Every film leaves a mark. Film Diagnostic is where those marks get examined — sometimes clinically, sometimes obsessively, always personally. All genres, all eras, no apologies.
When highly imaginative and intelligent children are the main characters in the story, you see how perspective can change the world for the better.
A mystery adventure series based on the books written by Trenton Lee, The Mysterious Benedict Society is a fun watch. Although, quite a few times while watching the first two episodes, it dragged and felt overstretched.
Nonetheless, the visual design reminds me of Wes Anderson films, bright, colourful and memorable single scenes. So naturally, I would like to see more episodes, particularly when it has picked up a bit of pace at the end of the second episode. But, more importantly, there was a revealed unexpected twist in the story.
The Disney series is a wonderful treat to families, especially kids and kids at heart. Also, the puzzle-solving and thinking make it engaging.
The Mysterious Benedict Society ★★★
When highly imaginative and intelligent children are the main characters in the story, you see how perspective can change the world for the better.
A mystery adventure series based on the books written by Trenton Lee, The Mysterious Benedict Society is a fun watch. Although, quite a few times while watching the first two episodes, it dragged and felt overstretched.
Nonetheless, the visual design reminds me of Wes Anderson films, bright, colourful and memorable single scenes. So naturally, I would like to see more episodes, particularly when it has picked up a bit of pace at the end of the second episode. But, more importantly, there was a revealed unexpected twist in the story.
The Disney series is a wonderful treat to families, especially kids and kids at heart. Also, the puzzle-solving and thinking make it engaging.
It was excruciatingly hard to watch this film. The many weak points were one too many resulting in a very poor narrative. Most importantly, the missed backstories of the other characters in the story.
The script did not make it any better as well. It became pretty painful to watch, and to see it through from one scene to another was dreadful. It’s films like this that start with a decent concept but don’t get translated well enough. As a movie loosely based on a classic novel, it did not do justice to interpret the original account.
The aim to connect with a younger audience was good, but the execution made it contrived and unnatural. It seemed like a messy film with no focus on any specific movie element—altogether a blend of scenes trying to tell a story about orphans who became professional art stealers. And anything in between is an addition to the distraction of what the story was all about.
Twist ★
It was excruciatingly hard to watch this film. The many weak points were one too many resulting in a very poor narrative. Most importantly, the missed backstories of the other characters in the story.
The script did not make it any better as well. It became pretty painful to watch, and to see it through from one scene to another was dreadful. It’s films like this that start with a decent concept but don’t get translated well enough. As a movie loosely based on a classic novel, it did not do justice to interpret the original account.
The aim to connect with a younger audience was good, but the execution made it contrived and unnatural. It seemed like a messy film with no focus on any specific movie element—altogether a blend of scenes trying to tell a story about orphans who became professional art stealers. And anything in between is an addition to the distraction of what the story was all about.
Escapism is a form of diversion to avoid the realities of life.
One can only cope with so much adversity, especially when the actuality is a futuristic dystopian world set in the year 2045. And if there is ever a chance to live happily and be whoever you want to be, then a virtual world called the Oasis could be the only recourse.
The ingenious game enthusiast named James Halliday (Mark Rylance) and inventor of the Oasis has recently passed away. At the time of his death, he created a game within the Oasis in search of an inheritor to his wealth and masterpiece. A kid and soon-to-be hero Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan) saw this as his opportunity to have a chance in life.
Reminiscent of the 80’s pop culture, the references from films and anime such as Back to the Future, Voltes V, Godzilla, Kingkong etc. All of which is mostly enjoyed by slightly older audience (80’s and 90’s kids) who could relate. But at the same time, Speilberg kept the balance so the film could be enjoyed by all ages. With excellent storytelling from Speilbergs’ expertise and outstanding visual effects which gave so much life to the Oasis. This film is quite a treat.
Another successful sci-fi movie in terms of credibility that this could actually happen in the future. More importantly, it aims to bring people together rather than divide even when Speilberg decided to make few changes to the original game puzzles in the book. I find the adjustments very efficient in connecting with the younger generation too as an audience.
