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MikeGJennings
Reviews
Katla (2021)
Promising but aggravating
The premise is great, the look is great, the mood is great. The impact the situation has on people, how it affects them emotionally and mentally, is really really interesting. But the way the people interact is incredibly aggravating.
I don't know if it's a cultural thing; I don't know any Icelandic people. But there's this pattern where people ask really important questions, then the other person either lies for no apparent reason, gives a uselessly brief answer, or just does not answer at all *and leaves the room* - and the questioner never ever pursues it! It happens again and again and again, every episode. And the failure to answer the questions in this unlikely way drives much of the plot.
For all that is great about the series, I found myself overall just feeling a sense of relief that it was over so I wouldn't have to keep getting irritated at these people.
Speed of Life (2019)
A subtle, original gem
This is classical science fiction, in the sense of showing how humans would interrelate in a world circumstance that is different from ours. It's not about *how* or *why* the world became what it became in Speed of Life's 2040; focusing on that would be missing the point entirely.
It's about how Ann Dowd's character June has advanced in age without truly letting go of a relationship that ended suddenly and inexplicably, and then resumed just as suddenly and inexplicably. Dowd is one of these Kathy Bates-type actresses who can convey very complex thoughts and emotions in exceptionally subtle ways. Paying attention to her manner and expression is very rewarding, providing deep insight without condescending explanations.
Conversely, Ray Santiago's Edward was never given a *chance* to develop. Even with the acknowledgement in the film that it's not his fault, I'm pretty sure a lot of women will be able to relate to a lot of the conflicts (and perverse appeal!) of navigating a relationship with a man who hasn't evolved at all.
Edward has to navigate a situation that has changed in baffling ways all around him; the best parts of his experience are the ones where he's dealing with the unexplained changes, and it's done with gentle humor and poignancy. In fact, the moments where things *are* plainly explained almost serve more as a vehicle to slip in subtle David Bowie references.
Speaking of whom: IMDB's one-line description of the film "Storyline dealing with the late musician, David Bowie" could hardly be more misleading or less accurate. Bowie fans will certainly appreciate the premise; given the tremendous worldwide outpouring of grief at his death in early 2016, it's certainly believable that it might have ripped a hole in the universe. But that's certainly not what this movie is about.
My only real criticism concerns the subplot with Samuel's daughter. It's never quite woven properly back into the main thread of the story, and the connection between the stories is a little too abstract to be gleaned in one viewing.
Tomorrowland (2015)
Family Movies Can Be Smart, Too
Not sure why this one has gotten such mediocre reviews. The acting is good, both girls did a great job, very believable. Clooney too, but this was an easy one for him I think. The effects are good, and so is the sound. There are a few clumsy edits, but I don't think most people would be bothered by them. The plot is clever. The unpredictable parts are unpredictable because of the complex nature of the science it's tackling, making it an honest-to-God science fiction family film. The plot developments are usually smart and clever. It's really entertaining without pandering or over-explaining. The subtext about humanity's drive toward its own apocalypse is totally legit, the real science bits make sense, the alternate history is almost plausible (complete with a taking into account historical personalities like Edison and Tesla). And it's pretty funny. It also bears multiple viewings.