Reviews

Afterlife of the Party: A Fake Movie (Review)

Stephen Herek and Victoria Justice fail to make legitimate cinema in Afterlife of the Party, an algorithmic-driven production.

Published

2 years ago

September 16, 2021

Maxance Vincent

Wonder Woman 1984 director Patty Jenkins made rather controversial comments on streaming releases, saying that “all of these films that streaming services are putting out” look like “fake movies to me.” It’s quite a hypocritical comment to say, especially when her last film was indeed released on streaming (for 31 days, but still) and looked like one of the fakest things to have ever come out during the new decade but ok, I guess. Of course, many critics have called out her elitism, with reason, as streaming services allow for more creative freedom, which seems to be the number reason that attracts filmmakers like Martin Scorsese and Spike Lee to work with studios like Netflix. Marriage Story wasn’t a fake movie (and played really well on the big screen). However, we can discuss the authenticity and ethics of The Irishman’s PS2 de-aging, which caricatures its main characters. There isn’t one person that clearly did not find a then 76-year old Joe Pesci saying to a then 76-year old Robert De Niro, “What’s the problem, kid?” as their de-aged faces did not match their older bodies.

But those aren’t fake movies—they’re legitimate pieces of film made by legitimate filmmakers who want to legitimize streaming services as a new and exciting place for creative content. When major studios churn out the same CGI-filed blockbusters one after another, many turn to streaming services to look for the best in new entertainment. And then there’s the other side of the spectrum: The Kissing Booth and Princess Switch series and He’s All That, for example, look and sound like total fake movies. It’s shameless content destined to feed an algorithm so they can attract gullible teens looking for pure escapism inside a protagonist’s totally improbable fake life. The latest addition of fake movies is Stephen Herek’s Afterlife of the Party, which looks and sounds like the fakest thing imaginable. This is only exacerbated by the fact that Victoria Justice plays the main lead, and her acting skills are about as convincing as my forever broken Winnie the Pooh lamp.

AFTERLIFE OF THE PARTY. MIDORI FRANCIS as LISA, VICTORIA JUSTICE as CASSIE in AFTERLIFE OF THE PARTY. Cr. GRAHAM BARTHOLOMEW/NETFLIX © 2021

Herek is an experienced filmmaker, having directed the first in The Mighty Ducks franchise, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Mr. Holland’s Opus, Disney’s 1996 remake of 101 Dalmatians and the great 1993 adaptation of The Three Musketeers, and so to have him direct, this egregious piece of content feels like a travesty, as his talents are pitifully wasted for a fake movie on moving on and apologizing for their errors, as Justice plays Cassie, a 25-year old egotist who loves to party. She lives in her apartment with her best friend/roommate Lisa (Midori Francis), and they have a conflicting relationship together. Cassie wants to party her heart out, while Lisa thinks what she’s doing is irresponsible and dangerous. One morning, as Cassie suffers from a hangover, she slips and falls in the bathroom, hitting her head on the toilet seat in the process, and immediately dies. When she wakes up, she is welcomed into the “In-between,” a place set between Heaven and Hell, as Cassie still has amends to make up before she can go up (or down) and live the rest of her Eternal life. The rest of the film is as predictable as you’d think: Cassie will go back to Earth and make amends with her dad (Adam Garcia), mom (Sofia Garcia), and best friend in the hopes that she will become an Eternal angel and will finally rest in peace. But, of course, she finds ways to make amends, and everything ends the way it should, right?

Yes, everything ends the way it should, without an ounce of originality. Herek sets up fake drama as a pretext for Cassie and Lisa’s rift before the main character bites the dust, but we all know, deep down, that this fake drama will be resolved through one (or two) conversations. They’ll meet again, Lisa will be frightened, and then they’re going to have a good time until Cassie says something out of line, go back to fighting a bit and fully make amends before Cassie’s time is up. It’s written on the wall as soon as Cassie fights with Lisa during the film’s opening sequence. The same can be said when Lisa doesn’t have the courage to sign up for a job interview that could skyrocket her career…where do YOU think this will end up? None of it is original: everyone has seen it before. Heck, remember that 2008 rom-com with Eva Longoria, a freak accident caused her to die, and then she started to haunt her ex-boyfriend’s relationship? Neither do I, but Afterlife of the Party follows that same quasi-plot of a spirit-like presence coming back into the lives of the people she has not made amends with. It’s not the same structure, but these films both feel oddly familiar.

