Written by: Kevin Berge
We're getting closer to the long stretch of interesting movies that will come with 2019, but the winter brought its mix of unique film experiences that shifted between the weird blockbusters to the forgettable indie dramas.
Absolutely nothing that has come out so far will likely truly define this year especially those that were not anticipated months before the year began, but I know I will remember some of these weirder experiences.
As we move further into a time where the industry is shifting toward streaming services, it is hard what movies will survive the shift, but I hope that some of these weirder experiences survive.
This article will focus on Disney's latest unnecessary live-action remake Dumbo, the intense historic thriller Hotel Mumbai, the midlife crisis drama Gloria Bell, and the art-focused horror Velvet Buzzsaw.
Absolutely nothing that has come out so far will likely truly define this year especially those that were not anticipated months before the year began, but I know I will remember some of these weirder experiences.
As we move further into a time where the industry is shifting toward streaming services, it is hard what movies will survive the shift, but I hope that some of these weirder experiences survive.
This article will focus on Disney's latest unnecessary live-action remake Dumbo, the intense historic thriller Hotel Mumbai, the midlife crisis drama Gloria Bell, and the art-focused horror Velvet Buzzsaw.
I can't quite decide if CG Dumbo is adorable or frightening. (Image Courtesy of: movies.disney.com)
Dumbo (2019)
With each live-action remake by Disney, I grow more desensitized to the whole experience. There was a time where I could forgive Beauty and The Beast, but now I look back on it with frustration and confusion.
I never liked the animated Dumbo, and I still had no hope for the attempt to reboot it for a modern audience. From fifteen minutes on, this movie felt every bit as problematic as I expected it to be.
Dumbo (2019) is built on the foundation of a sweet story of a young elephant attempting to find his place in the world, yet this 2019 remake has no place for that same heart and emotion. It is entirely and impressively lifeless.
It is bright and colorful, but, once you get past that, the movie never knows how to move forward. Colin Farrell, Danny DeVito, Michael Keaton, and Eva Green are all game actors, who try their best with writing that is corny and unremarkable.
Director Tim Burton has gained a reputation as an innovative director with a signature style, but none of that clearly felt in this film. There's so little imagination here beyond attempts to recreate the memorable moments in the animated movie in ways that are far removed from the original intent.
As Disney continues to take over the industry, these live-action experiences are the worst to come out of the studio. It feels like no one is interested in doing more than making money off these recognizable names, which is the most boring way to establish a film.
I never liked the animated Dumbo, and I still had no hope for the attempt to reboot it for a modern audience. From fifteen minutes on, this movie felt every bit as problematic as I expected it to be.
Dumbo (2019) is built on the foundation of a sweet story of a young elephant attempting to find his place in the world, yet this 2019 remake has no place for that same heart and emotion. It is entirely and impressively lifeless.
It is bright and colorful, but, once you get past that, the movie never knows how to move forward. Colin Farrell, Danny DeVito, Michael Keaton, and Eva Green are all game actors, who try their best with writing that is corny and unremarkable.
Director Tim Burton has gained a reputation as an innovative director with a signature style, but none of that clearly felt in this film. There's so little imagination here beyond attempts to recreate the memorable moments in the animated movie in ways that are far removed from the original intent.
As Disney continues to take over the industry, these live-action experiences are the worst to come out of the studio. It feels like no one is interested in doing more than making money off these recognizable names, which is the most boring way to establish a film.
Grade: D+
I can't really think of anything clever to say, certainly not without being entirely insensitive. (Image Courtesy of: cameronsmanagement.com)
Hotel Mumbai
Hotel Mumbai is the type of film that I wish more people talked about. It's an exciting thriller built on real life events that develops its characters well enough that it is easy to root for them while being completely believable that anyone could die.
Not knowing anything about the actual events, I doubt this movie is a great way to get a full understanding of the history, but it does make prime use of the sense of realism. The violence is frightening because it is random and constantly present.
This isn't really a movie built on big performances despite including both Dev Patel and Armie Hammer, but it works because everyone works well throughout. It's a movie that does go on about 15-20 minutes too long, but there's not a weak moment in the film.
I was glued to my seat throughout the run time even as it added a few unnecessary complications to proceedings. There's a tangible sense of fear and apprehension in this experience that most major movies involving violence lack.
While not completely under the radar, this feels like the type of film that will not quite click with any audience enough to be talked about much. Still, it is remarkably effective as my type of film-going experience: emotional, intelligent, and intense.
By its end, this harrowing venture had me considering what type of movies I have been missing over the years and the events of the world I have been entirely ignorant about. That's intensely valuable.
Not knowing anything about the actual events, I doubt this movie is a great way to get a full understanding of the history, but it does make prime use of the sense of realism. The violence is frightening because it is random and constantly present.
This isn't really a movie built on big performances despite including both Dev Patel and Armie Hammer, but it works because everyone works well throughout. It's a movie that does go on about 15-20 minutes too long, but there's not a weak moment in the film.
I was glued to my seat throughout the run time even as it added a few unnecessary complications to proceedings. There's a tangible sense of fear and apprehension in this experience that most major movies involving violence lack.
