All posts by Kristina

Action, Sci-Fi

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

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Reading Time: 5 minutes

Date watched: June 12, 2022
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2022

Review

This was a first time viewing for me as I missed Fallen Kingdom when it was released and just never got around to seeing it. At the time I thought that the trailer looked a little far fetched, which is a little silly because in these kind of movies where do you draw the line? If you go in with that kind of mindset, you’ll likely be disappointed.

There were some pretty radical ideas in the first Jurassic World film, so I was interested to see where this next instalment would take things. Plus it features dinosaurs and volcanoes in one movie! Hell yeah, I’m in!

The film has a fantastic opening sequence following a team that has returned to Isla Nublar on a mission to collect DNA from the Indominus Rex remains. We don’t know who they are but this can’t be a good thing right? The scene features the Tyrannosaurs Rex and Mosasaurus who we last saw in the final scenes of Jurassic World and it is one of the best starts in the franchise. We’re here to see dinosaurs and there is no time wasted!

Back in the United States, Claire has now founded the Dinosaur Protection Group (DPG) working to save the dinosaurs who are on left on the island from an impending volcanic eruption. It feels like quite a big jump for her from the events of the last film. Perhaps she feels a duty of care to the animals made for the park that she oversaw. While there might be something interesting to tap into there, instead we spend a bit of time finding out the relationship between her and Owen. Which to be fair is likely a contributing factor.

With the introduction of the DPG also includes two additional characters; Zia and Franklin. Both are great and bring energy and laughs to the film. In a way they replace Claire’s two nephews, who don’t return for this sequel.

This second instalment of Jurassic World further explores the theme of empathy towards the dinosaurs which we see in the senate hearings asking if the animals should be saved or not. Claire’s work has started in response to this with the stance that the animals deserve protection. The film also includes one of the saddest scenes in the franchise when the last ship leaving Isla Nublar after the volcano has erupted and we see a brachiosaurus left behind at the dock before collapsing in a cloud of ash. I think it had such an impact is because the brachiosaurus are usually the first dinosaurs that people see on the island which sparks the wonder and amazement. It was heart-breaking and I wasn’t expecting to feel that.

I do think they tried to push a little to far on this theme however when Blue (the last velociraptor) looks to shed a tear while Zia attempts to remove a bullet from her after being shot during an epic double cross rescue. There are so many fanciful things to the lead up to this point, so I’m not sure why a dinosaur crying pushes it over the line to me. It works though, as I’m in Blue’s corner. Yes Jurassic World has me barracking for a velociraptor. Who saw this coming 25 years after Jurassic Park first terrorised us with them? Certainly not me. This is why they say not to name things right – or you’ll form attachments. Walked right into that one.

There also appears to be more of a shift towards the “bad guys” being the ones attacked by the dinosaurs. There’s a little more satisfaction of people getting their just rewards than people running for their lives. The main characters rarely appear in any scenes where you think something bad could happen. I personally like a bit more suspense even when I know nothing will happen to the main characters but winds up making me second guess that fact, even for a split second.

Another of the themes further explored in this sequel is the exploitation of the animals by humans. Dr. Henry Wu returns and his character is almost like a supervillain. He holds such power which he uses to push his own agenda but he still needs to rely on someone else to provide funding. Making dinosaurs is expensive work. I don’t think Wu is an evil person but he does do a lot of questionable things. Is it the science of pushing what is possible that drives him and is he blind to the consequences? It’s been really enjoyable to see more of him over the last two films and I can’t see what he does next.

In this film Wu is responsible to the creation of another hybrid; the Indoraptor, which has been developed using the DNA taken from that opening sequence. It’s a prototype being show cased at a black market auction after the animals have been transported to the United States which Wu is highly aware of. He knows exactly what is going on but isn’t in control of the outcomes.

The sequence which takes place at the auction is also another incredible one. Again it does tip over into the fanciful and you kind of have to ride the wave. You though raptors opening doors 25 years ago was questionable – you ain’t seen nothing yet!

I have mixed feelings towards Fallen Kingdom. While there is plenty to like about it there, it has a number of flaws. In an action film you don’t really want to be asking a lot of questions, the amazing action sequences and dazzling science should distract you enough from thinking too much about the plausibility of what’s going on. For me the balance was a bit off.

