Movie Review - The Wild Robot

Director: Chris Sanders
Genre: Animation/ Science Fiction/ Adventure/ Family
Runtime: 102 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Lupita Nyongo’o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Bill Nighy, Matt Berry, Mark Hamill, Ving Rhames, Catherine O’Hara
 
Description: After a shipwreck, an intelligent robot called Roz (Lupita Nyongo’o) is stranded on an uninhabited island. To survive the harsh environment, Roz bonds with the island’s animals and cares for an orphaned baby goose.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2024 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 52: A FILM THAT’S A 2024 FAVORITE FOR MANY PEOPLE
 
Review: At the center of “The Wild Robot” there is Roz, a robot that seems far too complicated to serve as a household helper. But would probably be given that function in most cases. Were it not for the fact that this particular one is stranded on a desert island. As far as people go, that is. This island is inhabited by animals and most of them see her as an enemy. Until she finds a goose egg.

When the egg hatches, the little goose latches on to Roz. She needs to teach him how to swim and fly and eventually get ready for migration. Roz makes it her task, with the help of Fink, an seemingly unreliable fox that feels just as an outsider as Roz does.  

Robots are supposed to be emotionless, trying to solve problems with logic, using algorithm. But when Roz’ algorithmic thought processes fail, she must learn to rely on her intuition and feelings. On the contrary, the animals of the island do nothing but act from gut instinct. They must learn to turn off their instincts in order to survive together. And it turns out that programming and instinct are not so different after all.

The sympathy you feel for Roz, from the start, is partly due to Lupita Nyongo’o’s excellent vocal performance. With only her voice, she manages to convey so much feeling and nuance. As Roz develops, we see her create her own consciousness. Her character growth is accompanied by universal themes of parenthood, friendship, belonging and (self-) acceptance, with the story emphasizing that the relationships we form are enough to lead fulfilling lives.

The breathtaking animation, vulnerable emotions and moving story are perfectly brought together. This results in countless enchanting scenes that really make something happen to you. I felt every emotion while watching “The Wild Robot”. Director Chris Sanders has outdone himself once again with this wonderful Dreamworks animation and it is indeed my favorite film of 2024.

Rating: 5/ 5

10s Movie Review - Queen of Katwe

Director: Mira Nair
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 124 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Maldina Nalwanga, David Oyelowo, Lupitio Nyongo’o

Description: Living in the slum of Katwe, Uganda, is a constant struggle for the young Phiona (Maldina Lawanga) and her family. Her world changes when she meets Robert Katende (David Oyelowo), a missionary who teaches children how to play chess.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2024 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 39: A BIOGRAPHICAL FILM
 
Review: Phiona grew up in the slums of Uganda, she never went to school and yet she made it to chess champion in her country. ESPN-journalist Tim Crothers chronicles her impressive life story in a bestseller, which Disney, together with director Mira Nair, then turned into this colorful and cheerful feel-good film.

Phiona lives with her mother, older sister and two younger brothers in the slums of Uganda. Her father has died and mother Harriet is working hard to provide for her children. Because Phiona has to help her mother out, she never went to school. One day, she stumbles upon a group of kids that are playing chess, thought by Robert Katende. Phiona joins them and it turns out she has a talent for the game. Eventually being able to go to a tournament with her new friends.

This film has such a big heart. It’s a feel-good film, with the exception of a few sadder moments, and just warms your heart. It’s an inspirational story, which is probably a bit dramatized, but I loved “Queen of Katwe”. The cast is outstanding. Lupita Nyongo’o, who plays Phiona’s mother Harriet, has become a favorite over the years. She is so strong in this film. As is David Oyelowo, as Robert Katende. Maldina Lawanga portrays Phiona and she does a great job. She knows how to stand strong and is excellents in her role.

A hidden gem from Disney, “Queen of Katwe” is definitely the perfect film if you want a pick-me-up.

Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Review - A Quiet Place: Day One

Director: Michael Sarnoski
Genre: Horror/ Science Fiction/ Drama
Runtime: 99 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Quinn, Alex Wolff, Djimon Hounsou
 
Description: A young woman name Sam (Lupita Nyong’o) finds herself trapped in new York City during the early stages of an invasion by alien creatures with ultra-sensitive hearing.

Review: Making a prequel to a successful film like “A Quiet Place’ is probably a curse rather than a blessing. The film not being director by John Krasinski (returned as a writer though), like the other two films, is also not working in its favor. But it worked and it pays off. 

The first two films were unique. The people dealing with the invasion had already adapted to the situation. They learned how to live in a world with these creatures in it, knew what attracts them and how to survive. It had a small town, country setting. In “A Quiet Place Part Two” we got a glimpse on that first day, with the characters we then knew, in that same setting. But in “A Quiet Place: Day One” we see how it started, switching the décor for New York, a place that is loud and alive 24/ 7. An interesting take for this universe to further explore it.

We follow Sam, a young woman dealing with a terminal illness. All she has is her cat Frodo. When she is visiting New York City, all hell breaks loose and creatures start attacking people. Quickly finding out that they can’t see and rely on super sensitive hearing, she tries to make her way through the city.

Lupita Nyong’o plays Sam and really carries this film. She is a cynical character, but manages to put down a remarkable engaging main character, for whom she is especially allowed to pull out all the stops non-verbally. She gets great counterplay from Joseph Quinn, who plays the anxious Eric.

