20s Movie Review - The Life of Chuck

Director: Mike Flanagan
Genre: Drama/ Fantasy
Runtime: 111 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Tom Hiddleston, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Karen Gillan, Mark Hamill, Jacob Tremblay, Matthew Lillard, Annalise Basso, Kate Siegel, Samanta Sloyan

Description: A life-affirming, genre-bending story about three chapters in the life of an ordinary man names Charles Krantz.

Review: With “The Life of Chuck”, director Mike Flanagan proves that he can do more than horror. He is an absolute master of portraying the human soul. Based on the short story by Stephen King, that I just finished reading, this is a deeply moving celebration of life, told in reverse chronological order.

The film begins at the end of the world and works backward to the childhood of Chuck. It’s a darling structure that works perfectly; as the world around the characters literally falls apart, we discover the small, seemingly insignificant moments that give a life meaning. The iconic dance scene on the street is already a classic. It was my favorite scene in the book and is the best part of the movie as well. It’s pure, infectious, and a symbol of indestructible joie de vivre.

Flanagan embraces the sentiment without ever becoming sentimental. He is very faithful to Stephen King’s story, which I can only applaud. He reminds us that every human being carries a whole universe withing them. “The Life of Chuck” is a visually stunning and emotionally overwhelming tribute to the fact that we exist. Tom Hiddleston is absolutely brilliant in it. The film is an absolute triumph and a new favorite film.

Rating: 5/ 5

10s Movie Review - Wonder

Director: Stephen Chbosky
Genre: Drama/ Family
Runtime: 113 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Jacob Tremblay, Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, Izabela Vidovic, Mandy Patinkin, Noah Jupe

Description: The story of August Pullman (Jacob Tremblay), a boy with facial differences who enters the fifth grade, attending a mainstream elementary school for the first time.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2023 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 45: A MOVIE WITH A CHIL AS THE LEADING CHARACTER
 
Review: It is not easy to be different. Especially when you look different from others. So different that they stare at you, whisper about you, point at you or don’t even dare to touch you. It is the life of Auggie Pullman as soon as he enters fifth grade. His parents have long kept him at home, but now it’s time for him to learn to be among other kids. And that they learn to look past his appearance.

Aggie Pullman has Treacher Collins syndrome, an extremely rare hereditary condition that makes his face look distorted from birth. In his case, it even required a slew of surgeries to keep him alive. Despite the genetic component, it is possible that no one else in the family has it.

“Wonder” is a typical American family drama, in which children bully each other for being different, but then gradually accept each other once they get to know each other better. A sympathetic feel-good movie that never colors outside the lines, except perhaps for Auggies condition. Jacob Tremblay does an excellent job as Auggie.

What makes “Wonder” so likeable, besides its well-intentioned message about acceptance, is that no one is singled out as the culprit for the main characters’ misfortune. We get to see not only Auggie’s perspective, but also that of his older sister Via who has accepted that the family’s life revolves around her little brother and the she must solve her typical teenage girl problems on her own. We also get to see the perspective of Via’s best friend, who all of a sudden is very popular and is hardly talking to Via anymore. And Auggies first friend Jack, who accepts him at first but then gets into a fight with him when he pretends not to accept him for fear of the class bully. All children have their own problems, fears and motivations.

“Wonder” is predictable, but it’s such a heartwarming film, that you cannot help but smile in the end.

Rating: 4/ 5

Movie Review - The Little Mermaid

Director: Rob Marshall
Genre: Adventure/ Family/ Musical/ Fantasy
Runtime: 135 minutes
Year: 2023
Starring: Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy, Javier Bardem, Noma Dumezwemi, Jacob Tremblay, Awkwafina, Daveed Diggs
 
Description: A young mermaid (Halle Bailey) makes a deal with a sea witch (Melissa McCarthy) to trade her beautiful voice for human legs so she can discover the world above water and impress a prince (Jonah Hauer-King)

Review: Disney know how to create a successful animation. Turning these same animated movies into live-action flicks has not been as successful. There have been a few hits, but I can say that “The Little Mermaid” is not really one of them.

