Occasionally, the direction of the discourse becomes too toxic to actively engage with a film. In the case of The Flash, the ship had sailed years ago. The off-set antics of star Ezra Miller became known beyond the industry. Many directors had entered and exited the project, resulting in muddled visions. Perhaps worst of all, … Continue reading Streaming: ‘The Flash’ Crashes and Burns on It Horrible Visual Effects
Fantasia 2023: ‘Mami Wata’ Delivers Gorgeous Visuals and Brilliant Heartbreak
Clashes between modernity and established ways of life rarely end happily. While some will always push progress, others will find comfort in tradition. Most films that tackle this divide focus on the dangers of holding onto custom and a life beyond what was known. Yet Mami Wata, a stunning return for C.J. “Fiery” Obasi, proves … Continue reading Fantasia 2023: ‘Mami Wata’ Delivers Gorgeous Visuals and Brilliant Heartbreak
Review: ‘Nimona’ – A Raucous Anthem for Acceptance
“Pedal to the floor, hardcore, I don’t go slow. Future on my mind I’m leaving the past behind.” rocks K. Flay as the end credits roll. Her rock anthem, “T. Rex,” perfectly sums up the convictions of Nimona. Nimona keeps the pedal to the floor during its nearly 90-minute run time. It is a hardcore … Continue reading Review: ‘Nimona’ – A Raucous Anthem for Acceptance
Review: ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’ – A Relic of Some Value
Seeing a favorite character return to the silver screen in a new story will always have a thread of excitement. I will admit that I am one (the one?) who enjoyed Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is better than that film in many ways … Continue reading Review: ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’ – A Relic of Some Value
TV Review: ‘The Witcher’ – Even in Season 3 Same Issues Plague the Series
Over the first two seasons, The Witcher became one of the most successful video game adaptations to date. While it pulled heavily from the popular fantasy novel series, creature designs from the games helped elevate the visuals. Pulling popular characters from the novels, the series built brilliant lore around its central characters. Unfortunately, The Witcher … Continue reading TV Review: ‘The Witcher’ – Even in Season 3 Same Issues Plague the Series
Review: ‘The Little Mermaid’ – A Film Kept Afloat by Its Lead
Disney Studio’s latest live-action adaptation of its animated classics takes viewers under the sea in an enjoyable retelling. The Little Mermaid has previously had a Broadway adaptation, so staging the animated film in live-action is not as far a leap as features like Dumbo, Mulan, or Lady and the Tramp. Director Rob Marshall infuses the … Continue reading Review: ‘The Little Mermaid’ – A Film Kept Afloat by Its Lead
Tribeca 2023: ‘Playland’ – An Experimental and Uniquely Gorgeous Experience
Few films in 2023 will surprise like Tribeca 2023 feature Playland. The documentary/dramatic recreation astounds with the creativity packed into every frame. Director Georden West creates a beautiful collage that shifts between time periods, visual styles, and mediums to create a beautiful work of art. While there's not much of a narrative to adhere to, … Continue reading Tribeca 2023: ‘Playland’ – An Experimental and Uniquely Gorgeous Experience
Review: Shazam! Fury of the Gods: A Heartfelt Story of Heroes, Villains, and Family
When Zack Snyder’s Justice League was released in 2021, it proved to be an unofficial pivot point for the DC Extended Universe. Since then, the DCEU has become the DCU. Marvel alum James Gunn replaced Snyder at the helm, and humor, levity, and color are now allowed in their films. The direction the DCU is … Continue reading Review: Shazam! Fury of the Gods: A Heartfelt Story of Heroes, Villains, and Family
Review: ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ Soars as Disney’s Most Impressive Live-Action Remake
The trend of turning animated classics into live-action spectacles turned into a cash cow for Disney. With billion-dollar hits like Beauty & The Beast and The Lion King, these films racked in money. However, the quality rarely lived up to their box office potential. In most corners, these versions "disappear" within a year or two … Continue reading Review: ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ Soars as Disney’s Most Impressive Live-Action Remake
Review: Peter Pan & Wendy – It’s Time for Peter Pan to Grow Up
As Disney churns out live-action adaptations of their animated features, it's astounding how much of a mixed bag they have been. After all, the stories have already been field tested. All that's left to do is let a new filmmaker put their spin on the movie that millions love. With Peter Pan & Wendy, despite … Continue reading Review: Peter Pan & Wendy – It’s Time for Peter Pan to Grow Up