Review – Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire(2024)
PG-13  ‧ Comedy/Fantasy ‧ 1 Hour 55 Minutes
Written by Gil Kenan, Jason Reitman
Directed by Gil Kenan

THE CAST

Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, Celeste O’Connor, and Logan Kim (from Afterlife), as well as Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts, and William Atherton reprising their characters from the earlier films, And then we got new actors to the franchise, namely Kumail Nanjiani and Patton Oswalt.

THE STORY

(In their own words). The Spengler family returns to the iconic New York City firehouse where the original Ghostbusters have taken ghost-busting to the next level. When the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters new and old must unite to protect their home and save the world from a second ice age.

THE BEST

The BEST things about the film

  1. Humanity and Relatability: The film stands out for its ability to weave intimate, relatable subplots into the larger narrative. This connects audiences with the characters on a personal level, making the fantastical elements more grounded and engaging.
  2. Comedy: The movie excels in its blend of comedy and ghost story. It balances the build-up of tension with comedic relief effectively, making for an enjoyable cinematic experience.
  3. Writing and Storytelling: Thoughtful writing and storytelling are highlighted as strengths. The film manages to incorporate important life lessons and themes into its action-comedy narrative, which adds depth beyond its entertainment value.
  4. Casting and Performances: The ensemble cast deserves an ovation for their performances. The chemistry among the cast is outstanding. They are great individually and as a cast. 
  5. Themes of Family and Identity: The exploration of themes related to family dynamics, identity, and belonging, particularly through Paul Rudd’s character, is a crucial element. This exploration adds an emotional layer to the story, making it more than just a ghost-catching adventure.

THE WORST

Plot Holes and Logical Gaps: There were moments in the film where the storyline seemed to leap over logical gaps or fall into minor plot holes. These instances, where character motivations or narrative developments didn’t fully align with the established logic of the Ghostbusters universe, occasionally pulled me out of the immersive experience. It’s like those “wait, but why?” moments that nag at you, even as you enjoy the ghostly chaos unfolding on screen.

THE COMMENTS

In the latest installment of the Ghostbusters saga, “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” the iconic team of paranormal eliminators returns to the bustling streets of New York City, a stark contrast to the rural backdrop of its predecessor, “Ghostbusters: Afterlife.” The return to the metropolis injects a refreshing vitality into the series, affirming that the Ghostbusters franchise, even in 2024, continues to have a treasure trove of tales to tell.

“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” is a PG-13 rated cinematic journey that skilfully marries comedy and fantasy, drawing audiences into its world for nearly two hours of supernatural escapades. Directed by Gil Kenan and penned by both Kenan and Jason Reitman, the film boasts an impressive ensemble cast. 

The plot revolves around the Spencer family navigating the challenges of dealing with an ancient artifact that unleashes an evil force, threatening to plunge the world into a second Ice Age. This premise, while not entirely new in the realm of cinematic narratives, cleverly connects the Ghostbusters’ legacy with current members, underscoring the timeless allure of the unknown and the human fascination with the ancient and mystical.

What truly distinguishes “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” from its predecessors and contemporaries is not its special effects or comedic timing, though both are exemplary, but its heart. The film excels in weaving intimate, relatable subplots into the larger, fantastical narrative, grounding the story in its characters’ personal struggles and growth. This connection between the audience and characters, even supernatural ones, is a testament to the film’s thoughtful writing and direction.

Paul Rudd’s portrayal of a quasi-stepfather figure trying to find his footing in a new family dynamic exemplifies the movie’s dedication to exploring themes of belonging, identity, and responsibility amidst chaos. This nuanced approach to storytelling allows “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” to transcend the traditional confines of its genre, making it a compelling watch for a wide range of viewers.

THE LESSON

Do the Right Thing, Even If You’re Dead: Extending the discussion on ethics and morality into the supernatural realm, the film cleverly advises that doing the right thing is imperative, regardless of one’s state of being. This lesson speaks to universal morality that transcends life and death, suggesting that ethical principles should guide actions in all circumstances.

Don’t Judge by Age, Judge by Abilities: The film underscores the idea that age should not be the primary criterion for judging someone’s capabilities. 

IS IT REWATCHABLE

Yes, Can’t wait to watch it again. 

THE FINAL WORD

“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” hits the sweet spot between nostalgia and novelty, wrapping up humor, heart, and a horde of ghosts in a blockbuster package that truly stands out. With its blend of old and new faces, the film not only brings the franchise back to their roots in New York City but also injects fresh energy with a plot that balances supernatural hijinks with relatable, human stories. While it occasionally stumbles into minor plot holes and leans heavily into its comedic elements, these quirks hardly dim the sheer entertainment value of the movie. It’s a thrilling ride through and through, reminding us why we fell in love with movies in the first place. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the franchise, “Frozen Empire” is a must-watch, proving that some stories can keep on giving, delivering laughs, scares, and a little bit of heart, all in one ghostly package.

