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Moana 2016
I assume the sequel will have Grandma telling Moana to head to the Dagobah system to complete her training.
Gorgeously produced pastiche of Polynesian cultures, Disney tropes, and the "Hero's Journey" storyline made famous by STAR WARS, MOANA mostly succeeds and satisfies. If ONLY Moana were not constantly assisted by the "deus ex machina" ocean in her quest. -
Arrival 2016
Ugh.
If I could do it all over again, I would tell myself to not watch this film.One of those movies where everything is slightly off because there is a big stupid reveal that has to be protected at the cost of the believability of the world.
Echoes of SICARIO and INCEPTION-- movies that look great but fall apart on the slightest scrutiny. Also this movie is one of those modern "super-realistic" procedurals that has a tone of stoic…
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Don't Breathe 2016
Don't think about it too much.
A simple setup allows for exciting thrills but never manages to transcend genre. The complicated morals distance the audience from full connection with the main character until late into Act II. That said, Act III is pretty exciting.
I wasn't as engrossing as GREEN ROOM or as inventive and confident as IT FOLLOWS, but it achieved what it set out to do.I wasn't as wrapped up in it as the folks next to…
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Kubo and the Two Strings 2016
The movie is gorgeous. If only it was narratively powerful as the visuals...
Too much unrestricted magic robbed dramatic tension from the movie for me. The hero starts with tremendous telekinetic powers that he neither questions, appreciates, or uses for problem solving. After those first scenes in the market, I was disconnected from Kubo's journey.
The reviews shouldn't be this good and the box office shouldn't be this bad. It's odd tone and rhythms are connecting with a lot of folks, so I'd go see it as soon as possible and decide for yourself.
