You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah

 

You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah is a coming-of-age comedy drawing its inspiration from the 2005 novel of the same name. Directed by up-and-comer Sammi Cohen and starring Idina Menzel, Adam Sandler, Jackie Sandler, Sadie Sandler, and Sunny Sandler. The film follows Stacy (played by Sunny) and Lydia, best friends who've always dreamed about having epic bat mitzvahs. However, their plans take an unexpected turn as the challenges of middle school drama and the allure of popularity test their friendship and the significance of their rite of passage.

Adam Sandler has been making a lot of great producer choices in his recent ventures, and this film is no exception. I like that he made the decision to have this female-lead story directed by and written by women. The plot moved well and was easy to follow, and the script was funny and relatable. It did a great job of balancing humor and drama. There were plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, but the film also did not shy away from addressing some of the challenges that Jewish teens face as well as more universal issues, such as peer pressure and bullying. The themes of goodness, friendship, and forgiveness were also handled well.

I really enjoyed seeing the diversity of the cast and the development of the lead characters was well-executed, making it effortless for me to connect emotionally with their journey. The film notably reunited Adam Sandler and Idina Menzel from the acclaimed film Uncut Gems. Their on-screen chemistry was palpable, presenting an ideal parental dynamic. Their likability shined through, as Stacy and Lydia's parents, with Sandler's trademark charm and comedic timing enhancing his role. The involvement of Sandler's real-life daughters playing, his children, Stacy and Lydia, added to the film's familial atmosphere, and was refreshing to see actors genuinely representing their character's age groups.

Beyond its comedic surface, You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah also provided an intimate glimpse into the richness of Jewish culture and community. The film contrasts with historical narratives by showcasing a contemporary and joyful portrayal of Jewish life, contributing to a more diverse representation of this culture on screen. Director Sammi Cohen encapsulates the essence of the film aptly, describing it as an exploration of self-discovery and personal identity. She rightly identifies it as a quintessential Jewish experience while also being universally relatable. The film became a celebratory platform to highlight shared human traits, fostering connections and unity instead of emphasizing differences.

In the end, it was refreshing to see a present-day, joyful version of Jewish culture, rather than the historical persecution that is often portrayed in film and television. You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah was a heartwarming comedy that captured the essence of growing up, friendship, and cultural celebration. With its endearing cast, well-crafted script, and inclusive approach, the film is a testament to the power of storytelling to bridge gaps and illuminate common ground. A film that will appeal to audiences of all ages and one I highly recommend.

Heart of Stone

 

Heart of Stone is a Netflix produced action spy thriller centered around Rachel Stone (Gal Gadot), an unwavering secret agent in a mysterious global peacekeeping agency that must race against time to prevent a hacker from snatching their most precious and risky weapon. The film also features Jamie Dornan, Alia Bhatt, Sophie Okonedo, and Matthias Schweighöfer.

In the beginning the plot had an intriguing twist that immediately captured my attention however, as the story unfolded, it began to tread along more familiar paths, ultimately revealing a predictable trajectory. Additionally some of the dialogue was corny, but the overall narrative remained engaging and easy to follow. The film's story arc, although familiar, managed to still sustain my interest through its skillful blend of action, intrigue, and character dynamics.

A notable strength of the movie lied in its diverse casting choices, underlining a commitment to representation. Gal Gadot embodied the familiar charm that she has brought to many of her roles, portraying characters who are not only likable and stylish but also strong-willed and formidable. While she maintained her signature persona, her on-screen presence as Rachel Stone, remained magnetic, drawing viewers into her character's journey. She also had good chemistry with Jamie Dornan's character Parker, who made an intriguing and strong choice in portraying a character unlike anything I’ve seen him in before. Matthias Schweighöfer, known for his quirky tech expert role in Army of the Dead, switched gears slightly in his portrayal of Jack of Hearts, a more confident and less eccentric tech-savvy individual. Alia Bhatt, was a fresh face in the ensemble as Keya Dhawan. She impressed me with her role as a brilliant young individual driven by a desire for revenge, yet grappling with a crisis of conscience. Her performance injected the film with emotional complexity and an extra layer of intrigue to the storyline. My only critique is that I wish all of these characters had some added depth to improve the character dynamics.

In the end, Heart of Stone doesn't do anything special to redefine the genre, but it offered a solid entertainment experience. While it will not be a film that I would actively seek out for repeat viewings, it didn’t leave me feeling like my time was wasted.

The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die

 

The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die is a historical action adventure starring Alexander Dreymon, Harry Gilby, and Mark Rowley. Continuing from Season 5, after King Edward's death, rivals battle for the crown, prompting Uhtred and his loyal companions to strive for a united England.