NZ Release: March 29,2018 | Rating: M Violence & Offensive Language
Ready Player One, Wins! ★★★½
Escapism is a form of diversion to avoid the realities of life.
One can only cope with so much adversity, especially when the actuality is a futuristic dystopian world set in the year 2045. And if there is ever a chance to live happily and be whoever you want to be, then a virtual world called the Oasis could be the only recourse.
The ingenious game enthusiast named James Halliday (Mark Rylance) and inventor of the Oasis has recently passed away. At the time of his death, he created a game within the Oasis in search of an inheritor to his wealth and masterpiece. A kid and soon-to-be hero Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan) saw this as his opportunity to have a chance in life.
Reminiscent of the 80’s pop culture, the references from films and anime such as Back to the Future, Voltes V, Godzilla, Kingkong etc. All of which is mostly enjoyed by slightly older audience (80’s and 90’s kids) who could relate. But at the same time, Speilberg kept the balance so the film could be enjoyed by all ages. With excellent storytelling from Speilbergs’ expertise and outstanding visual effects which gave so much life to the Oasis. This film is quite a treat.
Another successful sci-fi movie in terms of credibility that this could actually happen in the future. More importantly, it aims to bring people together rather than divide even when Speilberg decided to make few changes to the original game puzzles in the book. I find the adjustments very efficient in connecting with the younger generation too as an audience.
NZ Release: March 29,2018 | Rating: M Violence & Offensive Language
Synopsis: One day, while spending the summer with her great aunt, Mary follows an odd cat into the nearby woods. There she stumbles upon flowers which hold a strange, luminescent power that brings her ordinary broomstick to life - which then, in a heartbeat, whisks her above the clouds and off to a peculiar and secret place. It is here she finds Endor College – a school of magic!
-Madman
Film Review:
Mary, a brave young girl, tries her best to be occupied when she moves to live with her great aunt in a small village. There was apparently nothing to do for a city girl like Mary, who ended up wandering in the woods and finding a unique kind of flower.
Mary and the Witch’s flower is a spectacular animation filled with wonders and magic. There is a sense of thrill and fright as the story unfolds. A film suitable for both kids and adults alike, it carries lessons and morals that revolves around friendship and animal cruelty. The director, Hiromasa Yonebayashi who was also involved in the famous animated films namely The Secret World of Arrietty and Spirited Away did another magnificent job with the visuals. There is that nostalgic atmosphere quite familiar to both Ghibli and Harry Potter fans. However, it remains unique to its vision and style that is different from Ghibli and the latter.
An animated film about witches and magic, entertaining in a gripping way. Despite the bursts of colour and excitement, a presence of melancholy wraps the story and is the primary mood of the film. Nevertheless, it is an enjoyable film with a lot of heart and soul.
Rating: PG
In Cinemas: January 11, 2018
Synopsis: One day, while spending the summer with her great aunt, Mary follows an odd cat into the nearby woods. There she stumbles upon flowers which hold a strange, luminescent power that brings her ordinary broomstick to life - which then, in a heartbeat, whisks her above the clouds and off to a peculiar and secret place. It is here she finds Endor College – a school of magic!
-Madman
Film Review:
Mary, a brave young girl, tries her best to be occupied when she moves to live with her great aunt in a small village. There was apparently nothing to do for a city girl like Mary, who ended up wandering in the woods and finding a unique kind of flower.
Mary and the Witch’s flower is a spectacular animation filled with wonders and magic. There is a sense of thrill and fright as the story unfolds. A film suitable for both kids and adults alike, it carries lessons and morals that revolves around friendship and animal cruelty. The director, Hiromasa Yonebayashi who was also involved in the famous animated films namely The Secret World of Arrietty and Spirited Away did another magnificent job with the visuals. There is that nostalgic atmosphere quite familiar to both Ghibli and Harry Potter fans. However, it remains unique to its vision and style that is different from Ghibli and the latter.
