Movie review: The Shape of Water

 

 Working at a top-secret U.S. government lab during the Cold War as a cleaning lady, Elisa stumbles upon a captured amphibious creature. Her curiosity causes her to befriend the creature and they develop an unusual relationship.

Sally Hawkins (Elisa), Doug Jones (Amphibian Man), Octavia Spencer (Zelda), Michael Shannon (Strickland), Richard Jenkins (Giles), Michael Stuhlbarg (Dr. Hoffstetler), David Hewlett (Fleming), Nick Searcy (Gen. Hoyt).

Set in the early 1960's, The Shape of Water begins by showing us Elisa's life as someone unable to speak from a young age due to unexplained scarring on her neck. Next the film briefly explains that Strickland traveled to South America to capture Amphibian Man, who has both lungs and gills which may hold the key to space travel. Then Elisa and Amphibian Man are put together and develop a relationship. The remainder of the film is an exploration of their relationship as Elisa tries to save him from government experimentation.

Acting was pretty good with Hawkins delivering a solidly emotional performance. Spencer and Jenkins also invested some good energy in this one. Shannon fit his role nicely and delivered well, as did the remainder of the supporting cast. Jones also did nicely as evidenced by comparing his dancing scene to the rest of the film.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were well done with exceptional detail and fit. Costuming was excellent and CGI was blended into the film seamlessly. Dialogue was enjoyable though there was quite a bit in the film that was unexplained. Sound and soundtrack are solid.

While The Shape of Water is a solid Fantasy Romance, I don't think it quite deserved the awards received. The story has plenty of plot holes which del Toro allows to exist despite many slow or pointless scenes which could have been used to better explain the storyline. Those who enjoy mild yet unusual Fantasy films with a romantic focus should enjoy this one.

With plenty of nudity, fairly explicit sexuality, violence, gore, foul language, and some intense adult situations, save this one for the oldest teens and above.

Released: 2017
Reviewed: 5.11.18
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Fantasy, Drama, Adventure, Romance, Sci-Fi

copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel

Movie review: American Experience: Tesla

 

 Nikola Tesla, inventor and genius engineer, revolutionized our use of electricity in ways that are still being realized to this day. This biography follows along as Tesla is outshined by Edison and Marconi, eventually becoming better known for his psychological quirks.

Michael Murphy (Narrator), Jane Alcorn, Harold Clark, Peter Fisher, Samantha Hunt, Jill Jonnes, Marc Seifer, John Staudenmaier.

American Experience: Tesla is a series episode that examines the life of Nikola Tesla. Starting at a young age, Tesla became endlessly fascinated by electricity. As his knowledge grew, so did his list of patents and his psychological issues. Although Tesla invented much of the electrical technology we use today, Edison and Marconi more often receive the recognition.

No real acting in this one, being a biography. Interviews were handled simply but nicely.

Not much camera work, sets, or backgrounds in this one but use or archive photos, film footage, and presentation of some of Tesla's designs added good depth and detail to the film. Sound and soundtrack are okay.

Anyone with an interest in electrical history or Nikola Tesla should enjoy this one as it is a reasonable introduction to his life and inventions. Those looking for more depth may be disappointed as this episode looks a lot like any other Tesla biography.

Nothing here to limit audience age.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 5.9.18
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Biography, Documentary, History, Science & Nature, TV Series

copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Speed Racer

 

 Speed Racer dreams of someday becoming champion of the racing world and earning the respect of his father and brother who are fellow racers. But when he rejects a lucrative contract, angering Royalton Industries owner, he also learns that cheating and fixed races may be part of the game.

Emile Hirsch (Speed), Nicholas Elia (Young Speed), Susan Sarandon (Mom), Ariel Winter (Young Trixie), Scott Porter (Rex), Kick Gurry (Sparky), John Goodman (Pops), Christina Ricci (Trixie), Roger Allam (Royalton).

Speed Racer begins with a fair amount of backstory and character introductions before the main plot shows up. Once Speed comes of age and begins racing, things get a bit more interesting with the introduction of a love interest and some plot depth. From there the story is one of the little guy fighting the big bad corporation on a racetrack. While interesting the story never feels like it develops serious depth, but that would fit the genre.

Acting was okay. Hirsch did a decent job but could have used a bit more energy. Sarandon and Ricci both delivered well. Goodman contributed some strong energy and humor, as did Allam and Elia. Porter was solid but felt under used. The remainder of the cast was enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were heavily integrated with CGI and definitely over the top throughout. That said, they worked well with the almost cartoonish quality of the overall film. Dialogue was decent with some chuckles. Sound and soundtrack are good.

Speed Racer from the Wachowski's brings the Japanese franchise into big screen anime obviously target for younger viewers. While billed as a family film, I doubt this one will hold much interest at all with adults. Those who enjoy anime or sci-fi action should enjoy this film.

With some very mild nudity, and a lot of comedy violence, this should be fine for preens and above.

Released: 2008
Reviewed: 5.9.18
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Family, Anime

copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)

 

 John and Jane Smith find their marriage boring, but their work life quite the opposite. Surprised to learn they are both secret assassins, their marriage becomes more exciting when their competing agencies order them to kill each other.

