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Mean Girls (2024)
If it ain't broke... reboot it
In the grand tradition of taking things that were perfectly fine to begin with and slapping on a musical number to see if it sticks, the cinematic world has been graced (or burdened, depending on your tolerance for high school drama set to song) with a musical reboot of 2004's "Mean Girls." Now, before you roll your eyes so hard they embark on an orbit of their own, let's dissect this glitterbomb of a film.
First off, the color scheme. If Barbie ever decided to make a movie about high school hierarchy, this would be it. The palette is so bright and candy-colored, you'll be halfway through a bag of Skittles before the first chorus hits. But this isn't just any candy-coated spectacle; it's one with a soundtrack that slaps harder than Regina George on a carb-free day. The music in this reboot isn't just good; it's a character-driven symphony, each leitmotif weaving through the narrative like a well-placed burn in the Burn Book.
Now, let's talk depth-or the notable lack thereof. Yes, the characters are as shallow as a kiddie pool in a drought, but they're drawn with such sharp, caricatured finesse, you can't help but be intrigued. They're the same Plastics we love to hate, but with enough of a twist to keep them from feeling like stale, reheated leftovers from the early 2000s.
The cinematography deserves a shoutout. Transitioning from the wild plains of Kenya to the jungle of American high school corridors, the film employs some clever cuts and visual tricks that keep your eyes glued to the screen, wondering what they'll throw at you next. It's like being on a safari, if the animals were replaced with teenagers navigating the social pecking order.
And the plot? It zips along with the speed of gossip through the lunchroom, engaging and entertaining without overstaying its welcome. This reboot brings a fresh twist to the tale, ensuring that even those familiar with the original will find something new to enjoy.
In summary, the "Mean Girls" musical reboot is a high-energy, visually dazzling affair that proves even the most cynical among us can't resist the pull of well-crafted pop numbers and a dash of high school nostalgia. It's shallow, yes, but like the perfect Instagram filter, it knows its strengths and plays to them beautifully. So fetch your popcorn, leave your deep thoughts at the door, and prepare for a ride that's as entertaining as it is unabashedly flamboyant.
V-Wars (2019)
A little derivative but entertaining none-the-less
Many reviews seem to demand some 'novelty' from this genre but if you are looking for the faithful vampire tropes, some interesting characters and a premise that is somewhere between The Thing and Dracula then this show delivers.
There are some pacing issues and, sure, the odd inconsistency but I'd be happy to watch a second season.
Midway (2019)
Big and exciting but lacking punch
Don't get me wrong. It's a great movie, and well worth a watch, but it lacks the emotional, visceral engagement of Dunkirk or Saving Private Ryan. I didn't feel vested enough in the characters. Their backstories were very thin. And there was little juxtaposition between the action and, well, anything else.
Overall, a great CGI packed action movie but more popcorn flick than gut-wrencher.
Hustlers (2019)
Charming, innovative, entertaining
Man J.Lo. Can dance!!! I'm just leaving that here.
This is a very well executed caper story that combines a novel (true!) narrative with some uber-charismatic performances.
The gradual increase in scope and scale of the caper almost has you believing that the girls are justified in their actions and it's impossible not to like them. The narrative unfolds piecemeal through an interview format with the interviewer played expertly by a professionally indifferent, slightly entitled Julia Stiles.
I was delightfully surprised how enjoyable this movie was and it provided a great insight into the shady shenanigans that people get up to when opportunity and moral ambiguity collide.
Wolf (2019)
How did this make it beyond YouTube?
Firstly, I have to confess that I got so fed up with this film that I left after 1hr, so if anything good happens beyond the 60min point then, dang it, I missed it!! But I based on what I DID see it's pretty unlikely.
The premise of a Werewolf in Roman Briton was very appealing. Indeed, the legend of the lycanthrope is referenced in Gaius Petronius Arbiter's 'Satyricon' written in AD60 - so there is even some historical relevance. But that's where the interesting stuff ends.
The acting is wooden, the costumes are too bright and shiny and the "hey, my buddy just bought a drone, let's use that for every shot" cinematography was a real drag. Sadly, it wasn't even bad enough to be charming. The only positive thing I can say is that some of the lighting was dramatic. As for everything else, Poorly executes families tropes from a bygone era.
It Chapter Two (2019)
Fine, but it could have been so much more
It just goes to prove that if you double the budget and add a coach load of A-Listers that you don't automatically get an outstanding movie. Sure, in the grand scheme of things this is a good film. But when the cameo by Stephen King is the most stand-out part of the movie you l ow something is missing.
For me, the episodic middle act felt like binge watching a mediocre horror box set, as each character's back story get played out in a formulaic manner. This meant that the movie was about 1hr too long.
That said, some good jump scares, outstanding effects and an amazing cameo from the Author, make for an entertaining flick. But it could have been so much more.
The Informer (2019)
Great acting, tight script, gritty
What a nice change to get away from the 'typical' Holywood action flick and to get into a grittier, morally ambiguous, uncompromising drama. Rosamund Pike continues to prove what a great actor she is with a performance that echoes her character in Beirut. Joel Kinnaman gives a performance that is just as conflicted and compelling as Altered Carbon. Altogether a great cast that manages to build realistic characters. My only criticism of the script is the overly detailed explanation of fentanyl that Pike gives to her team on FBI agents - it's the only point where you feel the film patronises the audience. Other than that, a thoroughly enjoyable movie.