Wonder Woman 1984 - Review

 

DC fans hoping for the ideal present on Christmas day end up finding nothing but coal in their HBO MAX queue. 

FAST FACT

REPORTED BUDGET:$200 million

BOX OFFICE: $85.4 million

ROTTON TOMATOES CRITICS / AUDIENCE SCORE: 62% / 73%

CINEMA SCORE: B+

END CREDIT SCENE: Yes. There is a mid-credits scene

NON-SPOILER REVIEW

DC tries to build upon the success of their first Wonder Woman film with Patty Jenkins returning as the director and Gal Gadot reprising her titular role. They also add Kristen Wiig as Barbara Minerva and Pedro Pascal as Maxwell Lord. 

Chris Pine also returns as Steve Trevor, which may confuse some viewers due to his death in the first movie. While they do explain his appearance fairly early in the film, it may frustrate some people. 

Wonder Woman 1984 certainly leans on the eighties feel with fashion, showing some styles that could only be considered desirable in that particular era. That being said, a true highlight of this film is seeing Chris Pine with a fanny pack. The movie also highlights some technological changes from the first movie, which was set during World War I. 

I won't complain about seeing Gadot and Pine in a feature film, and I'm very happy about Kristen Wiig getting a big role in a superhero flick. However, this movie never really rises to the heights of its predecessor. Lackluster dialogue, mediocre action, and a story that never quite captures that sense of awe that is needed in a heroic epic. 

OVERALL RECOMMENDATION

I was never able to fully buy into this film. I kept questioning decisions that were made by characters and filmmakers throughout my viewing. I viewed this via the HBO MAX stream, and I'm aware it may be better in a traditional theater setting, but I wasn't impressed by the action sequences either.

My Rating: C-

This movie felt like a cheesy Saturday morning cartoon instead of live-action feature film. I don't blame any of the actors because I truly believe they did the best they could with what they were given. After watching Wonder Woman 1984, my overwhelming thought was: I miss the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

SPOILER REVIEW 

Wonder Woman 1984 begins with some comically low-level rescuing. For example, Wonder Woman, aka Diana, saves a woman from being hit by a car in a crosswalk and then intervenes in a mall heist. I'm pretty sure Robin, Batman's young sidekick, would be able to handle either, but I digress. 

The mall heist ultimately ends up being important because the movie centers around a magical artifact which was taken by the thieves. The artifact is a stone that grants those who touch it with one wish, which of course comes at a cost. After being confiscated by the FBI, the stone lands at the Smithsonian to be researched by Diana and Minerva. Meanwhile, Maxwell Lord, a down-on-his-luck oil businessman, tries to steal the object for his own well-being.   

The stone sets the basis for our story as every character who comes into contact with it makes a wish. Diana wishes for her past lover, Steve, to return from the dead, Minerva wishes to be more like Diana, and Maxwell Lord wishes to become the stone itself (this eliminates the stone and Max is imbued with its powers). 

As the effects of the wishes become more evident, our story solidifies. Diana meets the soul of Steve in another man's body (although, despite him being in another body, we only see Chris Pine's appearance). Minerva slowly realizes she has new found abilities. Max begins granting wishes to everyone he meets, but he is able to phrase it in ways that allow him to manipulate the individual's wishes for his own personal benefit. For example, he'll say to his driver, "Don't you wish that traffic would part like the red sea wherever you go?" Max then touches the driver as he responds in order to enact the wish. He also takes advantage of the cost associated with each wish. For example, if he gets the President of the United States to wish for more nuclear deterrents, Max would grant the wish with the stipulation that he gains all the power and sway of a U.S. President. 

As you might imagine, things begin to spiral out of control. Diana eventually realizes the only way to set the world straight again is by having everyone who made a wish recant that wish. This proves seemingly impossible given Max's wide range of wish granting throughout the movie, but fret not; while Max meets with the President, he notices that plans are inexplicably laid out in plain sight that detail a mass communication system.

Max initially uses this system to reach even more people for wishes. However, Diana eventually uses it to communicate with people all over the world. Eventually, and somewhat unbelievably, everyone recants their wish (even Max). This sets the world back to normal and life can go on as if nothing ever happened. 

In between the events of the main plot, Minerva (who is most definitely Cheetah, but is never once referred to by that name) has two rather mediocre fights with Diana. Diana randomly learns the magic to make objects (in this case, a plane) invisible, and there are references to a legendary Amazon warrior whose armor happens to be in Diana's apartment. The legendary Amazon warrior shows up in the mid-credits scene, saving a random woman in a marketplace. 

As for the rest of it, the movie has me questioning a lot of the choices made by the filmmakers. I believe the movie would have been stronger if they had just focused on the dynamic between Diana and Minerva. I love Pedro Pascal in the Mandalorian and in Game of Thrones, but I think his story was unnecessary to Diana's overall arc in these DC movies. 

Giving Minerva more depth and focusing more on the two female leads might have been a better path to take. Unfortunately, we can't know for sure, and we are left with what is left on our streaming queues. Warner Brothers and DC have already greenlit a third Wonder Woman movie. Hopefully, DC can find their groove and consistently make stronger films going forward. 