Brad Pitt (John), Angelina Jolie (Jane), Vince Vaughn (Eddie), Adam Brody (Danz), Kerry Washington (Jasmine), Keith David (Father), Chris Weitz (Martin), Rachael Huntley (Suzy), Michelle Monaghan (Gwen).

Mr. & Mrs. Smith begins nicely showing us both the marriage between John and Jane, and their lives kept secret from one other as hired assassins. When their secret lives begin to overlap the two quickly realize they are each assassins working for competing agencies. And when their respective agencies order them to eliminate the other the action and comedy is cranked up and the film is off an running. The result is a funny action flick that moves along at a good pace and does a nice job of keeping the audience engaged.

Acting was fun with Pitt and Jolie both being a bit more animated than they are much of the time. The two seemed to work well together and have genuine chemistry. Vaughn was a strange addition but added nicely from a comedy perspective. The remainder of the supporting cast was solid and enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were well done with a nice big budget film feel. Action scenes blended nicely with CGI and physical stunt work. Dialogue had some nice sarcastic comedy we enjoyed quite a bit. Sound is good, and the soundtrack is wonderful with great tracks from Joe Strummer, Poison and others.

Overall Mr. & Mrs. Smith is a well done Action Comedy with a simple but fast moving plot, experienced quality cast, and good technical work. Those who enjoy their action with some solid comedy and energy should enjoy this one.

With plenty of violence, some sexuality, mild nudity, foul language, and racy comedy, this should actually be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2005
Reviewed: 5.7.18
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Action, Crime Action, Action Comedy, Action Thriller

copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Maitresse

 

 Thief Olivier breaks into an apartment and is surprised to find an S&M dungeon. But when he meets the owner, dominatrix Ariane, the two fall in love and Olivier must quickly learn to accept her lifestyle.

Gerard Depardieu (Olivier), Bulle Ogier (Ariane), Andre Rouyer (Mario), Holger Lowenadler (Gautier), Nathalie Keryan (Lucienne), Roland Beertin (Man in Cage), Tony Taffin (Emile).

Maitresse is interesting for a couple of reasons. The film obviously relies on shock value, showing some explicit S&M scenes along with simple violence when a horse is killed. The S&M is of a more intense and unusual nature which will surprise many. The other aspect is the conflict between social norms and alternative lifestyles. Olivier represents social morality while Ariane alternative lifestyles which leads to some interesting conflicts they somewhat surprisingly try to overcome so their relationship can continue. The result is an interesting journey of conflict and contradictions peppered with aspects of S&M.

Acting was a bit rough but worked in this film. Depardieu, in this unexpected role, managed pretty well despite some rough spots. Ogier was solid with enjoyable delivery and energy. Lowenadler and Keryan supported very well. The remainder of the supporting cast was interesting if not well experienced.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds felt well done for an older foreign film. Action scenes were intense throughout and I would be surprised if there was anyone who didn't look away or grimace at least once. Dialogue could have used a bit more depth and the story felt choppy at times. Sound and soundtrack are okay.

Maitresse is a difficult film to define, feeling at times like an unusual love story while appearing as an adult film at others. Those who are squeamish or inexperienced with S&M may find parts of the film disturbing to say the least.

With nudity, explicit alternative sexuality, graphic intimacy, and more, save this one for adults and above as a hard limit. Be prepared to use your safe word.

Released: 1973
Reviewed: 5.3.18
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Foreign Romance, French films, Drama, Romance, Steamy Films

copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

 

 Four high-school teens stuck in detention discover an old video game they have never seen before. Deciding to play, they are transferred into the bodies of their avatars in the jungle world of Jumanji, where they learn from a previously trapped player they must complete the games quest or be trapped forever.

Dwayne Johnson (Spencer), Kevin Hart (Fridge), Jack Black (Bethany), Karen Gillan (Martha), Rhys Darby (Nigel), Bobby Cannavale (Van Pelt), Nick Jonas (Alex), Alex Wolff (Young Spencer), Ser'Darius Blain (Young Fridge), Madison Iseman (Young Bethany), Morgan Turner (Young Martha).

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is really a reboot of the franchise rather than a sequel. Instead of continuing the story, this one starts over with a new group of players and Jumanji as a video game, not a board game. Starting the game, the players are immediately pulled into the Jumanji jungle world but in this version they are deposited into the bodies of their avatars. The remainder of the film is much like the original with a quest that must be completed to exit the game, a lot of action, adventure, and some good laughs. And of course, the story finishes with the expected Happily Ever After ending.

Acting was good with Johnson being wonderfully silly throughout. Hart was enjoyable with his usual intense delivery. Black did nicely but felt like his energy was lacking a bit. Gillan was solid and added good depth. Darby, Cannavale, Jonas and the remainder of the supporting cast were solid and enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were heavily blended with CGI and fit the film well. Action scenes and effects were good, particularly the animals. Dialogue had some nice humor along with the drama and kept the story moving along. Sound and soundtrack are both nicely done.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is a good choice for family movie night engaging kids well, adults slightly less. The story is light, moves along nicely, and finishes with a smile.

With some mild crotch humor, action violence, and mild foul language, this should be fine for preens and above.

Released: 2017
Reviewed: 4.30.18
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Action Comedy

copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel