Change Your Image
oduruaku
Reviews
Bob Marley: One Love (2024)
SUCH A TIMELY MASTERPIECE (April 6th, 2024 revision)
Bob Marley: One Love it's very sweet, and available.
In the movie, the title character is having his life and career explored. He goes oversees to perform his LEGENDARY music and promote love and piece (which is what this world needs now, more than ever) in the process. He gives concerts around the world, Even with a violent close call (he was almost shot, at one point). In another scene, he even performs music at a campfire, in his native Jamaica. (Speaking of his music, I can recall hearing his music, on occasion, in different places. And it incredibly relatable. For example, the song "Three Little birds" (coming across it on Google when researching it for this post) has a lyric "every little thing is gonna be alright" (I wasn't sure if that was the title or if it was a lyric; However, as you may be reading, it is the latter). I like it, as it discusses looking on the "bright side" in difficult situations).
This film's astheyics are top-notch. The acting, cinematography, and editing were all well-done. They all seem to match with their intended situations. The pacing Is 1 hour and 47 minutes long.
Initial viewing circumstances: Regal/UA (United artists) Sheepshead Bay, February 15th, 2024, sometime in the early afternoon.
Grade: B+
The Matrix (1999)
STORY ABOUT REALM CURIOSITY
Have you ever lived life and had wondered whether it was real or if it was part of a dream you were having (after having dreams that were so vivid It was like being awake during the day?) What about questioning your environmental existence-that is, whether or not variables are what they appear? Do you wonder what goes on, and what will go on, in this current period and future ones? Are you curious about how figurative language would be depicted in the literal sense? That is what this 1999 cinematic masterpiece "The Matrix" is all about.
As a young boy, my first exposure to this movie was through its DVD (Digital Video Disc) cover in my basement. I saw it a few times on TV, to be, and through my spring 2023 BC )-CUNY (Brooklyn College-The City University of New York) "Language of Film 2" course. I could not help but be amazed from this movie!
The first thing I'll start with is the story. "The Matrix" lives up to its intention on discussing time, realms and perception. Throughout, us audiences see nyeo (Keanu Reeves) and his colleagues explore different aspects of life through those three aforementioned lenses. At one point, Neo has a nightmare about experiencing vertigo. From his standpoint, his environment is moving back and forth, as he is swaying in those two directions. It is only when he wakes and sits up in bed that he discovers it wasn't real (shown in tracking and close-up shots for this purpose). Something similar happens when you wants to speak, but can't, when he is in an interrogation room; His lips dissolve and his skin actually expands in place of his mouth so he can't speak (A metaphor for "Be quiet"). From a variable standpoint, characters take a look at their surroundings at any given time, and switch them up using "What ifs". Looking down the line, Neo learns of his loved ones dying from some cause(es). Regarding time travel, there is...
...tracking and blurring shots done to depict the purpose (which takes me to the cinematography). It is dazzling! The lighting and colors are bright enough, and a lot of shots are done appropriate to their contexts. (They were two scenes, however, that seemed to have transitioned too quickly). Font is in sands-sherif to reference its sci-fi subject matter.
The writing and acting are on point. Facial expressions, dialog and actions are also performed according to their situations.
Aside from the aforementioned quick cuts, another thing I disliked was the 2+ hour run time.
Nevertheless, this is another flick that I think I will enjoy for decades to come!
My grade: A-
iCarly: iGot Detention (2008)
A STORY ABOUT WILFUL DEVIENCE TO GET MULTIPLE PEOPLE TOGETHER INTO ONE SITUATION
"ICarly: IGot detention" is an episode that deals with getting punished, simply in order so one could be in the same position with a few others to do the activity of intention(?).
Specifically, Sam Puckett (Jennette McCurdy) is given detention by principle Franklin (Tim Russ) after throwing the football in the hallway as part of a game of catch and inadvertently hitting Mr. Howard (David St. James) in the head and knocking him down. Nevertheless, this could not have come at a worse time: The day of their title show's 50th web show spectacular! Sam, her co-host, Carly Shea (Miranda Cosgrove) and technical producer Fredward "Freddy" Benson were planning to host it together, but cannot, the first will have to stay after school, at Ridgeway Middle School, to serve out her punishment. To get around this problem, Carly and Freddy decide to Make bad decisions and do that things so they can get INTO detention so they can host the show with Sam. Here, we not only see the three afformentioned characters who works on the webcast regularly, but also OTHER characters that themselves have done miscellaneous other things to get detention all throughout their time together they play various games until Mr. Howard passes them, principal Franklin catches Mr. Howard, the ladder gets punished, and Franklin is misses the other students, effectively ending their detention.
I liked almost everything about the episode, from the acting to the cinematography to the writing. And there are some things that make no sense to me, like when Carly and Freddy do bad stuff, like loosen a chair or steal a stapler, and are not punished in any way, shape or form, even if they do not warrant a detention. Plus, earlier when Mr. Howard falls, his eyes are closed, but he is shaking. (An unconscious person is perfectly still).
Other than that, I find this episode to be an excellent one!
My grade: A-
The Boys in the Boat (2023)
A RICH STORY ABOUT TEAMWORK AND PERSEVERANCE
George Clooney's The Boys in the Boat is another outstanding film that I have seen, (at time of post), in 2024 yet!
The movie covers the 1930s Berlin, Germany Olympics practice in Poughkeepsie, Hudson valley, NYS (New York State {upon IMDb happenstance research (? {NYS is my home state, by the way}))! People practice for how to sail in the upcoming event. There had been some setbacks, such as a dispute between a coach and athlete over his motion contribution(?) to his boat-that is, whether or not he had rowed when his teammates or he did nothing, and let his colleagues do the work. In spite of this, people still continue to practice and get better at it in the process! (As a general example, when engaging in something concrete like this, it is not enough to learn the facts; formulated practice has to be done too. Mistakes are bound to be made in the process; Nevertheless it is worth it, and through trail/error, one improves over time).
Almost everything about this film worked. For example,...
...The acting is very accurate. For example, in the scene with that argument , there is frowning done accurately by both of them. Also, the student utters "I don't care", and then the coach tells him that is suspended from his activities. They both arched their eyebrows, and had slightly risen tones of voice.
The next thing I have is the cinematography. In socially interactive situations between two folks, like that one, shot/reverse shot is incorporated in order to show which character speaks when they do-an example of appropriate application of different shots based on the situation. Various set elements, from props to on-camera architecture(?), are properly designed to match the time period this film is set in.
Finally, here is the duration. It could have been a few minutes shorter, in my opinion...
...nonetheless, this is an awesome movie about not only sports, but also hard work, teamwork (reptation intended) and perseverance!
Prior viewing setting: January 8, 12:15 PM, Regal Cinemas Union Square
My grade: A-
Trolls Band Together (2023)
HILARIOUS, HEARTWARMING, FESTIVE AND VISUALLY DIVERSE!
The latest installment of the "Trolls" franchise, "Trolls Band Together" is sure to have you dancing in your seats, as it has incorporated upbeat songs from today.
It is also heartwarming. The story follows members of a band reuniting, who also happened to be loved ones. Watching this over the holiday season as well as last week (At the time of this post), I found it to be very touching how siblings and friends sought out each other come and maintain stardom while, by the same token, protecting themselves from bergens as well as a corrupt couple looking to derail ANY entertainment that they aim to provide.
Another thing that I enjoyed about this movie, I'm sure you will too, is the literal depiction I figurative language.
Finally, the physical format of the movie is diverse. At some points, characters, places, and things are shown in CGI. Are others, they are shot as sketches!
The Creator (2023)
I FIND "THE CREATOR" DEPICTING TODAY'S EVENTS IN A MEDIOCRE WAY
"The Creator" is a great reminder of the robot versus Human debate today in various industries.
In the movie, AI (Artificial Intelligence) seems to be at the forefront of this story's topic (the circumstances behind the title of the film, if my assumption is correct). It captures the past, present and future, with them containing label cards, robots and humans at those periods doing different things at those times. For example, at one point, their robots who are police officers, looking to maintain order during some protest.
While this had been helpful, I regret to mention that it has also caused problems. An example is the possibility of robot taking our jobs (such as in real life from writers. That had been a cause for the 2023 writers' strike).
I have enjoyed witnessing most aspects of this movie! It was also a little bit too long. I had also learned about grammatically incorrect language uttered in the story. Despite these things, it is a splendid, timely story about the questionable AI use in human assistance.
Viewing dates: October 4th, 2023
My grade: B+.
