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Film reviews

Mercy Review

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This is a suspense flick where technology and AI surround the premises throughout the entire hour and forty minutes. While the story remains on track, the predictability is high. This is Mercy directed by Timur Bekmambetov. In this movie, laws and lies are put to the technological test. Probability, stats, and tracking are the keys to saving one’s life, while at the same time, these same tools are being employed to clear one’s name. 

The film’s main character is Chris Raven (Chriss Pratt). He wakes up locked into a chair, and the person he is speaking to is an electronic judge, Judge Maddox (Rebecca Ferguson). Chris is accused of murdering his wife. The system is called “Mercy.” This means that he is given ninety minutes to prove his innocence. Because Chris is locked in a chair, he must deal with the complications of contacting those to help him find the missing pieces to prove his innocence while continually handling the frustration and stressors caused by Judge Maddox. Since she is an AI character, she resets a lot. When time is of the essence, technological glitches only add to the risk that Chris will look guilty of this crime.

The film highlights innovation through technological innovations which aid in connecting the dots and performing tracking simulations. The visuals are a rollercoaster of amusing graphics, especially when Chris contacts his assistant Jacqueline (Kali Reis). She is the officer who goes through the streets to find the missing pieces for Chris. However, the probability of proving Chris innocent remains low. The challenge is heightened because those who plotted against him knew the facts and were able to tamper with the evidence which causes him to look guilty. The retracing of steps utilizing technology makes Mercy mesmerizing.

Time is of the essence, yet the film feels drags at times. There is a timer that audiences see repeatedly next to the performance of Ferguson. This gives audiences an idea of how long they will either get to enjoy or not enjoy this thriller. Some will and others won’t. I fell into the neutral category, partly because I’m a firm believer in fairness. Putting the facts and logistics together throughout the film made Mercy have some compelling scenes. The dynamic between the characters played by Pratt and Reiswas strong. Both are experienced playing roles that do not take no for answer.

Film reviews

David Bowie: The Final Act Review-Bertha DocHouse 2025

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When I recently traveled to London, United Kingdom, I had the opportunity to see David Bowie: The Final Act at the Bertha DocHouse. The many songs of Bowie sang in my head as I made my way to this cinema—one that is designed with different floors for various films in many artistic directions. The Bertha DocHouse is downstairs from the cinema, and it has an area that is a resource area and lounge. London created the perfect place for me to have new experiences through the mind of David Bowie with Bowie: The Final Act.

During this London adventure, I felt a deep appreciation and an inspiration to be more creative after experiencing David Bowie: The Final Act. The film is directed by Jonathan Stiasny and begins with a universal space setting—the imaginative world of Bowie is invigorating from the start of this wonderful documentary. The film is a compilation of interviews with many of Bowie’s colleagues ranging from Earl Slick to Gary Kemp, Goldie, and more. The film goes into the pattern of talking about his songs, and how he found his way to adapt to society with his creative elements from his beginnings up to his death in 2016. Through the many discussions and images of artistic craft, I felt like I was floating in arena of a space-like setting in the heart of London.

The film takes the viewer way back to the 1970’s and up to the 2000’s. There are a lot of moments where trial and error are discussed. At the same time though, the creative mind of Bowie pushing through it all blankets the film’s atmosphere. I love how the interviews with his many colleagues really impress that David never wanted to quit, that he always wanted to go with what his gut told him. At the same time though, he wanted his art to stay current and be what he was comfortable with. The film dazzles with the message of love and happiness with acceptance. So much of what floated around in Bowie’s life and mind is portrayed in the days leading up to the release of his album Blackstar.

Even though there is a sadness to his life that he had to grapplewith on and off, there is that inspiration that he kept his head upand kept going.  David Bowie: The Final Act constantly reminded me to be grateful for the talents I have. Especially along the lines of creativity, no lines can be blurred when one continues to be persistent with what one is passionate about. David Bowie: The Final Act sings to audiences to persist in their life’s endeavors.

Life is not easy, and there are challenges. But the reality of David Bowie: The Final Act is a mind-blowing world of words and inspirational aspects that are spellbinding. It is definitely one of the most thought-provoking and surreal documentaries I have ever seen. So many musical aspects combined to be experimental and encouraging. There is never the right time for bad news, but there is always a time to keep creating a stronger component to feel alive. Four out of four stars for David Bowie: The Final Act.

 

 

Film reviews

The Rip Review

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When there is a film featuring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, the thought of troublesome bros comes to mind. The two have experienced monumental achievements, beginning with their fame from the success of Good Will Hunting back in 1997. The two have a unique chemistry for creating something invigorating for the screen. The Rip, however, is average. Yet, their performance and chemistry are still stellar. Directed by Joe Carnahan, this is The Rip, a film where the choices and morals of police authorities are tested. but taking the cut is all that matters in the heat of the moment.

The main characters in this movie are Lieutenant Dane Dumars (Damon) and Detective Sergeant J.D. Byrne (Affleck). Both are cops in Miami who face some deficits, coming off a mission of a deceased captain. Going forward, there is a new score as they find an operation to carry out a cartel stash. The setting is Miami, Florida, and there is plenty of corruption. Their team includes Detective Numa Baptiste (Teyana Taylor), Detective Mike Ro (Steven Yeun), and Detective Lolo Salazar (Catalina Sandino Moreno). This gang of cops can be dirty or play by the rules. Taylor’s performance is reminiscent of her attitude in One Battle After Another and brings some gangster grandeur to this thriller in spite of its mixed writing.

The film faces hurdles along the way, Once the detectives find the cash, trying to get a hold of it requires them to go behind everyone’s backs. Questions about their choices surface. Damon and Affleck deliver performances that illustrate where the risks and their lies exist. The officer in the story with bigger forces is DEA Agent Mateo ‘Matty’ Nix (Kyle Chandler). With this DEA agent behind the scenes, the news of the money scrambles back and forth. With some of the detectives coming off a loss on a previously failed mission, this operation is more dangerous with closed forces behind closed doors. The Rip is effective at portraying trust and loyalty being put to the test. Unfortunately, the execution of creating real suspense is where the delivery getsconfused because there are too many moments when characters get into their own heads.

The Rip has the right characters with macho attitudes to take on critical tasks, some of which rely upon dishonesty. The film’s writing is enhanced by stellar chemistry among the performances of Damon, Affleck, Yeun, Taylor, and Chandler. The downside is in the somewhat flawed execution which keeps the film from being mesmerizing. The Rip comes down to dirty cops and corrupt authorities. The story has the right cast of characters, but the delivery and the punchlines do not align with the outcome. On the positive side, the Miami setting has got some edgy scenery to help boost the elements of suspense. I’llrate The Rip at two out of four stars because I appreciate the attitudes in the performances of Damon, Affleck, and Taylor. The rest of the film suffers from a lack of development in the writing.