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Film reviews

Horizon: An American Saga-Chapter 1 Review

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Horizon: An American Saga-Chapter 1 is a film by Kevin Costner that builds upon the foundation of the pre- and post-Civil War era. I found myself enthralled with the movie due to its aesthetic value set amidst the turmoil. Horizon: An American Saga is just the beginning as the second chapter opens later in August. Although the lengthy film dragged at time, I was sold.

The dynamics in the story take place in the years 1861 to 1865. There are many events taking place throughout Horizon: An American Saga-Chapter 1. One event features a settlement built in Apache territory. Another event is an Apache raid that leads to several deaths as well as families without homes. A third event involves Indigenous land and moral codes not finding common ground. Territory, race, ownership, politics, and authorities clash and boil during this saga. It is an aching ride of conflicts.

The film’s writing is vast when it comes to the personality of authority, Lt. Trent Gephardt (played by Sam Worthington). Heleads the people who have lost homes to safety in a sanctuary camp. The issues related to safety do not stop in Horizon: An American Saga-Chapter 1. It all starts with one man marking his territory via land from the beginning.

The film also grapples with a couple trying to make ends meet through sales. They are Ellen (played by Jena Malone) and Walter (played by Michael Angarano). This is during a time when essential resources for the masses are limited. With thecomplicated moving parts and obstacles encountered inuncharted territory, the film does a fantastic job staying present in the Civil War era.

Even along the trails, the film feels like the computer game The Oregon Trail. There are individuals who try to collect water for use. They journey throughout Kansas and the Santa Fe area. The commander is Matthew Leyden (played by Luke Wilson). He makes it his mission to make sure there is water collected. The conflict comes about when they cross lands that have restrictions. The challenges during the Civil War go deeper than many anticipate and makes for a spellbinding story.

Now many may ask what Costner’s role is in the film. Costner plays Hayes Ellison, a drifter in the Wild West scenes in the film. He is the hero of the franchise. He may only come around sporadically, however, his role has a sense of purpose. Hayes knows the layout of the lands. He has an idea of where the confrontations happen. Horizon: An American Saga-Chapter 1 is like Tetris focused on history where conflicts arise, battles are won, or lost in defeat.

The vast scenery of Wyoming and the Montana Territory captured my imagination as they created an ambiance of grandeur. It also made me wonder if any of the same lands will be used in the second chapter.  The first chapter is a breathless adventure where revelations come to life. The authorities of the good, the bad, and the wealthy all fight for their land. Horizon: An American Saga-Chapter 1 is just over three hours. But with its in-depth focus, it sparks curiosities which may make the next chapter an even more enticing adventure. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for Horizon: An American Saga-Chapter 1.

Film reviews

The Watchers Review

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From the mind of M. Night Shyamalan’s daughter Ishana Shyamalan, The Watchers has promising value. It displays a layout for terror where audiences would have to use their minds. It has a setting where the direction is unique. It has an area where terror may lead the audience to shiver. Sadly, it is not that amazing. Ishana’s dad produced the film. It feels like a film that was in her father’s direction. It is a tail of lacking components that lack surreal emotions.

Ishana’s father knows how to tie connections into his films. He does so in contrast to what is lost and found. There is that element tied into The Watchers. My conflict is how detrimental the film feels. There is confusion that begins at the top of the film.

The film focuses on Mina (played by Dakota Fanning). She is an artist trying to find her roots. She finds herself in Western Ireland. A car crash puts her in a forest that is in great danger. Mina is not alone. She finds shelter in a mysterious bunker with three other survivors. Those three characters are Madeline (played by Olwen Fouere), Ciara (played by Georgina Campbell), and Daniel (played by Oliver Finnegan). The bunker has a glass wall and an electronic light used for the night hours. Mina realizes that she is an additional one hiding from the creatures in the forest. They are called The Watchers. They rise above the ground. The bunker is the only place of shelter. How long can Mina, Madeline, Ciara, and Daniel hide though?

There is that element where noises bring the creatures to have powers. The Watchers feel repetitive, especially with a franchise already going along these lines with A Quiet Place. The Watchers take this direction with grains of salt to create a more euphoric atmosphere. It does not work well. It is a dynamic of four survivors putting together a puzzle as to why they are all stuck in the bunker.

I did not feel scared of The Watchers. I had a few moments where I jumped and was surprised. Even the tactics of the film,trying to be unsettling, did not feel that way either. The only moment where I was scared was by the creatures being seen as wendigos. That is what made me think the film is going in a fairytale aspect of scares. Its presentation was still lacking.

It is a thriller about continued boredom. The Watchers try to bring in all the evil for suspense with little explanation. It tries to blindside its audience in characterizations with misdirection of trust. There is that idea that one of the survivors may have a demonic side to what is going on. The logic is a mess surrounding the puzzle of The Watchers.

The idea is promising, but the quality is the problem. The Watchers feels like a blend of previous ideas from previous projects thrown into a film of just over ninety minutes. Some may enjoy its plot, some may be confused, and some may find it hit or miss. Two out of four stars for The Watchers.

 

4k releases, Capsule Reviews, Film reviews

Warner Bros 4K Releases: The Departed, American Sniper, Dune: Part Two, and The Ocean’s Trilogy

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The Departed

The layers of deceit are uncovered in this film’s poetic writing. The action is superb, and the tension is extreme. It is a gem of a movie that concludes when the turmoil needs to end. The 4k restoration delivers all the suspense. Pick up this limited edition of The Departed and feel all the experience this classic movie ona whole new innovative level.

American Sniper

The moments of impact are emphasized in the 4K restoration of American Sniper. The sniping scenes create moments of peril which cause viewers to feel the blood rush through their veins. It is an unforgettable ride. Eastwood’s direction of this true war story is brought to life in a clearer and more astounding way filled with heavy emotions.

Dune: Part Two

One of the best films of 2024! This is a world which is part of a franchise bursting with heavy cinematography. The 4k experience of Dune: Part Two is out of this world. The sound is compelling as is the film. It feels like an IMAX experience from the comfort of home. 

The Ocean’s Trilogy

From Oceans 11, 12, and 13. The 4K restoration is one of the most invigorating ways to revisit the franchise. The heists and plans keep evolving in each film. Going back to the beginning is the way to go in the 4K experience especially due to the new environments that continue after Oceans 11. The mind of Soderberg still captivates with various wonders and quirky humor which result in a fun dynamic in the 4K trilogy.