Black & A Half

The Longest Running Comedy Podcast In Seattle. Probably.

Review: Moana 2

Moana 2 (2024)
PG ‧ Family/Adventure ‧ 1 Hour 40 Minutes
Story by: Jared Bush; Dana Ledoux Miller; Bek Smith Screenplay by  Jared Bush & Dana Ledoux MillerDirected by  Dana Ledoux Miller, Jason Hand, David Derrick Jr.

THE CAST

Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, Rachel House, and Alan Tudyk, Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, Rose Matafeo, David Fane, Hualālai Chung, Awhimai Fraser, and Gerald Ramsey.

THE STORY

(In their own words).  Three years after the first film’s events, Moana receives an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors and forms her own crew, reuniting with her friend, the demigod Maui. As they journey to the far seas of Oceania to break the god Nalo’s curse on the hidden island of Motufetu, which once connected the people of the ocean, they confront old and new foes, including the Kakamora and underworld goddess Matangi.

THE BEST

The BEST things about the film

1. It’s a funny and fun film.

2.Animation is absolutely incredible.

3. Quick runtime. 

THE WORST

The WORST things about the film

  1. Uninspiring, Unnecessary, and adds nothing. 
  2. Songs are not memorable. One is downright bad. 
  3. Dwayne Johnson seemed to be phoning in the movie.
  4. Big bad doesn’t work. 

THE COMMENTS

It’s been a while since I felt so disappointed by Disney. This film was a sequel I have been looking forward to, and while I can’t say I had a bad time, this has to be the most memorable and uninspiring Disney animated film I’ve seen. 

In one song by Dwayne Johnson, he just spoke the whole song. It seemed to me like he was talking during the parts that were supposed to be sung and then just “talked fast” when he was supposed to be rapping. It felt like Mr Johnson just didn’t care. And maybe he didn’t when presented with such poor music to perform. Lin Manuel Miranda’s absence in the film is very noticeable. I could tell from the first song that it wouldn’t be as good as the first one. 

Sequels are hard; I get that. Origin stories are just naturally more interesting, but it felt like they did have good things to mine here, but the execution was just not great. I think it’s also a sign of potential trouble whenever you see more than one director for a film.

What the film does well is bring laughter. I brought my 8-year-old daughter to the film, and she laughed throughout the film, or at least when it wasn’t too scary. Yes, the film was fun to watch and funny, and it was nice to revisit the characters from the past. It’s a quick film, and it’s pretty to watch. Aside from Dwayne Johnson’s song, they all have lovely voices to listen to. 

THE LESSON

People need to stay connected. 

IS IT REWATCHABLE

Yes. You probably have to rewatch it to remember the film. 

THE FINAL WORD

Moana 2 reunites familiar characters in a visually stunning, funny, and fast-paced adventure, but it falls flat in originality and impact. The songs are unmemorable, with one awkward performance by Dwayne Johnson standing out for the wrong reasons. While the film delivers laughs and moments of fun, it feels uninspired and lacks the original’s magic, especially without Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical touch. It’s worth a watch for kids and fans of the first film, but don’t expect it to leave a lasting impression.

THE VERDICT

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

I’ll give it a soft “like it.”

THE TRAILER

Review – Joker 2: FOLIE À DUEX


Joker: Folie à Deux is what happens when a gritty supervillain story decides to toss in jazz hands and show tunes—and you know what? It kind of works. Listen up to Silas in his review of the sequel to Joker and hear what he thinks of Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga’s performance in this unexpected musical.

Review: Dandelion

Dandelion (2024)
R ‧ Romance/Drama ‧ 1 Hour 53 Minutes
Written and Directed by Nicole Riegel

THE CAST
KiKi Layne, Thomas Doherty, Melanie Nicholls-King, Brady Stablein, Jack Stablein, and Grace Kaiser

THE STORY (According To Them)

Dandelion (KiKi Layne), a struggling Cincinnati singer-songwriter in a downward spiral, takes a last-ditch-effort gig at a motorcycle rally in South Dakota where she meets Casey (Thomas Doherty), a guitarist who walked away from his dream long ago. As Dandelion joins Casey’s nomadic group of struggling musicians, the kindred spirits make music together and strike up a whirlwind romance. The experience moves Dandelion from a narrow view of success to a deeper appreciation of her artistic journey, and the discovery of a voice that is authentically her own.

