Month: May 2021

Today’s quick review: The Wind Rises. Ever since he was a boy, Jiro Horikoshi (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) has dreamed of building airplanes. Taking inspiration from Italian aircraft designer Count Caproni (Stanley Tucci), Jiro lands a job designing one of Japan’s first metal fighter planes. As he wrestles with the technical and ethical challenges of his work, a twist of fate introduces him to the love of his life: Nahoko Satomi (Emily Blunt).

The Wind Rises is a Japanese animated romantic drama written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The movie is based loosely on the life and career of Jiro Horikoshi, as well as on a novel by Hori Tatsuo. The Wind Rises takes Miyazaki’s signature style and applies it to a grounded, biographical story set in 1930s Japan. The movie’s touching themes and visual artistry make it an effective drama, but it lacks the raw imagination that fans may expect.

The Wind Rises is one of Hayao Miyazaki’s more mature works. The film retains the gorgeous visuals and gentle tone he is known for, but it weaves in more realistic concerns as well. Jiro’s love of aviation is pure and shines through in the animation, but the specter of war threatens to twist his designs to destructive ends. His romance with Nahoko is similarly mature, a sweet and earnest tale of love in the face of hardship.

The result is a beautiful, wistful film that touches on life’s challenges without giving in to despair. The Wind Rises is not as fanciful as other Studio Ghibli films, nor is its story as active. Those hoping for the simple escape of a fantasy world will not find it here. But those who are interested in a contemplative film with fine craftsmanship and life-affirming themes should give The Wind Rises a try.

For a more adventurous Miyazaki film about the love of flying, try Porco Ross or Kiki’s Delivery Service. For a more hopeful romance from Studio Ghibli, try Whisper of the Heart. For a romance with a historical setting and touches of fantasy, try Millennium Actress. For a similarly beautiful and much more tragic story of World War II’s impact on Japan, check out Grave of the Fireflies.

7.8 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for beautiful animation and a bittersweet story.

“It’s pizza time.” —Batman

Today’s quick review: Batman vs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. While investigating a series of robberies in Gotham, Batman (Troy Baker) finds something unexpected: the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Eric Bauza, Darren Criss, Kyle Mooney, and Baron Vaughn). After a brief conflict, the heroes find that they have something in common: Shredder (Andrew Kishino) has allied himself with Ra’s al Ghul (Cas Anvar) and has a plan to bring Gotham to its knees.

Batman vs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is an animated superhero team-up movie. The crossover sees Batman and his allies join forces with Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Donatello to stop a pair of fiendish villains and their ninja clans. The movie holds appeal as a comedy and an adventure, achieving a fun blend of the universes and a fair amount of action. However, its somewhat basic story and odd nature won’t appeal to everyone.

Batman vs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles finds interesting ways to combine the worlds of Batman and the Turtles. The plans and ninja henchmen of Ra’s al Ghul and Shredder are the most obvious point of overlap, but the movie also brings in Batgirl (Rachel Bloom), Robin (Ben Giroux), and Alfred (Brian George) for the Turtles to interact with. The jokes aren’t all winners, but enough of them hit the mark to make the movie an entertaining watch.

Batman vs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is on slightly shakier ground with its story. Around half of the film is spent on setup, while the remaining half is a straight team-up. The movie gets the basics right but skews generic, feeling more like a spin-off of a Saturday morning cartoon than a cohesive story in its own right. The two franchises blend well enough, but most of what they gain is in the form of character interactions and humor.

Batman vs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is worth a watch for fans of either franchise. Those who prefer the serious side of Batman won’t get much out of it; its story has no illusions of grandeur. But those who are intrigued by the premise, enjoy the characters, or simply want a bit of superhero action should give it a shot. Batman vs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is not an outstanding entry into the genre, but it does deliver what it promises.

For a light-hearted Batman adventure in a similar vein, try Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders. For an even goofier Batman adventure, try The Lego Batman Movie or Batman Ninja. For a more dramatic, live-action take on Ra’s al Ghul, try Batman Begins.

7.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for light-hearted fun.

Today’s quick review: Millennium Actress. Once a famous actress, Chiyoko Fujiwara (Miyoko Shoji) retired from public life to spend the rest of her life in solitude. Now in her seventies, Chiyoko agress to an interview with Genya Tachibana (Shozo Izuka), an ardent fan of hers. As Chiyoko opens up about her personal life and her career, Genya and his cameraman Kyoji Ida (Masaya Onosaka) are drawn into a bittersweet tale of lost love.

Millennium Actress is a Japanese animated romance from director Satoshi Kon. The movie journeys through the memories and filmography of an aging actress as she recounts her life story to an interviewer. Fact and fiction blend together as Chiyoko chases her young love through the decades of her life. Millennium Actress combines beautiful animation, artful direction, and an emotionally potent story into one cohesive whole.

Millennium Actress is a gorgeous movie visually and narratively. The animation is done in the same richly detailed style as Satoshi Kon’s other films, with dynamic movement that doesn’t sacrifice the art’s realistic designs. Kon’s touch is evident in the direction as well: even the basic machinery of the film is a delight to watch. The way the camera moves, the clever transitions, and the sense of momentum all contribute to an immersive experience.

Millennium Actress handles its story just as well. The story weaves between Chiyoko’s biography and her film roles, slipping from one to the other at the drop of a hat. The journey is a whirlwind tour of 20th century Japan and the genres of Japanese cinema, all linked together by Chiyoko’s search for a man she met in her youth. The tone is very well-judged, balancing out the tragic aspects of the story with humor and an infectious optimism.

Millennium Actress is a finely crafted movie that will appeal to a wide audience. Its mixture of romance, drama, comedy, and history may not be what some viewers are looking for, but even skeptical viewers will find that it has a lot to offer. Just how much you get out of it will come down to taste, but Millennium Actress has everything it needs to be a moving and memorable watch.

For a heartwarming comedy from the same director, try Tokyo Godfathers. For a more tragic period piece, try Grave of the Fireflies. For another beautiful tale of young love, try Whisper of the Heart. For a live-action retrospective of a storied life, try Cinema Paradiso or Citizen Kane.

7.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 to 8.0 for gorgeous direction and a touching story.

Today’s quick review: Redline. Through a lucky break, JP (Patrick Seitz) gets the chance to compete in Redline, the galaxy’s premier race. With the best of the best competing, JP sets out to prove his skill, impress fellow racer Sonoshee McLaren (Michelle Ruff), and make some money on the side with his best friend Frisbee (Liam O’Brien). The only catch is the race’s location: Roboworld, a hostile planet that plans to shut down the race by force.

Redline is a Japanese animated sci-fi action movie about the galaxy’s biggest race. Set in a colorful universe of aliens and machines, Redline follows JP, a talented driver with a checkered past, as he prepares for the race of his life. The movie features an exaggerated art style, striking designs, intense race scenes, a pulse-pounding soundtrack, and a likable hero. Redline’s energy and style make it a great pick for fans of action-oriented anime.

Redline is an experience. The world it takes place in is packed with bizarre aliens, heavy machinery, and cultural quirks. Everything is drawn in a colorful, detailed art style that exaggerates the weirdness of the designs while paving the way for the film’s imaginative, no-holds-barred races. The animtion does an excellent job of conveying the sheer speed of the races, while the thumping soundtrack brings them to life.

Beyond its visuals, Redline is a straightforward but satisfying racing story. JP makes for a likable lead, a talented racer with a laidback attitude and a genuine love for the sport. His budding relationship with Sonoshee gives the film a sweet center, while the combination of a high-stakes race, attacks from Roboworld, and Frisbee’s double dealing inject just enough tension. What results is a short but dense story with everything it needs.

The one major drawback of Redline is that it can be a lot to take in. The movie throws new names and characters at the viewer with reckless abandon, and while this leads to a rich world, it also makes it an overwhelming one. Likewise, not everyone will enjoy the film’s weird designs, and even those who end up liking them in the end may need some time to get used to them. But despite its superficial strangeness, the film’s heart keeps it grounded.

Watch Redline if you’re interested in a stylized anime with plenty of action and an enjoyable story. Redline’s extremes won’t appeal to everyone, but the combination of impressive visuals, a feel-good tone, and raw adrenaline make it worth a try for anyone who’s curious. Those looking for something conventional may want to skip it. For the live-action equivalent, try Speed Racer. For another stylized, off-the-wall anime, try MFKZ.