Soul - Movie Review

 

Can Pixar continue the run of emotionally charged excellence that has led to trophy cases full of Oscars? The answer is most certainly yes, yes it can. 

FAST FACTS

REPORTED BUDGET: $150 million

BOX OFFICE: N/A

ROTTON TOMATOES CRITICS / AUDIENCE SCORE: 97% / 90%

CINEMA SCORE: N/A

END CREDIT SCENE: No (although a character does appear to tell you to stop watching at the very end of the credits)

NON-SPOILER REVIEW

Co-directors Pete Docter and Kemp Powers have viewers contemplating the meaning of life in this quintessential Pixar film. Soul is adorably cute for the kids, incredibly thought provoking for adults, and full of laughs for adults and kids alike. 

The movie follows Joe (voiced by Jamie Foxx) as he is on the cusp of accomplishing his life mission by playing music professionally. An unfortunate accident befalls him the day of his big break, and he eventually meets 22 (voiced by Tina Fey). 22 is a soul that has yet to be placed on earth and is not in a hurry to experience life. The pairing will go on a journey of self-discovery, learning what life is really all about. 

Graham Norton (Moonwind), Angela Bassett (Dorothea), Daveed Diggs (Paul), Alice Braga (Counselor Jerry), and Richard Ayoade (Counselor Jerry) are some of the other voices of note in this film. 

OVERALL RECOMMENDATION

Since the movie follows the life of a jazz musician, you can expect exquisite music throughout the film. While I'm aware Pixar is (and has always been) at the forefront of animation, I couldn't help but be awed at how they're able to light scenes and bring drawings to life in such realistic and emotionally charged ways. Soul really is another stellar addition to the Pixar family of films.

My Rating: A+

The Oscar buzz is mounting for this Disney+ production. It has even been rumored to be in the Best Picture race. Whether you're invested in awards talk, love animation, or enjoy heartwarming and thought-provoking films, Soul is certainly worth your precious viewing time. 

SPOILER REVIEW

The movie opens with possibly the worst rendition of a Disney classic (When You Wish Upon A Star), but we see that it is our protagonist, Joe, teaching a music class. While the students are not taking the music seriously, we do witness one star pupil who seems to lose herself in the music, setting the stage for the events of the movie.

Joe receives a full-time job offer at the school, which is at odds with his dream of playing music professionally. Although his dream seems highly unlikely, he miraculously receives the call of a lifetime from a former student who offers him an opportunity. In his excitement, Joe loses his grasp on his surroundings and falls into a pothole. 

Joe finds himself in this strange place, slowly gliding towards a white light. Panicked by his current state, he frantically tries to fight his way off of the path to "The Great Beyond." Somehow, Joe manages to escape the path, finding himself in a place called "The Great Before." This is where souls are born and given their personality traits before heading to Earth.

Joe is given a mentorship of a particularly challenging soul, 22. 22 has been around for thousands of years and has had a variety of acclaimed mentors throughout the years, including Mother Teresa, Abraham Lincoln, and Muhammad Ali amongst many others. The purpose of the mentorship is to find the missing part of 22's personality that unlocks her Earth pass, allowing her to live her life. However, 22 is convinced that it is better to remain in The Great Before, thinking life is nothing but "soul crushing." 

Joe and 22 meet someone named Moonwind in the land of lost souls who claims he can return Joe to his body. Just as Joe succeeds in finding his earthly body, both him and 22 fall into the portal. 22 ends up in Joe's body while Joe finds himself in a therapy cat next to his body. 

This begins an entertaining journey of 22 discovering what life really entails through the eyes of Joe, and Joe is free to observe his life from an outsider's perspective. Joe and 22 end up finding a way to set things straight and return Joe to his body, but 22 delays the process in the hopes of finding the spark needed to gain her Earth pass. 

After a period of enlightenment from Joe and depression from 22, each character finds their purpose for existence. Joe realizes that life is a gift and every day is precious no matter what that day brings. He learns to love life, whether it means performing professionally or inspiring children in a classroom. 22 discovers the final piece of her pass that is missing is the desire to live and not a specific characteristic. 

The perspective of each character throughout this journey reinforces the importance of life. People may interpret this message or this film differently, which further strengthens meaning behind the film. Life is so precious, wide-ranging, diverse, and encompassing that people with all kinds of hopes, passions, and personalities can find happiness and fulfillment. All one has to do is be open to the possibilities life offers. 

Understandably, this might be a bit of a complicated concept for some children to comprehend. That's OK. There is plenty for small children in this film to be entertained by, and as they grow up and mature, they'll learn to appreciate the more advanced aspects of the film. That is what makes a movie like this beautiful. It can be appreciated by different generations for different reasons and remain relevant for years to come.  

It's hard to differentiate between the greatness of the various Pixar films. Each brings its own individual greatness to the audience, and they each impact the viewer uniquely and personally. For me, Soul impacts me mentally and emotionally, similarly to other movies Pixar has released, but what sets Soul apart is the consistency with which it delivers its message from start to finish. 

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom - Movie Review

 

Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, James Brown, and the Black Panther are just a few of the iconic roles that Chadwick Boseman has portrayed on the big screen. While he might not play a larger-than-life character in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Chadwick's performance may be the best of his stellar career. 

