Poor Things Review

 Of all the things I could’ve watched on family friendly Disney+, Yorgos Lanthimo’s Poor Things is the one I chose and I’m so glad I did! The film is a brilliant surreal period piece with a plot somewhere between Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Alex Martin’s Ex Machina. Emma Stone’s Oscar winning portrayal of the reanimated Bella and Willem Dafoe’s disfigured doctor are standouts. The blend of CG and practical settings with a fantastical story make for an engaging and funny viewing experience. Definitely not for viewing with the kids as we follow Bella’s infantile brain learning how to navigate her womanhood and sexuality. All elements combine for a complete film and masterpiece of modern cinema.

The review of the movie of the Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.

 

2011’s  Rise of the Planet of the Apes kicked off one of the most consistently high quality (and underrated) movie franchises in recent history. In the age of multiverses and franchise building, The Planet of the Apes has bucked the trend of diminishing returns, until now. The latest installment by Disney owned Fox Studios is set after many generations separated from the Caesar saga. This film serves as a kind of soft reboot, especially when it tackles the outcome of the virus that now leaves the human survivors mute and cognitively impaired. The story is a predictable hero’s journey narrative, and the motion capture technology and visuals haven’t advanced much from the groundbreaking 2011 film. There is a little humor mixed in provided by Peter Jerrod Macon whose voice fans of The Orville series will recognize as Lt. Commander Bortus. His portrayal of the wise Caesar historian Orangutan is engaging and heartfelt. The film, while entertaining, is the weakest of the series.

Deadpool and Wolverine Review

What does an audience want from a long-anticipated Deadpool and Wolverine team up? Director Shawn Levy and star Ryan Reynolds know. So much so that Deadpool literally says it during the one of many signature fourth wall breaks. To the unspoiled, many surprises abound in the form of callbacks and cameos. The entire film screams fan service and not only makes no effort to hide it, it throws it in your face! Yes, by this third film the novelty has worn a little thin, and Marvel killed the vibe with the She Hulk series. The main protagonist is forgettable, and actually it’s unforgivable that a certain brainiac X-Man didn’t show up to provide a redemption arc for the baddie. Also disappointing was the lack of onscreen reveal of Reynolds’s wife Blake Lively as Lady Deadpool, and his daughter Inez as “Kidpool” respectively. Lively confirmed it. Also a mild letdown for the Swifties out there. All nitpicking aside, Deadpool and Wolverine is a fun, if not stellar, introduction of our heroes to the MCU. Gory and foul mouthed, it’s amazing this film even exists under the Disney umbrella.

My Science Project Review

 Disney’s entry into the 80’s “science” movie craze is a forgettable time bending flick. Decent SFX for the time and a theme song by The Tubes (one of my favorite 80’s bands) can’t make up for the flat teen acting and sketchy attempts at humor. The exception is a truly gonzo performance by Dennis Hopper! Watch Weird Science or Real Genius instead to get your 80’s nerd fix.