Aladdin 2019

Will Smith, Mena Massoud,
Naomi Scott, Marwan Kenzari

"The Magic Comes to Life"

I really don't remember much about the animation version of Aladdin except for its famous song "A whole new World". So I watched this 2019 edition with fresh eyes. 

Aladdin (Mena Massoud) is a thief who robs people with the help of his pet monkey, Abu. A chance encounter with a young lady will forever change his life for the better. Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott) is the daughter of the Sultan of Agrabah. She likes to go out in disguise to see how the citizens live outside of their immense palace. She introduces herself as Dalia, her chambermaid to Aladdin who stole her bracelet. Meanwhile, Jafar (Marwan Kenzari) the grand Vizier to the Sultan 'hires' Aladdin to steal a magic lamp from within a cave with a Lion Head entrance. He intends to use magic lamp + the genie for his nefarious activities within the sultanate.

But with the help of Abu, Aladdin somehow becomes the 'owner' of the magic lamp. Upon rubbing it, the genie in the personification of a blue floating Will Smith comes out of the lamp and tells Aladdin, he can grant three wishes. One of Aladdin's wishes is to be a prince so he can vie for the hand of Princess Jasmine as mandated in the laws of Agrabah. Naturally, a major stumbling presents itself before everyone has a happy fairy tale ending.

Guy Ritchie, the English director known for his action filled British gangster movies helms this Disney retelling of a well loved story. Quite surprising as you really don't expect Ritchie to deviate from his usual style of filmmaking. But I believe he does a good job in making us fall in love again with Aladdin, Princess Jasmine and the witty genie. 

The costumes are bright, colorful and reminiscent of an Arabian nights setting. Some of the songs from the original are back and sang in the same tone so we can easily recognize them. CGI (computer generated imagery) plays a big part in making this visually vibrant and fast paced fantasy movie, a success.

Will Smith as the blue genie is sometimes ridiculous and over the top while other times, he blends well with the other characters. It is good he is a rapper/singer so he can certainly carry a tune. His witty dialogue is well delivered but nothing can totally match Robin Williams as the hilarious genie in the animated version. 

Both Mena and Naomi can sing well enough without any pitch problems. Aladdin is portrayed as a wily thief with self esteem issues, who redeems himself and changes for the better, by the ending. Jasmine has changed from the love struck princess singing cheesy love songs while riding a flying carpet to a feisty,  sassy female character who can easily rule her country, sans qualms. A sympathetic leader who knows what her people want and want what is good for her country, her citizens and her man, Aladdin.

Overall, this 2 hour 8 minutes movie is an entertaining musical, in the sense that they don't sing every 2 minutes which can be quite irritating. For me, it is 3.5 out of 5, worth of popcorn buckets.

Avengers: Endgame

Robert Downey Jr,  Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo,

Scarlett Johansson, Tom Holland, Chris Hemsworth,

Jeremy Renner, Benedict Cumberbatch, Don Cheadle,
Chadwick Boseman, Brie Larson, Paul Rudd,
Josh Brolin, Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana

"Avenge the Fallen"

Cinema 4, The Red Carpet @ Shang

My sister is in town so we normally watch movies at the theater. It has to be said that we are not die hard fans of superheroes films yet we are certainly aware of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's characters. I just got home, still all hyped up so I better compose a post when everything is still fresh in my giddy mind. This film being over 3 hours, we decided to have dinner first so our tummies won't grumble while watching this much anticipated finale.

Avenger: Endgame is the last installment in the Infinity saga. We knew which characters did not make it in the previous Avengers: Infinity War. With a single snap of Thanos' (Josh Brolin) fingers, most of them disintegrated into tiny dust particles.

This film takes place in 2023 where the surviving superheroes have gone on with their lives. Taking them into different directions, all of them trying their best to forget (although it is very difficult) the devastation which occurred. An event which affected the whole planet, their loved ones and themselves.

Not wiling to quit, they devised a complex plan to yet again defeat Thanos and for the 'lost' ones to return. It is comprehensive, very tricky and involves time travel but certainly can work, if it is successful. This plan take our remaining superheroes back in time. For them to gather all the stones, right before Thanos got all of them and snapped his fingers.

All of these thrilling time travel adventures comprise about 85% of the entire movie. The rest is focused on the final battle - between Thanos' army and all of the MCU superheroes. A fight scene of all fight scenes - a visual smorgasbord of protagonists versus villains. Each of them using their superpowers to defeat the enemies. Unfortunately, some don't survive while others are bruised and battered.

