About Me
A lot of people--well, to be specific, people in my social circles--said that this is great. I couldn't get away from hearing this film; as if fate is telling me to watch it. I watched an interview of popular directors and Alfonso Cuaron was in it. I was in love with Guillermo Del Toro--especially his recent film-- and what do you know, he was best friends with Alfonso Cuaron. Heck, I even had to watch one of his earlier films in class. Then it won Golden Globe Awards for best director. After months of these hypes, I finally give it a try.
Mankind's beginnings
Let me just start by stating that if you aren't into visual storytelling in films, then you won't enjoy this movie to its fullest. The art form is something you have to learn and I'm confident not all audience are well equip with it. The plot is pretty straight forward; not many dialogues or elaborated character developments. No, it wasn't ignored. It was heavily and beautifully crafted within the cinematography. It was unbelievably engaging as the scenes were shot as if the camera itself was floating in space; highlighting that there's no way up or down. That's freaking scary; acknowledging that such simple law of physic is very important on how we perceive life. The first person perspectives were also incredible; again emphasizing the gravity. It felt like I was playing a video game..haha. It reminded me of Dead Space 3. The visual representation was also amazing and fits the vast and empty space premise beautifully. I chose the poster above because it showcases one of most apparent visual story within. In this scene, she was almost ran out of oxygen and struggles to get into the shuttle. She then strips off from her space suit; panting and in a rush. Then Sandra Bullock curled up; mimicking a fetus. It's really cool how the props were composed to highlight this scene. I felt the seconds of heavenly peace she felt. To further the visual story, the final scene continues it as the protagonists struggles to swim out of the water when she finally landed on earth. It felt good to finally see land, sea and grass. The struggle highlights evolution; of the first fish to swim to shore. I don't believe in Darwinism but I appreciate the substance crafted within the visuals. The birth of mankind theme associated with the infinite possibilities of space really makes you feel tiny.
Another survival plot
This is the third survival movie I've watched in a row. Wow. As I've stated in previous reviews regarding the plot tropes, character developments aren't elaborated as other genres. I believe this genre relies on analogies on the actions and visuals. Thus leading me to emphasize more that you can't enjoy this film to it's max without such notions. Yes, the acting was superb, no doubt, but the writing wasn't elaborated. It's very wonderful that this film really utilizes the visuals; making it a delightful experience.
Verdict
Gravity took me away from this world; travelling to a black hole of beauty, curiosity and fear. After all, people are afraid of things they do not understand. Again, this is a movie I recommend to everyone and I urge you to acquire some understanding of visual storytelling for a better experience. I give Gravity a 4/5.
Frankly speaking, this kind of films can never go wrong for me. I must admit, my constant hunger for outrages fiction left me ill-equip in knowledge of critically commenting these films. Nonetheless, I ridiculously enjoyed Captain Phillips and heck, Tom Hanks is my favorite actor! Though I'm not familiar with Paul Greengrass's films, this one might just pull me in.
The danger is real
I knew that this film was based on a true story but I didn't bothered to research what happened. So, I watched this film with little knowledge of what to expect. Right from the start, I notice the heavy hand held shots; catching me off guard. The close ups of Captain Richard Phillips and his wife bothered me as I didn't have a clearer view of them. The story's perspective then widens as we are shown the lives of the Somalian Pirates. The Captain then continues to check his ship's crew and quarters; leaving everything in check. It can't help but to remind me of Assassin's Creed Black Flag..haha. Some might ask "When are the pirates are going to come?" and that, to me, it's a bad thing. Getting ahead of a film not only almost ruins the movie experience but is also quite annoying. The early hand held shots of both the Pirates and Captain's lives are very essential because when the conflict finally arrives, the dangers felt really real. This is an aspect of the film that I really admire; the dedication of highlighting the danger. I can imagine this film without the handheld shots and it wouldn't be as engaging.
