Rebel Moon —Part One: Child of Fire
Rebel Rememberance
PRAISE: Director and writer Zacks Snyders latest movie definitely made me remember about a dozen Sci Fi and Fantasy films that have come before it.
I admire it for its ambition as the story about a peaceful colony on the edge of a galaxy finds itself threatened by the armies of a tyrannical ruling force, Kora (Sofia Boutella) rebels and gathers other rebels throughout the galaxy.
The various characters are interesting including Djimon Hounsou as Titus ; Ed Skrein as Atticus Noble ; Bae Doona as Nemesis ; Ray Fisher as Bloodaxe ; Charlie Hunnam as Kai and Cleopatra Coleman as Devra. The action sequences are good for the most part laced with some good SFX . There some good character building especially for Kora and the various worlds have interesting looks and detail.
PROBLEMS: There are some areas in which the movie is lacking in creativity. I definitely sat there saying that's from Star Wars and oh that's from the Matrix.
The problem with setting up a universe like this with a sequel already in place even with a two hour and fifteen minute run time several of the multiple characters are going to have well let's find out more of them next time arc.Some of the action sequences are a bit jumbled.
The dialog was definitely a bit off at times adding to an almost lumbering feel the movie has at times. Definitely a couple of predictable moments.
Scale of 1 to 10 a 7
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
Addio Aquaman
PRAISE : Trying to settle into a life as a father, husband, king of Atlantis and Aquaman isn't easy and is made even more difficult by a revenge seeking Black Manta.
Jason Momoa always seems to enjoy himself as Aquaman so no surprises there. Basically the same as he ever was but leaning towards being more responsible. The lost kingdom parts of the film were interesting with the finding of ancient weapons and creatures suddenly turned on and awakened.
When Aquaman teams up with hi half-brother Orm Marius, aka the Ocean Master (Patrick Wilson) the movie turns into an underwater Tango and Cash . There are some funny moments and oneliners between the two. Especially with Orm being the "fish out of water"
Seeing the different factions that make up hidden portions of the world was fun.There was a standout action sequence I really enjoyed and I really liked how it was filmed.
Black Manta , aka David Kane (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), has always been one of my favorite DC villains so it was still a thrill to see the character in live action.
I applaud everyone behind the great creature designs and CGI used when the origin of The Lost Kingdom is told. I appreciate them not fully taking the hey lets all be friends route.
PROBLEMS: Definitely some cheesy and silly moments throughout the movie. There are several maybe we shouldn't do that moments in the movie which just added to the predictable paths the story takes. The stakes and revenge portions of the story felt watered down from what the trailers for the movie offered. The first movie was definitely better. It lacks the punch and memorable moments of the first film like The Trench and when Aquaman accepts his destiny and rides in thunderously into battle. Maybe the WB cut to many parts and just wanted to close this Era of DC movies quickly.
Scale of 1 to 10 a 7
Ferrari
Fast but not Full
PRAISE: This is the third biopic I have watched this year in which the person in the title is smart and successful but has an ultra complicated personal life.
Adam Driver completely immerses himself into the role of Enzo Ferrari. It is Drivers performance and some pretty good make up work that made me forget I was watching Driver. There is a coldness to him,but through the performance you see how passionate and loving Ferrari was about the women in his life and his children. The passion for having the best cars and racers in the lanes is also displayed in a great way.
I really love how actresses are being directed and how the actresses are portraying the women in these biopic as of late. It's not always through yelling or their actions on screen but what is expressed on their faces the disdain and the pain. I think Penelope Cruz as the wife of Ferrari ,Laura nails all of the aforementioned. Shailene Woodleys performance as Lina Lardi,Ferraris long time lover and mother of his son Piero may be more quiet and subdued than Cruzs you can see the longing in her expressions and words to Ferrari.
Director Michael man does well with the family drama ,the whole Ferrari dynamic is what grabbed me in the movies first few minutes. What's said between them made me very involved.
The racing scenes are tightly shot with the addition of narrow roads and streets as the cars zoom through were very thrilling. One scene literally took my b breath away.
PROBLEMS: I wish there had been a better balance between the dramatic and racing scenes. Some just didn't blend well. When the movie ends I couldn't help but feel like something had been left out of the full course meal I thought I was being served. Sure I know you can't jam a person's whole life into two or three hours but I think at least twenty more minutes would have satisfied me.
Scale of 1 to 10 an 8½