AFTERLIFE OF THE PARTY. SPENCER SUTHERLAND as KOOP in AFTERLIFE OF THE PARTY. Cr. GRAHAM BARTHOLOMEW/NETFLIX © 2021

Though Afterlife of the Party does have something Over Her Dead Body did not have: an emotional core. And while Justice can’t act convincingly, she is boasted by decent supporting actors, including a scene-stealing Midori Francis as her best friend. Francis seems to be the only actress giving a damn here and with enough acting experience to make her role somewhat convincing and interesting. Hell, I didn’t care one bit about Cassie’s journey from egotist to a somewhat open and carefree friend, after the fact, as Justice didn’t give me one reason to root for her redemption actively. Instead, she goes through the same character beats most egotists do in situations like these and will ultimately get what she deserved after learning two or three facile elements that will provide some closure for the three holes in her life she did not get a chance to say how sorry she was.

There is nothing original and/or new Afterlife of the Party presents. All of its situations and fake drama the film creates are borrowed from infinitely better films (how Cassie teleports herself from one location to another, which has the same aesthetic traits as in the Wizarding World franchise), or, dare I say, real movies. Nothing seems real in Afterlife of the Party, save for some emotional depth with Midori Francis’ character, but nothing else. Algorithmic-driven films should be condemned as “Fake Movies,” as they’re only there to appease a certain demographic so they can consume the product while feeding the algorithm, so it can say to Ted Sarandos or the bigwigs at Netflix to make more of these products. At the same time, legitimate cinema, like Vivo or Army of the Dead, gets buried under a sea of Fake Movies. If you’ve complained about Patty Jenkins’ comments on the content streaming services releases, you haven’t seen Afterlife of the Party. I have spoken.

FILM RATING

Related Topics:afterlife of the party Comedy Movie Review Netflix stephen herek

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Reviews

Sung Kang’s ‘Shaky Shivers’ is a Campy Horror-Comedy With Superb Performances

Published

1 day ago

September 21, 2023

Aayush Sharma

Brooke Markham and VyVy Nguyen in 'Shaky Shivers' (Cineverse)

If you thought that Sung Kang can only thrill you with amazing car stunts, then you are wrong. The acclaimed star is set to take you on an entertaining ride with his directorial debut titled ‘Shaky Shivers’.

The latest horror-comedy film marks the feature directorial debut of Sung Kang, renowned for his roles in the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise and several other big projects. The movie stars Brooke Markham and VyVy Nguyen, with an ensemble cast including Jimmy Bellinger, Erin Daniels, and Herschel Sparber.

A still from ‘Shaky Shivers’ (Cineverse)

From the very beginning, ‘Shaky Shivers’ grabs hold of your attention with the comedic chemistry between lead actresses Brooke Markham (Lucy) and VyVy Nguyen (Karen). Their hilarious banter and dynamic friendship draw you into their world of magic, mayhem, and monstrous encounters. While a few other characters make appearances, the heart of the film rests on the shoulders of Karen and Lucy, whose relatable and believable friendship makes the story even more bewitching.

One of the best aspects of the film is how Sung Kang skillfully directs the title despite limited cast and limited settings. It still manages to keep audiences engaged and entertained. Kang also pays homage to classic horror films like ‘American Werewolf in London’ and injects fresh energy into the scenes while showcasing his comedic flair.

A still from ‘Shaky Shivers’ (Cineverse)

If you are one of those who enjoy unapologetically goofy and fun movies, ‘Shaky Shivers’ is undoubtedly a fun watch. Embracing its campiness, the film doesn’t try to be anything other than an enjoyable ride filled with supernatural elements. The characters have a helpful book of spells that they use to solve problems, which adds a clever and funny element to the story that will make you laugh..

