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.
Video
Audio-Only Podcast
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.
Video
Audio-Only Podcast
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
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
Oppenheimer (2023)
R ‧ Biographical Drama ‧ 3 Hours 0 Minutes
Written by Christopher Nolan
Directed by Christopher Nolan
THE CAST
Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh, Josh Hartnett, Casey Affleck, Rami Malek, and Kenneth Branagh.
THE STORY
(In their own words). The story of American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb.
THE BEST
The BEST things about the film
THE WORST
The WORST things about the film
THE COMMENTS
I have no doubt that most critics will love the film. Its good technical filmmaking. I feel like I’ve seen all these tricks from Nolan before, and it has gotten a little old. Hard, fast music, some good actors, lots of non-linear edits, special effects, slow down of camera speed … .just lots of tricks. Tricks that hide a fundamentally mediocre story. Sure, there are lots of interesting things about Oppenheimer, but I never discovered the core of him in this film. I don’t know why he ticks; I don’t understand his motivations. He’s not particularly likable, not that he has to be, but I at least want to know why he is doing things that I have problems with.
As an actor, of course, I’d love to be in one of Nolan’s films, but I think that comes from a self-indulgent space in my heart. He has some meaty roles; he makes people look good on camera.
THE LESSON
Extraordinary minds don’t mean they are extraordinary people.
IS IT REWATCHABLE
Yes, maybe. I think more in an academic/study of film kind of way than in a “what a great, fun film to watch” kind of way.
THE FINAL WORD
Loud and long. Sometimes those are good things, and sometimes it’s a Christopher Nolan film that is trying very hard to prove itself to be a good, meaningful film. Nolan is an exceptional filmmaker, and I probably would have liked this film a lot more if it was the first film of his that I’ve seen. But it’s kind of…same tricks, different movie. It’s not a bad film. With fast pacing and a score that pushes you along like an ocean wave, it flies by for a three-hour movie. The acting is fantastic, an outstanding ensemble. Story….I don’t think there’s a lot there. There’s a lot of cinematic trickery to get you to believe you just watched more than you did. I didn’t feel like I got to really understand Oppenheimer, which I think is the point of a biopic. All that being said, I can’t deny it is a well-made film and that many people will enjoy it. But I’m sure they’ll also enjoy anything else that he makes. They like the style, not the substance.
THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It.
Oppenheimer gets a Like It.
THE TRAILER
THE MEME REVIEW
Elemental (2023)
PG ‧ Animation/Comedy ‧ 1 Hour 42 Minutes
Written by Peter Sohn; John Hoberg; Kat Likkel; Brenda Hsueh
Directed by Petry Sohn
THE CAST
THE STORY
(In their own words).n a city where fire, water, land, and air residents live together, a fiery young woman and a go-with-the-flow guy discover something elemental: how much they actually have in common.
LOVE IT
The BEST things about the film:
First Rom-Com – I’m pretty sure this would be considered Pixar’s first rom-com film. Sure, there have been love interests in other films, but I think this is the first time such a vast section of the film occupies that idea.
LIKE IT
What worked about the film:
Story – The tale is basically an analogy for the Asian immigrant experience in America. The “fire” element in the city feels othered and faces hostility around the city, where even parts of the city aren’t built with characteristics hospitable to life.
The animation – Lovely animation. I liked how they brought everything together into this world while still keeping a harmonious production design.
LOSE IT
The WORST things about the film:
Lack of good antagonist – The central conflict seems to be with Ember’s father, but even then, there isn’t lost love between them; they clearly have familial love for each other. It’s more about hiding from a father’s potential disappointment. He’s not really a bad guy, though. I think the film would have been much stronger if they had a bit stronger of an antagonist to fight against.
Lack of oomph – As fun as it was, I don’t know if this is going to be a memorable tale. Maybe it will grow more on me. I just didn’t walk away super excited by the movie.