THE INTRO

Today, I’m excited to share my in-depth review of the captivating new film “Dandelion.” Directed by Nicole Reigel and starring the incredibly talented Kiki Layne and Thomas Doherty, “Dandelion” takes us on a heartfelt journey of a struggling Cincinnati singer-songwriter who finds her true voice amidst a group of nomadic musicians.

In this review, I delve into the emotional depths of the film, exploring themes of artistic struggle, personal authenticity, and the delicate balance between life’s responsibilities and following one’s passions. Kiki Layne’s performance is nothing short of mesmerizing, and Nicole Reigel’s direction beautifully marries stunning cinematography with compelling storytelling.

This film has resonated with me deeply, earning a spot as my favorite film of the year. I’ll be discussing what makes “Dandelion” so special, sharing my personal connections to its themes, and highlighting key moments that moved me.

VIDEO REVIEW

AUDIO-ONLY PODCAST

THE BEST
The BEST things about the film

  1. The Emotional Resonance and Personal Connection – The film moved me deeply, making me teary-eyed and emotionally connected to the story. It hurt me in a good way because I related so much to Dandelion’s struggles and dreams. I felt the pain of having artistic dreams and the challenges of trying to fulfill them amidst life’s responsibilities.
  2. The Direction – I admire Nicole Reigel’s ability to balance artistic, beautiful shots with fantastic writing. Her choices in camera work, editing, and the integration of flashbacks really contributed to the film’s overall emotional impact.
  3. The Performances, Especially by Kiki Layne – I was particularly impressed by Kiki Layne’s performance, which I found delicate, specific, and full of vulnerability. Her wonderful voice and the way she portrayed Dandelion really stood out to me.

THE WORST

The WORST thing about the Film

Potentially Divisive Ending – I can see where the film might lose some viewers, particularly near the end. The choices made by the characters, especially the love interest, could make people really mad and rightfully so. While I believe it’s a truthful journey, it might not sit well with everyone.

THE COMMENTS

  1. Limited Release and Awareness: The film isn’t getting enough playing time in theaters, which I find frustrating. It started with only a few theaters showing it, and although it’s expanded to more, it still feels like it’s not getting the attention it deserves.
  2. Timing of Release: I wonder why the film was released in July, which might not be the best time for a movie like this. It feels like it should have been released later in the year to possibly gain more attention during the award season.

THE LESSON

Balancing Responsibilities and Following Your Heart -The film emphasizes the importance of taking care of your responsibilities while also following your passions. It’s crucial to live your passions because, ultimately, if you don’t, you’ll be sad and possibly resentful towards those you sacrificed for. Dandelion’s journey shows that you can still pursue your dreams without neglecting your duties.

Authenticity Through Pain – The film illustrates that sometimes it is the pain that brings out your authentic self. Dandelion’s struggles and vulnerabilities help her discover her true voice and identity. This resonates with me as an artist, showing that the journey through hardship can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself.

The Artistic Journey and Its Purpose – “Dandelion” explores the artistic journey and questions why we create art. It delves into discussions about whether art is done for money or for personal fulfillment. This is a significant lesson for all artists, emphasizing that the value of art isn’t solely in its commercial success but in the personal and emotional fulfillment it provides.

Perseverance in the Face of Indifference – The film shows the heartbreak of performing for an indifferent audience, but it also highlights the importance of perseverance. Dandelion’s performance in a restaurant where no one is listening is a powerful scene that mirrors my own experiences in stand-up comedy and acting. It reinforces the idea that even when it feels like no one is paying attention, you must continue to push forward and stay true to your art.

IS IT REWATCHABLE

Absolutely.

THE FINAL WORD

“Dandelion” is a profoundly moving film that struck a deep chord with me. Kiki Layne shines in her role as a struggling Cincinnati singer-songwriter, delivering a performance filled with delicacy and vulnerability that brings her character’s pain and dreams to life. Nicole Randall’s direction is outstanding, combining stunning cinematography with a well-crafted narrative that explores the balance between life’s responsibilities and following one’s passions. The film delves into the emotional journey of an artist, raising thoughtful questions about the purpose of art and the challenges of staying true to oneself amidst indifference. With its beautiful music, powerful performances, and heartfelt storytelling, “Dandelion” is not just a film but an experience that lingers long after the credits roll. It is undoubtedly my favorite film of the year, and I highly recommend everyone to watch and share in its artistic magic.

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

Dandelion gets a Love It.