The final minutes of the movie calms down as goodbyes are expressed and we bid farewell to certain characters. But with the promise of seeing some of these characters yet again in their own stand alone movies for us to better understand how they evolved into the superhero realm.

Even if it is a three hour movie, there is enough drama, comedy, anxiety and excitement to keep us tuned in till the very last minute. A very lovely and enjoyable epic end to a much beloved saga which has entertained us for many years. We also look forward to more superhero movies to amuse us in the coming years.

Dumbo (2019)

Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton,

Danny deVito, Eva Green,
Nico Parker,  Finley Hobbins

"A Beloved Tale will Take you To new Heights"

Judging from the various reviews, most critics gave this film, a negative rating. They had numerous reasons - it was not true to the original Dumbo story line, it had weak characters, too many side plots etc etc etc. 

Me? I usually don't agree with critics. For many a films, I always found myself on the opposite side of the critics when it comes to liking or disliking a movie. Strange yet, it has happened more than once, in fact, too many times to mention.

First of all, the original and classic Dumbo was released in 1941 in an animation form or as it was known during that era, as a cartoon. It lasted merely an hour and Dumbo only flew in the ending of the cartoon. On these premises alone, naturally this 2019 offering will be entirely different but it still retained some semblance to its original plot.

Set in 1919, war veteran Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) returns to the Medici Brothers' Circus where he used to be an equestrian. But the Circus is having financial problems so Max Medici (Danny DeVito) had to sell the horses to stay afloat. 

Mrs Jumbo, a giant elephant gives birth to a calf with big ears. Holt's kids, Joe and Milly discover the baby elephant can fly by flapping its ears. Soon after, Mrs Jumbo is sold after it went on a rampage due to the bullying of its offspring. 

The baby elephant becomes part of the Circus show. During a mishap in one performance, it accidentally flies in front of the entire audience. Thus it was named Dumbo, when it was jeered and pelleted with peanuts. News of a flying elephant soon reaches V.A Vandevere (Michael Keaton), the owner of Dreamland. 

He offers a collaboration with Max Medici, they would be partners and the Circus troupe can perform at Dreamland. Vandevere insists that Dumbo should perform with trapeze artist, Colette (Eva Green), his main attraction at the amusement park. In short, many things occur at Dreamland - Dumbo flying with Colette, a damaging fire and the bittersweet reunion of Dumbo with his mother.

The costume design is colorful and vibrant. Director Tim Burton, whom I know as a director of quirky movies, did a good job in making us fall in love with Dumbo. For the most part, being a Tim Burton movie it wasn't eccentric enough, if you know what I mean. Yet again, I guess a flying baby elephant is indeed unconventional. Dumbo is so cute, adorable and has mad flying skills!

Yes, there were one too many side plots to distract you from the essence of the film. The cast composed of credible actors did well given they had to act with a computer generated flying baby elephant. I like to say, the last few minutes of the conclusion was a clever twist. One would not expect such a premise from a movie about a circus, whose main draw are the animals. I'd say, it was politically correct and so appropriate for 2019!

Hotel Mumbai

Dev Patel, Armie Hammer, 

Jason Isaacs, Anupam Kher,

Nazanin Boniadi

"November 26, 2008
Terror Struck the Heart of India"

Cinema 11, SM Megamall

Any movie based on true events can be disturbing to watch, especially if these events involve terrorism, violence and the lost of innocent lives. "Hotel Mumbai" deals with the siege of the prominent Taj Hotel by a group of terrorists in Mumbai, India. Even if this horrific incident happened over 10 years ago, the anguish for those who lost loved ones as well as some survivors is still very raw.

In the beginning, we see the young men who carried out the attack, arriving in Mumbai on rubber boats. They disperse to different places where they will simultaneously unleash their evil plan. Then, we shift to the grand hotel where the staff is busy as guests begin arriving for their stay.

We are introduced to some characters like head chef, Oberoi (Anupam Kerr), a young waiter Arjun (Dev Patel), David (Armie Hammer) an American guest who arrives with his wealthy Indian wife Zahra (Nazanin Boniadi), their foreign nanny and their little baby. You also have a dubious Russian operative named Vasili (Jason Isaacs) as well as the rest of the hotel staff.

