Emilia Pérez

 

Emilia Pérez is a Spanish musical crime drama directed by French filmmaker Jacques Audiard, starring Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón and Selena Gomez. The story centers on Manitas Del Monte, a formidable Mexican drug cartel leader who fakes his death to undergo gender-affirming surgery.

The film's attempt to blend melodrama, musical theater, and social commentary resulted in a tonally inconsistent experience. The musical numbers felt uninspired and poorly integrated, with noticeable vocal struggles and awkward transitions from dialogue to song. While the plot offered moments of unpredictability, it lacked substantial depth, and the superficial exploration of serious issues like Mexico’s disappeared victims undermined their potential impact. Additionally, the depiction of gender-affirming surgery lacked the necessary sensitivity and nuance, understandably drawing criticism from LGBTQ+ communities

Cultural misrepresentation was another significant flaw; despite being set in Mexico, the main cast is not predominantly Mexican. Native Spanish speakers also criticized the dialogue saying it was disconnected from its cultural context. Audiard’s lack of direct ties to Mexico exacerbated this issue, which resulted in a perspective that lacked an authentic portrayal.​

Zoe Saldaña and Karla Sofía Gascón delivered commendable performances, bringing emotional depth to their roles despite the script's limited character development. Saldaña, portrayal of Rita, a lawyer entangled in Emilia's transformation, offered a grounded intensity that added complexity to the narrative. Gascón's portrayal of Emilia captured the internal conflict of a character seeking redemption while haunted by past transgressions.

Despite the off-screen controversies that plagued its awards season, Emilia Pérez, ultimately faltered due to its own cinematic shortcomings. The musical numbers detracted from the overall experience, and its handling of sensitive topics like gender identity and Mexico’s social issues felt superficial. Though celebrated at Cannes and recognized with numerous awards, including Oscars for Best Supporting Actress (Saldaña) and Best Original Song ("El Mal"), Emilia Pérez fell short of being a truly Oscar-worthy film in my opinion. Despite its ambitious premise, the film's execution was inconsistent, leaving much to be desired.​

Captain America: Brave New World

 

Captain America: Brave New World continues the journey of Sam Wilson, played by Anthony Mackie, as he embraces his role as the new Captain America. Following the events of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier miniseries. The film delves into Wilson's efforts to navigate an international crisis, uncovering a complex domestic conspiracy.

One of the film's strengths lied in its diverse cast and the commendable character development. Anthony Mackie delivered a solid performance, capturing Wilson's internal struggle to live up to the legacy of his predecessor. Harrison Ford's portrayal of President Thaddeus Ross stood out, as he brought range and depth to a character with a complicated past.

However, the film fell into familiar territory with a plot that mirrored previous Avengers movies, leading to a sense of predictability. The action sequences, while well-choreographed, lacked the enthusiasm expected in a superhero blockbuster, resulting in moments that felt sluggish.

Thematically, the movie touched on profound concepts such as resilience, looking beyond external appearances, and recognizing one's intrinsic worth. These messages were woven throughout the narrative, offering viewers moments of reflection amidst the action.

The title, Brave New World, seemed to be a nod toward Aldous Huxley's renowned novel, hinting at themes of control and conformity. However, the film didn’t explicitly explore these dystopian elements, leaving the significance of the title somewhat ambiguous.

In the end, while Captain America: Brave New World was filled with strong performances and meaningful themes, it struggled with pacing and originality. For viewers who appreciated The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, this film offers a continuation of Sam Wilson's story, though it may not fully satisfy those seeking a fresh take on the superhero genre.

The Apprentice

 

The Apprentice is a biographical drama directed by Ali Abbasi that explores the formative years of Donald Trump in 1970s and '80s New York. The film focuses on Trump's rise power and the toxic relationship between him and infamous lawyer Roy Cohn.

The screenplay by Gabriel Sherman offered a stark portrayal of ambition, manipulation, and the ruthless pursuit of power. The film's use of a Scarface-like score amplified its villainous undertones, underscoring the morally bankrupt world inhabited by Trump and Cohn.

Sebastian Stan delivered an eerily accurate portrayal of Trump, capturing his voice, mannerisms, and underlying volatility. Jeremy Strong's performance as Roy Cohn was equally impressive, embodying the cutthroat lawyer with chilling precision. Both actors received Best Actor and Supporting Actor nominations, respectively, at the Academy Awards, Golden Globes and BAFTAs, along with Strong also earning a SAG nomination.

The film's cinematography deliberately evoked the gritty aesthetic of 1980s cinema, which added authenticity to the narrative. While the film offered a compelling exploration of its subject matter, it is worth noting that it didn’t necessarily provide new insights into Trump's psyche but instead helped folks understand the root cause behind his bad behavior.

In the end, The Apprentice offered a thought-provoking exploration of how power can corrupt and how unbridled ambition can lead to devastating outcomes. This film is essential viewing for anyone seeking to understand the origins of Donald Trump, a figure who continues to polarize public opinion. Despite facing attempts to suppress its release, the film persevered, which is a testament to the bravery and dedication of its cast and crew. By pushing forward in the face of adversity, they ensured that this important narrative reached audiences, providing a critical examination of the darker aspects of ambition and power.

Notting Hill

 

Notting Hill is director Roger Michell's 1999 romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. It tells the story of a London bookstore owner who unexpectedly falls for a world-famous American actress.

The film, written by Richard Curtis, was easy to follow and enjoyable to watch. It was full of witty dialogue and relatable characters. Surprisingly, almost 30 years later, this film has managed to hold up exceptionally well, maintaining its warmth and humor decades later.