THE VERDICT 

My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire gets a Love It

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Review – Dune: Part 2

Dune Part 2 (2024)
PG-13  ‧ Scifi/Adventure ‧ 2 Hours 46 Minutes
Written by Denis Villeneuve & Jon Spaihts
Based on a Novel By Frank Herbert
Directed by Denis Villeneuve

THE CAST

  • Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, the exiled Duke of House Atreides, who is called “Muad’Dib” by the Fremen
  • Zendaya as Chani, a young Fremen warrior and Paul’s love interest
  • Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica, Paul’s Bene Gesserit mother and concubine to Paul’s late father and predecessor, Leto Atreides
  • Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck, the former military leader of House Atreides and Paul’s mentor
  • Austin Butler as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, Baron Vladimir Harkonnen’s youngest nephew and planned successor of House Harkonnen
  • Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan, the Emperor’s daughter
  • Dave Bautista as Glossu Rabban Harkonnen, the brutish nephew of Baron Vladimir Harkonnen and older brother of Feyd-Rautha
  • Christopher Walken as Shaddam IV, the Padishah Emperor of the Known Universe and head of House Corrino
  • Stephen McKinley Henderson as Thufir Hawat, a Mentat loyal to House Atreides who is forced to serve House Harkonnen
  • Léa Seydoux as Lady Margot Fenring, a Bene Gesserit and close friend of the Emperor
  • Souheila Yacoub as Shishakli, a Fremen warrior
  • Stellan Skarsgård as Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, head of House Harkonnen, Feyd-Rautha’s and Glossu Rabban’s uncle, sworn enemy to Atreides and former steward of Arrakis
  • Charlotte Rampling as Gaius Helen Mohiam, a Bene Gesserit Reverend Mother and the Emperor’s Truthsayer
  • Javier Bardem as Stilgar, leader of the Fremen tribe at Sietch Tabr

THE STORY

(In their own words). Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while seeking revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the universe, he must prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.

THE BEST

The BEST things about the film

  1. Stunning Cinematography
  2. Incredible CGI. Sandworms are real, right?
  3. Its runtime of two hours and forty-six minutes feels much shorter than it is. This is thanks to excellent pacing and an engaging story. 
  4. The actors are great. 

THE WORST

The WORST things about the film

  1. TOO MUCH INFORMATION AND CHARACTERS. I don’t think I should have to watch a movie with a glossary by my side. 
  2. This is very much a Part 2, not a sequel. They just continue the story from the first one, and you need to remember what was going on, or you will be lost. They don’t do anything to help the audience out. I’d suggest watching the first one and then go the next day to finish the story. 
  3. As wonderfully acted as the leads are, the script does not serve Timothy Chalamet and Zendaya. Their relationship does not get the attention it deserves. I kind of left not caring about them.

THE COMMENTS

I feel somewhat like Judas saying how I feel about Dune Part 2. It is undeniably an impressive film. The cinematography, the special effects, the acting, the story. They are all larger than life and excellently done. I feel like I should love this movie, but I don’t. I feel like the main characters, played by Chalamet and Zendaya, had too many time jumps when I wanted to see their relationship grow. I imagine there’s probably a good forty minutes of footage of their relationship on the cutting room floor that I feel was desperately needed. 

I didn’t care about the film. 

That is so weird because this should be a Silas film if you know me. If you know me, you probably assume this film would be a lock for me. But it wasn’t. There are too many characters that I’m desperately trying to keep track of, too many subplots, too much of everything. I could never relax into the film and get swept away in the sandstorm. 

This movie has everything except heart. 

THE LESSON

You can either do what is best for your heart or best for the people. 

IS IT REWATCHABLE

You kind of have to to keep track of people. 

THE FINAL WORD

Dune: Part 2 is beautiful: Stunning cinematography and unbelievably realistic CGI. It is a well-paced epic sci-fi film that deserves a lot of praise. Remember, this is part two and not a sequel. The events of part one immediately precede this film, and it takes zero time or effort to get you up to speed, so make sure part one is fresh on your mind. Dune is the ultimate epic story with loads of characters and even more subplots, which ultimately bog the film down for me. Despite the beautiful acting by Chalamete and Zendaya, I didn’t feel invested in them as a couple. While I liked the film overall, I also didn’t care about it. Maybe I’m just not a Dune guy. 

THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It. 

I give Dune Part 2 a Like It. 

