Roman Holiday

Roman Holiday is a romantic comedy, released in 1953, directed by William Wyler. It is a story of a bored princess who escapes her royal duties for a day of adventure in Rome.

This charming film drew inspiration from the real-life romance between England's Princess Margaret and Group Captain Peter Townsend, a relationship that captured public fascination during the early 1950s. This connection added a layer of intrigue to the film, as it explored themes of love, duty, and personal freedom against a backdrop of royal expectations.

The film's greatest strength lied in its ability to balance comedy and drama seamlessly. The script did a great job in taking viewers on an emotional journey that was authentic and heartfelt. It was more than just a romantic comedy; it was a coming-of-age story.

Audrey Hepburn delivered a stunning performance in her American film debut as Princess Ann. Her portrayal was captivating, combining grace, wit, and vulnerability that immediately endeared her to the audience. Hepburn's natural charm and elegance shined through, making it easy to see why she became a beloved Hollywood icon and fashion inspiration for generations to come. Gregory Peck, who played Joe Bradley, had palpable chemistry with Hepburn which helped to create a romance that felt both genuine and bittersweet.

Rome itself became a character in the film, with William Wyler's direction and Frank F. Planer's cinematography beautifully showcasing the Eternal City's landmarks and charm. The on-location shooting added a layer of authenticity that transported me as a viewer to a magical day in Italy.

While some aspects of the film felt dated, such as its portrayal of Italians and lack of diversity, the core themes of independence, self-discovery, and the conflict between duty and personal desires remain relevant today Which, in the end made it easy to see why Roman Holiday has been regarded as a timeless classic.

Blink Twice

 

Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut, Blink Twice, is psychological thriller that stars Naomi Ackie as Frida, a struggling cocktail waitress who finds herself swept into the glamorous world of tech billionaire Slater King, played by Channing Tatum. The story unfolds as Frida and her friend Jess, played by Alia Shawkat, are invited to King's private island for what appears to be a dream vacation. However, as the serene getaway progresses, strange occurrences begin to unsettle Frida, forcing her to question the reality of her surroundings.

Blink Twice delves deep into issues of power dynamics, gender politics, and societal expectations placed on women. Kravitz's script, co-written with E.T. Feigenbaum, explores these themes through a thriller lens, drawing comparisons to Jordan Peele's Get Out mixed with vibes reminiscent of The Stepford Wives or Don't Worry Darling. The film didn’t shy away from addressing the absurdity of demands placed on women in society, including highlighting the pressure to smile through pain and the use of non-verbal communication when feeling unsafe.

While the plot was not entirely unique, Kravitz's direction infused the film with a fresh perspective and palpable tension. The movie's climactic scenes were particularly noteworthy for their brutal honesty and refusal to pull punches. She demonstrated remarkable skill behind the camera, creating a visually stunning world that slowly revealed a darker nature.

The casting was diverse and played well off of one another. Naomi Ackie delivered an outstanding performance as Frida, skillfully portraying a wide range of emotions as her character navigated the increasingly bizarre and threatening situation. Channing Tatum gave his best performance to date. He brought a charm and lethal coolness to the role of Slater King. The supporting cast shined as well; Adria Arjona as Sarah, a reality television celebrity who won "Survivor," and Alia Shawkat as Jess both deliver superb performances that showcase their impressive range and depth.

In the end, Blink Twice stood out as a testament to Kravitz's talent as a filmmaker, successfully blending elements of thriller, social commentary, and horror to create a compelling and thought-provoking experience. It's a film that not only entertained but also did a good job show showing viewers the uncomfortable truths about power, control, and the expectations placed on women in society.

Deadpool & Wolverine

 

Deadpool & Wolverine is the third installment in the Deadpool franchise and is its first venture into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), with Ryan Reynolds returning as the titular “Merc with a Mouth”, and Hugh Jackman, reprising his iconic role as Wolverine. The story kicked off when Deadpool's mundane existence is disrupted by the Time Variance Authority (TVA), who recruit him to help protect the multiverse.

