Movie Review - Luca

Director: Emrico Casarosa
Genre: Animation/ Family/ Adventure
Runtime: 95 minutes
Year: 2021
Starring: Jacob Tremblay, Jack Dylan Grazer, Emma Berman, Maya Rudolph, Jim Gaffigan, Sacha Baron Cohen

Description: On the Italian Riviera, an unlikely but strong friendship grows between a human being and a sea monster disguised as a human.

Review: Luca is a sea monster who lives on the bottom of the ocean under the strict supervision of his parents. When he meets fellow sea monster Alberto, they transform into humans together and explore an Italian village where their friendship blossoms.
Like Pixar’s previous film, “Soul” (2020), “Luca” is now appearing exclusively on Disney + and unfortunately skipping cinemas.
“Luca” is a lighthearted film, not an outright tearjerker. No big risks were taken and the topic is simple. Just two boys who find support in each other, push their limits and have fun during the summer. It’s so pure, simply enjoying life together. Pixar does add a magical touch to it by making the two boys sea monsters who turn into human boys whenever the step onto the dry land.
“Luca” is refreshingly ‘simple’ in its execution compared to other Pixar films. Which is not to say that there isn’t a deeper meaning behind certain subject. Hidden beneath the surface may be a message that is very relevant today. And when it comes to visuals, it looks stunning as always. The colors are so vibrant, bold and bright.
“Luca” is a fun adventure to dream away with.

Rating: 4/ 5

Movie Reviews - It Chapter Two

Director: Andy Muschietti
Genre: Horror
Runtime: 169 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, Bill Hader, Isaiah Mustafa, Jay Ryan, James Ransone, Andy Bean, Bill Skarsgård, Jaeden Martell, Wyatt Oleff, Jack Dylan Grazer, Finn Wolfhard, Sophia Lillis, Chosen Jacobs, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Teach Grant, Nicholas Hamiltoon, Javier Botet, Xavier Dolan, Taylor Frey, Molly Atkinson

Description: Twenty-seven years after their first encounter with the terrifying Pennywise, the Losers Club have grown up and moved away, until a devastating phone call brings them back.

Review: Twenty-seven years ago, the Losers Club took an oath: if It returns, they will return to Derry and kill It. Most have buried their younger years and all the terrifying happenings, but a phone call from the only one that stayed in Derry brings it all back to them. Only together they can beat It.
Director Andy Muschietti managed to surprise everyone with his version of “It”. It was a stylish coming-of-ages story with jump scares. The movie, based on a novel by Stephen King, wasn’t gruesome horror but it was very well crafted. In “It Chapter Two”, we move on with the story. Mike is the only Loser that stayed in Derry and he definitely didn’t forget about Pennywise. After the brutal murder of one of the citizens, he is sure It returned and he contacts every member of the group in ask to return.
Th first film was a success partially because of the young cast and their recognizable stories and fears. Everyone feels like an outsider at times and together they could face their fears. In “It Chapter Two” that feeling of being connected is strong present again, because when they see each other after so many years it feels like the old days. The resemblance with their younger versions are uncanning and each of them was perfectly cast for the role. Especially Bill Hader as adult Richie, who is the best part of the film.
Their chemistry is here also very strong. Sadly a big chunk of the film is each of them going on a quest on their own. That’s the only negative thing I have to say about the film. Because the film and story are strongest when the group is together. That group dynamic is very important and works well.
The film has some really big jump scares and it has more blood and gore than the first film. But it still shows that Muschietti has love for the craft and for this story. Because the film looks stunning.
Like in most cases, “It Chapter Two” isn’t as good as its predecessor, but it still a really strong film.

Rating: 4/ 5

Movie Reviews - Shazam!

Director: David F. Sandberg
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Comedy
Runtime: 123 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Zachary Levi, Mark Strong, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer, Adam Brody, Djimon Hounsou, Marta Milans, Cooper Andrews

Description: We all have a superhero inside us, it takes a bit of magic to bring it out. In Billy Batson’s (Asher Angel_ case by shouting out one word – SHAZAM – this streetwise fourteen-year-old foster kid can turn into the grown-up superhero Shazam (Zachary Levi).

Review: “Shazam!” is not (yet) a part of a bigger film universe. Like Diana Prince (Wonder Woman) and Arthur Curry (Aquaman), teenager Billy Batson gets his own origin story. Off course there are lots of easter eggs and a lot of DC name dropping. But “Shazam!” mostly goes his own way. And it’s so different from the dark Snyder films.
They didn’t worry about making the magic lightning suite look realistic or create an ideal image of a superhero. “Shazam!” is a comedy, sometimes an even heartwarming family film. It had to be: a magic staff, magical words, a clumsy hero and a silly name. it wouldn’t have worked as a dark and gritty story. But with comedy and a splash of satire, it does work. Very well actually. The starting point is great: what to do when, as a teenager, all of a sudden you have the same powers as Superman? Exactly, you are going to try it all out. Jumping over buildings, by alcohol, smash things and trying to get rich. It becomes a delightful and recognizable child fantasy, where sidekick Freddy Freeman provides sassy comments. And Zachary Levi is the perfect choice to play the superhero.
Mark Strong plays Thaddeus Sivana, the villain. His name isn’t special, his look doesn’t look impressive and he has no epic backstory. But it does work surprisingly well, because he actually is a serious threat to Billy Batson.
“Shazam!” is very aware of itself and there are many references to other movies in the genre and even to “Big”, where a teenager also all of a sudden wakes up in an adult man’s body. And some things look really silly. But because of the friendly tone of the film, lead actor Zachary Levi and his dynamic with Jack Dylan Grazer, it’s a great superhero film.
“Shazam!” is lighter than “Wonder Woman”, more focused than “Aquaman” and very true to the comics. With that, it’s actually one of the better DC films.

Rating: 4/ 5