Malawski's Movie Mania is a film blog that features reviews on classic films and the latest releases
Sunday, January 24, 2021
The Marksman (2021)
Monday, December 28, 2020
Soul (2020)
The irresistibility of "Pixar" films is their charm and uniqueness. Audiences fawn over their films because of their ability to connect to audiences and leave an impact on them. The studios' recent hits like "Onward" and "Inside Out" are some of the studios' other features that have had an emotional intensity to them which made them a mature in nature film as well. This new film is another emotional film with stunning animation.
It keeps getting more and more adult every time a new film from "Pixar" comes out and I don't see that changing any time soon because the studio has found a way to make films more grown-up than in years past.
Starring in the film is Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey. Foxx stars as the lead protagonist, a band teacher who dreams of being a famous jazz musician. His performance in the film is entertaining, joyous, and exuberant in nature. It also comes across as comedic at times which is a plus. Tina Fey's character and performance are just as likable as her costar and it is just as comedic.
Like with every film "Pixar" has made, the animation is dazzling and spectacular. This film remains within the range of dazzling animation and is as big of a spectacle as you would imagine a film from the studio to be. Director Pete Docter once again showing off his talent in this next "Pixar" film. The film shines everywhere. From the magical animation, the deep thought-provoking premise, and the music, this film is one of the other films in the mature-grown-up category of films from the studio.
Scoring the magnificent film is Trent Reznor, Jon Batiste, Atticus Ross. The trio of music makers creates a score that is jazzy and rhythm and blues. It also at times is electric and upbeat. The score is a perfect element to blend with the ambiance of the film altogether.
Despite the unique and magic qualities of the film, I had noticed a few things I thought were offputting. These things include the character designs that I thought were wacky and unlike other films from the studio in the past. I also thought that the story, no matter the uniqueness of it is, I think it was a bit all over the place. It went everywhere without any idea to make sense of the film overall, which may throw viewers off a bit.
One of the best things about animated films is their ability to enchant audiences with dazzling imagery and an interesting story. "Pixar" is no exception to this standard. With each and every film they make the animation and stories are all stellar beyond expectations. This film may fall a bit short of films before it, but it still is another solid animated feature from "Pixar".
Poster courtesy of Disney-Pixar
Rate: B
Director: Pete Docter
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Angela Bassett, Daveed Diggs, June Squibb, and Questlove
MPAA Rating: PG (for some language and thematic elements)
Runtime: 1 Hour and 47 Minutes
Synopsis: Joe is a middle-school band teacher whose life hasn't quite gone the way he expected. His true passion is jazz -- and he's good. But when he travels to another realm to help someone find their passion, he soon discovers what it means to have a soul.
Saturday, December 26, 2020
Wonder Woman: 1984 (2020)
Three years following the blockbuster smash hit "Wonder Woman", a follow-up to the smash hit proves to be more than a fantastic sequel. It is worth the long wait. This film ups its game on every level. The action is even more packed than the previous installment. The sheer awe and wonder of this film are overwhelmed with joy and entertainment that this film cannot be missed out for fans of superhero films and fans of "Wonder Woman". The film will be a hit for decades to come.
Fans of the first film fell in love with leading woman Gal Gadot in her role as "Wonder Woman". Her outing once again as the lasso swinging heroine is irresistible and undoubtedly fun. Her portrayal of the mighty warrior is outstanding and I fell in love all over again with the character. Not only does she shine in the film but new faces to the franchise: Kristen Wiig and Pedro Pascal are some of the best villains in the DC Comics "Extended Universe" so far.
What took me by surprise was Kristen Wiig's casting as the villain because she is more of a comedic actress and not dramatic as her character in the film. Her role as villain number one, "Cheetah", is unexpectedly a good one and very entertaining. Meanwhile, Pedro Pascals role as villain number two, "Maxwell Lord" is just as conniving and deceitful as "Cheetah". His portrayal is also very surprising to say the least.
Returning to helm this sequel is Patty Jenkins. She was practically a not-so well known filmmaker three years ago prior to the first film and is now an amazing director once again with this installment to the DC "Extended Universe". Her work with this film is energetic and action-packed once again. It may be more exciting than the 2017 original. Jenkins does it again at proving to make her mark as a director of superhero films.
The film is brought to a modern age in the 1980's so colorfully which I think is a major achievement. Seeing the film take place in a pivtol and exciting decade in history gives audiences the ability to see "Wonder Woman" experience the modern world for the first time. With the classic 80's imagery of malls and other shopping outlets, it's cause for reminiscing and nostalgia.
Legendary composer Hans Zimmer,"The Dark Knight Trilogy, Man of Steel and Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice" returns at making his craft in a superhero film. Zimmer isn't a stranger to these films and he knows exactly how to make a film be as lively as it can be with his music for the film. His theme for Wonder Woman used in "Batman Vs. Superman" returns in an updated version and incorporated throughout the whole film. He once again makes an incredible score for a superhero film.
