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.