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Review: Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)
PG-13  ‧ DC Superhero / Action  ‧ 2 Hours 4 Minutes

Written by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick

Directed by James Wan

THE CAST

 Jason Mamoa, Patrick Wilson, Amber Heard, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Randall Park, Dolph Lundgren, Temuera Morrison, Martin Short, and Nicole Kidman. 

THE STORY

(In their own words). After failing to defeat Aquaman the first time, Black Manta wields the power of the mythic Black Trident to unleash an ancient and malevolent force. Hoping to end his reign of terror, Aquaman forges an unlikely alliance with his brother, Orm, the former king of Atlantis. Setting aside their differences, they join forces to protect their kingdom and save the world from irreversible destruction.

THE BEST

The BEST things about the film

  1. Special Effects – There are lots of special effects in this film. Probably not many frames of the film without it. It’s like watching a video game cut scene for 2 hours. 
  2. Message – They tried to warn people against the dangers of global warming. This film made me think, “Maybe we should hurry it up so we don’t have to see an Aquaman 3.”

THE WORST

The WORST things about the Film

It’s really hard to narrow down to just a few short answers what I HATED about this film. There are many reasons to dislike this rotting pile of fish carcasses that DC delivered for a film. I’m mostly mad at myself for giving it a chance and seeing it when Warner Bros and DC obviously had no confidence in the movie. They screened it for the press two days before the release date with an embargo on us to not speak about it until the day before the release date. They knew. THEY KNEW! I gave up time with my family around the holidays to see this; I was hoping for something good. So, I’m saying I’m not as mad at DC as I am at myself. I’m disappointed in DC because they have so much potential with decades of material to work with. However, they came up with two hours of an excruciatingly boring superhero film where the best part of it was the bad acting. 

So, let’s make it easy and do something fun for this review. Here are ten things I hated about Aquaman.

  1. The Acting – This is Jason Mamoa’s worst performance. Ever. Every time he screams, “My son!” or whatever other boring line they gave him, It looks like he is doing a cold-line reading for an audition. “Hey, I almost believed you were Aquaman for a second. Next!”
  2.  The writing – Bad acting starts with the bad writing. The credits list one person as the writer, but the “Story by” is five different people. That’s just too many voices in the room. This creates a film with no singular voice, style, or heart. This is “writing by committee,” which may work for the technical writing of a 1995 Microsoft Access user manual but not for a film. 
  3. The Villain – Why? Why must we return to the same bad guy as the last film? Cause he wants vengeance? And that’s it? His singular goal is to kill Aquaman. No other goals or things he wants? Just going for the one thing, huh? So…..yeah. I get it. Aquaman is to blame for the death of his father. This single-dimension villain character may work in a comic book, but it gets boring quickly on screen. Do you want me to care about this film? I gotta hate the villain if I’m gonna root for the hero. The characters need depth. I find it terribly ironic that a film that takes place in the ocean has the shallowest characters of any DC film.
  4. The Story – Long and convoluted. Okay…..films should be epic. But does the plot need to be that complicated? Some pretty amazing epic films have a simple plot: Titanic, Guardians of The Galaxy, Captain America, and Superman (pre-Snyder). How many times do we really need to raise armies to fight? Every film? Come on. 
  5. Too Much Reliance On the First Film – I only realized how unmemorable the first Aquaman was once they clearly expected me to remember a lot of the last film. And my slight memory of relationships from the first film doesn’t create emotional connections between characters. So, I ended up not caring about most of the characters and needed to be emotionally invested for the film to work. Sequels need to be able to stand alone. I can drop into any Iron Man film and get the relationship between Stark and Pepper Potts. Each movie is self-contained, and seeing the previous ones only adds to the enjoyment; it isn’t completely dependent upon the other film. 
  6. Same Tricks Over and Over – I wish I had a quarter for every time a character was just about to get killed by a Trident or something……when all of a sudden….Someone appears to stop them. It’s bad enough that this trick is used in most movies once… don’t do the same trick 5 times in the same film!
  7. The “message’ On Repeat – The film certainly tries to have a message behind it. Warnings against global warming and climate change and unintended consequences of all of it. I don’t mind that message, but it’s the fact that they repeat that message every 10 minutes throughout the film. OKAY, I GET IT! I AM ON YOUR SIDE!

Okay, I’m only doing seven things I hate about the film. “But Silas, you said you would do 10 things.” Yes, that feeling you have of being let down having been promised something that didn’t deliver… that’s how I felt when I left the theater.

THE LESSON

Global warming has unintended consequences. That’s the message. You’ll know because they say it like 50 times.

IS IT REWATCHABLE

No. But if you manage to watch it, be prepared to forget everything that happened in it within a week.