At the edge of my seat
This is a survival genre; focusing on one unfortunate event. So, the character developments aren't as apparent as the superhero genre that I'm used to. I know this though I didn't thought of it as I was watching. The character Captain Phillips wasn't exactly unique and I guess that's not the point of the story. Tom Hanks acting, playing a responsible and quick witted Captain, was all so awesome. Somehow, I feel the weight that the character had to carry. Every risky games that the Captain and crew played kept me excited. Man, I don't feel like this often when I'm watching films. Barkhad Abdi, who played the leader of the four pirates, was not dangerous. No, I didn't felt like his character was dangerous. This is not a bad thing, though. The Pirates whom captured the captain weren't professionals and you can see that throughout. I just felt angry and annoyed not at the acting but at the characters. I hated them...in a good way. Automatically that should prove the effectiveness of their acting.
Based on a true story
In the final scene where the doctors was checking on the Captain. Oh my god, it was just so emotional. He was focused, smart and sometimes tired. But at the end of the film, we see that he's just a normal person; breaking down emotionally from the horrors of the pirates. Man, Tom Hanks is such a good actor.
Verdict
Although I did enjoyed the film immensely, my lack of notion in this genre does effect the overall rating. It is just a number after all and I would recommend anybody to watch this. I give Captain Phillips a 4/5 for the awe inspiring acting of Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi and the rest of the cast. Plus, an admirable effort in highlighting the realism.
As of late, I realized that the movie reviews I've been watching are mostly one dimensional; stating what they saw literally and giving none critical comments. This realization started after I watched The Amazing Spider-man 2. It annoyed me like crazy. It bothered me as they didn't consider the auteur theory, writing style, chemistry in acting and so many more. It pisses me off. So, I could complain all day long but it's generally not productive. Thus I decided to find other sources of reviews and at the same time, I try to review more intellectually; considering the art, commercial value and perspective of the audience. I really do hope that this review is constructive as possible. Salam and thanks for reading!
Oh yes, I've ignored this blog yet again! And I can't even remember when and why I forgot. It's semester break again (The only time when I really remember this blog) and so, yet again, I've decided to update it. This time I'm a little bit ambitious; setting a goal of when and what to write for weeks to come. Since my new year's movie reviews kept me disciplined enough; I'll follow the basic guidelines of what I did then. I'll write one to three movie reviews then ending with an article label under 'Inspiration'. I'm in my movie frenzy zone; abandoning video games for the moment just to make room for my brain to critically process the films I've watched. I'm such in a good mood that it causes me to think more actively on films. It's been a long time since I felt this way.
Moving on to the actual review, After Earth caught my attention as I was watching a harsh review of it. I didn't finish watching it though as the review hyped me enough to watch this Syfy flick for myself. Despite the overwhelming negative comments, I do have some amount of sympathy towards it. Heck, that's why I chose the poster above because the line "Danger is real, fear is a choice" was the best aspect of the film.
Fatherhood
This theme always get to me. It's very relatable thus leading me to forget my critical comments. It's safe to say that this is one of the strength of the story; complimenting the above tag line just enough. I've recently been personally attracted to the concept of chemistry in storytelling--more on the writing aspect--and Will Smith and his son's relationship did interest me. However, Will Smith carried all the burden of the relationship and even the story itself; giving a strong performance that made it all bearable. Unfortunately, he wasn't the hero.
Bad acting
Jaden Smith played the son of a legendary general within the story's universe. It's funny because that's what he, sort of, actually is; receiving big expectations from audiences as he is grows older. Jaden's emotional performances with his father was superb as it is a familiar theme. But it is the massive science fiction background that weigh him down...hard. He's suppose to have this accent that's unique to the story but it was inconsistent; especially in those strong emotional scenes. The story, to my surprise, is actually a survival genre; focusing on one event of a character's life. This leaves not much room for character development in terms of dialogues, events and other character interactions. All of that is executed in forms of action which can act as metaphors. Jaden Smith was definitely unfamiliar with the premise and sadly, it affected the overall movie. Perhaps, if his father was the main actor, things could get better?