FAST FACTS

REPORTED BUDGET: $20 - $30 million

BOX OFFICE: N/A

ROTTON TOMATOES CRITICS / AUDIENCE SCORE: 99% / 81%

CINEMA SCORE: N/A

END CREDIT SCENE: No

NON-SPOILER REVIEW

Based on a play by August Wilson, this film focuses on a day in the life of southern blues singer Gertrude (Ma) Rainey (played by Viola Davis) and her band as they record some songs in a Chicago studio in 1927. 

Ma gives lessons on doing business as a black woman in a white dominated industry, while Levee, a young trumpet player played by Chadwick Boseman, tells the story of a young, talented, ambitious, and frustrated man dreaming of prosperity.

For those that don't know, Ma Rainey was a real person. She is credited as the "mother of the blues" and recorded many songs during the 1920s and 1930s. She was inducted in the Blues Hall of Fame in 1983 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. 

Viola Davis does sing briefly in the film, but most of the singing is done by a trained vocalist they brought in to mimic the iconic songstress. If you're wondering about Boseman, he does do his own singing, and he also learned cornet for the role. Below is a 1927 recording of Ma singing the title track from the movie. Check it out!

OVERALL RECOMMENDATION

Both Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman have garnered a lot of Oscar buzz. Davis researched Ma extensively to do the blues legend justice on the big screen embodying the legendary blues singer. Boseman brings an impassioned enthusiasm to his final role, making one think and feel deeply. 

My Rating: A

This movie is only ninety-four minutes long. I highly recommend spending the time watching these great performances and learning a bit about music history. 

SPOILER REVIEW

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom takes place over the course of a single day in 1927 as Ma and her band record music in a Chicago recording studio. The film focuses on two distinct characters: Ma and Levee. 

Ma is a known phenomenon in the South as the predominant voice in blues music. Despite her fame, she still struggles with racial biases and blatant racism, which fuels her business sense. Most of her story line is centered around dealings with her white manager and music producer. While her manager is genuinely on her side, trying to increase her popularity, the producer is solely interested in making money off of her talent. Knowing this, Ma is exceedingly difficult to work with in order to assert her position in this racial power dynamic. Acutely aware that her talent is her power, she utilizes every chance to assert it.

Levee is a young and talented musician who has dreams of his own. He writes his own music, hoping to someday lead his own band. His day is spent mostly with his other bandmates in the basement of the recording studio. They chat about life, love, and race. While two of the other musicians have important and meaningful monologues, it's Levee that steals all of the spotlight. 

Levee details painful memories of his mother being attacked by white men while his father was away. He then explains that his father's response to the attack taught him how to properly deal with white people. Levee also vents about religion and the presence of God. Essentially, how could God possibly exist if such horrors are allowed to exist in the world? The argument about God reemerges later in the movie.

The two monologues delivered by Boseman are some of his finest acting in a career filled with tremendous performances. Heart-wrenching and passionate, one cannot take their eyes away from him - a sentiment shared by his fellow actors, who were all awed during these scenes. 

Eventually, the time comes for them to record Ma's music after several disruptions and delays. Ma dislikes Levee's desire for attention and fires him from the band. Finally free from the confines of Ma's band, Levee attempts to record his own music with the producer. Unfortunately, Levee is told his songs are not good enough but will get five dollars a song for his trouble. Later the movie returns to the studio to find an all white band playing Levee's music. 

Once Levee is dismissed by the producer, he returns distraught to the band's basement to collect his things. The emotional instability that you get glimpses of during his previous two monologues comes to a climatic head as Levee stabs a member of the band for stepping on one of his new shoes. In another display of Boseman's wonderful grasp of a complicated character in an even more complicated time, Levee cradles the corpse, muttering and mumbling as he unravels completely. 

The movie ends somewhat abruptly without resolution to Levee's predicament, but the story that was told is powerful and captivating. After some photos of the original Ma Rainey and her band, there is a wonderful dedication to Chadwick Boseman.

This was the final film of Boseman's career. Admittedly, his untimely death was not lost on me while watching his outstanding monologues, making them even more impactful. Some may make the comparison of Chadwick and the character he so excellently portrays: two young and immensely talented men whose stories end far too soon. 

If you are a fan of Chadwick Boseman, I highly encourage you to watch this movie as well as his other movie of 2020 (Da Five Bloods), which I reviewed here.

Mank - Movie Review

Explore the life of a screenwriter in 1930s Hollywood as he composes his masterpiece. If you're interested in movies about old Hollywood or just want to watch every Oscar hopeful, then Mank is the movie for you. 

FAST FACTS

REPORTED BUDGET: $20 - $30 million

BOX OFFICE: $99,772

ROTTON TOMATOES CRITICS / AUDIENCE SCORE: 87% / 72%

CINEMA SCORE: N/A

END CREDIT SCENE: No

NON-SPOILER REVIEW

This David Fincher directed flick is centered around the life of Herman Mankiewicz, aka Mank (played by Gary Oldman), offering a behind the scenes look at the events leading up to the creation of what many consider to be the greatest movie of all time, Citizen Kane.