7.5 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it the same for inventive designs, high energy, and a surprising amount of heart.

“So, are you amazed yet?” —Galo Thymos

Today’s quick review: Promare. Thirty years after pyrokinetic mutants known as the Burnish engulfed the planet in flames, rookie firefighter Galo Thymos (Billy Kametz) works with search and rescue team Burning Rescue to keep Promepolis safe. Their primary foes are Mad Burnish, a terrorist group determined to burn the city to the ground. But Galo learns that there’s more going on when he meets Lio Fotia (Johnny Yong Bosch), the group’s leader.

Promare is a Japanese animated sci-fi action movie from Studio Trigger. Set in a future where the appearance of a new race of mutants has radically changed the world, the movie follows the hotheaded Galo Thymos as he tries to protect his city from the rampaging Burnish. Promare features a unique premise, a vivid art style, dynamic animation, and heaping servings of action. Its infectious spirit makes it an excellent watch for the right viewer.

Promare is a smorgasbord of action. The fights between Burning Rescue and Mad Burnish involve firefighters in robotic armor taking on mutants decked out in living flame, all set against the towering skyscrapers of Promepolis. The action is fast-paced and energetic, with sharp character designs, free-flowing camerawork, and a willingness to take things even further over the top. There’s also plenty of it, packing the movie from start to finish.

Promare also has a distinctive visual style based on geometric designs and bold uses of color. The style works well with the movie’s kinetic animation and larger-than-life setting. The movie also has an artistic toolkit that’s flexible enough for a variety of situations, dipping into simpler art and CGI as appropriate. The only downside is that Promare’s visuals can be overwhelming at times, especially during its already frenetic action scenes.

As for its story, Promare is a straightforward conflict with a couple of unexpected twists. The basics of the plot will feel familiar to most viewers from similar stories, but between the fire theming and a few aggressive shifts in focus, Promare manages to keep things fresh. However, the film does play fast and loose with its plot logic. Promare relies heavily on humor, braggadocio, and raw action to patch up its plot’s more extravagant leaps.

Fans of the action-packed side of anime will want to give Promare a shot. Between its unique art style and the sheer amount of energy it brings to the table, Promare makes for an excellent pick for anyone on the right wavelength. The only catch is that the film is strongly hit-or-miss: its loose story and searing visuals will rub some viewers the wrong way in spite of its virtues. Those looking for over-the-top fun should check it out.

For a family superhero movie with a similar story, try Big Hero Six. For a more grounded, live-action take on the mech genre, try Pacific Rim.

6.8 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 to 8.0 for effervescent action, dynamic visuals, and sheer energy; your score will vary depending on how its tone and art style catch you.

Today’s quick review: Walking Tall. After eight years of military service, Chris Vaughn (Dwayne Johnson) returns to his hometown to find it a changed place. A casino owned by Jay Hamilton (Neal McDonough) has replaced the lumber mill as the town’s main source of revenue, dealers are selling drugs to children, and the sheriff (Michael Bowen) looks the other way. Fed up with the injustice, Chris decides to take the law into his own hands.

Walking Tall is an action movie about a veteran who sets out to clean up his hometown by force. Loosely based on a true story, Walking Tall sees Chris Vaughn go from victim to hero as he tackles the criminal activity coming from Jay’s casino. The movie features up-close-and-personal action that makes good use of Dwayne Johnson’s physique, plus a feel-good attitude. However, its short run time and loose drama limit it to being a popcorn watch.

Walking Tall’s main appeal is justified violence. Chris is a responsible, reasonable man who gets pushed too far by Jay’s thugs. His direct approach to problem-solving leads to the movie’s healthy complement of brawling and property damage, with the occasional shootout as things get heated. Walking Tall doesn’t concern itself too much with whether Chris is technically in the right, opting for the simpler draw of bad men getting what they deserve.

The tradeoff, though, is that Walking Tall does not have the depth that it could have. The movie touches briefly on questions of justice, violence, and the dangers of drugs, then brushes past them in favor of more action. This won’t be much of a loss for action fans, but those hoping for a nuanced crime drama may be frustrated by how close the movie comes. Additionally, Walking Tall sticks to a brief, fast-paced plot without many surprises.

