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Film reviews

The Color Purple Review

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The Color Purple opens with the poetic themes of love, friendship, and encouragement—all of which will go through ages of neglect and abuse. There is a saying in the outset of the film, “Good Lord works in mysterious ways,” and it seems to ring true in The Color Purple. Faith, passion, and empathy remain important motifs as the film follows the story of a loving and lasting friendship. The Color Purple is joyful, but not as solid as the original from 1985. This one goes for a more blockbuster approach, but the music and story still soar in many moments.

The film takes place in the early 1900s in Atlanta, Georgia. The two main characters are Celie (played by Fantasia Barrino) and Nettie (played by Ciara). The true story is seen in the younger characters that play both women. Young Celie is played by Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, and Young Nettie is played by Halle Bailey. A friendship torn apart in an era of slavery. Celie spends her life with Mister (played by Colman Domingo). He is a harsh landowner that beats and neglects her for many years of her life. Celie’s happiness is always found around her friend; however, Nettie ends up leaving the picture because Mister scares her away. The film effectively uses musical inspiration to enhance its many characters, settings and situations.

Hard moments transition to songs—the steppingstones of a touching masterpiece. The film’s songs display a message of staying strong, especially for Celie. Relationships of abuse negate Celie’s purpose and inspiration to find Nettie, yet Nettie remains in her heart. The spirit of Celie never losing hope is in the music, conjuring the feeling that simply being alive is something to be grateful for. The Color Purple is a journey where laws and boundaries do not exist.

The portrayal of racism and segregation goes too deep into a Hollywood mode. The downfall is that there is over exaggeration in the dramatics that do not serve a proper purpose or a form of realism. The Color Purple is rather frustrating in the sense that it seems made to sell rather than authentic. The music is terrific though. It attempts to be a fulfilling flick through itscontinuity, acting and story, yet it falls short of attaining trulyjoyful vibes. It is an experience where boredom will come sooner than expected in its time length of two hours and forty minutes.

Despite the film’s slow approaches of being inviting there is more to the film to add sense of positivity. Celie meets Shug Avery, and she is played by Taraji. P Henson. She is the leading celebrity of the town. She has a big soul and an open heart and feels Celie’s pain. With the support of Shug, does Celie have more hopes to have a new life? Are there hopes she can find Nettie? Can she get away from Mister? Her hopes and prayers go a long way. Color Purple paints a portrait of how life can be when one deals with abuse physically and mentally every day.

With all of the joyful elements, the dynamic of the film is cursed because it takes place in an era of non-acceptance at intolerable levels. The Color Purple displays a raw, riveting and inspirational experience that will warm many hearts. It is also a musical experience that is driven to test boundaries to find light in the darker places of life. The film just lacks some realistic qualities, relying rather on over-the-top dramatics and ironies. This remake just does not make it. Two out of four stars for The Color Purple.

Film reviews

Wonka Review

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There is innovation leading to success around every corner in Wonka. Some may wonder how Timothee Chalamet compares to the previous performances of Willy Wonka. The true performance will always be Gene Wilder, and Johnny Depp did an acceptable job in the role. Chalamet is wonderful playing Willy given the backstory which is emphasized in this version. Wonka is not so much about golden tickets, but instead aboutWilly’s fascination with chocolate. No one plays the role of a young man with motivation better than Chalamet. He can sing and presents positivity in many unexpected moments. In his role as Willy, he thrives on changing the world through his vision. His goals bring joy and laughter to the senses in Wonka.

With its unique approach and focus, Wonka feels like an interactive experience. Expect trials, errors, and success. While Willy might appear to be lacking talent and skills, he is gifted when it comes to chocolate. A “LIFETIME SUPPLY OF CHOCOLATE,” is what the audience will feel throughout the films journey through a world of sweetness, sugar, and a whirlwind of laughter and appreciation. The writing and narrative of Wonka brings appreciation to what innovation in life can truly mean. As the saying from the classic song goes, “IF YOU WANT TO VIEW PARADISE, SIMPLY LOOK AROUND AND VIEW IT.” The vivid colors are seen blissfully through the eyes of director Paul King whose approach with Wonka is one for the ages. He takes what the audience knows from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) and puts together a magical pre-story for Wonka. This film is an imaginative experience which caused me to boil over with happiness.

