I avoided trailers for this movie like the plague. The reason? I was reading Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey 7 and wanted to experience it fully. But it turns out that both source material and movie are quite complementary. Mickey 17 is a dark comedies with a side of existential dread. Directed by Bong Joon Ho – yes, the Parasite guy but I know him as the Snowpiercer guy since that was the only one of his movies that I’ve seen -, this film stars Robert Pattinson as Mickey, a disposable worker on a space mission who’s literally paid to die and be reborn. Intriguing, right?

The premise is a bit wild but it’s a sci-fi movie: Mickey is an “expendable,” someone who gets regenerated with most of his memories intact every time he dies. But when one regeneration goes wrong, chaos ensues. The movie takes the book’s philosophical musings and reframes them into a biting commentary on today’s society – think class warfare, abuse of power, and the dehumanization of labor, all wrapped in a darkly comedic package.

Rob Pattinson is the standout here. He plays multiple versions of Mickey, but we really only spend time with two, and each one feels distinct, nuanced, and deeply human. It’s a masterclass in acting, and he absolutely carries the film. Mark Ruffalo, on the other hand, is good but leans a bit too much into cartoonish parody. His character feels like a direct jab at certain real-world figures, which, while effective, could’ve been – or maybe should have been – more subtle.

The humor is dark, the commentary is sharp, and the story is both familiar and full of surprises. It’s a film that doesn’t shy away from pointing fingers at the wealthy elite, failing economic systems, and the precarious lives of the working class. Bong Joon Ho’s disdain for modern societal structures is palpable, and he uses humor to make the pill easier to swallow.

Overall, Mickey 17 is fun, thought-provoking, and eerily relevant. It’s not perfect, some of the satire feels a bit on-the-nose, but it’s definitely worth watching. If you’re into dark comedies with a message, this one’s a must-see.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 7 out of 10.

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Spike Lee (Director)

CAST
Denzel Washington
Angela Bassett
Kate Vernon
Delroy Lindo
Theresa Rundle

Based on “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” as told to Alex Haley

Review

Spike Lee’s Malcolm X is more than a biographical film, it’s a tribute to one of the most complex and impactful figures of the American civil rights movement. Based on Haley’s biography, the film chronicles Malcolm X’s journey from a troubled youth in Harlem and then Boston to his transformative years as a Black Muslim leader, and ultimately to his tragic assassination in 1965. It’s a cinematic epic that’s both illuminating and emotional.

The movie’s 3-hour runtime was daunting, but I feel it was essential for capturing the many phases of Malcolm X’s life. I noticed the narrative breaks into three distinct acts: Malcolm’s early life of crime, his transformation during imprisonment and rise in the Nation of Islam, and his eventual ideological evolution. While the opening scenes lean into a somewhat exaggerated and cartoonish portrayal of Malcolm’s early years, which I wasn’t too fond of, the film soon deepens into a gripping exploration of identity, belief, and self-determination.

Denzel Washington delivers an amazing performance, capturing Malcolm X’s fiery eloquence, unyielding conviction, and humanity. His embodiment of Malcolm’s speeches is mesmerizing, channeling the leader’s presence without feeling like an imitation. Washington’s talent, combined with Lee’s dynamic direction, gives us a character who is both larger-than-life and deeply relatable.

The film’s production design is very detailed, from the evocative set design and period-accurate costumes to the integration of archival footage. These elements and a stellar supporting cast ground the story in its historical context while underscoring its contemporary relevance.

Ultimately, Malcolm X is Spike Lee’s artistic interpretation of a man whose legacy remains pivotal. It’s unapologetically bold, emotionally charged, and meticulously crafted—a cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll. Whether you’re familiar with Malcolm X or discovering his story for the first time, this film is essential viewing.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 7 out of 10.

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Alright, let’s talk about Captain America: Brave New World. First off, it’s not quite your typical Marvel superhero movie. Sure, there’s action, explosions, CGI, and Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) being the peacemaker we know he is, but at its core, this is a political thriller with a superhero coating. Unlike Winter Soldier which was a superhero movie with a political thriller coating. Think Jack Ryan, but with a lot of tech, and some emotional punches.

The story kicks off with the newly elected President Thaddeus Ross – now played by Harrison Ford, after the passing of William Hurt. President Ross seems far more agreeable here than in previous appearances, but before you know it, he’s at the center of an international incident that spirals into a full-blown global conspiracy. The stakes are high, the plot is solid, and the action sequences are pretty satisfying. But here’s the thing – while the movie delivers on the thrills, it doesn’t quite balance out with the emotional beats as well as I was hoping for. I love Sam Wilson as Captain America, and Joaquim (Danny Ramirez) is a great addition as the new falcon, but I didn’t feel as invested in their journeys as I wanted to be. It’s like the movie was so focused on being a political thriller that it forgot that we’re not connected with all the characters on a deeper level. The performances do a lot to bridge the two, Ford and Lumbly are at home in this Tom Clancy style movie but for this movie to work better, Ross needed to be a consistant presence in the broader MCU, one we saw skimming and do shady sh*t that would have us doubt his “Together” campaign slogan and given even more weight to his arc.

