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Film reviews

Horizon: An American Saga-Chapter 1 Review

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Horizon: An American Saga-Chapter 1 is a film by Kevin Costner that builds upon the foundation of the pre- and post-Civil War era. I found myself enthralled with the movie due to its aesthetic value set amidst the turmoil. Horizon: An American Saga is just the beginning as the second chapter opens later in August. Although the lengthy film dragged at time, I was sold.

The dynamics in the story take place in the years 1861 to 1865. There are many events taking place throughout Horizon: An American Saga-Chapter 1. One event features a settlement built in Apache territory. Another event is an Apache raid that leads to several deaths as well as families without homes. A third event involves Indigenous land and moral codes not finding common ground. Territory, race, ownership, politics, and authorities clash and boil during this saga. It is an aching ride of conflicts.

The film’s writing is vast when it comes to the personality of authority, Lt. Trent Gephardt (played by Sam Worthington). Heleads the people who have lost homes to safety in a sanctuary camp. The issues related to safety do not stop in Horizon: An American Saga-Chapter 1. It all starts with one man marking his territory via land from the beginning.

The film also grapples with a couple trying to make ends meet through sales. They are Ellen (played by Jena Malone) and Walter (played by Michael Angarano). This is during a time when essential resources for the masses are limited. With thecomplicated moving parts and obstacles encountered inuncharted territory, the film does a fantastic job staying present in the Civil War era.

Even along the trails, the film feels like the computer game The Oregon Trail. There are individuals who try to collect water for use. They journey throughout Kansas and the Santa Fe area. The commander is Matthew Leyden (played by Luke Wilson). He makes it his mission to make sure there is water collected. The conflict comes about when they cross lands that have restrictions. The challenges during the Civil War go deeper than many anticipate and makes for a spellbinding story.

Now many may ask what Costner’s role is in the film. Costner plays Hayes Ellison, a drifter in the Wild West scenes in the film. He is the hero of the franchise. He may only come around sporadically, however, his role has a sense of purpose. Hayes knows the layout of the lands. He has an idea of where the confrontations happen. Horizon: An American Saga-Chapter 1 is like Tetris focused on history where conflicts arise, battles are won, or lost in defeat.

The vast scenery of Wyoming and the Montana Territory captured my imagination as they created an ambiance of grandeur. It also made me wonder if any of the same lands will be used in the second chapter.  The first chapter is a breathless adventure where revelations come to life. The authorities of the good, the bad, and the wealthy all fight for their land. Horizon: An American Saga-Chapter 1 is just over three hours. But with its in-depth focus, it sparks curiosities which may make the next chapter an even more enticing adventure. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for Horizon: An American Saga-Chapter 1.

Film reviews

Daddio Review

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Daddio is one of the best films of the year.  The approach is different, and the taxi plot is magnificent. Written and directed by Christy Hall, it is a look at reality through an unknown connection where personalities find common ground. Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn are top-notch. Conversations lead to thought-provoking insights. I have never felt so moved by such a simple plot in ages. Daddio made it happen.

The film takes place in New York. Johnson plays Girlie, and she is returning home to New York after a trip to Oklahoma. She gets in a taxi at JFK airport. Once the cab driver begins to speak, the film finds a surreal wave of inner connection. Penn plays Clark (the cab driver). Clark starts to talk about how technology has changed the ways of tipping and how life is unfair. He rambles at first, but then Girlie begins to enjoy his attitude. They then begin to talk about relationships and life itself. They discuss their families, connections, and opinions. This taxi ride takes venting to a new level that is pure and real.

Girlie looks down at her phone periodically. While she is deep in conversation with Clark, she is also receiving lewd and provocative texts. Clark realizes that she has a sensitive side as she turns some of her attention away from him. Girlie jumps right back to giving attention to Clark. However, Clark can tell that there is part of Girlie that is in a bind.

At one point in the film, there is a traffic jam. At this point, it seems like the film might start dragging. Instead, it gets more enticing. The traffic jam offers the opportunity for Girlie and Clark to talk more about life and experiences. They go deeptalking about relationships, sex, and adult humor. Why is Girlie alright being so open with Clark? Why is Clark so open with Girlie? Are they both lonely?

The writing creates the characterizations of two introverted individuals. Their openness comes from both feeling disconnected. They become “connected to reality” once they meet each other. Girlie is coming back from a trip in a blur, and Clark is just making conversation. Girlie is quiet, and Clark is knowledgeable. Somehow, they click. When their conversation has a punchline, the smile on Johnson’s face shines like fireworks.

Daddio made me think about what it means to be open with others. Is it worth opening up to strangers? Is there a chance of a connection? Daddio offers mesmerizing revelations during a cab ride.

Johnson has an innocent personality that is bright and shining. Penn has a character which is social and accepting. They both speak to each other from experience. And they find the light in the heavy topics that come their way. How much will they take with them once the ride is over? Penn’s performance as the cab driver makes the film worth the fare (i.e. price of admission). It is truly worth the time to experience the emotion in the film’s deep conversations. Four out of four stars.

Film reviews

The Bikeriders Review

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Motorcycles are dangerous. Motorcycles form a gang. Does it have a beneficial factor? The Bikeriders go down a road of a blur along this aspect. Written and directed by Jeff Nichols, The Bikeriders feels like a mafia atmosphere. The only difference is that it is a gang that rides motorcycles. This direction is based on the 1967 photography book (the book carries the same name as the film) by Danny Lyon. That is where the fascination for the film came from. That would explain why the film feels more like a surreal journey than a biopic. It contains more along the lines of personality dangers over motorcycle adventures. That approach is where the line is blurred.

Austin Butler plays Benny. Benny loves to ride his motorcycle into paradise like a king. He also loves his wife, Kathy (played by Jodie Comer). Benny has loyalty. His mentor is Johnny (played by Tom Hardy). Johnny is the king of the motorcycle crew. They call themselves the Vandals. As Benny goes deeper, Kathy feels there are more detrimental aspects to come around in her life. With Benny always being in love with his motorcycles and the crew, how good of an influence is Johnny? The actions of Benny have consequences, and it does so for Kathy as well. If Benny cannot ride, he will feel incomplete. Is that a road that Kathy wants to go down with Benny?

The tension is there, but the presentation is mediocre. The film transitions to Kathy telling a story with a journalist throughout the film. She goes into detail about the activities she took part in with Benny. She talks about how the gang has had its share of crazy scenarios. This approach delivers an appreciation of the emphasis of the film. Its delivery feels like a sob story direction.

Being on a motorcycle is what makes Benny feel like he is truly alive. Having Johnny by his side is that layer that keeps him going. He disregards his actions just for Johnny repeatedly. When it comes to the subject of love, it seems Benny cares more about anything to do with motorcycles than Kathy alone.

The Bikeriders is a powerhouse dynamic with superb scenery. Its artistry with motorcycles and its focus on the Midwest carries weight in the film’s continuity. It just does not fulfill the spectacular expectations that some audiences may expect. Two-and-a-half out of four stars.