November 19, 2023

Cruella

Cruella Movie Review: A Fashionable Revenge Tale

"Cruella is a stylish and action-packed revenge tale that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish"

Description:

Step into the enchanting world of 'Cruella,' a spellbinding tale set against the vibrant backdrop of 1964 England. Embark on a captivating journey alongside Estella, a young and exceptionally gifted individual with an innate flair for fashion. Her distinctive black and white hair sets her apart, yet this remarkable trait invites ostracization, cultivating in her a defiant spirit and an enigmatic edge. The narrative unfolds with Estella's poignant bond with her mother, Catherine, who encourages her to embrace victory and presents the intriguing notion of 'Cruella'—a persona to outshine. However, tragedy strikes when Estella's pursuit of acceptance leads to a fateful event at the grand Hellman Hall, setting her on a tumultuous path of self-discovery.

A decade later, the world witnesses the evolution of Estella, now a skilled artisan in thievery, partnered with the street-savvy Jasper and Horace. Together, they navigate the underbelly of society, honing Estella's fashion prowess amidst their crafty disguises and loyal companionship with Buddy and Wink, their trusty dogs.

In 1974, fate leads Estella to the gates of Liberty department store, marking a turning point in her life. Denied the opportunity to showcase her talents, Estella's path intersects with the authoritarian yet iconic Baroness, a towering figure in haute couture. This encounter catapults Estella into the upper echelons of the fashion world, sparking a series of events that unravel long-held secrets and ignite a relentless pursuit of truth and justice.

Driven by an unquenchable thirst for retribution, Estella assumes her alter-ego, 'Cruella.' With audacity and flair, she commandeers the spotlight at the Baroness's Black and White Ball, orchestrating daring heists and challenging the norms of high society. Cruella's audacious fashion statements, chronicled by the society columnist Anita Darling, propel her into the limelight while raising eyebrows and discomforting her confidants. Amidst the lavish opulence and thrilling escapades, Estella's journey to unravel the Baroness's secrets unfurls. Revelations about her past, including the discovery of her true lineage and a startling connection to the Baroness, shatter her perception of reality and compel her to confront her deepest fears.

As Estella navigates the labyrinth of deceit and intrigue, a dramatic sequence of events culminates in a breathtaking fashion show, a heist within the heart of a fashion house, and a climactic confrontation at the Baroness's charity gala. 'Cruella' presents an epic narrative that traverses the corridors of ambition, revenge, and the pursuit of identity. Join Cruella on an exhilarating odyssey—a tale of resilience, transformation, and the indomitable spirit that defies conventions. Unveil the enigmatic layers of Estella's persona as she carves her name into the annals of fashion history, leaving an indelible mark on a world that once shunned her uniqueness.

Movie Trailer:

My thoughts:

As an audience member, stepping into 'Cruella' was akin to embarking on a thrilling journey through the vibrant streets of '60s London. Emma Stone's portrayal of Estella's transformation into the audacious Cruella was nothing short of mesmerizing, drawing me deeper into the narrative with each captivating scene. From the dazzling visuals to the intricate costume designs, the film painted a vivid picture of Estella's evolution from an ostracized youth to a fearless fashion icon. Beyond the exhilarating heists and unexpected alliances, 'Cruella' delved into the complexities of identity and family dynamics, unraveling shocking truths that added depth to the storyline. It wasn't just a cinematic spectacle; it was a powerful narrative that celebrated the beauty of embracing individuality and finding strength in self-acceptance.

Interesting facts:

Stone underwent a dramatic transformation for the role, including bleaching her hair platinum blonde and dyeing it black. She also wore custom-made costumes designed by Jenny Beavan, who won an Academy Award for her work on the film.

The film's makeup artist, Nadia Stacey, used prosthetics to create Cruella's signature widow's peak and pointy chin

The film's sound designer, Ren Klyce, created a unique soundscape for the film that includes the sound of Dalmatian puppies barking.

The film is a prequel to the classic 1961 animated film "One Hundred and One Dalmatians." It tells the story of how Cruella de Vil, one of Disney's most iconic villains, became the evil dog-hating fashionista she is known as today.

