Tag: StevenSpielberg

Disclosure Day

Published on by DanielaLeave a comment

Quoting the Internet Movie Database, the synopsis of Disclosure Day is as follows, “If you found out we weren’t alone, if someone showed you, proved it to you, would that frighten you?”

Renowned director Steven Spielberg has always been vocal about his belief in extra-terrestrial life on earth. His previous forays in the genre, including ET and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, focused on these beings as a threat. This time around, we are asked to think of things differently, more humanely, and to be open to the possibilities.

The sci-fi genre is one that confuses me and it is therefore not one that I usually gravitate towards. I was worried that this film would be hard to follow because of its subject matter, but that couldn’t have been further from the truth. While it started off right in the thick of things, I felt like I was able to grasp what was happening rather quickly. The plot flowed at a reasonable pace; although it was slow in some moments, I felt like this was not only necessary, it also did not deter me from my enjoyment. If anything, it engulfed me in the mystery.

With a cast as stacked as this one, it’s no surprise that each of them delivered some fantastic performances. Emily Blunt was absolutely formidable as weather girl Margaret Fairchild. The obstacles her character goes through are filled with so many ups and downs and Blunt portrayed them all like the champ she is. This is undoubtedly her best work to date! Opposite Blunt was Josh O’Connor as the enigmatic Daniel Kellner. His slightly offbeat persona was a welcome balance to that of Margaret’s and I thought he carried the film nicely. Eve Hewson starred as Daniel’s girlfriend Jane Blankenship. There is one particular scene of her in a kitchen that was outstanding. Having only really seen her in Behind Her Eyes and Bad Sisters, it’s nice that she’s finally getting some mainstream recognition. Colin Firth is deviously bad as Noah Scanlon while Colman Domingo is trusty and charming as Hugo Wakefield.

The reason why I loved Disclosure Day so much is because of its focus on empathy, truth and human connection. The film could have very well gone the traditional blockbuster route and that would have been fine, but this adds an emotional level to the experience that I didn’t know I needed. While the idea that other beings live among us can be scary for some, that doesn’t mean that we should treat them as a threat. Instead, we need to get to know them and learn to communicate with them – they could teach us more than we would ever expect. I’m so glad that Spielberg was able to tell the story he has always wanted to tell and now it’s up to you to decide to listen.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

The Color Purple

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Based on the Broadway musical that was based on the 1982 book by Alice Walker, The Color Purple has been reimagined by Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg for a new generation. The story follows Celie (Phylicia Pearl Mpasi and Fantasia Barrino) and her sister Nettie (Halle Bailey and Ciara) who are separated from one another when Celie is forced to move in with Mister (Colman Domingo). Over the years, Celie faces many hardships, but it is through the friendships she creates along the way where she finds her inner strength.

Unfortunately I have never read the book, nor have I watched the original 1985 movie, so I didn’t know what to expect going into this version. As the events unfolded before me, I soon realized that the material was pretty heavy so I am glad that music was incorporated.

The performances in the film are the true highlight. Barrino, who reprised her role from Broadway, delivered an emotional and raw portrayal to the main character that really had me feeling for her. Taraji P. Henson, who stars as Shug Avery, was electric, powerful and dominated every scene she was in. Danielle Brooks, who plays Sofia, really did give an Oscar worthy performance. And Domingo as the absolutely vile Mister really had me hating his guts.

Luckily they could all sing and sing well! The musical numbers were done brilliantly. I can only imagine how this must have looked live onstage. Unfortunately the plot sometimes fell a bit flat for me and the runtime was a tad too long, but the music really helped.

Overall, this version of The Color Purple is a high value musical extravaganza. It will make you laugh and it will bring tears to your eyes. It will also turn you into a dreamer. While it wasn’t perfect and it certainly could have been a tad bit shorter, it is well worth a watch.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️.5

The Fabelmans

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Loosely based on the life of reclaimed director Steven Spielberg, The Fabelmans follows the story of Sammy (Mateo Zoryan and Gabriel LaBelle) as he grows up in a post Second World War era with his parents Mitzi (Michelle Williams) and Burt (Paul Dano), as well as his sisters. From witnessing a train crashing into a car on his first visit to the cinema, Sammy couldn’t help but wonder why this was and wanted to take control of the situation. After learning to use a camera, the films he creates enables him to understand not only his upbringing, but also the family secrets he never realized were there before.

I wanted to enjoy The Fabelmans so much more than I actually did. Where I will say it excelled in was its performances. Williams was the star here. If she doesn’t get an Oscar nomination for this, then I don’t know anything anymore. Her portrayal of Mitzi Fabelman was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. I was also impressed with Dano as the family patriarch. He complimented Williams nicely and it was awesome to see him in something different. The surprise for me, however, was with Seth Rogen. I’m used to him playing the goofy, comical character, so I appreciated this more serious tone.

Although it was interesting to see how Spielberg got his start in making movies, I have to admit that I found the whole idea to be kind of self indulgent. This may be an unpopular opinion and while I understand that it wasn’t an exact retelling of what happened, the fact that he felt the need to tell it at all, especially now, didn’t feel necessary to me. Perhaps later in the future would have fared better. That seems to work well with most biopics.

Another reason why The Fabelmans did not entirely land for me was in its pacing. It was incredibly slow and struggled to go anywhere. The fact that the film was more character driven than anything else definitely played a part in that, but I wasn’t a fan of it this time around. It’s as if I was waiting for the other shoe to drop and it never really did. I’m still glad that I took the time to check this out since it has been sweeping at various awards ceremonies. I guess it just wasn’t for me.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️

West Side Story

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Adapted from the 1957 musical, West Side Story has been reimagined for a new generation. Following the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two street gangs in New York City, everything changes when Tony (Ansel Elgort) and Maria (Rachel Zegler) fall in love. They’re willing to give it all up to be together regardless of how their friends and family may feel.

I surprised myself when I added this new version by Steven Spielberg to my list. While I am a huge musical lover, I was never a fan of the original. There was something about it this time around, though, that captured my attention and I had a feeling I would regret it if I missed out.

My mind was blown by some of the performances. Rachel Zegler was the perfect choice for Maria. Her breakout role was definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity and I bet she is going to be everywhere from here on out. Rita Moreno, who starred as Anita in the original, had a special role this time around. I love how she was the guiding light for many of the characters and she even got her own song! The standout for me, however, was Ariana DeBose. She was so impressive that I hope she’ll get some award nominations.

At the end of the day, I am so glad that I took another chance on this musical. Something about it was different and really touched me. I even cried when it was all over and the people in my theatre room clapped. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but it’s one of the best movies I’ve seen this year. Who would have thought?

Rating: ♥♥♥♥.5