THE COMMENTS
The idea for the film is more significant than the actual film. I could see a whole animated series taking place in Element City. The film doesn’t really take an opportunity to explore very much with the city and instead focuses on the relationship between Ember and Wade. Which is fine. Maybe if they spent more time world-building, I’d be mad they didn’t focus on the relationship. I’m a critic; perhaps I can’t be happy. It feels like a little bit of a waste of this setting. The potential for world-building in this universe is enormous.
THE LESSON
No matter how opposite two people are, they still could be a good match.
Don’t force your dreams onto other people.
IS IT REWATCHABLE?
Yes.
THE FINAL WORD
Elemental is a pleasant enough film. The film is an analogy for the immigrant experience in America wrapped together with a traditional rom-com. Overall it is a funny and enjoyable Pixar film, just not one that will leave a lasting impression. I’m willing to concede that this might be a movie that will grow on me over time. I’ll show it to my kids so I can buy the merch. Its lack of a significant protagonist is probably good for younger kids where bad guys scare them, but I want my plots like I want my carbs…complex.
THE TRAILER
THE MEME REVIEW
Interview with the star of the new film Colorblind, Chantel Riley. She discusses how she got into acting and answers the world-famous seven questions.
Available in video and audio-only podcast.
VIDEO
Posted in Action, Adventure, Film Reviews, Film Reviews 2023, MCU, Scifi, Superhero by Silas Lindenstein – May 04, 2023
Guardians Of The Galaxy Volume III (2023)
PG-13 ‧ Action/Adventure ‧ 2 Hours 29 Minutes
Written by James Gunn
Directed by James Gunn
THE CAST Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Sean Gunn, Chukwudi Iwuji, Will Poulter, Elizabeth Debicki, Maria Bakalova, and Sylvester Stallone
THE STORY
(In their own words). Still reeling from the loss of Gamora, Peter Quill must rally his team to defend the universe and protect one of their own. If the mission is not completely successful, it could possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.
THE BEST
The BEST things about the film
THE WORST
The WORST things about the film
THE COMMENTS
For me, this is by far the best MCU film since Endgame, and it isn’t close.
This story is just absolutely beautiful. I was shocked at how much this film got me to care about an animated raccoon’s life and relationships. I was utterly sucked into the characters and their backgrounds. Marvel found what it’s been missing in the latest offering…a relatable story set in a sci-fi setting. This film is really about the scars inside us that we carry around. The latest movies have mostly been about God-like beings, other dimensions, and “greater than this world” events. Marvel stories are best when they are about the things we care about; love, hurt, moving on, and learning how to grow as a person. Films need to teach us more about humanity with a story grounded in something we can relate to or at least aspire to. The early MCU films like Iron Man and Captain America did this, and even so in the original Guardians of The Galaxy film.
This film is Marvel at its best.
THE LESSON
Scars on the outside are nothing compared to the scars inside us.
Friends take care of friends.
IS IT REWATCHABLE
Yes. Can’t wait to watch it again.
THE FINAL WORD
The final chapter of the Guardians Of The Galaxy films ends on a high note. For me, this was the best film since Avengers: Endgame. A captivating story about exploring old wounds wrapped up in a Marvel blanket. It’s a simple story told really well. Humor in the right places without compromising the emotional impact of moments, which has been a flaw of MCU films as of late. This last film from James Gunn in the MCU world (most likely) shows how great of a director and storyteller he truly is. GoG Vol. 3 hopefully will be the guidepost for the type of films Marvel will keep making.
THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It.
Guardians of The Galaxy Volume 3 gets a Love It.
THE TRAILER
THE MEME REVIEW
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
Showing Up (2023)
PG-13 ‧ Drama ‧ 1 Hour 48 Minutes
Written by Jonathan Raymond and Kelly Reichardt
Directed by Kelly Reichardt
THE CAST
THE STORY
(In their own words).A sculptor preparing to open a new show must balance her creative life with the daily dramas of family and friends, in Kelly Reichardt’s vibrant and captivatingly funny portrait of art and craft.
