Kraven the Hunter

 

In Sony's latest Marvel film, Kraven the Hunter, Aaron Taylor-Johnson stars as Sergei Kravinoff, also known as Kraven. The story explores Kraven's complicated relationship with his ruthless father, portrayed by Russell Crowe. This dynamic drives Kraven on a path of vengeance, pushing him to become the world's greatest hunter and one of its most feared figures.

Despite its intriguing premise, the film's execution falls short. The script is filled with corny dialogue, and the villains lack the necessary menace to be credible threats. The CGI, particularly in depicting the villain, fails to create a sense of realism that could have heightened the stakes. While the action sequences are creative and entertaining, they often feel disconnected from a cohesive storyline.

The soundtrack enhances the film's atmosphere but cannot compensate for the shortcomings in character development and plot coherence. Additionally, there is a notable lack of diversity in casting, with only Ariana DeBose representing a person of color. She performs well despite the limitations of her role. Although Taylor-Johnson is a talented actor, his portrayal in this film feels more like an opportunity to showcase his physique rather than an avenue for genuine acting depth. The film prioritizes visual appeal over substance, leaving viewers wanting more from the script. Furthermore, Crowe's inconsistent Russian accent distracts from his character rather than enhancing it.

Overall, while Kraven the Hunter offers moments of excitement and fun, it struggles to establish itself as a standout entry in Sony's Spider-Man Universe. The film may attract fans seeking action-packed entertainment, but it ultimately falls short in storytelling and character depth.

The Merry Gentlemen

 

The Merry Gentlemen is a charming holiday rom-com that fits snugly within the Netflix Christmas Cinematic Universe (NCCU). Directed by Peter Sullivan, this film stars Britt Robertson as Ashley, a former Broadway dancer who returns home only to discover that her parents' small-town nightclub is in trouble. The plot unfolds as Ashley decides to stage an all-male Christmas-themed revue, leading her to cross paths with Luke, played by Chad Michael Murray.

Robertson and Murray gave performances that were steady and reliable, staying within their comfort zones without pushing the boundaries of their acting range. While neither actor delivered a career-defining performance, their chemistry was palpable and provided a solid foundation for the film. The movie also featured clever nods to other films in the NCCU, enhancing its charm for fans of the genre.

Although the film adheres to the typical rom-com formula, complete with predictable plot twists, it succeeds in being an enjoyable distraction for viewers looking for lighthearted entertainment during the holiday season. With its festive spirit and easygoing narrative, The Merry Gentlemen is perfect for those wanting to unwind without much thought.

A Christmas Story

 

A Christmas Story, directed by Bob Clark and released in 1983, is a holiday classic that transports viewers to the 1940s through the eyes of young Ralphie Parker, played by Peter Billingsley. The film is based on the writings of Jean Shepherd, who also provides the narration of Ralphie's journey and singular obsession with securing a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas.

The themes around the essence of childhood longing and family dynamics drive the narrative, as Ralphie navigates the challenges of convincing his parents, teacher, and even Santa Claus that the gift he wants is essential to his happiness. While the film is often celebrated for its charm and humor, it will not resonate with everyone. The heavy use of voiceover was distracting from the storytelling, as it felt excessive at times.  Additionally, about halfway through the film I could feel my interest waning from boredom, as the story wasn’t very engaging to me.

For a 1980s film I did appreciate seeing some diversity in the casting, even though they were primary background actors with no lines. As for the main cast, there were many moments where the performances were cringe worthy rather than comedic because of prevalent overacting.

Despite these shortcomings, I am aware that A Christmas Story holds a significant place in American culture as a beloved holiday staple. In 2012, it was preserved in the United States National Film Registry for its cultural and historical importance. The film's ability to evoke nostalgia through its soundtrack and memorable phrases resonated with many viewers; however, others may find that it doesn't age well and lacks the engaging quality they hoped for.

The Six Triple Eight

 

Tyler Perry's The Six Triple Eight highlights the true story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black, all-female unit to serve overseas during World War II. The film portrays their strength and resilience against bigotry while showcasing the contributions of African American women to the war effort. Kerry Washington stars as Major Charity Adams, the first African American woman officer in the Women's Army Corps (WAC).

The casting was full of beautiful, uniquely different women of color. While Washington delivered a competent performance, I felt like she lacked the intensity expected from a pioneering leader facing significant racial and gender discrimination. Additionally, with such a large cast, some characters felt underdeveloped due to limited screen time. This detracted from the emotional impact of certain story arcs, leaving me wanting more depth from specific individuals.

