G20

G20 is an action thriller for Amazon Prime that centers on President Sutton, played by Viola Davis, as she leverages her deep governing knowledge and military background in a desperate fight to protect her family, her country, and the global community from the escalating danger within the summit's confines.

The narrative itself didn't break much new ground. The "terrorists take over" plotline felt well-worn, lacking significant originality. However, what elevated the film is the commanding presence of Viola Davis. Stepping into the shoes of President Sutton, Davis brought a gravitas and intensity that anchored the entire production. She was well rounded with her political acumen and military background that felt authentic and compelling. It was particularly refreshing to witness Davis in a physically demanding, action-oriented role where she was unequivocally the driving force.

The supporting cast delivered decent performances. Antony Starr effectively embodied the complicated villain, staying within his established wheelhouse of portraying morally ambiguous and unsettling characters. For fans of the sitcom Black-ish, the reunion of Anthony Anderson and Marsai Martin provided a touch of familiar warmth amidst the tension.

While the plot beats may feel predictable at times, G20 does manage to inject moments of genuine unpredictability, keeping the audience somewhat engaged. However, the action choreography, particularly during flight sequences, occasionally felt sluggish and lacked the crispness expected in a modern action thriller.

Ultimately, G20 was a film carried by the sheer force of Viola Davis's performance. While the plot may not be groundbreaking and some action sequences falter, seeing her take charge in a physically demanding role, showcasing her leadership and resilience, was undeniably the film's strongest asset. It's a solid action thriller that, despite its familiar framework, offered a satisfying experience thanks to its powerful lead and moments of unexpected twists.

A Real Pain

 

A Real Pain is a buddy comedy-drama that follows mismatched cousins, David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin), as they reunite for a tour through Poland to honor their grandmother. As they confront their family history, old tensions resurface.

Jesse Eisenberg impressed in his triple role as writer, director, and star. Kieran Culkin, the recent Best Supporting Actor Oscar winner, delivered a nuanced performance as Benji, effectively showcasing both manic and depressive traits. While Culkin was typecast in his portrayal of Benji, a character often lacking tact and appearing selfish despite ultimately good intentions, it was intentionally awkward and sometimes difficult to watch. Eisenberg, also often cast as an anxious character, played well opposite Culkin, and both characters demonstrated significant development. The film also thoughtfully incorporated the music of Polish pianist Frédéric Chopin.

The plot was creative, exploring themes of family, forgiveness, and grief. However, a deeper exploration of the cousins' individual relationships with each other and their grandmother would have been beneficial.

While the film was well-crafted, it didn’t quite live up to the hype surrounding the acting accolades. It was a solid film, but it lacked a certain spark. Additionally, the ending felt somewhat open, leaving the cousins' relationship without a satisfying sense of closure.

I'm Still Here

I'm Still Here is a Golden Globe-winning, Oscar-nominated political biography drama that chronicles Eunice Paiva's determined quest to uncover the truth behind her husband's disappearance.

While the story unfolded at a slow pace, it effectively portrayed the oppressive atmosphere of the era. The performances were believable, with the cast working well together to convey the emotional weight of the situation. The attention to detail in the costumes and props further immersed me in the historical setting.

Eunice's resilience in the face of danger was a central theme, and the film highlighted her remarkable accomplishments in the aftermath of her husband's disappearance. Her story served as a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering history, particularly given the current political climate in some countries. The film's timely message about the need to acknowledge and learn from the past, even in the face of resistance, resonated strongly.

The film suffered from a lack of in-depth character development, particularly for the children and even the main characters. This made it difficult to fully invest in their emotional journeys.

Despite these issues I'm Still Here’s recognition was understandable, as it shed light on a crucial historical moment and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Emilia Pérez

 

Emilia Pérez is a Spanish musical crime drama directed by French filmmaker Jacques Audiard, starring Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón and Selena Gomez. The story centers on Manitas Del Monte, a formidable Mexican drug cartel leader who fakes his death to undergo gender-affirming surgery.

The film's attempt to blend melodrama, musical theater, and social commentary resulted in a tonally inconsistent experience. The musical numbers felt uninspired and poorly integrated, with noticeable vocal struggles and awkward transitions from dialogue to song. While the plot offered moments of unpredictability, it lacked substantial depth, and the superficial exploration of serious issues like Mexico’s disappeared victims undermined their potential impact. Additionally, the depiction of gender-affirming surgery lacked the necessary sensitivity and nuance, understandably drawing criticism from LGBTQ+ communities

Cultural misrepresentation was another significant flaw; despite being set in Mexico, the main cast is not predominantly Mexican. Native Spanish speakers also criticized the dialogue saying it was disconnected from its cultural context. Audiard’s lack of direct ties to Mexico exacerbated this issue, which resulted in a perspective that lacked an authentic portrayal.​

Zoe Saldaña and Karla Sofía Gascón delivered commendable performances, bringing emotional depth to their roles despite the script's limited character development. Saldaña, portrayal of Rita, a lawyer entangled in Emilia's transformation, offered a grounded intensity that added complexity to the narrative. Gascón's portrayal of Emilia captured the internal conflict of a character seeking redemption while haunted by past transgressions.

