In the after effects, Room explores the morbid curiosity which follows – lawyers, gawking neighbors, and media. It’s about how families reject and react, but without any sensible means of dealing with such unfathomable trauma. Relationships tear, mental health deteriorates. And yet, perspective does not change – there is Jack staring on, simply trying to cope. His blank stares are debilitating.”
Filed under Movie/Blu-ray Reviews
“NWA’s story earns a cinematic spotlight with what is unlikely to be coincidental timing. Straight Outta Compton’s historical run through Rodney King’s saga still echoes. Compton’s capacity to show contrast between innocence and corruption is a bit part in the wider scope, yet necessary to ground the group’s appropriately angry “Fuck tha Police.” The anthem has served beyond its years, not a mere time capsule, but a lingering, powerful snapshot of political and racially charged brutality. Straight Outta Compton comes from a particular place and particular voice – “Fuck tha Police” defined the group’s impacting legacy.”
Filed under Movie/Blu-ray Reviews
“Integral to the Fantastic Four as characters is acceptance – being okay with differences, making the most out of what you are, even if that is “fantastically” unique. Here being different means being confined to rooms or being forced to hide out in a secluded forest until an inter-dimensional madmen opens a black hole. For what they were, the mid-2000 Fantastic Four films made the title heroes superstars. They were loved and appreciated by society at large for their unique qualities. The reboot reviles their existence, treating them like disabled animals in cages to serve an agenda of authoritative paranoia.”
Filed under Movie/Blu-ray Reviews
“Aladdin would likely (and sadly) bomb in 2015 given its setting, even if this story is catapulted by a slew of American additions. Aladdin (Scott Weinger) finds success on his own, without family. Each key character is espousing American values of freedom – Aladdin to escape poverty, Jasmine (Linda Larkin) to leave her castle, Jafar (Johnathan Freeman) to rise above his crooked underling status. Even Genie wishes for a life away from a master commanding him to grant wishes.”
Filed under Movie/Blu-ray Reviews
“Them breaks America’s spirit. Guns are left broken on the ground; for once they’re not enough. The film shrieks at science for their atomic breakthroughs, generic in modern times if delivered with eerie prominence from Edmund Gwenn’s Dr. Medford and the sizable form of James Arness. World War II’s veterans are fighters, but also alcoholics committed to special hospital wings. Them even cites the Bible to suggest civilization has lived up to the worst of our potential – “We may be witnesses of a Biblical prophecy come true.”
Filed under Movie/Blu-ray Reviews
“Video games are treated as nothing more than a pop culture anomaly in Pixels. Played by nerds, played by geeks – the archetypes are decades out of place. Between the anachronisms of the portrayed games and the perpetual cycle of self-depreciation, Pixels’ goal is only to use video games as far as their failed public perception allows. It’s a cynical, cruel, sophomoric, sexist, and demeaning film.”
Filed under Movie/Blu-ray Reviews
“Beast from 20,000 Fathoms preys on nuclear fear, then uses bogus radioactive science as a solution. It’s thoroughly American in approach, scientists banding together to study nuclear weapons harmlessly in the Arctic. Hubshmid’s militaristic role as a probe for nuclear answers and solutions solidifies the film’s approval for government armament. The film reads like unsanctioned propaganda – Nukes spawn monsters, but they also stop them. They’re necessary. If Beast were anything other than a quickie B-offering soaked up by Warner, there may have been some strength in the parable.”
Filed under Movie/Blu-ray Reviews
“Denham’s financially strained situations relate, and the promise of a mythical pot of gold embedded in Skull Island’s rocks is enough to spur him – or anyone of the period – into a hunt. It would be work after all. Son of Kong makes for a reasonable depression-era story medley, despite the fantastical inclusion of an albino ape. Even Denham’s shipmates turns mutinous; they’re not being paid a living wage. Son of Kong hits at the nation’s turmoil and doesn’t seem as dated now as it once did.”
Filed under Movie/Blu-ray Reviews
“Warner’s remake/reboot/sequel (the film never appears sure) is surreal in the absolute meaning of the term. Vacation ’83 took place on Earth. Much of Vacation ’15 seems to have emanated from an alien transmission. Vacation is the ultimate hand-over-head whiff, where purpose and tone is so bludgeoned, what remains is indefensible mush.”
Filed under Movie/Blu-ray Reviews
“While Salt of the Earth is soured by stubborn, botched performances, the power of the images is enough to alleviate the stilted line delivery. Frenzied editing as picket lines are breached by police without cause, women striking back; the bonding people do when faced with these circumstances remains inspiring despite a 60 year gap in cinematic context. It’s obvious why – political spectrums remain enamored with debates over income gaps. Workers who demand fair treatment and livable wages are labeled lazy, even greedy. Salt of the Earth remains a viable anthem for their cause.”
Filed under Movie/Blu-ray Reviews
Matt Paprocki 