Land of Bad

 

Land of Bad is an action thriller that follows a Delta Force team that gets ambushed in enemy territory, a rookie that refuses to abandon them, and a drone pilot who is their only chance of survival.

The casting was an Australian family affair with Liam and Luke Hemsworth along with fellow Aussie, Russell Crowe, leading the troops. They all had good chemistry and delivered competent performances. The film also benefited from a diverse cast, which was a welcome change of pace in the genre. However, the characters were largely one-dimensional, lacking the depth needed to truly connect me to the cast and keep me engaged throughout.

The action sequences were well-executed, but the overall narrative was hindered by tired tropes. The portrayal of Filipino villains as the primary antagonists was a disappointing and overused cliché.

In the end, Land of Bad was a decent action film that delivered on thrills but fell short on originality. While was entertaining enough for me as a fan of the genre, it won't be leaving a lasting impression.

The Book of Clarence

 

Jeymes Samuel's The Book of Clarence is a 1st century Jerusalem comedy-drama, that follows the opportunistic Clarence, played by Lakeith Stanfield, as he exploits the rise of Jesus Christ for personal gain.

Samuel’s directorial style is undeniably distinctive and unconventional. There were times that I thought it was quite similar to Spike Lee's cinematography work. However, this aesthetic occasionally veered into the realm of the corny.

The juxtaposition of a contemporary hip-hop soundtrack with the ancient setting was a bold choice, but may alienate some. I thought it was a stylistic gamble that paid off in moments, but overall felt inconsistent.

The film’s all-Black cast was a refreshing departure from the typical portrayal of biblical figures. This casting choice felt more authentic to the narrative, given the African roots of the biblical story. Moreover, The Book of Clarence cleverly mirrored contemporary issues onto the ancient world. The depiction of police brutality and the systemic oppression of Black people was relevant and appreciated.

Despite its flaws, the film was rich in symbolism and offered food for thought. While the narrative occasionally faltered, the performances were strong, and the visuals were undeniably captivating. In the end, The Book of Clarence was cinematic experience that pushed boundaries. Whether it's a masterpiece or a misstep is up for debate and a matter of personal taste.

A Family Affair

 

A Family Affair is a Netflix romantic comedy starring Nicole Kidman as a famous author who unexpectedly falls for her daughter's movie star boss, played by Zac Efron, with Joey King as the daughter caught in the middle of this unconventional romance.

The premise of an older woman falling for a younger man has been a welcome change in cinema, challenging societal norms and showcasing that older women can be desirable and sexy. This aspect of the film was commendable, as it contributed to an important shift in how mature women are portrayed in romantic roles.

While the plot was predictable and followed a familiar rom-com formula, it was easy to follow and generally enjoyable. The film's straightforward narrative provided a comfortable viewing experience for those seeking lighter entertainment. The only shortcoming was movie's attempts at humor, particularly its jabs at Hollywood culture, often fell flat.

The casting choices were a strong point of the film. Nicole Kidman, Zac Efron, Joey King, Kathy Bates, and Liza Koshy formed an ensemble that played well off each other, demonstrating good on-screen chemistry. However, the film could have benefited from more diversity in its cast. Additionally, character development for supporting roles was minimal, leaving some talented actors like Bates and Koshy somewhat underutilized. Additionally, Joey King's performance as Zara teetered between compelling and overacting, occasionally crossing the line into exaggeration. This inconsistency in her portrayal was distracting at times.

Despite its shortcomings, the film did have moments of genuine connection, particularly in the romance between Kidman and Efron's characters. Their on-screen chemistry was notable, providing some of the more engaging scenes in the movie.

In the end, A Family Affair was a cute but forgettable entry in the rom-com genre. While it offered some enjoyable moments and commendable performances from its lead actors, it ultimately failed to rise above its predictable plot and lack of real comedic punches. It's a passable option for those seeking light entertainment but fell short of being a standout in Netflix's romantic comedy offerings.