I believe the intent to cast some known actors as some of the characters is for us, the audience to get invested with them. The little background or information, we get about them, doesn't really matter because we know these character are based on actual people who became victims of this brutality.

There are also some scenes focused on the attackers. Young men whose orders are given by someone known as the Bull. Just a voice over their cellphones barking his commands, preaching to them, reaping them praises for the terrible acts they were about to commit and were committing.

I remember with clarity a specific scene. One of the terrorists is wounded, panicking and questioning his faith, yet the Bull prods him on. It clearly shows the vulnerability of these young men who were brainwashed, how susceptible they were. Easily influenced by a higher authority, believing their vicious acts are for the greater good. 

Of course, I am not condoning violence, their acts are inconceivable and quite barbaric. What I am trying to say is that this movie did a good job in projecting the different perspectives in this narrative. From the points of view of the terrified hotel staff, the hapless guests to these young men who perhaps didn't know any better but still chose to carry out these assaults.

It is very disturbing to see scenes of violence on screen, but it was necessary to show them. "Hotel Mumbai" was a tale which needed to be told. It didn't glorify these terrorists. More than anything it was a well crafted tribute to the victims, and the survivors - in the hope that they didn't die in vain and that this type of terrorism won't ever happen again, anywhere in the world.

Captain Marvel

Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Lashana Lynch,

Ben Mendelsohn, Jude Law, Annette Bening

"Discover what Makes a (Her)o"

Cinema 4,  the Red Carpet @ Shang

I should say right out that I am not a fan of superhero movies. Fan as in knowing all the backstory of each Avenger, knowing the sequence of the movies of each superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (because there is an order when they were released) and being totally invested to the point of lining up hours before the movie is shown at the local cinemas. 

Having said that, I know enough about each of the Avengers because I would leave the TV on in the movies channel, and more often than not a superhero film would be on - "Guardians of the Galaxy 2", "Iron Man", "Black Panther", "Captain America". We were in a mood to watch and picked "Captain Marvel" because the others did not pique our interest. 

The first few minutes show us Brie Larson as Vers, a Kree warrior who is haunted by nightmares. Flashes of scenes that don't really make sense to her. During one of their battles with their shapeshifting enemies known as the Skrulls, she falls on planet Earth. She crashes on the roof of a Blockbuster video store. Soon enough, we discover she is in Los Angeles during the 1990s. Her name is Carol Danvers and is a training pilot in the Air Force. With the help of her friend, Maria Rambeau (Lashana Lynch) who is also a pilot, agent Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) of S.H.I.E.L.D and a witty Skrull leader named Talos - she sets to rediscover who she really is, why she returned to Earth and what is her purpose in the grand scheme of superheroes.

This two hour long film has action packed sequences, a dry sense of humor in its dialogue mostly courtesy of Nick Fury and Talos (Ben Mendelsohn). It retains its 1990s vibe by featuring a soundtrack from artists famous during that era and also through its surroundings like having her land on a Blockbuster video store.

Now I want to focus on Brie Larson's acting as Carol Danvers. She was stoic, to the point of being arrogant and mostly managed just one facial expression throughout the entire film. I, first saw her in the dramatic movie "Room" for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress in 2016. She was excellent there, very emotional and compassionate. So I don't really get the manner she portrayed Vers/ Carol Danvers in "Captain Marvel". Sure, I am all for having an empowered female superhero in the name of the feminist movement yet did she have to be so void of emotions? 

In fact, speaking of another female superhero, Diane Prince aka Wonder Woman, she was also a warrior and a princess at that! She was well portrayed by Gal Gadot, with several emotions amidst all her struggles as "Wonder Woman". 

Now going back to "Captain Marvel", the film provides a good background with a believable plot on how Carol Danvers turned into Captain Mar-vel. It also gave us a teaser on the part she would play in the last installment of the much awaited Avengers movie. Overall, aside from my issues with Brie Larson's acting, this movie is a 3 buckets of popcorn worthy entertainment.

A Private War

Rosamund Pike, Jaime Dornan,

Tom Hollander

"The most Powerful Weapon is the Truth"

War correspondents are brave individuals who enter into dangerous, war raging places to give us news stories straight from the battle scenes. Risking everything even their lives to show us the horrors of war. Raw, disturbing images/videos of the brutality which despots inflict on their citizens, ruining their countries for ages.