The movie features some other major players of early Hollywood, which include: Marion Davies (played by Amanda Seyfried), Louis B. Mayer (played by Arliss Howard), Orson Welles (played by Tom Burke), and William Randolph Hearst (played by Charles Dance) among others.  

If you are not aware of who some of these people are, then allow me to provide some historical context. 

Herman (Mank) Mankiewicz was a prominent writer who is credited with ninety-five films on IMDB.  

Marion Davies was a well known actress in the 1920s and 1930s who was most famous as a comedic silent film star. 

Orson Welles was a man of many talents, but is primarily know for producing The War of the Worlds (a radio broadcast that fooled many people into thinking the world was actually in peril). He also co-wrote, directed, and acted in Citizen Kane.

Louis B. Mayer made large sums of money showing films on the east coast before partnering with Samuel Goldwyn and Marcus Loew to form MGM Studios, which is still a prominent producer of films today. 

William Randolph Hearst may be the greatest name in the newspaper industry, but he also had interests in movies and politics. Involved romantically with Marion Davies, he was a major power player in California. Citizen Kane is primarily based on Hearst. 

Now that you've been caught up on the background of some of these legends of a older era, you're ready to enjoy the movie. 

OVERALL RECOMMENDATION

The movie offers an intriguing glimpse to both the politics of the day as well as the politics of Hollywood in a beautifully shot black and white setting. The graphics and transitions will give you a sense of being transported back in time. Gary Oldman will certainly garner an Oscar nomination for his leading role, and I also expect the film to be nominated for Best Picture. There may be some technical awards as well considering the aesthetic of the movie.

My Rating: B

While this movie will surely be an Oscar darling due to its topic matter and artistic flare, the movie can be a bit slow at times for my taste. If you're interested in this time period or genre, you'll love it. If not, then it may struggle to keep your attention. The movie is streaming on Netflix.

SPOILER REVIEW

 The movie frequently flashes back to earlier moments in Mank's life as it tells the story of how his masterpiece was made. Mank introduces you to a cavalcade of early Hollywood elite as he transverses through movie sets and studio offices. Set between World Wars and during the Great Depression, politics are featured quite prominently. Talks of Hitler and the growing German threat, Socialism vs. Communism, and the plight of struggling studios and their employees during a time of financial hardship sound familiar to today's news cycle with our political climate and the reality of many theaters being closed indefinitely. 

Mank suffers from an all too familiar vice: alcoholism. Although it is not a secret, there are still moments where it stands out and threatens to end his filmmaking career. Orson Welles actually hired someone specifically to keep Mank sober during the writing of Citizen Kane. Another hindrance to Mank's career was the fact that he was quite cynical about Hollywood and despised a lot about the culture, which is made evident by some of his interactions with Mayer, Welles, and Davies. 

Mank's contempt for William Randolph Hearst fuels inspiration for his greatest work, which he wins a coveted Oscar for in 1942. While Mank would end up being nominated for an Oscar the following year, his career was coming to an end. He would die at the young age of fifty-five, just eleven years after the release of Citizen Kane.

Although Orson Welles is the more well-known name, no one can deny Herman Mankiewicz's impact on Hollywood. His legacy will live forever as his movies are discussed and taught in film classes for the foreseeable future.

Da Five Bloods - Movie Review

 

Da Five Bloods was released on Netflix early in the summer of 2020 mere weeks before star Chadwick Boseman passed away from cancer. The chatter around the movie obviously changed dramatically upon the actor's death, and while Chadwick's performance should be noted and applauded, there is much more to this film that deserves mention. 

FAST FACTS

REPORTED BUDGET: $45 million

BOX OFFICE: N/A

ROTTEN TOMATOES CRITICS / AUDIENCE SCORE: 93% / 53%

CINEMA SCORE: N/A

END CREDIT SCENE: NO

NON-SPOILER REVIEW

The Spike Lee directed film features four African-American veterans of the Vietnam War who return to the Asian nation to honor a fallen friend and find a treasure they buried during the war. The movie features numerous looks at live footage and speeches from the Vietnam War time period, which can be horrifying or inspiring depending what footage happens to be on the screen at the time. 

While much of the footage is of real events and real people, the overall plot of the movie is fictional. Although the veterans portrayed were not real people, the actors were still able to convey a sense of brotherhood, struggle, and anguish that soldiers from that time period often feel. 

The strength of this film lies with the phenomenal cast: Chadwick Boseman (as Stormin' Norman), Delroy Lindo (as Paul), Clarke Peters (as Otis), Norm Lewis (as Eddie), and Isiah Whitlock Jr. (as Melvin) among others. 

OVERALL RECCOMENDATION

Parts of this movie may be off-putting to some due to the violence of the Vietnam War, or because Spike Lee's films always delve into deeper socio-political themes. I found the movie as an intriguing portrait of race, war, and psyche of soldiers that have intimately experienced the horrors of war. 

My Rating: B+

I do have some nitpicks here and there, but nothing that would force me to steer people away from this film. If you're interested in war movies, it's worth a watch. If you're interested in individual character development, it's a must watch.

SPOILER REVIEW

Most of my nitpicks come early in the movie as Spike Lee begins with shots from the late 1960s. While the clips and photos are outstanding, they go by so quickly that it is hard to fully grasp or appreciate them. That being said, I loved Lee's choice of switching camera styles as you go from present to past in flashbacks. 