The film was packed with references, Easter eggs, and cameos that spanned the entire history of Marvel cinema. These nods to the past were fun additions that felt organic. This premise cleverly tied the film to the broader MCU, particularly echoing themes from the Loki Disney Plus TV series. The pacing and constant stream of jokes kept me engaged throughout the 128-minute runtime. True to form, Deadpool & Wolverine did not hold back on its R-rated sensibilities. The film packed in vulgar humor, sexual innuendos, and over-the-top violence that fans of the franchise have come to expect.

Reynolds' Deadpool brought his signature wit and fourth-wall-breaking antics to new heights. The chemistry between Reynolds and Jackman was a highlight to the film. Their banter and odd-couple dynamic provided some of the film's biggest laughs. While Reynolds and Jackman were undoubtedly the stars of the show, the supporting cast held their own. Emma Corrin shone as the villainous Cassandra Nova, bringing a cold and calculating presence to counterbalance the heroes' chaotic energy. Matthew Macfadyen also impressed in his role as a TVA bureaucrat, adding a touch of dry humor to the proceedings.

In the end, Deadpool & Wolverine was a wildly entertaining, meta-filled adventure that managed to honor its roots as a unique, boundary pushing film in a more conservative MCU superhero landscape. It served as a love letter to Marvel fans and a satisfying continuation of the Deadpool franchise. While it may not have been for everyone due to its crude humor and violence, those who appreciate Deadpool's unique brand of chaos will find themselves thoroughly entertained.

Twisters

 

Twisters, is an action adventure disaster thriller starring Daisy Edgar-Jones as Kate Cooper, a meteorologist haunted by a devastating tornado encounter. Years later, she finds herself drawn back to the storm-chasing world by her friend Javi, played by Anthony Ramos.

 

This standalone sequel to the 1996 classic Twister, delivered an engaging and entertaining plot that paid proper homage to its predecessor. It felt relevant in many ways as a reflection of what a lot of people are going through in todays world. 

The film impressed with its well-executed CGI, creating believable and terrifying tornado sequences that kept me on the edge of my seat. They captured the awe-inspiring and destructive nature of these Barrel Grinders, providing the necessary thrills for a summer blockbuster. While Twisters occasionally fell into predictable patterns, it remained an engaging experience throughout. The movie successfully blended action, drama, and a touch of romance, creating a satisfying summer film that honored the original while also managing to carve out its own identity

The film made strides in diversity and representation, featuring a more diverse cast than the original. This inclusivity extended to the soundtrack, which notably highlighted Black Country artists, adding a fresh dimension to the movie's audio landscape. The cast played well off of one another. Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell, as Tyler, had great on-screen chemistry which was a highlight of the film. Anthony Ramos also delivered a strong performance as Javi, contributing significantly to the film's emotional core.

In the end, Twisters was an entertaining ride that, despite some flaws, delivered on the promise of big-screen thrills and nostalgic callbacks. With its strong lead performances, impressive visual effects, and increased diversity, the film proved to be a worthy addition to the disaster movie genre.

The Fall Guy

The Fall Guy is an action-comedy directed by David Leitch. It follows Colt Seavers, a stuntman, played by Ryan Gosling, who experienced a near-fatal accident and had to take a year away from the industry. Colt is then pulled back into the fray when the star of a major movie, Tom Ryder, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, goes missing. As he navigates through a complex web of dangerous encounters, Colt's journey becomes not just about finding Ryder but also about reconciling with his past.

At its core, The Fall Guy served as a love letter to stunt performers. Which makes sense as Leitch himself if also a stunt performer. The film showcased an array of impressive stunts that pushed the limits of what can be achieved on screen. As some critics have pointed out  some stunts may feel familiar, but there were plenty of unique moments that stood out and kept me engaged.