THE FINAL WORD

I like video games, so I enjoyed the special effects that made the movie feel like a video cut scene most of the time. However, I was there to watch a movie. I left the theater deeply disappointed in not just the film but also the life choices that led me to be there. What’s wrong with the film? Where to start? Jason Mamoa’s performance is awful. The film’s writing is uninspired, and it lacks a singular voice. The villain’s character is seen as one-dimensional, and the plot is convoluted and overly reliant on the first film. Frequent use of clichéd scenes and the repetitive messaging on global warming make me want to beat my head in with a trident. The film’s inability to stand alone as a sequel and its lack of re-watch ability make the best thing about the film is how forgettable it will be. Maybe I won’t remember that time I left my family during the holidays to bore myself in a theater for two hours. 

THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It. 

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom gets “an Avatar “

(that’s whatever is below Lose It)

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Review: The Color Purple

The Color Purple (2023)
PG-13  ‧ Musical Drama ‧ 2 Hours 20 Minutes
Written by Marcus Gardley
Directed by  Blitz Bazawule

THE CAST

Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, and Fantasia Barrino in her film debut as Celie.

THE STORY

(In their own words). Torn apart from her sister and her children, Celie faces many hardships in life, including an abusive husband. With support from a sultry singer named Shug Avery, as well as her stand-her-ground stepdaughter, Celie ultimately finds extraordinary strength in the unbreakable bonds of a new kind of sisterhood.

THE BEST

The BEST things about the film

  1. Performances: The cast, led by Fantasia Barrino as Celie, is ripe with outstanding performances. Each actor, including Taraji P. Henson, who plays Shug Avery, Danielle Brooks as Sofia, and Colman Domingo as “Mister,” brings depth and authenticity to their roles. Their acting abilities convey their characters’ complex emotions and experiences, significantly enhancing the film’s impact. As “Mister,” Domingo is so good at being a bad guy that you truly hate him as Celie’s lifelong antagonist/captor/abuser. 
  2. Music: Despite some songs feeling like additions rather than integral parts of the plot, the overall musical score is highlighted as a strong point. The soulful tunes effectively complement the narrative’s emotional landscape. Giving scenes a bit longer and sometimes more vital, lasting impressions than they otherwise would have.  
  3. Character Development and Storytelling: The film is commended for its exploration of deeper themes and for providing a fresh take on the story. It delves into some of the characters’ lives with more detail than the original film and explores the themes of strength, sisterhood, and resilience amidst adversity.

THE WORST

The WORST things about the Film

  • Music as an Accessory Rather Than Integral: At times, the songs in the film felt more like extensions of scenes rather than essential parts of the narrative. This approach makes the music seem less integrated into the story, potentially disrupting the flow and reducing the impact that a more seamlessly integrated musical element could have had.
  • Comparisons with the Original Film: There’s a sense that while this adaptation adds new layers to the story, it inevitably invites comparisons with Spielberg’s classic 1980s film. For fans of the original, this might lead to mixed feelings, as some might prefer how certain scenes or characters were portrayed in the earlier version.
  • Emotional Intensity and Heavy Themes: The film’s focus on challenging themes like domestic abuse and racial oppression, while powerful and important, might make it a difficult watch for some viewers. While a strength in storytelling, the emotional intensity could also be overwhelming, especially for those seeking lighter, more escapist cinema.

THE COMMENTS

“The Color Purple,” a 2023 adaptation of the Broadway musical, revisits the poignant story initially brought to life in Alice Walker’s novel and later in Steven Spielberg’s 1980s film starring Whoopi Goldberg. This latest version, directed by Blitz Bazawule, offers a fresh, musically infused perspective on the tale, enhancing certain aspects of the story that were less explored in Spielberg’s adaptation.

The narrative centers around Celie’s journey through a life marred by abuse and injustice, set against the backdrop of the early 1900s South, a time and place fraught with racial and gender-based oppression. Despite these challenges, Celie finds solace and strength in her relationships, particularly with Shug Avery (her husband’s sometimes lover) and her stepdaughter Sofia.

 These relationships underline the film’s central themes of resilience, sisterhood, and the enduring power of hope.

Colman Domingo’s portrayal of Mr. is particularly striking. He masterfully navigates the complexity of his character, transforming from a seemingly kind individual into a formidable antagonist.

Musically, the film excels, integrating soulful tunes that resonate with the story’s emotional highs and lows. However, the songs sometimes appear more as embellishments than essential narrative elements. While not diminishing the film’s overall impact, this approach suggests a slight imbalance between the musical and dramatic components. Songs should happen when words alone aren’t enough. This musical forgets that tenant.

The performances across the board are noteworthy, with each actor bringing authenticity and emotional depth to their roles. The film navigates its heavy themes with a careful balance of intensity and sensitivity, making the viewer’s journey through the story both heart-wrenching and inspiring.

