Tag: AngelaBassett

Damsel

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Doing what she thinks is best for her family, Elodie (Millie Bobby Brown) agrees to marry the handsome and seemingly perfect Prince Henry (Nick Robinson). When she realizes their union is a trap, it is too late – she’s thrown into a cave inhabited by a fire-breathing dragon and she must do whatever she can to survive.

Considering the fact that Netflix is known for putting out mediocre films, I went into this one with little to no expectations. Imagine my surprise when I found myself becoming invested and actually kind of enjoying myself?

While it takes way longer than it should to get going, the film did pick up in a big way. With no scene partner to work off of, Brown was completely at the forefront and I have to say that she totally delivered. Her tenacity and bravery to get to safety was thrilling to watch and I found myself waiting in bated breath to see how it would all turn out. Brown, who has been a Netflix protegee since Stranger Things, is certainly one to watch.

Though we don’t see them often, the additions of Ray Winstone, Angela Bassett and Robin Wright as the respective parents were selling points. Robinson unfortunately had quite a wooden performance as the prince thanks to some cringe worthy lines.

The special effects were mostly convincing save for a couple of green screen landscapes. The cave scenes in particular and the dragon itself was quite well done. At times it felt realistic and like the Kingdom of Aurea really does exist.

Damsel was way better than I was expecting it to be. Taking the damsel in distress trope and spinning it on its head was a brilliant idea. It’s no masterpiece by any means, but it made for an entertaining watch and that’s all that matters.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

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“For our friend Chadwick Boseman.”

The world lost a superhero when Boseman passed away from cancer in the summer of 2020. Many wondered how the Black Panther franchise would carry on without him. Would he be recasted? Would they use old footage or digitalize him? We all waited in bated breath until finally the film was released this week. I can officially say that the work Ryan Coogler and the cast have done is phenomenal. From the very opening of the film where we see how Shuri (Letitia Wright), Queen Romanda (Angela Bassett), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and M’Baku (Winston Duke) are dealing with T’Challa’s (Chadwick Boseman) death and beyond, I knew that this movie was going to be something special.

Everything about Wakanda Forever was stunning. The incredible landscapes and cinematography was like something of a dream. The special effects and fight sequences were upped a notch and kept me on my toes. And on top of that, the plot was intricate and entertaining. The way in which it’s all built up after the initial tragedy was handled well. I also loved the introduction of antagonist Namor (Tenoch Huerta). His backstory was super interesting and also different than anything we’d seen before. The fact that he was multilayered was something I appreciated a lot.

The performances here are out of this world. Wright takes the lead and she does a brilliant job. You feel her pain and anguish in Shuri missing her brother just as you feel her determination in defending her country. Her chemistry was palpable with everyone she shared the screen with. Alternatively, Bassett was another standout. I was actually left breathless during a couple of her scenes. It was great having Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) back in the mix along with newcomers Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) and Aneka (Michaela Coel).

I don’t think I can ever properly describe my feelings about Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The emotion hit me like a ton of bricks and it didn’t let up for one moment. Complete with outstanding acting chops and a phenomenal story, I do believe that this is one of the best additions in the MCU so far.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Gunpowder Milkshake

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Sam (Karen Gillan)is a dangerous assassin who has made quite a name for herself since starting out. When a mission goes wrong and she is forced to protect eight year old Emily (Chloe Coleman), Sam turns to her mother Scarlet (Lena Headey) for help. Together with Scarlet’s associates Madeleine (Carla Gugino), Florence (Michelle Yeoh) and Anna May (Angela Bassett), they must take down The Firm for good.

I had been really looking forward to Gunpowder Milkshake. A badass cast of women kicking butt and taking names? Yes please! It sounded right up my alley. Unfortunately, I did find the plot to be a bit on the weak side. Some things didn’t make sense and I would often lose track of what was happening.

That being said, there were still plenty of great aspects. I already mentioned the cast, but they really were fabulous. I could have watched them interact for hours because their chemistry was so impressive. In fact, I would totally be on board for a sequel if they ever decided to make one. That is how much I loved them all.

I thought the effects were amazing and the style in which the film was shot was very cool and different. The music was on point and the fight sequences rocked.

Overall, Gunpowder Milkshake is a fun film that radiates girl power and there is certainly nothing wrong with that! I just wish it had packed a bit more of a punch for me.

Rating: ♥♥♥