Dedicated followers of the TV series, The Last Kingdom, will find satisfaction in this film installment. It effectively captured the essence of the show's narrative and retained the unique qualities that has garnered a dedicated fan base over the years. The plot was engaging and successfully sustained the tension and intrigue that this series has been known for.

I thought that it was a smart decision to conclude the story on Netflix. While the film certainly provided a compelling continuation, it lacked the grandeur and cinematic flair that would justify a theatrical release. However, within the realm of streaming, it found a fitting platform to reach its dedicated audience without compromising on quality.

The fight choreography, as well as the depiction of battle chaos and the suffocating intensity of combat, were standout features. The inclusion of numerous extras created an authentic battlefield ambiance that immersed me as a viewer into the heart of the action. The costumes also added to the authenticity of the era.

The acting across the board was commendable, contributing to the believability of the complex and dynamic characters. The ensemble cast effectively carried the weight of the story, helping me the stay engaged throughout the film's runtime. At the center of it all is Alexander Dreymon's portrayal of Uhtred. Over the course of eight years, Dreymon has masterfully embodied the heroic figure, a symbol of honor and courage. His portrayal is consistently enjoyable to watch, and he served as the anchor that holds the intricate narrative together. After his captivating portrayal of Uhtred, I eagerly await his ventures into new and uncharted territories. His ability to evolve beyond this iconic role will be an exciting prospect.

As The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die draws the curtains down on an era, it brings with it a sense of closure with a fitting conclusion to an eight-year journey. It was able to successfully wrap up loose ends and gave me a sense of fulfillment that most don’t get from TV shows or movies these days.

The Adam Project

The Adam Project is a science fiction action comedy starring Ryan Reynolds, Walker Scobell, Jennifer Garner, Zoe Saldaña and Mark Ruffalo. The story revolves around Adam Reed played by Reynolds, a fighter pilot from 2050 who accidentally crash-lands in the year 2022. In an attempt to change his time, he forms an unlikely partnership with his 12-year-old self, played by Scobell, to navigate through the challenges of the past while attempting to shape a brighter future.

Even though this film’s concept of time travel wasn’t unique, it still managed to carve its own identity through its engaging storytelling. The film's pacing kept me engaged with its mix of creative and action-packed fight sequences, comedic timing and crisp cinematography. The writers were able intertwine some great plot twits while also skillfully infusing the themes of family, grief, and healing that resonated deeply throughout.

Ryan Reynolds, known for his charismatic and witty performances, delivered once again, infusing Adam with his signature charm. His portrayal of a time-traveling pilot grappling with his past and future was a delightful blend of humor and heart. Reynolds' worked well opposite Scobell's Young Adam and also had great chemistry with Saldaña's Laura. For me Scobell was a standout. He was able to showcase his talent by holding his own alongside high-profile co-stars. His portrayal captured the insecurity, innocence and curiosity of youth, creating a believable and endearing dynamic between the two Adams. I enjoyed their character arc, being able to see the growth of these two Adams as they worked together, while also processing their mutual traumas. Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo were the quintessential version of ideal parents. It was cute to see them interact with the Adams. My only criticism was that there wasn’t enough character deployment for Saldaña’s Laura. We got only a peek into the brilliant and fiercely independent scientist that she portrayed. It would have been nice to have delved deeper into her backstory.

In the end, The Adam Project pleasantly surprised me with its action packed and captivating plot. While I was on the fence at first, this heartwarming sci-fi adventure was worth the watch.

Fatale

 

Fatale is a psychological thriller directed by Deon Taylor and starring Hilary Swank, Michael Ealy, Mike Colter, and Danny Pino. The narrative follows Derrick Tyler played by Ealy, a successful sports agent entangled in a web of deception after a fateful one-night stand. As his seemingly perfect life begins to unravel, he discovers that the mysterious woman he took a risk for is a relentless police detective, played by Hilary Swank, determined to involve him in her ongoing investigation.

Taylor's direction does manage to maintain an air of suspense throughout the film, even though its progression is disappointingly predictable from its onset. The strong echoes of 1987’s Fatal Attraction are palpable, but the execution lacks the innovation to make it truly compelling.

The script by David Loughery emerges as a weak link. The dialogue, particularly when attributed to the Black characters in the cast, came off as forced and unconvincing. The lack of authentic character development resulted in a predominantly one-dimensional ensemble, leaving me desiring more depth and complexity.

