Inception Review

        It’s the end of the month, while I would want to talk about an action movie from the 2020s, I’ve decided the one that was revolutionary and groundbreaking. Christopher Nolan needs no introduction since his work is well known by even the most casual viewers. With the success of The Dark Knight, it only made sense for Warner Bros. to give him a carte blanche of cash to go crazy in I think his best work with Inception.

1. Dream Heist

        No one could’ve imagined just how much of a mind bender this movie was and still is. It wasn’t the first time he made a movie that manipulated time with Memento. Give credit to where it’s due since Nolan was developing Inception in the 2000s. Originally, it was supposed to be a horror movie. Perhaps a heist film with A Nightmare on Elm Street flair to it. With any case, it took 8 years to develop for Nolan and it paid off big time. 

        With how complex the movie is as far as the gimmick is concerned; I’ll just summarize it for clarity sake. We follow Dom who’s a professional thief with stealing corporate secrets. The way he does so is by infiltrating a person’s mind. The film establishes that he’s been doing it for awhile since he’s constantly on the run. He’s soon granted a chance of clemency when he’s presented with a job to implant a thought into a person’s dream. In order to get the money from the target corporation.

        Yeah, that plot is something else. Especially one where it involves a heist in the most unique way. In a while I’ll explain the film’s use of dreams and the idea of inceptin’ someone. For now, I would like to say that the film isn’t as complex as an art film. What do I mean by that, well typically in an art film in presents an idea as abstract into moving celluloid. This movie has a unique story that manages to elevate and retain what a heist movie is. 

        Within the first hour, we see Dom slowly recruiting people he needs to execute the dream heist. All the supporting cast do a great job with understanding the idea. We see that Dom isn’t the only specialist, with his partner Arthur who’s more tactile when it comes to the rules. More so with Elliot Page’s character who I think is the audience stand in so that Dom can explain Inception. The moment when the two of them talk and we see the idea of Dream building is simply special effects nirvana. 

        Just that shot of seeing the Paris Street rise and tilt to connect to the rooftop is deserving of an Academy Award. Before I forget, the first minutes of the film is an appetizer with what the audience is getting themselves into. It’s jarring since we see Dom waking up from a beach then transported to a palace. Especially when we see the main antagonist pop up whenever a dream is involved. 

        As far as the main villain is concerned, it’s kind of complicated. Throughout the movie we see a woman named Mal who pops up within the dream, only for the scheme to go south when she wreaks havoc. I say it’s complicated since Dom is tied into it. And without giving it away as far as who’s the real villain, to me it’s ingenious with the approach. In one way, I think the film is in one way about having the dreams be an escape. 

        Dom constantly sees his wife and it’s slowly revealed what happened to her and how Dom just can’t seem to move on. The same thing with Cillian Murphy’s character who is the prime target for the mind heist. Everything is contingent with his Dad and how he’s constantly living in the shadow of him. With how these two characters are used is for their relatives to confront their past.   

   

2. World Building

        The film’s highlight is obviously the world building to justify the idea of dream walking into someone. For one thing I’m glad that the film didn’t stoop to the lowest level to justify how exactly Dom and his crew manage to do the near impossible. The film took it’s time, albeit briefly that Inception is a military experiment. No superpower needed, since to do the action requires an IV and select drugs. 

        It manages to stay grounded in its approach, while also being imaginative. It’s nothing that’s too head scratching or vague since it’s something that must be easily explainable. The second half is when we see everything play out. And to say that anything can happen, anything goes. The main target for the heist is a guy named Fischer, so during the mind heist Dom tries to plant an idea in the victim. 

        Just when you think that it takes place in one dream, there’s layers. For the heist to go smoothly, we’re transported to places where reality is affecting it. During the initial action, the whole crew is being driven and chased as they’re in a deep sleep. For instance, one layer is inside a hotel and when the van window is busted, the weather changes to match what’s going on. Especially when the van is tumbling down. Gravity is practically non-existent since the hallway scene is memorable. 

        This is where the level of investment really comes with a payoff. It’s something where you can watch the movie again and just be in awe with what’s happening. The way the stunts are pulled off and how it even goes beyond just the heist.  One thing that I noticed is the music that has the people wake up to for them to stop the Inception. The music that’s being used is from the French singer Edith Piaf with her song “Non je ne regrette rien”, Marion Cotillard portrays the singer in a different movie. Convenient is one thing, and sort of smart with the implication that the movie is going for. 

3. Overall

        Inception is one of the best films of the 2010s and I think Christopher Nolan’s best film all around. 