THE LESSON

  • Strength in Adversity: The film powerfully illustrates how individuals can find strength even in the most challenging circumstances. Celie’s journey is one marked by abuse and hardship, but she survives. She survives a lot that other people couldn’t have.
  • The Importance of Sisterhood and Supportive Relationships: The narrative emphasizes the significance of sisterhood and supportive relationships in overcoming life’s challenges. The bonds Celie forms with characters like Shug Avery and her stepdaughter Sofia play a crucial role in her journey toward empowerment.
  • Hope as a Source of Resilience: One of the film’s key messages is the enduring power of hope. Despite facing numerous obstacles, the characters’ hope for a better future gives them the strength to endure and strive for change.

IS IT REWATCHABLE?

Yes, and the music makes it more rewatchable than the original, one of my all-time favorite films.

THE FINAL WORD

I appreciate the film’s compelling performances, especially featuring Fantasia Barrino and Colman Domingo’s outstanding roles. The musical score is soulful and impactful, although there are moments where it feels more like an addition than a core part of the narrative. For me, the film stands out for going deeper into the characters and themes, more so than previous versions, effectively touching on resilience, sisterhood, and hope amidst tough challenges. While it naturally draws comparisons to Spielberg’s iconic version, and its heavy themes may not appeal to everyone, its emotional richness, top-notch acting, and a fresh take on this beloved story make it a must-watch.

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Review: The Iron Claw

The Iron Claw (2023)
R  ‧ Drama/Wrestling Biopic ‧ 132 Minutes

Written by Sean Durkin

Directed by Sean Durkin

THE CAST

Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Stanley Simons, Maura Tierney, with Holt McCallany and Lily James

THE STORY

(In their own words). The true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s. Through tragedy and triumph, under the shadow of their domineering father and coach, the brothers seek larger-than-life immortality on the biggest stage in sports.

High-Flying Hits of the Film

The BEST things about the film

  1. The Wrestling – They did an excellent job with the cinematography, interestingly capturing the wrestling matches. 
  2. The Brotherly Love – The relationship between the brothers was wonderfully portrayed in both the soulful writing and acting performances. You really felt how much the Von Erichh brothers loved each other and wanted to be together. 
  3. The Story – A profoundly engaging and compelling story. I was riveted to see how it all ended, which I had a minor inkling of from my life knowledge. 

Match Misteps

The WORST things about the Film

  1. Ric Flair – There’s really one moment that stands out as wrong. Aaron Dean Eisenberg plays a small role in the film as the NWA Wrestling champion, Ric Flair. Ric Flair is an iconic wrestler; any wrestling fan knows how he talks and behaves. During the movie, Flair delivers a “promo video”. A promo is a monologue that wrestlers perform to the camera, calling out other wrestlers or elevating themselves. This promo has to be the WORST Ric Flair impression I’ve ever seen. Understand, this isn’t a role that you should try to reinterpret what the character was like. It would be like someone playing Ray Charles or Elvis, but they just deliver terrible impressions of him. It was so bad for me, an old fan of Ric Flair, that it completely jolted me out of the movie. I couldn’t understand why this actor was cast in the role when there had to be dozens or hundreds of people who could do this role justice. It is a brief role, but it’s an essential character to get correct. 

THE COMMENTS

The film title, Iron Claw, refers to the name of the wrestling finishing move used by the patriarch of the family, Fritz Von Erich. In wrestling, an Iron Claw is a painful grip on the head of the opponent that was so powerful the opponent would often give up the match; in this movie, it’s the grip Fritz had on his family. 

I grew up watching wrestling. My grandpa was a big fan and introduced me to all the different shows he would watch. One of the lower-budget-looking ones he would frequent was this little show out of Texas called World Class Championship Wrestling. The most prominent regulars on the show were the Von Erich brothers. As an only child (at the time), I was fascinated by the idea of a whole family of brothers wrestling together. Then I started hearing about all the different things that had happened in their life and reading about the curse of the Von Erich family and how tragedy after tragedy seemed to strike the children. So, I was ready to go in, hear more details about what happened, and get the complete picture of their shared life. I wasn’t quite prepared to see how much the story would come across so sad. You could easily retitle the film “Iron Claw: The Tragedy of the Von Erich Family.”

I really liked parts of the film, like the ensemble acting between the brothers as they looked out for each other. I liked how you never got a straight answer about how “real” wrestling is. Sometimes, the film would keep kayfabe, a term that essentially means you act like the characters, and wrestling wins and losses are all real and not pre-planned. This was a good choice because the moment you acknowledge the pretend world they live in, it makes the stakes feel much lower. 

