness. The time in the  forest leads to various encounters with other folks, moments of violence, and questions about who to trust.

The film feels immersive. There were limited cars or other technological advancements during this era. For example, there is a scene that includes both wonder and suspense in which Hawke’s character must tango with a car engine. Many other moments in the film are also interesting and memorable. 

Gold carries the story into unexpected areas. Samuel works with other inmates whose choices can be shady, but so are his from time to time. However, his purpose is to find a way to regain custody of his daughter. 

This film showcases a monumental performance from Hawke. Crowe is stellar as well although he is only in about forty percent of the film. Audiences will have to watch the film to see the reason for that. However, Hawke’s character is the hero and he steals the film with his brilliance. The Weight is vivid due to the context and setting. The writing involving the dynamic between the father and his daughter is the uneven element since it gets into an emotionally suspenseful mode rather quickly. Overall, the film offers a meaningful and enticing ride. Three out of four stars.

Film reviews

Black Phone 2 Review

Leave a comment

Black Phone2 intensifies the suspense and horror. Directed by Scott Derrickson, the film meets the high expectations set by its predecessor. The first installment was only the beginning. This time, the phone calls target both Finn and Gwen. Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw reprise their roles as brother and sister. Ethan Hawke returns as The Grabber. The new storyline adds more detail. I felt more scared than in the first film.

With the film moving forward, Finn’s nightmares carry a lot of weight into this sequel. Especially with the tones of a belittling attitude, and also the much horror he has experienced, he carries on with him. The visions of The Grabber have not left, but this time, Gwen is having her own nightmares. This brings them to realize that a place called Alpine Lake may have answers to the terrors of their dreams.

What electrifies Black Phone 2 is its spiraling momentum, pulling viewers deeper into a maze of recurring nightmares and lurking mysteries. The eerie phone booth at Alpine Lake becomes the epicenter of their fears. When it rings, reality and nightmare blur, unleashing supernatural horrors that thrive at the camp. Here, Finn and Gwen piece together the cryptic patterns from their visions, each nightmare a vital clue in their search for the truth.

The writing delves into the depths of evil lying in wait, layering the sequel with fresh, unexpected scares. The film is a labyrinth of campfire terrors and shadowy histories, each piece fitting into a larger, sinister puzzle. The Black Phone 2 masterfully maintains its surreal continuity, always hinting at new horrors to come. The Grabber’s chilling voice and twisted motives remain unforgettable, and Hawke’s wicked grin steals every scene.

Overall, The Black Phone 2 is vivid. One that still has a promising continuation. I adored all the extra evidence to maintain momentum. I will also say that I felt it had a heartfelt side with the brother and sister dynamic battling horror . Especially with one that is bound to continue. Three out of four stars for Black Phone 2.

Film reviews

Wildcat Review

Leave a comment

Written and directed by Ethan Hawke, Wildcat follows the true story of the writer Flannery O’Connor. Through the direction of Hawke, he casts his daughter Maya Hawke as O’Connor. It is an adaptation gearing on the real struggles of O’Connor boil. Artistry is divine in capturing verisimilitude. Wildcat soars with abundance as it searches for the talent of O’Connor to be recognized. It brings in the 1950s era with mental difficulty. It brings in the narrative of Maya’s voice as she battles her errors in her evolving writing days. The subtleness is superb. There is a reality that an in-depth invigoration precedes Wildcat.

The film begins with Flannery creating a story in her mind. From that point on, it goes to the reality that she is in. With facing rejections from her writing, the support around her is not hopeful. Her mother is Regina (played by Laura Linney). Regina tries to encourage Flannery to focus on other aspects of her life. Flannery’s writing is what brings meaning to herself. Her emptiness is sad and hard to bear. She is living in an era of many classes and segregation among races. She also is dealing with lupus. Her theme of writing is her life. 

Wildcat is breathtaking on Flannery to build her name. As her disease lingers, she only continues to form her creative mind. With some hopes for love, acceptance, and having a voice, Wildcat parallels all those values. The sense of Flannery in a blur is because of her window closing due to her disease. The narration continues through her moments of aches. Maya’s performance is revolutionary. Her portrayal of someone real delivers vast characterization. “Characterization” with constant thinking of connection. How though? Does Maya want to feel loved? Does Maya have other ambitions? Her disease and her voice are her focus.

My appreciation for Wildcat is its realism of encouragement. The “encouragement” is finding your voice. I try to find my voice as a critic every day. Flannery did her work. The theme of love serves as an important as well in Wildcat. Flannery finds herself in a moment with a man named Manley Pointer (played by Cooper Hoffman). At that moment, boundaries seemed blurred. Will Flannery be taken advantage of? Is that what Flannery wants? The cinematics of trial and error set the course of there being no defeat for Flannery to publish her story.

The vastness of moments is only the beginning of a triumphant story. When watching Maya perform as Flannery, the younger days of her father came to me. Ethan’s days in The Dead Poet’s Society and White Fang connect to his daughter. It does in the sense of having a gift and dealing with receiving little recognition. That is the inspiring factor of never quitting a craft of meaning.

Wildcat will enthrall its audience with a story of purpose. It keeps its momentum in keeping Flannery the focus of what she is striving for. Where does the story take its audience? Find out in Wildcat. Three-and-a-half out of four stars.