The film effectively captured the women's camaraderie and their mission to process millions of pieces of backlogged mail, emphasizing their motto, "No mail, low morale." Even though the pacing was slow at first, as the story unfolded, it picked up momentum, ultimately drawing me in so that by the end, I was fully invested in their journey

In the end, The Six Triple Eight is an important film that sheds light on a neglected chapter of history, making it a valuable watch for both history enthusiasts and casual viewers. It offers a fresh perspective on World War II through the eyes of those who were historically erased.

It's a Wonderful Life

 

Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life is a 1946 holiday classic that explores profound themes of community, redemption, and the value of life. The film follows George Bailey, played by James Stewart, who sacrifices his dreams to support his family and community. On Christmas Eve, facing despair, he contemplates suicide, prompting the intervention of his guardian angel, Clarence.

While the story carried significant emotional weight and the film’s soundtrack effectively enhanced its emotional themes, Stewart's performance felt overly dramatic at times, detracting from the film's impact. The casting choices also raised eyebrows; Stewart, at 37, portrayed a character aging from 21 to 38, which was hard to accept. Additionally, the film featured only one Black character, depicted in a stereotypical role, highlighting its outdated approach to diversity.

The script contained corny moments and reflected antiquated views on gender and discipline—scenes involving physical aggression towards women and children felt jarring by todays standards. At 130 minutes, the pacing dragged at times, particularly in the first half.

In the end, while I can acknowledge that It's a Wonderful Life is a beloved classic for many due to its uplifting message about the interconnectedness of lives and the importance of kindness and community support, I also recognize that it may not resonate as well with today's audiences. For first-time viewers, the film's outdated themes and problematic elements make it less ideal, and it may not be worth revisiting for those familiar with more contemporary storytelling.

Carry-On

 

Carry-On is a Netflix-produced Christmas action thriller directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. The film stars Taron Egerton as Ethan Kopek, a TSA agent who finds himself blackmailed by a mysterious traveler, played by Jason Bateman. Set on Christmas Eve at Los Angeles International Airport, the plot revolves around Ethan being coerced into allowing a dangerous package to slip through security.

While the concept was engaging and set up a tense atmosphere, the storyline quickly became formulaic, with predictable twists that detracted from the suspense. The script often veered into unrealistic territory, leading to moments that felt frustratingly corny.

Despite its shortcomings in plot development, Carry-On featured a diverse cast that added some freshness to the holiday thriller genre. However, this diversity was overshadowed by insufficient character development across the board. The characters' arcs felt underexplored, which hindered audience investment in their stories.

In the end, Carry-On did not offer much in the non-traditional holiday movie category. Its predictable plot and lackluster character development ultimately hindered its potential to stand out in the genre. For viewers looking for depth alongside their thrills, this film may not have fully satisfied their cravings for a compelling Christmas narrative.

The Holiday

 

The Holiday is a Christmas romantic comedy directed by Nancy Meyers, featuring Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz as Iris and Amanda, two women from different backgrounds seeking to escape heartbreak. They arrange a home exchange, with Iris moving from her quaint English village to a luxurious Los Angeles mansion, while Amanda experiences life in a picturesque English cottage.

Although there was a severe lack of diversity in casting, the film still managed to present well-developed characters that explore themes of love, self-discovery, and taking risks. Winslet delivered a poignant performance as Iris, while Diaz shined as the emotionally guarded Amanda. Their contrasting personalities created an engaging dynamic that propelled the story forward. Supporting roles by Jude Law and Jack Black added depth, with Law providing warmth as Graham, and Black portraying Miles, who helped Iris find joy again.

While The Holiday followed some familiar romantic comedy tropes and predictable moments, its heartfelt storytelling and relatable characters made it enjoyable. The film emphasized friendship and the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone. Hans Zimmer's score beautifully complemented the heartwarming narrative, enhancing the emotional moments without overshadowing the story.

Overall, The Holiday, which came out in 2006, held up well to today's standards. It combined romance, humor, and holiday spirit in a timeless way, making it a delightful film to revisit during the festive season.

Eyes Wide Shut

 

Eyes Wide Shut, Stanley Kubrick's final film released in 1999, is an erotic mystery starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman as Dr. Bill and Alice Hartford. The film explores the psychological aftermath of Alice's confession about her sexual fantasies, which sends Bill on a surreal journey through New York City's sexual underworld.

The plot dove into the depths of human desire and marital discord. I felt like Bill's reaction to his wife's fantasy was illogical, but it did lead to the exploration of deeper themes of jealousy, trust, and the fragility of masculinity. The film's title aptly alluded to each characters' willful blindness to uncomfortable truths.

Contrary to expectations for a thriller, the soundtrack failed to enhance the film's suspense or mystery. Instead, it often felt disconnected from the on-screen action, missing opportunities to heighten the tension in key scenes.  