As I said above, the plot follows four veterans (Paul, Otis, Melvin, Eddie) returning to Vietnam to honor their fallen squad leader (Stomin' Norman) and recover gold that they buried while fighting in the war. Because I'm watching this movie months after its initial release on Netflix and after Boseman's death, the scene early on of the four men looking at a photo of their departed friend really hits hard emotionally. 

As the men begin to explore the modern Vietnam, they learn how far the country has come since the dark days of the war, becoming modern and vibrant in the larger cities. Eventually, they have a contentious meeting with a French businessman (played by Jean Reno) who promises he can help move the buried treasure out of Vietnam if they are able to find it. Once the deal is made, then the men prepare for their journey back into the Vietnamese jungle.  

While all the men struggle with being back in a place where so many atrocities occurred, Paul has a particularly tough time. Burdened by post-traumatic-stress-disorder, he has bouts of anger, instability, and outbursts. Unfortunately for the veterans, Paul's issues only continue to worsen throughout their journey. 

Despite some truly astronomical odds, they men end up finding their treasure and the remains of their fallen leader. However, this is just the midway point of their story. Getting out of the jungle alive proves more difficult than finding a proverbial needle in a haystack. 

One of their members, Eddie, unfortunately steps onto a buried landmine after a confrontation with Paul, making everyone fully aware of the danger that Vietnam still presents in their lives as well as the horrors of such weapons. Once they believe they've exited the jungle, the men run into well-armed treasure hunters who are keen to keep the treasure at home in Vietnam. 

After a gun fight that miraculously leaves our remaining three veterans still alive, they're presented with a choice due to their car being disabled. Paul decides to hike to the nearest town (20 miles away), while the others opt for a shorter hike to nearby ruins in order to prepare for the inevitable second wave of hunters. 

On his lengthy hike, Paul descends further into madness. Spike Lee takes this opportunity to capture several monologues as the actor looks directly into the camera. Eventually, Paul stumbles, loses his treasure and supplies, gets caught by the treasure hunters, and is brutally murdered. However, just before his capture, he has a vision of Stormin' Norman. He flashes back to when Norman died, and we learn that Paul kills Norman in a spray of friendly fire while under attack. In an extremely emotional moment, the vision of Norman embraces Paul and forgives him for what he describes as "an accident." Boseman's tenderness, warmth, and charming persona adds an angelic side to the chaotic events that have taken place. 

The two surviving members of da five bloods bunker themselves in an ancient ruin and plan a last stand against the inevitable onslaught coming their way. After an intense fire fight and an unbelievable act of courage by Melvin (dove on a grenade to save Otis), Otis is the last of the bloods remaining. Finally able to leave the jungle and Vietnam with his treasure, Otis responsibly distributes his new found wealth to the family of his fallen brothers, and other worthy causes (such as an organization to remove landmines in war-torn countries and a Black Lives Matter organization). 

Da Five Bloods may indeed garner a Best Picture nomination at the Oscars, but I think the real guarantee is Delroy Lindo earning an acting nomination for playing Paul. I know Chadwick Boseman gets a lot of the headlines. Every time he is on screen he is magnetic, drawing your attention in further and further. However, I don't think he is on screen enough, or integral enough in the plot to garner any nominations. Overall, this movie will definitely be represented at many of the big awards ceremonies, and is deserving of the attention it receives. 

 

The Trial of the Chicago 7 - Movie Review

In a year where theaters have been abandoned, Netflix capitalizes by providing exquisite viewing options that have real opportunities to challenge for multiple Oscars. One of those viewing options: The Trial of the Chicago 7.

FAST FACTS

REPORTED BUDGET: $35 million

BOX OFFICE: $107,400

ROTTON TOMATOES CRITICS/AUDIENCE SCORE: 90% / 91%  

CINEMA SCORE: N/A

END CREDIT SCENE: No

NON-SPOILER REVIEW

Writer and Director Aaron Sorkin sheds light on the trial that took place following the Democratic National Convention on 1968. Located in Chicago, Illinois, the movie follows a collection of men who convened in the city to protest the government and the war in Vietnam. 

The Trial of the Chicago 7 boasts a particularly talented cast, which brings the story to life: Eddie Redmayne as Tom Hayden, Sacha Baron Cohen as Abbie Hoffman, Jeremy Strong as Jerry Rubin, John Carroll Lynch as David Dellinger, Mark Rylance as William Kunstler, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Richard Schultz. There is also a somewhat surprise cameo that I'll leave for the spoiler review.

The genius of Aaron Sorkin in combination with the collection of acting talent sets the stage for a wonderful movie, and it does not disappoint! Despite the seemingly mundane scene in which most of the movie takes place, I could not help but find myself riveted by such a vibrant bunch of antagonistic protagonists. 

OVERALL RECOMMENDATION 

My first reaction after finishing the movie was that I wanted to watch it again. I wanted more time with all of the characters and their personalities. They drew me in to the movie and kept me interested throughout.

My Rating: A

I think this movie is headed for Oscar recognition. I can see a best picture nomination and possibly a couple of acting nominations. Definitely worth a watch!