Despite the off-screen controversies that plagued its awards season, Emilia Pérez, ultimately faltered due to its own cinematic shortcomings. The musical numbers detracted from the overall experience, and its handling of sensitive topics like gender identity and Mexico’s social issues felt superficial. Though celebrated at Cannes and recognized with numerous awards, including Oscars for Best Supporting Actress (Saldaña) and Best Original Song ("El Mal"), Emilia Pérez fell short of being a truly Oscar-worthy film in my opinion. Despite its ambitious premise, the film's execution was inconsistent, leaving much to be desired.​

Captain America: Brave New World

 

Captain America: Brave New World continues the journey of Sam Wilson, played by Anthony Mackie, as he embraces his role as the new Captain America. Following the events of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier miniseries. The film delves into Wilson's efforts to navigate an international crisis, uncovering a complex domestic conspiracy.

One of the film's strengths lied in its diverse cast and the commendable character development. Anthony Mackie delivered a solid performance, capturing Wilson's internal struggle to live up to the legacy of his predecessor. Harrison Ford's portrayal of President Thaddeus Ross stood out, as he brought range and depth to a character with a complicated past.

However, the film fell into familiar territory with a plot that mirrored previous Avengers movies, leading to a sense of predictability. The action sequences, while well-choreographed, lacked the enthusiasm expected in a superhero blockbuster, resulting in moments that felt sluggish.

Thematically, the movie touched on profound concepts such as resilience, looking beyond external appearances, and recognizing one's intrinsic worth. These messages were woven throughout the narrative, offering viewers moments of reflection amidst the action.

The title, Brave New World, seemed to be a nod toward Aldous Huxley's renowned novel, hinting at themes of control and conformity. However, the film didn’t explicitly explore these dystopian elements, leaving the significance of the title somewhat ambiguous.

In the end, while Captain America: Brave New World was filled with strong performances and meaningful themes, it struggled with pacing and originality. For viewers who appreciated The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, this film offers a continuation of Sam Wilson's story, though it may not fully satisfy those seeking a fresh take on the superhero genre.

The Apprentice

 

The Apprentice is a biographical drama directed by Ali Abbasi that explores the formative years of Donald Trump in 1970s and '80s New York. The film focuses on Trump's rise power and the toxic relationship between him and infamous lawyer Roy Cohn.

The screenplay by Gabriel Sherman offered a stark portrayal of ambition, manipulation, and the ruthless pursuit of power. The film's use of a Scarface-like score amplified its villainous undertones, underscoring the morally bankrupt world inhabited by Trump and Cohn.

Sebastian Stan delivered an eerily accurate portrayal of Trump, capturing his voice, mannerisms, and underlying volatility. Jeremy Strong's performance as Roy Cohn was equally impressive, embodying the cutthroat lawyer with chilling precision. Both actors received Best Actor and Supporting Actor nominations, respectively, at the Academy Awards, Golden Globes and BAFTAs, along with Strong also earning a SAG nomination.

The film's cinematography deliberately evoked the gritty aesthetic of 1980s cinema, which added authenticity to the narrative. While the film offered a compelling exploration of its subject matter, it is worth noting that it didn’t necessarily provide new insights into Trump's psyche but instead helped folks understand the root cause behind his bad behavior.

In the end, The Apprentice offered a thought-provoking exploration of how power can corrupt and how unbridled ambition can lead to devastating outcomes. This film is essential viewing for anyone seeking to understand the origins of Donald Trump, a figure who continues to polarize public opinion. Despite facing attempts to suppress its release, the film persevered, which is a testament to the bravery and dedication of its cast and crew. By pushing forward in the face of adversity, they ensured that this important narrative reached audiences, providing a critical examination of the darker aspects of ambition and power.

Notting Hill

 

Notting Hill is director Roger Michell's 1999 romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. It tells the story of a London bookstore owner who unexpectedly falls for a world-famous American actress.

The film, written by Richard Curtis, was easy to follow and enjoyable to watch. It was full of witty dialogue and relatable characters. Surprisingly, almost 30 years later, this film has managed to hold up exceptionally well, maintaining its warmth and humor decades later.

The strong performances and undeniable chemistry between its leads, made it a genuinely enjoyable experience. Hugh Grant's bumbling charm as William Thacker and Julia Roberts' radiant presence with great range, as Anna Scott, created a captivating on-screen dynamic. However, the film's glaring flaw was its lack of diversity. The near-total absence of people of color, with the sole exception being a character reduced to a stereotypical and offensive portrayal, was a significant oversight. This lack of representation definitely detracted from the film's overall appeal and reflected a dated perspective. On a positive note, the inclusion of a disabled character, Emma Chambers' Honey Thacker, was handled with sensitivity. She was portrayed as a fully developed individual, with a vibrant personality, rather than simply being defined by her wheelchair, which was a welcome and refreshing addition.

Despite its flaws, Notting Hill still managed to deliver a heartwarming and entertaining story. The strength of its performances and storytelling prove why it remains a charming and enduring classic.