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Film reviews

Novocaine Review

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When it comes to an unexpected hero to save the day, Novocaine delivers lots of spellbinding revelations. Jack Quaid successfully plays a nerdy introvert whose life is altered when his reality becomes his biggest nightmare. Novocaine is boggled up with emotions waiting to be unleashed.

This is a thriller where there are lots of laughs. Audiences can really rock thanks to the premium 4DX format at select cinema chains which includes moving seat and strobe effects. Novocaine is the right title for this format, because its main character has a disease which makes him unbreakable. 

In Novocaine, Quaid plays Nate who has a career in accounting and leads a relatively sheltered life due his disease. The layout of Nate’s life provides the writing on the wall at the start of the film. Due to Nate’s genetic disorder, CIPA which stands for “congenital insensitivity to pain, with analgesia,” puts him to the test.  He is in love with a girl named Sherry (played by Amber Midthunder). A heist takes place at his bank, and she is kidnapped. Nate decides to put himself at risk to save her. By doing so, he utilizes his condition which shields him from feeling pain in his body. 

As the film moves forward, Nate goes on a spree to get answers about Sherry’s kidnapping. His presentation is dorky and witty which makes the film so joyful. Quaid’s babyface seems to be easy to punch. However, he is going bananas trying to save Sherry. He does so with every fragment of his body. The heist features events ranging from car crashes to fights in restaurants to combat with tattoo machines, and a whole lot more. The film is relentless with a variety of high hazard jams. The fact that there are no feelings in the main character’s body makes Novocaine a daring ride. Nate continues to display his dominance while the submissives hold Sherry hostage.

There is a sense of exasperation which takes effect during the film. A lot of the scenes are predictable, but then there are moments that are lethal and unanticipated. The aspect that impressed me the most was in Quaid’s performance as a hero who comes out of his shell due to his disease. His unusual, yet creative superpower makes Novocaine shine. There is also a nerdy connection, his gaming buddy Roscoe (played by Jacob Batalon) who helps him with his troubles.

There is a rapid dynamic in this story that is out of this world. Quaid is monumental in his quirky yet realistic portrayal of Nate. Quaid, Midthunder, and Batalon have an intriguing dynamic as last-minute heroes. With Quaid as the leader and Midthunder and Batalon as his sidekicks—their performance is fueled with adrenaline. Novocaine is a thrill ride of chills and hysterical aftermaths.

For the full effect, Novocaine is a movie I would suggest seeing in 4DX. I saw it at the Regal City North in Chicago. During moments when Nate was in motion, my seat was also in motion.When he got wet, water splashed in my face. During every key perilous scene …4DX provided the ideal format to feel mesmerized. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for Novocaine.

Film reviews

September 5 Review

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There are captivating insights that feel real in the film September 5. Directed by Tim Fehlbaum, the actual events highlighted in this movie are compelling. With a stellar cast including Peter Saarsgard, John Magaro, Ben Chaplin, and Leonie Benesch, their performances portray a powerhouse of a team that comes together during the Olympics in Munich, Germany in 1972. The era of old-school news technology and various technicalities which pose challenges—the broadcast is at times more surreal than the story itself.

The film features Geoffrey Mason (Magaro) who is assigned to handle the events surrounding the Olympics of 1972. When the terrorist event begins, the tasks of the job become tedious and detrimental. His superiors are Roone Arledge (Saarsgard) and Marvin Bader (Chaplin). As the terrorist attacks interrupt the broadcast, the decisions regarding what to share with the world and what to broadcast grows critical. The pros and cons of what is chosen to be televised always poses a risk, so making the right decision is essential. Israeli athletes are being held hostageduring the Olympics.  How deep does the team have to go to dig into the story? How do they find out the severity of the situation and its accuracy? The ABC sports crew finds themselves in a tough spot as they must grapple with all that is going on to provide the content for their network. September 5. has a real-life quality to it which showcases a pattern of brutality in the wake of a news team taking on a story that is bigger and scarier than they had imagined. The assistant and translator is Marianne Gebhardt (Benesch). She speaks German and can translate what is being said. However, the technological limitations of the times create a spark which ignites suspense during this uncertain situation.

Uncertainty is vivid and pervasive throughout September 5 because as the news evolves, there are new objectives that must be continuously considered. Much of that weight falls onto Mason. However, the more major and crucial choices are in the hands of Arledge and Bader. All of them have mixed feelings about every step they take, and every direction they lead.  Thenews team is already in a state of stress and shock based on the disturbing footage that gradually comes through their channels. When there are hostages, the true events heighten the film’s authenticity The film is the most anxiety-producing yet exhilarating news story adaptation I have ever seen. The characterizations and the stressors building the momentum to find the solution of what is proper for the broadcast are done incredibly well.

The setting of solely being in the news station makes the audience feel they are in the era when the story occurs. This was the first story about terrorism to sweep the nation. The direction is spellbinding and successful at portraying a team working together to do their best in very difficult conditions. While they hit many plateaus, there is always a light due to the realism in this film. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for September 5.

Film reviews

Better Man Review

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This is by far one of the most unique gems of a musical sensation I have seen. Better Man is an astounding portrait of the many steps required to become famous along with the plateaus through the eyes of the British pop singer Robbie Williams. The reason he is played by a monkey in the film is because that is how Williams views himself.  This perspective makes Better Man feel real and takes the connection he makes with the audience to a whole new level in an immersive way. The story stays consistently on track and shines with sensational direction. The monkey character effectively conveys a vibe which leads to personal revelations in Better Man. The life of Robbie making his way to fame with the group Take That, then falling into addictive patterns, and dealing with disconnect as various life scenarios caused him to crumble. Each scene of tragedy or happiness loops in a musical number which results in great jams in Better Man.

The plot is a biography with narration from by Robbie Williams. Jonno Davies plays the monkey (and main character). The film begins with the younger days of Robbie, a time when he was close to his parents but faced different issues. After he became famous as part of Take That, he dealt with a slew of addictions—alcoholism, drug-abuse, and other questionable behaviors. The film is a full-throttle ride of finding new beginnings and experiencing revelations showcased in a very colorful way. The musical moments throughout Better Man are purely astounding. The continued narration from Robbie’s real voice brings in an empathetic review of both his accomplishments and failures with strong hope expressed for opportunities to grow in the future.

As the film storyline continues, the depths of his inspiration are explored fearlessly and faithfully. The dynamics of Robbie’s relationship with his father Peter (played by Steve Pemberton) are where the heartache and pain lie. At the same time, there is the chance for Robbie to grow into an even bigger sensation than he believes. His father tells him, “You’re either born with it…or you’re a nobody!” Robbie is more successful than this statement implies as we learn in Better Man.  Robbie’s dreams grow along with his friends in Take That and the support of his first love Nicole Appleton (played by Raechelle Banno). Despite all the good people and connections Robbie has in his life, his own demons keep him down even when he has so much to offer. The sadness is real, but the story also reveals despair can turn into hope.

This film provides a cinematic jolt through music and one man’s true story. The film’s writing covers tons of hardship but does not focus on the negative. Instead, it shines a spotlight on self- improvement by reminding its audience that everyone has a gift—Robbie’s is music. I have had struggles in my own life, and Better Man reminded me why focusing on the craft we love most is what makes us keep building the steps to achieve our monumental moments. It is a musical biography that is unique and exhilarating. I was rocking and I was crying. I was also hoping for one new door to open to a cinematic song where Robbie could reach another positive outcome. Four out of four stars for Better Man.