Undeveloped Universe
This time, I did some background research of the production and I've seen a few aspects that affected the outcome. Well, at least to me. Will Smith was the producer and he pitched the story in the first place. From the beginning, the movie was meant to push Jaden to stardom or, at least, to help his own son. So, there's this fairly good premise of mankind moving on to another planet, an interpretation of fear as a ruthless alien together with a grounded story of fatherhood; sounds promising, doesn't it? I couldn't agree more that even a huge spectacle needs a grounded theme. The problem is that the premise wasn't carefully thought off; leaving so many undeveloped concepts. There was also this oddly put jump scare...what the heck?
Verdict
In summary, the movie wasn't that bad. Maybe, I'm being generous but this is just what I think. However, I wouldn't be watching or even thinking about it in the next few months. It's incredibly slow for a one hour and forty minute movie. So, I give After Earth a 2.5/5 for an awesome tag line that's fairy highlighted through fatherhood. But the bad acting and directing just weigh it down too much.
This is a topic that I've had in mind for quite some time--of course--since I began dwelling in video games again. But what strengthens my desire is my recent realization of history in means of communications; books, photography and films went through almost the same stages of evolution in helping mankind convey messages. It's pretty fascinating, if you ask me. However, I'm not going to debate entirely on why video games are means of art. The attention here is to point out perspectives and share personal stories; specifically my own history in video games.
Self expression through interactive visual information
Hideo Kojima, one of the legends of video game developing, argues that video game aren't art due to it's nature of heavily relying on commercialization and capitalism. I couldn't agree more. Interactive visual representations started out as mind exercising games such as puzzles and board games. It was in the 70's when video games were possible to be commercialized; with releases such as Space war!, Pong and Maze war. I notice that most mediums age in a relatively same way; starting out with a structured motive for reasons such as documentation or religion. It then continues to mass production or commercialization; sharing the information with the world. Lastly, I believe that most means of communication ends as a medium of art; expressing aesthetic values of a culture, nation, religion or an individual. So, has video games mature into a solid art form? Hideo Kojima's statement on the matter was said around 2006. Dude, I was 12 at the time. It has been 8 years. The thing is, Hideo Kojima pointed out the aspect of art for individuals; a medium that can convey one soul's desire in self expression (Those artsy farsty people). I, myself, had enjoyed video games as an entertainment and also indulging the aesthetic values it presents. So, here's a long and unnecessary explanation that it can be an art form for individuals and why it's already meaningful now.
A medium to feed my ego
Maybe my first game was Digimon World on Playstation 1 but it was the WWE Game series that kept me attached to the console. Dude, I was first introduced to WWE through the game! I had tons of memorable moments with my brothers and cousins by playing this game. It was entertaining and that's enough for a child at my age at the time. Like other annual sports game, it's ambitions in delivery were merely for satisfying the sport's fans; with rewards that doesn't captivates you in critical thinking or even self reflecting. This franchise did, however, deliver that desire with the General Manager Mode (My favorite!) and then replaced it with Story line mode; giving players the choice of creating their own matches and rivalries among their favorite wrestlers. Unfortunately, it still wasn't enough.
The game changer
Of course, I did played other game titles between these two. This includes the infamous Grand Theft Auto San Andreas which I didn't enjoyed playing. No, it's not the game-play; the admittedly revolutionary game mechanics that changed gaming history. It's just hard to enjoy it when people kept hogging over the controller; doing nothing but 'creative' ways of massacring the public. To me, the end product is still the same...you killed someone...congrats. It was Prince of Persia that stimulated me in a way that I've never felt before in a game; the 3D puzzle mechanics, the awesome graphics (One of the best in it's time) and the different story line just swept me away. From that life changing discovery, it made realize two things about myself: I'm a different type of gamer and I like being creatively challenged in games. This may not be a game that embodies individualistic self expression but it did made me feel like an individual.
A long hiatus
Some time after the release of Playstation 3, new games for the Playstation 2 started to go down. Sure, the WWE game franchise continues it's availability for the PS2 but they stopped in 2011. Having only one game title to look forward to wasn't enough and I, along with my brother, spent a lot of time replaying favorite games. We didn't had the money to buy a Playstation 3 and I was a devoted user to analog controllers so converting to keyboard just wasn't an option. I did tried go back into the game scene when a new Prince of Persia game was about to release. Sadly, my knowledge in PC games were limited (I didn't even knew how to install a game) and to make matters worst, I was cheated when I bought the PC version of the game. So, I didn't bothered any more about games.