An animated film about witches and magic, entertaining in a gripping way. Despite the bursts of colour and excitement, a presence of melancholy wraps the story and is the primary mood of the film. Nevertheless, it is an enjoyable film with a lot of heart and soul.
MOUNTAIN is a unique cinematic and musical collaboration: an epic odyssey through the Earth’s most awesome landscapes, showing the spellbinding force of high places – and their ongoing power to shape our lives and our dreams.
-Madman
Film Review:
“TO THOSE WHO ARE ENTHRALLED BY MOUNTAINS, THEIR WONDER IS BEYOND ALL DISPUTE. TO THOSE WHO ARE NOT, THEIR ALLURE IS A KIND OF MADNESS” - Robert Macfarlane
Mountain is a film about Life and celebrating one of the greatest wonders on Earth, our mountains. It is a fascinating collaboration between music, words and pictures that tell a magnificent story about mountains and how humans have evolved through time in search for bigger adventures.
This film, directed by Jennifer Peedom and words by Robert Macfarlane with brilliant music lead by the artistic director of ACO Richard Tognett and narrated by Willem Defoe, created a one of a kind artwork. It is in itself a unique and breathtaking experience. The awe and astoundment in the existence of these massive buildings of nature in which humans were primarily afraid of and are now allured by its strength and beauty.
Most importantly, this film brings a powerful message of environmental awareness when it also documented a time-lapse of destruction and modification of these well-revered mountains, cheapened to accommodate personal leisure and sports. A truly inspiring essay film that is both philosophical and mind blowing that brings us to a realisation of our limits as human beings. As well as our purpose on this planet.
In NZ Cinemas: October 5, 2017
Synopsis:
MOUNTAIN is a unique cinematic and musical collaboration: an epic odyssey through the Earth’s most awesome landscapes, showing the spellbinding force of high places – and their ongoing power to shape our lives and our dreams.
-Madman
Film Review:
“TO THOSE WHO ARE ENTHRALLED BY MOUNTAINS, THEIR WONDER IS BEYOND ALL DISPUTE. TO THOSE WHO ARE NOT, THEIR ALLURE IS A KIND OF MADNESS” - Robert Macfarlane
Mountain is a film about Life and celebrating one of the greatest wonders on Earth, our mountains. It is a fascinating collaboration between music, words and pictures that tell a magnificent story about mountains and how humans have evolved through time in search for bigger adventures.
This film, directed by Jennifer Peedom and words by Robert Macfarlane with brilliant music lead by the artistic director of ACO Richard Tognett and narrated by Willem Defoe, created a one of a kind artwork. It is in itself a unique and breathtaking experience. The awe and astoundment in the existence of these massive buildings of nature in which humans were primarily afraid of and are now allured by its strength and beauty.
Most importantly, this film brings a powerful message of environmental awareness when it also documented a time-lapse of destruction and modification of these well-revered mountains, cheapened to accommodate personal leisure and sports. A truly inspiring essay film that is both philosophical and mind blowing that brings us to a realisation of our limits as human beings. As well as our purpose on this planet.
Synopsis: Before becoming Wonder Woman, Diana, daughter of Hippolyta- Queen of the Amazons lived in a hidden island Themyscira. Away from humanity, the Amazons lived in peace until a fighter plane crashed on their island. The time has come for Diana to become who she truly is. -Alessi
Film Review: As the third instalment of Wonder Woman franchise comes a new and fresh character, Gal Gadot playing as Diana/Wonder Woman herself has shown great on screen presence. To the delight of most audiences if not all, Gal has revived and even strengthened Wonder Woman’s character. This instalment is the origin our hero and how she realised her true potential and purpose in life.
Individually distinct from the other DC characters, Diana’s history had the similar theme from the other Justice League members such as Batman and Superman. All had sad stories involving losing people that they love. And all were going through some dark times filled with disturbing and confusing revelations. Diana’s were her real identity and the truth about humankind. These were Diana’s struggles throughout the story. However, in the end, she finally gets her answers.
