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Reviews
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)
This is why we go to the movies. This is D&D.
If I had told you today that the latest D&D motion picture was destined to become an epic fantasy classic, you might not believe me at first..among other skeptics whether in or separate from the D&D community.
I had already predetermined it going to be a much bigger production than their prior offerings, which to be pretty fair, spiraled off course and plummeted into the deep seas(perhaps devoured by Morkoth...) and based on the catchy previews I glossed over added to what I felt overall when walking into an early screening this weekend with a few friends from our current campaign. They were probably just as skeptical as I was, until right into the first five minutes of film, which is when I then knew that they had made something real special.
Brim-filled with visually stunning epic fantasy action, funny and irreverent, yet full of heart, this avoids the scheme of trying to be too cool for its own good. It embraces D&D's sometimes ridiculousness in a setting that is self-aware, and presents a story sensibly. Even in its hundred and thirty-four minute runtime, it gets the point across without cutting corners or dragging anything too long. I'm quite relieved they didn't rush anything, as it is done too often in feature films nowadays.
The party consists of three-dimensional characters that are complex, and exclusive in their own way, empowered by a wonderful cast(even the villains and some side-characters, who I shall leave unnamed for the sake of no-spoilers).
This further reminds me why we go to the cinema. It's things like this that are so refreshing and bold, yet keeping it's bright tone within it's boundaries without going to much into the extreme. This is D&D, and I'm certain longtime fans and newcomers alike will find Honor Among Thieves in all of us.
Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)
Long Live the King
Don't listen to the hate and watch it for yourself. I have been a lifelong fan of cinema(especially monster movies), and am an avid fan of all things Godzilla. Dougherty has done what many attempts of adapting international global phenomenons could not.
The screenplay(written by Michael Dougherty, Max Borenstein, and Zach Shields) while not perfect, still has the touch of someone who has involved themselves with the lore, and delved into the deepest parts of the Zillaverse, being consistent with the prophetic undertones of their and our universe. And while focusing on the moral aspect of each character and monster, they also managed to balance the action without losing sight of its goal.
Kyle Chandler(who gives one of his finer performances since The Wolf of Wall Street), Vera Farmiga, and Millie Bobby Brown lead the human ensemble, alongside some notable performances from the likes of Bradley Whitford, Sally Hawkins, Charles Dance, Thomas Middleditch, and an always incredible performance by Ken Watanabe, makes this is by far the most emotional and human Godzilla film I've seen.
I have always been a practical person, especially a fan of practical effects, but the CG in KotM had me stunned during several scenes, from the greatest titan duels to the smallest meticulous expressions of sadness and anger on Godzilla, to the other monsters(mostly designed from the original 60s monsters, even down to their cries), to the immensely rendered landscapes. I especially liked the bits of loving detail near the end.
Without giving spoilers, all I can really say is the whole thing is a wild ride from beginning to end, and to all Godzilla and monster movies fans alike, you shouldn't miss it.
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Inevitable
Assemble for Marvel's latest triumph encompassing a vivid story, grand style, striking visuals and overwhelming heart.
It is unbelievably difficult to give a full-blown rating without spoiling anything, but all I will say is it has surpassed my expectations. I can't recall the last time I felt this way about a film since perhaps the Lord of the Rings or the Dark Knight films. And after 11 long years, the Infinity Saga is now complete.
This is where an era ends, and begins anew with what appears to be a brilliant future. The only concern I have is just how high each new MCU film will have to jump after a this film has set the bar so high. A fitting end to an enduring saga.
Stan would be proud.
Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
An Extraordinary Adaptation of the Manga
The primary reason for the low reviews is because the world wasn't ready for this film, plain and simple.
The plot, originally by Yukito Kishiro in 1990, was crafted meticulously to avoid the usual cliches of the cyberpunk genre. There are hardly any errors (besides a few forgivable subtleties, ie minor plot changes, which actually was better in the modern adaptation) as far as story is concerned, and perhaps the most 'human' science fiction film in recent years.
The visuals are a triumph, thanks to Cameron's cg Wizards, and Rodriguez has directed his best film in years. The imagery is also a tribute (some exactly scene for scene) from the original manga and ova. Whether you've seen the original, or are just watching for the first time, you won't be disappointed.
Mononoke-hime (1997)
Hayao Miyazaki never fails to bring the world another epic masterpiece.
An epic, gripping, defining form in anime at a transcendent level. I was instantly taken away from reality and was delved into this beautiful world. The chemistry between San and Ashitaka are perhaps the biggest of interests in the film. The artwork is meticulous. Studio Ghibli is employed with wizards of anime who always seem to blow us away with their style. Strong characters and dialogue.(all languages voiced excellently, by the way)And an intelligent, emotional story.(yet confusing for some)All together make in my opinion one of the greatest animated films of all time. Easily one of my favorite anime films. A must see for any fan of animation.