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Film reviews

Superman Review

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This is the next chapter and a new beginning. In this film, James Gunn uses his mind to jump right into what the superhero franchise is about. There is not much of a foundation, but it is all laid out—Superman, Lex Luthor, Lois Lane, and the world filled with many dangers. This movie is one for the ages. David Corenswet plays Superman, Nicholas Hoult plays Lex Luthor, and Rachel Brosnahan plays Lois Lane. The dynamic cast from the younger generation brings more to the table with a storyline to support them.

Gunn’s directing is one-of-a-kind. He utilizes his writing so that audiences are looped in instantly (as if the many events of Superman have already happened). In addition, there is more of a political side in the futuristic setting of Superman. Lex Luthor is a political enemy and nemesis. Superman is Clark Kent (a reporter) when he is not wearing the cape trying to save the world. Lois Lane is the one right in the middle trying to maintain her professionalism while having feelings for both Superman/Clark Kent. The chemistry between the film’s characters is even more exciting than I anticipated.

What I found most clever in the film is the dog Krypto. He is a major contributor to the story and gave a Wizard of Oz vibe, i.e., Superman has his own Toto sidekick. Not only that, but Lex Luthor has monkeys performing IT tactics to help him achieve his mastermind plans. The layers of good and evil tango with new universes, creatures, and egos. Gunn nails the many moving parts to keep the punches rolling in Superman.

Even though at times the movie seems over-the-top, the writing and fictional settings work. Audiences will not miss any important aspects. Instead, they will appreciate the powers of good and evil lasering down on them from soaring skies as Superman flies high.

Within the depths of technology, I appreciated the interactive comic book approach in Superman. The film surrounds itself with old-school branding. The comic book style is nostalgic yet realistic. Overall, the narrative keeps the momentum colorful and leaves promising angles for more doors to be opened. Superman is definitely poised to have opportunities for new beginnings.

As one who loves many Superman films, I felt that there were going to be some let downs. Unfortunately, there were a few minor ones in the middle of the film, especially in the writing and characterizations. Somehow though, they recover easily. Gunn successfully keeps the presence of action which audiences hope to keep up with. This continued action adds intriguing layers to the new beginnings. It also makes audiences wonder about how the universe may be re-invigorated. Will Clark Kent/Superman find love with Lois Lane? Will there be time to save the world? Are there more centuries or areas at risk? Is the future in a tight spot? The cinematics creating the most anticipation are ones in which the skies are blue and a new hero is ready for the making. This story represents a solid new beginning, and one that is worthy. Three out of four stars for Superman.

Film reviews

Heads of State Review

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A thriller based on a global threat starring Idris Elba, John Cena, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas is overrated for serious thought and more geared on laughs. In Heads of State, there are only two characters that are of major importance, Elba and Jonas. Because the UK has a central focus in the story, they fit the bill more effectively. Cena is literally the tag along who is tangential and relies upon his over-inflated ego to fuel the film’s comical mischief. This film’s writing seems initially to flow with promising value. Espionage and conspiracy are what sells the audience, but the outcomes of what is trying to be accomplished keep falling off track, In the end, the audience is left to think, “Where do the lines correlate?”

The setup is two political figures in mayhem. There is the US President Will Derringer (Cena) and the UK Prime Minister Sam Clarke (Elba). The undercover agent is Noel Bisset (Jonas). Will and Sam are two high-end individuals with big egos. Their personalities successfully fuel the joyful silliness that audienceswill cherish in Heads of State. Will used his fame to make his way to becoming President from acting gigs in major motion pictures. Sam earned his merit as the UK Prime minister by working his way up in the old school manner. Both struggle with some arrested development in different ways. At the same time, they must learn to survive together without killing each other.

Heads of State fuels the international vibe by having the film shift to various interesting locations including Italy, France, and Poland. Political and European espionage is spotlighted through the writing which is sometimes slapstick in nature and at the same time two-sided. The film has moments of stupidity but then comes back with funny punchlines. Many of the punchlines are based on the egos tangling between Will and Sam. Soon, however, they learn to work with each other to save their own lives as well as the ones that matter to them most. Despite the characters’ individual merits, the film is captivating because it is built upon a foundation of dark comedy mixed with a political flavor.

In all honesty, it is one-of-a-kind. The world may view Cena as a pro wrestler continuing to climb his way to bigger roles due to his celebrity. It may also view Elba as the British actor who many assume is the closest to the becoming the new 007. The film has some overrated moments, but they work together well at delivering a comedic boxing match. Overall, I found myself being sold on Heads of State especially given the fact that it has British culture woven throughout. The references to Fish and Chips play well in the celebratory scenes.

Do these two men escape? Are politics stronger than anticipated? These are pieces of a puzzle which grow deeper and fuel the fire for something more invigorating. A dazzling, albeit slightly mediocre circus of fun. Two-and-a-half out of four stars for Heads of State.

Film reviews

Sorry, Baby Review

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This is a portrait that I was mesmerized by. It is a film that leads to curiosity as it explores human nature. Sorry, Baby leaves a trail of questions. Why do things happen? Why do people do what they do? Ultimately, how does the person who has been impacted keep a calm demeanor? Eva Victor is the writer, the director and the lead in Sorry, Baby. She gives everything to this performance. Her mental awareness and her ability to portray disconnect are impressive. Sorry, Baby shines in displaying matters of stress and relief. It is built upon a foundation of the steps it takes to go forward. The result is a landscape of trial and error that paints a clear picture of what it means to go with a gut-feeling.

Victor plays Agnes. She is working through the steps of completing her thesis to become an advisor. She shares a house with her close friend Lydia (Naomi Ackie), who is pregnant. Agnes and Lydia bond over their shared appreciation for hard work. For Agnes, however, her life takes a turn due to her thesisadvisor Preston (Louis Canceimi). Agnes is thriving the best she can her and then her world rotates once she meets Preston. While the audience does not see the tragic events, she has a harsh encounter with Preston involving assault.

Once the assault happens, the mood of Sorry, Baby understandably changes. Victor’s writing reflects the introverted mode caused by embarrassment and shame. Going forward, it begins to create a positive form of movement because Agnes keeps her head high and works through her emotions. She focuses on her thesis and leans on her friends, including Lydia. Then she finds herself at ease hanging around with her neighbor Gavin (Lucas Hedges). Sorry, Baby displays Oscar-worthy characterizations that soar with encouragement from the creative mind of someone who shows how growth from a harsh reality is possible.

The real-world scenario of Sorry, Baby leaves audiences with an influential reminder. Specifically, there is often something helpful to be learned from even a horrible encounter. At the same time though, it also shows how difficult it can be to talk about it. Victor’s writing showcases the sensitive layer of vulnerability that has the audiences hoping for better outcomes for Agnes. Her skills at writing, directing, and acting have led to a masterpiece.

With the harsh encounters creating anxiety in the film, the way Agnes deals with the post-event is thought-provoking. Does it scare her? Yes. Does it impact her? Yes. Does she open up about it? Not entirely. Her introverted personality and lighthearted attitude display that it is not about ruining one’s life, but about how one can move forward positively. Lydia’s pregnancy is one of the distractions for Agnes, and so is a cat she adopts. Slowly, the sweeter aspects of life fill the landscape in Sorry, Baby and light the way for an inspirational path.

There is turmoil, there is sadness, and Sorry, Baby turns despair into hope. Victor’s performance in all three roles (writer, director, actor) is one for the ages. The disconnect from reality is just the beginning and the steps to redemption are one-of-a-kind. Four out of four stars for Sorry, Baby.