Kill Bill Vol. 1

        Never in a while did I ever think of talking about Quentin Tarantino. I think in one way its intentional to hold off on him when I started off this initiative. Reason being that any cinephile is going to wax poetic on his movies, I wanted to at least avoid that level of snobbery. Ultimately, I picked his fourth film to nearly wrap up my look into action films. Kill Bill Volume. 1 is up there with his small filmography. 

1. The Bride

        It’s a recurring thing for Tarantino to be as unconventional with his movies. He was part of the new crop of filmmakers that came out during the 90s, mostly referred to as the American Independent Movement. Out of all of the directors, he’s the most celebrated due to his movies being a tribute of what came before. 

        This would be the second movie that he did with Uma Thurman, the first being Pulp Fiction. Both conceived the movie as a love letter to kung-fu movies and making matters better when Thurman had her newborn child. With that, we follow The Bride who survived an impromptu betrayal at her wedding at the hands of her former gang The Deadly Viper Assassination Squad. 

        Looking for revenge and to get back her child, The Bride finds the individual members, or at least the ones we see, and what follows is nonstop action. You probably noticed that I refer to the main character as The Bride. The movie does mention her name, but at the unorthodox usage of the censor sound. In fact, you can even momentarily see it when she gets a plane ticket. And when Bill uses her name as a term of endearment. 

        What makes her character work even when her name isn’t mentioned is that we see the personal stakes. The betrayal spurns her to go on the revenge tour and to find out where her fiancé is. It’s one thing where we see everything playout in nonchronological order. That way of storytelling fleshes out everything and is completely different from its contemporaries. 

        As far as her doing the fight scenes, it’s hard to pick which ones are the best ones. As I’ll mention later, most of the fight scenes are derived from different genres in the past. What I will say is that what makes it more engaging is that she gets hurt. She earned her kills since the women she faces are some of the best killers. For as much as she holds her own in the duels, the moments when she’s holding her ground are the best. Particularly when she faces off against the psychotic Gogo. Her chain mace manages to put up a fight against The Bride. 

        Just to get this particular moment out of the way, since almost every Tarantino film has it is the camera shot of the main character’s feet. It’s been debated as to if the director has a particular fetish or he’s just a voyeur with a camera. To me, it’s perhaps just showing the action then having her start on her journey. Some articles that I’ve read couldn’t make head or tales on that motif in Tarantino’s other movies.

2. Animation Sequence

        In between seeing The Bride regain her control to her legs, we get a stylized moment when discussing the secondary antagonist. You would think that all of this would be acted to establish O-Ren Ishii’s background and how much of a threat she is. Well, we see that but animated. I think seeing it the first time weirded me out, like I didn’t expect a great sequence that could’ve won the Academy Award for Best Short Feature. 

        The sequence was animated by Production I.G., I haven’t watched most of their stuff but know that they animated the beloved Anime film Ghost in the Shell. I just love the level of attention the violence has going for it. Like when the gangsters killed O-Ren’s mom by driving a sword through the mattress, the blood spills and seeps through. And how it further elaborates on O-Ren’s character without falling into the villain tropes of explaining a plan or how they were evil. 

        Overall, the animated sequence further highlights the ingenuity of Quentin Tarantino. Had anyone else did this in their action movie would be derided and questioned as to why have it in their movies. In my opinion, it fits with where the story is going since The Bride is heading to Japan to confront O-Ren. The point is that it has to make sense in the context of the story, having it be there without any reason would be out of place and just look like eye candy. 

3. Bit of Everything 

        So, when watching the movie and the action sequence that came with it, you’re probably weirded out how it’s all presented. All of it is intentional and tribute to Grindhouse, exploitation, samurai films, kung fu, and spaghetti westerns to name a few. None of it all feels like a mish mash of action whatsoever, like it’s not discombobulated in the least bit. I think with each fight sequence is dedicated with the old genre to boot. 

        Not to go over all of them since that be pushing it. I decided that I’ll be talking about the first fight and when The Bride fights O-Ren’s gang. Seeing the first fight is like seeing the old kung-fu movies in the past. Both Thurman and Vivica A. Fox just tear the living room up. They fight and the cussing is also tribute to the variant of exploitation called Blaxploitation. One minute they fight, then there’s calm. But just when things seem calm, the action is dialed up and succinctly ends. 

        Now as I mentioned before, picking which fight sequence is tough. To me, the fight against the Crazy 88 is something to behold. Words that I’m typing can’t summarize the level of fun and gruesome way the fight is handled. It’s continuous since it goes from main foyer to the upstairs. I love it when the music kicks in and the whole thing goes in black and white. Apparently, that’s what American broadcasts did when they were showing those films in the past. Since they couldn’t censor all the movie for the audiences. 