SPOILER REVIEW

The movie begins as each of the masterminds that will eventually be put on trial organize their resources and plans for protests in Chicago. 

To recap, the leaders and their respective organizations are: Tom Hayden and Rennie Davis (leaders of the Students for a Democratic Society), David Dellinger (leader of National Mobilization Against the War), Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin (leaders of Youth International Party), John Froines, and Lee Weiner. There was also one additional defendant named Bobby Seale (cofounder of the Black Panther Party), but Seale's case (tried separately from the rest) was declared a mistrial. 

The trial was for a conspiracy to incite violent protests and riots across state lines. The location of Chicago, the national forum of the Democratic National Convention, and the trial being a federal case due to the leaders crossing state lines put this in the spotlight of national media. 

Most of this movie takes place in the confines of a court room with occasional glimpses of the riots themselves. One might think that the setting might make the movie dull or sluggish, but I was pleasantly enthralled the entire time.

The differences between Hayden and Hoffman throughout was riveting, most of which was political or ideological banter. Also the dynamic of the two primary lawyers and the judge was fascinating (and aggravating) to watch. The chemistry and personality of all of the actors kept this story interesting and demanded my attention throughout. 

Ultimately, a star witness is called to swing the trial in the favor of the defendants. Michael Keaton plays Ramsey Clark, the formal U.S. Attorney General, who comes in to set the record straight on government involvement in this case. Based on actual events, the movie ends with small blurbs on where each defendant ended up in their lives following the trial. 

While watching this movie, one could be reminded of the protests that took place over the summer during 2020. While those protests were race related, and the protests in 1968 were (mostly) related to ending the war in Vietnam, the comparisons are there to be made. The visuals of rioting and police violence are vivid and horrifying, reminding us that this country has come a long way, but also that we still have a long way to go.

 

The New Mutants - Movie Review

 

I'm going to delay The New Mutants one last time to remember Chadwick Boseman. As I left the theater Friday night, I checked my phone to discover he had passed away after a battle with colon cancer. The word "stunned" does not do justice to how I felt. 

I feel incredibly blessed to have seen him as the Black Panther, a role that I can't envision anyone else playing. I struggle to comprehend the pain or difficulty he must have endured while filming several action movies and going through multiple surgeries and chemotherapy. I was also fortunate to see him in 42, playing Jackie Robinson.

Many others have already eulogized him in more profound ways than I ever could, but I'll miss him on screen, and I cannot wait to watch his movies about Thurgood Marshall and James Brown. 

FINALLY!

The New Mutants sees the light of day, hitting theaters after four delays that caused many to doubt whether it would, or should, ever be released. Disney must be thrilled to finally get this final Fox produced X-Men film out into the world.

FAST FACTS

REPORTED BUDGET: $67 million

OPENING DOMESTIC BOX OFFICE: $7 million

OPENING WORLDWIDE BOX OFFICE: $9.9 million

ROTTEN TOMATOES CRITICS/AUDIENCE SCORE: 35% / 53%

CINEMA SCORE: N/A

END CREDIT SCENE: No

THE THEATER EXPERIENCE

I normally begin with my non-spoiler review, but this year has certainly not been normal. Theaters have been closed due to concerns surrounding Covid-19 since March and are just beginning to reopen in the United States. The New Mutants will test the waters for other movie studios to determine if people are ready to return to theaters. 

I saw the movie at an AMC location in a suburb of Chicago. I've never questioned the cleanliness of this location, but admittedly, I was nervous driving over. I was most anxious about physical distancing from potential neighbors during a hundred minute movie. I waited until the last possible minute to secure my seat to ensure that I would be on my own island in the theater. Though my showing had sparse attendance, other showtimes (especially Dolby screens) were quite crowded. 

They had specific directions for people to walk, employees wore masks behind protective barriers, and the theater was dotted with stations providing sanitizing wipes. Truthfully, the stations of sanitizing wipes did make me feel more at ease as I made my way to my seat. 

Overall, I believe the experience was positive, and I'm more likely to return for the next movie I'm interested in seeing. However, I can't help but wonder how a movie experience like Black Widow would make me feel given the likelihood of significantly more people crowded into a confined space. 

NON-SPOILER REVIEW

Directed by Josh Boone, The New Mutants faced a number of challenges on its way to being released. Originally thought of  back in 2014, it began filming in 2017. Between 2017 and its release in August 2020, it faced delays due to re-shoots and Fox scheduling changes. Both the success of Deadpool and the failure of Dark Phoenix altered the fate of this film, pushing it back further and further. Also can't forget about the sale of Fox to Disney, which was a titanic shakeup to the entire film industry. 

I thought Blu Hunt (as Danielle Moonstar) was the acting standout as the lead who struggles with her mutant powers. Other notable actors include Maisie Williams (Rahne Sinclair), Anya Taylor-Joy (Illyana Rasputin), Charlie Heaton (Sam Guthrie), and Henry Zaga (Roberto da Costa). 

Unfortunately, the challenges that the movie encountered show through. Some of the editing didn't seem to fit and there were tone shifts that didn't quite connect. Most of the issues I had with the movie were on par with the post production issues that seemed to plague it.

