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Reviews
Black Panther (2018)
The Black Panther party...
I enjoyed Black Panther. It was a boilerplate Marvel movie that did not disappoint. The story was exciting, albeit predictable, and the visual experience cannot help but to give one pleasure. The artistic value of the film fell flat, and I was left wanting for any profound depth, but during an adrenaline filled journey to distant lands I didn't miss it. The theme had some modern relevance, though I will have to admit it was difficult not to recognize the homage to the black equivalent of the KKK in both the movie name and the hero's identity. Once you establish that to an audience prior to entering the theater, I think you are allowed some unchallenged aggressions that could have been written by Colin Kaepernick (calling the only white guy in the movie "colonizer" was ridiculous).
Another thing this did was to create a certain fear on the part of movie critics in bringing all of their intellectual clarity to bear. I noticed some movie services have this movie ranked higher than "Pulp Fiction", "Amadeus" or "American Beauty". That rating is absolutely delusional. I give IMDb a lot of credit for keeping things in perspective. This movie, while quite entertaining, will be long forgotten while those true pieces of artistry are still being enjoyed.
All in all, if you like Marvel movies, you are going to like this one as I did. If super hero movies are not your thing, then this movie is too blunt an instrument (mind wandering to Amadeus) to change your mind.
The Shape of Water (2017)
Already starting to fade from my memory...
Ugh...here we go again. I felt like I was being accosted by the overeager theme, all the while hoping for some romantic subtlety.
As long as you don't indulge yourself in the expectation of any surprises in the plot or intricacy in the theme, it is entertaining. There is no small amount of effort trying to make a film of quality here, but being better than 80% is still pretty mediocre. The visuals are stunning. I also want to give full credit to whoever was in charge of casting. The ensemble and execution were very appealing and that alone is worth the watch. I know it is a rehash character, but I just can't look away from Octavia Spencer (Elisa's friend Zelda) and found myself looking forward to her lines. I am a sucker for Richard Jenkins in just about anything, but particularly when he wears his weakness like a crown. There is a certain frailness he is able to channel at will that is magnificent. You can easily picture his character (in scenes never filmed) alone in a room at night muttering "How did I ever end up like this?"
Also, the convenient setting of 1962 does not excuse the tired caricature of straight white men. My gas tank is running low on collective guilt for the horrors of suburbia, and I wonder who is left to convince on this one? Aren't we all now singing a harmonious rendition of the hit song, "Men (mostly white & straight) are Deplorable and Care Nothing for Love"? I'll check my white privilege as I am sure that even calling out this ridiculous stereotype is going to have me called a racist by someone.
I will concede that this film will be absolutely adored by a segment of the viewers, even the ridiculous dance scene. Go ahead and watch it on the slim chance that you may be one of those people. It really wasn't that far off, but in the end, it will fade away like so many other best picture winners that lack any sort of timeless quality.
The Boss Baby (2017)
My Peasant Life?
Wake up little halflings, it's time to leave. Go and live your peasant lives. BEGONE WITH YOU!
These are the last words to a solidly mediocre movie starring Baldwin, Kimmel, Kudrow, Buscemi and Maguire called Boss Baby. Most of these actors I genuinely like and appreciate. I feel like Dreamworks though, took a dump in my mouth and hopes that I don't realize what I am eating. Do they just despise being forced to do such broad based comedy that they are mad at the "peasants"? I know, I know
I am reading too much into this line. But there is no way that there isn't meaning and intention behind this final cut scene. There are lots of ways to say goodbye in a movie. Some clever and some condescending. If you spend the money to put this specific scene in a spot where most will not see it, and those that do will likely not care, to what end is it done?
Maybe they know this thing is crap, but still wish to cling to the notion that they are not. My guess is that most of the big names involved in this adventure in potty humor are always publicly praising the "little guy" who they wouldn't dare call a peasant to their face. They seem to despise my family, and the rest of us that exist within this vast ocean of mediocrity. I realize that raising your head just a little higher than that ocean is extremely difficult. Unfortunately, this movie weighs like an anchor on the soul of everyone involved.
Most of the talent and executives will probably smile to themselves with self-satisfaction as hundreds of millions of dollars are almost guaranteed to roll in from the purse of these peasants. I now hate myself for being one of them. The moment I saw that cut scene, I regretted ever allowing my children the indulgence of such garbage. Take my money and spit in my face too
galling.