The strong performances and undeniable chemistry between its leads, made it a genuinely enjoyable experience. Hugh Grant's bumbling charm as William Thacker and Julia Roberts' radiant presence with great range, as Anna Scott, created a captivating on-screen dynamic. However, the film's glaring flaw was its lack of diversity. The near-total absence of people of color, with the sole exception being a character reduced to a stereotypical and offensive portrayal, was a significant oversight. This lack of representation definitely detracted from the film's overall appeal and reflected a dated perspective. On a positive note, the inclusion of a disabled character, Emma Chambers' Honey Thacker, was handled with sensitivity. She was portrayed as a fully developed individual, with a vibrant personality, rather than simply being defined by her wheelchair, which was a welcome and refreshing addition.

Despite its flaws, Notting Hill still managed to deliver a heartwarming and entertaining story. The strength of its performances and storytelling prove why it remains a charming and enduring classic.

A Complete Unknown

 

James Mangold's A Complete Unknown is a period drama that offers a glimpse into Bob Dylan's transformative years in the early 1960s. The movie chronicles Dylan's arrival in New York at 19, his ascent in the folk music scene, and his bold transition to electric instruments—a move that sent shockwaves through the music world.

The film's pacing was a bit long but mostly engaging, thanks to Mangold's skillful intertwining of Dylan's personal journey with significant U.S. historical events of the era. This provided valuable context to his artistic evolution, highlighting how Dylan's music became intertwined with the social and political shifts of the time. The Guardian noted a commanding theme of how, in the right hands, music can become a powerful weapon, with its galvanizing force. This theme is well-explored through Dylan's journey, as his music evolves, reflecting and influencing the changing landscape of American society.

The costumes authentically reflected the period, immersing viewers in the early '60s era. However, despite being set in the multicultural backdrop of New York City, the film's lack of diversity was noticeable. Characters of color received minimal development and dialogue, which was a missed opportunity to fully capture the era's rich cultural tapestry. This oversight detracted from the film's otherwise immersive portrayal of the time.

Regarding the performances, Timothée Chalamet delivered a compelling portrayal of Bob Dylan, capturing the young artist's rebellious, sometimes immature and bratty spirit, as well as his musical genius. His embodiment of Dylan's mannerisms and voice, combined with his live singing and guitar playing during filming, showcased his dedication to the role. His character was both relatable and intriguing. Additionally, Chalamet played well off of the supporting cast, which helped to enhance the narrative's depth. Edward Norton portrayed Pete Seeger as a benevolent figure, highlighting Seeger's efforts to promote emerging artists, including people of color, while also illustrating his resistance to the evolution of music. Elle Fanning played Sylvie Russo, a character inspired by Suze Rotolo, Dylan's girlfriend at the time. Russo was portrayed as self-sufficient, intelligent and influential in Dylan's activism, yet still easily influenced when it came to her relationship with Dylan.

While A Complete Unknown is not a film I would watch repeatedly, it was certainly worth viewing once for its historical significance and the performances of Elle Fanning and Timothée Chalamet. The movie provided a valuable insight into Bob Dylan's formative years and the cultural shifts of the 1960s, making it a worthwhile watch for anyone interested in musical history.

The Wild Robot

 

The Wild Robot is an animated comedy drama featuring the voices of Lupita Nyong'o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, Matt Berry, Ving Rhames, Mark Hamill, and Catherine O'Hara. After a shipwreck leaves the intelligent robot Roz stranded on a remote island, she must adapt to survive.

The engaging story, which carried echoes of the animated film WALL-E, was a compelling exploration of collaboration and the interconnectedness of life. The film explored themes of growing up, independence, finding one's place, and the profound bonds of motherhood, all woven into a beautifully animated story. This gem tugged at the heartstrings while delivering a thought-provoking narrative.

Roz's journey to connect with the island's animal inhabitants, and her unexpected role as a caregiver to an orphaned baby goose, was both touching and inspiring. The film was a definite tearjerker, filled with genuinely heartfelt moments that will resonate with audiences of all ages.

The diverse voice cast brought the characters to life with warmth and authenticity, adding to the film's overall charm.

The Wild Robot is more than just a children's film. It's a poignant and beautifully crafted story that explores universal themes of belonging and the power of connection. It's sure to leave a lasting impression.

One of them Days

 

One of Them Days, starring Keke Palmer and SZA, centers on best friends and roommates Dreux and Alyssa as they scramble to recoup their rent money after a boyfriend's betrayal. What follows is a chaotic race against time, testing their friendship and pushing them to hilarious extremes.

The plot delivered a breezy, comedic ride reminiscent of the Friday franchise. It treaded on familiar territory, offering few surprises. Its strength shined with its vibrant energy and undeniable "Black Girl Magic." From the leads to writer Syreeta Singleton, and the infectious soundtrack, the film celebrates Black female talent.

SZA, in her first major acting role, proved to be a natural comedian and actor. Her lines were delivered in a believable and funny. She was likable and possesses excellent comedic timing, displaying a surprising aptitude for physical comedy. Keke Palmer, as always, demonstrated her impressive range and comedic prowess in a consistently entertaining performance. Maude Apatow also added to the film's charm, continuing her streak of likeable roles.

One of Them Days is an easy-to-follow, feel-good comedy. While its predictability may be a drawback for some, the film's undeniable chemistry, humor, and celebration of Black female talent make it a worthwhile watch. It's a fun, lighthearted experience that will leave you smiling.