Solo: A Star Wars Story
Original Article: https://thefilmguys.blog/reviews/andrews-reviews/solo-a-star-wars-story-2018/
At its core, Solo: A Star Wars Story is about taking an audience on a journey from point A to point B with a few twists and turns along the way. In that sense, Solo soars as an adventurous thrill ride, fitting for the deviantly charming smuggler we’ve known to love. I will say, I really did enjoy this simplistic approach to the story’s plot during my first watch. However, once you start to peel back the Star Wars magic, you’ll begin to notice the flaws, most of which involve the script. Several of the new characters are somewhat uninteresting, the dialogue for Han Solo felt very un-Han-Solo-like for about the first half of the film, there was absolutely no chemistry between Alden Ehrenreich (Solo) and Emilia Clarke (Qi’ra) and for a film titled Solo we strangely don’t spend much time developing HAN SOLO. How does this happen? Moving past a weak script, I must take aim at Solo‘s cinematography. Why does it look and feel so cinematically displeasing? So much of the film was shot so dark and with a one-note color wash that at times we can’t make out what it is we are seeing.
That being said, if you can move past those flaws you’ll find yourself on a thrilling adventure from beginning to end. The effects and action set-pieces are all top tier as we have come to expect from Disney’s Star Wars, specifically would like to shout out the infamous Kessel Run scene. Which is actually a perfect segue way into my next compliment; Solo nails most of its fan service moments. Han and Chewie’s scenes all were very smilie-inducing in the best way possible. All I can say is don’t go into this new chapter of the Star Wars Saga with lofty expectations of exciting adventure matched with thrilling and substantial storytelling. If you lower your expectations, you’ll find yourself having a great ride. Though with a strong script, we really could have had something special.
- Writing: 5/10
- Direction: 7/10
- Cinematography: 5/10
- Acting: 7/10
- Editing: 9/10
- Sound: 10/10
- Score/Soundtrack: 7/10
- Production Design: 8/10
- Casting: 7/10
- Effects: 9/10
- Overall Score: 7.4/10
--
Game Night
Original Article: https://thefilmguys.blog/reviews/augusts-reviews/game-night-2018/
Moments of genuine craftsmanship mixed with insulting storytelling, Game Night shows how far style can carry a complete lack of substance. Tilt shifts shots and a synth soundtrack are used aplenty to give this film a hip and unique feel. There is an ambitious, continuous action shot that is genuinely engaging and subtle uses of CGI that add authentic comedic effects. Performances from Rachel McAdams, Jesse Plemons, Lamorne Morris and Sharon Horgon range from enjoyable to highly memorable. Yet, despite all this praise, the fundamental flaws of Game Night hold the movie back in a major way.
While clever details and wit do make their way into the script, the meat of the story is spent meandering through cliche scenes primarily motivated to get cheap laughs. This is to be occasionally expected in a comedy but there comes a point when the story being told becomes practically nothing at all. This issue is only exasperated by the performance of Jason Bateman, who spends much more time coming off as a jerk than anything else. Condescension can be a funny trait to dip into but when it is the only note our protagonist plays, it becomes hard to root for. Deceptively packaged with sleek techniques and a surprise supporting cast, Game Night amounts to a story about almost nothing and an unintentionally dislikable hero.
- Writing: 2/10
- Direction: 6/10
- Cinematography: 7/10
- Acting: 5/10
- Editing: 6/10
- Sound: 7/10
- Score/Soundtrack: 7/10
- Production Design: 7/10
- Casting: 6/10
- Effects: 7/10
- Overall Score: 6.0/10
--
First Reformed
Original Article: https://thefilmguys.blog/reviews/augusts-reviews/first-reformed-2018/
First Reformed is solid gold. The film is striking on a visual level because every shot is rich with balance, depth and artful levels of symmetry; despite the fact that the film is presented in an unusual aspect ratio, it pulls its viewers in with nonstop beautiful photography. Meanwhile, a thought-provoking story unfolds with some of the best acting we’ve seen from each elite performer. The entire cast (from Hawke to Seyfried to Cedric Kyles) delivers fantastic performances that are essential in bringing the chilling messages of the film home.
The story is expectedly spiritual and surprisingly political. The pace of the film is deliberate and switches seamlessly between snapshots and extended takes. The scoring slowly builds its ominous tone and the effects are tastefully done. Every aspect of First Reformed is built with intention that serves its sobering themes. Ultimately, First Reformed‘s elite qualities combined into an experience that is more than a movie, it is a piece of art. If you like technique, you will love First Reformed.
- Writing: 9/10
- Direction: 10/10
- Cinematography: 10/10
- Acting: 10/10
- Editing: 9/10
- Sound: 8/10
- Score/Soundtrack: 9/10
- Production Design: 8/10
- Casting: 10/10
- Effects: 8/10
- Overall Score: 9.1/10
--
More 10-Category Reviews: https://thefilmguys.blog/reviews/
Submitted June 08, 2018 at 05:40PM by AugustKellerWrites https://ift.tt/2LAlhMK
No comments:
Post a Comment