4. Legacy

    The movie was well received, and it had a sequel that was followed up the next year. I’ve seen Volume 2 and to me it felt inferior to this one. Mind you, while this one felt like a nonstop action movie, the sequel had more development into The Bride’s fight skill, and we see more of Bill’s character. It retains the elements of this movie, but I felt it was toned down. The sequel is great don’t get me wrong, but I felt that if they were to rearrange the scenes from both movies, they could be equal. 

        Unrelated, the distinct yellow suit that The Bride wears is a tribute to Bruce Lee's final film The Game of Death. Never in my lifetime would I ever see it in any other media property. Well, except that it popped up in the beloved comedy show It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. In the episode "A Very Sunny Christmas", Frank arrives and greets the gang with the suit, it's a sight to see since he looks like an inebriated Pikachu.  

5. Overall 

        Kill Bill Volume 1 is one Tarantino’s best film. His tribute to obscure cinema is second to none when showing a bride getting revenge. 

Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl Review

        People have a preconceived notion that Disney is mostly a family friendly movie studio. While that is true due in part that their animation studio is bar none compared to anyone. Every once in a while, they try something new that makes people realize that on occasion they are mature sometimes. You have it with the animation adaptation of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and in the rare moments of artistic cinema, Straight Story. Pirates of the Caribbean is one of those movies that pushes the image of Disney.

1. Jack Sparrow

        Now this wasn’t the first time where a theme park ride was the basis for the movie. Prior to Pirates, Disney had made movies out of their theme park attractions like The Tower of Terror, Mission to Mars and The Country Bears. And it’s one of those challenges for a filmmaker to turn a 10-minute ride into a feature film. 

        For one thing, you don’t even imitate what the ride is like. Make it into something that you make the characters more interesting instead of just jokes. Since you’re at it, add violence since that’s the main thing that a pirate is associated with. It’s even surprising that throughout the entire studio’s history, this was their first PG-13 movie. 

        So, let’s get down to the needy gritty. We see ourselves set in the 1700s, pirates are running around the seas. Jack Sparrow and a blacksmith named Will must rescue a young woman Elizabeth from a group of pirates, not knowing at night they turn into zombie versions of buccaneers. While there are moments where the McGuffin in question can be a bit confusing, the story is mostly straightforward.

        People assume that it’s mostly Jack’s movie, since he is the mascot for the series now. What I like about him is that while he’s a pirate, he comes across as a washed up one. From the start, we see him looking toward the British village, not knowing that his own ship sinks. Even when the guards mock him when they notice the stuff he carries isn’t up to par. 

        I feel like he’s the comedy representation of the theme park ride. Especially in the moment when he’s just having bad luck is hilarious when he’s locked up in a cell. He’s not grating in the least bit and manages to put a fight. Which I like since the sword fights between Jack and his rival engaging. There’s a way to shoot a sword fight without making it seem that it’s choreographed. It is, but the way it’s shot along with the context is great. The gunfights aren’t exciting in the least bit, we’re talking about muskets that take a good couple to reload. 

        You can’t do a pirate movie without the ships duking it out. Just seeing the Black Pearl and Jack’s ship dueling out with the cannons is exciting. It’s one of those things where it’s not just cannon balls being shot, but a variation of it makes the damage even great to see. I want to talk about the zombified version, but I think there’s more to it. 

2. A Pirate’s Life

        To put it into perspective with pirate films, they were nonexistent from the mid 90s and 2003. At the time it was considered a career killer. The film Cutthroat Island was the one responsible for the death of the sub-genre. While pirate films were popular in the day, swashbuckling was the original staple for action movies. Sword fights were way more engaging than a gun duel at that time. 

        So, with how the pirates are portrayed in the movie, nothing is held back. The initial invasion shows that they pillage just for fun. With the context being that the medallion acted like a beacon for the others to get. There’s even an island where a whole bunch of debauchery is seen when Jack and Will are recruiting a group.

        Now the zombified versions of the pirates are a thing to see. Of course, having them show up when the moon is full is classic horror. It’s alluded to when Will is rescued when the Black Pearl departs, looking old with the sails clipped. The tease gets fulfilled when Elizabeth sees the entire crew be skeletons. And it’s ironic since she asks her dad that she wants to be a pirate and that is what she gets. 