The film exposes the problems when you have a father pushing a family in one direction and becoming so overbearing that you won’t let your children find their own way. The actor playing the dad, Holt McCallany, does a fabulous job as the heel father, driving his kids and his wrestling company forward in a vision he wants while pretending it’s for the benefit of his children. 

It’s important to know that this isn’t as much a wrestling movie as Fighting With My Family or Ready To Rumble; it is a drama in a wrestling world landscape. 

THE LESSON

Find your own path; don’t take what other people want for you. 

Success won’t erase the pain of the past.

IS IT REWATCHABLE

Yes

THE FINAL BELL

“The Iron Claw” is a dramatic and engaging biopic that tells the powerful story of the Von Erich brothers in 1980s professional wrestling. Featuring a strong cast and beautiful writing, the film brilliantly captures the essence of brotherhood and the pursuit of fame, tempered by personal and family struggles. While most of the movie deserves high praise for its compelling storytelling and authentic portrayal of wrestling, the horrible impression of wrestling legend Ric Flair is a notable misstep. Overall, “Iron Claw” is a poignant and captivating exploration of ambition, familial bonds, and the enduring impact of the past.

THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It. 

The Iron Claw gets a Like It.

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Movie Review: Wish

Wish (2023)
PG  ‧ Fantasy/Musical/Animated ‧ 1 Hour 35 Minutes

Written by Jennifer Lee and Allison Moore

Directed by Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn

THE CAST

Ariana DeBose, Chris Pine, Alan Tudyk, Angelique Cabral, Victor Garber, Natasha Rothwell, Jennifer Kumiyama, Harvey Guillén, Evan Peters, Ramy Youssef, and Jon Rudnitsky

THE STORY

(In their own words). 

Young Asha makes a wish so powerful that it’s answered by a cosmic force, a little ball of boundless energy called Star. With Star’s help, Asha must save her kingdom from King Magnifico and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen

THE BEST

The BEST things about the film

  1. Nostalgia – It is an Easter egg-filled, Nostalgia-laden, Disney-fest. 
  2. Songs – Very catchy, perfect tone for the film, sung from moments where words are not enough to express the feelings. 
  3. Animation – There is a perfect blending of an older animation style with a new technology that simultaneously makes it feel familiar and like something fresh.
  4. Voice Acting – The voice actors did a tremendous job throughout the film. Chris Pine is probably the most recognizable voice. I prefer when I can get lost in the film and not think about the actor voicing the script. Most of the time, I think – “hey, that’s Chris Pine.” Which I will say I find distracting. 

THE WORST

The WORST things about the Film

  1. Predictable – There wasn’t much in the film that went in unexpected directions. 
  2. Villain – The villain of the film is pretty flat. I could have enjoyed seeing him fleshed out more as a character. 

THE COMMENTS

There is a lot to Disney’s newest animated feature, Wish. The more time I have to think about the film, the richer I realize it is. 

Wish is about a King who “takes” and “protects” people’s wishes like they are collectible Pokemon cards. The wishes live in little bubbles in a castle room. The people then forget the wishes they had and can move on with their lives until/if the king grants them the holy blessing of making their wishes come true. 

Wish is fast-paced.

Wish is full of memorable music, which is exceptional for me as someone who takes a while to warm up to musicals. 

Wish is a love letter to all past Disney animated films. 

Wish is an origin story to all the Disney stories we’ve come to love. 

Wish skillfully blends what we love about past Disney films while moving the stories forward to modern audience sensibilities. 

Wish made me feel good. 

Wish made me care.

Wish felt like it’s always been there. It fits so perfectly into the Disney catalog that I wondered how it didn’t exist before. I can see it fitting perfectly into Fantasyland in Disneyland. I can see the songs being sung during the parades. 

We’ve all made wishes and experienced the hope that comes from that. Hope is relatable. 

I wish more films made me feel the way Wish did. 

THE LESSON

Your wish belongs to you. 

IS IT REWATCHABLE

Yes. And if you have children, you’ll probably see it thirty times.

THE FINAL WORD

Wish is delightful, fast-paced, and entertaining. Wish is a love letter to all other Disney animated features. Wish is the most meta of all Disney movies. It’s an ultra-Disney movie. The only way this film could be more Disney is if Walt Disney himself had appeared in it. Wish’s music is first-rate. The music takes you on a journey where the words alone aren’t enough to express your feelings. If you are a fan of the Disney animated film catalog, you’ll easily add this into your collection and will be delighted with multiple viewing, picking out all the Easter Eggs they spread throughout the film. Wish doesn’t disappoint in any way. You’ll wish they had come out with this sooner.

THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It. 

Wish gets a very strong Like It.

