Queen of Katwe is the heartfelt story of Phiona Mutesi, a young girl who discovers that her love of chess can potentially change her life forever.
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Joker
‘Joker’ is an R rated origin story about one of the most talked about villains in comic book history. However, don’t expect any epic chases, fight scenes, or heroes of any kind. This is a horror at its core because of its violence and dark character study. Joker feels less connected to the comic book genre and more to Martin Scorsese’s The King of Comedy or Taxi Driver. It takes you inside the mind of Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix): a man who suffers from mental illness, uncontrollable laughter, and the scars of abuse throughout his life.
The film is very much a phycological and physical metamorphosis for Fleck, and it sends him down an irredeemable path. Unsurprisingly, Phoenix is exceptional in his role. At the beginning you empathize with his character and take pity on him, but the signs of where he is going become clearer and clearer. Phoenix makes you feel his laughter as you watch his character struggle and choke into an eerie calmness. All of it framed by an awkwardly painful grin on his face. The final act is mesmerizing, Joker dances around in complete bliss, oblivious to the havoc that he awakens in Gotham City. He is more thrilled that he has found his true self and it is apparent right down to his posture as he walks.
After already winning Best Picture at the 2019 Venice Film Festival, this iteration of Joker won’t easily be forgotten. The film deserves awards attention and it will be interesting to see the nominations it recieves. Following up Heath Ledger’s Posthumous Oscar winning performance is hardly a simple task. Yet Phoenix combats it head on, losing upwards of 50lbs for the role, and researching his chilling laugh to be able to better understand who his character is. Comic book fans and film enthusiasts alike are wondering if two people can win best actor for the same role. A feat that no other character in film history has achieved thus far.
Important mentions are the roles of Arthur’s mother played by Frances Conroy (Six Feet Under), the late night talk show host played by Robert De Niro (Taxi Driver/The King of Comedy), and Arthur’s neighbour Sophie played by Zazie Beetz (Deadpool 2). All the roles have important parts to play, however, expect them all to take a backseat. The city of Gotham is another element worth mentioning for its role in the film. It’s shown just as beat up and gritty as Fleck himself. Subway cars feel lived in and the walls appear old and covered in graffiti. Newsstands have images of clowns surrounding them while tv screens draw mention to ‘Super Rats’ roaming the streets. It all feels well thought out and builds the world perfectly. Topping it off is the score by Hildur Guðnadóttir (Sicario: Day of the Soldado). She haunts you throughout and completes the picture with droning strings that sweep at times or rumble to a slow fade and percussion that pounds and pulses around you, ticking away.
Director Todd Phillips (The Hangover), shows method to his madness throughout the two hour and two minute run time. He makes an unsettling film by design, that pushes you to question how we treat mental health, and how government funding, gun control, and social services have failed people who need serious help. Visually, Philips and his Cinematographer Lawrence Sher compresses the frame to make you feel trapped in a dark place inside Arthur’s head. From a claustrophobic apartment, to the buildings that tower over both sides of a staircase; the walls are literally caving in on Fleck. Alternatively, The Joker character is usually given more space to breathe and take centre stage in the frame, where he ends up engulfed in his deluded idea of light. Some things to look out for are the previously mentioned staircase scene, which is used to great effect multiple times and utilizes music in a fantastic way. Fans of the Nolan Batman films might even spot a shot that is direct homage to Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight, and Heath Ledger.
In closing, there’s a lot here for a comic book or movie going fan to digest, but it’s important to remember the type of film this is. It will not be for everyone and that’s okay. I don’t usually watch modern horror films, but I don’t feel this is worse than them on a graphic level. The violence is very present; however, there are a couple moments where it is alluded to without showing you everything. Joker is a perfect film for this character, it’s the setup before the punchline, it adds to Joker’s backstory and leads you on a path toward The Caped Crusader. You will feel scared for what comes next and left in a hopeless state, but you can be thankful that Phoenix’s performance is carried out with similar highs and great attention to detail like the Jokers of the past.