        I feel like the whole movie is about acceptance, more so that this is ostensibly Will’s movie. Johnny Depp gets top billing; Orlando Bloom’s character is the main one since this is his story. We see that he’s content with his life and is called to action when Elizabeth is taken. Jack basically weans Will off his normal life and embraces his heritage. Which is why the evil pirates are cursed and are trying to find the bloodline for a cure. 

3. Legacy

        No one could’ve imagined that the movie would be a hit. People thought that it would be a financial bomb since the other theme park movies didn’t do well critically and financially. The expectations were blown out, having nearly grossed a billion dollars. I think it was the mature way that Disney was presenting the movie that made people curious. 

        Without a doubt, Disney had a franchise in the making. They revitalized the theme park and used elements from the movies to update it. The sequels though, while they made money and even eclipsing a billion dollars, weren’t that well received. I’ve only seen bits of the sequel Dead Man’s Chest, but the thing that I’ve noticed is that the whole story gets progressively complex. Not that you have to watch it twice, but the story gets too bloated to follow. 

        Now, there’s been talks of continuing the series and even rebooting it for a new generation. Far as I know, it’s mostly in development so there’s little info about that. Disney ultimately made other movies about their other attractions. Film’s like Tomorrowland and Jungle Cruise weren’t that well received or made back it’s budget. With the last one coming out during the pandemic. 

4. Overall

        Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is one of the best live-action Disney films to elevate the theme park ride.

The Fugitive Review

        Harrison Ford is probably the only successful actor that ever came out of Star Wars. While he’s also become beloved with being Indiana Jones, he practically made a name for himself in the action realm. Within the 90s, he was the second person to portray Jack Ryan in the adaptations of Tom Clancy’s Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger. Between that he was in an Academy Award nominated film that I think is his best. 

1. Wrongfully Accused

        Before I talk about how this film was part of a litany of movie adaptations of popular TV shows, this was one of those rare instances where it was partly inspired by real life crime. Back in the 50s, a doctor named Sam Shepperd was arrested for murdering his wife. His trial became a media sensation due in part with the oddness of it at that time. The creators of the show dispute that claim. 

        So with that, The Fugitive the show ran for about four seasons back in the 60s and was acclaimed due to how the show was presented. I haven’t seen the show, but the movie did a great job with showing one guy running from the law. We see Ford as Dr. Kimble coming home after responding to an impromptu surgery. He’s arrested when police arrive at his house covered in blood. 

        From there, he’s found guilty and sentenced to prison. After a scuffle, he escapes and U.S. Marshall Gerard tasks his group and police to find him. With that, the film is straightforward with most of the action seeing Kimble running and using his instinct to outmaneuver the authorities. There’s hardly any gunfights, but the chase is always exciting, especially in moments when the two characters are in close proximity. 

        The best moment is when we see Kimble basically investigate his wife’s death. Him becoming his own detective and identifying the actual killer is intriguing. He’s basically going out of his way to declare his own innocence, it’s a great subplot that enhances the movie. Although he tries to hide his identity, the one moment his Hippocratic oath kicks in is another endearing moment. 

        Aside from Harrison being the main star, Tommy Lee Jones deserved the Academy Award win for his portrayal of Gerard. To me, he steals the show when he’s meticulous telling his subordinates to track down Kimble within the area. The no nonsense approach shows that he means business. His best moment is when he calls out the bull when he investigates the surviving guard during the crash. 

        The overall use of paranoia helps the movie a lot since Kimble is always looking behind his back. As I mentioned earlier, the anxiety when he barely escapes Gerard makes the whole thing thrilling. The only time where Kimble becomes the hero is when he rescues Gerard when the actual killers are revealed. I say killers because Kimble unravels a conspiracy that hits close to home for him. 

2. 90s TV Adaptation Films

    Earlier I said that this film was part of the whole fad of movies that were adapted from tv shows. Now, it wasn’t an entirely new thing since Star Trek had a series that continued where the show ended. For some reason, it exploded in the 90s with varying degrees. You had films like The Addams Family duology that was good in portraying the family. The only one that is continuing is the Mission Impossible series. That one did have a faulty first entry, but slowly got better as the sequels were released wit a two parter coming up. 

        To this day, it always amazes me why a studio would greenlight a sequel despite the fact the original didn’t warrant one. U.S. Marshals was the sequel that continued with Gerard capturing another criminal. It didn’t even come close with matching the box office or the reception when it came out. When you have a sequel go way bigger in terms of capturing a doctor such as having international espionage, you know you’re in trouble.

3. Overall

        The Fugitive is the rare movie adaptation of a show that still works. It’s certainly one of Harrison Ford’s best movie.