Tag Archives: Netflix

Film reviews

Ultraman: Rising

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This is one of the most fascinating animated films on Netflix. Ultraman: Rising is an animation where the writing and the direction go together to the max with high-end contrast that sparks new light. A powerhouse ride of colors that brings fun to every corner. It is a superhero flick that is fun for many ages. This is Ultraman: Rising.

This is the directorial debut for Shannon Tindle and John Aoshima.  Ultraman: Rising works amazingly with the development in its technology to create an atmosphere of adventurous joy. Ultraman: Rising is an in-depth story with creativity about what comes with being a hero.

The film focuses on Ken Sato/Ultraman (voiced by Christopher Sean). Ken is both a professional baseball player and his secret alter ego is that of Ultraman. His life of wealth and fame finds itself landing on plateaus.  As he aspires to be the hero Ultraman, a new baby dragon comes into his life that he must care for. This creature is a kaiju monster. Ken must juggle between being a pro baseball player, a hero, and a guardian of the kaiju monster. He discovers that there is more to life than fame, and as Ken’s priorities change, conflict develops in having to juggle these many responsibilities. His father was an Ultraman, and Ken is continuing in his footsteps.  Can he step into his shoes?

With Ken having a kaiju monster as a pet, the force is out to get his pet. The deadly orders of corruption are run by Dr. Onda (voiced by Keone Young). He is a mastermind of many electronics and robots attempting to stop the tracks of Ultraman and whatever he sees as peril.  These moments create the continued thrills in Ultraman: Rising.

The connecting points are in the value of multi-tasking between livelihoods. What is more fulfilling for Ken? Is it being a pro ball player? Is it being Ultraman? Is it raising this monster? The answer to these questions is that all can thrive.  Ultraman: Rising is a film with a host of  opportunities. It’s depth correlates to connecting with many audiences, from those who love super heroes, dragons, baseball, and more.

The direction of a compelling narrative has class and creates an animation sensation. The technology rides a wave of endurance. Ultraman: Rising takes the cake as one of the best-animated films of the summer on Netflix, because it is unique in its setting, its writing, its premise, and its plot. An animation where the superhero factor must find common ground for the greater good.

 I will say I felt overwhelmed by many of the moving parts, yet in a positive light. The technical aspects of the heightened action soar strongly in Ultraman: Rising. There are just times when the film feels like its dynamics of importance struggle to stay in place. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for Ultraman: Rising.

Film reviews

Hit Man Review

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Director Richard Linklater’s style is displayed in the opening of Hit Man, a one-of-a-kind spy comedy. The setting has both normalcy and many unanswered questions. The film accomplishes its objectives with magnificent misdirection. 

Glen Powell plays Gary Johnson and narrates many segments of the film. He is a professor and a hit man for his local police department. Gary displays a classy personality. His style is presentable but a bit below-average. No one would be able to guess that he does con work on the side because his attitude is presented as book smart over street smart. Gary’s subtle character is how he gets the job done.

Linklater uses character traits of deceit and quirkiness to great benefit in this movie. The role and personality of Powell reminded me of Jack Black’s performance in Linklater’s 2003 classic School of Rock. In both films, the characterization involves someone who is under-qualified to be doing a task and yet they are doing it to their benefit. For Black it was pretending to be a schoolteacher and forming his rock group, and for Powell it is about using fake names to cover his identity and do dirty deeds. Linklater is superb in creating characters who can bring such surprises when the truth about what they do is revealed. 

In Hit Man, a load of revelations and curiosities unfold as part of the backstory of the lead character. The film is innovative withcatchy moments using disguises. Powell plays the role well as aclassic man of mystery who does not hide his shifting personalities.

There are creative moments including scenarios in which Gary has worked during his con work assignments. His assistants are Claudette (played by Reeta), Phil (played by Sanjay Rao), and Jasper (played by Austin Amelio). Gary is the most suited to get tasks accomplished. The writing of the characters’ roles provides personality with confidentiality. They all work within their means, but Gary plays the cards right all the time. The audience will feel that Powell is the mastermind of whatever is to come and will be able to handle most every problem that comes his way.

With Gary having a life as a teacher and a hit man, he starts to see shifts in his thinking as he feels a love for Madison Figueroa Masters (played by Adria Arjona). His love interest impacts his ability to fly below the radar. This element causes the humor to shift which is what works for Linklater, especially in a spy-thriller.