The Blackening (2022)
"THE BLACKENING ": TOGETHERNESS, COUNTERFIGHT, AND RACE-BASED SATIRE
In this story, a few black friends go on a Juneteenth vacation (an inspiration for the Friday, June 16, 2023 release date) in a remote cabin (where they party as an activity). Only problem: They have to play a game (same name as that of this movie, hence the title) with pleanty of questions about African American culture in order to live!
Full of occasional nasty scares, socializing, test of strength, overnight respite, and tickling (and some racial goofs), this is a rollar coster of a film narrative-wise that I have enjoyed watching for the most part I would say.
Another thing I disliked about the movie was a tad bit short runtime: 97 minutes.
Still, this is coming from an African American man who intends to revisit this at one time or another!
Prior viewing dates: July 8th, and 10th-13th.
My grade: B-
The Little Mermaid (2023)
I HAVE CONFLICTING THOUGHTS ABOUT EXPERIENCING THIS UNDERWATER STORY REMAKE
"The Little Mermaid" seems like a piece with both parts that should've and shouldn't have, been included. There are some things that worked, some that didn't, and others that should have been left the same way as in the 1989 original.
While I have never read the very first book (which I discovered the other day), I have seen the 1989 movie version, and I have found it to work aesthetically for the most part {minus the pacing=1 hour/23 minutes}. The colors are very bright, emotions are thoroughly expressed according to different situations, and the soundtrack is beautiful, catchy, and memorable. Growing up, I even read picture books, played some online games, and saw a three-part slideshow on it.
Fast forward to 2023, and we, first of all, have some of the aforementioned elements but the other parts of them are lacking. Specifically, the lighting is either too dark or could have been brighter, depending on the scene. In the scenes with light, it, unfortunately, is dim, and the scenes without are just dark-looking. Secondly, it has all of the original songs, but added some new ones that they didn't need to. Thirdly, there were some unnecessary and sometimes nonsensical plot alterations. For instance, how can Eric (Jonah Hauar-King) or Ariel (Halle Bailey) swim underwater successfully, using only their hands and legs? Additionally, King Triton (Javier Bardem) is more reserved here than in Disney's first 1980s motion pic. I was expecting him to be the yelling type when angry. A third one I have in my mind right now is his death by electrocution. In the earlier movie, Ursala (Pat Carrol) uses his own trident to turn him into a slug monster. And when the former is defeated Eric is the one who stabs her with the ship's spike in the process of driving it into her, unlike here, when Ariel does it, Forth, there are characters' appearances. Ariel's hair looks more red-orange and slightly braided than completely red and straight. Sebastian (voiced by Daveed Digs), Scuttle (voiced by Awkafina), and Flounder (voiced by Jacob Tembley) don't quite look as they would in the real world. I have learned of criticisms surrounding how the animals look, researched the appearances, considered how animals look in other movies, and see where parties are coming from now. Plus, in the remake, the shark and flamingos look more from a video game than real life. Just look at their texture (for lack of a better term). Finally, the pacing is also pretty much the problem for me here. It is 2 hours/15 minutes long. It could have been shorter if unnecessary plot additions were not made, such as Eric's life in a castle. On a positive note, the same music was upbeat {e.g., "Poor, unfortunate Soals" and "Under the Sea"}, the acting was realistic and in sync with the situations that they are done with, some additions were nicely shot, the casting I felt was appropriate to the portrayal of different characters and the environment is realistic to the story. It is set in the ocean and on an island, and we get underwater and beach clips.
The movie wasn't terrible but could be better, frankly.
(Like some of the animal beings, some actors'/actresses' names I got from doing research on this website).
Previous viewing dates (at time-of-post): May 30 and June 4.
My grade: C+.
Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
A cinematic trip through the ocean
"Avatar 2" is a great way to experience undersea life while being entertained. The score, acting, cinematography are top notch. Yes, it is 3+ long; Nevertheless, considering it's high quality, I find it to still be enjoyable.
The scenes here go into detail on multi-apecies relationships. Characters of various species not only swim, but seem to be able to chat with one another, all shot and acted very realistically. It is amazing to see nature unite!
Another thing I find striking about this movie is the fact this was released after being filmed years ago-only to be delayed a few times under various circumstances. This is an example of something standing the test of time. I recall seeing the first movie back over the holidays 2009, and due to my enjoyment of it, I was looking forward to watching this one all these , from what I can recall. Initially learned of sequels in some Scholastics World Records Book. For it to finally be released it's like a party getting something over with as well as someone getting to experience something.
