Good Grief

 

Good Grief is a Netflix rom-com drama marking Daniel Levy’s film directorial debut. He also wrote, produced and started in this film that follows Marc, played by Levy, who must grapple with overwhelming grief after the sudden death of his husband. Seeking solace and a fresh start, he embarks on a soul-searching trip to Paris with his two best friends. This Parisian adventure becomes a catalyst for growth and self-discovery, as the group confronts hidden truths and redefines their bonds.

The plot was heartfelt and engaging. Though not focused on Christmas, it interestingly folded during the holiday season, offering a unique perspective on loss amidst a time typically filled with cheer. Levy was able to tell a beautiful and creative story that skillfully blended humor and heartbreak, offering a realistic portrayal of grief's messy reality. He was able to masterfully navigated themes of love, loss, healing, trust, and the power of friendship.

The Parisian setting added a touch of elegance, without overshadowing the film's emotional core which was undeniably reinforced by the exceptional performances of its diverse cast. Levy delivered a powerful portrayal of Marc, showcasing a depth we haven't seen before in his comedic roles. His vulnerability and raw grief resonate deeply, allowing viewers to connect with his character's journey. Ruth Negga and Himesh Patel shined as Sophie and Thomas, Marc's best friends. Their portrayals perfectly captured the complexities of their bond. The mix of unwavering loyalty, gentle humor, and a deep understanding of Marc's pain were on full display. The chemistry between Levy, Negga, and Patel was undeniable, creating a profound sense of friendship that felt genuine and supportive. Adding another dimension to the film was Luke Evans as Oliver, Marc's late husband. Evans portrayal of Oliver was larger-than-life, even in flashbacks. We see the love and affection Oliver shared with Marc, leaving a void that made Marc's grief even more profound. The dynamic between Levy and Evans was particularly well-played, showcasing the deep love and respect they shared as a couple.

Overall Good Grief was a powerful debut from Daniel Levy, showcasing his talent not just in front of the camera, but behind it as well. The film delved deep into the emotional depths of grief with relatable characters that were beautifully portrayed by a stellar cast. If you're a fan of Levy's work and appreciate a film that tackles difficult themes with humor and warmth, then Good Grief is definitely one to check out.

After Everything

 

After Everything is the concluding chapter in the After franchise, The film tackles Hardin's struggles with writer's block and self-discovery. With Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Josephine Langford and Stephen Moyer reprising their roles and Mimi Keene as a fresh new addition.

The plot was engaging and easy to follow with the focus on Hardin’s personal journey marking a welcome change, showcasing a more mature side to the character. I felt like, unlike its predicators which I have described as intensely charged, overly dramatic, and a culprit of romanticizing an unhealthy relationship, this one was much more even keeled. The addition of Nathalie, played by Keene, added a fresh and new dynamic to the story as well. She provided Hardin with a source of support and encouragement. However, the script faltered at times, resorting to familiar tropes and occasionally falling into corniness.

I enjoyed seeing this ensemble cast reunited once again and have always appreciated the diversity of this group. Unfortunately, like the quality of previous films, the acting remained uneven, with some of the supporting actors failing to deliver convincing performances.

One undeniable strength of the After franchise has always been its music. After Everything continued this tradition with a strong soundtrack that complemented the emotional beats of the story.

As I’ve said before, these films have never made me want to watch them a second time. After Everything is no different however I will say that it provided a satisfying conclusion for those invested in Hardin and Tessa's journey. It offered a sense of closure, with Hardin finally taking steps towards personal growth.

Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver

 

Rebel Moon: Part Two - The Scargiver is the follow-up to Zack Snyder's sci-fi epic, picking up where Part One left off. The rebels on the colony of Veldt prepare to face the full might of the tyrannical Regent Balisarius' forces.

While the plot remained somewhat predictable, it delivered a more engaging and suspenseful experience than its predecessor. Even though Rebel Moon: Part Two doesn't quite recapture the brilliance of Snyder's best work, Man of Steel, it improved upon the first film's shortcomings. My only critique is the lack of a fresh villain was a missed opportunity. Reprising the antagonist from the first film felt uninspired.