Even though the choice of Halle Bailey as Ariel was unacceptable according to many fans, she does a good job. She has a beautiful singing voice and manages to give Ariel more character than the animated version. Melissa McCarthy as Ursula the sea witch also deserves some kudos, she was chosen perfectly. Javier Bardem on the other hand, playing Ariel’s father, really has no idea what to do with his character.
It's a live-action film, with of course use of a lot of CGI, but it still feels too animated for my liking. And it’s the underwater scenes. They could have made it more realistic.

I really do like the fact that they gave Prince Eric more substance and a background. But the fact that Ariel is in love with him after only seeing him once is still strange.

I do think there are worse Disney live-action films, but “The Little Mermaid” is just okay for me.

Rating: 3/ 5

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

10s Movie Review - Doctor Sleep

Director: Mike Flanagan
Genre: Thriller/ Horror/ Drama
Runtime: 151 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Rebecca Ferguson, Kyliegh Curran, Cliff Curtis, Carel Struyken, Bruce Greenwood, Henry Thomas, Jacob Tremblay

Description: Years following the events of “The Shining”, a now-adult Danny Torrance (Ewan McGregor) must protect a young girl with similar powers from a cult known as The True Knot, who prey on children with powers to remain immortal.

Review: It’s not a secret that author Stephen King wasn’t happy with Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of “The Shining”. In 2013 King released the sequel to his novel, called “Doctor Sleep”, where the story focuses on son Danny. What happened to Danny after the traumatic events in the Overlook Hotel and how is he dealing with his gift?
After everything that happened in the Overlook Hotel, Danny and his mother have picked up their lives. When Danny is twenty, his mother passes away and he starts wandering through the US. Like his father, Danny can’t stay away from alcohol. He eventually ends up in a small town in New Hampshire, where he starts working as a hospice. His visions and his gift he tries to put away as far as possible.
As appears, Danny is not the only one with ‘the shining’, as this gift is called. There is a group, led by the mysterious and charismatic Rose the Hat, that live off the powers of those with the gift. When a young boy disappears by the hands of this group, young girl Abra seeks contact with Danny. She also has the gift and together they will try to stop Rose and her macabre group.
The title, “Doctor Sleep”, refers to Danny’s ability to console dying patients. And the film is not a series of repeats from the first film. Stephen King presented a bigger universe, where Danny’s gift is still unique but he is obviously not the only one anymore. “The Shining” had an oppressive feel because of the setting. And even though this film has a bigger setting, it still gives you this feeling at times.
Ewan McGregor is really strong in this film, but it’s Rebecca Ferguson as a very convincing villain and the young Kyliegh Curran that steal the show.
If you saw the trailer, you would think that “Doctor Sleep” is pure fan-service, since you can see young Danny on his tricycle, the scary maze, the twins, the door that Jack broke with the axe and the sea of blood in the hallway, they are all present. As fans of “The Shining” it’s one big feast. But in the film it’s only short and dosed, purely for visual reference and all very functional.
Flanagan definitely learned from Kubrick, but he didn’t copy his predecessor. And this is fantastic, because “Doctor Sleep” is its own film without leaning on the success of “The Shining”. Especially the camera work is spectacular and daring and shows how techniques have been perfected over the years.
Also a tiny detail that made me happy is the fact that they kept the book title and didn’t call it The Shining 2 or whatever, to lure more people to the cinema. Since the title doesn’t shout out it is a sequel.
Directing a film that’s a sequel to one of cinema’s most iconic horror film is a big task and it could have gone wrong. But “Doctor Sleep” is a fantastic film, has psychological complexity and gets under your skin. I loved it!

Rating: 4 / 5

10s Movie Review - Good Boys

Director: Gene Stupnitsky
Genre: Comedy
Runtime: 90 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Jacob Tremblay, Keith L. Williams, Brady Noon, Lil Rey Howry, Will Forte

Description: Three 6th grade boys ditch school and embark on an epic journey while carrying accidentally stolen drugs, being hunted by teenage girls, and trying to make their way home in time for a long-awaited party.

