Movie Review: Jojo Rabbit

Although this film was initially released in October of last year, I was only just recently able to sit down and watch Taika Waititi’s most recent directorial offering. The premise alone hooked me, as I have never seen a comedy which also critiques the Nazi regime in World War II Germany. I figure that reviewing this film before the Academy Awards on February 9th is justified, as Jojo Rabbit is nominated for Best Picture among other categories. I would describe this film as a dark comedy which attempts to make a larger anti-war and pro-inclusivity statement, but at times struggles with tone, pacing, and impact. Let’s get into what I liked and didn’t like about this movie.

I have to start by praising the performances given by the stellar ensemble cast. Roman Griffin Davis makes his feature-film debut here, and at only twelve years old, delivers a very strong lead performance that showcases his impressive range. This was also the third portion of Scarlett Johansson’s trifecta year, having starred in Avengers: Endgame, Marriage Story, and now Jojo Rabbit all in 2019. Her performance as Rosie in this film is magnetic and charming, worthy of the Best Actress nomination that it received. The rest of the ensemble cast rounds out and boosts this film, with other notable performances from Sam Rockwell, Thomasin McKenzie, and Taika himself as imaginary Hitler, a role only he could play and pull off.

The first two thirds of this movie are very comical with several laugh-out-loud moments. That is the part of the film that I enjoyed most. There’s a tonal change entering the third act that completely shifts the overall mood of the story, and the shocking twist included feels somewhat unearned, unable to leave as much of an emotional impact as it intends to. This film also has a generally positive message, but I feel that Waititi could’ve made that message even more evident and impactful than the final product offered here just by tweaking a couple of story details. That isn’t to say that this movie is tone-deaf toward a sensitive subject, but instead, it just doesn’t live up to the potential that the beginning of the film set it up for.

Overall, I enjoyed watching Jojo Rabbit. It’s a well-made, funny, heartfelt, and poignant movie. There are some changes that I would’ve made to the pacing, tone, and story, but that isn’t to say that it’s bad by any means. It’s good. This film is deserving of the multiple Oscar nominations it received, but I don’t see it winning Best Picture. What did you think of this movie? What would you have changed? Octopuses, rhinoceroses, or rhinoctopuses? Gesundheit. Thanks for reading.

Score: 7/10

Rest In Peace, Kobe Bryant

This afternoon, it was confirmed that husband, father, author, and legendary Laker Kobe Bryant lost his life in a helicopter crash along with eight other individuals, including Bryant’s daughter Gianna. The massive outpour of support and condolences since then continues, reflecting the impact that Kobe had not only on the NBA, but on the country and world as a whole. This is truly heartbreaking.

Kobe Bryant is such a special figure in my eyes because of his relentless mindset. His “Mamba Mentality” was the definition of determination and hard-work, and will live on through the millions who will replicate it forever. Kobe’s dedication to his craft led him to winning five NBA championship titles for the Los Angeles Lakers, and he is undoubtably in the conversation for the best basketball player of all time. What’s truly sad is that he only just retired, and his second act looked so promising. On and off of the court, Kobe matured into an honorable and respectable man worthy of all the praise in the world.

I’m shocked that he’s gone. Watching Kobe play basketball motivated me to play and to improve my game. While I don’t play much anymore, the “Mamba Mentality” that he built still goes into what I’m able to do every day in other aspects of life. Gone but never forgotten. Rest in peace Kobe Bryant, and all the other lives lost in this tragedy. Hold your loved ones close every day - tomorrow is never promised.

Movie Review: Portrait of a Lady on Fire

As I was lying in bed late last night with a candle lit and raindrops gently tapping up against my window, I knew I was in for a treat during the opening minutes of Portrait of a Lady on Fire. This French film tells the story of an artist hired to paint a portrait of a woman about to be married, and through its beautiful simplicity, tells a story of love, loss, and having an unspoken, lifelong connection with someone who is no longer there on a daily basis. This film is spectacular.

Telling stories that are confined to few characters in limited locations requires smart dialogue, crafty cinematography, and compelling themes throughout. After watching The Lighthouse, I found it interesting that it was one of the only stories I had seen told so well in such a manner. That changed after watching Portrait of a Lady on Fire. This film takes its time in advancing its plot, is intentional in every way, and invites you to bear witness to the rise and fall of a beautiful and inherently doomed relationship.

