DON’T LOOK UP REVIEW

 *MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Although his films are divisive, in the last twenty years, Adam McKay has become one of the most successful filmmakers working today. To some, he’s best known for making comedies with Will Ferrell in the leading role such as Anchorman and its sequel. Recently, however, McKay has become better known for his Oscar nominated films, The Big Short and Vice. Despite this success, McKay’s films are divisive. There are those who find his works to be entertaining, however, others aren’t as impressed. I belong in the former category and it’s because of this and the star studded cast why I was so excited for McKay’s latest film, Don’t Look Up.

Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence), an astronomy grad student, and her professor Dr. Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio) make an astounding discovery of a comet orbiting within the solar system. The problem: it's on a direct collision course with Earth. The other problem? No one really seems to care. Turns out warning mankind about a planet-killer the size of Mount Everest is an inconvenient fact to navigate. With the help of Dr. Oglethorpe (Rob Morgan), Kate and Randall embark on a media tour that takes them from the office of an indifferent President Orlean (Meryl Streep) and her sycophantic son and Chief of Staff, Jason (Jonah Hill), to the airwaves of The Daily Rip, an upbeat morning show hosted by Brie (Cate Blanchett) and Jack (Tyler Perry). With only six months until the comet makes impact, managing the 24-hour news cycle and gaining the attention of the social media obsessed public before it's too late proves shockingly comical -- what will it take to get the world to just look up?

Although I enjoyed Don’t Look Up, I can understand why it has received a mixed response following its recent release in select cinemas. There are those who found it to be funny with McKay’s script exploring a more realistic response to an apocalyptic event. Others thought that the film aimed too high for its scattershot barbs to consistently land. Although I can understand that not everyone will like Don’t Look Up and fail to understand the hype surrounding it, I belong in the former category. A lot of disaster films, including 2012, are serious but have a happy ending. However, what’s most interesting about Don’t Look Up is that, for most of its 138 runtime, it’s a tongue in cheek comedy that focuses on two scientists, Kate and Randall, who struggle to convince everyone that the world is ending. Kate and Randall first meet the President of the United States, Janie Orlean, however, she doesn’t take them seriously and tells them to “sit tight and assess”.The disappointing response from the President leads to Kate and Randall trying to warn the population by appearing on a daytime chat show presented by bright and optimistic hosts, Brie and Jack. Despite Kate and Randall’s warning, Brie and Jack’s try to make light of the situation with the latter hoping that comet will hit his ex-girlfriend’s house. Although this scene is funny, it’s also a little sad as this is probably how most people will respond to a serious warning. 

Those hoping that Don’t Look Up will be similar to his Oscar winning film, The Big Short, and find success at next year’s Academy Awards, may be disappointed because the tone is more like Anchorman as they’re both original comedies written and directed by McKay. While the humour doesn’t always work, Don’t Look Up is rarely boring as it’s filled with memorable characters with the talented ensemble cast delivering amusing performances. After taking a break from acting, Lawrence makes a welcome return as the feisty Kate. Out of the entire cast, she delivers the most serious performance as Kate becomes increasingly annoyed by the laidback response to her and Randall’s warning that a comet is threatening to destroy Earth. Alongside Lawrence, DiCaprio delivers one of his most comical performances as Randall who frequently has mental breakdowns but soon accepts that the world is going to end despite his and Kate’s attempt to try and stop the comet. As the President, Streep is clearly imitating Donald Trump with her portrayal. Because she’s known for her dramatic and Oscar winning performances, it was interesting to see Streep take on a more comical role. As her son and chief in staff, Jason, Jonah Hill is also amusing.
 Like Streep, Blanchett is given an opportunity to deliver a more comedic performance and she succeeds with her portrayal of Brie who develops a crush on Randall. Pop star Ariana Grande is perfectly cast as pop star, Riley Bina, who releases a song, Just Look Up, that supports Kate and Randall’s campaign. Although its Oscar potential may seem uncertain, due to the mixed critical response, if Don’t Look Up could possibly be nominated for anything, my guess would be Best Original Song for Just Look Up.