What is exciting is that by the end of this film, the world is now in a completely different place from where we started. It leaves me excited for the conclusion in Jurassic World: Dominion.

For me, it wasn’t as good as Jurassic World and I think it could have been better.

Rating:  Alright

Action, Sci-Fi

Jurassic World

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Reading Time: 4 minutes

Date watched: June 11, 2022
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2022

Review

It’s been a 14 year gap between Jurassic Park films and the franchise has been re-booted as “Jurassic World”. It’s a new trilogy, rather than a remake, and follows on from the original film. I’m guessing we are pretending that The Lost World and III never happened. Rather than changing any of the timelines, it just really isn’t talked about. If it was referenced, I’ve already forgotten about it!

When I first saw this at the cinemas, I loved it and felt it was almost on par with the original film. Years later and seeing how this trilogy ended up, I’m not sure I feel the same way. So I’m going to focus on just this first instalment of the new trilogy and leave my feelings towards where it all ended up in the last review.

The tone of Jurassic World is more violent than the previous trilogy. It’s moved away from implied violence and shows more blood and people being ripped apart. That said, it’s not overly gory or too frightening for it’s target audience.

For me, what adds an additional level of fear is the park now creating hybrid dinosaurs. Creating animals by splicing DNA and raising them in isolation is terrifying. There is literally no reference material for how that animal is going to behave or how to manage it. Then for only the scientists to know what animals have been spliced together – it’s outrageous!

BD Wong returns as his character Dr. Henry Wu who fans will remember from the first film as the person responsible for creating the cloned dinosaurs. He obviously got off the island before things went bad all those years ago. Seemingly he has been in the same job since then but now has more power with the money and equipment provided to him from the managers of the new park. His directive – make bigger and scarier dinosaurs, which is exactly what he did with the Indominus Rex. Dr. Wu is an interesting character and it would be fascinating to explore his motivations and moral code in more detail.

There are a multitude of call backs and easter eggs for fans to enjoy from the original film however this instalment still manages to stand on its own. Those things are in there to enhance our experience as fans, rather than to carry the story along. A couple that I enjoyed included seeing Mr. D.N.A in the new information centre and the kids find the original jeeps and night vision googles while suck out in the open park.

A similar formula has also been used for the characters; we have two adults and two children that the film is centred on. The characters themselves are completely different compared to the original.

This time around the inclusion of the two nephews didn’t feel like they were needed to the main story. Apart from introducing us to Jurassic World, which has become Disneyland like in it’s popularity and zoo like operationally, they were there to get Claire and Owen into the park for some cool action sequences. The storyline of their parents in the middle of a divorce also seemed unnecessary and only there to provide a bonding experience between the two bothers. It fills up some time between scenes sure but considering everything that happened, I think that the character of Claire is quite committed to her job and that she still would have acted in the same way without their inclusion.

Speaking of Claire, I really liked Bryce Dallas Howard in the role. She is a strong character who has her flaws and does stand out in what is a very male dominated film. There has been a bit said of her impractical outfit resulting in some ridicule. To me what her outfit represents is a reflection of where the park is at. They have been successful for many years and think they know how to manage disasters. It’s all very corporate. They probably have compliance training on what to do in certain situations! While on paper these new animals they are creating might result in bigger crowds and thus profits, the consequences aren’t a factor in their risk matrix. Claire’s job is very much sales based. The only reason she is out in the park is to help her nephews and it would be very unlikely for her to have a spare pair of practical clothing. Up until now, she doesn’t have a connection to the animals in the park.

Chris Pratt’s role of Owen is the complete opposite to Claire. He cares for the animals and has a cautious respect with them and that’s why he is the velociraptor whisper! Through his character another of the trilogy’s themes emerges and that is more empathy towards the animals. We’re starting to shift away from the amazement and fear that humans have towards the dinosaurs and think more about these animals that have been brought into this world and the exploitation by humans. I think some of that was there in the original film but in a much more minor way.

It would also be remiss of me to not mention Vincent D’Onofrio who gives such a great performance, as he always does. His character of Vic Hoskins wanting to weaponize the dinosaurs from the work Owen has been doing is super villain in the making stuff. I would have liked to have seen this explored a little bit more.

In conclusion, Jurassic World is a fun and exciting experience back into the franchise. It’s visually stunning and includes some great performances and some really fantastic action sequences. You don’t have to be a fan of the original films to enjoy this one. There is plenty to like here.

