Movie Review Despicable Me 3

Despicable Me 3

Directed by Kyle Balda, Pierre Coffin, Eric Guillon

Written by Cinco Paul, Ken Daurio

Starring Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Trey Parker

Release Date June 30th, 2017

Despicable Me 3: A Study in Mediocrity

Despicable Me 3 is a film that embodies mediocrity. It's so unremarkable, so devoid of any distinguishing characteristics, that it's challenging to find the motivation to write about it. The film's mediocrity is so profound that it's more taxing to find the energy to articulate words about it than to analyze its lackluster qualities.

The story picks up with Gru, the former supervillain turned hero, and his wife Lucy, as they pursue the latest supervillain, Balthazar Bratt, a washed-up child star stuck in the 80s who uses bubble gum and Rubik's cubes as weapons. The premise is mildly amusing for a few minutes but quickly becomes tiresome and forgettable.

As if one uninspired plot wasn't enough, the film introduces Gru's twin brother, Dru. The humor surrounding Dru relies on the fact that he's physically fit, has a full head of hair, and is inept at villainy. The film also attempts to mine humor from Gru's mother's cruel decision to conceal the existence of his brother and her blatant favoritism. The addition of a creepy subplot involving Gru's mother and her inappropriate behavior towards her male swim coaches further contributes to the film's lack of comedic success.

The Minions, those ubiquitous yellow creatures, are relegated to their own subplot. They abandon Gru to return to a life of crime, which leads to their imprisonment and a couple of musical numbers. Their inclusion feels obligatory, driven by the need to maintain their marketability and ensure the continued production of Minion-related merchandise.

The original Despicable Me possessed a certain charm that stemmed from the heartwarming story of a villain's redemption through his love for a group of adorable orphans. The film featured compelling characters, clear stakes, and a nuanced perspective on Gru's character, who was ultimately a good person in need of affection.

However, the sequel squandered its potential by prioritizing the commercialization of the Minions over meaningful storytelling. By the third film, any semblance of charm or heart has vanished, leaving behind mere competence. Despicable Me 3 isn't actively offensive, but it's not funny either. The animation is passable but unremarkable.

The film's most significant flaw is its sheer existence. The Despicable Me franchise has devolved into a cynical marketing ploy, a vehicle for selling toys and other merchandise. The immense talent and resources involved in the film's production are now dedicated to peddling low-quality products.

In contrast, even when Pixar succumbs to commercialism, there's a sense of effort and artistry in their work. Cars 3, despite its flaws, demonstrates a genuine care for its characters and boasts masterful animation. In the world of Illumination, the studio behind Despicable Me, characters are reduced to mere commodities, while animators and voice actors labor to deliver a product that meets the bare minimum of acceptability.

Movie Review Okja

Okja

Directed by Bong Joon Ho

Written by Bong Joon Ho, Jon Ronson

Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Tilda Swinton, Ahn Seo-Hyun

Release Date June 28th, 2017

Okja, a 2017 film directed by Bong Joon-ho, is a multi-layered movie that transcends easy categorization. While it may initially appear to be a children's film with its adorable monster and a young girl's adventure, it is, in fact, a profound and audacious work of cinema.

The story revolves around the Mirando Corporation, a multinational conglomerate attempting to rebrand itself as environmentally conscious. Lucy Mirando, the CEO, introduces a genetically engineered "super pig" as a potential solution to world hunger. However, her true motive is to create a new breed of pig for mass production and consumption.

The narrative unfolds in South Korea, where a young girl named Mija has formed a deep bond with Okja, one of the super pigs. Their idyllic life is disrupted when Mirando's representative arrives to take Okja back to America for a promotional event. Mija embarks on a daring rescue mission to save her beloved companion, exposing the harsh realities of the food industry along the way.

Bong Joon-ho masterfully subverts genre expectations, juxtaposing vibrant, childlike imagery with disturbing themes. The film's visual aesthetic, crafted by cinematographer Darius Khondji, enhances this contrast, employing bright colors even in the darkest moments.

The director's meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout the film. The use of advanced special effects and cinematography is not merely for spectacle; it serves to draw the audience into the unsettling world of industrialized food production. Okja is a powerful critique of corporate greed and the commodification of animals, disguised within a seemingly innocent tale.

The film's characters are equally complex. Lucy Mirando, despite her outward charm, embodies corporate ruthlessness. Jake Gyllenhaal's character, a TV personality representing Mirando, satirizes the superficiality of media figures who exploit environmental causes for personal gain. Mija, played by Ahn Seo Hyun, is a compelling protagonist whose unwavering love for Okja drives the narrative.

Okja's release on Netflix made it accessible to a global audience, sparking conversations about animal rights and ethical food consumption. The film's thought-provoking message and innovative storytelling continue to resonate, solidifying its status as a modern classic.

Movie Review Paulina

Paulina

Directed by Santiago Mitre

Written by Eduardo Borrás, Mariano Linas, Santiago Mitre

Starring Dolores Fonzi, Oscar Martínez

Release Date June 23rd, 2017

Paulina: A Riveting Exploration of Trauma, Justice, and Female Agency

A Sharp and Uncompromising Story

Director Santiago Mitre's film "Paulina" is a thought-provoking and unflinching narrative centered around an equally resolute and enigmatic character. Paulina, portrayed by Dolores Fonzi, is a woman whose stoic demeanor and dispassionate voice create a performance that is both captivating and unsettling. Fonzi's portrayal is central to the film's exploration of weighty issues, as Paulina becomes a lens through which the audience grapples with questions of justice, morality, and the complexities of human experience.

A Fateful Decision

The film opens with a powerful scene: Paulina informs her father that she is abandoning her promising legal career to teach at a rural school. This decision sets the stage for the film's exploration of social and political tensions, as Paulina leaves the comforts of Buenos Aires for a challenging new life in the countryside. The opening scene, a single unbroken take, captures the intensity of the father-daughter relationship and Paulina's unwavering determination.

The Disconnect and the Assault

Paulina's arrival at the rural school is met with resistance. Her attempts to engage the students in political discourse are unsuccessful, highlighting the cultural and social disconnect between Paulina and her new environment. The film's focus then shifts dramatically as Paulina is brutally assaulted and raped by a group of young men. Mitre's unflinching portrayal of the attack is raw and disturbing, devoid of cinematic embellishments.

An Unexpected Turn

In a jarring narrative twist, the film rewinds and adopts the perspective of the main attacker. This unexpected shift forces the audience to confront the perpetrator's motivations and the events that led to the assault. The film delves into the complexities of human behavior, challenging viewers to consider the roots of violence and the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator.

Controversial Choices and Unanswerable Questions

The aftermath of the attack is where "Paulina" truly distinguishes itself. Paulina's response to the trauma is both confounding and courageous, defying expectations and societal norms. Her decisions raise profound questions about justice, revenge, and the nature of healing. The film refuses to provide easy answers, leaving viewers to grapple with the complexities of Paulina's choices and the long-lasting impact of violence.

A Daring and Unforgettable Film

"Paulina" is a challenging and unforgettable film that explores difficult themes with unflinching honesty. Dolores Fonzi's performance is mesmerizing, and Santiago Mitre's direction is both audacious and thought-provoking. The film's exploration of rape, trauma, and female agency is both timely and timeless, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

A Call to Action

"Paulina" is not a film for the faint of heart. It demands attention, introspection, and a willingness to engage with uncomfortable truths. But for those who seek a cinematic experience that challenges, provokes, and ultimately rewards, "Paulina" is a must-see.