Now, let’s talk about Ruth (played by Shira Haas). She’s tiny, with an almost childlike figure, but somehow she absolutely owns her action scenes. Here’s where I get a little conflicted. Going into this movie, I was so worried about how it would turn out. There’s been so much pressure on this film to be more than just a good political thriller with superhero themes, it feels like it has to be a groundbreaking masterpiece, or else it’s labeled as a failure. And honestly, that pressure kind of dampened my enjoyment. I found myself over-analyzing every scene, wondering if this was part of the reshoots or if that plot point was changed last minute. Knowing about the behind-the-scenes chaos made me hyper-aware of the seams, and that’s not really fair to the movie itself.

And then there’s the CGI. Oh boy. There’s a particular scene near the end involving Sam and Ross that just… doesn’t look great in the wide shots. It’s the scorpion king in The Mummy Returns levels of bad, and it’s definitely noticeable, especially in a movie that nailed the Red Hulk’s visual effects. It’s a shame because it pulls you out of what should be a climactic moment. Red Hulk looks good but his surrounding looks like sh*t.

All in all, Captain America: Brave New World is a decent entry in the Marvel universe. It’s got a solid story, some great action, and a few standout performances. But it’s missing that emotional core that makes you really care about what’s happening. It’s a good political thriller with superhero elements, but it doesn’t quite reach the heights set for it by some. If you go in with tempered expectations, you’ll probably enjoy it – just don’t expect it to blow your mind.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 7 out of 10.

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If you’re looking for a movie that will tug at your heartstrings, make you laugh, and have you marveling at every frame, The Wild Robot is an absolute must-watch! I just wish I’d seen it in 2024 because it would have made it high on my 2024 list. Directed by Chris Sanders and based on Peter Brown’s bestselling novel – that I am now eager to read -, this animated film completely blew me away. I went in with mild expectations, thinking this was a kid-friendly adult animated movie for some reason but I’d define it as a true family film. It’s not an adult-friendly kid film either, it’s a visual and emotional gem that is fun with heartwarming story for all ages.

Let’s start with the animation: WOW. The watercolor aesthetic gives the entire movie a unique, painted vibe. So many of the frames feel like they belongs in an art gallery – or at the very least as a screensaver. They’re breathtaking and different from the newer animation styles we see. It pulls you into the natural beauty of the island, making it feel both wild and magical.

Then there’s the story. Roz, an intelligent service robot voiced by Lupita Nyong’o, washes up on this island after a shipwreck with no human to take care of, and has to figure out how to fulfill her program. What follows is an incredible journey of bonding with the island’s animals and raising an orphaned baby goose named Brightbill (voiced by Kit Connor). Yes, you read that right: a robot and a goose. And somehow, it’s one of the most touching relationships I’ve seen in a while. I cried three times – THREE TIMES – watching this film but I was touched the whole way through.

The characters are memorable. Roz is such a well-rounded protagonist – she’s curious, caring, and a total badass when she needs to be. Brightbill is just adorable, and their bond is the heart of the movie. And then there’s Fink, the sneaky fox voiced hilariously by Pedro Pascal. He and the opossums brought so much humor to the film. It’s such a great balance of emotions; one minute, you’re laughing, and the next, you’re tearing up.

The voice acting is another standout. Nyong’o brings so much warmth and depth to Roz while still making her feel like a robot, and Connor makes Brightbill so lovable and brave. Catherine O’Hara, Ving Rhames, Mark Hamill, Stephanie Hsu, Matt Berry, and Bill Nighy round out the cast beautifully. You can tell who’s who if you’re familiar with them, but their performances are so seamless that it’s never distracting. I didn’t think about them; I was lost in their characters.

This movie doesn’t just entertain; it leaves you with so much to think about. It’s about survival, family, and what it means to care for each other, even across species (or in this case, between a robot and animals). It’s wholesome, it’s heartwarming, and it’s impactful.

I can’t remember the last time I cried this much over a movie, let alone a robot and a f’ing goose! The Wild Robot isn’t just a film, it’s an experience. It’s beautiful, emotional, and incredibly re-watchable. I’ll be revisiting this one for years to come. If you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favor and check it out. Bring tissues!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 9 out of 10.

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