Time to book yourself a ticket. Just don’t forget to arrange some travel insurance!

Rating:  Good

Action, Sci-Fi

Jurassic Park III

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Reading Time: 2 minutes

Date watched: June 10, 2022
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2022

Review

I was a little worried heading into this one as I had no memories of anything that happened in Jurassic Park III. I know I’ve definitely seen it, and likely more than once when it was initially released. However since then, this is probably the first revisit.

It’s the first of the films not to be based on a novel. Instead it uses sequences that weren’t used for either of the first two films. It’s also the first not to be directed by Steven Spielberg.

Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill) makes his return to the franchise and brings the familiarity for the fans. After all is it really Jurassic Park if you don’t have someone from the original film?

Laura Dern also makes a brief yet ultimately important appearance returning as Dr. Ellie Sattler. It really feels like her role is to establish where Alan and her are in their personal relationship; no longer together but still close. And you can’t blame them after experiencing such a traumatizing event. It would have been easy to establish this with just some dialogue, so I’m happy they got her back.

In Jurassic Park III we return to Isla Sorna, the second island we learnt about in The Lost World. Desperate for funding but not learning from lessons of the past, Alan makes a terrible decision by agreeing to accompany some strangers on an “aerial tour” as their guide.

It’s already the shortest film in the franchise but could have been much shorter had Alan just done some basic checks! At a minimum I would have been asking for a deposit and ensuring that the money cleared before going anywhere near that island. But as I have previously stated, these films run off the back of humans making stupid decisions.

For me I would have to say that the highlight of this film would be the aviary sequence. Following the attack from the spinosaurus, the group find themselves in the island’s aviary where a family of pteranodons still reside. It’s something that we haven’t seen in either of the first two films and that fans had been wanting to see. I think it delivered.

I should also point out a couple of the cheesy bits that I quite enjoyed, one being the name of the company operating the parasailing tour at the beginning of the film; Dino-soar. Love a good pun! The other being the spinosaurus ringing as the first person it ate was carrying the satellite phone. Just the image of this massive land creature producing a hideous ringtone sound from where it stands, it’s so ridiculous it makes me laugh.

In summary Jurassic Park III is an okay action flick which is overall unremarkable. It’ll be a way to fill in a night when you can’t decide on what to watch and you’ll probably end up forgetting about it in a few months.

Rating:  Alright

Action, Sci-Fi

The Lost World: Jurassic Park

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

Date watched: June 9, 2022
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2022

Review

Four years after the phenomenon that was Jurassic Park, its sequel; The Lost World was released in cinemas. In my opinion it’s one of those underrated sequels that gets more criticism than it deserves. Is it better than the original? No. Is it entertaining? Yes.

In The Lost World we find out that there is a second island (Isla Sorna) where the dinosaurs were nurtured before being integrated into the park we saw in the first film (Isla Nublar). It had been kept secret in order to protect the dinosaurs however that secret is now out and there are people who, yet again, want to make money off the dinosaurs by bringing them to the United States. What’s that I hear you say – “How could this possibly go wrong?”

This is a common theme of the franchise; humans making stupid decisions where greed and power have disastrous consequences.

I remember going to the cinemas to see this one, so I do have some nostalgic feelings towards it but you know what, I had a good time with the re-watch. One of my most vivid memories of the film was the scene with the velociraptors in the long grass taking out a pack of hunters one by one in rapid succession. I remember the fear I felt in the cinema and slowly sinking down in my seat with an unimpressed parent next to me who probably didn’t want to be there in the first place!

Unfortunately that scene with the raptors wasn’t quite as scary as I remember it but the follow up scene where our heroes walk right into their hunting ground was fantastic. My one negative here would have to be the gymnastics element. Earlier in the film there is a set up with Ian’s daughter Kelly no longer being on the gymnastics team at school and of course this comes in handy down the track in this scene. No criticism to this, that’s pretty standard in an action film. It’s just why gymnastics – they can never seem to make the bar look realistic to the surroundings. It always looks like a gymnastics bar amongst, in this case, the roof bearings. Second time in a week I’ve noticed this, as it also occurs in Hot Shots!

I also found a number of the action sequences felt like it could be an amusement ride ready for Universal Studios. This probably lines up with around the time the actual Jurassic Park ride was introduced at Universal, so I am not sure if this was done intentionally. It’s not the first action film I’ve had similar feelings with and I’m not saying that’s a good or a bad thing. One one hand I think it actually adds some fun and makes you feel a little more involved, while on the other hand it’s probably wise to avoid making people want to be on an island with dinosaurs roaming free!

Of the sequels in the franchise, this one is probably the best. With a tyrannosaurs running amuck in San Diego, you’ll have a bit of fun with your weekend action pick.

Rating:  Good

Action, Sci-Fi

Jurassic Park

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Reading Time: 4 minutes

Date watched: June 8, 2022
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2022

Review

In the week leading up to the release of Jurassic World Dominion, I still hadn’t seen the second Jurassic World film. You can see where this is heading right? If I was going to watch the second film, I may as well start with the first Jurassic World.

Furthermore, if I was going to re-watch the Jurassic World series, how could I pass up the opportunity to start where it all began. And if I was going to do that, I may as well re-watch them all right?

Thus Jurassic Park week commenced!

I felt that one a night was an even distribution and it really was a fun week. I think I’m going to have to read Michael Crichton’s books, which the first two films are based on. Partly because it’s well overdue and partly because I’m a little sad Jurassic Park week is over.

As I had mentioned, I kicked off the week back to where it all began in 1993. I was concerned to discover that outside of your “mainstream” dinosaurs I have not retained my knowledge of different species. Lyrics to songs from the 80s and 90s are still in there but I don’t know where the dino facts disappeared to. What I do remember is doing a project in primary school on the Rhamphorhynchus. Unclear is if we were assigned an animal or got to choose. I’m guessing it was assigned.

But I digress…

I still a youngling when Jurassic Park was released in cinemas but I do have memories of watching it on VHS and not being able to watch the scenes where the cow is lowered into the velociraptor enclosure and (spoiler alert) where the T-Rex eats the lawyer off the toilet. Perhaps more traumatic for a time was when my cousins pinned me down and forced my eyes open to watch that latter scene. There’s some character building for you – thanks guys!

Nowadays I can watch the whole film without hiding behind the couch and enjoy the build up of suspense and how much is left up to the imagination. Nothing that happens on screen is as bad as I had pictured what might be happening in my mind. A really good use in the Jurassic Park franchise is hearing the dinosaurs before you seen them. There might be a vocal call from an animal or rustling from shrubbery and that’s when your heart rates starts to elevate. How can one forget the iconic imagery of the water ripples as Rexy (as she is affectionately known by fans) approaches.

Speaking of Rexy, I think a lot of people are most excited for a tyrannosaurus to be featured in the film. With lots of teeth and its sheer size, Rexy is a predator to be feared. However Jurassic Park takes it up a notch an introduces us to the velociraptor, who maybe not in size but is the bigger threat. After all, the whole reason for the events that take place at the park is for an inspection following the death of a worker from a velociraptor. The kitchen scene with the raptors stalking Lex and Tim is exhilarating. All of this taking nothing away from Rexy, who is still terrifying and had an important part of this story.

In regards to favourite characters, of the human variety, I’d have to say the honours go to Dr. Ellie Sattler; portrayed by the wonderful Laura Dern. Ellie is such a well-rounded character for an action film, especially in the early 90s. She is kind, compassionate, smart. not to mention she helps to save the day. I lover her enthusiasm and spirit. She also has one of my favourite lines from the film:

Dr. Ian Malcom: God creates dinosaurs, God destroys dinosaurs. God creates man, man destroys God. Man creates dinosaurs.
Dr. Ellie Sattler: Dinosaurs eat man. Woman inherits the earth.

Thinking on it I’d have to say one of my favourite things about Jurassic Park is that most of the main characters do their part to save the day. There really isn’t much deadwood.

As this review is starting to get a bit long now, I’ll wrap up with a quick note about transforming novel to film. While I haven’t read the book I can certainly appreciate some of the techniques used to do so. Storytelling in novel form provides a lot of background information which is important to the plot but this can be rather boring to translate into a film medium. The use of the character “Mr. D.N.A” is a brilliant way to get a lot of information across in a quick and entertaining way.

Jurassic Park is a modern classic and if you are going to watch any films in the franchise, let it be this one.

Rating:  A Must See

Comedy

Hot Shots!

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

Date watched: June 4, 2022
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2022

Review

After a day of watching Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick, it felt a fitting conclusion to the evening with a re-watch of the comedy classic Hot Shots!

I love a comedy parody film and Hot Shots! is one of the best. Initially I was a bit wary as it had been a long time between viewings and some comedies from the 90s have not dated well. I was pleased to find that Hot Shots! still had me laughing out loud from beginning to end. Directed and co-written by Jim Abrahams, who also directed and co-wrote Flying High and Top Secret! you can understand why this film is such a success, even after so many years.

And when I say laughs until the end – watch the end credits all the way through, as the jokes aren’t over yet. That’s right, I was watching film credits to the end before Marvel made it cool!

I have a new appreciation for Hot Shots! as I don’t think I’ve ever watched it so close after watching Top Gun, in this case the same day. The opening sequence is almost a like for like with Top Gun down to the music, opening credits, and the planes taking off / landing on the aircraft carrier. It isn’t long before the tone is set where we see things like people carrying missiles bumping into each other, planes parallel parking, engines being used to BBQ sausages, and so on!

There’s also a replica iconic scene of Maverick riding his bike next to a fighter jet taking off, fist bump in the air and all. Except in Topper’s case, it’s at this moment that he hits the speed bumps on the road.

I even get a kick out of the fact that all the planes have “The Navy” written on them – it’s those little details that really takes it up a notch.

Being a clever parody of Top Gun however is only the part of the key to the success. Another factor would have to be the performance of the cast. Each actor is playing it straight, as if they were in a series drama. Yet with the lines and visual gags you cannot help but to laugh. Perhaps because of the straight faced nature, that makes the punch lines kick harder.

Charlie Sheen gives a fantastic performance as Topper Harley. He really was a great comedic actor, especially in these type of films at the peak of his career. While Lloyd Bridges manages to steals each scene he is in with great one liners, often about his ever increasing aliments! The slapstick performance of his accident prone character provides many laughs. The cast also includes Cary Elwes, Valeria Golino, Jon Cyer, and Kevin Dunn – just to name a few!

In the backdrop to a parody, you also need to have a strong enough story. One that is simple enough for the viewer to follow and that is different to the source material. I’d say that Hot Shots! also does this well while letting the gags shine through. Funnily enough I also found that the new Top Gun film had some similar aspects of it’s storyline with Hot Shots! – coincidence? Yeah probably.

Even if you haven’t seen Top Gun, you’re going to have plenty of laughs along the way.

Rating:  Great

Action

Top Gun: Maverick

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

Date watched: June 4, 2022
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2022

Review

It’s been 36 years since the original Top Gun and after a few delays its long awaited sequel is now in cinemas. I’m going to make a bold statement and say that this is one of the rare occasions where the sequel might actually be better than the original. Gasp!

Before going to see Top Gun: Maverick I did a little refresher and watched the original (you can read that review here), so as I write this review it is fresh in the mind.

One of the dangers of doing a sequel so long after the original is repeating the same formula and storyline where there is really no point in having the sequel in the first place. I had this feeling with Mary Poppins Returns but not with this film. While there are a number of similarities with the original, I found the story worth telling and that it was enjoyable.

The opening sequence is pretty much a copy of the original film down to the font used in the opening credits, the score, the opening text explaining what Top Gun is, and the jets taking off and landing on an airship carrier. I think this serves as some nostalgia for old school fans while giving new fans an invitation in. There are some differences with angles used which I am guessing comes down to what cameras were available in the 80s compared to now.

The last time we saw Maverick he had his pick of any posting following the success of the final dogfight he was in and he decided that he was going back to Top Gun to be an instructor. When this film starts we don’t get a “x many years later” or explanation of what has happened in that time but clearly things didn’t go to plan and it’s not long before we see that Maverick hasn’t changed his ways that much. He loves being a pilot but the risks he takes are more related to his team than personal issues.

In this film Maverick is ordered back to Top Gun to train the best of the best pilots who have recently graduated from Top Gun for a high risk mission. Something no pilot has ever done before. In the class is Goose’s son, call sign Rooster (Miles Teller) who is the spitting image of his father. Given the history between the two you expect there to be tension however there is more to it than what happened in the original film, which was a good addition. It’s up to Maverick to get these pilots ready not only for a successful mission but to get them home safely.