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Review: The Marvels

The Marvels(2023)
PG-13  ‧ Action/Adventure/Superhero ‧ 1 Hours 45 Minutes

Written by Nia DiCosta, Megan McDonnell, Elissa Karasik

Directed by Nia DiCosta

THE CAST

Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, Iman Vellani, Samuel L. Jackson

THE STORY

(In their own words). Carol Danvers, aka Captain Marvel, has reclaimed her identity from the tyrannical Kree and taken revenge on the Supreme Intelligence. However, unintended consequences see her shouldering the burden of a destabilized universe. When her duties send her to an anomalous wormhole linked to a Kree revolutionary, her powers become entangled with two other superheroes to form the Marvels.

THE BEST

The BEST things about the film

  1. Character/Actor Chemistry: The main three characters of Kamala, Rambeau, and Captain Marvel have great chemistry together. 
  2. I liked how we just got dropped into events. Too many movies lately spend a lot of time introducing characters’ backstories so that we know every detail about them before they get into the story. I liked that this film trusted us to figure out what was happening or that maybe I didn’t need to know the minutiae of each moment. While my experience was enriched by seeing the origin story of Ms Marvel and Rambeau, I didn’t need to see those to figure out what was happening. 
  3. I like that they spent time developing the good guys in this film and letting us see the origin of this “team.” 
  4. Film length – Finally, a director confident enough to tell a superhero tale in a brief hour and forty-five minutes. It moved quickly; it was funny, told a good story, and gave me long enough to get invested in all three characters. 
  5. Story: It was nice seeing a superhero film back to the basics of fighting some cosmic world-ending threat, but it is still mostly about the characters coming to terms with something in their lives. Too often, these films want to be so grandiose that they forget the little things that bring us back to each film. We want to see why a relationship got broken and how they will mend it. It’s important to see that superheroes are also still human. 
  6. It’s possibly the best post-credit scene in a very long time. 

THE WORST

The WORST things about the film

  1. The villain. The villain, Dar-Benn, is not very developed, resulting in us not having hard feelings about them other than a surface-level, “let’s stop that evil woman” type of feeling. I’ve often said that you need a great villain to have a great superhero film. 
  2. Inconsistent tone. Sometimes, the film felt like it should be on TV, and then it would get grand for the big screen. 

THE COMMENTS

What helps this film is the same thing that hurts it. The villain, Dar-Benn, is too underdeveloped for the audience to get huge stakes into seeing how the film turns out. However, by removing the time to develop Dar-Been, director Nia DiCosta has room to create a visible relationship between the three main characters of the film, Captain Marvel, Ms. Marvel, and Captain Rambeau. Seeing the discomfort between Captain Marvel and Rambeau through the film’s first part makes us realize this is about far more than just stopping a villain.

Where The Marvels succeeds is making a fun story that just happens to star three women. Their gender doesn’t play much of a role in the film, which is the perfect choice. I think it is the perfect fight against the misogyny of criticism this film is receiving before anyone has seen it. There are people worried that Marvel is trying to send agenda messages by casting a film full of women and non-white actors. Then you see the film and realize the only agenda was making a good story. 

A big question people have is whether they need to have watched Ms Marvel or WandaVision to enjoy the film, and the answer is no. Yes, you have to pay attention to the movie. But all the info is there for you to receive directly or to infer. I liked how they dropped us into the story without feeling the need to over-explain every detail about each character’s relationship. The answers are there, whether directly said or between the lines. Sure, I think it’s even better if you know the full Ms Marvel story, but we get enough to enjoy this film. 

What else can be said about this film? It has great special effects, it’s funny, and possibly even the humor is on the younger side, but I think that is appropriate as this film might be the closest we’ve seen to handing the torch to the younger Marvel characters. 

THE LESSON

Don’t let embarrassment over your actions stop you from keeping your word to your family. 

IS IT REWATCHABLE

Yes. 

THE FINAL WORD

A good Marvel superhero film. It’s not outstanding, but it does not stand out as bad. It’s a real shame that it is currently tracking to lose money. It has a nice plot, a good story, funny, and some great surprises in the film. This should be seen as a step in the right direction. It’s probably a lot better from a basic storytelling angle than the last few Marvel films that have come out. The first and only, post-credit scene is as simple as ‘must stay” for post-credit scene.

THE VERDICT 

My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It. 

The Marvels gets a Like It.

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Interview: 7 Questions with David Lewis

Interview with David Lewis, director of the Seattle film Fantasy A Gets A Mattress. Available as a video from our YouTube channel and audio-only podcast.

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Review: Blue Beetle

Blue Beetle (2023)
PG-13  ‧ Action/Adventure Scifi ‧ 2 Hours 7 Minutes

Written by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer

Directed by Angel Manuel Soto

THE CAST

Xolo Maridueña, Bruna Marquezine, Adriana Barraza, Damián Alcázar, Raoul Max Trujillo, Susan Sarandon, and George Lopez.

