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Film reviews

Karate Kid: Legends Review

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It was good to see Ralph Macchio back in the franchise, especially in his role helping someone fulfill a destiny. Karate Kid: Legends is a continuation that should have happened years ago. Directed by Jonathan Entwistle, he brings the dynamic of what shapes a team and provides mentorship to a new level in Karate Kid: Legends. After the success of Cobra Kai, the franchise focused on teamwork in a more realistic way this time around.

The most essential remaining aspect from The Karate Kid(1984) is consistency as taught by Mr. Miyagi. I fondly remember the late Pat Morita’s famous lines, “Wax on, right hand. Wax off, left hand. Wax on, wax off. Breath in through nose, out of the mouth.”  Sadly, he passed away in 2011. The legacy of patience as a virtue stands the test of time in Karate Kid: Legends. Daniel LaRusso (Macchio) is one of the individuals promoting success now along with Mr. Han (Jackie Chan). Karate Kid: Legends is a new universe with potential.

The new young warrior is Li Fong (Ben Wang). He moves from China to New York. His mom, Dr. Fong (Ming-Na Wen), hopes Li can dismiss his fighting as they adapt to their new lives in the USA, but the combat finds Li. Some positives do happen for Lias he forms a friendship with Mia (Sadie Stanley) who works at a pizza parlor with her father Victor (Joshua Jackson). As Li navigates new routes in New York, he realizes the chance to fight is just around the corner. His mentor is Mr. Han and that is who he learns most of his motives from. Karate Kid: Legends is filled with interpersonal dynamics that lead to a bond that is stronger than I expected.

Before continuing into details about the dynamics, I want to touch upon the fact that the film’s writing may feel like it is trying to be a blockbuster. Unfortunately, I found it somewhat lacking especially when it came to the pacing of the franchise’sbiggest alumni…Daniel LaRusso. Macchio is the gem of the franchise. He is a mentor, learner, and someone reevaluating his own combat. Kung-fu and karate have separate terminology, but they find common ground in their juxtaposition. When Li is about to enter a competition, he plans to go up against a bully/jock by the name of Conor (Aramis Knight). With much uncertainty given the various relationships, Li finds himself in the middle—trying to settle the conflict by competition. I believe this is where Karate Kid: Legends highlights the mastery of martial arts and persistence in a dazzling way.

There is no easy way out for Li. The world of New York is his playground, and he uses the streets and subways as his training ground for becoming a winner. The encouragement of champions is presented in a captivating way. Karate Kid: Legends is not mesmerizing, but the message it sends to never give up is a knockout. Three out of four stars for Karate Kid: Legends.

Film reviews

Heart Eyes Review

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With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, the color of red which symbolizes love always finds its way into slasher flicks. This is especially true in films where romance takes a drastic turn for the worst which is the case in Heart Eyes. Directed by Josh Rubin, there are elements of joy and humor to go along with this unique title. The movie is neither a terrible nor amazing slasher full of terror, but it is relatively entertaining and fulfilling. With Rubin having credits as a director for Netflix specials and different TV series, his creativity and ability to hold audiences’ attention is on par with arcade fun in Heart Eyes. This movie has moments which feel interactive but not in a way that requires the audience to take it too seriously.  It is a fun thriller to take in for most any type of occasion.

The film’s title refers to a killer known as the “Heart Eyes Killer.” He is a murderer that targets couples on Valentine’s Day. The story begins by taking the audience to a place where true love is being displayed during a proposal. When this killer comes into the scene, the grizzly tone shivers at high level as the stage for murder is set and the loss of innocence spirals. The director is experienced at making his work joyful to watch even when the subject involves death.  

The new targets are a unique pair. The film introduces us to Ally (played by Olivia Holt) and Jay (played by Mason Gooding). They are co-workers doing news work on the night of Valentine’s Day, and they become the new targets of the “Heart Eyes” Killer. The film feels like the setting of a Scream movie. However, it is less violent. Heart Eyes captures the moments when characters try to find the right answers in the suspenseful moments. The film also feels like a puzzle, because thecharacters who play authorities are questionable as well. The two detectives are Detective Hobbs (played by Devon Sawa) and Detective Shaw (played by Jordana Brewster). No, their titles do not relate to the Hobbs and Shaw film, although that is even joked about during the movie. Overall, the film focuses ona group of misfit characters dealing with a killer. The killer’seyes are the shape of hearts, but the hearts signify death. 

I appreciated the cheesiness throughout Heart Eyes. It has a plot that seems predictable, but it does not rely solely on violent tactics to sell the story. The director works to add quirky chemistry between the many characters who are navigating the dangers. A spirit of teamwork in a group of not-so-bright minds is how Heart Eyes lands on an intriguing vibe. The film is kind of like a Hallmark holiday movie filled with both slashes andlaughs. It also succeeds by having an antagonistic tone which keeps the story on track. Hugs and kisses do not see eye-to-eyein Heart Eyes, but the film glows with evil. Two-and-a-half out of four stars for Heart Eyes.

Film reviews

Venom: The Last Dance Review

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The third installment of The Venom franchise has its quirks and giggles. In the final film, it is the most joyful experience. Directed by Kelly Marcel, she co-wrote the movie with Tom Hardy (who plays Eddie Brock). Venom: The Last Dance has dynamics that collide with laughter and full-throttle action.

The film picks up with Eddie. The power of Venom is connected to Eddie’s body. The voices of Venom keep coming around in his head. They have had many missions (from the previous two films), and their final one is unforgettable. With a journey through deserts, Vegas, and (hopefully) New York, there is still a lot to accomplish. There are evil forces. Eddie finds himself in peril. Dr. Payne (played by Juno Temple) and Rex Strickland (played by Chiwetel Ejiofor) follow Eddie. The enemy is unknown, but there are clues.

With the voices having their moments, they Eddie up the rails. The humor makes the layout feel predictable. What does Eddie want most? Does he want normalcy? Does he want to feel power? Does he want to start over? The tracks to a clean slate thrive where Venom: The Last Dance stands.

The Venom voice keeps pushing Eddie out of his element. This final installment is petal to the metal. Venom insists that Eddie is involved with a horse for transportation. The joy in that makes Venom: The Last Dance feel like Venom is on hyper drugs. Like the film Cocaine Bear, that moment can be defined as Cocaine Venom. It is a blistering journey where the norms of crazy are times ten.

The dynamics tend to feel off base sporadically. This aspect fits well though, because this is a franchise for humor. There are ounces of “humor” mended with a superhero direction. The twist though, is its main character is not a hero of any kind (he has not been since the beginning).

There is an appreciation for the film’s clever misdirection, embodied by the character Mrs. Chen (played by Peggy Lu). Eddie crosses paths with her, and that moment is the key to the craziness galore of Venom: The Last Dance. It is the thriving aspect where awkwardness is written genuinely well. It is audacious and fueling of entertainment all around.

The writing in Venom: The Last Dance effectively conveys confusion, rage, and annoyance, aiming to be top-notch in addressing all relevant issues. Its atmosphere of grueling humor (from the voice of Venom) is the sitcom noises throughout the entirety of the film. Will Eddie dismiss this power he has inside of him? If so, how bonkers of the journey will they (Eddie and Venom) endure? It is the many surprises that do not hold Venom: The Last Dance back from having surreal aspects (despite its goofiness).

The force intended for evil is portrayed as finding good in Venom: The Last Dance. It will take a lot of patience for Eddie to handle his final descent with Venom connected to him. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. I give Venom: The Last Dance three-and-a-half out of four stars.