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Interview with the Vampire (2022)
A Perfect Adaptation
Interview with the Vampire is a series that draws on the themes and characters of the books, but adapted the story to fit the following books. It adapts the setting to early twentieth century and the characters shine because of these changes. It allows for a great examination of the relationship shared between Louis and Lestat that is for the first time in adaptation presented as entirely homosexual.
Anne would have loved the way these changes allow her characters to shine through what was to her a traumatic time, and present a inspiring story of the challenges of nihilism and those who may take advantage of the feelings of great loss.
Interview with the Vampire (2022)
A Perfect Adaptation
Interview with the Vampire is a series that draws on the themes and characters of the books, but adapted the story to fit the following books. It adapts the setting to early twentieth century and the characters shine because of these changes. It allows for a great examination of the relationship shared between Louis and Lestat that is for the first time in adaptation presented as entirely homosexual.
Anne would have loved the way these changes allow her characters to shine through what was to her a traumatic time, and present a inspiring story of the challenges of nihilism and those who may take advantage of the feelings of great loss.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
Beautiful and Heartfelt
Ghostbusters Afterlife is a beautiful film, that returns the spirit to the franchise and even achieves moments that even exceed its predecessors.
Though there are similar moments or themes in this that have been explored before, this film builds on its predecessors like very few films are able to.
The new cast are amazing in their roles, they may yet be children, but they are able to bring something unique that would not have been possible with most other casts. There are some remarkable guest moments some expected some not so much and though Harold Ramis cannot join his presence permeates the film.
The score is often very reminiscent of the original Elmer Bernstein masterpiece but builds on its in unique ways.
If you liked the first two films please give it a watch.
The Batman (2022)
A strong start to a new Franchise
The Batman is in many ways the film The Dark Knight should have been, as it is the first film since Batman Begins that focuses primarily on the development of the main character of Bruce Wayne.
Though you may have seen films with similarities you do not know how this film will end, 90% of the footage used in trailers is in the first 15 minutes of the film and the tension only builds from there.
Most of the actors make the roles their own, though some events in the film do not feel earnest based solely on the media presented and rely on a history outside the film.
Though I was rooting for him before he was confirmed to be cast Rob Bat-Bat-in-Son can be intimidating and engrossing some of his line delivery fell flat to me. Though this may have been a side effect of filming while recovering from COVID.
The script is solid for the most part with the occasional bit of clunky dialogue, but overall it is a tight plot with multiple twists and the occasional Easter eggs for the attuned viewer.
Matt Reeves direction, the sound design, DP and set design were all at the top of their games, but they couldn't hold a candle to Michael Giacchino's phenomenonal score.
I strongly recommend seeing this film if you are 10 or above. I think young children may get bored by the length, not follow the plot, or frightened by some of the scenes.
Dune (2021)
A Masterpiece but not for everyone
Dune is a stunningly beautiful piece of art, with the cinematic genius of Deni Villeneuve at the reigns he was able to translate the first half of an impossibly complicated book into visual majesty.
Though there is much trimmed from the book it is only to present a cohesive narrative.
Scenes are given space to breathe ensuring that the scale of the world is as daunting as Frank Herbert's novels presented.
The effect could only be possible with some of the most outstanding sets I've seen on film, a delight for any fan of brutalism for sure.
The cast are perfect for their roles, some characters may be under-explored but with a film already bursting at two and a half hours, it is understandable that some characters subplots were excised to better strengthen the overall presentation.
Some may see the film as a white saviour story, however, it is clear that the tropes that Herbert was subverting have already been set in motion by Villeneuve. Timothy Chalamet's Paul is perfect for a popular interpretation of the character that is not usually present with only a perfunctory understanding of Dune.
Hans Zimmer's is at his finest yet again, bringing with him a powerful score that I cannot stop listening to.
Sadly, the film is not one I feel everyone will enjoy, the tone of the film is dire and colour is used sparingly but when it is used, it is used to great effect. If you have enjoyed Denis Villeneuve's filmography or have read the books you will adore this film.
Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)
A Powerful Film that happens to be a Superhero film
Zack Snyder's Justice League has just been released on DVD and Blu-Ray so I can now talk about it with Australian's without feeling like I'm promoting a Murdoch business.
Some films are released incomplete and are remembered for being half baked, this very well could have been the case for the theatrical release of Justice League. A 4 hour film that was cut down to 2 hours, with much of the connecting tissue excoriated and replaced with some very bad "jokes".
The full four hour movie is well worth the wait, where the performances of the main cast is given the space to breath. Every character has purpose and meaning, even the villain of the piece, Steppenwolf. Who went from being a one note big bad to someone I genuinely felt sorry for. The main heroes of the film each have depth lost in the cinematic version, Ezra Miller's Barry goes from being one of the most irritating performances to one of my favourites with one of the best moments in comic book cinema. Gal Gadot's Dianna excudes strength and charm, ever a leader amongst her team mates. Jason Mamao has a fantastic moment of introspection you do not expect for the character in either the theatrical edition or his own Aquaman film. Ben Affleck's Bruce has not only some of the best lines but he feels like a connection to what the character was before the events of Batman V Superman, filled with reenhanced vigour. Henry Cavill's Clark Kent has the second best line in the film, and though only probably having 10m screen time his presence is felt through out the whole film. Of course I save the best for last, Ray Fisher turned in one of the best performances I have ever seen in a comic book film, where his despondence and grief are not just seen but felt, but he also graces us with one of the most uplifting moments too.
The music by Tom Holkenborg matches the tone of the previous films released in the series, but manages to build on the themes created by himself and Hans Zimmer, a fantastic score that I had on repeat for nearly a month.
Fabian Wagner did an amazing job on the cinematography, every scene is utterly beautiful. The film is not perfect, there are moments that maybe could have been trimmed, but they are far outweighed by the positives. If you saw the theatrical cut you have seen the plot, but only 40 minutes of what's in that film is in the 280 minutes of Zack Snyder's Justice League.
Zack Snyder and Chris Terrio made a fantastic film, that should be seen by all. It is 4 hours, but the film is broken into chapters so you can split the movie up over a few sittings. If you wish to do this the best moment is 2 hours and 20 minutes into the film at the end of Chapter 4.
Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
Wonder Woman 84 is an attempt to emulate a Christopher Reeve Superman film, it's unfortunate that it's Superman 3.
Wonder Woman 84 is an attempt to emulate a Christopher Reeve Superman film, it's unfortunate that it's Superman 3.
Hilda: Chapter 9: The Deerfox (2020)
This episode could not be more perfect
No words can describe the emotions this episode extracted from me. Do not watch this episode half arsed,it is the best of both seasons combined.