OVERALL RECOMMENDATION

This movie seemed to have a potential that it never quite reached. Also, I would not go to this film expecting big connections to the X-Men universe. For the most part, this is a self-contained adolescent mutant story.

My Rating: C

Feel free to wait for this one to come to streaming or on demand. If you completely forget about it, I don't think Disney will blame you. In fact, they'd probably prefer it.

SPOILER REVIEW

The story begins with Danielle Moonstar as she wakes during a time of turmoil on the reservation where she lives. She loses her father before seeing a smoke-like creature above her. After fainting, she wakes up in a hospital for gifted individuals who have discovered their mutant abilities in violent ways, which have caused them to be shunned from their communities.

A quick summary of abilities: 

• Rahne transforms into a large dog
• Sam can blast off like a rocket
• Illyana can teleport/form an energy sword/has a pet dragon
• Roberto becomes engulfed in flames
• Dr. Reyes (played by Alice Braga) at the hospital has the mutant power of energy projection/ shield generation

Danielle's powers, however, were never clear to me. Does she have psychic abilities, fear manipulation, energy projection, or all three together?  

Throughout the movie, Dr. Reyes attempts to coax Danielle's mutant ability to manifest. Each time Danielle is stressed or afraid, the other students endure realistic flashbacks to traumatizing moments in their lives. 

• Rahne encounters the priest she killed who branded her as a witch. 
• Roberto relives an intimate moment with a girl where he inadvertently burned her. 
• Sam finds himself in the coal mine where he killed his father by igniting his rocket ability. 
• Lastly, Illyana has her demon-like abusers from her childhood spawn and chase the kids through the hallways of the hospital. Not really sure if her abusers were actually demons or that is just how she sees them. They're not very clear about it.

Dr. Reyes is eventually given orders by her superiors to kill Danielle once they realize she is causing all of the disturbances. The attempt on Danielle's life triggers a massive bear with red glowing eyes to appear, killing the doctor and endangering all of the other kids. As the bear tears through the hospital campus, Danielle searches for a way to control her powers. Eventually, she learns to control her fears and the bear vanishes. With the doctor now dead, the kids are free to leave the facility, which is how the movie ends. 

If my review feels a bit choppy or disjointed, then I've given you an accurate vibe of the film. Feel free to check out some of my other reviews below.

 Onward                                                    Birds of Prey

The Way Back                                          Downhill

Sonic

Travel Journal 2020 - South Dakota

"Live life with no excuses, travel with no regret." - Oscar Wilde

Welcome to South Dakota

Featuring the Black Hills, Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park, The Badlands, and many other points of interest, South Dakota was my primary focus on this summer road trip. I spent a full week in Rapid City, exploring all that the surrounding territory has to offer. 

I even took a fantastic day trip to Devil's Tower in Wyoming, which you read about here.

The biggest advice I have if you're planning to travel to western South Dakota: plan ahead!

There is so much to see and do! The national parks provide endless hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities, while some of the small towns in the area provide every tourist attraction one could possibly desire. It can actually be a bit overwhelming.

My experience began with some of the more tourist centric activities including Dinosaur Park, Bear Country, and Mt. Rushmore.

The Dinosaur Park at the top of a tall hill in downtown Rapid City is the definition of a tourist trap except for one key detail: it's free! The fact that it doesn't cost anything is the only reason I'm even mentioning it. The best part about the area is the view of the city and surrounding hills. Otherwise, it's pretty underwhelming. There are only several dinosaurs and they're all in pretty rough shape. I spent maybe five minutes at the site before moving on.

Bear Country was much more promising. Obviously the pictures above show just how close you can get to the wildlife. They are all free roaming, meaning you must stay in your car at all times (think Jurassic Park except without the caged paddocks). Even though it's called Bear Country, there was also elk, reindeer, arctic fox, mountain lion (the only one in a more secure caged area), and a small zoo-like area where smaller animals (like the bear cubs pictured above) were located. Clearly the main event was the bears, which didn't dissapoint. I spent just under two hours here and only spent $18 for admission. Not bad at all!

Mt. Rushmore is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Unfortunately, the visitor center and most of the ranger talks were unavailable still. There was a ranger talk I saw at the sculptor's studio, which was interesting. They also have a lighting ceremony, which attracts a large crowd. Unfortunately, it was canceled due to lightning in the area the night that I spent at the site.

There is a really nice hike that gets you closer to the monument, but the very end of the hike is blocked off due to some construction (don't worry. It doesn't change the experience at all). There are a lot of steps though. 

The site itself is impressive as you gaze upon the legendary figures sculpted into the side of a mountain. They each represent something great from American history.

From left to right on the monument:

• George Washington lead this country to independence by winning a seemingly unwinnable war. Then, inexplicably set the precedent of stepping down from power after two terms. He represents foundation.
• Thomas Jefferson was the primary writer of the words that would resonate throughout the colonies, declaring independence. As president, he would double the size of the country by way of the Louisiana Purchase. He represents expansion
• Theodore Roosevelt recognized the need to preserve the beauty and biodiversity of this great country by establishing the national parks. He was also able to begin the Panama Canal project, linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. He represents Preservation
• Abraham Lincoln came from humble beginnings to find himself leading the country through its most turbulent time. Despite the country being divided, he strived to keep the union together. He represents unification.