She has been an iconic character for decades. The eponymously titled "Wonder Woman" gets an adaptation worth waiting for and definitely worth watching. When the first film came out, it was the first of its kind in the DC "Extended Universe", a standalone heroine film. Now that a sequel follows, it remains one of the best franchises in the DC "Extended Universe", but this film is an absolutely marvelous spectacle that will delight audiences everywhere.
Poster courtesy of Warner Bros.
Monday, December 21, 2020
Mulan (2020)
A new thing now is to reboot films. But if you're "Disney", you are going to remake your animated classics. Almost all of the films Disney has made within the last 30 years and even some years before that have gotten the reboot treatment. The 1998 original Mulan, is the latest film to get the reboot treatment. It's completely different from the original film. So much more action, stunning visuals, and a new take on the classic animated film are some of the few remakes from "Disney" that actually does better than expected. This is one of the best remakes to one of the studios' classic animated films.
Actress Liu Yifei stars as the main character and absolutely kills it in the film. Her portrayal of the iconic Disney character is more developed in that the audiences a new look at the character in a different and unique way. She is fierce and fits really well in the character altogether. Her take on the character is fresh and draws audiences into the new world in Mulan.
Director Niki Caro helms this remake and makes it as exciting as the original film, despite important differences No songs and Mushu the dragon. But the film is still entertaining. However, it is one of the darker and more mature remakes from "Disney". The reason being is the action sequences and the stunts in the film. Due to these factors, the film is the first reboot from the studio to receive a PG-13 rating. It seems to top the original film in that aspect. Caro's vision stays true in honoring the legacy of the 1998 animated original. This will delight audiences even if it misses some key moments.
The same old story just an updated telling of it. The film's writing isn't that good but it's not all the way terrible. I just think it could've been better in the aspects of the emotional connection and story lacking a fresh authentic feel like it's new and completely separate from the original film. Other than that, this film is a solid remake and another good film from "Disney".
Scoring this remake is Harry Gregson-Williams. The score is enchanted with sounds that dominate Chinese culture which makes this film even more entertaining and it fits right into it. It is as exciting as the film itself.
One of the biggest trends in the film industry now is rebooting films in a live-action format in which the originals were animated. This reboot of one of "Disney's" animated hits is a great one but also a bit more on the darker side. Though the writing could've been a lot better, and some key moments from the original film were left out, this film still proves to be another exceptional and albeit very surprising to audiences, a great film.
Rate: B
Director: Niki Caro
Starring: Liu Yifei, Donnie Yen, Tzi Ma, Jason Scott Lee, Yoson An, Ron Yuan with Gong Li and Jet Li
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for sequences of violence)
Runtime: 2 Hours
Synopsis: To save her ailing father from serving in the Imperial Army, a fearless young woman disguises herself as a man to battle northern invaders in China.
Poster courtesy of Disney
Thursday, October 29, 2020
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (2020)
If there is a film in 2020 that is the edgiest and most outrageous film of the year, it is this film. The sequel to controversial comedian Sacha Baron Cohen's 2006 "Borat" is one of the most ridiculous films I have ever seen. There are so many things wrong with this film and that's what makes it a great comedic film. I have to say this film is just outrageous as "South Park". It is one of the funniest films of the year.
This film follows the exploits of the aforementioned character and his mission to deliver his daughter to VP Mike Pence. Borat and his daughter travel throughout the US and partake in ridiculous ventures. This film is made as a joke that all people in the film are believing that Sacha Baron Cohen's character is real, as they are unsuspecting as the character interacts with them in real-time. It is absolutely bonkers and filled with dark humor throughout the whole movie and that's what will win over fans of the comedian and comedic films overall.
Cohen's screenplay and director Jason Woliner's craft is undoubtedly one of the weirdest yet effective styles I have ever seen in a comedic film. It is unlike any comedic film I have ever seen. It blew me away and had me laughing so hard I was crying. The jokes and scenes in this film are undeniably offensive to lots of people in our world and it may not sit well with viewers in these groups.
This film completely ignores the fact that this is a movie with terrible acting. The screenplay and the gags are the bread and butter of the film and that's why it makes up for the extremely cringeworthy acting. The film is downright hilarious on so many levels but yet somehow with the terrible acting, the film manages to still get laughs out of viewers.
It is perhaps the funniest movie of the year. The dark humor, ridiculous gags, and poking fun at our world in 2020 is why this film is indeed the best comedic film of the year. Its edginess and offensive material may not be for everyone but this film gets the job done with all its absurdity.
Poster courtesy of Amazon Prime Video
Rate: A
Director: Jason Woliner
Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen
MPAA Rating: R (for Graphic Nudity|Strong Crude & Sexual Content|Language)
Runtime: 1 Hour & 35 Minutes
Synopsis: Released from prison for bringing shame to his country, Kazakh funnyman Borat risks life and limb when he returns to America with his 15-year-old daughter.
