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Poor Things (2023)
A Daring and Thought-Provoking Odyssey
Yorgos Lanthimos' "Poor Things" is a captivating and audacious film that takes viewers on a wild ride through Victorian London and beyond. Based on Alasdair Gray's novel, the movie follows the extraordinary journey of Bella Baxter (Emma Stone), a woman brought back to life by the eccentric surgeon Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe) through a brain transplant.
Stone delivers a mesmerizing performance as Bella, perfectly capturing her character's childlike innocence and gradual self-discovery. Her transformation from a naive, resurrected woman to a curious and intelligent individual is both compelling and convincing. The supporting cast, including Mark Ruffalo as Max McCandles and Ramy Youssef as Duncan Wedderburn, provide strong performances that complement Stone's lead.
Lanthimos' distinctive directorial style shines through, creating a visually stunning and atmospherically rich world that draws the audience in. The film's exploration of themes such as identity, sexuality, and the pursuit of knowledge is thought-provoking and handled with a deft touch.
However, the pacing of the film can be uneven at times, with certain segments feeling rushed while others linger a bit too long. Additionally, some viewers may find the film's unconventional narrative structure and occasional graphic content challenging to engage with.
Despite these minor criticisms, "Poor Things" is an ambitious and captivating film that showcases the immense talent of its cast and crew. It is a must-see for fans of Lanthimos' work and those who appreciate daring, thought-provoking cinema.
Hannah Ha Ha (2022)
Languid Nostalgia
Joshua Pikovsky and Jordan Tetewsky's debut feature, "Hannah Ha Ha," is a poetic meditation on the fleeting nature of time and the search for meaning. The story revolves around Hannah (played by the radiant Hannah Lee Thompson), a content yet restless woman in her mid-twenties, living in the small town where she grew up. Her older brother's arrival triggers a series of events that force Hannah to confront her ambitions and aspirations.
What sets "Hannah Ha Ha" apart is its dreamlike quality, achieved through the use of a hazy, impressionistic visual style. Pikovsky and Tetewsky capture the sensory details of the setting with precision, transporting the audience to the hot, humid summers of rural America. From the smoky scent of evening bonfires to the dewy texture of leaves, everything seems to come alive on screen.
However, the narrative can sometimes veer toward sluggishness, leaving the viewer wondering whether anything substantial will happen. Additionally, the relationship between Hannah and her brother lacks the necessary tension required to drive the plot forward. Nevertheless, the film's contemplative tone and evocative imagery make it a memorable viewing experience.
All in all, "Hannah Ha Ha" earns a well-deserved 7/10 rating from me. Its visually stunning cinematography, immaculate production design, and sensitive portrayal of human relationships render it a standout indie gem worth watching. Though not perfect, it's a testament to the power of cinema to transcend the ordinary and spark profound reflections.
Waiting for the Light to Change (2022)
Quiet Reflections
Linh Tran's directorial debut, "Waiting For the Light to Change," is a serene and introspective film that explores the complex dynamics between friendship, love, and self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of a snowy Michigan lake house during a week-long retreat, the movie centers around Amy, who is still grappling with the aftermath of significant weight loss. Her best friend, Kim, brings along her new beau, which stirs feelings within Amy that she struggles to reconcile with her loyalty towards her dear friend.
Tran's film delves into the nuanced emotions that surface when individuals grapple with conflicting desires. She excels in capturing each character's inner turmoil with remarkable sensitivity, allowing viewers to empathize and connect with them on a deep level. Moreover, Tran's skillful use of cinematography adds depth and richness to the movie, rendering every scene with breathtaking clarity and detail.
While "Waiting For the Light to Change" undoubtedly offers several compelling moments, it isn't entirely flawless. At times, the dialogue feels forced, and the narrative might appear too drawn-out for some audiences' tastes. Nonetheless, Tran compensates for these shortcomings by infusing her work with a profound sense of authenticity and sincerity, elevating the viewing experience significantly.
In conclusion, Linh Tran's debut offering is deserving of a 6.5/10 rating. "Waiting For the Light to Change" is a poignant and thought-provoking film that deserves recognition and admiration. Although it may have some flaws, it's a commendable effort from a talented newcomer, and one that warrants attention and respect.
Therapy Dogs (2022)
Engaging Portrait of Adolescence
As someone who has witnessed countless coming-of-age films, I must say that Ethan Eng's directorial debut is both refreshing and relatable. The film follows the last year of high school for our protagonist and his friend as they embark on creating the ultimate senior video. It's not groundbreaking territory, but Eng manages to breathe new life into familiar themes. His characters are reckless, bored, awkward, and full of boundless energy, reminding us of our own teenage years. They spend their days attacking lockers, hanging off car roofs while drifting through parking lots, and scaling tall water towers. While these moments are exciting to watch, what truly sets "Therapy Dogs" apart is its exploration of adolescent masculinity. Eng masterfully interweaves subtle commentary throughout the film, making us question the traditional ideals of masculinity that many of us grew up with. Through his lens, we see a vivid and often exhilarating portrayal of what it means to be young today, highlighting both the uniqueness of this era and its similarities to previous generations. Overall, "Therapy Dogs" receives a solid 7/10 rating from me. While there were moments where the pace felt slow and certain plot points could have been fleshed out more, these minor criticisms cannot overshadow the film's strengths. Eng's direction, coupled with strong performances from his cast, makes "Therapy Dogs" a captivating and thoughtful addition to the genre."