“A Quiet Place: Day One” could easily be viewed without having seen the other two movies, but I would recommend to watch the others first. I highly enjoyed it, was spooked, on the edge of my seat. And loved Lupita Nyong’o, who proves again what a great actress she is. And can we also praise cat Schnitzel, who played Frodo. Constantly panicking where he was, when he wasn’t in frame. “A Quiet Place: Day One” is best views in theaters, just like its predecessors.

Rating: 4/ 5

20s Movie Review - Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Director: Ryan Coogler
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 161 minutes
Year: 2022
Starring: Letitia Wright, Angela Bassett, Danai Gurira, Lupita Nyong’o, Winston Duke, Martin Freeman, Julia Louis-Dreyfus

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2024 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 23: A FILM THAT’S PART OF A SERIES OR FRANCHISE
 
Description: The people of Wakanda fight to protect their home from intervening world powers as they mounr the death of King T’Challa.

Review: “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is the long-awaited sequel to the superhero “Black Panther”. This first film was received with mainly positive reviews and earned a lot of awards. Opinions about the sequel vary widely.

The film begins emotional, where the people of Wakanda are saying goodbye to King T’Challa. Actor Chadwick Boseman portrayed this character in 2018, but sadly passed away in the summer of 2020. So, the fact that there is a sequel without the main character is, so to say, very particular. And unfortunately, we could have done without this movie.

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” feels like a film made out of respect for Boseman. Which is of course a beautiful thing and there is nothing wrong with that. But because of this, the humor that the first film had, is almost totally absent. Maybe for a fear of disrespect? And you miss Boseman, therefore the reason I believe this movie was not really necessary.

The film is also too long. With its almost 3-hour runtime, it’s too long to stay engaging and interesting.
One thing I did love, is the strong female presence. It’s, for the most part, female characters that carry this film. And Angela Bassett steals every scene she is in. Bassett is the strongest performer in the film.

Rating: 2,5/ 5

Top 5 Thursday: Kick-Ass Female Characters of the "Star Wars" Franchise

We still have to wait until the end of 2017 for a new “Star Wars” film and everyone is always focusing on the male characters of the films. I decided to list my favorite female characters of the franchise, because they matter just as much.

5. Padmé Amidala
Although the prequels are universally hated by many, there is one bright spot: The mother of Darth Vader’s kids, Padmé Amidala. Be honest, without her we wouldn’t have Luke or Leia.

4. Maz Kanata
She may have had only a minor role in “The Force Awakens”, but with her sharp tongue she left an unforgettable impression. Even on a hero like Han Solo. And she is also something to trust, because she was trusted to keep Luke Skywalker’s light saber safe.

3. Jyn Erso
Jyn isn’t a damsel in distress nor is she a great jedi. She is a rebel with a job to do. And nothing is going to stop her from doing it. Jyn is not afraid to fight dirty, hides her emotions and is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of hope alone.

2. Leia Organa
Leia is probably one of cinema’s most iconic characters ever to be created. A princess that fights her own battles.

1. Rey
Every new story needs a hero. And for this trilogy we get ours in the form of Rey. A scavenger from a desert planet. She eventually accepts the force within, while at first against the fate laid out before her.

They Almost Made the Top 5: -

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 32: Non-Stop

Director: Jaume Collet-Serra

Genre: Action/ Thriller

Runtime: 106 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Liam Neeson, Julianne Moore, Scoot McNairy, Michelle Dockery, Nate Parker, Corey Stoll, Lupita Nyong’o, Omar Metwally, Jason Butler Hamer, Linus ROache, Shea Whigham, Anson Mount, Quinn McColgan, Corey Hawkins, Frank Deal, Bar Paly, Edoardo Costa, Jon Abrahams, Amanda Quaid

Description: Air marshal Bill Marks (Liam Neeson) springs into action during a transatlantic flight after receiving a series of text messages that put his fellow passengers at risk unless the airline transfers $150 million into an off-shore account.

Review: Liam Neeson got his break with the big audience by playing the role of Oscar Schindler in “Schindler’s List”. Now, in his sixties, Neeson is most known for his action movies. In “Non-Stop” he plays an air marshal.

This air marshall, Bil Marks, has a hard life. He doesn’t like his job and drinks. He gets threats over the phone, where the unknown caller claims to murder a passenger when Marks doesn’t transfer a large amount of money to a bank account.

“Non-Stop” is directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. He and Neeson also worked together on “Unknown”. “Non-Stop” is an entertaining movie, with a high tempo and with weird plot twist that seem incredible. But the solid acting by Neeson and the visual flair of Cobet-Serra make it enjoyable. Neeson has a killer charisma. Julianne Moore has a supporting role, but is underused.

I think that this is an easily forgettable movie, because the thriller lacks depth. But for a week night, it’s a good popcorn movie that Liam Neeson fans will appreciate.

Rating: 3/ 5

Pic Spam: Academy Awards 2014

I saw the Academy Awards last night and I Always love to watch this glitter & glamour evening. This is the only night that I allow myself to feel a bit of hedonism. It's been a while since I've done a pic spam (december!) and I decided to do something new. So I'm going to share some pictures from last night's Academy Awards. My favorite stars, moments, shots, you name it.