THE STORY

(In their own words) Jaime Reyes suddenly finds himself in possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology called the Scarab. When the Scarab chooses Jaime to be its symbiotic host, he’s bestowed with an incredible suit of armor that’s capable of extraordinary and unpredictable powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the superhero Blue Beetle.

THE BEST

The BEST things about the film

  1. Comedy – The film is very funny. There are some excellent comedic moments, especially in the scenes involving George Lopez’s character, Rudy Reyes, Jaime Reyes’ (Blue Beetle’s) uncle. While I enjoyed his character, I wish they didn’t make him such an obvious comedic conspiracy theorist trope right in the beginning. The style of comedy he uses also makes him taken less seriously. There are many ways to make this kind of character funny without a verbal slapstick style of humor.
  2. Diverse Representation – I appreciated finally seeing Latinx representation in a superhero film. I like seeing how different families interact and how different types of families are at home. This is very good for creating variety in these movies.
  3. Themes of Family – The themes of family are heavy in this film, and it helps ground the characters to be more relatable.
  4. Xolo Mariduena as Blue Beetle – Xolo did exceptionally well carrying the movie. He’s charismatic and believable, making me believe he wants what is best for his family. He should be proud to have led this movie, despite everything I’m about to say about the film itself.

THE WORST

The WORST things about the film

  1. Susan Sarandon – I am a huge Susan Sarandon fan. Adding her into a big-budget superhero movie as the central villain would give it a huge level of acting gravitas. However, this must be the worst performance she’s ever had. Her acting was stilted; her delivery sounded like she had just barely memorized the lines before stumbling on set. She deserves a hefty paycheck after spending so much time in more independent, artful movies, but…it would have been nice to have her elevate a film rather than keep pulling it down.
  2. Stupid Moments – I just don’t know how to express how disappointing it was that there were two to three idiotic moments for every nice moment in the film. I’m fine with plot holes in action films, you need suspension of disbelief, but these were just stupid, obvious ones that I didn’t get covered up or glossed over quick enough that I’m taken out of the movie. Let me give an example that sums up the film. At one point, we have a character that needs to sneak into a secured lab room, so when a worker comes out, she steals his badge and uses it to get into the room. Then she leaves with the badge. Minutes later, he comes back into the room. The secured room that he needed his badge to get into. HOW DID HE GET BACK IN WITHOUT THE BADGE?! That moment happens a lot in the film.
  3. Bad Writing – Bad writing results in me not caring much about what is happening in the film. I don’t think you need to follow a formula to make a good superhero film. I want and appreciate different ways of doing things; I like experimentation and seeing stories from other points of view. However, a superhero story needs a few basic things: a great villain, a motivated hero, and a clear mission. We need to understand the villain, we need to know why they are doing the things they do, and we need to care. We don’t have to like them, but we need to care. Blue Beetle writers decide to make the villain more of a CEO head with giant plans of greed that could endanger the world with more deadly weapons. While not much different than Lex Luthor, with Lex, at least I know his “why,” there are personal stakes with him. Villain Victoria Kord (played by all-star actress Susan Sarandon) offers no explanation behind the villainy in this film. She’s a villain for the sake of being a villain. With Jaime Ryes (The identity of Blue Beetle), we take too much time early on talking about how he loves his family without learning his “why.” Why does he love his family? What do they do for him? The focus is so much on the results without seeing what brought him to that result. 

THE COMMENTS

Representation is really important, but so is good writing. I hate when a film comes out that is supposed to decide whether Hollywood will make more movies featuring particular identities of actors. Blue Beetle seems to be determining whether or not more Superheros of Latinx descent will be made, much like Black Panther was pivotal in showing that you can have a predominantly Black Hollywood blockbuster. The difference here is Black Panther was solidly written. I want to pull my hair out when people expect a lackluster script to do well and hinge on the future of Lantix/Hispanic lead films on such mediocrity. Produce a solid movie! Don’t expect communities to show up just because you put their faces on a film. That is unfair. 

THE LESSON

Grieve when you finish your business. 

IS IT REWATCHABLE

Yeah. Look, it’s not like this is Morbius-level bad. There are moments in the film I enjoyed. There are some excellent special effects, and it is a film that is trying to be something more significant than it is. 

THE FINAL WORD

Representation matters, but so does a good story. I only knew a little about The Blue Beetle character before I went to the movie, and I still don’t know much after I left it. And that really bugged me. The film attempts to show how his family is at the core of The Blue Beetle’s strength, but we don’t see him building those muscles. We get the results without the work, leaving me feeling unsatisfied. 

THE VERDICT 

My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It. 

The Blue Beetle gets an unfortunate Lose It. 

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