THE TRAILER

THE MEME REVIEW

Episode #219 – 7 Questions With Wild Eyed And Wicked

In episode 219 of “Black & A Half,” Silas interviews the creative team behind the new horror film Wild Eyed and Wicked. Join writer/director G.S. Foxworth and cast members Michael Summers and Stephanie Esters as they discuss the making of the film, the allure of the horror genre, and share behind-the-scenes insights. Plus, hear their unique and entertaining answers to Silas’s famous “Seven Questions.”

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more exciting interviews and discussions!

Video Interview

Audio-Only Interview

7 Questions With Stimson Snead & Samuel Dunning

It’s an interview episode! Silas had a chance to chat with Writer/Director Stimson Snead & actor Samuel Dunning from the new film Time Travers And The Time Traveler’s Paradox. They discuss how the film was made and they answer the world-famous 7 Questions. 

Available in Video and Audio-Only Podcast

About The Film

It is called the Time Traveler’s Paradox. In which a scientist creates a Time Machine and kills their younger self. So now a man who should not- can not- exist, somehow does. That is the Paradox, and Paradoxes are impossible. And the man who has created it, is Tim Travers. A reclusive mad scientist whose stated mission in life is to stand alone with God at the end of time, and tell the bastard off!!

In the course of his adventure, Tim Travers will take on the mercenary gang whose stolen plutonium powers his machine, challenge an Alex Jones esk podcaster to a battle of wits, create a black hole, meet the one woman alive crazier than him, clone himself, destroy the universe, make a new one, and maybe-just maybe- learn to love himself at last.

TIM TRAVERS AND THE TIME TRAVELER’S PARADOX was written & directed by Stimson Snead. The film was executive produced by Ben Yennie, Felicia Day, and Rich Cowan, and produced by Kylie Walchuk and Casey Cowan. The film has a running time 104 minutes and is available for sale in all territories. TIM TRAVERS AND THE TIME TRAVELER’S PARADOX premiered at 2024 Cinequest where it won Best Comedy Feature. It also just screened at BIFFF, Phoenix Film Festival and the Seattle International Film Festival

Video

Audio-Only

Review – Sasquatch Sunset

Review – Sasquatch Sunset

Sasquatch Sunset (2024)
R  ‧ Comedy/Drama ‧ 1 Hours 30 Minutes
Written by David Zellner
Directed by Nathan Zellner, David Zellner

THE CAST

 Riley Keough, Jesse Eisenberg, Christophe Zajac-Denek, and Nathan Zellner. 

THE STORY

(In their own words). In the misty forests of North America, a family of Sasquatches find themselves on a collision course with the ever-changing world around them.

THE BEST

The BEST things about the film

  1. Acting and Character Portrayal: The actors, including Jesse Eisenberg, perform exceptionally, deeply immersing themselves into the roles of sasquatches. Their extensive physical training to master their characters’ body movements and non-verbal communication are major strengths of the film.
  2. Makeup and Practical Effects: The film’s use of practical effects, especially the makeup, is praised. This choice adds authenticity to the portrayal of the sasquatches, enhancing the viewer’s immersion into the film’s world without relying on CGI.
  3. Unique Concept: The film’s premise and execution are incredibly unique. The idea of a narrative told entirely through “sasquatchese” without any English dialogue or subtitles presents a fresh and innovative challenge to conventional filmmaking.
  4. Physical Comedy and Absurdist Elements: The film’s physical comedy and absurdist tone are effective in delivering humor and entertainment, making it stand out in the comedy genre.
  5. Engaging Performances: The cast’s commitment to their roles, particularly in their nonverbal acting and interaction, is identified as a highlight, making the characters compelling and memorable despite the lack of understandable dialogue.

THE WORST

The WORST things about the film

  1. Lack of Deep Engagement: While unique and humorous, the film reportedly struggles with not being deeply engaging. This could be attributed to its unconventional storytelling and minimalistic plot, which might only resonate with some viewers, particularly those unfamiliar or unappreciative of absurdist humor.
  2. Niche Appeal: The elements that make “Sasquatch Sunset” stand out—its absurdist tone and non-traditional narrative—make it challenging for the film to find a broad audience. Its appeal is likely limited to niche cinema fans with specific tastes, potentially alienating mainstream viewers.
  3. Minimalistic Plot and Pacing: Despite the film’s short duration, there’s a feeling that not much happens throughout its runtime. This issue, combined with the film’s experimental nature, might lead some viewers to perceive it as slow or lacking in substantive content, which could affect its overall pacing and viewer satisfaction.
  4. Absence of Subtitles or Understandable Dialogue: The decision to use “sasquatchese” without subtitles is bold but might also hinder viewer understanding and engagement. This choice requires viewers to pay close attention to non-verbal cues to follow the story, which could be demanding or frustrating for some.
  5. Divisive Humor: The film’s humor, which leans heavily on absurdism, might not be universally appreciated. Scenes intended to be funny could be seen as bizarre or off-putting to those not accustomed to or fond of absurdist comedy.