The film is the best DC movie yet since Dark Knight, and it’s because they didn’t try too hard. They made Wonder Woman, although a God, still flawed and not all knowledgeable. She has the heart to protect people but lacks self-confidence at times–it shows that everyone even non-humans are complex in their ways.
Director Patty Jenkins did so well when she made this movie, not all about Wonder Woman and her super powers but about the regular heroes on the battle ground. The unsung heroes she met and fought alongside. One particular soldier who she fell in love with was Steve, a British spy played by Chris Pine. I’m not too sure about the effectiveness of their short romance, but Pine, who’s always been a strong actor did quite well in bringing the film to life. The downside to this movie would be its length, it felt dragging at times, and when it came to the crucial fight scene, the momentum has slightly faded. The visuals were way better in this film than of Batman Vs Superman or Suicide Squad. However, the film score was not that crisp; there were scenes that the sound wasn’t impressive enough to make the unrealistic situations feel fantastic.
In general, this movie is very entertaining and gave Wonder Woman an excellent introduction. Surely the next instalment is one to look out for.
Out in NZ Cinemas from today, June 1, 2017
Rating: M Violence
Synopsis: Before becoming Wonder Woman, Diana, daughter of Hippolyta- Queen of the Amazons lived in a hidden island Themyscira. Away from humanity, the Amazons lived in peace until a fighter plane crashed on their island. The time has come for Diana to become who she truly is. -Alessi
Film Review: As the third instalment of Wonder Woman franchise comes a new and fresh character, Gal Gadot playing as Diana/Wonder Woman herself has shown great on screen presence. To the delight of most audiences if not all, Gal has revived and even strengthened Wonder Woman’s character. This instalment is the origin our hero and how she realised her true potential and purpose in life.
Individually distinct from the other DC characters, Diana’s history had the similar theme from the other Justice League members such as Batman and Superman. All had sad stories involving losing people that they love. And all were going through some dark times filled with disturbing and confusing revelations. Diana’s were her real identity and the truth about humankind. These were Diana’s struggles throughout the story. However, in the end, she finally gets her answers.
The film is the best DC movie yet since Dark Knight, and it’s because they didn’t try too hard. They made Wonder Woman, although a God, still flawed and not all knowledgeable. She has the heart to protect people but lacks self-confidence at times–it shows that everyone even non-humans are complex in their ways.
Director Patty Jenkins did so well when she made this movie, not all about Wonder Woman and her super powers but about the regular heroes on the battle ground. The unsung heroes she met and fought alongside. One particular soldier who she fell in love with was Steve, a British spy played by Chris Pine. I’m not too sure about the effectiveness of their short romance, but Pine, who’s always been a strong actor did quite well in bringing the film to life. The downside to this movie would be its length, it felt dragging at times, and when it came to the crucial fight scene, the momentum has slightly faded. The visuals were way better in this film than of Batman Vs Superman or Suicide Squad. However, the film score was not that crisp; there were scenes that the sound wasn’t impressive enough to make the unrealistic situations feel fantastic.
In general, this movie is very entertaining and gave Wonder Woman an excellent introduction. Surely the next instalment is one to look out for.
Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ “Kong: Skull Island” reimagines the origin of the mythic Kong in a compelling, original adventure from director Jordan Vogt-Roberts (“The Kings of Summer”).
In the film, a diverse team of explorers is brought together to venture deep into an uncharted island in the Pacific – as beautiful as it is treacherous – unaware that they’re crossing into the domain of the mythic Kong.
- Roadshow Entertainment
Film Review:
The film starts off during WWII where an American pilot crashes on an unknown island, and a Japanese enemy followed him. While on the ground combating each other, Kong appears - quite majestic and massive! This opening scene almost suggested a film that is worth watching. Unfortunately, Kong: The Skull Island is a disaster movie.