An influence
(This should be very obvious if you've been following my blog =P )
While I forget the ambitions of playing new games entirely, I did follow some walk-through of video games on Youtube. I think it was starting to become a 'genre' in the Youtube community at the time. The graphics would be jaw dropping and the game-play would seem interesting. But it was one title that really influenced me the most. Assassin's Creed was not only a stealth game (My favorite genre in games) but also a game with a strong story; more in depths than other games that I've encountered before. I followed only the story from the first installment to it's fourth. The vast historical background and intriguing story just fascinates me as a movie enthusiast. It was until Assassin's Creed Revelations where I draw the line; being truly inspired by the story. After watching a video of other players enjoying the game, I told myself "That's it, I have to play this game's sequel next year no matter what!". And so I did. Oh, I had the time of my life; enjoying both game-play and the story. The franchise had inspired me to write in a different way than before; focusing on culture, history and realism. That's what I'm trying to point out in games nowadays whereas it's influence sparks passion intellectually.
The possible future
By the way, I played it on the PC; forcing my fingers to adjust. Of course, I tried out other game titles which were mostly awesome. I've dwell more into the industry in terms of marketing; just to know what is going on with this fairly young medium. While most of my statements are rather personal, emphasizing more on my favorite games, here are game titles that I truly believe can elevate this medium as art:
The story is simple; you're a young woman returning home after travelling abroad and you found out that your family is nowhere to be found in the house. The game-play exploits the video game medium by telling a story in a very fresh way; truly exploring the concept of interactive stories. You simply explore the house; interacting with objects and reading any piece of paper you can find that reveals the story. It is you who mix the pieces together; engaging a simulated life's event in a new way. The detail is also there; indicating that this is set in 1995. All of the pop culture's influence can be seen and implemented very well in conveying the mood.
Another exploration of the medium, Journey is a game that tackles the advantages of the medium quite differently. The game-play is one of those classic adventure games; travelling through a pretty straight forward path while solving puzzles to get there. Unlike Gone home, it's multi-player which means you have the options to resolve the game with a friend. However, you don't know who your partners is; no pictures, no names or chat box. You simply communicate through musical chimes; exploiting sounds in ways that most games haven't tried before. The setting is beautiful and breathtaking; bringing a sense of emotion to a game that you haven't felt like before.
Of course, I did played other game titles between these two. This includes the infamous Grand Theft Auto San Andreas which I didn't enjoyed playing. No, it's not the game-play; the admittedly revolutionary game mechanics that changed gaming history. It's just hard to enjoy it when people kept hogging over the controller; doing nothing but 'creative' ways of massacring the public. To me, the end product is still the same...you killed someone...congrats. It was Prince of Persia that stimulated me in a way that I've never felt before in a game; the 3D puzzle mechanics, the awesome graphics (One of the best in it's time) and the different story line just swept me away. From that life changing discovery, it made realize two things about myself: I'm a different type of gamer and I like being creatively challenged in games. This may not be a game that embodies individualistic self expression but it did made me feel like an individual.
A long hiatus
Some time after the release of Playstation 3, new games for the Playstation 2 started to go down. Sure, the WWE game franchise continues it's availability for the PS2 but they stopped in 2011. Having only one game title to look forward to wasn't enough and I, along with my brother, spent a lot of time replaying favorite games. We didn't had the money to buy a Playstation 3 and I was a devoted user to analog controllers so converting to keyboard just wasn't an option. I did tried go back into the game scene when a new Prince of Persia game was about to release. Sadly, my knowledge in PC games were limited (I didn't even knew how to install a game) and to make matters worst, I was cheated when I bought the PC version of the game. So, I didn't bothered any more about games.