THE COMMENTS

“Sasquatch Sunset” is not without its challenges. The film’s lack of a conventional narrative and its reliance on absurdism might not resonate with all viewers. Its pacing, while brisk for a 90-minute film, occasionally feels slow due to the minimalistic plot. Yet, these same qualities make the film a fascinating study for those interested in method acting and physical theater.

Despite its potential niche appeal, “Sasquatch Sunset” offers a refreshing break from mainstream comedy, using its bizarre premise to subtly touch on themes of environmentalism and the impact of human encroachment on nature. It’s a film that might require a particular taste to appreciate its humor and artistic choices fully, but it’s undeniably a bold experiment in filmmaking that some will find delightful.

In conclusion, while “Sasquatch Sunset” may struggle to find a broad audience, its unique approach and standout performances make it a worthwhile watch for those seeking something out of the ordinary. It’s an interesting film that, while it might not make it to everyone’s favorites list, certainly deserves a watch in a theater for its collective humor and the communal experience it aims to create.

THE LESSON

  1. Environmentalism and Human Impact: The film appears to convey messages about human activity’s intrusion into natural habitats and its effects on native wildlife, represented here by the sasquatches. As the Sasquatch family encounters elements of human civilization for the first time, such as a paved road, it highlights human development’s profound impact on previously untouched natural environments.
  2. Discovery and Innocence: “Sasquatch Sunset” also explores themes of discovery and the innocent wonder of encountering the unknown. This is reflected in the sasquatches’ child-like curiosity and their process of learning and understanding new concepts, akin to young children or beings not as advanced as humans. This can be seen as a commentary on the universal nature of discovery and learning, regardless of one’s level of sophistication or intelligence.

IS IT REWATCHABLE

Yes, but only in the sense of research. If I was directing or acting in a play or movie that was non-verbal or wanted to show an example of good physical acting work. I wouldn’t watch this because it was on the tv and I wanted to enjoy a movie.

THE FINAL WORD

“Sasquatch Sunset” dives into the absurdist genre with its unique portrayal of a sasquatch family navigating life in the North American forests, communicated entirely through “Sasquatchese.” The film’s standout aspects include remarkable method acting and impressive practical effects that bring the sasquatches to life. However, its experimental nature and sparse plot might limit its appeal to a niche audience. Despite these challenges, “Sasquatch Sunset” offers a whimsical, if sometimes perplexing, exploration of environmental themes and the innocence of discovery, making it a curious piece of cinema that might be best enjoyed with a group for its full comedic effect.

THE VERDICT 

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

I rank “Sasquatch Sunset” as “Like It.” While I didn’t fall in love with the film, I definitely didn’t hate it either. Its unique qualities, and the performances are noteworthy, but it’s admittedly niche with its absurdist elements, which might not resonate with everyone. It might be better appreciated in a theater setting to capture its humor and artistic flair fully.

THE TRAILER

MEME REVIEW

VIDEO REVIEW

AUDIO-ONLY REVIEW

https://embeds.audioboom.com/posts/8493591/embed?v=202301#?secret=ue3ggNXh9D

Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)
PG ‧ Animated Action/Comedy ‧ 1 Hour 40 Minutes

Written by Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg & Jeff Rowe and Dan Hernandez & Benji Samit

Story by Brendan O’Brien and Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg & Jeff Rowe

Directed by Jeff Rowe Co-Directed by Kyler Spears

THE CAST

Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr., Hannibal Buress, Rose Byrne, Nicolas Cantu, John Cena, Jackie Chan, Ice Cube, Natasia Demetriou, Ayo Edebiri, Giancarlo Esposito, Post Malone, Brady Noon, Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd, Maya Rudolph.

THE STORY

(In their own words). After years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers through heroic acts. Their new friend April O’Neil helps them take on a mysterious crime syndicate, but they soon get in over their heads when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them. 

