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Film reviews

Civil War Review

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After the last few years of having life disrupted to the COVID-19 pandemic, there comes a film about a world in turmoil. Civil War is a representation of what the future could look like if we stayed in pandemic mode much longer. Director Alex Garland is brilliant and an auteur at adding layers of realism and political factors into Civil War. This is not a common, explosive war flick, but instead tells an honest story. Once the film began, it felt like just yesterday when I was annoyed with the world because of the harsh realities of Covid 19 which included lockdowns, governments imposing restrictions, and no clear truth.  I was quickly hooked on the film because of its characters and its intention to find “a clear truth.”

The film is set in a future America where mayhem and turmoil have ensued throughout the world. Nick Offerman plays the president and is bound to be the next target if the demolition overcomes Washington DC. Kirsten Dunst plays Lee, Wagner Moura plays Joel, and Stephen McKinley Henderson plays Sammy.  They are all journalists embedded with the military on the front line working their way to DC. They live the reality ofdestruction every day as they work to capture whatever horrific story comes their way. Cailee Spaeny plays Jessie who is eager to join Lee and her team on their journey to DC.

The brilliance of Civil War lies in its pacing in each setting. Each town they encounter has a unique set of challenges based upon the politics of corruption. Whenever there is a moment of impact or combat, Lee and her team suit up to capture the news. Each day includes life-or-death tasks which becomes the new norm as war makes an impact on everyone. Garland is brave in his direction of Civil War which makes it mentally spellbinding given the combination of politics, news, and wars.

Dunst truly steals the film—her persistence is a portrait of determination to make a story count in Civil War. This is one of the best films I have seen her do. Her performance will enthralland captivate audiences. Her husband Jesse Plemmons is also in the film, and he plays an antagonist. Both deliver roles with gutpunches…Dunst for the good and Plemmons for the bad. However, Dunst is the true revelation and makes this surrealistic film memorable.

Civil War is one of the most captivating films of 2024. Deep-down, my love for Civil War is based on the tolerance it reminded me of during the frustrating the days of 2020. It reminded me of how angry I was that my love for movies and the arts was negatively impacted. During that time, I was consumed by political news from around the world. Over time, I had to learn to tolerate the things I couldn’t control and put adopt a more positive mindset. Civil War painted a true image of life in chaos, and showed what it is like for journalists to cover harsh news. Civil War takes a political story to a whole different level that is unforgettable. Four stars for Civil War.

Film reviews

Femme Review

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The film begins with a flashing of strobe lights which makes for an unsettling feeling. Written and directed by Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping, Femme is an artistic portrait of mixed feelings. The film’s writing contains a heavy combination of disconnect and vindictiveness, and how both elements impact mental health issues related to identity. Feminism soars in Femme, and it does so with dignity and truth.  

Femme takes place in the United Kingdom. The film’s lead character is Jules (played by Nathan Stewart-Jarett). Jules embraces his feminine side and enjoys acting on stage in drag shows. He leads a happy life with his LGBT friends and routines. One night Jules he is attacked for how he identifies. His attacker is Preston (played by George Mackay). Preston likes to present himself as hip, cool, and charismatic. At the same time, Preston has a belittling attitude. After Preston’s episode of abusing Jules, Jules finds himself in despair andspends three months avoiding much contact with others. Eventually they cross paths again, and this time they build a close bond even though Jules has not gotten over Preston’s previous assault.

Preston and Jules meet sporadically and engage in activities together., some of which are fun and social, and others morecasual. Preston still has his temper, but Jules is able somehow to always keep calm. The writing in Femme puts their personalities to the test. Why is Jules hanging out with Preston? Why is Preston hanging out with Jules? Are they both closeted? Are they embarrassed? Does Jules feel something for Preston? Does Jules want to get back at Preston? Femme is a journey of two young individuals figuring out what they truly want. It also paints a portrait of the factors that play into their personalities. Femme is a realistic and bipolar LGBT thriller that has a heavy load to be carried.

The continuity in the storyline held my curiosity. The reasons that Jules is repeatedly captivated with Preston are intriguing. Given that Preston abused him, I wondered if Jules was simply seeking some form of attention. Both characters are prone to over thinking the situation. Jules over thinks about the kind of friend Preston truly is, and Preston over thinks in part due to his egotistical attitude. Deep down they are both just lonely and struggling with what their hearts want. This is why their choices continue to cause emotional turmoil.

This film is an artistically directed, multi-layered story about boundaries, jealousy, and disconnect. It presents a blurred portrait of how love, pain, and acceptance hold true consequences.  Femme leaves an aftermath of empathy and sorrow based on the dynamics between Jules and Preston. Tolerance also grows during the film about abuse. Will payback resolve Jule’s altered thinking? Preston may have a bigger heart than Jules thinks but does not know how act because he is lostlike Jules. Forgiveness and resolution are the hardest acts in Femme, just like in real life. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for Femme.

Film reviews

Isleen Pines Review

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Written and directed by Matthew Festle and Alexys Paonessa, two filmmakers who do all they can to ensure their projects have meaning and are high quality. Their direction is exhilarating and spellbinding in Isleen Pines which is an adventure of creepiness that keeps delivering. Isleen Pines has a cinematic vibrance that lets audiences know that they are in for a true treat. From theopening credits, you feel like it is time to party thanks to joyful tunes and Halloween decorations that help set the stage for an unknown chain of events which are about to arise.

Isleen Pines is the name of the town on Halloween night where the holiday festivities abound. The first party guest is The Vampire (played by Jackson Turner) and the second is The Ghost (played by Matthew Festle). The host of the party is The Witch (played by Naiia Loije), and then there is The Zombie (played by Darren Deng). The character names are labeled to correspond to the characters they are dressed up as. This is awell-written way of keeping track of the Halloween-style scares. In the town, The Man (played by Glen Plummer) is not so sold on the Halloween holiday because he is clearly introverted. For those hoping for a relaxing Halloween celebration…they are in for an unexpected treat.

I love how the film begins with a boiling point conversation between The Vampire and The Witch. This discussion creates an odyssey of tension before the party gets more wickedly crazy. The horror of moving parts with creepy vibes gradually intensifies in Isleen Pines. There is also a table moment between The Witch, The Ghost, The Zombie, and The Vampire. There is a creature found by The Ghost that the other individuals do not take seriously.  Their thinking, however, has irreparable consequences. The Ghost then starts to feel repulsive and suffersside effects which are grotesque and uncomfortable. Still, the party goes on. Isleen Pines tests its limits by pushing the envelope during scary moments which are sparked by innovative creativity. Soon, the Halloween party starts to push anxiety to the highest peak.

With an ugly aftermath, the film finds itself in a place of shock and confusion. It is an immersive and psychological experience where time is of the essence. An alien-creature egg leads to the film’s evil doors waiting to be opened. The joy of Halloween is stolen due to the terror which impacts the party guests. With no signal to call for help, spirits are lurking, and the fate of Halloween is in jeopardy in Isleen Pines. The movie’s many moving parts create a dynamic of how it feels to be really scared.

This film is a revolutionary Halloween thriller. While many are enjoying Halloween activities, others are dealing with various scary situations. The statement, “We have to come up with a plan to leave or fight back,” speaks to how serious the terror is.  Isleen Pines is extremely creepy and fun. It stays on track and evolves in an attention-getting way. The presentation of the film makes it seem like the setting is a safe community…but beware! Four stars!