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Film reviews

The Boys in The Boat Review

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The Boys In The Boat is a heartfelt film about rowing in the era of The Great Depression as it delves into the theme of bonding through sportsmanship in a tumultuous time. Director George Clooney displays the importance of teamwork from the start, exemplifying that commitment is crucial. The film is set in an era of financial deficits and not many avenues are available for college students who do not have much money. Rowing becomes an opportunity for the young men in this situation. Inspirational in as much as it tugs on emotions, The Boys In The Boat is however lacking in its ability to fulfill.


The film takes place in Seattle, Washington. The year is 1936and the setting is the University of Washington. A time when finances for education are not easy to come by for many students. The first student the film introduces is Joe Rantz (played by Callum Turner). He lives in a broken-down car most of his days since he cannot put a roof over his head. The second student is Roger Morris (played by Sam Strike). He has a mind for engineering, but his finances are the blockade to him getting an education. Both Joe and Roger find themselves in dire circumstances, which leads them to join the rowing team of University of Washington. Their coach is Al Ulbrickson. The rest of their teammates are Chuck Day (played by Thomas Elms), Don Hume (played by Jack Mulhern), Shorty Hunt (played by Bruce Herbellin-Earle), Jim McMillin (played by Will Coban), Johnny White (played by Tom Varey), and Gordy Adam (played by Joel Phillimore). They are a team that will thrive and encourage each other to soar to new heights in their sport.

The writing in the film delivers a strong message of sportsmanship and encouragement. There is a quote in the film, “Every good race has a jockey”, which exemplifies that every position in the boat has a different responsibility during a race. The power and angling are controlled by the rowers in the back. Speed is the duty for the front rowers. All together though, everyone must deliver as much power as they can and the timing must be perfect. There is also another quote in the film, “Technique is more important than power.” This becomes true to the aspects of winning in The Boys in the Boat. The boys learn that momentum and synchronicity are the most importantbuilding blocks to keep their power going. All of this creates a feel-good experience as they come together as a team and as friends.

The writing begins to lack when the politics of academia enter the story. The biggest issue is finances. The University of Washington cannot compete financially with the wealthier Ivy League schools during this economic time and the resources for a rowing program are scarce. The performances of the rowers do not matter when money and reputation of other schools come first. The unfair advantage of the Ivy league schools is the component that is unclear. Edgerton’s performance as the coach shines with realistic frustration and turmoil. He wants his team to be one of an achievement, but the academic and financial factors keep interfering with their chances of success. Harvard and Yale have the upper hand and he has to find a way for his team to stay in competition.

The road to the Berlin Olympics is the shining accomplishment awaiting in The Boys in the Boat. This climactic moment of the film brings home a strong message of persistence and sportsmanship. Unfortunately, the ironies of the political and financial issues get lost in poor writing and make the script fall short of its full potential in exposing the turmoil they create.There are still politics today when it comes to colleges and sports, however this era depended on survival through pure fortitude and belief in the hope of a better future. It brought forth the ones that shine the brightest lights. Three out of four stars for The Boys in The Boat.

Film reviews

Ferrari Review

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The beginning of Ferrari opens with archived footage in the timing of cars and racing. The film then jumps to the business and profit side of cars and competition. It also gears on the personal life of Enzo Ferrari (played by Adam Driver). The foundation of Ferrari is one of a life of seriousness displayed. A true story where not only cars and racing were a conflict in Enzo’s life, but also tension with relationships with his wife Laura Ferrari (played by Penelope Cruz) and his lover Lina Lardi (played by Shailene Woodley). It is a quiet and in-depth look at the factors of accentuation for Enzo. That does not only exist for Enzo…but also for his entrepreneurship future. Director Michael Mann brings us a journey where success is tormented by Enzos choices and growing debts—that is the harrowing power that surrounds Ferrari.

The film takes place in the summer of 1957. Enzo finds himself in a bind with keeping himself afloat. With Enzo being the entrepreneur and founder of the Scuderia Ferrari Grand Prixmotor racing team, and the Ferrari automobile marque, he realizes a race of success is what is the key to helping him navigate his life of continued personal trouble, debts, and relationship ties with Laura and Lina. Enzo lives a life of lies, competition, and infidelity. Deceit of adultery begins to have consequences waiting for Enzo. The race where there can be a form of success is the Mille Miglia—a life-threatening race that goes 1,000 miles across Italy.

With the race being afloat, the film’s priority gears on the business and ethics and focuses on the drivers who can tear this race apart. The film begins to be one where its audience will find themselves to start to think about all the factors of Enzo’s troubles, his business, but also if the drivers can succeed. The drivers are Alfonso De Portago (played by Gabriel Leone), Peter Collins (played by Jack O’Connell), and Piero Taruffi (played by Patrick Dempsey). Enzo is a man of sportsmanship and a consistent pioneer. These racers are his chance to grow a profit pending the results.

The film is steady with its pieces coming together to understand where its point is. Its continuity just tends to lack in some moments. The levels of excitement do not go up to bar in some respects, but it still finds its tracks to remain enthralling. The era of the vehicles lacks safety features and are creating more of them. The systems of the cars sabotage easily. The film’s poetics is in the sportsmanship of Enzo’s drivers.

Despite the forms of potential accomplishments (to get out of personal and financial binds), Ferrari is an experience that keeps falling down the personal pattern. It is a film that feels two-sided that is out of context. The many moving errors generates financial disputes between Enzo and his wife Laura—their communication of finances is a never-ending death wish. Fifty percent of the film is literally a verbal boxing match through the performances of Driver and Cruz. Monumental on the poetic acting side, but redundant.

Ferrari is an experience where the history of cars and history of Enzo himself speak truthfully. Its continuity is just a blur. The car race though, is a landscape of magnificent sound and scenery. Ferrari may enthrall some and bore some. I felt neutral with my experience with Ferrari. Two-and-a-half out of four stars.

Film reviews

Wonka Review

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There is innovation leading to success around every corner in Wonka. Some may wonder how Timothee Chalamet compares to the previous performances of Willy Wonka. The true performance will always be Gene Wilder, and Johnny Depp did an acceptable job in the role. Chalamet is wonderful playing Willy given the backstory which is emphasized in this version. Wonka is not so much about golden tickets, but instead aboutWilly’s fascination with chocolate. No one plays the role of a young man with motivation better than Chalamet. He can sing and presents positivity in many unexpected moments. In his role as Willy, he thrives on changing the world through his vision. His goals bring joy and laughter to the senses in Wonka.

With its unique approach and focus, Wonka feels like an interactive experience. Expect trials, errors, and success. While Willy might appear to be lacking talent and skills, he is gifted when it comes to chocolate. A “LIFETIME SUPPLY OF CHOCOLATE,” is what the audience will feel throughout the films journey through a world of sweetness, sugar, and a whirlwind of laughter and appreciation. The writing and narrative of Wonka brings appreciation to what innovation in life can truly mean. As the saying from the classic song goes, “IF YOU WANT TO VIEW PARADISE, SIMPLY LOOK AROUND AND VIEW IT.” The vivid colors are seen blissfully through the eyes of director Paul King whose approach with Wonka is one for the ages. He takes what the audience knows from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) and puts together a magical pre-story for Wonka. This film is an imaginative experience which caused me to boil over with happiness.

The film begins with Chalamet imagining his own success. Sadly, however, it is all in his head. He is presented as someone who is poor, like the presentation of Charlie Bucket from the previous films, only this is Willy’s story. Willy strolls through the streets and is always trying to sell his chocolate and find support for his craft. He faces a challenge when he finds himself a slave due to debt issues. The evil landlord is Mrs. Scrubitt who is played by Olivia Colman. Despite Willy’s unfortunate situation he meets a young girl named Noodle who is played by Calah Lane. She helps Willy navigate what he needs to do to make his dreams come true given his love for chocolate. There are many obstacles along the way, but Wonka is more exciting than the audience anticipates it will be.

The characters Wonka creates the perfect dynamic for humor. Hugh Grant’s performance and dialogue defines the Oompa-Loompa attitude with class. The song everyone knows with the Oompa-Loompa provides meaning that will make audiences laugh with joy. This is one of Grant’s most creative, yet quirky performances as he plays the serious and opinionated Oompa-Loompa. There is also Slugworth who is played by Paterson Joseph. This character has always been known to be the enemy of the franchise. However, in Wonka he is given more of a backstory that clicks with the wonders of the film. There is also Father Julius who is played by Rowan Atkinson. In this role, he is back playing the absent-minded character the audience recognizes him to be, i.e., a bit like Mr. Bean going to church. Only in this church, there are many associations with chocolate and its father is unaware of the catastrophes lurking in thisgrandeur of sweetness. Finally, there is Willy’s mother who is played by Sally Hawkins. Hawkins’ performance is brief, but she plays the most empathetic mother. The cast’s impressive performances of both good and evil are what creates the dynamics that make the magical world of Wonka unexpected and surreal.

It is a film which inspires people of all ages. Through the eyes of Chalamet, Wonka sends a message that anyone can pursue their dreams…even when they do not realize it. The movie also delivers a vibe of connection and a spirit of love that is captivating. There is also a sense of disconnect that seeks redemption. Chalamet is one of the most inspiring Willy Wonka characters which makes Wonka shine with unforgettable magic.

In the film, Willy’s mother tells him, “Every good thing in this world, started with a dream, so hold onto yours.” Willy’s dreamstarted long ago. It began with Wilder, then again with Depp, but it goes way back with Chalamet. The beginning of this legacy soars for Chalamet. Although cheesy in moments, it is one positive ride. I connected with the film, and I know many otherswill as well. Three out of four stars for Wonka.