Marie Colvin (Rosamund Pike) was a fearless Foreign Affairs correspondent for the Sunday Times. She reported from war torn areas to show us what it was really like, to give the disenfranchised, a voice. She was dedicated to her career even losing an eye when she was hit by a grenade while covering the civil war in Sri Lanka. But this setback did not deter her, even donning an eye patch while on coverage in different combat zones, all over the world.

But all that bravery came to an end in 2012 in Homs, Syria. Relentless bombing rocked the Syrian city, she perished when the building they (along with her photographer Paul Conroy, who survived) were in was hit by a bomb blast. It has been reported that the Syrian army specifically targeted her because she kept reporting about the brutality during the Arab Spring.

The movie is filled with war zones scenes as well as 'quieter' moments where Colvin is recovering from her injury. It also shows her being haunted with nightmares as she was suffering from PTSD. 

Rosamund Pike is brilliant in her characterization of the larger than life correspondent. From her physical appearance (wavy blond hair, black eye patch) to her inner turmoil, witnessing all these traumatic war experiences. These are manifested by her, being a heavy drinker, chain smoking and also having tempestuous relationships. 

"A Private War" provides a glimpse into the work and life of an interesting, colorful and very brave soul named Marie Colvin. She provided a voice for the numerous hapless victims of conflicts. Excellent acting by Rosamund Pike is the only saving grace for this average movie.

A Star Is Born

Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga

Sam Elliot, Andrew Dice Clay, Dave Chappelle

This is the fourth version of this iconic film and I haven't seen the other three movies. But the gifted Bradley Cooper directs and stars in this "musician meets unharnessed yet talented songwriter and turns her into a rising star" saga, so I was game! 

After a tiring show, crooner Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) enters a bar to drink his fatigue and troubles away. He comes across a struggling singer Ally (Lady Gaga) who performs there after her job as a waitress is over. He is impressed with her talent and soon invites her to join him in his numerous gigs. Naturally, they fall in love amidst all the fame, his alcoholism and all the intrigues that hound a powerful music couple.

Bradley Cooper's portrayal of Jack as a vulnerable singer with a drinking problem, as his way of coping with his declining fame is a very convincing and heartfelt performance. It was difficult to watch so he did a great job in showcasing his character's flaws and struggles.

First of all, I had no idea he could sing, I like his rich, deep singing voice. I read he had extensive training with a voice coach and he also learned to play the guitar. His voice blended well with Lady Gaga's solid tone in their duets. 

In fact, they exuded so much chemistry on screen, people actually believed they were a couple in real life. Never mind, that Bradley Cooper was with model Irina Shayk with whom he has a daughter, during the filming of the movie. But now, they have already called it quits yet I don't believe Lady Gaga is the third party. Well okay, I will stop gossiping and speculating. LOL

Lady Gaga as Ally in her first full length movie did have some awkward moments. Her lack in acting skills was fortunately masked by her very soulful voice. She has a great tone and most of her songs (as Lady Gaga not Ally) are now anthems for several people who credit her as their inspiration.

The fourth edition of "A Star is Born" steered by Bradley Cooper is a good offering with a brilliant soundtrack. It tackles the trappings of fame, the effects of alcoholism within a believable plot and well performed by its main leads who really sang everything, live.

The Favourite

Rachel Weisz, Olivia Colman,

Emma Stone

"Loosely based on real Events"

The Favourite should be lauded for having three strong female characters yet having said that the open ended conclusion leaves so much to be desired. I read it is the style of director Yorgos Lanthimos to have vague endings in most of his film so he stayed true to form. Okay I am jumping the gun, pardon me. 

It is set in early 18th century during the reign of a very weak Queen Anne (Olivia Colman). She is assisted (in more ways than one) by her close friend, Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) who basically runs the country. A period when England is in a very costly war with France and the peasants are getting restless. 

Enter Abigail (Emma Stone) who happens to be Lady Sarah's cousin who has fallen on hard times. She is employed as a servant yet as she endears herself to Lady Sarah, she is 'promoted' to I guess, a personal assistant. Abigail is fiercely determined and uses her new role to ingratiate herself to the Queen and won't stop until she regains her aristocratic status.

The conniving, the treachery, the jealousy and the malicious mischief that arises between these three female characters is wicked yet quite entertaining. The costume design of that century is well represented and the locales are depicted in vast mansions and castles, even the design of the gaudy interiors is realistically enhanced.