An influence
(This should be very obvious if you've been following my blog =P )
While I forget the ambitions of playing new games entirely, I did follow some walk-through of video games on Youtube. I think it was starting to become a 'genre' in the Youtube community at the time. The graphics would be jaw dropping and the game-play would seem interesting. But it was one title that really influenced me the most. Assassin's Creed was not only a stealth game (My favorite genre in games) but also a game with a strong story; more in depths than other games that I've encountered before. I followed only the story from the first installment to it's fourth. The vast historical background and intriguing story just fascinates me as a movie enthusiast. It was until Assassin's Creed Revelations where I draw the line; being truly inspired by the story. After watching a video of other players enjoying the game, I told myself "That's it, I have to play this game's sequel next year no matter what!". And so I did. Oh, I had the time of my life; enjoying both game-play and the story. The franchise had inspired me to write in a different way than before; focusing on culture, history and realism. That's what I'm trying to point out in games nowadays whereas it's influence sparks passion intellectually.
The possible future
By the way, I played it on the PC; forcing my fingers to adjust. Of course, I tried out other game titles which were mostly awesome. I've dwell more into the industry in terms of marketing; just to know what is going on with this fairly young medium. While most of my statements are rather personal, emphasizing more on my favorite games, here are game titles that I truly believe can elevate this medium as art:
The story is simple; you're a young woman returning home after travelling abroad and you found out that your family is nowhere to be found in the house. The game-play exploits the video game medium by telling a story in a very fresh way; truly exploring the concept of interactive stories. You simply explore the house; interacting with objects and reading any piece of paper you can find that reveals the story. It is you who mix the pieces together; engaging a simulated life's event in a new way. The detail is also there; indicating that this is set in 1995. All of the pop culture's influence can be seen and implemented very well in conveying the mood.
Another exploration of the medium, Journey is a game that tackles the advantages of the medium quite differently. The game-play is one of those classic adventure games; travelling through a pretty straight forward path while solving puzzles to get there. Unlike Gone home, it's multi-player which means you have the options to resolve the game with a friend. However, you don't know who your partners is; no pictures, no names or chat box. You simply communicate through musical chimes; exploiting sounds in ways that most games haven't tried before. The setting is beautiful and breathtaking; bringing a sense of emotion to a game that you haven't felt like before.
What drives me to write this article is the fact that video game is still young; aging well in some areas of it's offers while being exploit by others for profit (As usual). It doesn't matter if the masses wouldn't accept video games as means of art because it's definitely shaping the future now; creating more creative individuals in all fields of work.
That's all what I have to write, thank you for your time and have a nice day every body!
After the new year's post marathons of movie reviews, I wanted to start the year by writing an article labelled under Inspirations because it seemed reasonable; the whole self reflecting thing that everyone tends to do at the end of a year. Alhamdulillah, I had an awesome week in terms of writing; finishing a few big articles that I wanted to write for so long. One of them was for an assignment; a 2,000 words essay....man, that was hard. I had a few writer's block moments and the annoying part was that I have to avoid the words 'I' and 'my opinion' since it's an academic essay. I had so many topics in mind to tackle in regards to this post and how serendipitous it was that I stumbled upon an old article. It's an article that tackles a topic that I really put some deep thought into at the first 2 to 3 months of a new year. It's my list of must see/buy items! Haha! Finally, I have a proper name for it. I actually named it my Spoil's list in the middle of 2013...I think. But hey, it's now or never! So many things I missed. I lack discipline in fulfilling the list; especially with the movies! The list has evolved so much and it's much bigger and more specific for 2014. For now, let's just focus on the self indulgence aspect of my life in 2013!
WRESTLEMANIA 29
(Wallpaper designed by Kupy wrestling wallpapers.com. Check it out! It's free and awesome!)
