4 Movie Challenge

The 4 Movie challenge is meant to pose the question as to what films you feel “define” you. It’s a deceptively complex exercise. Am I to post what films are my favourite of all time, which will therefore define me as cinephile? Should I be autobiographical and just pick 4 films that most resemble my life? Should I laugh it off and pick 4 American Ninja films? Jokes aside, for me the time that makes the most sense in terms of shaping who I’ve become- has to be those formative teenager years, where you’re just starting to discover who you are. It’s no coincidence that I own all of the music/scores that are in these films, as just as I was discovering music and defining my tastes, so too was I discovering my cinematic palate. Some of these picks are like those high school yearbook photos that make you blush, and others I still love to this day. Without further adieu:

4. Natural Born Killers

Likely the worst movie in this list, but back then (1994) for me Oliver Stone’s controversial ode to the 90’s was like taking LSD after living in a hudderite colony. Freed of constraints, tradition, and civility, there was only the psychedelic tale of Mickey and Mallory being celebrated by the media for their nation wide crime spree. Stone maniacally toggles back and forth between colour, black and white, and cartoons, and at times edits like he’s getting paid by the cut. Backing those rapid fire visuals, is an eclectic soundtrack (produced by a just getting started in film Trent Reznor) that introduced me to more bands than any other film I’ve ever seen (Leonard Cohen, Nine Inch Nails, Cowboy Junkies, Jane’s Addiction, and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, not to mention more work by Peter Gabriel). Acerbically written by a promising young talent named Quentin Tarantino, I can think of no other movie that was as effective at making me realize that cinema is a collage of sight, sound, and lyricism- that can disgust, inspire, and be thought provoking.

3. The Shawshank Redemption

Coming out the same year as NBK, Shawshank was revelatory for me as a quietly rousing piece of inspirational sentiment. Initially, I viewed it as merely a pleasant little film, solid and full of optimism- nothing too mind expanding. But after viewing it more, it quickly became an all timer, as it never seems to get old. I’ve probably watched its last third a month straight cumulatively speaking. Morgan Freeman’s steady narration is butter, and it helps propel a strong Tim Robbins performance to make it one of the best Stephen King adaptions ever. I don’t think it’s a stretch to call it the most platonically romantic film of all time. While IMDB’s ranking of it as the #1 movie ever is a bit questionable, you’d have to be dead inside to not be moved by this tale of a man going through unjust and brutal hardship, while teaching us that hope is a good thing- maybe the best of things.

2. The English Patient

I didn’t know anything about 1996’s Patient when I saw it. I was visiting my grandmother in Lloydminister, and she, my mother, and I went to the movies. My grandmother thought the film was depressing- I was just stunned. I remember going back to the hotel, and catching the Oscars, which I didn’t even realize were on- and then watching Patient win 9 Academy Awards. Apparently I wasn’t the only one affected... Haunted by the poetic images of Anthony Minghella, and the jazzy, soaring score/soundtrack, I couldn’t sleep... The WWII based film about the hazardous romance of Hungarian Count Laslo De Almasy (Ralph Fiennes) and Brit Katherine Clifton (Kristin Scott-Thomas) is a serious love story that has highs Titanic only wishes it could reach. Grounded by the joint story of perpetually caring nurse (Juliet Binoche) and her sapper love interest, Kip (Naveen Andrews), I didn’t realize it at the time but Patient was the last of its kind. Its period piece themes are a call back to epic love stories of yesteryear like Dr. Zhivago or Gone with the Wind. All I know is that, for one restless night, it felt like my heart had been cut out- but in the morning it was full again.

