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REVIEWS
An Almost Forgettable Installment of the Jurassic Franchise Twenty two years ago, when some of you weren’t even born yet, there was a film that amused both kids and adults with its unlikely spectacle. The film was called ‘Jurassic Park’. Based on Michael Crichton’s novel, the film was directed by Steven Spielberg and went on to be his most financially successful film. Two sequels later, another one emerges with a new director, cast, and a bigger scope. Twenty years after the events in ‘Jurassic Park’, the world now has ‘Jurassic World’, the hi-tech theme-park that successfully breeds variety of dinosaurs for attraction. Though it attracts a lot of visitors to come, the park is facing a problem where the maintenance cost is continuously increasing. To overcome the problem, they decided to create a genetically modified hybrid dinosaur that is bigger and has more teeth, named Indominus Rex. It is because according to the statistic, the number of visitor is always high when a new attraction is added to the park. Unfortunately, before they even launch their newest invention, Indominus Rex flees its containment and threatens the lives of unaware visitors. Directed by Colin Trevorrow, the story is indeed simple and familiar. It consists of two brothers (Gray and Zach, played by Ty Simpkins and Nick Robinson) whose parents are in a deteriorating relationship, a restrained aunt slash profit-oriented ‘Jurassic World’ Operations Manager (Claire Dearing, played by Bryce Dallas Howard), a dino-expert (Owen Grady, played by Chris Pratt), and of course a corporate villain (I won’t tell you who it is), whose lives are all intertwined in the events of the film. Sounds interesting? Don’t hold your breath, because all of the aforementioned characters are weakly written or as I like to call it as half-baked. It’s just hard to relate to one of those characters. Some are given more layers than the others, but it’s not believable enough to make us care about them. Some might argue that this kind of film is not made to show depth characterization of humans. If that’s the case, at least give us exciting story. Please make no mistake here, it’s not that there’s no single thing that will excite the viewers in the film. In fact, there are some thrilling and chilling scenes involving dinosaurs. But that’s it. The story is just too dry it will get us bored easily. My guess is it’s because the screenplay is written by too many people. There are actually four names involved in the writing process, which are Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Colin Trevorrow, and Derek Connolly. Too many heads can really ruin the process, eh? Let’s move on to the better things of the film, shall we. The visual effects in ‘Jurassic World’ are top-notch. The dinosaurs look like they’re made in 4K definition. The score by Michael Giacchino is as good as John William’s score in the first Jurassic Park film. Though I must admit there are some moments in the film where the music is disconnected with the scene, like it’s standing on its own. From the acting point of view, credit goes to Ty Simpkins who plays his character with so full of adorable authenticity. Another highlight on the acting side is Jake Johnson as Lowery, who steals every scene he’s in though he is only supporting in the film. The rest of the performances are just okay.
Overall, ‘Jurassic World’ is not and will not be a memorable film in the franchise. The film is saved by its eye-treating visuals though I’m not so sure if that’s enough to compensate its weak story. Score: 3/5
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A Fun and Hilariously Acted Espionage FilmI first noticed the existence of this film about a month ago from watching its trailer. My reaction was mixed; I was intrigued knowing that the film is another collaboration of Paul Feig and Melissa McCarthy. Both were involved in my so-far-all-time-favorite comedy film, ‘Bridesmaids’. Looking at the trailer, I was also not so sure about the quality of the film because it looked mediocre. It turns out that you just can’t believe of what a movie trailer gives you. ‘Spy’ is an example of a film that is better than its own trailer, which every single movie should be, and not the other way around. The story focuses on behind-the-desk and underrated CIA agent, Susan Cooper (Melissa McCarthy), who longs to be involved in the real on-field mission. All she wants to do is to get out of her boring life and get into the action. Being stereotyped by her surroundings, a chance finally comes for her to step out of her desk and prove to everyone that she can be the real agent. She then takes the risk and what follows not only change her work but also her entire life. Albeit its simple premise, the film is elevated by a cleverly-written script by the writer/director Paul Feig. I really like how he writes the jokes in the film. They’re not only laugh-inducing but also very witty. That in part thanks to his direction too. If it wasn’t handled by him, I bet the film would fall flat and unfunny. The jokes here are also very him, very Paul Feig, which involve high level of profanity, sexual jokes, and nasty things that you don’t usually make fun of. But trust me, they are put in a way that will make you cringe and laugh at the same time. Another thing that elevates the film is the incredible cast. As the main lead, Melissa McCarthy shines like a sun in the morning. She manages to give her character layers of personality that truly makes her a human. One time she can be vulnerable and self-doubting. The other time she kicks ass, literally and figuratively. Above it all, she is really, really funny! What she does in the film can only be done by her. I bet it would be a mess if her character was portrayed by someone else. I personally think she’s a lock for, if not winning, a Golden Globe nomination in the comedy category. Jason Statham and Rose Byrne deserve some credit too for creating the film’s charm. As Rick Ford, Statham plays against his own stereotype. He portrays a dumb CIA agent that sees himself as way greater than he actually is. Meanwhile, Byrne is playing Rayna Boyanev, the obnoxious and spoiled villain who likes to mock people right in front of their faces. Spotlight should also be pointed to Miranda Hart. She plays Nancy, Cooper’s reckless best friend who always gives Cooper what she needs the most: encouragement. The performances from Jude Law as a narcissistic agent Bradley Fine and Bobby Cannavale as a dazzling villain Sergio De Luca just add to the quality of the film. I don’t know if Feig is a feminist or not, except for the fact that his last three movies as a director feature women as the lead characters. What I know for sure is he has a knack in capturing authenticity in friendship between women. That skill is apparent in one of the best scenes of this film, which involves Cooper and Nancy talking about Karen Walker (gracefully played by Morena Baccarin), a top-rank woman CIA agent behind her back. That particular scene really reminds me of a similar hilarious scene in ‘Bridesmaids’, where Kristen Wiig’s and Maya Rudolph’s characters chatting over coffees. Overall, ‘Spy’ may not offer something new to the genre. But the film is boosted by its smart script and exceptional performances from the ensemble. And that is more than enough to make you entertained and satisfied. Score: 4/5 |
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AuthorA self-acclaimed movie guy who likes to socialize |