What a coincidence that I just finished watching WWE Raw. Man, where do I start! The show is really starting to lose me...again. The reason for my distaste for it now could be very long and so, let's just focus on Wrestlemania. The wallpaper above is not an official design from the company; it had John Cena and The Rock. I chose this one because these two were the true highlights of the show; having actually fulfilling that Wrestlemania standard of matches. The main event between Rock and Cena was just pure commercialization with not much amount of performance's authenticity. It made me hate The Rock even if he is the baby face. It's reasonable to expect good quality match even from the under cards but--boy--were they boring. The World title match between Alberto Del Rio and Jack Swagger was just unworthy. I admire the efforts of highlighting new talents because it's pretty obvious that 'The Showcase of Immortals' heavily relies on Legends. But these two weren't ready. I could think of tones of other fresh talents in the roster that could have easily made this match better. I tried to be sympathetic with last year's event but now that I think about it; it was just disappointing. I really hope that this year's could be better; I'm losing interest with my childhood nostalgia more and more. And the fact that The Undertaker will be retiring soon is just not helping! It's bad enough that he only performs once a year but a Wrestlemania without The Dead man is just unimaginable.
LEGEND OF KORRA BOOK II: SPIRITS
Making it's debut in the list, series has been playing a huge roll in my storytelling skills recently. While I still follow Kamen Rider (Kamen Rider Wizard didn't met to my liking), it's this show that wins me the most. During 2012, the debut of Korra has inspired me so much; sparking my passion in those tough situation with my assignments. Yes, this show is that good. The second season premiered in 2013; further expanding the universe of the story with engaging storytelling and character developments. Perhaps, one of the best chapters of the book is the inception of The Avatar. Avatar Wan's story was short, simple, tear jerking (At least to me) and inspirational. This isn't a review of the show so to put it simply, the show is awesome; heavily influencing my storytelling style and heart.
IRON MAN III
Moving on the movie's list, last year's list has became more specific. I've dissected it into titles such as Sequels, New Titles and Animation. I always go for sequels; satisfying the strong fanaticism of superheroes. But as a film student, I now realize that I have to watch more new titles; appreciating films that has original narrative and not a victim of commercialization. Yes--since being under Disney--Tony Stark is heavily commercialized but he's not a victim of it to a point where the story sucks. This is, by far, the best Iron man movie. Click here for the review!
MONSTER'S UNIVERSITY
This is the only film in my animation's list and I admit that it's a shame I only relied on one film. There were tons of good animations in 2013 n I didn't even watched the ever so successful Frozen. Here's the link for the full review.
PACIFIC RIM
MAN OF STEEL
In 2012, this film was the main event; the most anticipated movie in my list...and it was a downer! Sigh, but not in a very drastic way. The film did what I've always wanted with Superman and it's seeing the more human side of Kal-El. In Man of Steel, Kal-El is an alien not a superhero. He wears his people's uniform and symbol. Superman may be the definition of Superhero but he's not in this flick. I'm over selling the film--haha--but it's not all that bad. It just didn't lived up to it's hype. What bothers me was the next decision made for the film series. I do not agree with him meeting up with Batman. He's just not ready. They need to give room for this Superman to age well in cinema; developing a solid story and influence for generations to come. Yes, I care for Superman that much. For my full thoughts of the Kryptonian, click here!
Of course, there were tones of other films both in the list and outside though they're just too many to be covered. Instead here's the link to each review:
Thor: The Dark World, Now you see me, Star Trek: Into Darkness and the best film outside the list; Elysium!
ASSASSIN'S CREED IV BLACK FLAG
Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! I'm so excited to be writing about this! Well, perhaps it's just the fact that I just finished it so the influence is quite fresh. Games on the list are fairly new since I've just started getting back into the scene last year; starting with the ever so awesome Connor Kenway! Initially, Watch Dogs was also suppose to be on the list but the released was postponed to this year. To be frank, when I heard that Pirates would be setting of Assassin's Creed, I started to think that the franchise was starting to be a victim of commercialization and repetition due to it's annual releases. Boy, was I wrong! Hahahah! It was epic! While I admit that the story wasn't as strong as last year's, the game play improved immensely; proving that it's next gen worthy. Now, this is not a review and I'm trying my best to avoid reviewing games since I want this blog to be more about my works and inspirations (Assassin's creed being a huge inspiration). So, I guess, I'll stop here with the game.