With Don’t Look Up, writer/director Adam McKay has created a witty comedy that explores how people would really react to the end of the world and is worth watching just for the amusing performances by its impressive ensemble cast.

7/10 

GUNPOWDER MILKSHAKE REVIEW

 *MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Gunpowder Milkshake was one of my most anticipated films of this year, mainly because of its cast and the action packed story. It was released in cinemas and on Netflix in the United States in July and, unfortunately, received a mixed response with critics saying that it “runs dangerously close to being a pure sugar rush with no substance”. Despite this, I was still looking forward to watching Gunpowder Milkshake 
Sam (Karen Gillan) was only 12 years old when her mother Scarlet (Lena Headey), an elite assassin, was forced to abandon her. Sam was raised by The Firm, the ruthless crime syndicate her mother worked for. Now, 15 years later, Sam has followed in her mother's footsteps and grown into a fierce hit-woman. She uses her 'talents' to clean up The Firm's most dangerous messes. She's as efficient as she is loyal.  But when a high-risk job goes wrong, Sam must choose between serving The Firm or protecting the life of an innocent 8-year-old girl, Emily (Chloe Coleman). With a target on her back, Sam has only one chance to survive: Reunite with her mother and her lethal associates: The Librarians, Anna May (Angela Bassett), Florence (Michelle Yeoh) and Madeleine (Carla Gugino).  These three generations of women must now learn to trust each other, stand up to The Firm and their army of henchmen, and raise hell against those who could take everything from them.

Although it’s not as great as it could have been, due to a weak and predictable story, Gunpowder Milkshake is still worth watching for its thrilling action and strong performances by its talented cast. The film is at its best during the action sequences, most of which involves Sam and Emily. An early scene that takes place in a bowling alley is easily one of the highlights as it sees Sam fighting off a trio of henchmen sent by her boss, Nathan (Paul Giamatti), after she fails to return his stolen money. Director Navot Papushado doesn’t shy away from the gruesome violence. Those who are squeamish are best off avoiding Gunpowder Milkshake as it’s filled with violent fights. A stand out action sequence sees Emily forced to help Sam drive after a doctor numbs her arms. Despite her age of eight and three quarters, Emily gets involved in some of the action. 

Gunpowder Milkshake features a cast of talented actors who each leave a lasting impression. Since appearing on Doctor Who as Amy Pond in 2010, Gillan has successfully made the transition from television to the cinema by portraying Nebula in Guardians of the Galaxy and its sequel, Vol. 2, and as video game character, Ruby Roundhouse, in both of the Jumanji sequels, Welcome to the Jungle and The Next Level. In Gunpowder Milkshake, Gillan portrays Sam as a bad-ass fighter but also a caring sisterly figure for Emily. Like Gillan, Headey is also best known for her work on television, after appearing as Cersei Lannister in the epic fantasy series, Game of Thrones. As Scarlet, Headey delivers a fierce performance. Bassett, Yeoh and Gugino are equally as impressive as three librarians.

What I admired the most about Gunpowder Milkshake was that it focuses on women who team up to defeat the antagonists. For far too long in films, women have simply been included as the love interest for the male main character. It’s refreshing to watch a film like Gunpowder Milkshake where women aren’t love interests and are interesting individuals. Although the characters are underdeveloped, I still enjoyed watching them all in action, especially during a shoot-out that takes place in the library. The cast are all clearly having a lot of fun working together and making the film and, as a result, I had fun watching them. 

Following my watch of Gunpowder Milkshake, I’m surprised by the lukewarm reception it’s received since its release. Although I agree that both the story and character development could have been improved, I still thoroughly enjoyed the fast-paced and exciting action and seeing women teaming up and getting involved in the action.

