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Film reviews

Barbie Review

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“I haven’t been in a box in ages.” Those words are from Margot Robbie, who plays Barbie in the new movie of the same name. And it’s Barbie outside the box that makes Barbie full of color and grandeur.

Directed and written by Greta Gerwig and co-written by Noah Baumbach (Gerwig’s husband), Barbie is a unique experience in a world of pure happiness and perfection. But when a sign of turmoil comes around the corner, the positive world is challenged by some darkness. It never becomes that dark, though, because the directing and writing of Gerwig brings joy throughout this wonderful and unusual film.

Barbie is set in Barbie Land, a place where real life ceases to exist. It is a wonder world with many people named Barbie and Ken. The main Barbie and Ken are Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, two actors perfectly cast for these eccentric and uplifting characters. Helen Mirren is the narrator, and her narration starts the film off as if there is never sadness in Barbie Land. It is just happy, happy, happy all the time, and negativity is never mentioned. That is, until Barbie asks, “Do you guys ever think about dying?” From there, all bets are off. The turmoil of her curiosity takes Barbie Land into strange places, and to explore her true emotions Barbie must travel outside Barbie Land to the real world. Ken goes with her, and they enter a world that they know absolutely nothing about.

The interesting part of Barbie and Ken’s trip into the real world is their realization that there are now real-life consequences. And this realization is the source of many silly moments, unexpected situations, and fun topics that enliven the film. Barbie meets Gloria, played by America Ferrera, in the real world, and she turns out to be a trustworthy human who helps her realize what must be done to find truth in herself. The race is on as a crazy Mattel CEO (played by Will Ferrell) makes it his goal to get Barbie back as a marketing tool—by putting her in a box again. We also meet Allan, played by Michael Cera, a shy, introverted, and socially awkward guy. He’s one of many characters that will make for quirky times for audiences around the world. The colors of joy thrive in the film, and they help make Barbie a magic sensation.

Helen Mirren’s narration is also one of the features of Barbie that will really draw audiences in. Her humor comes through in unexpected moments, and the film finds its wonderful vibes in her twisted and poetic narration.

There’s no question that the many artistic moments in Barbie are because of Greta Gerwig’s direction. She also directed Lady Bird, and she knows how to bring characters together. I felt like some of the fragments dragged just a little, but overall Barbie is smart, fun, and definitely a wild ride. Three stars for Barbie.

Film reviews

Stephen Curry: Underrated Review

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Stephen Curry: Underrated is a slam dunk! The world of Steph is mind-boggling, invigorating, and his story is one-of-a-kind. As an avid basketball fan, I fell in love with this documentary. Stephen Curry: Underrated displays championship moments at their finest with honest and real elements during his career. With Steph having won NBA championships in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022, the film is the backstory to the champion he is today. There is no doubt that his story is one that generations will remember forever.

The film focuses on the beginning era of Steph’s career including the early days of growing his love for basketball during his childhood.  Steph has a special skill set. He can shoot well and get consistent three-point shots which contribute to his ability and agility as a basketball player. The only real aspect that makes him different is his size. He is not a very tall player, but Steph has the moves to play a competitive game. This film includes many highlights from championship games which illustrate the way Steph plays.

The film also has interviews with his teammates ranging from Jason Richards to Brandon Payne to Kevin Durant. They all talk about their experiences on the team and the road as players dating back to Davidson College. The film focuses heavily on their college games. This leads to the steps into the NBA for Steph. However, the one who adds the most emphasis to the film’s positive themes is coach Bob McKillop. The words of McKillop add empathy that is powerful in exploring the ups and downs of the journey he had with Steph and the rest of the team.  Steph helped turn Davidson College into a school with a following. That is because the community, the college, and the students worshipped him as a pro college player.

Even though Steph was on the road a lot, he still made school a priority. The film emphasizes moments when he wants to get his degree, but basketball is always a bigger priority for him. In the eyes of Steph, he wants to serve as a role model for his family, his friends, and his fans around the world and send a message about never giving up. Stephen Curry: Underrated does not give veer off message but retains a sincerity in this true story. The film effectively communicates the importance of considering all the competing factors when pursuing a pro sport you’re passionate about.

What is invigorating about this documentary is its display of how Steph’s story is not only about basketball, but also about not giving up. There are rough roads for Steph and the team at Davidson. The film shares the moments of turmoil and frustration. Losing, however, only inspired Steph and his team to keep finding ways to make their game matter on the court. It is all about teamwork and thinking about the ones who are vital to success in Stephen Curry: Underrated. Victory is the center of triumph, and it is a monumental story which will leave viewers with great respect for the life of Steph Curry. Four stars.

Film reviews

Mission: Impossible-Dead Reckoning Part One

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The franchise continues. Tom Cruise is back as Ethan Hunt, Simon Pegg is back as Benji Dunn, Ving Rhames is back as Luther Stickell, and Rebecca Ferguson is back as Ilsa Faust. Mission: Impossible-Dead Reckoning Part One is the start of a new adventure where the mission goes deeper, the risks become more dangerous, and Cruise is still doing his own stunts. The film starts off seeming like it could be a drag, but that all changes as soon as Cruise comes in and the storyline starts to develop.

In Mission Impossible-Dead Reckoning Part One, Ethan has a new mission, one that is tedious and frustrating, but many lives around the world are at stake. He must collect a key that holds the ability to give someone a lot of power, and has the potential to cause serious destruction, financially and otherwise. Benji and Luther are back to help Ethan with this mission. The team must contend with the enemy Gabriel (played by Esai Morales), and both Gabriel and the team have to deal with Grace (played by Hayley Atwell), who has a similar background to Ethan, Benji, and Luther. She has a relationship to the key and she stands to earn redemption if the mission is pulled off successfully. And as the team moves forward with the tasks and operations seemingly under control, there are moments where trust is questioned. Could it be that there are both allies and enemies within the IMF?

The technology on display in Mission Impossible-Dead Reckoning Part One is next level, so the team is advanced for success but also has its moments of failure. I was intrigued by the innovations that Benji and Luther exhibit. I was also intrigued by the many layers of suspense—ten times the suspense of the previous films. Cops, criminals, and the IMF having a brawl of multiple vehicles through different countries, disguises with surreal twists, and Cruise riding a motorcycle off a mountain, free-falling then opening a parachute and trying to land and save a train, are all part of the formula.

A film with Cruise doing his insane jumps and stunts makes for a pure Mission Impossible expedition. Seeing Cruise jump off buildings, make it through collisions, and perform many other amazing stunts proves that this franchise is far from over. If the stunts sell, the movie sells. The technological elements and creative advancements also make Mission Impossible-Dead Reckoning Part One mind-blowing on a whole new level.

But could this new mission be too much for Ethan to tolerate? Is the IMF at risk of imploding from within? Mission Impossible-Dead Reckoning Part One will enthrall its audiences from the very opening, with layers of unexplained events bringing anticipation. Three and a half out of four stars for Mission Impossible-Dead Reckoning Part One.