Snyder's signature visual style returned in full force with its sweeping camera angles, slow-motion battles, and dark color palette were all present. While impressive, these elements don't quite reach the same level of quality as its inspiration, Star Wars.

The acting was noticeably better in Part Two. The returning cast seemed more comfortable in their roles, delivering more nuanced performances. The increased character development also helped with a stronger connection to the protagonists. My only issue was the overuse of monologues was tedious at times. A tighter script would have improved the pacing.

Overall, Rebel Moon: Part Two - The Scargiver was a modest improvement over its predecessor. It offered more character development, suspense, and a more satisfying conclusion. However, the predictable plot, overreliance on monologues, and a lack of a truly compelling villain prevented it from reaching its full potential. The film set the stage for a potential third installment, but I really don’t have an interest in seeing it.

Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire

 

Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire is a science fiction action adventure that follows a ragtag group of rebels, led by a mysterious young woman, that unite against a tyrannical ruler. Directed by Zack Snyder, starring Sofia Boutella, Djimon Hounsou, Ed Skrein, Michiel Huisman, Doona Bae, Ray Fisher, Charlie Hunnam and Anthony Hopkins.

Snyder's signature touch was undeniable in its slow-motion fight scenes, dramatic camera angles, and a dark color palette that dominated the film's aesthetic. While the vision was there, some scenes felt more like attempts to shock and awe than organic parts of the narrative.

The plot borrowed heavily from classic sci-fi tropes. Drawing much of its inspiration from Star Wars, which was evident in everything from spaceship designs to costuming. However, the execution felt like a lower-budget homage, with some sets appearing overly reliant on CGI and lacking the lived-in quality of its inspiration. Additionally, there was a decent twist, but for the most part, the story unfolded predictably.

The inclusion of a diverse group of actors was commendable, and the focus on strong female characters was a welcome change from the genre's typical focus on male heroes. Doona Bae who played Nemesis was strong and maternal with impressive fight sequences. Ray Fisher, aided by effective makeup and costuming, delivering a standout performance as Darrian Bloodaxe, which was both surprising and captivating. However, the acting and character development overall was uneven, failing to fully elevate the script's potential.

In the end, Rebel Moon's visuals and an intriguing cast couldn't make up for its lack of character development and predictable and unoriginal plot. Fans of Snyder's style might find themselves entertained, but those seeking a fresh and innovative space adventure might be left wanting more.

Dream Scenario

 

Dream Scenario is a black comedy, fantasy from director Kristoffer Borgli, The story revolves around a professor who mysteriously appears in people's dreams. Starring Nicolas Cage, Julianne Nicholson, Michael Cera, and Tim Meadows.

The plot was intriguing with its themes around social commentary, particularly on the dangers of "cancel culture" and the bendability of reality under the influence of dreams. This blend of the fantastical with social critique was a bold choice, but the film ultimately couldn’t fully capitalize on its possibilities. It stumbled in its execution leaving a number of unanswered questions. The central mystery of why Paul, played by Cage, appears in dreams and the true consequences of these dream experiences are left frustratingly vague. This lack of resolution makes the film feel incomplete and unrealized in its potential. Ultimately, it left me feeling like I wasted my time. Additionally, humor, which should be a key element in black comedy, was a weak point. The film struggled to elicit many genuine laughs, despite its unique premise.

Nicolas Cage delivered a characteristically eccentric performance. While I did find it awkward, it somewhat fit the tone of the film. The supporting cast, including Julianne Nicholson, Michael Cera, and Tim Meadows, were all solid, even if their characters lacked depth. For me the biggest disappointment was Meadows' one-dimensional portrayal of the college dean as he was one of only a handful of minorities with a speaking part.

Overall, Dream Scenario’s unique concept was overshadowed by underdeveloped characters, a lack of comedic bite, and a frustratingly ambiguous ending. For viewers seeking a truly innovative and thought-provoking film, Dream Scenario might fall short.