The film begins with Chalamet imagining his own success. Sadly, however, it is all in his head. He is presented as someone who is poor, like the presentation of Charlie Bucket from the previous films, only this is Willy’s story. Willy strolls through the streets and is always trying to sell his chocolate and find support for his craft. He faces a challenge when he finds himself a slave due to debt issues. The evil landlord is Mrs. Scrubitt who is played by Olivia Colman. Despite Willy’s unfortunate situation he meets a young girl named Noodle who is played by Calah Lane. She helps Willy navigate what he needs to do to make his dreams come true given his love for chocolate. There are many obstacles along the way, but Wonka is more exciting than the audience anticipates it will be.

The characters Wonka creates the perfect dynamic for humor. Hugh Grant’s performance and dialogue defines the Oompa-Loompa attitude with class. The song everyone knows with the Oompa-Loompa provides meaning that will make audiences laugh with joy. This is one of Grant’s most creative, yet quirky performances as he plays the serious and opinionated Oompa-Loompa. There is also Slugworth who is played by Paterson Joseph. This character has always been known to be the enemy of the franchise. However, in Wonka he is given more of a backstory that clicks with the wonders of the film. There is also Father Julius who is played by Rowan Atkinson. In this role, he is back playing the absent-minded character the audience recognizes him to be, i.e., a bit like Mr. Bean going to church. Only in this church, there are many associations with chocolate and its father is unaware of the catastrophes lurking in thisgrandeur of sweetness. Finally, there is Willy’s mother who is played by Sally Hawkins. Hawkins’ performance is brief, but she plays the most empathetic mother. The cast’s impressive performances of both good and evil are what creates the dynamics that make the magical world of Wonka unexpected and surreal.

It is a film which inspires people of all ages. Through the eyes of Chalamet, Wonka sends a message that anyone can pursue their dreams…even when they do not realize it. The movie also delivers a vibe of connection and a spirit of love that is captivating. There is also a sense of disconnect that seeks redemption. Chalamet is one of the most inspiring Willy Wonka characters which makes Wonka shine with unforgettable magic.

In the film, Willy’s mother tells him, “Every good thing in this world, started with a dream, so hold onto yours.” Willy’s dreamstarted long ago. It began with Wilder, then again with Depp, but it goes way back with Chalamet. The beginning of this legacy soars for Chalamet. Although cheesy in moments, it is one positive ride. I connected with the film, and I know many otherswill as well. Three out of four stars for Wonka.

Film reviews

Barbie Review

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“I haven’t been in a box in ages.” Those words are from Margot Robbie, who plays Barbie in the new movie of the same name. And it’s Barbie outside the box that makes Barbie full of color and grandeur.

Directed and written by Greta Gerwig and co-written by Noah Baumbach (Gerwig’s husband), Barbie is a unique experience in a world of pure happiness and perfection. But when a sign of turmoil comes around the corner, the positive world is challenged by some darkness. It never becomes that dark, though, because the directing and writing of Gerwig brings joy throughout this wonderful and unusual film.

Barbie is set in Barbie Land, a place where real life ceases to exist. It is a wonder world with many people named Barbie and Ken. The main Barbie and Ken are Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, two actors perfectly cast for these eccentric and uplifting characters. Helen Mirren is the narrator, and her narration starts the film off as if there is never sadness in Barbie Land. It is just happy, happy, happy all the time, and negativity is never mentioned. That is, until Barbie asks, “Do you guys ever think about dying?” From there, all bets are off. The turmoil of her curiosity takes Barbie Land into strange places, and to explore her true emotions Barbie must travel outside Barbie Land to the real world. Ken goes with her, and they enter a world that they know absolutely nothing about.

The interesting part of Barbie and Ken’s trip into the real world is their realization that there are now real-life consequences. And this realization is the source of many silly moments, unexpected situations, and fun topics that enliven the film. Barbie meets Gloria, played by America Ferrera, in the real world, and she turns out to be a trustworthy human who helps her realize what must be done to find truth in herself. The race is on as a crazy Mattel CEO (played by Will Ferrell) makes it his goal to get Barbie back as a marketing tool—by putting her in a box again. We also meet Allan, played by Michael Cera, a shy, introverted, and socially awkward guy. He’s one of many characters that will make for quirky times for audiences around the world. The colors of joy thrive in the film, and they help make Barbie a magic sensation.

Helen Mirren’s narration is also one of the features of Barbie that will really draw audiences in. Her humor comes through in unexpected moments, and the film finds its wonderful vibes in her twisted and poetic narration.

There’s no question that the many artistic moments in Barbie are because of Greta Gerwig’s direction. She also directed Lady Bird, and she knows how to bring characters together. I felt like some of the fragments dragged just a little, but overall Barbie is smart, fun, and definitely a wild ride. Three stars for Barbie.