The flight scenes looked fantastic and I would highly recommend going to see this one at the cinemas with Dolby Atmos for the experience. Again what makes this film a success is the limited use of CGI, it looks real because it is (mostly) real. No the actors aren’t actually flying those planes but gosh do you buy into it. It adds an authenticity which steps it up above your average action flick.

The soundtrack was also much better in the sequel with a bit more variety used and a beautiful original song written and performed by Lady Gaga. And despite me being a little over hearing Danger Zone so many times just a few hours before, I was excited by its return in the film. Used just the right amount of times I must say!

So while there are a lot of similar scenes between the two Top Gun films there is enough difference in the story to make them separate and worthy. Both are excellent action films that you’ll have a lot of fun watching.

Don’t think. Just do.

Rating:  Good

Action

Top Gun

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

Date watched: June 4, 2022
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2022

Review

This isn’t my first time watching Top Gun but it has been quite a long time between viewings. I felt it was a fitting time for a re-watch given the long waited sequel is now out in cinemas.

My memories of Top Gun was the soundtrack, aviators, volleyball, and the iconic quotes it produced. I think it’s done pretty well pop culture wise to still be relevant and I was delighted to relive a decent film.

Its a fairy simple story using a proven film formula that is executed really well. That’s why I think the film still lives up against today’s standards and is a such a favourite for many movie-goers.

What I think works best about Top Gun is that it was inspired by real US navy program and a range of experts were used on the film which gives it an authenticity. Laying on top of this the factitious character of Pete “Maverick” Mitchell and his character journey from film start to end gives the audience someone to rally behind and brings enjoyment in what is a solid action film.

Top Gun wouldn’t be what it is without Maverick and you can’t have Maverick without Tom Cruise. While not one of my favourite films of his, there is no doubt that he is the star of the film. He has such an on screen presence taking you on the journey with him.

When we meet Maverick and his RIO (Radar Intercept Officer) Goose (Anthony Edwards) we can see what a great team they are and the potential they have, particularly Maverick. They manage to scrap in an admission into Miramar’s elite Fighter Weapons School known to its flyers as “Top Gun” and the film takes place over the training and graduation period of that program. During this time Maverick needs to learn some lessons about himself, working as a team, fighting his instincts vs the navy’s expectations, and his relationship with his father that has been holding him back. As if that isn’t enough, throw in a romance with one of his instructor’s (Kelly McGrillis), a rivalry with a fellow flyer in his class (Val Kilmer) and a personal tragedy.

These types of films feel the need to include a romance story which I’m not the biggest fan of however as I get a little older I’m not getting as bothered by. The storyline between Maverick and Charlie is just enough I think without distracting from the other aspects of the film and does give motivations to the character of Maverick to learn some of those lessons mentioned above. I actually liked the chemistry between the two and the build up of the will they / won’t they paid off with their first kiss. Apparently Cruise had a line in that scene, forgot it and went for the kiss. The director liked it and kept it in. Given that I was practically yelling at the tv to “kiss the girl”, it was probably the right move!

Apart from Tom Cruise, the other reason we love Top Gun is for the fighter jets! The scenes of the fighter jets in the air not only provide great entertainment value but also balance the light and dark within the story. As soon as those planes are in the air, you can feel the tension change which is a great use of changing tones between scenes. Coupled with the score you get a sense of what each flight might add to the story because just as in real life, not every flight is the same.

As for dislikes, I can’t believe I’m about to say this but the Kenny Loggins hit “Danger Zone” was used way too many times and if I don’t hear it for a few days I think I’m going to be ok. The same could be said for “Take My Breath Away”. It was a little like, guys there are other songs.

Top Gun is a fun action film and a decent one at that.

You can be my wingman anytime.

Rating:  Good

Animation, Comedy

The Bob’s Burgers Movie

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

Date watched: May 29, 2022
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2022

Review

It seems fitting that on the weekend of International Burger day that I went along to see the new Bob’s Burgers movie after having a burger for dinner!

There is a challenge with turning any tv series into a film, particularly animation, with how the narrative is formed in its longer than usual format while keeping the essence of the series intact. There is a risk of making it feel like three episodes one after another or it being disjointed from the series.

The Bob’s Burgers Movie has delivered in providing a highly entertaining film that serves the fanbase well! I’m a big fan of the series and it doesn’t feel out of place while at the same time it can stand out on its own. What I liked most was the look of the film and the use of musical numbers.