- Joker -
Letter Grade: A
Rated R
Run Time: 2h 2min
Watched in 70mm Film and Digital IMAX screenings
Current Worldwide Box Office: 1 ,055,712,814 Billion Dec 9 from 258,000,000 Oct 9
Spider-Man: Far From Home Review
Spider-Man: Far From Home is an action packed follow up to 2017’s incredibly successful Spider-Man: Homecoming. It’s also the closing of phase three in Marvel’s 23 film-Cinematic Universe, tying directly to the events of Avengers: Endgame. Directed once again by Jon Watts, Far From Home continues its love letter to the Spider-Man franchise. Tom Holland’s portrayal of Peter Parker/Spider-Man is just purely enjoyable to watch. You can see all the complexities in his face and body language, leaving you empathizing with his dilemma of saving the world, and his urge to simply be a teenager.
Far From Home utilizes returning cast members in such cleaver ways, and it provides depth and offers purpose for them in this story. Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a new addition to the cast. He gels in so well that he almost feels like a returning character. I hope we see more of him in the franchise…Sinister Six anyone? We can only hope. Another reason why Mysterio works so well in this story is that you can easily picture him as a new Tony Stark-like figure, which makes it that much more interesting as the story unfolds. Expect several locations in this globe trotting adventure, with London taking a central focus over New York City this time.
Aside from all the travelling, Spidey’s biggest battle throughout the film is coming to terms with the loss of his mentor Tony Stark/ Iron Man. Everyone seems to be on his back about stepping up to the plate and becoming a leader, but of course, he isn’t ready to do that. He wants to step away from the suit and the responsibilities that come with it, however, he’s reminded of the ultimate sacrifice Tony made at every turn. Apart from this struggle, Peter’s attention is mainly focused on connecting with his love interest MJ (Zendaya/ Dune). He wants to get to know her better and he teams up with his recently distracted friend Ned to make it happen. Good luck Pete!
Far From Home has everything you want in a Spider-Man film. It manages to take a character like Mysterio, who many thought could never successfully make it to the big screen, and drop him into a cleverly orchestrated story. It works perfectly with the events of Endgame and further defines Holland as the best live action Spider-Man we’ve had thus far. I think Homecoming is a few steps ahead of this outing however i’m not trying to diminish this films endless successes.
- Spider-Man: Far From Home -
Letter Grade: A-
Rated PG
Run Time: 2hr 10min
Current Worldwide Box Office: $1,116,677,596 (Aug 31)
Toy Story 4
Back in 1995 I was 6 years old, and to me- as with any child- playing with toys was everything. It involved creating storylines and using imagination to connect varying characters in a world of my own. These characters would only spring to life, once I picked them up, once I gave them a voice, and once I made them move. Now, what many people in the early 90’s weren't expecting was that Pixar Animation had been hard at work sitting behind their computers. They were creating something akin to magic, a magic that until now, was only accessible through our imagination. That year in 1995 something special happened, toys came to life - all on their own - and they made the box office their playground.
The Toy Story films brought two specific elements that would eventually lead to huge success in theatres.
First, it reconnected us with the heartwarming idea that toys are very much alive, similar to Pinocchio, and they share the same emotions that every person holds inside of themselves. Second, it achieved computer generated visuals that literally brought the toys to life on screen, in a real world.
The 4th chapter, in the now twenty-four year old franchise, aims to do this once again, at a higher level. If that’s even possible. As with any Toy Story film or Pixar animation, it wouldn’t be complete without a deep - heart wrenching story, simple enough for small children, with a complexity and comedic approach for anyone to enjoy. Toy Story 4 aims to find that voice inside of us, and grab a hold of it, “It’s who we are” says Woody in the film, it questions the purpose we hold in life, and the value we gain through unbreakable bonds of friendship. Not your average questions being thrown around in a children’s movie, but that’s how Toy Story wins over people of all ages.
This chapter continues to find creative dilemmas for Woody to experience. Tagging along with him is his old friend Bow-Peep and new character Forky, a spork voiced by Tony Hale (Veep/Arrested Development). Forky questions his own existence in the film. He fights the idea that he’s loved, and views himself as trash - constantly trying throw himself in the garbage. This leaves Woody for part of the film trying to explain to his friends why Forky is needed and his value to the group. With Andy now grown up and moved out, Woody is left in a similar predicament to Forky, stuck in an existential crisis and searching for where and who he belongs with.
