THE MATRIX RESURRECTIONS
3 out of 5 stars
The mesmerizingly mind-blowing franchise is back from the dead w/ metamania running wild. The especially long-awaited sequel is slow to get going while rushing through at other times. Most of all, it’s shockingly not ambitious enough in this day & age. Nonetheless, Reeves & Moss don’t miss a beat as Neo & Trinity, & their love story is the beating heart of writer/director Wachowski’s crazy new concoction. Just like its predecessors, there’s more than meets the eye, though this time around nostalgia appears to be the primary code running rampant. Swallowing the pill & taking the trip once more is still worth it at the end of the day. That’s always been the case, except we must admit now that it’s clearly not what it once was.
LICORICE PIZZA
4 out of 5 stars
Lighthearted, hilarious, rowdy & full of youth – PTA’s latest is a simple but sweet coming-of-age tale in a delicious 1970s w/ a cracking soundtrack. Hoffman & Haim are primo in their feature acting debuts, having pitch-perfect chemistry that feels natural from the get-go. Their romantic quest navigates them through the joys & heartaches of first loves. Neither one sure about what the future may bring, but always seeming to find a way to run back to each other. This PTA is what I hope we get more of because I truly don’t recall any of his previous films being so damn darling & irresistible.
PARALLEL MOTHERS
2.5 out of 5 stars
In pure Almodóvar fashion, there’s great beauty within every scene as well as plenty of alluring human elements that are delved into. As per usual, Cruz is fabulous each & every time she & the writer/director create together. However, this lopsided melodrama of mothers, lovers, & children & the annals of Spanish politics & war don’t blend together all that well. One takes precedence over the other, concurrently feeling as if Almodóvar is undecided on when & where the attention should be directed. Personally, it should’ve stayed on the main story made up of motherhood, secrets, & loss as it’s by far the most riveting. What winds up occurring is neither portion or its messaging come across as fulfilling, losing that true emotional payoff that’s surely intended.
FLEE
4 out of 5 stars
Through its wielding of astonishing animation & actual news footage, this is a memorable & moving doc of a gay refugee’s journey in finding his home & the family sacrifices that lead him there. Poignant, horrifying, & highly emotional – director Rasmussen uses striking styles to ambitiously show Amin’s painful past & how deeply it’s affected him as an adult & the relationships he holds dear. The sharing of his story is the definition of courage as he faces his fears in order to live the life he went through hell to finally have.
WEST SIDE STORY (2021)
3 out of 5 stars
A well done remake of the classic Broadway musical that’s passionate, vibrant, & really socially relevant. Only in the hands of Spielberg can such a celebrated tale of star-crossed lovers environed by the face-off between the Jets & the Sharks feel fresh. Without question, the legendary director is in tune w/ what his diverse, fetching, & respectful adaptation can give to a new generation. And while its certainly got moves, they’re unfortunately not always the best ones. Besides being a little too long – the energy & emotion come & go within the singing, dancing, & rumbling. In the end, it still satisfies w/ splendor & wonderful performances from Zegler, Faist, & DeBose. All three are indeed praiseworthy.
THE TENDER BAR
2.5 out of 5 stars
Based on Moehringer’s memoir, director Clooney & writer Monahan craft quite a bland coming-of-age tale that eschews from establishing an emotional connection. It’s no surprise that when a film feels safe & shallow, it basically ruins any chance of resonating where it counts. Now not everything is a waste as Affleck is sensational as an uncle that so many wish they had in their lives & could certainly have a drink with. He’s at a stage in his career (& perhaps life) where his portrayal carries this newfound on screen wisdom that’s unexpectedly genuine, & the film definitely owes a debt of gratitude to him.
JULIA
3.5 out of 5 stars
Her first French meal, her easygoing technique, her cookbooks & TV shows, her whisking up of social & cultural change – directors Cohen & West use all of the best ingredients to celebrate Child & how she changed how America ate. Simple but savory, this doc gets viewers to enjoy the deliciousness of the chef’s brilliance, her juicy personality, the absolute adoring relationship w/ her husband, &, of course, her sheer love for food.
SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME
4 out of 5 stars
Holland cements himself as the greatest Spider-Man to ever swing on the silver screen in this high-stakes, soaring sequel that’s enormously entertaining & emotional. Within its story of redos, revenge & redemption – the heart & humor that’s been so critical to its success isn’t lost one bit. Additionally, the returning villains are a cool sight, w/ Dafoe & Molina reminding us why they’re the best of the best. While not without its flaws, this is ambitious as all get-out w/ director Watts accomplishing an insanely impossible feat. This will assuredly have fans rejoicing like never before.
SING 2
2 out of 5 stars
A star-studded cast sing their hearts out in this bright & colorful kiddie karaoke sequel about being told you’re not good enough & proving them wrong. Unfortunately, it falls out of tune too often by not really being that funny nor original, & having super undeveloped characters & storylines. But for our young viewers who are fans of the first one & listen to anything on pop radio – they’ll happily dance to such nonsense.
A HERO
3 out of 5 stars
From writer/director Farhadi comes an Iranian melodrama where doing the right thing doesn’t go unpunished. Jadidi is stellar as Rahim who’s been in prison for not paying a debt & has two days on the outside to settle w/ his creditor so to get his life back & care for his son. What begins as a simple story of some lost gold coins becomes one of countlesss lies, the power of social media, pleasing the court of public opinion, & ruined reputations. While plain in presentation & could afford to be less than 2 hours – it’s nevertheless a thought-provoking film of morality that unravels in unforeseen, fairly gripping ways.
THE NOVICE
2.5 out of 5 stars
For writer/director Hadaway’s feature film debut – her story of crushing the competition & the disturbing obsession behind it has far less intrigue than the character it’s studying. There’s just a feeling of more lying underneath that’s not delved into, resulting in a film that oddly enough doesn’t fully push itself. Though the same certainly can’t be said for Fuhrman. She plays a college freshman who joins the rowing team & who’s competitiveness is very unhealthy – pushing her to the brink of total collapse. She’s ferocious in a physically & psychologically exhausting performance that’s utterly gripping to watch.
CYRANO
3.5 out of 5 stars
As the titled character, Dinklage is spectacular as the incredible poet & swordsman who’s too abashed by his appearance to tell Roxanne (Bennett) – the woman he loves – how he truly feels. Meanwhile, she’s swept up by the arrival of Christian (Harrison Jr.) & it’s love at first sight. Cyrano is put in an awkward spot as he uses his words to assist Christian in winning her heart, the same one he secretly adores. And for the hopeless romantics out there – your heart easily breaks for the guy.
There’s nothing more pleasing than watching a charming cast radiate on screen, & that they do in director Wright’s musical adaptation of this romantic classic. The musical numbers swap out extravagance for quietude, which proves to be very much effective in being engrossed in the emotion of our characters. It’s beautiful & brilliant, feeling instantly ingenious. And while indeed a tragedy, at its core is pure unwavering devotion.
THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH
3 out of 5 stars
A tale as old as time is vitalized when a Coen brother chooses to tell it. Joel goes solo in his reimagining of Shakespeare’s bloody & wicked tragedy, having it all play out like a stage play produced in hauntingly black & white. Minimalist though mesmerizing, there’s beauty in every scene w/ phenomenal set & sound design. It’s very easy to be in awe of it all, yet a venturous vision doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the most riveting vision. Through the unsurpassed style – Coen sticks to the basics, which actually becomes a growing issue as it causes our cinematic experience to feel more numbing & less stimulating. Still, when Shakespeare is spoken by Washington & McDormand – you listen & you listen good. Washington in particular is as commanding as he’s ever been.
Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of The Vick’s Flicks Podcast. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
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