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How it ends (2018)

Published

5 years ago

August 3, 2018

I only have one question for you.
Are you coming with me?

“How it ends.“. Well, I’ve never seen a movie title that sounded so ambiguous afterward. They should have replaced the period with a question mark. Even though I was very enthusiastic in the beginning. Once again a film from the Netflix Originals stable. Moreover, Forest Whitaker is playing in it. Without a doubt, one of my favorite star actors. When there’s a film with this versatile actor in the starting blocks, I’m eagerly waiting to see it. The calmness he radiates is magisterial. Even though he’s about to explode like an awakened volcano. Unfortunately, he can’t take this no-win movie to a higher level. When the end of the world becomes as boring as this movie, the tedium will kill me.

It’s more about bonding. Not just the chaos.

“How it ends” is the umpteenth film about a post-apocalyptic world with the usual clichés. Something that Theo James already has experience with after his participation in the “Divergent” franchise. Now, I’m not a real fan of the “Divergent” saga, but I have to admit that it had much more to offer in terms of content and visuals. “How it ends” is monotonous and has a repetitive character. I hoped that this film would be a combination of “Cell” and “Mad Max“, but it turned out to be a miserably long road movie with always the same recurring events. Eventually, I understood it was more about the relationship between Will (Theo James) and his father-in-law Tom Sutherland (Forest Whitaker) than about surviving in a chaotic debris-ridden world. The two have a very difficult relationship. And during the long trip to Seatle, you gradually see a mutual respect growing. But that’s just not what I wanted to see.

Let’s find some more fuel. Over and over and over again …

What you get is a sort of cross-country through the U.S. along dusty roads, deserted ghost towns, and endless vistas. And of course, there are the usual obstacles of military blockades (which, if Tom uses the correct pep talks, step aside and let them pass) and distraught people who only want one thing. And that is to get away from the disaster as quickly as possible. And it’s not exactly an easy task without fuel. The result is a struggle for this precious stuff. Mind you, this goes on the entire film. And as is customary in post-apocalyptic films, they are the heroes, who are moving against the current instead of fleeing. Closer to the source that causes all the misery. Add to that a pile of dusty desert sand and a bunch of weirdos (the Apocalypse brings out their rebellious nature) who are wildly waving around with their shotguns, and the picture is complete. They should have worked harder on the content. Now it seemed like a collection of ideas that have been raked together.

Now for something positive.

No, you can hardly call this overwhelming. In “Seeking a friend for the end of the world” there was just as much to see. But the latter was at least interesting and entertaining. Still, some positive comments. First, the girl Ricki (Grace Dove). Her remarks and actions were clever, bold and sometimes also quite humorous. Her remark about the names of American combat helicopters made me raise my eyebrows for a moment. I never looked at it that way before. And then the way in which everything was portrayed, is also worth mentioning. But otherwise, this would-be dystopian film completely missed the mark. It’s not really a rich addition to this well-known genre.

My rating 4/10
Links: IMDB

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Five Reasons To Love ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’

Published

2 months ago

January 22, 2023

Richard Schertzer

Back in 2014, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 opened into theaters with a mixed reception from critics and audiences and has been deemed as the least desirable of the Spidey movies. In the film, Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) must face off against another villain who has been given the name Electro. Moreover, our brave hero uncovers some bizarre mysteries surrounding his parents.

Many fans of the series view the film as an overcrowded mess, but I think it might be the most entertaining of all the Spidey films, until No Way Home arrived, and here are five reasons why that remains true.

Andrew Garfield

First and foremost, Garfield is always a delight to have in the Spidey outfit. His charisma and witty banter is almost what makes the film truly great. I have always said that he was the best Spider-Man and this movie proves it with his ability to elevate any scene from dull slog to a comedic venture.

Spidey, in this particular movie, embodies the hero in the original comics with his incessant need to make a fast-talking quip to one of his enemies. There is nothing better than a comic-book character sticking true to his essence and spirit of its source material.

Electro

Despite what many people say about the villains, Jamie Foxx as the supercharged baddie Electro proves to be a formidable opponent for the web-head, with his omnipotent powers and overly-powered nature. More than that, Max Dillon is depicted as a quiet, shy loner who is invisible to other people. He is essentially a nobody, until he falls into a vat of electrically-charged eels and becomes the sinister villain Electro.