Nicole Kidman delivered a standout performance, bringing depth and complexity to her role as Alice. In contrast, Tom Cruise's portrayal of Bill was somewhat one-dimensional, reminiscent of his typical on-screen persona.

The film's treatment of sexuality, particularly its portrayal of women, was problematic by today's standards. The abundance of female nudity compared to the absence of male nudity felt gratuitous and unnecessary in several scenes, contributing to an overall sense of female objectification.

In the end, Eyes Wide Shut has not aged well and may be off-putting to modern audiences with its questionable portrayals. It was an unfortunate final entry in Kubrick's illustrious filmography.

Our Little Secret

Our Little Secret is a Netflix's holiday romantic comedy starring Lindsay Lohan as Avery. The story centers around Avery's first Christmas with her boyfriend's family, where unexpected encounters lead to humorous and heartfelt moments. The film captures the essence of the holiday spirit while exploring themes of love, past relationships, and personal growth.

The plot was engaging and easy to follow, adhering to the classic rom-com formula that many viewers know and love. While it was predictable at times, the film's warmth and humor make it a cozy watch for the holiday season. It thoughtfully addressed themes of grief and reconciliation, reminding audiences that sometimes happiness can be found in unexpected places. This emotional layer resonated particularly well during the holidays when family dynamics are often at play.

One of the film's strengths was its diverse cast, which added depth and relatability to the story. Lindsay Lohan's return to leading roles was a highlight of Our Little Secret. Her performance showcased her comedic talent and charisma, marking an exciting chapter in her career revival with Netflix. The ensemble cast, including Ian Harding, Kristin Chenoweth, and Tim Meadows, brought a dynamic energy to the screen, playing well off each other and enhancing the film's overall charm.

In the end, Our Little Secret may not reinvent the holiday rom-com genre, but it offers an enjoyable viewing experience filled with laughter and warmth.

Gladiator II

 

Gladiator II, stylized as GLADIIATOR, is the much-anticipated sequel to Ridley Scott's 2000 epic Gladiator. It follows Lucius, played by Paul Mescal, whose peaceful life in North Africa is shattered when General Acacius, played by Pedro Pascal, invades his home. Forced into slavery and the Colosseum, Lucius seeks revenge against Acacius with the help of Macrinus, played by Denzel Washington. As he fights for his freedom, he grapples with his royal heritage under the corrupt rule of twin emperors Geta and Caracalla.

While the film boasted impressive action sequences, it suffered from a lack of originality. The plot felt like a rehash of the original, relying heavily on nostalgia without offering new insights and very few surprises. The recycled visuals and soundtrack failed to evoke the emotional depth of Hans Zimmer's iconic score.

The film's cast diversity was commendable, showcasing women in strong leadership roles, although their character arcs were underdeveloped. Additionally Mescal struggled to match his performance to the strong performances from Pascal and Washington who managed to steal the show, even with a weak script and minimal character development.

Ultimately, GLADIIATOR felt like a missed opportunity, living in the shadow of its predecessor lacking the depth and emotional connection that made Gladiator a classic. It's a watchable but forgettable sequel that will leave viewers wanting more.

Love Actually

Love Actually is a 2003 Christmas romantic comedy that weaves together multiple storylines exploring different aspects of love. Directed by Richard Curtis, the film brings together an impressive ensemble cast of British actors, including Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, and Keira Knightley. Set in London, the story unfolds over five weeks leading up to Christmas, with an epilogue taking place in the New Year.

While the film had its charms, it was not without flaws. The soundtrack, though featuring popular songs of the time, sometimes felt oddly placed and forced, not always complementing the scenes effectively. The multitude of interconnected stories was, at times, overwhelming, causing confusion about character relationships and making it challenging to fully invest in any single narrative.

The abundance of plotlines also resulted in some characters appearing one-dimensional, making it difficult for me to form strong attachments or root for specific outcomes. The lack of diversity was also an issue. Chiwetel Ejiofor was the only person of color and had very little screen time. Additionally, certain story arcs left loose ends or didn't quite make sense, and some aspects of the humor, particularly the fat jokes, did not age well in today's cultural climate.

Despite these shortcomings, Love Actually did offer some enjoyable elements. The film showcased the talents of its star-studded cast, with standout performances from Emma Thompson and Hugh Grant. The inclusion of celebrity cameos also added a fun, lighthearted touch to the overall experience.

Love Actually has always been marketed as a popular Christmas movie that captures the spirit of love and connection during the holiday season. However, even with its occasional heartwarming moments and light comedy, I felt that the film’s flaws outweighed its happier moments. The convoluted plotlines, one-dimensional characters, lack of diversity and outdated humor left me feeling that it ultimately fell short of expectations.