Every single frame taken from this film looks like an 18th century work of art. The cinematography and shot-selection is absolutely stunning, and propels the beauty of the relationship being depicted here. Everything advances slowly but logically and harmonically, crescendoing in a heart-wrenching, satisfying, and fulfilling concluding scene which should be remembered as iconic. All of these aspects are backed up by award-deserving performances and direction from Noémie Merlant, Adéle Haenel, and Céline Sciamma, respectively, who gorgeously portray a story about the importance of seeing and being seen through a female perspective.

The past few weeks have been incredible for me film-wise. I’ve seen 1917, Parasite, and Portrait of a Lady on Fire, which are some of the best films I’ve seen in the past few years. I highly recommend seeing this movie if possible, as it a viewing pleasure and an emotional firestorm. Another masterpiece.

Score: 10/10

My Writing Process (GSU Blog Post #1)

I’m finally starting to settle into my Spring semester of classes here at Georgia State University, which means syllabus week and the accompanying icebreakers it has to offer are finally out of the way. I’m now figuring out what’s going to be expected out of me throughout the upcoming months, and so far, I’m liking what I’m seeing for the most part. In my Business Writing course, one of the assignments given to us was to create a blog. As you probably know, I luckily already have one of those, one which is becoming quite established at this point. I’ve been told by my professor that I will be allowed to use this site, which is a nice bonus. Throughout my semester, I’m going to be posting academic-based pieces on this site explaining things like my process as a writer, how I decided to pursue an English degree, and other similar topics. Don’t worry, I’ll still be writing posts about the usual topics on a regular basis. Today, however, it’s all about how I sit down and turn my ideas into words ready for mental consumption. Let’s get into it.

Conventional wisdom (and practically everyone I’ve ever met) encourages us to approach writing in a very particular and replicable manner. That process includes brainstorming, outlining, drafting, revising, peer reviewing, editing, and eventually reaching a polished and thoroughly examined final product. I generally don’t adhere to these literary conventions. I’ve grown to describe myself as a “lightning-in-a-bottle” writer, as I generally set the spark of an idea ablaze by sitting down in front of my computer and just letting the language flow through me. I edit as I go along, and never stress if the stream of consciousness runs dry for some reason, as I’m certain things will starting flowing agin soon. I’m not sure if these practices will eventually prove to be detrimental as there is no real stability in how I write, but so far, following this model has led me to better results than over-planning used to.

The details of my process and ideal writing environment are specific, however. I like to seclude myself to my room with my laptop, a candle lit, music playing, a glass of water (or other beverage of choice now that I’m twenty-one) nearby, and with red light surrounding me. Weirdly specific, I know. This environment is the most conducive to me being able to produce effective writing. I’m sure that each writer’s process varies, and that’s why I don’t like to prescribe my methods to others. Instead, I believe discovering one’s writing process should come from trial, error, and practice all while trying new things until settling into a comfortable routine. Maybe most things in life are like that.

Or maybe I’m crazy. Either way, I’ve found success and improvement through my current writing process, and have no plans to change it. Does your writing process vary from mine? What do you think of taking this sort of approach? Be sure to let me and the world know. Thanks for reading.

Movie Review: Parasite

After months of hearing about how good Bong Joon-ho’s newest film Parasite was, I was ecstatic to see that it was finally coming to Amazon Prime Video for streaming. As soon as I had a chance, I sat down and decided to watch what’s looking more and more like a Best Picture contender for the upcoming Academy Awards. Upon watching, I wasn’t disappointed to say the least. I really can’t stop thinking about this film.

Bong Joon-ho is masterful at crafting compelling, character-driven stories. His acceptance speech at the Golden Globes explaining how overcoming the 2-inch barrier of subtitles opens a whole world of cinema is absolutely right, and this movie is a perfect example of that. Not even five minutes into the film and I completely forgot I was watching a film in another language. The story is wildly compelling, causing this film’s 132 minute runtime to fly by.

This film is both a psychological thriller, social commentary, and at times, a comedy. Parasite creates an atmosphere of both familiarity and uncomfortability, and because of that, is unlike most films I’ve ever seen. Its story is very straightforward, but there are still plenty of twists and unexpected plot points that keep this movie from becoming predictable.

The direction is incredible and propels an exceptionally written screenplay. Each performance is unique and adds something important to the movie as a whole. I was on the edge of my seat for the back half of the film, and moved by its socially conscious albeit somewhat unrealistic conclusion. Not only will this film entertain you, but it will stick with you and make you think after it ends.

I highly recommend checking out Parasite before the Oscars next month. Having seen all of the frontrunners for Best Picture, I could easily see Parasite taking home that prestigious reward. It would be highly deserved.

Score: 10/10