While categorized as a horror-comedy, ‘Shaky Shivers’ leans more towards comedy than horror. However, don’t worry, as the supernatural beings like werewolves, zombies, and witches make their presence known throughout. The practical effects and impressive monster makeup, reminiscent of old-school horror flicks from the 70s and 80s, immerse you in a world of creatures and enchantment.

A still from ‘Shaky Shivers’ (Cineverse)

The plot of ‘Shaky Shivers’ escalates in an exciting and compelling manner, filled with unpredictable twists and goofy surprises. While it may not leave you terrified, the perfect blend of supernatural ambiance and comedic moments guarantees plenty of laughter and enjoyment.

In conclusion, ‘Shaky Shivers’ is a must-watch horror-comedy that delivers on laughs, friendship, and supernatural encounters. With its engaging storyline, talented cast, and Sung Kang’s impressive directorial debut, the film is a delightful addition to the genre. So grab a large tub of popcorn and take your family for this fun-filled ride.

FILM RATING

Reviews

Sex Education Season 4 is a Spectacular (and Overstuffed) Conclusion to One of Netflix’s Extraordinary Series

Published

1 day ago

September 21, 2023

Aayush Sharma

Official posted of 'Sex Education' Season 4 (Netflix)

When the first season of Sex Education came out on Netflix in 2019, it felt pretty daring and exciting for everyone. While there were many shows about teenagers and sex, ‘Sex Education’ stood out because it talked about these topics openly and covered them in a pretty detailed manner. Without any guesses, the show became really popular and is now considered a classic on Netflix. For 3 long seasons, viewers have seen students of Moordale, and everyone around them, dealing with a lot of complications, but now, it’s time to say goodbye to some of our character as the Netflix series has returned for its fourth and final edition.

At the end of Season 3, Moordale Secondary School closed down. This means that Otis, Eric, Aimee, Jackson, Vivienne, Cal, and Ruby have to go to a new school, Cavendish Sixth Form College. Some of them fit in well, while others struggle. And while Otis tries to focus on his therapy work, he finds out that there are other young people who are experts on relationships and sex in town.

Gillian Anderson as Jean Milburn in ‘Sex Education’ Season 4 (Netflix)

One of the strengths of Sex Education is its diverse and inclusive representation. The show shines a light on various sexual orientations, gender identities, and cultural backgrounds, providing a platform for underrepresented voices. Season 4 continues to explore these themes, introducing new characters who add depth and complexity to the narrative. On ghe other hand, the only problem with Season 4 is that there are too many things going on at once. There are so many sub-plots that might distract you at times and make you feel that this story might have looked good if there was another season in pipeline.

Even then, the writing remains sharp and witty, creating relatable and genuine teenage characters who grapple with their own insecurities and desires.

Ncuti Gatwa as Eric Effiong in Sex Education Season 4 (Netflix)

The performances in ‘Sex Education’ Season 4 are consistently strong. Asa Butterfield brings vulnerability and charm to his role as Otis, portraying the character’s growth and maturity. Ncuti Gatwa shines as Eric, capturing both his strength and vulnerability as he navigates new relationships and personal challenges. Emma Mackey delivers a nuanced performance as Maeve, showcasing her character’s intelligence and emotional depth. Mimi Keene is stupendous as well and bring another layer to her character which was so nice to see. Meanwhile, Gillian Anderson does what she is best at: deliver another extraordinary performance.

Emma Mackey as Maeve in Sex Education Season 4. (Netflix)

On the other hand, Aimee Lou Wood continues to mesmerise us with her charm and simplicity. Directors should definitely look at her and give her a leading role soon because she deserves it. Another actor that is surely a star in the making is Anthony Lexa, who portrays Abbi in Season 4. Her performance adds an additional charm to the series and gives a hope to Trans actors that they can too achieve their dreams.

A still from ‘Sex Education’ Season 4 (Netflix)

The final edition tackles difficult topics with sensitivity and care, highlighting the importance of consent, communication, and understanding in relationships. The show’s ability to tackle these issues head-on without becoming preachy is a testament to its thoughtful storytelling.

While the final season of ‘Sex Education’ does have some pacing and narrative issues, the strength of the performances, the thoughtful exploration of important issues, and the show’s commitment to inclusivity make it a satisfying and engaging watch. It’s bittersweet to say goodbye to these beloved characters, but the legacy of Sex Education will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the television landscape.

Sex Education Season 4. (L to R) Mimi Keene as Ruby, Asa Butterfield as Otis in Sex Education Season 4 (Netflix)

In conclusion, ‘Sex Education’ Season 4 continues to deliver a standout and boundary-pushing narrative that explores sexuality, identity, and personal growth with humor and sensitivity. Despite some minor flaws, the show remains a shining example of inclusive storytelling and offers a heartfelt farewell to its beloved characters.

Some goodbyes are hard and this is certainly one of them.

FILM RATING

Reviews

Flora and Son is a Heartfelt Exploration of Family and Music

Published

3 days ago

September 19, 2023

Aayush Sharma

Eve Hewson and Oren Kinlan in a still from 'Flora and Son' (Apple TV+)

Flora and Son, directed by John Carney, tells the compelling story of Flora, a single mother struggling to navigate the challenges of parenthood and find her own identity. Starring Eve Hewson as Flora, the film dives into the complexities of motherhood, relationships, and the power of music in bringing people together. There have been a lot of musicals in recent times that take a very complex route in telling a story, but Flora and Son is a bit different than all of them. The story is really simple and that’s what makes the film such a treat to watch.

The movie opens with Flora enjoying a night out at a club in Dublin, only to end up in a disappointing hook-up. Flora’s life is far from perfect, as she grapples with her troubled teenage son Max (Orén Kinlan) and a less-than-supportive ex-husband, Ian (Jack Reynor). Flora’s interactions with Max are often tense, filled with sarcastic banter and strained attempts to connect with him. As a single mother, Flora faces numerous hardships and setbacks, leading her to doubt her own potential. Her attempts to do right by her son are often met with indifference or resistance. However, a pivotal moment occurs when Flora acquires a guitar for Max, unaware that it will have a profound impact on her own journey. Flora’s decision to learn to play the guitar leads her to Jeff (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a songwriter and teacher based in California. Despite the distance between them, their connection is palpable, and through music, they bridge the gap. Jeff encourages Flora to embrace her creativity and express herself authentically, unlocking a passion she didn’t know she possessed.

Eve Hewson in a still from ‘Flora and Son’ (Apple TV+)

The performances in Flora and Son are exceptional, particularly Eve Hewson’s portrayal of Flora. She effortlessly portrays a range of emotions, from humor and charm to vulnerability and raw emotion. Hewson’s nuanced performance brings depth and authenticity to the character, making her relatable and captivating. It will be a travesty if she is not spotted by a big filmmaker and gives her a chance to lead another extraordinary movie. On the other hand, Joseph Gordon-Levitt is soulful and gives a performance that is really enchanting. The chemistry between Hewson and Gordon-Levitt, even through virtual interactions, adds an extra layer of depth to their characters’ connection.

Carney’s direction creates an intimate yet heartfelt atmosphere in the film. The use of music as a driving force in the narrative is a testament to Carney’s storytelling prowess, showcasing the transformative power of melodies and lyrics. One of the film’s strengths is its refusal to tie everything up neatly in a predictable manner. Instead, Flora and Son choose a more realistic approach, leaving some loose ends and logistics unresolved. This choice allows the characters to continue their journey of self-discovery, leaving viewers with a sense of hope and possibility.

Eve Hewson and Joseph Gordon-Levitt in a still from ‘Flora and Son’ (Apple TV+)

In conclusion, Flora and Son is a touching exploration of a single mother’s journey to find her voice, both as a musician and as a parent. With exceptional performances and a thoughtful narrative, the film resonates with authenticity and emotional depth. Carney’s direction and the film’s emphasis on the transformative power of music make Flora and Son a standout family drama. The simplicity and innocence is what makes it such a heart-warming watch. This film will make your heart sing.

FILM RATING