Hilary Swank's involvement in the film was a surprise due to her well-established acting prowess. While she did perform capably as the unstable Detective Quinlan, the material failed to make the most of her talents, rendering her performance a wasted opportunity. The chemistry between Swank's character and Ealy's Derrick was notably absent, diluting the emotional impact the film strived to achieve. Michael Ealy's portrayal of Derrick, while competent, did little to expand his acting range. His performance remained consistent with his previous roles, lacking any versatility. This film reminded me a lot of Ealy's earlier film, The Perfect Guy, which made me think that he had a tendency to gravitate towards films with this similar lower budget caliber and theme.

In the end, Fatale struggled to rise above its limitations, resulting in a disappointing thriller experience. It fell short of being a recommendation-worthy film and is best avoided by those seeking a more engaging cinematic experience.

Wind River

 

Wind River is a modern day Western crime film that explores the harsh realities of life on the Wind River reservation in Wyoming. The film, written and directed by Taylor Sheridan and stars Jeremy Renner as Cory Lambert, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Agent who finds the body of an 18-year-old woman on the reservation. He teams up with FBI agent Jane Banner, played by Elizabeth Olsen, to investigate the murder and uncover the dark secrets behind it.

The film is a powerful and poignant story that raises awareness about the issue of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), a crisis that affects many Indigenous communities across North America. The film does not shy away from showing the brutality and injustice that these women face, as well as the impact on their families and communities. The film also depicts the themes of grief, redemption, and justice, as the characters struggle to cope with their own traumas and seek closure.

However, the film is not without its flaws. One of my main criticisms is that it perpetuates the white savior trope, where a white protagonist comes to the rescue of a marginalized group. Renner's character is portrayed as a hero who knows more about the reservation than the locals. He also takes charge of the investigation while Olsen's character, the criminal justice expert, is often sidelined or helpless. Additionally, the film fails to address the systemic and historical factors that contribute to the MMIWG crisis, such as colonialism, racism, poverty, and lack of resources. The film could have also done more to highlight the efforts and initiatives that are being taken by Indigenous activists and organizations to combat this issue and support the survivors and victims’ families.

Another flaw is that the film does not give enough depth and background to some of the supporting characters, especially Olsen's and Gil Birmingham's, who plays Martin Hanson, the father of the murdered woman. Their motivations and emotions are not fully explored or developed, which makes them harder to connect to. The film focuses more on Renner's character, who is shown to have a strong bond to the reservation and a personal stake in the case. He delivered a solid performance as a grieving father and a skilled hunter, who showed compassion and respect for the Shoshone tribe that he lives amongst.

In the end, Wind River is a well-written and directed film that offers a gripping and emotional story with an important message. It was one of the most successful indie films of 2017, earning critical acclaim and box office success. However, it also had some shortcomings that limit its potential to be a truly authentic and empowering representation of the Indigenous American experience. The film is set to have a sequel with an Indigenous-centered lead, which could provide a more nuanced and balanced perspective on the complexities of life on the reservation.

The Last Manhunt

The Last Manhunt is a slow-burning western drama based on the true story of Willie Boy, a Chemehuevi man, with a forbidden love, who must go on the run after a fatal incident in 1909. The film is directed by and stars Christian Camargo along with Martin Sensmeier, Mainie Kinimaka, Zahn McClarnon, and Jason Momoa who also produced the film.

The film has a distinctly indie feel with a lot of slower panned wordless moments. It reminded me a lot of another Jason Momoa film, Road to Paloma mixed with Romeo and Juliet. The cinematography was beautiful, with long pans of the desert landscape. You could really feel the heat and the thirst. The film also features a traditional Indigenous soundtrack and 1900s costumes which helped with the authenticity of the film

I appreciated the diverse and culturally appropriate casting. It was beautiful to see traditional practices of the Chemehuevi tribe on screen. Everyone cast did well in their roles. I particularly enjoyed Camargo’s performance as Sheriff Wilson. I found that his empathy, his attempts to respect the Chemehuevi tribe and his grief really helped to make him a fully flushed out character. I’d only seen Sensmeier in the western 1883 so it was nice seeing him stretch more as Willie Boy, in a leading role. You could also see the cast was very much influenced by Momoa’s own friendships. Mainei Kinimaka and Christian Camargo were both in his TV show See. Zahn McClarnon was in Momoa’s movie Braven, and his TV shows Frontier and The Red Road. My only critique here would be the lack in character development for everyone outside of the sheriff.

The film did a good job of depicting the cultural differences between the Chemehuevi tribe and the white settlers. They also included a number of themes around family, grief, the importance of understanding and collaboration and how the spinning of a narrative can affect the outcome of story. 

Overall, The Last Manhunt is an interesting and thought-provoking film. It is not a perfect film, but it is a worthwhile watch for those who are interested in learning more about Indigenous peoples' history in the United States.