THE BEST

The BEST things about the film

  1. The humor/comedy – It’s a hilarious film. I caught a couple of callbacks to previous films, I’m not an expert in TMNT, and I’m sure there were a lot more, but I’m sure there is a lot more that I didn’t catch.
  2. The writing – Quick, witty…dialogue flows seamlessly. 
  3. The updates – One thing that always scares me about bringing back long-time characters into the modern world is how they decide to update it. They flawlessly updated it to modern times. They reference pop culture as if they are just normal teen high school kids. April, the Turtles’ sole female ally,  is modernized to be a young black/biracial budding journalist from previous iterations. 
  4. The Story – This was a tremendous first TMNT film for someone like me because it is an origin story that thankfully only wades a little bit into how they got to where they are, just enough to get the idea and feel like I completely understood the backstory. Most of the story involves the deciding to “go public” and let people know they exist. They set up the protagonists well with clear motivations for revenge over humanity, which is understandable and diabolical. 
  5. The Acting – The voice acting is top-notch. 

THE WORST

The only thing I didn’t like about the film I would ruin a significant plot point by telling you. So, if you want, message me, and I will tell you after you’ve seen it. 

THE COMMENTS

I confess I am not a huge animation fanboy. I usually have trouble connecting emotionally with animated films (aside from UP, I’m not a monster). But I found myself really getting into this film, which especially surprised me because it is full of gnarly-looking mutant creatures that are the foils of the Ninja Turtles. They don’t look believable as living creatures, and that kind of thing really takes me out of this type of film. 

THE LESSON

Sometimes you gotta trust a stranger.

IS IT REWATCHABLE

Yes, I see kids especially replaying this a lot. 

THE FINAL WORD

The popular Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are back in animated form in a film that offers a fresh, fun adventure that is sure to be the start of a new series of adventures. This action comedy film centers around a  brief origin story of the quartet and a journey of discovering who they want to be after being raised by a fearful, human-hating father figure. Excellent voice-over acting draws the audience into the film, almost making you forget you are watching animated turtles with all these emotions. A good family film with lots of action and minimal scares serves up a solid introduction to the Ninja Turtle universe. 

THE VERDICT 

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

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem gets a Like It.

THE TRAILER

THE MEME REVIEW

Review: Barbie

Barbie (2023)
PG-13  ‧ Comedy ‧ 1 Hours 54 Minutes

Written by Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach

Directed by Greta Gerwig

THE CAST

Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Simu Liu, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman, and Will Ferrell.

THE STORY

(In their own words). Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colorful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans.

THE BEST

The BEST things about the film

  1. The Story – A fun exploration of Barbie, the Barbie world, and the real-world attitude toward Barbie and how Barbie is perceived. The story captivates you and gets invested very quickly. It’s the most fun Barbie adventure I’ve seen, and I’ve raised two daughters, so I’ve seen a lot. 
  2. The messages – There is a lot of messaging about the weight of responsibility that women have on their shoulders. It directly addresses how the public perceives Barbie vs. what Barbie is trying to do, and it seems to empower. This Barbie movie is a feminist manifesto wrapped in pink. 
  3. The comedy – It is a really funny movie with a broad range of comedic styles. There’s lots of physical comedy in the Barbie world, all the way to more cerebral humor in the real world and everything in between. Then there are the elements of parody it has and self-awareness. It really has comedy for everyone. 
  4. The self-awareness – The self-awareness of the film and the brand is great. It allows them to tackle how everyone sees Barbie and address it. Having Mattel be an actual part of the film is brilliant. 
  5. Cameos – Fantastic cameos, if you can see them. 

THE WORST

The WORST things about the Film

  1. I think the film is about 10 minutes too long. There was a time, I thought. Okay, I got it. Let’s move on and start wrapping these things up.
  2. Its own internal logic doesn’t always seem to work.

THE COMMENTS

This film gave me some regrets. I had fallen into the trap of not wanting to buy my daughter Barbies. I bought her the Black President Barbie. I found that acceptable. I’ve hidden Barbie’s Mermaid Adventure DVD that some evil person gave us. As an adult, I’ve been staunchly anti-barbie for as long as I can remember. And maybe this film taught me that I got it all wrong. This film helped me put Barbie into a new perspective, understanding that Barbie was meant to be more about celebrating all the things girls could become, not boxing them into being a model. Barbie is about choice. 

THE LESSON

Self-Awareness is something you can’t put back in the bottle. 

People need to see you value them. 

A young woman doesn’t have to fit into a box; she can be anything. 

Be nice to your Mom. 

IS IT REWATCHABLE

YES, YES, YES.

