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Film reviews

Disclosure Day Review

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When I think of Steven Spielberg, I think of imagination and admiration. Spielberg has delivered many films throughout the decades with plots and stories that invigorate and inspire. Deep down, however, Spielberg has a unique ability to take viewers on a journey into the unknown. Once we arrive in a different universe, our hearts are touched. From a boy finding connection with an alien creature in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial to a boy wanting to go from a robot into a human in A.I. Artificial Intelligence. Spielberg delivers again in his new film, Disclosure Day. This fictional story is political, philosophical, and a grandeur of a ride that never stops seeking answers.

In Disclosure Day, finding an inevitable truth is at hand. The film begins with the slow unraveling of a conspiracy. There is an alien encounter, and it is in a universe where the answers should not go public. The film has fascinating characteristics which all serve a unique purpose.  The main characters are Dr. Daniel Kellner (Josh O’Connor) and Margaret Fairchild (Emily Blunt). Both are brilliant individuals who are connected to the alien life form. The one after them who is seeking answers is Noah Scanlon (Colin Firth). The conspiracy gets critical quickly. With scientific elements and various sporadic events, Disclosure Day flies high. 

The person connected to Daniel and his rough journey is Jane Blankenship (Eve Hewson). She tries to help him navigate his harsh situation where he is trying to hide the truth. Margaret is trying to hide the truth as well. Her partner is Jackson (Wyatt Russell). However, given the many strange scientific angles appearing around every corner, there is so much to contend with during Disclosure Day. The brilliance in this film is highlighted by all the barriers to protect what is sacred. The new creatures are sacred, and the world is as well. The theories that Spielberg’s movie entails combined with the scientific and political theories mix in a way that demonstrates resilience and pure imagination. It is a spellbinding adventure that will blow the minds of viewers around the world.

Throughout the film, there are so many questions. Disclosure Day has some surprises, which is why it is enticing. For example, when there is a moment of truth, Margaret finds herself speaking in other languages. There are also scenes in which characters find themselves in a mode where their senses feel something is wrong. With aliens as the focus, the question of who to trust during critical times creates wonders in Disclosure Day. It is thought-provoking gem thanks to the direction of Spielberg.

When time is of the essence, Disclosure Day captures all the perfectly timed moments. The film also captures suspense. More importantly, the story does not take its focus off Daniel and Margaret. They are soul-searchers determined to find out what is going on. With the scientific background underlying the film, these characters hold the key to the doors of many wonders in Disclosure Day. Four out of four stars for Disclosure Day.

Film reviews

You, Me, & Tuscany Review

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A B-level rom-com that flies its way over Tuscany, Italy. It maintains a sense of a joyful adventure that finds a family vibe and keep resorting to love as the downfall. Directed by Kat Coiro, this is You, Me, & Tuscany. A setup where a woman’s life is in disarray, but she manages to find a loving family thanks to faking a situation. A joyful and silly film that somehow has proper chemistry to create a fulfilling side which feels touching.

With Coiro continuing to direct full-length films, she keeps improving her use of elements that make love feel spontaneous. That is how it is throughout all of You, Me, & Tuscany. Wonderful in moments, but also predictable. Overall, though, she is a director with a clever mind. Especially with the mix of Tuscany, Italy and bringing together a loving albeit mistaken family. 

The main character is Anna, and she is played by Halle Bailey. She finds herself on a messy adventure. She always struggles to keep her life together, yet decides to take a risk by posing as a fiancé. Later she finds herself at a Villa in Tuscany, Italy. The family loves her, and she begins to feel connected to Michael, played by Rege-Jean Page. However, Anna lies and says she is engaged to Matteo, played by Lorenzo de Moor. The family adores both, but Halle’s lies are the only things bringing her closer to this family. The truth is that she feels love for Michael, and not Matteo.

The boisterous setup allows for some positive moments to flow. There are scenes of cooking and festivities and not letting traditions down. Anna learns to confide in herself. The film’s writing is so set on Anna—she is the queen of faking things andcan sometimes find a gap in her illogical choices. The “illogical” side of You, Me, & Tuscany is average.

I found myself feeling mixed response to this film leading me to feel almost neutral throughout the experience. This is primarily because my fascination was so much in tune with the scenery around Tuscany and the culinary side. The dynamics attractedmy attention, but they were  mediocre.  The cultural side is the winning aspect of the story.

On a level of clarity, I felt the performances and appearances of Halle Bailey and Rege-Jean Page are the selling point of this film. Especially since both are A list cast members for this romantic comedy. They play the roles well, but the rest of the dynamic behind it is purely predictable, relying on vast scenery to impress its audience. I do appreciate how it portrays in its context someone coming out of their shell, but also, I feel that the backstory could have provided much more. This is a film that deserves a more dramatic, yet empathetic premise–not one based solely on a setup of deceit.  It picks itself up with everyone enjoying the company of one another. I guess no rejection is what makes this film rather attention grabbing. Overall, I remain neutral. Two out of four stars.

 

Film reviews

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Review

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This sequel is fun. It drags a bit, but fantasy keeps the momentum going. Directed by Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic Pierre Leduc, and Fabien Polack. They are all back after directing the first film of the series. This time they bring in more of the tunes for the experience to feel even more like the video game franchise. The result is a grandeur of colors with nostalgia. It is mind-boggling and full of adventures. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has lots of video game sound effects from the classics. There is a predictable plot, but that is what it is all about.

Chris Pratt is the voice of Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy is the voice of Princess Peach, Charlie Day is the voice of Luigi, Jack Black is the voice of Bowser, Benny Safdie is the voice of Bowser Jr., and Glen Powell is the voice of Fox McCloud. It is an adventure where Mario finds himself traveling to centuries in the universe with Luigi. It is also a film where Princess Peach is in peril, but also Bowser and Bowser Jr, are at the center of the conflict. The fantasy world of the Nintendo characters the world loves continues to be a treasure of creativity.

When I was watching this film, the many types of Mario video games kept circling in my mind. Since my first game console was a Nintendo 64, many memories came back to me instantly. I loved playing games including Mario Party, Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros, and more. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie felt like trip down memory lane. Especially given the adventures of Mario and Luigi dealing with Bowser Jr. with Bowser still the main enemy. The whole film has that good guy vs. bad guy setup—which makes it feel like a video game. Overall, the movie continues to have enough spice to provide entertainment for all ages.

It is a fun adventure, yet sometimes repetitive. I have no doubt that it will speak to Millennials. Gen Z viewers are also familiar with the video games that grabbed many people’s attention before their time. The ability to attract viewers from different generations makes The Super Mario Galaxy Movie joyful. I found myself feeling rather pleased about this fact throughout the movie. It is mostly witty and humorous, mixed with some dry moments. Still, the connection to the beloved video game kept my attention. Two-and-a-half out of four stars.