While not completely under the radar, this feels like the type of film that will not quite click with any audience enough to be talked about much. Still, it is remarkably effective as my type of film-going experience: emotional, intelligent, and intense.
By its end, this harrowing venture had me considering what type of movies I have been missing over the years and the events of the world I have been entirely ignorant about. That's intensely valuable.
Grade: B+
Disney may think they're cool because they remake their own blockbusters every 20 years, but Lelio remakes his own indie movies that barely anyone knows about after 6 years in a true power play. (Image Courtesy of: moviebabblereviews.com)
Gloria Bell
Gloria Bell comes off as a fairly typical Julianne Moore vehicle. It is driven by her performance, making a somewhat lackadaisical story shine through by sheer force of charisma and nuance.
This is a movie that is extremely difficult to pitch. It's a romance in as far as it is about a woman finding a man, but much of its best touches to its storytelling are driven simply by who Gloria is and how she sees the world.
It's not an engaging ride, but it is a human one that leaves its impact. Director Sebastián Lelio has had a smart tendency of making quiet films built on the acting of great female actresses at the head.
What is most fascinating about the film is that it is not the first time the director has made the movie. His 2013 movie Gloria gave a powerful spotlight to Paulina Garcia, who brought her own perspective to a story that is fairly light on central focus.
This reimagining is unique mainly because of the central actress. Moore has been given the freedom to take on this role in her own way, and it is some of the best work of her career. She's such a dominant presence in the film that no one really matters in comparison.
Gloria Bell is a light drama that is likely not impactful enough to get critical attention or eventful enough to get mainstream attention, but it is effective at capturing the very mood that defines the film's purpose.
This is a movie that is extremely difficult to pitch. It's a romance in as far as it is about a woman finding a man, but much of its best touches to its storytelling are driven simply by who Gloria is and how she sees the world.
It's not an engaging ride, but it is a human one that leaves its impact. Director Sebastián Lelio has had a smart tendency of making quiet films built on the acting of great female actresses at the head.
What is most fascinating about the film is that it is not the first time the director has made the movie. His 2013 movie Gloria gave a powerful spotlight to Paulina Garcia, who brought her own perspective to a story that is fairly light on central focus.
This reimagining is unique mainly because of the central actress. Moore has been given the freedom to take on this role in her own way, and it is some of the best work of her career. She's such a dominant presence in the film that no one really matters in comparison.
Gloria Bell is a light drama that is likely not impactful enough to get critical attention or eventful enough to get mainstream attention, but it is effective at capturing the very mood that defines the film's purpose.
Grade: B
If you look real close into Gyllenhaal's eyes, you can see the pure conceit. That's truly great acting when playing a critic. (Image Courtesy of: variety.com)
Velvet Buzzsaw
One of my favorite films ever made is Nightcrawler. It is lightning in a bottle that hits perfectly as a psychological thriller while dealing with the themes and ideas that often plague my own mind.
It made me a fan of Jake Gyllenhaal as an actor at a level I never expected, and I often find myself pulled to see movies he is in just to see what he will do with a role. Not only was Velvet Buzzsaw a Gyllenhaal vehicle but also a reunion with Nightcrawler's director Dan Gilroy.
I was never going to be able to resist watching this movie. Unfortunately and predictably, it could never live up to the high bar I set for it. Gilroy has a great eye behind the camera and knows how to bring the most of his actors.
However, his storytelling behind the camera and as the primary screenwriter of this film lacks focus. This movie is all over the place. It is a macabre horror mixed with black comedy that switches so wildly from tone to tone that it's hard to keep track.
Despite some gorgeous imagery and fascinating ideas that prop up often, the central movie never quite lands. It's a fine experience that has a lot to say about art and criticism as well as the way everyone is affected by the collective opinions of a minority, but it never goes beyond that.
I enjoyed Velvet Buzzsaw, but I wanted to love it. I wonder if I would have even sat through the whole film if it was not a movie starring Gyllenhaal (who is great in a somewhat limited capacity) and directed by Gilroy. I'm not surprised that it has largely fallen under the radar since it debuted on Netflix.
It made me a fan of Jake Gyllenhaal as an actor at a level I never expected, and I often find myself pulled to see movies he is in just to see what he will do with a role. Not only was Velvet Buzzsaw a Gyllenhaal vehicle but also a reunion with Nightcrawler's director Dan Gilroy.
I was never going to be able to resist watching this movie. Unfortunately and predictably, it could never live up to the high bar I set for it. Gilroy has a great eye behind the camera and knows how to bring the most of his actors.
However, his storytelling behind the camera and as the primary screenwriter of this film lacks focus. This movie is all over the place. It is a macabre horror mixed with black comedy that switches so wildly from tone to tone that it's hard to keep track.
Despite some gorgeous imagery and fascinating ideas that prop up often, the central movie never quite lands. It's a fine experience that has a lot to say about art and criticism as well as the way everyone is affected by the collective opinions of a minority, but it never goes beyond that.
I enjoyed Velvet Buzzsaw, but I wanted to love it. I wonder if I would have even sat through the whole film if it was not a movie starring Gyllenhaal (who is great in a somewhat limited capacity) and directed by Gilroy. I'm not surprised that it has largely fallen under the radar since it debuted on Netflix.