Olivia Colman did justice to her role as the frail Queen Anne. She is deteriorating before our eyes, her mood swings are scary and her dark past is hauntingly piercing in the form of 17 rabbits in her bedroom. 

Rachel Weisz has always been a steady actress and as Lady Sarah, she is in her elements. There are questions about Lady Sarah's main intentions towards the Queen. Did she mean well and cared as a true friend, or did she have vested interests in maintaining the status quo in the country? I'd say she was honest, deeply loyal and boldly dedicated to both her country and to the Queen.

It is really refreshing to watch Emma Stone. As the supposedly meek yet cunning Abigail, she was detestable. We hate her, despise what she stands for and reviles the methods she used to ingratiate herself to the Queen.

My thoughts on the ending: the three characters are exactly where they are supposed to be and it is far too late in the game to steer away from their current miserable situations. The Queen is trapped, not just physically but also mentally isolated. Lady Sarah is exiled or maybe even jailed for ruining the country and Abigail, well judging from that sly smile on her face, she realizes she will always be a parasite, an organism that depends on its host to survive. As for the rabbits, they are symbolic of the Queen's agony as well as the supposedly innocent characteristic of Abigail. Cute and cuddly yet sly and crafty because we all know the saying about rabbits, don't we? 

Green Book

Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali

"Inspired by a True Friendship"

Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen) is a rough bouncer at a nightclub which closes for renovations. He is then hired by Dr Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) as his chauffeur. The classical pianist and his band are embarking on a tour in venues in the deep South. The setting is in the 1960s when racial segregation is still very much the norm. Armed with the Green Book, a 'travel guide' which lists places/hotels where African Americans are accepted, they venture on a journey of self discovery that leads to their life long friendship.

The plot tackles racial segregation in its raw form. The 1960s was a very difficult era for African Americans and the mere fact that somebody had the temerity to come up with a green book is mind boggling to me. A sad yet interesting fact I only discovered by watching this film. This biopic presents an authentic portrayal of the period. It didn't matter that Dr. Shirley was a learned classical pianist who could speak several languages, the mere color of his skin was met with a lot of bigotry in the Southern part of the country. 

Tony Lip was quite an interesting character. A street smart Italian American living in the Bronx, he himself was kind of a bigot. But I'd say, his hatred stems mostly from ignorance or not knowing any better. By the way, he got his moniker because he could talk his way out of any kind of trouble. His tough stance came in handy when Dr. Shirley faced many forms of discrimination during the tour. Viggo Mortensen's performance was excellent, he truly imbibed his character.

Mahershala Ali from the House of Cards, Moonlight and the current True Detective series on HBO was great. His characterization of Dr. Shirley was spot on - from his deep voice delivering dialogue clearly, his strong screen presence, his finesse, his wisdom and his humility despite being a great pianist - it was very well acted.

I love this movie as it explores how two complete opposite individuals who come from different backgrounds forge a deep friendship based on respect, admiration and tolerance.

Widows

Viola Davis, Liam Neeson,

Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki,

Robert Duvall, Colin Farrell

"Left with Nothing. Capable of Anything"

The title refers to 4 women whose husbands perished after their heist goes wrong. Veronica (Viola Davis) who was married to Harry (Liam Neeson) the leader of the criminal gang is hounded by a menacing local thug who claims that Harry stole their money. Desperate to get rid of the debt, she gathers the other widows and decide to do Harry's "next job".

The plan is clear as day yet do these women even have the capabilities to pull it off? Veronica is a union rep for a teachers association, Alice (Elizabeth Debicki) doesn't even know how to drive, Linda (Michelle Rodriguez) owns a bridal shop and Belle (not really part of the "widows club") is a hair dresser. To answer the question: Absolutely not.

Set in present day Chicago, a local election mired with corruption, bribery and dirty campaign tactics provides a weak backdrop. The film drags on with several subplots. The main story line is marred with inconsistent twists which lost the element of surprise so it all falls flat. 

Widows could have been a good movie. Yet the 'robbery' came in quite late in the sequence of events and also quite fast (it was over in 5-8 minutes) that by then you simply lose interest. Unfortunately, the ensemble cast consisting of talented actors like Viola Davis, Colin Farrell, Robert Duvall and Liam Neeson couldn't salvage this average heist film.