Double Review: Everything Everwhere All At Once & Fantastic Beasts Part 3

 

Score:  B+

Directed by Daniels (Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert)

Starring Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Ke Huy Quan

Running time: 139 minutes

Rate R

This is one of the strangest, most unique films I've seen in a long time - particularly in a movie theater.  On the surface, it's just your run-of-the-mill, numbingly complex parallel universe sci-fi story.  But in fact, it's more focused on the characters, led by Michelle Yeoh's desperate laundromat owner, Evelyn, who is at a breaking point in her relationships with husband Waymond (Ke Huy Quan-Short Round from Indiana Jones!) and daughter Joy (the film's most entertaining actor, Stephanie Hsu).  The mechanics of the sci-fi world are barely explained - probably for the best, though you feel like you're about to fly off the roller coaster several times.  Fortunately, there is an absurd sense of humor throughout the film to keep it light, highlighted by strange physical "movements" required to universe "hop" and Evelyn's appalled but earnest early reactions to the craziness she finds herself thrown into.  By the end, there is enough development of characters and relationships to create some touching moments, though to me, the sheer fantastical, dream-like quality of the (many) settings prevented a full acceptance.  Still, if you're looking for something different, look no further.  This is entertaining and worth a watch, especially in a theater.

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Score:  B

Directed by David Yates

Starring Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, Mads Mikkelsen, Dan Fogler

Running time: 142 minutes

Rated PG-13

Although the magic has largely dissipated in the Fantastic Beasts series of films, based in the world of Harry Potter, there is still an entertaining time to be had.  To me, the films highlight just how important the Hogwarts school of magic setting was to the success of the books, as well as the strength of its central three characters.  The Secrets of Dumbledore continues the FB saga's exploration of the evil Grindelwald's rise, simultaneous with Dumbledore's prime.  FB does have some fun elements; I enjoy most of the titular magical creatures, and even more, the Muggle Jacob is the highlight of the series (Fogler is always excellent in the role).  But the central story and conflict is too similar to Voldemort, with a not-too-subtle nod toward real-world parallels.  I will say, though, that this third installment marks a significant improvement on part two.  The central plot is a more suitably magic-driven one, and while there is plenty of action, it is more thoughtful and creative, and less mindlessly violent than the previous film.  In the end, though, while Redmayne's Newt is fun, he's still much more suited as a supporting player; he's no Harry.

***

These two films wrapped up the spring film season in the movie theater for me; two very different films indeed.  I hope to see more films of the type that these two represent overall.  For Everything Everywhere All At Once, it was a - major - change of pace, something both thoughtful and entertaining.  I don't think I agree with the critics' 97% approval on Rotten Tomatoes, but it is certainly good - and worth a rewatch, for sure.  But I also look forward to the more familiar worlds of various franchises, represented in The Secrets of Dumbledore.  In particular, I'm excited for Marvel's summer offerings via Doctor Strange and Thor sequels.  The year in movies has been uneven so far, so I'm hoping for a strong summer ahead!

* By https://a24films.com/films/everything-everywhere-all-at-once, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=69511486

*By http://www.impawards.com/2022/fantastic_beasts_the_secrets_of_dumbledore_ver21.html, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=70190605

The Lost City

 

Score:  B

Directed by Adam and Aaron Nee

Starring Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, Daniel Radcliffe

Running time: 112 minutes

Rated PG-13

Long Story Short:  The Lost City is a bit of a blast from the past: a non-franchise action comedy driven by the popularity of its stars.  The actors do their jobs well, for the most part, with Bullock, Tatum, and Radcliffe all seeming to have a great time.  But to me, this was yet another film with a great start held back by a disappointing turn toward formula in the back half.  Still, there are some really entertaining, funny, and creative scenes in the first half that make this worth a viewing.

Loretta Sage (Bullock) is one of the world's most popular romance writers, but she's just about had it.  She drags her (uncomfortable) heels through her latest book tour, where she is joined by her frequent cover model, Alan (Tatum).  In the midst of the tour, however, the plot twists when an unhinged heir named Fairfax (Radcliffe) kidnaps her.  He sees something real in her lurid fiction and drags the bewildered author on an adventure.  What Fairfax is not counting on, however, is the loyalty of her publicist (Randolph), or the bumbling nosiness of Alan.  Loretta has found herself in the middle of a plot worthy of her best books - and now she has to find her way back out.

The Lost City is an enjoyable movie, driven by its premise and strong performances; sadly, it's limited by a weaker second half.  I don't usually go see anything with a whiff of rom-com like this, but given the right ingredients, I'll give it a try, for a change of pace.  The actors certainly do their part in this one.  Sandra Bullock is as much a star as ever; she gets to be both a realistic, put-upon and thoughtful creative-type and also a more kinetic, down-and-dirty action hero (kind of), and somehow she makes it fit in one character.  Channing Tatum is more of a surprise; I've never thought much of him, but he is convincing and likable as a doofus (in the first half, at least; more later).  And Daniel Radcliffe continues to put Harry Potter as far behind him as he can, giving us an over-the-top but enjoyable villain.  There are several good supporting roles, too, notably Da'Vine Joy Randolph's tough publicist.  But Brad Pitt isn't one of them.  Sure, the character type is fun, but I am so sick of Pitt playing the "cool guy".

Like several other movies this year, The Lost City is a Jekyll & Hyde creation, strong at first but a let down later on.  It starts quickly, letting Bullock lead the way in establishing her grumpy author and providing a hilarious showcase scene of her and Tatum in a book tour interview show.  It isn't long before the action moves to the titular, volcanic island-based Lost City, and we get an extended chase sequence that's really two uproarious scenes following Tatum's Alan - first alongside Pitt, and then Bullock.  Tatum is so fun in this first half, stealing the show; it's a well-written part, and he's committed.  But the second half turns toward a much more conventional rom-com style - especially, and most disappointingly, with Tatum transforming from lovable dolt to boring action hero.  On reflection, it does make some sense - the movie itself turning into the kind of corny romantic adventure that Sage used to write.  But it also would have been fine to keep it going like the first half, and to me, much preferable.

***

The Lost City did turn out to be a nice palate cleanser, a light entertainment that was about the opposite of the dark The Batman.  Its 75% on Rotten Tomatoes is about right, I'd say; I'm not exactly the target demographic for it, and those more inclined to it will probably rate it more highly than me.  Even better, I'm happy to see it do pretty well at the box office.  The pandemic, of course, took a wrecking ball to the movie theater, and it's still an open question as to when and how that business will recover.  While I love seeing the blockbusters in theaters - that's what drove me there in the first place - it's important to have as diverse a selection of movies available as possible.  It'll take time, but hopefully as more people feel safe to go back out - and want to get away from their lonely home screens - we'll get more of it.  Give this a try, especially for a date night!  

* By http://www.impawards.com/2022/lost_city_ver2.html, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=69527903