My grade: A-
Babylon (2022)
"BABYLON" IS A MOVIE ABOUT MOVIES (01/23/2023 EDIT)
The same thing that I indicated in the subject line is part of why I have enjoyed this film. There is home-exploration of a medium. I suppose it could be considered giving back in a way. Despite the changing plot lines throughout the movie, I enjoyed it from start to finish. Plus, I'll admit, when I first saw the Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie posters for "Babylon" on my May 13th 2022 first shift as a Regal usher (which is ironic, considering the fact that a movie called "Friday the 13th" exists) I have no idea what it was about, until I did more research, from looking up the plot and run time online to seeing and hearing the trailers and television/radio spots. From that, my decision to go and check out the film for the first time (which I ended up doing on January 5th and 6th, 2023) had been solidified. I've mixed feelings about situations involving body fluid. However, I feel they could have, at the end, put an additional scene describing what had happened to the real life characters as of today. Based on seeing their situations, I feel it could serve as another reminder that movie stars may experience the same life situations just like the rest of us.
In this film, we discover the transition of movies from The silent / dialogue card format (if that term applies to them) to talkies, or movies with the sound. In addition, we get to learn about early movie stars' lives, and also how the Hollywood workplace environment was like in the 1920s. Speaking of that decade, I'd love how the Paramount logo is stylized like that period, as that is what the film takes place in. It also has a groovy soundtrack, and clips from other movies to reinforce its theme!
My grade: A-
Outbreak (1995)
BACK IN THE 1990s, WOLFGANG PETERSEN HAD DIRECTED A TALE THAT WOULD RESONATE MORE IN THE 2020s
"Outbreak" (1995) could not hit more close to home than it does now.
In the movie, a virus spreads from cedar creek, California to other parts of the United States, infecting or killing millions.
This is a cinematic example of how tensions can run high in a time of crisis. There are the arguments over what is safe to do and what is not, and shut down and/or event format modifications may have to be made. Hygiene is highly encouraged in the circumstances. In the case of COVID-19-19 for instance, in person events were instantly moved online, whether they would be synchronous or asynchronous. Synchronous ones would take the form of video calls, where is asynchronous ones could be attended to at any time. This would be to allow for physical distancing. Physical distancing, AKA social distancing, is a measure used for disease searches to separate living beings from one another to halt further spread of a particular illness(es) involved. When this happens for long periods of time, folks and animals may become weary from not being able to interact in person as they used to. Businesses may even lose money.
Similar measures have been used in other cases, such as the 1918-19 and 2009-10 outbreaks-both involving flu. Depending on the severity of illesse, there may be a more emphasis on sanitary measures, such as sanitation, mask wearing, hand washing, mask wearing (low-transmision), those measures, cancelation of higly-attended in-person events (medium-transmission) aformeantioned measures, non-essential event cancellation/place closures (high-transmission).
This Warner Brothers Pictures story is captured incredibly well with brilliant acting, cinematography, score, direction and script, and fast-paced action / adventure!fear of the diesease, sadness at the deaths, the former two emotions over the disruption s and anger over the debate of how to respond are captured by thorough facial expressions. The moving camera work follows parties as they make their way to destinations. No wonder this well-made film is so relevant! I even saw it twice sometime in late March.
My grade: A+
Sing 2 (2021)
GREAT ANIMATED SONG RESOURCE
Universal Pictures'/Illuminum entertainment's "Sing 2" is spectacular. All the elements of the film are top-notch. There is no graininess in the animation, the script is incredibly funny and contains zero grammatical errors, the characters and subject are relatable and all of the songs are upbeat!
The cinematography, from the characters and objects and background to the camera shots, were all rendered properly. The animals, settings and situations are all colorfully and neatly drawn. Actors and actresses provide great voice overs to the animals. The camera shoots everyone and everything accurately based on the situations that they may be in..
The following paragraph captures the plot of the story.
Some animals (as this is set in an animal society) wanted to execute a show. However, others are telling them that it is impossible for them in that they cannot do it. Despite their objections, the former aforementioned group pushes through and decides to put on the show. With diligence/perseverance, the end result of their actions is an AMAZING concert.
I like the music, and I found myself singing/dancing to them, I believe, as I watched. Heck, I even enjoy them after the feature!
Many characters I found to be in good taste.