Since announcing the release of Toy Story 4, many have also questioned the films very existence. Critics have been asking if Toy Story required a fourth installment after already closing out successfully in chapter three. In a way, this film is actually speaking to this exact question. Toy Story 4 tells us that as long as someone cares enough about you, then that is your purpose - to bring happiness to the ones searching for it. If my generation is growing out of the Toy Story films then it’s okay because there will always be a new person who will find comfort in them. It’s kind of a sad take to be leaving your childhood behind and to be fully realizing it, but it’s perfectly Pixar and completely inline with what this franchise has always been about. If Pixar themselves questioned if this movie deserves to exist and then created a character out of this very idea then they’re truly all kinds of genius - Meta levels to the max!
Chapter 4 continues to introduce us to several new characters throughout the film, such as the Canadian stunt bike rider Duke Kaboom, played by Keanu Reeves (The Matrix/John Wick), and an old toy doll named Gabby Gabby, voiced by Christina Hendricks (Mad Men). Watching this installment you can’t help but feel like the original gang of characters take a back seat. Even Buzz Lightyear’s role is limited. The questions mentioned earlier and asked throughout the film, are clearly aimed at all the characters, but it’s Woody who needs to explore them to understand his place in the world. It’s very introspective and aims to further enrich his character to feel more like a real human. Tom Hanks, the voice of Woody, has a field day exploring this and continues to use his voice to ooze the heartache and empathy you feel for the old cowboy. Because of the strong focus on Woody’s character arc, it can feel less like the original trilogy and more like an entirely new one, and by the end, it opens up a whole new set of ways this story can continue to be told. That is if Pixar decides to tell another.
Toy Story 4 feels like the end of something, even more for the ones who grew up along side these films. For this reason it earns its place in the series to conclude Woody’s story. As we’ve come to expect it also adds incredible visuals. The lighting is one of the first notes I made on the film. It’s incredibly realistic, casting rich shadows and reflections off the toys in a way we’ve never seen before in any animated film. Colours pop with vibrancey, leading to the most lifelike we’ve ever seen these characters. Right down to the wear and tear on them, it’s all there for you to see. The creators have also stated that hidden in the movie are easter eggs to every film Pixar have created. Needless to say they are hard to pick up on when you have visuals this exquisite and require multiple viewings if you want to pinpoint them all. The rain is another thing I noticed that is absolutely incredible. The puddle reflections and the shine from being out in the rain, glow off the toys just like the lights. It’s something that anyone who witnesses it will undoubtably be mesmerized by.
There’s lots of fun to be had with Toy Story 4, matched with groundbreaking visuals, and top notch voice acting and animation. Quick nod to new characters voiced by Key and Peele who have a very creative imagination (you’ll understand if you see the film) and offer a lot of laughs. My screening was viewed on a full sized IMAX screen and took advantage of the larger aspect ratio. It was also displayed in IMAX 3D for the screening however I don’t think 3D played much of a role here as the 2D version of the film already has plenty of depth.
- Toy Story 4 -
Letter Grade: Its a fight between a B+ and an A- (Visuals however are hands down getting an A+)
Rated G
Run Time: 1h 40min
Current Worldwide Box Office $1,031,980,011 (669M around release of this article)
Booksmart Review
Booksmart is an R rated coming of age comedy that sets out to earn its rating. It’s about the friendship between two academically driven girls who realize they have one final chance to fit in with the crowd before high-school graduation. The film will make you laugh out loud, but it’s the cast, the direction, and the old school approach to storytelling that will make Booksmart a favourite of yours for many years to come.
One aspect of why the film works so well is the result of Booksmart’s incredible casting. The leads Kaitlyn Dever (Amy) and Beanie Feldstein (Molly) are hands down one of the funniest comedy duos in recent memory. Their portrayal of confident young women, who care more about their grades and friendship above anything else, feels entirely believable. Adding to the stellar performances are A-listers Billie Lourd (Star Wars/ American Horror Story), Jason Sudeikis (SNL) and Lisa Kudrow (Friends), who fit in perfectly. The wealth of talent from the entire cast and the on-screen chemistry of the lead characters is what any director dreams of assembling.