Even though this film followed a somewhat predictable structure typical of action comedies, it still managed to incorporate twists that kept me on my toes. The plot intricately weaved together themes of redemption, love, and betrayal.  The script exceled in its comedic elements and had a self-awareness on the film industry that also added a layer to its storytelling.

I thought that the entire cast did a great job playing off one another. It was a true ensemble of interesting and diverse characters. I appreciated the implementation of a number of strong female characters including Hannah Waddingham, who played Ryder's producer, Gail Meyer, Teresa Palmer who played Ryders girlfriend, Iggy Starr and Stephanie Hsu who played Ryder's assistant, Alma Milan. It was also nice seeing Winston Duke in a role outside of Black Panther. As for the stars, Gosling and Blunt, I found their dynamic to be quite refreshing. Even though Gosling has played a similar role before, he does have natural flair for humor. His interactions with Blunt, who played Jody, the film director, were filled with witty banter and genuine chemistry, making their relationship one of the film’s highlights. I also enjoyed how Blunt’s Jody was not portrayed as a damsel in distress but rather as an equal partner in the chaos surrounding them. 

Overall, The Fall Guy was an enjoyable cinematic experience for those seeking a lighthearted action-comedy. A proper homage to stunt work that was a comedic adventure filled with heart.

Rebel Ridge

 

Rebel Ridge is a Netflix produced action-thriller directed by Jeremy Saulnier. It follows former Marine Terry Richmond, played by Aaron Pierre, as he confronts the corruption of local law enforcement in the small town of Shelby Springs. When the police unjustly seize the cash he needs to post bail for his cousin, Terry finds himself embroiled in a fight against a corrupt system that goes far beyond his initial predicament.

I thought that the plot was engaging yet predictable and sometimes corny. The film’s premise echoed familiar themes seen in classics like Walking Tall, where one man stands up against systemic corruption.

Saulnier's direction showed a more restrained approach to violence that set Rebel Ridge apart from typical action flicks. Instead of relying on excessive bloodshed, the film emphasized hand-to-hand combat and strategic maneuvers. The action sequences were well-crafted, showcasing Pierre's martial arts skills without resorting to gratuitous violence.

Aaron Pierre delivered a strong performance as Terry, embodying a character that is both believable and likable. His portrayal captured the resilience and tactical intelligence of a man forced to navigate a treacherous legal landscape. Critics have noted that Pierre's calm demeanor contrasts sharply with the chaotic environment around him, making his character easy to root for. Don Johnson shined as Chief Sandy Burnne, providing a memorable antagonist with a weary yet sinister presence.

For a straight to video Netflix produced film it wasn't bad. If you're looking for a typical action-thriller with predictable themes and plot, Rebel Ridge might be worth your time.

A Quiet Place: Day One

 

A Quiet Place: Day One served as a prequel to the popular franchise, offering a glimpse into the chaotic early days of the alien invasion. Set in one of the loudest cities in the world, New York City, the film followed a group of survivors as they navigated a terrifying new reality.

The plot, while predictable, still managed to be quite suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seats. And a poignant twist near the end added a touch of emotional depth to the narrative.

One of the film's strengths was in its diverse cast, which accurately reflected the multicultural nature of New York City. Lupita Nyong'o delivered a powerful performance as Samira, a terminally ill woman desperate to return home. Her portrayal of a character grappling with both the invasion and her own mortality was both heartbreaking and inspiring.

The addition of Frodo, played by two adorable cats, Schnitzel and Nico, provided a much-needed moment of lightheartedness in an otherwise dark and terrifying world. Their well-trained antics offered a welcome respite from the constant tension.

However, the film's biggest weakness was in its lack of character development for most of the supporting cast. With the exception of Nyong'o's Samira, the characters felt one-dimensional and forgettable. Djimon Hounsou's talent seemed underutilized, and it was difficult to truly connect with or care about the fate of many of the survivors.

While A Quiet Place: Day One was easy to follow and engaging, it didn’t quite meet the caliber of its predecessors. The lack of significant character development and the predictable plot made it difficult to fully enjoy.