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Film reviews

Jurassic World: Rebirth Review

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Dawn of the dinosaurs may be upon this respected franchise, but this time around it is lacking a storyline. Throughout the years, I have loved the Jurassic Park films by Steven Spielberg. However, the many different directions taken by the Jurassic World franchise continue to struggle to attain a memorable achievement. Jurassic World: Rebirth is a film in which some scenes are surreal, but then the conclusion seems to always bethe predictable running away from dinosaurs.

In some parts of the movie, there was a level of clarity especially in the captivating scenery that surrounds Jurassic World: Rebirth. The background serves a bigger purpose than the storyline. With Gareth Edwards as the director, he tests the limits of CGI with futuristic approaches. Disappointingly, his skills do not hit all the right spots in Jurassic World: Rebirth. While Edwards creates a modern environment that starts strong, the suspense comes marching in slowly via the dinosaurs and island adventures as the film progresses.  

The premise of the film focuses on DNA samples which are the primary mission. The main characters are Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson), Dr. Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey), Martin Krebs (Rupert Friend), and Duncan Kincaid (Mahershala Ali). This group teams up in their adventures. Dr. Henry Loomis is a genius facing hardships at the museum where he works. However, the scientific background is what Zora and Martin come to the table with. They present the idea of new and evolving discoveries. In order to find their new extinct dinosaurs, the team must go on a brave expedition into uncharted territory. The territory, though, proves to be exactly what viewers will expect.

As the film progressed, my mind kept shifting to the question, “How much more?”  I kept feeling that I was seeing the exact same outcome with every continuation in Jurassic World. Spielberg’s Jurassic Park was original. In comparison, the dinosaurs in this new film are just combined components which are rushed in the hopes of more success. On some level, it is still entertaining, but in the end, it all comes down to experiencing the chases.

In some parts, the directing goes on a deeper path when capturing the underwater creatures and interesting parts of the island. I liked it when the film explored an era that seemedmodern but with an out-of-focus timeline. Overall, the age of extinction does not mix well with the velocity or depth in Jurassic World: Rebirth. This film flew below my radar. Although it tried to go in a new direction, it didn’t succeed. 

The foundation attempts to build off WHOA DINOSAURS! Other than that, this film is the most overrated Jurassic World film yet. It just falls down the slippery slope by relying on CGI tactics for amazement. This is a tactic which has been overused at this point. Yet, there are some solid moments and a few captivating surprises. In the end, looking at the entire picture, the result is a catastrophic mess. Two out of four stars for Jurassic World: Rebirth.

Film reviews

M3GAN 2.0 Review

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Robots and artificial intelligence stroll along well in this sequel. I found myself feeling like I wanted to do the robot dance. The brigade of adventures is set right from the beginning of M3GAN 2.0. The events of the first film, M3GAN in 2023, are not forgotten which helps take this sequel to a new level. Directed by Gerard Johnstone, this film contains promising factors—because the world of revenge and robots keeps testing the limits. Only this time, M3gan must be revived.

Life has shifted in new directions for Gemma (Allison Williams) and her niece Cady (Violet McGraw). Gemma still utilizes technology and has learned to promote her work within thelimitations of technology utilization. The events of the first film take a new approach and Cady is still in her rebellious stage. Gemma tries to help Cady with the process of growing up. At the same time though, their home is filled with all kinds of artificial intelligence. A new risk comes presents itself when there is a new robot on the loose that goes by the name of Amelia (Ivana Sakhno). This means that going forward, Gemma and Cady may have to revive M3gan who bashed in a lot of heads in the first film.  The question is whether she can fight to stop a bad cause.

M3GAN 2.0 feels scientific with the suspense building based on factors related to technological differences. Gemma is still intent to do good with her resources, but at the same time, Cady is still a young girl testing boundaries. Their main risk, however, is Amelia. Espionage goes a long way in M3GAN 2.0 and there is plenty of danger in this new and daring adventure. M3gan is played by two actresses—Jenna Davis and Annie Donald, both of whom make M3GAN 2.0 dance and thrive with the action they are programmed for. There is a moment where M3gan is told to, “Get down,” and she dances with vengeance. The world of robots at risk and the revival of M3gan leads to a rapid tango.

This is a most thought-provoking and joyful sequel. M3GAN 2.0keeps robot dancing for fun, danger, and to save the world. I felt like there was a Robocop feeling to this sequel especially with more robots programmed, and clouds storage spaces encountering risk. All these components come together to push the limits of safety. In addition, this comes at a time where the utilization of teamwork excels in M3GAN 2.0. The movie is a thrilling rollercoaster filled with lovely lady robots flying. There is no escape from the many joyful tunes in M3GAN 2.0. Three-and-a-half out of four stars.

Film reviews

Kill the Jockey Review

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Directed by Luis Ortega, this is a dark comedy where exploration ends up in a bind. Kill the Jockey presents conflicts up front and hurdles along the way after a detrimental disaster. Vivid and thought-provoking, Ortega knows how to create a film that feels two-sided—with conflict and identity. The setup uses impairment to its advantage, but when that tactic falls apart, a new journey begins with a desperate search for answers.

The film’s focus is Remo (Nahuel Perez Biscayart), a jockey under a wealthy businessman named Sirena. Sirena presents himself in a mob-typed fashion. He owns horses, and Remo is his top racer. Then there is Abril (Ursula Corbero). She islearning the ropes to be a jockey and is pregnant. The baby belongs to Remo. Life for these characters boils over with politics and anxiety playing a role. When Remo messes up, his life transitions and he becomes rebellious. The title speaks for itself as the story takes a turn. 

The film paints a portrait of Remo being desperate for success. From the outside, though, it doesn’t seem that he can own hisfeelings. There are moments when he finds himself wondering about his identity. He begins to experience feminine moments in his life after a particular disastrous race. While Sirena is trying to figure out what to do with Remo, Remo continues down the path of provoked and erratic behavior. He appears to be coming out of his cage with a vengeance and a classic hint of uncertainty. 

The dynamic of entrapment is what I found to be extraordinarily compelling in Kill the Jockey. When Remo comes out of his shell, his vindictiveness displays a form of humanistic emotions that are just surreal. It is a portrait of fame, love, and loss looking to be earned. The writing clearly focuses on the conflict and dynamics tied to Remo, Sirena, and Abril. Abril, however, is the lowest priority, but she serves as an important opener for Remo’s doors.

With the races being a blur, and with Remo finding himself going crazy, Kill the Jockey leaves audiences with a vibrant sense of curiosity about the eventual consequences. Remo’s impact is the main subject of the audacious dynamic and interruption of the criminal setup. The exploration in this film is vivid as it highlights how things for those who work in a livelihood which is out of their control encounter many unseen pressures. Ortega’s directing has an effective way of showcasingkarma containing many slaps in the face. Remo wants to fulfill his happiness and Abril’s happiness, but he also wants to find his own success instead of it being under Sirena. Given Sirena’ssacrifices for him in the past, escaping from the big boss sends Remo on a road of tough choices in Kill the Jockey.

This film is diverse and unique. Kill the Jockey has a realistic foundation that I was sold on. As Remo navigates life outside, his search for identity evolves. In a strange way, Remo’s journeymakes sense—because his life has been micro-managed for years. It is an unimaginable awakening with funny moments that grow darker. Ortega presents a life to be learned in a criminal context. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for Kill the Jockey.