This brings me to another aspect of the film's success, and it comes from actress and first-time director Olivia Wilde. She presents a film that has generational attachment and appeal while still feeling contemporary. Adding to that is Booksmart’s straightforward concept that you can easily follow and an incredible delivery from beginning to end. Her direction whole-heartedly sells you on the unbreakable friendship between these girls. It’s clear from the first moment Amy and Molly share the screen that this duo works perfectly together. Now Olivia (I’m certain she’s not reading this), but if I were speaking to her, I would say that I could easily picture another set of films with these characters, following both their college and adult life experiences. Their chemistry is too rich and the audience who’ve seen the film love them, of course, this is only at the director's discretion. I won’t explain every aspect of the story, but Olivia offers up a film that touches on teenage school life, queer relationships, and lifelong friendships. Each of which is handled with care and blend in the comedy on an expert level. A quick nod to the set designer who did an excellent job on the film as well, right down to the bumper stickers on Molly’s car, one of which reads, “I like big books, and I cannot lie.” For her first film as a director, Wilde hits it out of the park. Where she and her young leads go from here will be very interesting - more on that thought in the end.
One final reason you might enjoy this film is through its old school approach to storytelling. It feels like you’re watching a modern take on a cult classic ripped out of the 80’s or 90’s era. I wouldn't be surprised if Booksmart ends up with the same reverence as the films it resembles, with a new generation reciting lines of the script word for word. Going into Booksmart, I didn’t watch the trailer beforehand. I loved walking in cold, unfamiliar with any of the scenes. That’s something we don’t always get in the current generation of movie-going, due to the influx of social media feeding us a good chunk of the film before we get to experience it for ourselves. An alternative to the trailer is the ability to watch the first six minutes on the Annapurna Pictures youtube page. This way, you can absorb the feel of the characters and storytelling without learning everything about the film.
To sum it all up, Booksmart is an excellent film that is worth your time. From the sensational cast, new directors inspiring vision, and a throwback to classic storytelling, you can’t help but enjoy watching it all unfold. Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or the eventual Blu-ray release will help many people discover Booksmart and will hopefully give Wilde a hint that we need more of these characters. At the very least we could use more films as fun as this one. One last thought - I could see Kaitlyn Dever tackle a role like Ellie, a video game character from the award-winning title “The Last of Us.” She seems like perfect casting, and many times throughout the film, she sounded exactly like the character, even her expressions were similar at times. There have been rumblings about this game taking a jump to the big screen/small screen, and I could see this working.
I appreciate you reading my review, now go out and experience the film for yourself and take care.
- Booksmart -
Letter Grade: A- (a second viewing could bump it to an A)
Directed By: Olivia Wilde
Run Time: 1h 42m
Rated R
Avengers: Endgame (Non-Spoiler Review)
Avengers: Endgame is like an unexpected tempo change in a cleverly constructed piece of music. It makes huge changes while retaining the entire melodic structure of the previous film to tell the complete story. You can hear hints of all the melodies throughout and they’re brilliantly weaved in to offer a rich experience for fans. At the same time, it isn’t required to know every piece of the puzzle to leave satisfied. Endgame tells personal stories while keeping you locked in to its grand scale spanning the cosmos. It’s definitely a clever follow up to 2018’s Avengers: Infinity War that will find a fulfilling conclusion for most, if not all fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I’m warning you, some will need tissues and some will need oxygen to make it through the Endgame. But not us. Not us.
Letter Grade: A
Run Time: 3 Hours 2 Min
Best viewing: In IMAX (2D/3D) - it’s filmed with IMAX cameras and demands the largest screen possible for obvious reasons. 3D effect is certainly noticeable after first viewing but it won’t change your experience.
Lock in and hold onto your butt…(Thanos)
#DontSpoilTheEndgame
- Marcos Harston