7/10

SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS REVIEW

 *MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

In 2019, Avengers: Endgame concluded the Infinity Saga in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Now, two years later, the release of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings marks Phase Four of the MCU. Most of the films have been successful both with critics and at the box office, however, is Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings a worthy addition to the MCU?

The latest film in the MCU introduces viewers to Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) who is living a simple life working as a valet in America with his best friend, Katy (Awkwafina). However, an attack from a group of  men on a bus, it is revealed that Shang-Chi’s father is Xu Wenwu (Tony Leung) who is the leader of the Ten Rings, which are mystical weapons that grant their user immortality and great power. Following this encounter, Shang-Chi is forced to confront his past and prevent his father from causing chaos.

Although it’s not without its flaws, Shang-Chi is an exciting addition to the MCU. Like with most of the films in the superhero-based franchise, the strengths of the film lie in the thrilling action sequences and impressive performances by its cast. The main flaws are the special effects and predictable story, fortunately, they didn’t prevent me from thoroughly enjoying Shang-Chi.

Shang-Chi has a memorable opening sequence as it details how Shang-Chi’s parents, Wenwu and Ying Li (Fala Chen), met when the former discovers the latter’s home village, Ta Lo, which is said to harbour various mythical beasts, in order to expand his power. The pair using their unique fighting skills makes for an exciting opening sequence. 

I can imagine that many people, like me, were unfamiliar with Shang-Chi as he’s not as well-known as Iron Man, Captain America and Spider-Man. However, you don’t necessarily need to be a comic book fan in order to enjoy Shang-Chi as, unlike the majority of films in the MCU, it works as a stand-alone superhero film. It introduces viewers to Shang-Chi really well and, by the time the film had finished, I was  excited to see more of the character in future films. One of the post credits scenes hints that this film won’t be the last we’ll see of Shang-Chi and his magical rings. 

Following the release of Endgame in 2019, I was wondering how the MCU could keep its fans interested in the franchise. However, the recent release of Black Widow and Shang-Chi and three original spin-off series, WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Solder and Loki proves that there’s still plenty for fans to enjoy. Shang-Chi is an exciting addition to the MCU as it provides viewers with what they’ve come to expect from the franchise, including exhilarating action sequences, whilst introducing them to a new group of interesting and memorable characters.

Casting is an important part when it comes to making a superhero film. If it wasn’t for Robert Downey Jr.’s perfect portrayal of the charming Tony Stark, the Iron Man films probably wouldn’t have left much of an impression. Because of this, there was a lot of pressure to find the right actor to portray the leading hero, Shang-Chi. Fortunately, with Simu Liu, they have achieved that. Although Liu has limited acting experience (he previously appeared in the sitcom, Kim’s Convenience and the crime drama series, Blood and Water), Liu delivers an instantly likeable performance as Shang-Chi. Leung is one of Asia's most successful and internationally recognised actors, however, Shang-Chi marks his first English-language role and it’s an impressive debut. What I liked most about Leung’s portrayal of Shang-Chi’s father, Wenwu, is that he wasn’t a one-dimensional evil villain wanting to destroy the world, rather a flawed man grieving the loss of his wife. Awkwafina is known for her comedic roles in Crazy Rich Asians and Ocean’s 8, however, she also impressed many with her dramatic performance in Lulu Wang’s The Farewell. In Shang-Chi, she is a scene-stealer as Shang-Chi’s best friend, Katy. Although she doesn’t have any superpowers, she still gets involved in the action, especially during the climatic battle. Shang-Chi also features surprising appearances from familiar faces.

Because of the pandemic, Disney have made the controversial decision to release some of their films, including Cruella and Black Widow, in cinemas and on their streaming service, Disney+, for an additional Premier Access fee. However, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings has been released in cinemas which I think is a good decision as it’s worth watching on the big screen. I’ve always personally preferred watching films at the cinema as I get easily distracted at home and I soon lose interest, however, that’s never the case at the cinema as it’s a form of escapism. 