THE FINAL WORD

Barbie is an unexpectedly excellent film. Barbie has been called critic-proof. A lot of people will likely go see it, no matter what critics say. Turns out, they were right! It is funny, clever, and sharp script. It is wonderfully acted, skillfully directed, and manages to find a great balance between delivering a message and entertaining within one of the world’s most well-known intellectual properties. Director Greta Gerwig once again proves to be a solid director with a wonderful vision. Margot Robbie is a solid performer in the film. While the Oscars will likely snub her for this role, the MTV movie awards will hopefully remember it. This film is not just an entertainment fluff movie but a feminist manifesto wrapped in pink. At times it may even get a bit heavy-handed, but it’s easily forgiven with the absolute delight of a story it tells. 

THE VERDICT 

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

Barbie gets a very big LOVE IT. 

THE TRAILER

THE MEME REVIEW

Episode #213: Tom Danger, Director of Sweethurt

Australian Director Tom Danger joins Silas to talk about his new film, Sweethurt, and to answer the world-famous 7 Questions. Available as a Video and audio only Podcast.

VIDEO


AUDIO ONLY PODCAST

Review: Air

Air (2023)
R ‧ Drama ‧ 1 Hour 52 Minutes

Written by Alex Convery

Directed by Ben Affleck

THE CAST

  • Matt Damon as Sonny Vaccaro
  • Ben Affleck as Phil Knight
  • Jason Bateman as Rob Strasser
  • Marlon Wayans as George Raveling
  • Chris Messina as David Falk
  • Chris Tucker as Howard White
  • Viola Davis as Deloris Jordan

THE STORY

(In their own words). It is based on true events about the origin of Air Jordan, a basketball shoeline, of which a Nike employee seeks to strike a business deal with rookie player Michael Jordan. 

THE BEST
The BEST things about the film

  1. Viola Davis – She delivers another fantastic performance as Michael Jordan’s mother.
  2. Matt Damon – Damon does a fantastic job as Sonny Vaccaro, possibly the only executive in sports marketing that understood what a tremendous talent that Jordan was going to be. His betrayal was nuanced, thoughtful and full of passion. This is probably one of my favorite performances by Damon. 
  3. The Story – The managed to make a really compelling story about signing Michael Jordan to wear Nike sneakers. I can’t even believe how interested I got in this, it was compelling. And I’m someone who really cares less about footwear. But they had me hooked in from the very beginning
  4. The Writing – Convery’s script is just fantastic. It sucks you in and it’s full of lines that are absolute gems. This is how I know I’ve watched a super well-written script. My biggest excitement for watching this movie again is so I can try and write down all the wonderful lines that were said during the film
  5. Direction – Ben Affleck is just such a fantastic director. I love his ability to bring excitement and find the correct tone for nearly every film he does. I really love the way he crafted this film together. 

THE WORST

The WORST things about the Film

  1. We never see the face of Michael Jordan in this film, and I understand why they thought it would be distracting, but I think it didn’t give the audience enough credit. And it’s a distraction point in the scenes he appears in. It is so obvious that they are trying to not show his face, that’s all I can think about in those moments.

THE COMMENTS

The 80s nostalgia opening was just wonderful to set the tone of what was happening at the time. I feel like it really got us to understand what a different time it was, how different people thought back then about business, especially shoes. I had no idea until this movie that it was unheard of at the time for an athlete to get paid a percentage of royalties if their name was on something. Crazy to think about now.  Or that Basketball wasn’t always the driving force for all of these companies. I didn’t even know that Nike wasn’t always the go to brand for Basketball shoes. 

THE LESSON

Believe in someone so much, you are willing to risk it all for them. 

IS IT REWATCHABLE

Very rewatchable. 

THE FINAL WORD

If you told me a year ago that I would absolutely love a movie about the signing of Michael Jordan to Nike to create the Air Jordans basketball shoe, I would have laughed in your face. But here I am getting dunked on. Air is a thoroughly entertaining and engaging film directed with absolute care and finesse by Ben Affleck, finding a perfect tone for this story to make me thoroughly engaged throughout the film.  Viola Davis plays Michael Jordan’s mom and, as usual, is absolutely incredible. Matt Damon brings to the character a level of passion that just forces you to root for him. I really loved everything about the film; the writing, the acting, the story, I even loved the nostalgia for the 80s that it infused. Nike says “Just Do It.” I say, “Just See It.”

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

Air gets a Love It

I’ll say “Just See It”

THE TRAILER

THE MEME REVIEW

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