THE BEST
The BEST things about the film
THE WORST
The WORST things about the Film
THE COMMENTS
Films like this are interesting because they remind me of why I loved theatre. It definitely doesn’t feel like a play, but you know there is a lot of thought put into it. There’s things in the film that are metaphors, like the broken wing of the pigeon the two leads are trying to help mend. So few things happen in the story, you know when something does, it is symbolic or important to the director and/or writers. So then you catch yourself thinking about the movie wondering why certain elements are in it. So it lingers. The film just lingers with you in the back of your mind as your subconscious is working out what you see. That’s what is so fascinating by this film.
I’m writing this two days after having seen it and I still can’t figure out what the point of the film is….and I want to know! I wasn’t bored during the film. I was interested in the characters, it was building toward some dramatic tension at the end, that to me, felt like a misdirection. But mostly likely intentional. The director did a good job keeping me engaged when very little was happening. And that’s a real good thing when so many movies these days are non-stop faced paced action machines. Sometimes, you just need to sit in the moment.
This film is somewhere between a “slice of life” piece and a “character driven” piece. I would go with the former because I think a good character piece needs to have an arc around one or more of the characters and not much changes for any of them through the film.
I have no doubt this film is going to be under-appreciated by most people, including myself.
THE LESSON
I honestly don’t know yet. But here’s my guess, “you are not as broken as you think you are.” I might have a different one tomorrow.
IS IT REWATCHABLE
Maybe. I don’t know. If I did, it would be for a class probably. I’m not excited about seeing it again, but I might be okay with it. See if I get more meaning.
THE FINAL WORD
There’s a lot more beneath the surface of this film. I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it. It’s well-acted, well-crafted, and is an exercise in finding the deeper meanings in the things you see on screen. Part “slice of life” part “character” it is a much slower pace than a lot of the movies I’ve seen lately, but it also has a lot more meaning than most of those. The film really delves into the making of art and those who create it. A simple film with a lot going for it, but it isn’t one I expect to leave a lasting impression.
THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It.
I’m giving Showing Up a “Like It” because it did really get me thinking about the film and that is an accomplishment. I’m still trying to figure out parts of it…in a good way.
THE TRAILER
THE MEME REVIEW
Renfield (2023)
R ‧ Horror/Comedy ‧ 1 Hour 33 Minutes
Written by Ryan Ridley from a story by Robert Kirkman
Directed by Chris McKay
THE CAST
THE STORY
(In their own words) Renfield, the tortured aide to his narcissistic boss, Dracula, is forced to procure his master’s prey and do his every bidding. However, after centuries of servitude, he’s ready to see if there’s a life outside the shadow of the Prince of Darkness.
THE BEST
The BEST things about the film
THE WORST
The WORST things about the Film
THE COMMENTS
This film is definitely more comedy than horror. If you are looking for a film that will legitimately scare you, this isn’t for you. But if you want something that makes you laugh at overly exaggerated “gorey” over-the-top decapitation scenes, this might be the film for you.
This film is ludacris in all the right ways.
THE LESSON
Toxic relationships are even worse when you are immortal.
Don’t let other people take your power.
IS IT REWATCHABLE
Yes.
WHAT MY FRIENDS SAID
My Guests for this film were two comedians; Emmett Montgomery and Laura Lyons.
Emmett said: “Cage at his best. Real good. That was fun!”
Laura said: “Powerful message delivered in a fun way. “
THE FINAL WORD
Nicholas Cage is outstanding as the source of Renfield’s anxiety, depression, and all around toxicity, Count Dracula. This slapstick horror-comedy is as full of laughter as it is gore. Highlighted by a fresh and fun story, Renfield may not change how you see the world, but it makes living in it a lot more fun. Sure, deep inside of the film are some messages about fighting the monsters in your life who bring you more pain than pleasure and how finding the power inside you will help you slay life’s demons….but I think it’s a really fun film.
THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It.
Reinfield gets a Love it.
THE TRAILER
THE MEME REVIEW
Air (2023)
R ‧ Drama ‧ 1 Hour 52 Minutes
Written by Alex Convery
Directed by Ben Affleck
THE CAST
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
THE WORST
The WORST things about the Film
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