With exciting action and an impressive lead performance by Simu Liu, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is a strong addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

8/10

OLD REVIEW

 *MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

M. Night Shyamalan is one of the most interesting filmmakers working today and has created a wide range of films that varied in quality. Although he’s written and directed twisted thrillers such as The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable, Shyamalan is best known for his bad films, including the unintentionally funny The Happening, the disappointing After Earth and his abysmal live action adaptation of the animated series, The Last Airbender. There’s always interest surrounding a new film made by Shyamalan as it could either be good or bad. Since its release, Shyamalan’s latest film, Old, has received a mixed response, with critics describing his direction as uneven, however, there are those who enjoyed it. Its divided reception increased my interest in watching it. 

Old focuses on a family on a tropical holiday who discover that the secluded beach where they are relaxing for a few hours is somehow causing them to age rapidly reducing their entire lives into a single day.

Inspired by the graphic novel, Sandcastle, which was written by Pierre Oscar Levy and Frederik Peeters, Old has an interesting premise, unfortunate, the execution through Shyaman’s directing leads to a film filled with over the top performances and a story that is more confusing than clever. The plot twists are strange and disturbing as children age rapidly. Despite these flaws, however, I still found Old to be a fascinating and fun watch. 

The irony of Old is that, despite focusing on a group of characters who age quickly, it does have pacing issues. The first twenty to thirty minutes are spent introducing the characters including Guy (Gael García Bernal), his wife, Prisca (Vicky Krieps) and their young children, Trent (Nolan River) and Maddox (Alexa Swinton). Guy and Prisca are clearly having marriage issues and want to have one final holiday with their children before they divorce. The opening scene is where Old is at its weakest as the set up feels perfunctory and introduces other characters, including surgeon Charles (Rufus Sewell), his wife, Chrystal (Abbey Lee) and their young daughter, Kara (Kyle Bailey). When they all arrive at the beach, the story becomes more interesting when Trent finds a corpse of a woman who had visited the beach the previous night. Following this gruesome discovery, the visitors soon learn that the beach is far from the paradise that they were initially promised and are trapped there.

The majority of Old takes place on the mysterious beach and this is where it’s at its most compelling. Each of the characters is affected in different yet no less disturbing ways, with Trent, Maddox and Kara ageing at an alarming rate. Both Guy and Prisca are shocked to discover that their children have grown into teenagers within hours. Guy also finds his vision deteriorating with Prisca’s tumour growing in her abdomen leading to a gruesome scene that sees Charles removing it. Shortly after ageing into a teenager, Kara finds herself pregnant before giving birth to a baby moments later. These disturbing outcomes are where Old is at its most twisted, however, Shyamalan’s flawed filmmaking skills prevent it from leaving much of an impression. 

A common trademark that features in most of Shyamalan’s films is a plot twist that occurs towards the end of the film. However, most of these twists are absurd and that’s the case with Old. For most of the film, I was wondering if the characters were going to get off the beach and, if they were, how? The final thirty minutes answered that question, however, it left me with more questions than I had at the beginning and found the twist to be more puzzling than clever.

What’s most interesting about Old isn’t anything to do with the film itself bur rather the fact that it was filmed during a pandemic. The worldwide outbreak of coronavirus in the last year has deeply impacted the filmmaking industry significantly, with films having their release dates postponed and other productions being stopped altogether. However, principle photography for Old began towards the end of 2020. Shyamalan said Old’s subject matter, in which a group of people find themselves trapped on an isolated beach, dealing with a deadly phenomenon, mirrored the experience of being in lockdown and the uncertainty of the pandemic. 

Following my watch of Old, I can understand why it’s received such a divisive response, with those having a lot of fun watching the twists unfold on the beach with others failing to be impressed with what Shyamalan had created. My feelings towards Old are mixed. Although I didn’t think it was as bad as I was expecting, it wasn’t as great as it could have been. I think that if it had been made by a more skilful director, Old could have been a riveting and twisted thriller, however, it’s held back by Shyamalan’s uneven directing and the melodramatic performances by its cast.

6/10