To better understand a villain, you must understand their plight and Electro’s plight is that of a rags-to-riches success story and the visual effects are certainly something to marvel at.

Action Sequences

This article wouldn’t be complete if I decided not to talk about the exhilarating action that embodied the film. Whether we see Spidey chasing down a truck with Oscorp’s product or a massive fight inside a grid that seems like a colossal feat for any Marvel film, the film can take a lot of pride in its action sequences.

One can also never forget the massive and iconic battle sequence between Electro and Spidey in Time Square that seems impossible to be made.

Green Goblin

While he remains a secondary villain, Dane Dehaan’s Green Goblin is still noteworthy. Dehaan portrays Harry Osborne who is left with his dead father Norman’s life work and stumbles upon a Goblin serum that enhances his speed, strength, and intelligence.

His little spat with Spider-Man is certainly befitting for the dark, moody tone of the film and entertaining for plenty of comic fans with zippy action and certified intensity. In the end, he is also responsible for the death of Spidey’s girlfriend Gwen Stacy.

Gwen Stacy Death

Speaking of Gwen Stacy, this is the only Spidey film that features his love interest dying. As he battles the Green Goblin, Spidey attempts to hold on to Stacy, literally, by a thread in the clocktower. However, when the thread snaps, Spidey is able to snag her in mid-air but the whiplash of the fall snaps her neck, killing her.

What might be the saddest moment in any Spider-Man film, was brought to life in this extraordinary scene that silenced an entire generation of Spider-Man fans.

FILM RATING

Action

Anthony Hopkins to Lead Peacock Gladiator Drama ‘Those About to Die’

Published

2 months ago

January 19, 2023

Darian Scalamoni

Peacock is one of the streamers that has yet to break through in terms of their original content getting recognized for awards contention. One such series that might change that fate for the streaming service is Those About to Die and it’s starting to build out its cast. According to Variety, 2-time Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins (The Silence of the Lambs, The Father) is the first to join the drama series which comes from Roland Emmerich (Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow). Saving Private Ryan screenwriter Robert Rodat will script the series.

Hopkins will play the character known as Emperor Vespasian in the series which is set in the world of gladiatorial battle. It will be an ensemble drama following many different Roman characters that will set forth for violent affairs in the arena among other complexities such as political power and corruption so expect a starry cast for this Peacock drama. Hopkins’ character is described as “despised by the Patricians jockeying for position in the Empire and looking to supplant his heirs to the throne the first chance they get. Vespasian became the Roman emperor after a ten-year civil war. We expect to get more casting news soon as the show will begin filming in Rome in March.

Anthony Hopkins is coming off a terrific performance in James Gray’s Armageddon Time in 2022 after winning his second Academy Award for his role in The Father the year prior. He’ll next voice a character in Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon for Netflix and also will star in British drama One Life alongside Helena Bonham Carter and Jonathan Pryce. Emmerich is coming off directing the sci-fi disaster film, Moonfall in 2022.

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Action

‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ Adds Oscar-Nominee William H. Macy

Published

2 months ago

January 12, 2023

Darian Scalamoni

The Planet of the Apes trilogy headlined by Andy Serkis from the 2010s can be argued as one of the best trilogies of all-time. The technological advances made from motion capture helped actors completely transform into the apes with their interactions with human characters making the story rawer and more emotional. Now, 20th Century Studios will jump back into the world of apes with their latest, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Deadline reports that William H. Macy (Shameless, Fargo) will round out the cast for the newest chapter of the franchise.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes takes place many years after the conclusion of War for the Planet of the Apes being led by an entirely new cast that includes Owen Teague, Freya Allan and Peter Macon. Details are currently unknown on whether Macy will be playing a human character or an ape. The film series has grossed almost $2 billion dollars for the studio so it’s no surprise that they’re aiming to make more Apes fims.

Macy is coming off his biggest role ever in Showtime’s series, Shameless for which he played Frank Gallagher and was nominated for 6 Emmy Awards for his performance over 11 seasons. Macy is also a former Oscar-nominee for his lead role in the Coen Brothers classic, Fargo. Since then, he’s amassed tons of parts including most recently in Hulu’s The Dropout and a guest spot on the ABC sitcom, The Conners. Macy will next appear in the film, Maybe I Do with Emma Roberts, Diane Keaton, Richard Gere and Susan Sarandon.

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