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Film reviews

Megalopolis Review

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Many years in the making, Megalopolis is about a director who spends his own funds to create his project. From director Francis Ford Coppola comes a saga where artists and egos collide in a futuristic universe filled with deceit and power. For fans of Coppola’s previous projects, this film has layers of amazement. While it’s all over the place, it still works.

The film focuses on Cesar Catilina (played by Adam Driver). He is an artist that challenges time, reality, and art through his self-absorbed way of thinking. He has the power to stop and move time and reality. A utopian future in New York city spirals as Cesar’s ego always keeps him on the lookout for the most growth potential possible. The mayor is Franklyn Cicero (played by Giancarlo Esposito), and he is not fond of Cesar’s approaches. Right in the middle, there is Julia Cicero (played by Nathalie Emmanuel). Julia is the daughter of Franklyn and is working for Cesar. Characters in this film come together to create their own narrative. Cesar’s reputation and universe begins to go awry due to his questionable involvement with others, including a young stud named Clodio Pulcher (played by Shia LaBeouf). Clodio looks down on Cesar and wants to acquire the kind of power Cesar has.

The film is over-done, but Coppola is strong as usual with his storylines in Megalopolis. Unfortunately, the characters frequently go down cheesy paths. The seriousness of this film comes through the narration. Fundi Romaine (played by Laurence Fishbourne) is both a character and the narrator. The film explores the idea of maturity and the center of authority in Coppola’s world of the rich and wealthy. Even the family dynamic is curious, especially with Cesar’s uncle Hamilton Crassus II (played by Jon Voight). He is not always on the same page as Cesar but stands loyally by the throne. Megalopolis is like the philanthropic approach to what Coppola tries to accomplish with his artistry in filmmaking. The utopian future in this setting gives viewers a lot to think about.

There is a quote in the film, “Artists can never lose the control of time.”  The ability to control time toys with the audience’s mind during the entirety of Megalopolis as do themes related to hatred, power, enemies, and deceit. The film also has many suspenseful factors which elicit a sense of overwhelm.

Despite some setbacks, Megalopolis is a continuum of all kinds of dreams hoping to develop into something bigger. The dramatics thrive faithfully in way that is expected from Coppola after long ago establishing respect with the now famous saying, “I’m going to make him an offer he can’t refuse,” from The Godfather. There are plenty of “can’t refuse” offers in Megalopolis. The creative forms of corruption make Megalopolis visually audacious. The IMAX version will loop in more depth and layers to help audiences understand the narrative in the 10X immersive experience. Three out of four stars for Megalopolis.

Film reviews

My Old Ass Review

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A group of teenagers curious about what life will be like when they grow-up is featured in My Old Ass. Written and directed by Megan Park, this unique film begins with an approach in which the teens are doing drugs all night long. Their partying, however, results in revelations due to the side effects of the drugs which bring dramatic elements and unexpected meaning. My Old Ass is one of the quirkiest, yet joyful and artistic adventures of 2024. 

The film focuses on Elliott (played by Maisy Stella), who is young and living her best life. This all changes when she does mushrooms with her friends Ruthie (played by Maddie Ziegler) and Ro (played by Kerrice Brooks). Once the mushrooms make her start tripping, her mental door opens to a new individual of purpose which is the older version of herself. Older Elliott (played by Aubrey Plaza) offers inspiration and wisdom. She also makes Elliott realize she should examine her life more thoroughly. Elliott finds all kinds of new revelations from her older self. She finds connections to a boy named Chad (played by Percy Hynes White), and she tends to read more into what her family has planned. These various discoveries lead to heightened emotions.

My Old Ass takes a deeper approach as it explores the inner thoughts of its main characters, Elliott and Older Elliott. The realization that life has many plateaus is highlighted by scenes in the film which frequently look back in time. The vibes of youth and then reassessment once Elliott matures are featured in My Old Ass It is a dark comedy where family, love, friendship, sacrifices, curiosities abound. Is Elliott going to make different choices after listening to older Elliott? Is Elliott going to resent herself or her family more? Or is Elliott going to let her life take its course? The youthful adventures of Elliott’s mushroom-fueled trip open her mind to new beginnings. The film takes the subject of teenage hormones and dazzles the screen with astonishing characterizations.

The dynamic between Stella and Plaza is amazingly well done in My Old Ass. This film is different kind in which the adventure of growing up finds new paths. The dramatics also find some uncharted territory. The path leading to positive outcomesarrives swiftly and smoothly in My Old Ass. Three-and-a-half out of four stars.

Film reviews

Parvulos Review-Fantastic Fest 2024

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This film is about an apocalypse during a pandemic. The setting involves survivors in a forest. There is breathtaking cinematography and lighting that keeps its audience frightened due to uncharted territory and irreparable circumstances. Parvulos is terror with class and pushes the limits to extraordinary levels. Directed by Isaac Ezban, Parvulos is one of these rare and unexpected astonishments. It truly belongs in Fantastic Fest, because it filled with “FANTASTIC” surprises. The forest setting in a pandemic that has caused damage to many lives works. The survivors are striving to do what they can, until they reach the other side.

The film takes place in Mexico. The lighting includes toned colors where the light does not brighten up. Expect dark elements as the film progresses. The survivors are three brothers. They are Salvador (played by Farid Escalante Correa), Benjamin (played by Mateo Ortega Casillas), and Oliver (played by Lenardo Cervantes). Salvador is the oldest and the main guardian. He is also disabled as he only has one arm. They are living in a world where a virus broke out and turned many humans into zombie-like creatures. They have fought for their safety in this dangerous environment and even have creatures locked in their basement. Their daily routine includes finding food, creating shelter, and always praying for survival.

The theme of outsiders is where Parvulos is monumental as a spellbinding motion picture. Salvador does all he can to protect his brothers, but because of their ages they do not fully understand the dangers outside their home lives. In Parvulos,one wrong move or action can put everyone’s life at risk. No spoilers, but what is in their basement is related to them, and they want to keep it safe until there is a trustworthy cure for the virus. Imagine the Covid era but in a more detrimental and fictional setting that feels like a Parasite topped with a whole lot of Dawn of the Dead. The writing has connection and empathy. The strong feelings the writing evokes fuel the hopes of finding ways for the brothers to live a longer life.

The mission to create normalcy in an apocalyptic environment is what makes Parvulos an inspiring thriller. It makes its audience think and holds them in suspense as it explores many aspects of the resources available. No one is safe, but the brotherhood vibes keep them strong. Parvulos creates brilliance in a harsh reality that cinematically highlights the power of sacrifice. The pandemic is detailed as is scarcity in an intriguing fashion. There is a deep and detrimental trail for these brothers with difficult obstacles to near its end. One of the best films of Fantastic Fest. The achievement lies within. Four out of four stars for Parvulos.