It's a shame that I didn't write down my thoughts on Assassin's Creed III since I didn't played the game yet in the previous spoil's list. Generally, I loved it all the way even with it's negative responses. Which brings me to the question of what article I'll be writing next. Since I'm technically in my holidays, I'll have more time to write. I have a title in mind and let's just hope that I don't change my mind all of a sudden. Video games as art would be the next title; exploring the medium's possibilities in self expression and my personal history with it. Obviously, it includes the Assassin's Creed franchise. So, here's hoping for better days, have a nice day, dear readers!
Post number four and the final movie review for my new years post marathon! This is one of two science fiction films that I've invested my time on this year. Unlike the other, Star Trek: Into Darkness, this film wasn't listed on my 'must watch' films list. I've saved the best for last for this post marathon. Elysium not only made me a definite fan of director Neill Blomkamp (As the poster suggests, the director of my Sy-fy favorite), it has made me reflect myself as a film student as well.
Upon learning the technicalities and arts of film making, I can't help but to reflect myself with infamous directors of the art cinema Names such as Woody Allen and Jean-Luc Godard are often mentioned; to encourages us to make more artistic films. Yes, I admit that I'm imagining these problems in my head; thinking that someone or the public is pushing me to be an artistic filmmaker. I just can't help myself to think about these possibilities. The best that I can make out of it is self discovery; learning what I want specifically. What sort of filmmaker I want to be? Well, the reason lies on two things. I'm a geek and I'm a Muslim. So, moving on the review of this epic Science fiction, this film helped me discover that inner geek within me.
The visuals
While I feel that this film tackles a theme that's dangerously close to being cliche, the visuals are definitely admirable efforts of taking the genre to the next level. The feel of realism is elevated with handheld camera shots and I believe that's no easy task with massive amount of CGI. Not to mention the action sequence that really puts you on the edge of your seat. I'm no easy person to get hyped for action scene; the explosions and choreographed fights are just digested with almost no amount of enthusiasm. No, I don't hate it. It's just that I have a hard time to get excited about it. But that's all different with the action sequence in Elysium. I was especially excited during the kidnap scene.
The settings
It seems familiar; the whole dirty and corrupted world of Elysium and it doesn't helps when I'm now a fan of Dredd (Seeing much similarities with both film's settings). While I have no problem of seeing the same theme being tackled, I sense that this one doesn't tries to go beyond the tropes that most Sy-fy films go for. I can't deny that I have a big problem of engaging with Sy-fy films (Which is why I'm trying to dwell into it more) and perhaps this neglect is a major factor for my sense of dissatisfaction of Elysium's world. Sadly, this does affect the rating of this film; that instant feel I had when I left the cinema.
The dedication
Comes the part where self reflecting emerges out of me ever so strongly. I know I'm a geek but yet I'm confident that telling stories for the sake of commercialization wouldn't be satisfying. For a brief and scary moment, I see no solution. It's either I'm a geek, telling commercialized superhero stories, or an 'artist' who tells incomprehensible personal views of life (Oh my god, so deep). Seeing Blomkamp realizing his vision is definitely an eye opener and just plain awesome. I can't help but to compare him with J.J Abrams and especially with his latest film. I can see the dedication of Blomkamp using the genre of Sy-fy to express his views of the world. While I appreciate Abram's respect to satisfy the Trekkies and the franchise's universe itself, I take Blomkamp's work more personally; reflecting and assuring myself that it is possible and better yet, appreciated.
The story uses the high possibilities of how races and language can diversify the people of earth; most Hispanics are victims of a dying earth while Caucasians are living with the best health care in a space station named Elysium. In fact, this is a reflection of today's reality. The themes of races, medical care and politics are developed very well. I say, even more than the characters themselves. I guess this is an example of a film that focuses more on the story's settings rather than the character developments. Hmm, maybe that's another big reason why I couldn't indulge this film in full due to my taste of preferring characters. However, the theme's developments here are highly appreciated. The ending made me say to myself "This is Blomkamp's trademark" and if you've already seen District 9, I guess you can figure it out. The ending is also a strong attempt of making the themes of this story more apparent which made all of my conclusion of commending this film not commercialize worthy diminish. I knew then what sort film this is.
