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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
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
- Viola Davis – She delivers another fantastic performance as Michael Jordan’s mother.
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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