1. Terminator 2: Judgement Day

My first favourite film. I remember initially being excited about seeing a restricted film (at a friend’s house of course) back in 1991, after being tantalized by the cool looking trailers. At the time, I thought it had everything a film could offer an adolescent boy: thrilling action, guns and vehicles aplenty, dudes in sunglasses surrounded by explosions, snappy catch phrases, and what would come to be known as James Cameron written melodrama. I wanted to be Schwartzenegger’s T-800 cyborg so badly- bad ass and efficient as a robot, yet kind of human. What’s funny, is how it served as a gateway drug to James Cameron’s other films (Enjoying in particular, Aliens and the superior, The Terminator). It’s the first film I can remember looking tack sharp, and the opening scene of a metallic foot crushing a skull in a futuristic wasteland feels more like a starter pistol going off to begin a breathless race.

Honourable Mention.

Heat

I couldn’t resist cheating, as its too awesome to leave out. Similar to Patient, I went in blind to the 1995 opus. I wasn’t schooled in how awesome actors Robert De Niro and Al Pacino were just yet, but I had heard of them. I also didn’t know who director Michael Mann was. What I did know afterwards, was that it was a sprawling tale of cops and robbers, told very poetically- with unbelievable action scenes. I fell in love with De Niro’s portrayal of the minimalistic criminal Neil McCauley, and thoroughly enjoyed Pacino’s workaholic cop, Vincent Hanna (this was right around the time second stage Pacino started to lapse into self parody). All of it comes to a head when the unstoppable force meets an immovable object, but not after much suspense. With a wicked soundtrack, and fine art inspired set design, Heat is a classic film, and despite being a hair too long and having too many characters, was a big part of defining who I am as a cinephile. After all, all I am is what I’m going after.

Marvel Cinematic Universe Ranked

With the release of Avengers: Infinity War, it can be difficult to know what's going on in the film without first seeing some of the previous installments. Here's a guide as to the best of what the MCU has to offer, so you can be caught up for the latest film!

 

 

19. The Incredible Hulk.

Easily the least entertaining and captivating film of the bunch, Edward Norton cemented his reputation as difficult to work with (and would later be replaced by the superb Mark Ruffalo)- but the real disappointment was the effects, limp story, and brutal characters.

18. Thor: Dark World.

The God of Thunder Thor’s second movie features more of his bland Uncanny Valley world of Asgard, combined with the bleak and dismal world of Svartalfheim (the title of which says it all). Featuring likely the worst (and under utilized) villain in the MCU (Christoper Eccleston), Natalie Portman’s talents would also be wasted here for the last time.

17. Thor.

We’re introduced to Thor, prince of the bland aforementioned Uncanny Valley of Asgard. With the additional earth scenes not having much more authenticity, Thor’s self seriousness is hard to take seriously, especially with the listless Destroyer robot shooting laser beams out of its (not) face. A decent introduction but ultimately disappointing showing for the villain, Loki.

16. Iron Man 2.

Coming out only 2 years after the original, part 2 featured more Downey Jr, more mechanical suits, and robots fighting each other, but is also a rushed product that feels more like a check list than an actual movie. A waste of Mickey Rourke (and his poi spinning talents), but a rousing introduction to the Black Widow.

15. Doctor Strange.

Doctor Strange’s origin story features jaw dropping effects- and little else. With a couple of non descript villains, the story is a bit of a fizz and neglects the finer points of Eastern mythologies. Plus, finding a new Marvel love interest to squander (Rachel McAdams) is the real trick for this cosmological sleight of hand.

14. Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Probably the toughest ranking, Ultron brings back the gang from the original smash hit, but similar to Iron Man 2, feels oddly hollow. More corporate tick box than complete movie, it features some memorable scenes but would really benefit from more of the gang chopping wood at the farm or trying to lift Thor’s hammer.

13. Iron Man 3.

Another tough one, likely Marvel’s most interesting writer/director Shane Black brings his trademark Christmas based quips to a story involving Tony learning how to cope with his PTSD from the New York attack in The Avengers. While some interesting character growth is introduced, and its snarkiness at times amusing, it’s also uneven and introduces developments that are dropped for later films.

12. Thor: Ragnarok.

The third time proves a charm as Thor has a sort of reboot, with him bringing more of a snappy attitude into an irreverent universe full of Jeff Goldbloom’s. A fresh and funny take from director Taika Waititi with rocking music- but I liked it better when it was called Guardians of the Galaxy.

11. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol: 2.

The Guardians return for even more irreverence, classic music, and space travel- but bigger is not necessarily better. The freshness and underdog status, so prominent in the original, fades significantly. Features my favourite scene in the entire MCU.

10. Ant Man.

The origin story of the tiny sized Ant Man has the most comic chops in the MCU, and has thrilling scenes of micro adversity. But its tone varies wildly and the movie struggles the most when Ant Man is normal sized and grappling with his domestic life.

9. Spider Man: Homecoming.

The origin story (and 6^th spiderman film!) of Spidey brings a fresh high school perspective to things and a sympathetic villain, but its army of writers mean this is more like a patchwork of scenes than a cohesive web of a story.

8. Captain America: The First Avenger.

Captain America’s origin story gets off to a great start with runty Steve Rogers getting a super serum to become WWII’s greatest hero. The well cast Chris Evans shows off his athletic prowess and the film is historical (while wildly diverging from actual history)- it’s a lot of fun with a wonderfully campy villain.

7. The Avengers: Infinity War.

MCU’s busiest and most combustible film, it’s the culmination of 18 films that came before it- and an enormous hype machine. It’s also a fast moving roller coaster of action and characters. With the sheer amount of multitasking, it’s a bit of a miracle it works at all. It’s exhilarating- and physically exhausting. Suffers from having too much to do and needs to take a breath, similar to Ultron.

6. Black Panther.

One of MCU’s most popular origin stories, Panther features an authentic home land that the hero hails from, and the best villain in the MCU. Its effects can be questionable, but its authenticity is one of a kind.

5. Captain America: Civil War.

Essentially an Avengers sequel, the Russo brothers continue their strengths of globe hopping and inspired hand to hand combat. While at times overstuffed with characters, it’s an amusing, rousing, and plants sometimes bittersweet seeds of the end of a super partnership.

4. Guardians of the Galaxy.

A team up that didn’t even bother with origin stories, Guardians came out of nowhere and won the hearts of many with its oddball cast, rapid fire quips, kick ass soundtrack, and swashbuckling adventure. A dangerously re-watchable treat that maybe is as influential as The Avengers.

3. Iron Man.

The first movie in the MCU is also one of its best.  We are introduced to the most iconic character in Marvel history- Tony Stark. Robert Downey Jr. is electrifying as the arms industry titan that uses his magnetic personality to earn back his soul while working out the kinks in his super suit. A pleasure, with underrated work by Jeff Bridges.

2. Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

A comic book movie that has more in common with Jason Bourne than Superman, the Russo brothers deliver a thrilling ride that features almost as much paranoia as it does action. Thawed after being on ice for 70 years, we join Cap, who has to negotiate a world that no longer resembles the one he used to fight for. One of the best MCU movies,  and proof of why the Captain America series is the most consistent of the Avengers group.

1. The Avengers.

The reason there is an MCU. Along with Dark Knight, one of the most influential comic book movies ever made. It set an impossibly high standard that both Marvel and DC have continually tried to ape ever since. Exquisitely paced, tightly executed, fun, exciting, and full of funny moments, it also features a strong villain at his best.

Girls Trip

2017’s Girls Trip, directed by Malcolm D. Lee.

Starring Regina Hall, Queen Latifa, Jada Pinkett Smith, Tiffany Haddish, Larenz Tate, Mike Colter, Kate Walsh, Kofi Siriboe, Lara Grice, Larenz Tate, and Deborah Ayorinde.

What is it about?

Old girlfriends Ryan (Regina Hall), Sasha (Queen Latifa), Lisa (Jada Pinkett Smith), and Dina (Tiffany Haddish) have grown apart since their glory days as members of their gang, the “flossy posse”. With Ryan off to New Orleans to be a key note speaker at a conference, she reunites with her outgoing friends for a girl’s weekend. Will New Orleans be the same after the girls hit the town, especially with Ryan’s husband and business partner (Mike Colter) caught cheating on her?

