Shorts #108
Shorts: Alita: Battle Angel (2019), Panga (2020), Bad Boys For Life (2020), The Intouchables (2012), Uncut Gems (2019), My Neighbour Totoro (1988)
What is Christoph Waltz doing in this movie?
This is a well-rounded mess. Nothing works - maybe there are some moments of griping spectacle, but they are fleeting at best. The mix of CGI and live action is... ugh. The CG modelling and physics are uncanny. The character construction is childish. The narrative is naive and contrived. Characters are never tested, plot points simply proceed and dominate the development of story. The dialogue - poor; rife with flat exposition and embarrassingly unemotive. I'm somewhat baffled by Alita's success, and don't care for the sequel. I'm sure Edward Norton will only embarrass himself more so than Christoph Waltz has here.
Seemingly following in the footsteps of the recently (somewhat recently) successful Dangal, Panga brings forth a female sports, action narrative as to question norms in gender roles and empower female athletes seeking a greater degree freedom.
Not based on a true story, Panga lacks stakes in a certain regard and does feel somewhat constructed - especially considering the lacklustre third act and finale. Ultimately, the excitement of a kabaddi game is not well represented or captured. Nonetheless, this is a very good film. It is humorous and has a rich tone, and at the heart of all is Kangana Ranaut who bears an incredibly warm and genuine aura as the central protagonist. If this found the success that Dangal did in the sports side of this drama, Panga would undoubtedly be a brilliant film. But, because it only manages character and thematic commentary well, this doesn't quite execute all you hope it to.
What can be said about Bad Boys III?
It is not particularly good. It doesn't even stand out as particularly notable either. It is moderately fun, but on the whole mediocre and a little forgettable. There is an attempt to push deeper into our established characters and expand the cast, and whilst the latter is somewhat successfully managed with humour, the former attempt to explore Marcus and Mike is lukewarm. Somewhat understandably, this lacks the intensity and action seen in the previous films, but I was left rather unexcited and only mildly engaged by Bad Boys For Life. So, in the end, there's not much good to say about this; I won't say Bad Boys III never should have been made, but, I'm not sure if we need more - unless maybe Bay and Bruckheimer teamed up for a bigger, more ridiculous spin off... who knows No likes
It has been a long time since I watched The Intouchables - it must be about 6 or 7 years. I had always remembered it to be fun and heartwarming, but had developed over the years a bad taste for the film. Maybe it was just its popularity and the simplicity with which I remembered it, but I began to think it was only so-so. With a re-watch, I discovered again its warmth and sentimental simplicity. I wouldn't assume that this narrative holds up under much scrutiny, but it is clearly attempting to tell a story of two people setting one another on a route toward independence and dignity. Much could be read into this politically, but, left as such, I think The Intouchables is a brilliant piece of cinema and a very well constructed comedy.
Pure magic.
Nothing else need be said.
I have seen and written about My Neighbour Totoro so many times. The film is a space of pure comfort and intrigue; it beautifully articulates the essence of a childhood and its place between understanding and imagination. My Neighbour Totoro is then an ecstatic, fantastical adventure both because of, and in spite of, the fact that it is also a minor melodrama of melancholia. This is a film that asserts that there is no distinction between imagination and understanding; to hope and be lost in self is inextricably related to one's vision of reality. It is imagination that elevates understanding and articulates the yearning to grow and overcome. My Neighbour Totoro exudes this optimism with cinematic magic, and for this, is one of the most charming films in existence.
