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Film reviews

Jurassic World: Rebirth Review

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Dawn of the dinosaurs may be upon this respected franchise, but this time around it is lacking a storyline. Throughout the years, I have loved the Jurassic Park films by Steven Spielberg. However, the many different directions taken by the Jurassic World franchise continue to struggle to attain a memorable achievement. Jurassic World: Rebirth is a film in which some scenes are surreal, but then the conclusion seems to always bethe predictable running away from dinosaurs.

In some parts of the movie, there was a level of clarity especially in the captivating scenery that surrounds Jurassic World: Rebirth. The background serves a bigger purpose than the storyline. With Gareth Edwards as the director, he tests the limits of CGI with futuristic approaches. Disappointingly, his skills do not hit all the right spots in Jurassic World: Rebirth. While Edwards creates a modern environment that starts strong, the suspense comes marching in slowly via the dinosaurs and island adventures as the film progresses.  

The premise of the film focuses on DNA samples which are the primary mission. The main characters are Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson), Dr. Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey), Martin Krebs (Rupert Friend), and Duncan Kincaid (Mahershala Ali). This group teams up in their adventures. Dr. Henry Loomis is a genius facing hardships at the museum where he works. However, the scientific background is what Zora and Martin come to the table with. They present the idea of new and evolving discoveries. In order to find their new extinct dinosaurs, the team must go on a brave expedition into uncharted territory. The territory, though, proves to be exactly what viewers will expect.

As the film progressed, my mind kept shifting to the question, “How much more?”  I kept feeling that I was seeing the exact same outcome with every continuation in Jurassic World. Spielberg’s Jurassic Park was original. In comparison, the dinosaurs in this new film are just combined components which are rushed in the hopes of more success. On some level, it is still entertaining, but in the end, it all comes down to experiencing the chases.

In some parts, the directing goes on a deeper path when capturing the underwater creatures and interesting parts of the island. I liked it when the film explored an era that seemedmodern but with an out-of-focus timeline. Overall, the age of extinction does not mix well with the velocity or depth in Jurassic World: Rebirth. This film flew below my radar. Although it tried to go in a new direction, it didn’t succeed. 

The foundation attempts to build off WHOA DINOSAURS! Other than that, this film is the most overrated Jurassic World film yet. It just falls down the slippery slope by relying on CGI tactics for amazement. This is a tactic which has been overused at this point. Yet, there are some solid moments and a few captivating surprises. In the end, looking at the entire picture, the result is a catastrophic mess. Two out of four stars for Jurassic World: Rebirth.

Film reviews

M3GAN 2.0 Review

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Robots and artificial intelligence stroll along well in this sequel. I found myself feeling like I wanted to do the robot dance. The brigade of adventures is set right from the beginning of M3GAN 2.0. The events of the first film, M3GAN in 2023, are not forgotten which helps take this sequel to a new level. Directed by Gerard Johnstone, this film contains promising factors—because the world of revenge and robots keeps testing the limits. Only this time, M3gan must be revived.

Life has shifted in new directions for Gemma (Allison Williams) and her niece Cady (Violet McGraw). Gemma still utilizes technology and has learned to promote her work within thelimitations of technology utilization. The events of the first film take a new approach and Cady is still in her rebellious stage. Gemma tries to help Cady with the process of growing up. At the same time though, their home is filled with all kinds of artificial intelligence. A new risk comes presents itself when there is a new robot on the loose that goes by the name of Amelia (Ivana Sakhno). This means that going forward, Gemma and Cady may have to revive M3gan who bashed in a lot of heads in the first film.  The question is whether she can fight to stop a bad cause.

M3GAN 2.0 feels scientific with the suspense building based on factors related to technological differences. Gemma is still intent to do good with her resources, but at the same time, Cady is still a young girl testing boundaries. Their main risk, however, is Amelia. Espionage goes a long way in M3GAN 2.0 and there is plenty of danger in this new and daring adventure. M3gan is played by two actresses—Jenna Davis and Annie Donald, both of whom make M3GAN 2.0 dance and thrive with the action they are programmed for. There is a moment where M3gan is told to, “Get down,” and she dances with vengeance. The world of robots at risk and the revival of M3gan leads to a rapid tango.

This is a most thought-provoking and joyful sequel. M3GAN 2.0keeps robot dancing for fun, danger, and to save the world. I felt like there was a Robocop feeling to this sequel especially with more robots programmed, and clouds storage spaces encountering risk. All these components come together to push the limits of safety. In addition, this comes at a time where the utilization of teamwork excels in M3GAN 2.0. The movie is a thrilling rollercoaster filled with lovely lady robots flying. There is no escape from the many joyful tunes in M3GAN 2.0. Three-and-a-half out of four stars.

Film reviews

Love Hurts Review

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When there is a film with Ke Huy Quan, expect it to bring grandeur with mesmerizing characterizations full of personality. His acting makes audiences think back to his role as a child in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. He still brings fascination that shines wonderfully on the screen many decades later. His role this time around is as a successful career man trying to deal with many life and death issues. The past, however, is what comes to haunt him. Love Hurts is one-of-a-kind and quirky with excellence. 

Quan plays Marvin Gable, a realtor who has had a life with many deadly trails. He is in the mindset of assuming life is good, but it’s about to get a whole lot worse. As he is navigating his days with his colleagues, fragments of his past come back to him. There are various strange signals, and chances of danger. An anonymous message comes into his life, and from there, Love Hurts spirals. There is a whole lot of negative impactwhich comes on gradually and then accelerates. The instigator of the past scenarios which comes back around for vengeance is Rose Carlisle (played by Ariana DeBose). Another individual that comes into the picture is The Raven (played by Mustafa Shakir). Both characters are part of Marvin’s life before his career achievements. The antagonist is Alvin ‘Knuckles’ Gable (played by Daniel Wu), and he is also Marvin’s brother. A trail of deceit and vengeance grows rapidly and turns into a rollercoaster ride full of genius moments.

Love Hurts is wonderful because of the way fantasy decreases and then increases vividly. It goes from Marvin seeing red flags and then progresses to when Rose comes into the picture. Once Rose comes around, the duo dynamically evolves into scenes which are part of a wild death match of an adventure. The action correlates with having a humorous tone while also being visually enticing. Quan and DeBose are a duo of extravaganza. Love Hurts will dazzle its audiences to the max. It is a new direction that does not have to be taken seriously. Before seeing the movie, I was not expecting much. But it turned out to be more than what I was hoping for. The continued trails of trial and error, and the harsh previous events create a tornado of twists and turns. 

In terms of expectations, I will try to put my comparisons into cinematic terms. Think of John Wick meeting Office Space. Both find a pattern to tie together. John Wick for the action sequences and Office Space for the characters’ personalities. When the scenarios involving conflicts and enemies occur, the movie is filled with a climax like Everything Everywhere All at Once. Quan was in Everything Everywhere All at Once and he won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his performance while the film even won Best Picture. Love Hurts has a lighter, more subtle plot than Everything Everywhere All at Once yet still well worth seeing. Three out of four stars.