The story somewhat different from the previous King Kong instalment, this being more action packed with other massive creatures and monsters appearing and a particular skull crawler which is Kong’s number one enemy. In comparison to the other King Kong films with dinosaurs involved. The concept sounded fascinating! However, the story felt short and shallow when the quest was only about proving that this untouched Island in the Pacific exists and is home to these monstrous creatures and that the American army should destroy them first before they reach other parts of the world.
This plot held a flat twist in the story and the film seemed disorganised. To start with there were too many unnecessary scenes and characters involved that did not show value and importance to the movie. As well as the lack of depth and bearing. It was as if director Jordan Vogt-Roberts lost his touch and created an uncompelling and boring story.
As far as the storytelling goes, there were poorer elements within. The apparent lack of style and taste in the script added more cheesiness and low-quality content. There were members of the cast that felt unnecessary to be in the film and quite a few of them. One would be James Conrad (Tom Hiddleston), who was apparently a tracker but during the entire movie, James did not even get to track anyone or anything. On the contrary, he did not get to predict if there will be any creature to appear either. He seemed to have not shown himself to be a useful character despite his smooth introduction scene. Another is Preston Packard (Samuel Jackson) who is a Lieutenant Colonel, seemingly unsatisfied and disdained about his career despite his numerous battles. He eventually loses his mind when he first encountered Kong and would not stop until he kills Kong–the gargantuan prehistoric gorilla whom most of us already know. The whole thing seemed shabby and poorly made, in many ways. Not to mention Mason Weaver’s character played by Brie Larson, who is apparently a “photojournalist”- did not show any effort to establish her character apart from randomly taking pictures of her surroundings. Her character was vital for she will be Kong’s interest. However, Mason lacked substance in her role and showed a dull portrayal of a photojournalist.
The film, although it derives elements from the old King Kong, with impressive visuals too, failed to remake an epic story about a magnificent creature and his compassionate heart. As the king of the Island, Kong is considered saviour of the gentle creatures and God to the indigenous people living among them.
NZ Release Date: March 9, 2017
Short Synopsis:
Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ “Kong: Skull Island” reimagines the origin of the mythic Kong in a compelling, original adventure from director Jordan Vogt-Roberts (“The Kings of Summer”).
In the film, a diverse team of explorers is brought together to venture deep into an uncharted island in the Pacific – as beautiful as it is treacherous – unaware that they’re crossing into the domain of the mythic Kong.
- Roadshow Entertainment
Film Review:
The film starts off during WWII where an American pilot crashes on an unknown island, and a Japanese enemy followed him. While on the ground combating each other, Kong appears - quite majestic and massive! This opening scene almost suggested a film that is worth watching. Unfortunately, Kong: The Skull Island is a disaster movie.
The story somewhat different from the previous King Kong instalment, this being more action packed with other massive creatures and monsters appearing and a particular skull crawler which is Kong’s number one enemy. In comparison to the other King Kong films with dinosaurs involved. The concept sounded fascinating! However, the story felt short and shallow when the quest was only about proving that this untouched Island in the Pacific exists and is home to these monstrous creatures and that the American army should destroy them first before they reach other parts of the world.
This plot held a flat twist in the story and the film seemed disorganised. To start with there were too many unnecessary scenes and characters involved that did not show value and importance to the movie. As well as the lack of depth and bearing. It was as if director Jordan Vogt-Roberts lost his touch and created an uncompelling and boring story.