Overall, a phenomenal movie to the extent where I watched five times I believe. And plan to watch more times for decades to come!
Prior Viewing dates: January (sometime), February 12, July 24.
My grade: A+
Notting Hill (1999)
"NOTTING HILL" (1999) REVIEW
"Notting Hill" is a moving story of long-distance romance and the the realities of fame, like the elwnts of any other's life to paparazzi. It stars Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant as a couple consisting of a celebraty and private citizen.
An actress (Roberts) and a book shop owner (Grant) are married. However, the latter is in for a shock when he sees the former occasionally going away to her film projects. It is because of this that their relationship is shaky, as they are not together often to accomplish group goals (eg, family events).
An accurate portrayal of the subject matter are at play here, with no plot holes, situation-appropriate cuts and brilliant acting. Also, the topic covered is relatable. Coming from prior research, whether through the media in general or conversations, and experience when building relationships with folks everywhere, it is one thing to think of fame as all "glitz and glame, with fancy property and no problems. Nevertheless, that is not always the case. Even famous people may feel agony from time, particularly 100% movie, TV and/or sports couples because they may spend more time traveling to play games with their teams or shooting projects and less time getting together with loved ones to socialize. I have learned in my health classes over my school career that an ingredient to a healthy relationship is constant company.
It is about 2 hours long, but worth your time.
My grade: A+
Matilda (1996)
Hilarious, whimsical fun!
No kid is as resilient as Matilda! She uses her powers to fight a narcissistic family and an abusive principal and , with that, to save the world!
Her powers could also come in handy for other situations (such as in real life). Telekinesis could be useful for gravitating things to you when you are not in a position to go and get it yourself. If a threat is approaching you, you could be flown out of its way. A third way telekinesis could help is, similar to getting something, you could adjust something from your current point - you would not necessarily have to move! Fourthly, you could make outcomes a certain way in any situation by moving living and/or nonliving things involved in them accordingly (not suggesting to make them negatively or anyone and/or anything involved).
It is a silly story about taking back control in your life! If you are into a major motion picture (MMP(?) )about fixing issues using magic, this is a one for you!
My grade: A+
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
GREAT FRANCHISE CROSSOVER
EXCELLENT is the way to describe this movie. Not only does it have cool effects and wonderful acting, but it also has cameos of Peter Parkers/Spider-Men from the other movies! The effects and cinematography look really colorful and realistic. It is slightly emotional; Nevertheless, there is also action, comedy and surrealism! The acting is perfect. There are also cameos of villains from the other movies in the Spider-Man franchise and other MCU (Marvel Cinamatic Universe) stories! Here are the themes that I have gathered from watching this movie:
-First, there is a bit of public humiliation. Specifically, Tom Holland's version of the title character is exposed by the dying mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal) after the incident they are both involved in on London Bridge. As a result of this, the former is publicly criticized, bullied, shamed, arrested and is even denied college admission. His peers, MJ (Mary Jane (Zendaya) ) and Ned *(Jacob Batalon)* as well as his authority figures, Aunt May (Marisa Tomai) and *Happy Hulgan (Jon Fareveau)* go through the same stuff.
-Secondly, support is also a part of the mix. To clear his and his family's, teacher's and friends' names, she turns to Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) to erase, from everyone's mind, the fact that he is Spider-Man and knows who he knows. This way, it would be as if he was never committed a crime.
-Third, we could get an insight on the occasional costly outcomes of mistakes. Despite Strange's assistance, nonetheless there is a malfunction, and villains from other universes get involved and commit their wrongdoing, with one action killing Aunt May (Marisa Tomai), in another melancholy instance in this story...
-...which takes me to my forth thing, empathy. Saddened by her passing, Holland's Parker/Spider-Man listens to the Parker/Spider-Men of the other universes talk about losing their loved ones in other instances (Tobey Maguire's version - Uncle Ben (Gunshot), Andrew Garfield's version - Gwen Stacy (Fall) ).
-Fifth, there is power = responsibility. At the end, he swings his way around Manhattan perhaps to fight more evil (power) and save the world (responsibility)!
-Sixth (and attached to my aforementioned subject example, there is resiliency! To be precise, the title person goes on to fulfill his duties despite losing his only family member!
It is bittersweet fun! Go check it out! You will be so pleased you did!
My grade: A-
*Some names have been IMDb-verified.*