Tuesday, September 1, 2020
TENET (2020)
One of the things all of the films made by director Christopher Nolan is that they all make you think. They make you wonder about certain elements of thought and science. His latest mind-blowing visceral thriller is nothing short of phenomenally crafted especially due to the stunning action sequences. This film is one of the only blockbusters released this summer during this pandemic and it is definitely worth returning to the theaters. The thing about this film is that it is unique in every sense of the word. Its plot may be a bit hard to follow at times, but the action and the score are able to make up for that. Overall, this film is yet another mindblowing spectacle from Christopher Nolan.
Director and Writer Christopher Nolan's latest film is a mindboggling brain play thriller. Not only is his work here a brain teaser but the film title a palindrome. This shows once again that Christopher Nolan is a wordsmith with excitingly clever intentions. His work is once again as thrillingly entertaining as audiences expect from Nolan himself. It is his most ambitious rollercoaster of an action film yet. Even though this film is hard to decipher and it will continue to confuse you till after the film is over, the action in the film is a great and effective enough to handle its intricately convoluted all over the place plot.
Lead John-David Washington's "The Protagonist" is remarkable and fierce. The character is very determined and complex throughout the whole film. His performance is action-packed and emotionally dedicated to the entire film. Starring opposite Washington is Elizabeth Debicki, Robert Pattinson, and Kenneth Branagh. They are all standout supporting roles that impact this film to make it even better than ever. Pattinson and Debecki give some of the best performances of the year alongside Washington. The chemistry of these three together onscreen is phenomenally apparent.
Frequent music collaborator with Nolan, Hans Zimmer did not reunite in this film. Instead, Ludwig Goransson teams up with Nolan on this spy thriller. Goranssons score is an exhilarating composition of music. The energy and force of it are what adds to the film's thrill factor all in all.
One of the most fascinating spectacles of this film is the camera work and the gravity-defying action sequences. Hoyte Van Hoytema's camera work is truly exciting and one of the best parts of this film overall.
There's nothing more pulsating and intense than a film by Christopher Nolan. His latest creation, a slightly hard to follow complex film is perhaps successful due in part by the stunning action sequences and the score. This film is also very reminiscent of his 2010 film "Inception" in regards to the action and camera work. If you have seen that film, you will love this film. But either way, this film shows just once again how narratively talented Christopher Nolan really is. With the lack of blockbusters this year due to the pandemic, this film bursts on the screen as audiences return to the Cinema. Despite its bit of confusing plot, the action makes up for that confusion. This film is Nolan's most brain-busting film yet.
Poster courtesy of Warner Bros.
Rate: A-
Director: Christopher Nolan
Starring: John David Washington, Elizabeth Debicki, Robert Pattinson, Kenneth Branagh, and Michael Caine
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for intense sequences of violence and action, some suggestive references, and brief strong language)
Runtime: 2 Hours and 30 Minutes
Synopsis: Armed with only one word--Tenet--and fighting for the survival of the entire world, the Protagonist journeys through a twilight world of international espionage on a mission that will unfold in something beyond real-time.
Sunday, August 30, 2020
Bill and Ted: Face The Music (2020)
It's been over 30 years since audiences were first introduced to the goofy exploits of surfer talkin' buddies Theodore "Ted" Logan (played by Keanu Reeves once again) and William "Bill" S. Preston Esq. (played once again by Alex Winter.) Ever since their debut in 1989's "Excellent Adventure", they come back stronger and funnier than ever. Though the film sometimes does go by a bit slow, this film brings back the nostalgia of the original film.
Director Dean Parisot honors the original film in most excellent fashion. His quirky vision of a goofy comedy is enjoyable to the max and is a great buddy comedy film. Some of the jokes may fall flat, but overall, this film is a good enough film in this very strange time right now. The film's dry humor is enough to get some laughs but I think that the story is much more feasible than the jokes.
It is very similar to that of the "Dumb & Dumber" films. Though this film series hasn't gained a cult following like the "Dumb & Dumber" films, this series is still as enjoyable. With this film, the returning leads deliver delight in a film that is a breath of fresh in the age of uncertainty we are living in right now. Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter are a comedic duo for the ages and may get a little too over the top however, they make this film just as exciting as the original film.
But the real scene-stealers of the movie are the daughters of their characters. Played by Bridgette Lundy-Paine and Samara Weaving, they are just as goofy yet slightly obnoxious versions of "Bill and Ted" themselves. They are able to give that same level of comedic effect as the main characters. They bring new light to the franchise with a sense of humor that the original had done before.
Scoring the goofy film is Mark Isham. Isham's score is a blend of fast-paced and delicateness that makes this film just as entertaining. It is able to keep the film on its toes with his score that goes well with the film altogether.
Despite all the action sequences and the goofy antics of the characters, this film is good enough to sustain laughter from audiences, but I think this film may not win over everyone who has not seen the original 1989 film. So, even if you have seen the original film, I would say just give this film a try, even if it struggles a bit while trying to live up to the original film.
Poster Courtesy of Orion PicturesRuntime: 1 Hour and 35 Minutes