As far as the storytelling goes, there were poorer elements within. The apparent lack of style and taste in the script added more cheesiness and low-quality content. There were members of the cast that felt unnecessary to be in the film and quite a few of them. One would be James Conrad (Tom Hiddleston), who was apparently a tracker but during the entire movie, James did not even get to track anyone or anything. On the contrary, he did not get to predict if there will be any creature to appear either. He seemed to have not shown himself to be a useful character despite his smooth introduction scene. Another is Preston Packard (Samuel Jackson) who is a Lieutenant Colonel, seemingly unsatisfied and disdained about his career despite his numerous battles. He eventually loses his mind when he first encountered Kong and would not stop until he kills Kong–the gargantuan prehistoric gorilla whom most of us already know. The whole thing seemed shabby and poorly made, in many ways. Not to mention Mason Weaver’s character played by Brie Larson, who is apparently a “photojournalist”- did not show any effort to establish her character apart from randomly taking pictures of her surroundings. Her character was vital for she will be Kong’s interest. However, Mason lacked substance in her role and showed a dull portrayal of a photojournalist.
The film, although it derives elements from the old King Kong, with impressive visuals too, failed to remake an epic story about a magnificent creature and his compassionate heart. As the king of the Island, Kong is considered saviour of the gentle creatures and God to the indigenous people living among them.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” opens in 1926 as Newt Scamander has just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures. Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, he might have come and gone without incident…were it not for a No-Maj (American for Muggle) named Jacob, a misplaced magical case, and the escape of some of Newt’s fantastic beasts, which could spell trouble for both the wizarding and No-Maj worlds.
In NZ Cinemas on November 17, 2016.
FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM:
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” opens in 1926 as Newt Scamander has just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures. Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, he might have come and gone without incident…were it not for a No-Maj (American for Muggle) named Jacob, a misplaced magical case, and the escape of some of Newt’s fantastic beasts, which could spell trouble for both the wizarding and No-Maj worlds.
Nowadays people are unconsciously hooked into a what we call the “attention web”, it’s where companies fight over you to own every possible time you have. Well, this movie kinda reminds of this phenomena that we are in now.
This modern age film about a game called “Nerve” that basically asks you to play as a player or a watcher. As soon as you sign in, you get a username like any other game. However this game is not so ordinary as it hacks your files and takes control of your life without knowing it. They hack your credit cards, emails and even erase your identity if you don’t follow the game rules.
Now the watchers or viewers gets to play with the players by suggesting the dares they have to do or which players to match up with another player. It’s a really good concept for an adventure/thriller movie. Especially when the dares are quite extreme, like hanging from a crane or lying down a railway while the train passes over you. Not to mention driving a motorcycle blindfolded.
This may seem like a shallow themed movie, however I think it teaches us a really important lesson here. That, as watchers of the game, who were mostly brave when they are behind the screens watching people do all this crazy stunts and dares. And that they don’t realise how scary and dangerous some of the stunts were and actually cause someone’s life. As well as the importance of real friendships over the number of followers you have on our social media accounts.
Overall, I think it’s a pretty cool movie. I enjoyed it and actually felt like I was doing some of the dares they were doing. Effective thriller!
In NZ Cinemas today September 1, 2016.
***SPOILER ALERT***
Nowadays people are unconsciously hooked into a what we call the “attention web”, it’s where companies fight over you to own every possible time you have. Well, this movie kinda reminds of this phenomena that we are in now.
This modern age film about a game called “Nerve” that basically asks you to play as a player or a watcher. As soon as you sign in, you get a username like any other game. However this game is not so ordinary as it hacks your files and takes control of your life without knowing it. They hack your credit cards, emails and even erase your identity if you don’t follow the game rules.
Now the watchers or viewers gets to play with the players by suggesting the dares they have to do or which players to match up with another player. It’s a really good concept for an adventure/thriller movie. Especially when the dares are quite extreme, like hanging from a crane or lying down a railway while the train passes over you. Not to mention driving a motorcycle blindfolded.
This may seem like a shallow themed movie, however I think it teaches us a really important lesson here. That, as watchers of the game, who were mostly brave when they are behind the screens watching people do all this crazy stunts and dares. And that they don’t realise how scary and dangerous some of the stunts were and actually cause someone’s life. As well as the importance of real friendships over the number of followers you have on our social media accounts.
Overall, I think it’s a pretty cool movie. I enjoyed it and actually felt like I was doing some of the dares they were doing. Effective thriller!