The verdict
I had my doubts during most of the time while I was watching this film and I regret it. It had cause me and I couldn't engage with the story to the max. After a long time of thinking it over, Elysium is a movie that's admirable with its almost altruistic ambitions with the story. This is a rating I gave after walking out of the cinema which differs from now (Which is higher). So, I give Neill Blomkamp's Elysium a strong 3.5/5.
This is post number 3 of my new year's post marathon! This film is the only animation in my 'must watch' film's list. Yes, I've heard loads of other good animation titles this year including the surprisingly (At least, to me) successful Frozen but I lack the effort of searching for more film titles and, sadly, dedication to watch them. Hmm, maybe that should be my new year's resolution.
While some people might say Pixar's marketing strategy is preventing them from producing more high quality animations, I must say that I love it. They release a sequel this year; catching the attention of old time fans (The 90's kids who are already grown up) and attracting new ones (The kids of the current generation) by releasing a new title in the following year. It is understandable that the pressure of releasing a film annually can stunt the creative growth. I also understand the lucrative side; of gaining more profits. While capitalizing films purely for profit will ruin it's full potential, I see that the marketing strategy here is working pretty well. With the exception of Cars, most Pixar films has succeed in capturing the hearts of the audience...and their cash. Haha.
The chemistry
At a first glance, it's obvious the Mike Wazowski takes the lead in this prequel. This is a surprise since none of the trailers highlighted this. Most of them suggest that the story purely revolves around the duo though Sully does have his fair share of emotional moments. To not spoil most of the plot, let's just say that Mike is the lead, without a doubt, and Sully supports that development in the most beautifully written way.
The engagement
I'm in University now so, of course, I had that small but effective moment of reflecting myself with Mike's first day of college. This is where Pixar films shines very well and the engagement gets only stronger when the story highlights that head scratching formula of being successful. In life, there's always the talented and the knowledgeable. Since I've just experience this phenomenon, it just makes me feel..."Urgghh, I know how you feel, Mike Wazowski". Sully, the talented, but ignorant Scarer was just so relatable, annoying and lovable! Together with the chemistry of the characters, it made the story just more engaging and enjoyable!
The realization
I'll point out the potential in the film had that could make it better but as of late, I've realized that perhaps I'm just too old for Pixar films--What am I saying?!--haha. It's hard not to notice the bashes that some cartoon or animation receives from adult critics. The most constant I heard, especially this year with their new games being released, is Pokemon. "The first generation was better!" or "The new designs suck!" are among the arguments. Aside from maintaining the freshness of an ongoing franchise, a big factor that concludes me to disagree is that the show is for freaking kids! It's meant to be colorful to catch their attention. The story is suppose to be shallow or simple (As I prefer) to relate with them more. While I agree that some shows has gone bad to a certain extent (Like how some Pokemon designs are silly), it's a teeth grinder to see or hear ridiculous arguments and even insults. So, this new notion has lead me to a head scratcher as to what trope, theme and character development that wasn't enough (Or even too much) to make Monster's University an all time favorite.
Take note that this is an instant reaction after watching the film. The opinion during that moment and after a decent amount of time are totally different. To be honest, maybe the film would be another all time favorite if I'd watch it again now but as for that moment when the end credits roll, I had a different reaction.
So, here's the downside of the flick. Because it was a prequel, the expectation that they'll be best friends and work at the Monster's Incorporation was more apparent and expected. Admirably, there were efforts of making it unexpected. I loved the climax. It answered that small question I had of what the human world was like in this story's universe. Again, because of the expectation, the ending couldn't be delivered in a more heart warming, tear jerking way. Make no mistakes, it was good but that high level of story you expect from Pixar wasn't delivered.
The conclusion
It's a kid's film and even better, it's a great and smart one! I'm starting to worry as there are other--not only bad--but uneducated movies for little children. As always, this Pixar film is engaging, heart warming and inspirational. It's also an admiration for the company's new bold move of trying out prequels. I give Monster's University a grade of 3.5/5 for bringing back James P. Sullivan and Mike Wazowski; reminding me that dreams can come true in the most unexpected way. The grade is also for the lack of the Pixar 'wow' factor due to it's firs time making a prequel film.