Linklater knows how to effectively establish reputations. Gary’s reputation is on the line when he realizes that Madison may be in danger due to her husband. Are Gary’s feelings getting in the way? What is worth more to Gary? There is a steamy chemistry that tests the limits and boundaries in Hit Man. The lies combined with Gary’s success as a professor, a hit man, and his hidden relationship with Madison all enhance the story. Powell’s role of a two-faced, nice guy makes for mysterious pleasures in Hit Man.

When does the red flag of confidentiality get too risky?Moments of truth unfold when Gary pulls out his gun in public. Slowly many acquaintances come across Gary when he is with Madison as his new mission is to help Madison get her abusive husband out of her life. With that focus, however, a lot is on the line. How low can Gary fly below the radar? Linklater does a magnificent job of portraying the moments of life and chaos. There are unique cliffhangers and unexpected surprises with plenty of enthralling twists in this different yet fun Linklater classic. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for Hit Man.

Film reviews

Unfrosted Review

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Directed by and starring Jerry Seinfeld, Unfrosted is one of those clever and sarcastic comedies that dives into ambitious aspirations in a quirky way. A film where the revolutionary days of sweets and profits meant a lot more competition. It’s approached from a storytelling angle. The film jumps right to the events within the title itself. As one who has been fascinated by cereal products from a young age, Unfrosted felt like a comic book experience of heroes and villains fighting for first place in a creative race to the top. It is a wonderful delight and a bizarre adventure. The quirkiness works well with the pairing of two comics of lighthearted humor in Seinfeld and Gaffigan.

The invention of the Pop Tart brings a universe of comical corruption. The film reaches back to a time where marketing and logos were all that mattered. Think about the series Mad Mendiving deep and blending with bits of Seinfeld and a whole lot of fancy commercialism. This is a colorful trend of comedic motions that keeps landing its punchlines and delivering witty outcomes, and there are plenty of them in Unfrosted. Finding the frosting is the essence of the film’s mission in Unfrosted. POP-TART in all caps is what finally sells Unfrosted. The minds of Gaffigan and Seinfeld coming together use their talents as successful comedians to create a pure adrenaline experience of solid fun.

The two focuses of the film are Bob Cabana and Edsel Kellogg III. Seinfeld is Bob, and he has a fascination with creating a breakfast recipe that sells and hits the spot. Jim Gaffigan is Edsel, the head of the cereal empire. Both Bob and Jim are business partners at Kellogg. Their competitor is Post. A film that is purely in the comical mind of Seinfeld, Unfrosted works to find the sweetness with having the layer of being quirky. Its context of silliness dives deeply, especially when Bob and Edsel team up with Donna Stankowski, played by Melissa McCarthy.  Donna works with NASA. The search for success and creating a brand of celebratory food is all about diversity in ingredients and delivering a new and appealing product in Unfrosted.

The rival between Bob and Edsel is Marjorie Post, played by Amy Schumer. The comedians dive into the competitive mode in a universe where food commercialism matters. The writing inthe film is pure in the sense that it wants its audience to keep humor in the back of their mind throughout. Gaffigan and Seinfeld deliver their lines much like they are performing, like there should be an outbreak of laughter after each punchline. It may seem silly and overrated, however, deep-down it is acreation of a comedy that is different and unique—it is truly heartfelt. Hugh Grant is truly endearing playing a mascot for a cereal. Grant plays Thurl Ravenscroft, and his performance is like seeing someone who would normally do Shakespeare looking like they needed a break or some extra money The joy of the dynamic of the film is how the audience does not have to take any of the characters seriously and still have a wonderful time.

For Seinfeld as a director, this is the type of film he would direct. Even though it went back and forth for me, it serves as a film that I find to be a nice change-of-pace for many audiences. A film that makes its viewers think back to the days when having breakfast foods with sponsors served a bigger purpose. The competition side though, is a bit over-the-top. Overall, I found the film to be pleasant, despite how mediocre it could be at times. Still, it is a joy in the positive mood and humor it brings to the screen. The fight between Kellogg and The Post is challenged with humor, egos, and quirky adventures. Two-and-a-half out of four stars for Unfrosted.