I certainly tried to reflect on these men and their accomplishments, wondering what America would be without them. 

The picture on the right is of Mt. Rushmore through the scope of the Doane Robinson Tunnel, which can be accessed by a remote part of highway 16A. It offers a unique view of the monument, but the drive to and through the tunnel is worth the long and twisting drive. The best time for this view through the tunnel is in the morning (not at sunset like I did). 

Another tourist favorite location that I visited was Deadwood, South Dakota. The city is about forty-five minutes north of Rapid City. It features an old west feel with many saloons and places to gamble. I engaged in a bit of gambling by participating in a small poker tournament at Saloon #10. Fret not, families are welcome, and Deadwood has some kid friendly activities as well!

As a kid, I was fascinated by dinosaurs and prehistoric times. South Dakota is famous for fossils and being a hot spot for prehistoric discoveries. I searched around trying to find an authentic experience that would satisfy that childhood interest. Luckily, I found the perfect place: Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, South Dakota!

Mammoth Site is an active research site with paleontologists working daily on studying and excavating the site. 

About 140,000 years ago (during the ice age) this site was actually a large sink hole that would lure ancient wildlife to their deaths. They would approach the edge of the sink hole to graze on grass or sip the rare source of water, then they'd slip on slick rock into the hole. The site was discovered in the 1970s and they've found over sixty mammoths in the hole so far! 

The above picture on the left shows an almost entire skeleton lying in the place it came to rest. The above picture on the right shows two large mammoth skulls. 

They have also found an ancient bear skull and many tiny aquatic fossils (South Dakota at different times over thousands of years was inundated by sea waters). They have excavated about twenty feet of the site, but estimate another forty to fifty feet is still yet to be uncovered! If you look in the upper right hand corner of the picture on the right, there is actually a worker taking notes. 

I spent over two hours here and highly recommend this wonderfully authentic snapshot of history. However, it can be a bit of a drive. It's about an hour south of Rapid City. I recommend pairing Mammoth Site with Wind Cave National Park and Custer State Park, which are both just north of Hot Springs. 

Speaking of Custer State Park, here are two pictures from my hike. I completed the Lover's Leap trail, which is about a four mile loop. The elevation is pretty significant and makes this a moderately difficult trail. You also happen to cross the creek (pictured on the left) twelve times! I was also able to see two deer on the hike. 

Wind Cave National Park (just south of Custer State Park) features lots of prairie heavy hikes. Unfortunately, they are not doing ranger tours of the caves yet, but I was still able to do a very scenic trail (Rankin Ridge), which is a one mile loop. Before you drive up to the trail head, spend some time at the prairie dog town. As you drive north to Custer, there are several other prairie dog towns, as well as a high likelihood of crossing paths with a bison herd!

I was also able to spend a day in The Badlands National Park. This is definitely a separate day trip since the park is about an hour east of Rapid City. However, there is a more scenic alternative to the expressway that cuts through natural grasslands of South Dakota. 

I did three hikes in The Badlands. They were all close to where I entered the park, which was convenient. The convenience also meant an abundance of people also trying the hikes. 

The first hike was The Door Trail (pictured above). It's a simple hike (about 900m), which is why it was highly trafficked. Although it may be simple, don't go too far off trail. It can be a labyrinth with a significant lack of water. 

The second hike I did was significantly shorter (about 1/5 of a mile). The Window Trail is a short, mostly boardwalk, trail that comes to a point. At that point you can look out on the view pictured above. 

The third and final hike of my Badlands experience was the Notch Trail (about one mile roundtrip). A one mile hike doesn't seem very difficult, but there are some interesting aspects to this hike. The pictures above are of the ladder that you must climb in order to complete the trail. Left is going up, and right is going down (which is infinitely more difficult). 

At the top of the ladder, there is a very narrow path on the edge of a cliff (pictured above) that might scare some hikers if the ladder hadn't already accomplished that. Ultimately, you end up in a wonderful rocky canyon that overlooks the rest of The Badlands (pictured below). The trail allows you some flexibility in exploring the rocky landscape before heading down the ladder. Just be careful because the rocks are quite loose, causing footing to be very unsteady at times.

One of my favorite hikes on this trip for sure! Be brave and attempt this fun and exhilarating hike!

Just like in North Dakota, I wanted to get in a round of golf. The Golf Club at Red Rock is one of the better courses in the state, featuring a forested setting. The pictures above are just two of the outstanding views that I had while waiting to hit from the tee box. I was quite lucky to get this round in since I was dodging rain drops almost the whole week.

Lastly, I wanted to give a shout out to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, which is where I entered and exited the state. I spent two nights in this city, bookending my time in South Dakota. Pictured above are the falls of Sioux Falls. They're located in Falls Park, which offers a lovely place for a brief hike and an outdoor lunch in their café.

Overall, South Dakota has an endless amount of entertainment options for the traveler. There will be crowds at many of the popular destinations. Just come prepared and you'll leave South Dakota with no regrets.




Check out my other travel posts:

North Dakota

Nebraska and Iowa

Singapore

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