Walking Tall is a decent pick for fans of the Rock or of action movies in general. Its easy premise and satisfying action make it a feel-good watch for anyone isn’t a stickler for realistic drama. Those who prefer deeper stories or more exaggerated action will get less out of it. For a more aggressive Dwayne Johnson movie about a man’s hunt for justice, try Faster. For a grittier tale of a veteran pushed beyond his limits, try First Blood.

6.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for straightforward action and likable characters.

Today’s quick review: I Am Wrath. Stan Hill (John Travolta), a family man with a violent past, returns to his old ways when his wife Vivian (Rebecca De Mornay) is killed in an apparent mugging. Teaming up with his old friend Dennis (Christopher Meloni), Stan begins hunting down the killers one by one. But as he digs deeper, he’s shocked ot learn that Vivian’s murder wasn’t random but tied to her work for Governor Meserve (Patrick St. Esprit).

I Am Wrath is a gritty action movie about a man out to get revenge for the murder of his wife. I Am Wrath takes a standard action movie premise and runs with it, forcing Stan Hill to delve deeper and deeper into a world of violence in order to avenge an injustice. The premise leads to a few decent shootouts, but the overall execution leaves something to be desired. Shallow characters and a linear plot make I Am Wrath a middling pick at best.

I Am Wrath’s best feature is the partnership between Stan and Dennis, who complement each other well and actually do a decent job of taking down criminals. The movie also gets some mileage out of Stan’s quest for revenge, a straightforward hunt from killer to killer. However, neither of these aspects are as developed as they could be. Stan and Dennis’ relationship is short on details, while the main plot is fairly predictable.

I Am Wrath also misses a few major opportunities when it comes to its story. Stan Hill fails to be a memorable character; his violent past is never expanded on in any detail, while his struggle with the morality of his actions comes off as mere lip service. I Am Wrath also does a poor job with the conspiracy angle, waiting most of the movie before hinting that there could be anything more to Vivian’s murder and thus missing out on plot development.

I Am Wrath is only worth a watch for action fans looking for a safe pick. Its generic plot and unexceptional stunt work mean that it has little to set it apart from a crowded field, in spite of a decent lead and a workable premise. Dedicated action fans will find it to be a tolerable watch in a pinch, but most viewers will find that it doesn’t have much to offer.

For a more plot-focused crime drama with a similar setup, try Edge of Darkness. For a violent tale of revenge with more bite to it, try Death Wish. For a more sober take on a similar premise, try The Brave One.

5.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 5.5 for mediocre action and writing.

Today’s quick review: The Living Daylights. When British secret agent James Bond (Timothy Dalton) helps General Koskov (Jeroen Krabbe) defect from the Soviet Union, Koskov warns him of a plot by the crazed General Pushkin (John Rhys-Davies) to assassinate Western targets and provoke a war. However, Bond suspects there is more to the story, and he returns to East Berlin to question Kara Milovy (Maryam d’Abo), a cellist with ties to Koskov.

The Living Daylights is a spy adventure and the fifteenth film in the James Bond franchise. Timothy Dalton’s debut as Bond features a richer story and a somewhat more realistic tone than past entries in the series. The effort the movie puts into its plot, a fairly well-developed supporting cast, and the usual complement of action make The Living Daylights a fine entry into the series. However, it’s also missing some of the flair Bond is known for.

The Living Daylights’ greatest strength is its story. The early portions of the plot play out as a mystery, as Bond follows a hunch about Koskov’s defection. The setup hangs together better than the typical Bond mystery, with decent pacing and interesting clues to follow. Kara Milovy makes for an unusually well-developed supporting character, while Dalton’s incarnation of Bond fits in better with the world around him, for better or worse.

The Living Daylights does struggle with some of its finishing touches. The plot’s setup is better than its payoff, with a more mundane threat than usual and an odd choice of villain in Brad Whitaker (Joe Don Baker), a militaristic arms dealer. Several of the movie’s sequences also drag on longer than they need to, including its early ski chase and its ending. Finally, the movie is less flashy in its choice of gadgets, locations, and stakes.

How much you get out of The Living Daylights will depend on what you’re looking for in a Bond film. Those more interested in intrigue, character, and somewhat credible action will find The Living Daylights to be an unusually sound entry into the series. Those who are attached to the quirkier parts of the series may find that it skews a little dry. Either way, the movie is worth a watch for fans of the series or viewers looking for a little action.