Review: “Good Boys” opening credits take you along the walls and across the desk of a boys' room. It's one like so many, with model airplanes, picture frames and toys lying around. When the main actors and production workers are introduced to the public, the image comes to rest with an average boy, about twelve years old, playing games in bed. And as in so many films of this genre, this kid is going to experience an enormously recognizable milestone in his life. A milestone after which everything will be different, and not in the way he had in mind. Max, as he's called, is going to his first kissing party soon.
The film follows a fairly common, and generally quite successful, pattern. Max goes to the kissing party with his two best friends Lucas and Thor, but not before some increasingly unsolvable problems have been overcome. A number of unlikely and recurring friends, enemies and jokes are made, all of which coincide in an insane apotheosis, in “Good Boys” the kissing party, where everything goes slightly different than planned. Put the course of this film next to that of “Superbad” or “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle”, and the similarities are obvious.
The two pillars on which such films rest are the recognizability of the situations and the quality of the jokes. Unfortunately, in “Good Boys” there is a lot to be said for both, although both aspects certainly have their strong points. For example, writers Gene Stupnitsky and Lee Eisenberg constantly succeed in making children's experiences recognizable in a playful way. There is nothing in the world as important as that one kissing party. However, this youthful innocence and ignorance are also an important source of jokes. They make fun of the endearing innocence and the bubble the kids are sitting in is pierced repeatedly, usually for a cheap laugh.
At the same time, the second point of criticism: the jokes. In this genre, good humor can keep the whole thing going, regardless of the quality of the rest of the film. Usually the humor is a bit juvenile, but also sharp and on the edge, especially on the edge of good taste. However, the choice of three children as the main characters makes it difficult for the humor to get past the slapstick level. A first kiss and a sneaky sip of beer aren't as outrageous as shooting your virginity or shooting at a police car, although a twelve-year-old might think so. The running gags are good, that is, but not strong enough to keep the whole thing exciting for an hour and a half.

Rating: 2,5 / 5

10s Movie Review - The Predator

Director: Shane Black
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Thriller
Runtime: 107 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Boyd Holbrook, Trevante Rhodes, Jacob Tremblay, Keegan-Michael Key, Olivia Munn, Sterling K. Brown, Thomas Jane, Alfie Allen, Jake Busey, Yvonne Strahovski

Description: When a young boy (Jacob Tremblay) accidentally triggers the universe's most lethal hunters' return to Earth, only a ragtag crew of ex-soldiers and a disgruntled scientist can prevent the end of the human race.

Review: With “The Predator”, director Shane Black tries to bring the nostalgia back to life, from the 1987 original (Fun fact: Black was actually in that film). The film is iconic, especially because of its one-liners coming from Arnold Schwarzenegger.
And they use these one-liners, but change them. Auch…. Not very clever. Then only clever choice is to copy the level of ‘macho’ from the original.
The film never gets scary or exciting. It’s a very messy film with no memorable characters, besides the Predator himself off course.
This movie wasn’t really necessary, I’ll stick with the Arnold Schwarzenegger film.

Rating: 2 / 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 29: Room

Director: Lenny Abrahamson

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 118 minutes

Year: 2015

Starring: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Sean Bridgers, Joan Allen, William H. Macy, Matt Gordon

Description: After five-year-old Jack(Jacob Tremblay) and his mother (Brie Larson) escape from the enclosed surroundings that Jack has known his entire life, the boy makes a thrilling discovery.

Review: “Room” is based on the book by Emma Donoghue, who was inspired by the real life story of Austrian Josef Fritzl. He locked his own daughter up in a basement, for 24 years. Director Lenny Abrahamson turned it into a movie and Donoghue was asked to write the script.

Room is a shed where young Jack and his mother Joy live. For Joy it’s a prison, but for her five year old son it’s the only world he knows. Joy tries to make their life as normal as possible. She teaches him to read, they cook together, she tells him stories. At night Jack sleeps in a closet, while Joy has to please her abductor who they call Old Nick. Now that Jack is five, Joy thinks it’s the right time to tell him about the world outside Room, but Jack doesn’t believe her.

Although “Room” is inspired by true stories about abducted women who were kept captive, the abduction and captivity is not the main focus. More than a thriller, “Room” is a heartbreaking drama about the power of motherly love and the possibility to find light in the most darkest situations. The fantastic element about “Room” is that we see it through the eyes of Jack, how he sees Room and how he sees the world.

The strong acting is also the movie’s strength. Brie Larson won an Academy Award for her role and she very well deserved it. But also young Jacob Tremblay, what a promising talent. Their interaction is so convincing.

Although there is not as much time to tell the story as you get while reading the book, “Room” managed to do this very well. A movie that grabs you and doesn’t let go. Already a favorite of this year!

Rating: 5/ 5