The film's soundtrack was also a success, featuring original songs by various artists, including Florence and the Machine, Nicki Minaj, and Hailee Steinfeld.

Cast:

Emma Stone as Cruella

Emma Thompson as Baroness

Joel Fry as Jasper

Mark Strong as John

John McCrea as Artie

About:

Director: Craig Gillespie
IMDb: 7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 75%
Metacritic: 59%
Box Office: $233.5 million

Runtime: 2h 14m

Star Rating:

⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ 4/5 (Recommended)

November 14, 2023

Minions: The Rise of Gru

Minions: The Rise of Gru: Movie Review: A Hilarious and Action-Packed Adventure

"Minions: The Rise of Gru is a hilarious and action-packed adventure that will have you laughing and cheering all the way through"

Description:

Embark on an exhilarating adventure with a young Gru in 'Minions: The Rise of Gru'. Set in 1976, this animated tale follows eleven-year-old Gru, who aspires to become a renowned supervillain. Assisted by his lovable Minions—Kevin, Stuart, and Bob—Gru's life takes a thrilling turn when an audition with the notorious Vicious 6, led by the cunning Belle Bottom, goes awry. Amidst the chaos, Gru manages a daring heist, stealing the coveted Zodiac Stone, unwittingly sparking a tumultuous chase. What follows is a riveting escapade as Gru, aided by his faithful Minions, navigates San Francisco's treacherous terrain to reclaim the Stone and rescue himself from the clutches of the Vicious 6. With moments of comedy, heartwarming camaraderie, and unexpected alliances, this animated spectacle unfolds into a tale of redemption and self-discovery.

Accompanied by masterful Kung Fu mentor Master Chow, the Minions embark on a journey to hone their skills and rescue Gru from peril. As the plot thickens, Gru finds an unlikely bond with his erstwhile foe, Knuckles, leading to a partnership that teeters between villainy and camaraderie. Amidst twists and turns, Gru's daring antics and the Minions' unwavering loyalty take center stage in a battle against the superpowered Vicious 6. A spectacular showdown ensues during the Chinese New Year parade, culminating in a gripping climax where Gru, the Minions, and unexpected allies combat the Vicious 6's extraordinary abilities, ultimately triumphing in a captivating showdown that leaves audiences on the edge of their seats.

Experience the thrill of this animated saga, a rollercoaster ride of action, friendship, and resilience. The heartwarming conclusion sees Gru reunited with the Minions, restoring their bond and setting the stage for future escapades in a post-credits scene filled with anticipation and laughter.

Join Gru and the Minions in this action-packed animated spectacle, where humor, heart, and adventure converge to create an unforgettable journey through the world of super-villainy.

Movie Trailer:

My thoughts:

As an audience member, I found the movie to be a thrilling rollercoaster of action and suspense. The storyline, centered around Gru's transformation from an aspiring supervillain to a formidable adversary against the Vicious 6, kept me on the edge of my seat. The heist for the Zodiac Stone and the unexpected alliances with characters like Otto and Knuckles added layers of intrigue. The diverse settings, from Gru's lair to the vibrant streets of San Francisco and Chinatown, provided a rich backdrop for the unfolding drama. The climax, set against a Chinese New Year parade, delivered intense, heart-pounding moments. The resolution brought a satisfying conclusion, with redemption and surprising revelations. The mid-credits scene left me eager for more, anticipating further exciting adventures in this cinematic universe.

Interesting facts:

The film's soundtrack includes a number of cover versions of popular 1970s songs, such as "Goodbye to Love" by Phoebe Bridgers and "Funkytown" by Lipps Inc

The film's end credits sequence features a new song by Jack Black called "The Yellow Submarine"

The film was originally scheduled to be released in July 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic

The film introduces a number of new characters, including the Vicious 6, a group of supervillains that Gru aspires to join

The film also features a number of references to the 1970s, including fashion, music, and culture

Cast:

Steve Carell as Gru

Alan Arkin as Wild Knuckles

Taraji P. Henson as Belle Bottom

Michelle Yeoh as Master Chow

Russel Brand as Dr Nefario

Jean-Claude Van Damme as Jean-Clawed

Dolph Lundgren as Svenhenance

Danny Trejo as Stronghold

Lucy Lawless as Nun-chuck

Jean-Claude Van Damme

Dolph Lundgren

Danny Trejo

Lucy Lawless

About:

Director: Kyle Balda
IMDb: 6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 70%
Metacritic: 56%
Box Office: $939.4 million

Runtime: 1h 28m

Star Rating:

⭐⭐⭐ 3/5 (So-so)

November 3, 2023

John Wick: Chapter 4

John Wick: Chapter 4: Movie Review: A Thrilling and Action-Packed Conclusion

"Blood, bullets, and a relentless quest for vengeance - John Wick Chapter 4 takes the action to a whole new level."

Description:

Embark on an enthralling odyssey alongside John Wick as he navigates the perilous labyrinth of vengeance against the enigmatic High Table, ensconced beneath the vibrant streets of New York City. Driven by a relentless pursuit for retribution, Wick ventures clandestinely with the Bowery King, concealing his existence while plotting to dismantle the powerful underground network. His journey propels him across borders to Morocco, culminating in the striking elimination of the enigmatic Elder, a figurehead atop the Table's hierarchy. The narrative spirals into a riveting conflict, orchestrated by Marquis Vincent Bisset de Gramont, a High Table luminary seething with malice. Summoning the astute New York Continental manager, Winston, Gramont brandishes unrivaled resources, vowing to eliminate Wick while eviscerating his ties to the clandestine realm. The ferocity of Gramont's reprisal materializes as the iconic Continental is razed to ash, Winston stripped of his stature, and loyal confidant Charon meets a fatal end.

In this ballet of revenge and subterfuge, Gramont employs Caine, a seasoned yet reluctant assassin, coercing him to target his former comrade, John Wick. Sheltered within the sanctuary of Osaka Continental under the aegis of friend Shimazu Koji, Wick confronts a legion of adversaries led by Gramont's right-hand man, Chidi, and the relentless onslaught of High Table assassins. A frenetic cascade of battles ensues, painting a crescendo of action as alliances shatter and old wounds reopen. In a bid for absolution, Wick seeks retribution through the Ruska Roma crime syndicate, rekindling tenuous bonds to regain favor and access. In exchange for readmittance, he must exact vengeance upon Killa Harkan, an agent of the Table whose malevolence echoes Wick's own quest for justice. The harrowing face-off unfolds amidst the shadows of a nightclub, Wick's ferocity bolstered by allies and his newfound resolve.

A tapestry of deception and honor unfurls, culminating in a riveting confrontation between Wick and Gramont. The stage is set atop the majestic Sacré-Cœur in Paris, where honor, survival, and the quest for freedom coalesce in a high-stakes duel. Wick traverses a labyrinth of adversaries, thwarting assassination attempts, and wrestling with the ethical conundrum of blood-soaked adversaries turned allies. As dawn breaks over the Parisian skyline, Wick and Caine engage in a ballet of bullets, culminating in a stunning revelation and a decisive act that reshapes their destinies. In a climactic moment of defiance, Wick defies death and delivers a final blow, leaving an indelible mark on the High Table's legacy. Though succumbing to his mortal wounds, Wick's legacy echoes across New York City, bidding farewell to allies and adversaries alike.

The saga continues with a tantalizing post-credits scene, where unresolved vendettas converge, promising a world teetering on the precipice of retribution. Dive into this saga of action, loyalty, and intricate alliances, where the world of John Wick leaves audiences spellbound and yearning for more.

Movie Trailer:

My thoughts:

As an audience member, I was completely captivated by the non-stop action and thrilling fight scenes in "John Wick Chapter 4". The film takes the already intense world of the High Table and turns up the stakes even higher, with John Wick facing seemingly insurmountable odds as he takes on the powerful organization. The cinematography and choreography of the fights were stunning, with each blow and gunshot feeling impactful and visceral. The story also kept me engaged throughout, with plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing. John Wick Chapter 4 is a thrilling and action-packed conclusion to the franchise. With Keanu Reeves delivering a stunning performance as the legendary assassin, the film is a must-see for fans of action films.