For a Bond movie with similar types of intrigue, try From Russia with Love. For an even more realistic, gritty Bond film, try Casino Royale.

6.7 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for a well-crafted plot, decent action, and a bit less style than usual.

Today’s quick review: A View to a Kill. Evidence of a leak in the development of a cutting-edge microchip leads James Bond (Roger Moore) to France, where Max Zorin (Christopher Walken), the head of the company producing the chip, has his estate. There Bond matches wits with the industrialist and his right-hand woman, May Day (Grace Jones), while uncovering the pieces of Zorin’s master plan: to corner the world’s microchip market by force.

A View to a Kill is a spy adventure and the fourteenth mainline film in the James Bond franchise, as well as Roger Moore’s seventh and final excursion as Bond. The plot is a return to the series’ roots, pitting Bond against a larger-than-life villain with a devastating plan. The combination of its villain, plot progression, and weightier tone relative to the other Moore movies makes A View to a Kill a solid if unexceptional entry into the series.

A View to a Kill’s strengths lie with its villains. Max Zorin is the quintessential Bond villain, a sadistic businessman with shady connections and a taste for the finer things in life. Though not quite as memorable as Bond’s best villains, he fits in comfortably with the pack and does a good job of driving the film’s plot. For her part, May Day fills a similar role, an intimidating, if not superlative, henchman with an important part to play.

Everything else in the film follows the usual pattern. The locales this time around include Siberia, a French country estate, and San Francisco. The investigation has some interesting twists and turns, the action is suitably explosive, and the higher stakes and sense of peril set it apart from Moore’s lighter outings as Bond. But ultimately A View to a Kill is missing the vision and polish that make the best Bond films so memorable.

Watch A View to a Kill when you’re in the mood for a James Bond adventure and aren’t feeling too particular about the details. A View to a Kill is a solid execution of the Bond fomula that avoids some of the unevenness of films like Moonraker and Octopussy. However, it falls short of films like Dr. No and Goldfinger, which handle similar stories with more style, leaving it a fine pick for action fans but a flawed one for purists.

6.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for a well-crafted adventure that’s a step down from Bond’s best.

Today’s quick review: Never Say Never Again. While at a health clinic, British secret agent James Bond (Sean Connery) uncovers a crucial lead in a plot by SPECTRE to steal two nuclear warheads and hold the world ransom. With just seven days to locate the warheads, Bond travels to the Bahamas to talk to Domino (Kim Basinger), an innocent woman with crucial information, and investigate Largo (Klaus Maria Brandauer), the man behind it all.

Never Say Never Again is a spy adventure and Sean Connery’s final appearance as James Bond. Never Say Never Again is not part of the main Bond series, but rather an adaptation of Thunderball produced by a separate company. As such, it serves up an alternate take on Bond that keeps the core elements while dropping many of the franchise’s signature flourishes. The movie is a mixed success, making for an effective adventure but lacking consistency.

Never Say Never Again gets enough of the core Bond formula right to make for an enjoyable watch. Sean Connery slips back into his classic role with ease. While his performance lacks the intensity of his earlier films, it’s a comfortable fit and gives the film the air of a victory lap. Klaus Maria Brandauer makes for a charismatic and well-developed villain as Largo. The movie also doesn’t skimp on its action, with a more hands-on role for James.

But in spite of a strong core, Never Say Never Again has a few peculiarities that make it an uneven watch. The film’s humor never fits in well, coming from odd directions and undermining a few of its more serious moments. Largo’s subordinate Fatima (Barbara Carrera) also makes for an oddly cartoonish villain. More generally, the movie is missing the raw spectacle and sense of class that the best Bond films are known for, leaving it somewhat mundane.

Watch Never Say Never Again if you’re a Bond fan hoping for one more outing with Sean Connery. The movie is not James Bond at his best, but it is a serviceable adventure with a good mix of plot and action. Those willing to accept a few concessions to get their Bond fix will enjoy the film. Those hoping for something polished or original will want to skip it. For a flashier, more satisfying adaptation of the same story, try Thunderball.

6.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for a competent but uneven take on the Bond formula.