The animation that has been used looked beautiful up on the big screen. It’s a very similar look to the series but you can tell there is some additional polish, notably with lighting and shading. For me this really popped in the characters hair. The songs were fun, upbeat, and helped progress the film along with a lot of funny lyrics. The series often uses songs in episodes, so having a movie without any would not have been the same.

I felt that each character in the Belcher family had a decent amount of screen time to progress their own narratives that ultimately tie together nicely at the end. Of the family, it is Louise (voiced by Kristen Schaal) who is the star of the show (which often occurs in the series as well) while Gene’s storyline was probably the weakest. Just for the record Tina is my favourite character and she had some great moments. Her storyline involved making Jimmy Jr her summer boyfriend, which is very on brand for Tina.

As for supporting characters, the show is currently in its twelfth season meaning there have been a lot of reoccurring characters over the years and I’m sure each fan would have their favourites. It would have been impossible and impractical for the movie to reference everyone but they did a pretty darn good job getting a lot in. Of course Teddy and the Fischoeders have starring parts however we also get a little bit of Rudy, Sergeant Bosco, and even a cameo from our favourite bikies!

The movie also used some existing references from the show’s run to build the story around, which ties in well for fans as not everything is new. It’s a really good balance to introduce new people to the series where you don’t need a lot of backstory yet those references will be appreciated by the fanbase. I’m getting flashbacks to when this is done poorly, the one that springs to mind is the X-Files movie (for many reasons that we shall not get into today!)

If you are a fan of the series, you’re going to enjoy this one. If you’re a fan of animation, I think you’re also going to like this one. Do you need to see it at the cinema? Probably not but that said, it did look really nice up on the big screen. You’ll have plenty of laughs all the way to the post-credits scene.

Rating:  Great

Drama, War

Operation Mincemeat

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

Date watched: May 22, 2022
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2022

Review

I happened to stumble upon this film by chance. It was when I went to see The Drover’s Wife that on my out I noticed a poster for this film at the cinema. Having just watched The Man Who Never Was only a couple of days beforehand, what were the odds! A quick google confirmed that this was the same story. I immediately let the family know and we went along to the cinema yesterday to go check it out.

Unfortunately this telling of the story has missed the mark. I was hoping that as more time has passed since the events in 1943, there might be more about the story that could not have been included in 1956. While the two films have the same deception operation at heart, they are very different films. Both based on different books with quite a lot of details different, including fictional elements.

The thing that I liked about the 1956 film was the smaller cast, this newer film added some additional characters into the mix and what it has achieved is a confused mess where the true incredible story of Operation Mincemeat falls into the background. It felt as if the film was trying to tell too many stories, which may have suited better to a limited series than a film. They may have been aiming to flesh out the characters, giving them a more rounded tale of who they are but it didn’t pay off.

For example, Ewen Montagu’s brother was a communist activist for a brief time. It feels like someone thought that was an interesting fact and they have tried to jam it into this film. However in order to make it work they have fabricated a story to cause some tension between the two lead characters. The two men in real life had different backgrounds and I am sure may not have gotten along at times, as is human nature, I just can’t see why that storyline was added in.

One of things that was included in this film was the name of the man who become Major William Martin, as in 1997 his real name was finally released; Glyndwr Michael. While this film uses his real name in the search for a body, I felt the use of the actor in some scenes was disrespectful. There is a scene where they are attempting to take a photo for the false identification papers by propping up the dead body on a chair and in all photographs he looks dead. I’m not sure if this actually happened or was made up for the film but to use that for some comic element doesn’t feel right.

What I did like was the use of Ian Fleming as a character. It also feels like when the tele-movie of Fleming was put together this story was resurfaced and perhaps a catalyst for a new film. I do find it really interesting that a lot of intelligence officers at the time wrote espionage novels which is referenced in this film. There is a hilarious line where Cholmondeley states “they’re everywhere” and when questioned if Germans, he states “No, writers”. There are also a few James Bond references including a visit to Q-Branch.

We’ll probably never know exactly everything that happened given it was an intelligence operation and most of the key parties involved have since passed away. I enjoyed this version for the inclusion of Ian Fleming’s involvement and I liked the casting (who doesn’t like having two Mr Darcy’s in one film!). The use of narration in this film was also a highlight. I enjoyed the 1956 version for the use of tension on whether the operation would work and the respect to Glyndwr Michael.

Review:  Alright