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Film reviews

The Dive

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The crystal blue water creates an ambience of nature’s beauty in the opening of The Dive. The setting represents an escape from reality for the two main characters who are going diving in the film. The approach of the film is what I would call 127 Hours (2010) meets Open Water (2004). Both films are peril flicks and guilty pleasures of mine. The Dive, however, is not so much of a favorite. The depth of the ocean signals that problematic moments are bound to worsen. The film’s presentation lacks perspective and the concept of saving those at risk is poorly written in The Dive.

The film focuses on two sisters, May and Drew (played by Louisa Krause and Sophie Lowe). The sisters who have an interesting relationship go on a diving exhibition on a remote island located somewhere near Germany. As they go deep into the sea, the dangers abruptly ensue. Rocks start collapsing and suddenly May ends up stuck due to a rock collapsing onto her. She is trapped 28 meters below the surface and her oxygen level is scarce. Drew must find all the right resources with little time to save her sister and must even get back to the land to get backup oxygen tanks. The problem is that Drew lacks the knowledge to deal with diving emergencies. Her sister May is more experienced in these matters, but being trapped is much more dangerous than anticipated.

Once Drew gets out of the water, the clock starts ticking. Unfortunately, the film is lacking when it comes to delivering upon the theme of being in survival mode. For example, in moments where Drew should be putting her mind into savingher sister, she gets distracted and only wastes time. The movie is presented in the form of a low-grade independent production. Under the water, the film just seemed like a universal blur. The survival resources are scattered. Drew is told consistently to get new oxygen tanks by May, but Drew continuously ignores that instruction. While the back-up oxygen tanks are what could save them, it depends upon Drew risking her life trying to save May. An important quote for survival in The Dive is, “Five seconds in. Five seconds out.” This refers to the count required to preserve the oxygen levels so the supply can last longer.

Drew leaving the water for help decreases the chance of survivaland is where the film somewhat lost my interest. Given that her sister’s life is in grave peril, it was hard to watch Drew keep getting distracted when she is above the water. The Divecontinues to turn in the wrong direction when it comes to time being of the essence and eventually becomes a waste of energy.

All in all, this film’s cinematography and scenery is vivid. The directing and writing are where the film is catastrophe. It takes too long for the life and death moments to find meaning. The story also gets personal and emotional but involves too muchself-centered thinking between the two sisters. The Dive is not a terrible film. However, its potentially invigorating qualities are ignored by the director, making it a challenge to get into. Therefore, I give The Dive two out of four stars.

Film reviews

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 Review

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The life of a Greek family who takes tradition seriously feels repetitive. In My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3, there are no weddings but there is an abundance of family. This time the director is Nia Vardalos who the audience knows as Toula. Her direction of the 3rd installment of this franchise takes a more cultural approach. This time around, however, there is less laughter. Overall, the film still has a lovely charm which comes from strong family values.

In My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3, the family is still focused on their Greek traditions. There is Toula and her husband Ian (played by John Corbett), and their daughter Paris (played by Elena Kampouris). Then there is the mother Maria (Lainie Kazan). Maria’s husband has passed, and she is having memory issues. Then there is the rest of the family including Nick (played by Louis Mandylor), Aunt Voula (played by Andrea Martin), Nikki (played by Gia Carides), and Angelo (played by Joey Fatone). With the father passing, the family decides to take a vacation to Greece to attend a family reunion. While they’re there, Toula tries to rediscover the memories from her father’s life while also enjoying a getaway from life stressors. As usual, the Greek traditions and a loving storyline play a big part in this version of My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

The traditional Greek way of life still drives the daughter Paris crazy. Everywhere they go, the traditions and holidays are endless. It is like a set of rituals that are not meant to be broken.Paris even asks, “Why can’t this family respect my boundaries?” For Paris, it seems as though her boundaries and personal privacy are a low priority in her family, especially if they don’t fit with Greek traditions.

The combination of frustrations and humor are plentiful throughout the film. It is a dramatic continuation of the earlier films, but still focused on cultural values. With the family’s travels, there are lots of challenges that must be coped with. I thought Andrea Martin’s role as Aunt Voula was especially positive. She has an inspirational attitude and is classy. While the family is on the road to Greece, Aunt Voula has a lot to sayand a lot of advice to give. She is one tough cookie. I love the seriousness of the Greek attitude in the family. In this franchise, Aunt Voula keeps growing as the authority on Greek traditions and steals the glory in the film. She helps provide the spirit of hope throughout My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3.

Throughout the film, the family learns to have their boundaries violated, which leads to some hilarious fun. It is a film where the quality lacks in fragments. Still, it is an enjoyable movie with a cast of characters who have charming personalities. The viewers get a clear realization of what family means in My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3, but unfortunately the presentation seems repetitive. Two out of four stars.

Film reviews

Fremont Review

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The black and white cinematography in Fremont is beautiful and immersive. And although loneliness is a major theme, it is not a depressing or negative film at all. To the contrary, Fremont is one of those experiences that is heartfelt and uplifting.

Directed by Babak Jalali, Fremont gears on Donya (played by Anaita Wali Zada). Donya lives in Fremont, California. She previously worked as a translator for the United States government in Afghanistan, but somehow ended up working at a fortune cookie factory in Fremont, where she lives in an apartment with other Afghan immigrants. Donya’s life is in a complicated holding pattern, but Donya still feels that she can have a purpose to her life. Promoted to the job of creating fortunes at the fortune cookie factory, Donya sends out a special message in a cookie. She hopes people will find the fortune inspiring, and she believes the world will hear her. But how long will it take for good things to come Donya’s way? Fremont is about being persistence for positive change, and it is a wonderful and grandeur experience.

The film goes deep into the life of immigrants in America. Donya didn’t plan to end up in California. But due to her VISA status and other factors, she ended up there. She works with Dr. Anthony (played by Gregg Turkington) to help her understand her purpose and to understand and deal with her situation. Through her positive relationship with Dr. Anthony and her job of creating fortunes, Donya begins to find joy coming into her life.

As her life begins to improve Donya meets someone, Daniel (played by Jeremy Allen White). White played Lip in the hit series Shameless (2011-2021) and he’s currently in The Bear (2022-present). His natural shyness, kind personality, and friendliness are on full display in Fremont. Both Donya and Daniel are introverts, but Donya has some hidden conflicts she is dealing with. Despite this, though, Daniel finds Donya inspiring, and that is the key to Fremont. Donya has the power and the strength to inspire others, and she brings empathy and positive vibes.

Fremont is an encouraging film whose message is that if we keep putting in the efforts to do what is right, even in the face of very difficult circumstances, the efforts will pay off. The beautiful tone of Fremont’s black and white also brings a sense of calmness that surrounds the film. Three and a half out of four stars for Fremont.