Why is it worth seeing?

Girls Trip isn’t worth seeing. It covers up its crummy deficiencies in writing and originality, with crass gross out humour and blatant racism. It plays like a ladies’ version of The Hangover- if the depraved fraternity inspired behaviour had no consequences, or Bridesmaids- if it featured few characters worth caring about.

There’s a market out there for Girls Trip. It’s exclusively for people who enjoy white people being used as props for jokes. From the manager who is asked to not use terms from urban dictionary, to the baffled stewardess who is just trying to do her job, to the potential client who thinks the girl’s unprofessional and rowdy antics are unorthodox but definitely worth giving large sums of money to- I’m sure a healthy dose of white guilt will make this all acceptable. While I’m not a fan of racism- I never really got on board with reverse racism either. Filled to the brim with “acceptable because I am black myself” racial epithets and lazy slurs, Girls Trip does little to connect a plenty segregated world.

Trip is also a vehicle for gross out humour. There’s plenty of it, from the fire hydrant pressure urine showers propelled from the empowered protagonists onto innocent passerbys below, to the blowjob demonstrations, and fruit assisted sex. When the crassness index starts to get a little low, there’s always a spontaneous twerking competition and bar fight combo to grease those pipes interlocking this feces factory, as well as an absinthe sequence.

After the racism and grossness are absolved, there’s really not much of believable dramatic substance going on here. Regina Hall’s issues with her cheating husband/business partner are wearing, and the girls’ dynamics, from Tiffany Haddish’s verbal diarrhea, Pinkett-Smith’s 4 foot grandmotherly nagging, Latifah’s sassy denial of her unsuccessful life, and Hall’s unconvincingly successful leader of the group, are predictable and uninspiring. Accompanied by dreadful low rent music, this is one trip that feels like it lasts forever.

Rating:

1.5/5

Trailer: Click Here.

Avengers: Infinity War

2018’s The Avengers: Infinity War, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo.

Starring Josh Brolin, Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth, Zoe Saldana, Chris Pratt, Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Tom Holland, Bradley Cooper, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Karen Gillan, Scarlett Johansson, Dave Bautista, Pom Klementieff, Sebastian Stan, Tom Hiddleston, and Vin Diesel.

What is it about?

The Avengers: Infinity War is a story about the inter dimensional villain, Thanos (Josh Brolin), who is intent on murdering a large part of the universe. Needing to secure 6 Infinity Stones scattered throughout the universe, the only thing standing in Thanos’ way is The Avengers. Comprised of Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, The Guardians of the Galaxy, Doctor Strange, Black Panther, Spiderman, along with other stand outs such as Black Widow, Falcon, The Winter Soldier, Scarlet Witch, Vision, and many others, they’re a formidable defence mechanism. But Thanos is no shrinking eggplant- will the Avengers be able to defend the universe from yet another powerful interstellar being bent on destruction?

Why is it worth seeing?

The Avengers: Infinity War is the 7^th film in the Phase 3 stage of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), which is parent company Disney’s cash printing machine, ahem, marvel. The hype involved is breath taking: it’s Marvel’s 19^th film in the MCU, and has been a decade in the making. All of the stand alone origin stories, combined with team up films, have been leading to this film (with the 2^nd installment set to be released a year later)- it demands to be seen by those who at least marginally enjoy comic book movies. But with this much success, hype, circumstance, and sheer franchise obligation, is it possible for Infinity War to be even be coherent?

Infinity War brings back writers Stephen McFeely and Christopher Markus (of the Captain America trilogy and Thor: Dark World). With the sheer amount of characters to cover, they successfully manage to balance the obligations of jumping around the universe to re-introduce characters as they bounce off one another, and (usually) keep the rapport going that the Marvel Cinematic Universe is known for. In particular, The Guardians of the Galaxy’s cast keep their potent mocking powers, and Tom Holland’s movie reference slinging web crawler have some of the best lines of the film. But with so many characters to cover, other iconic superheroes and villains alike barely have time to register (and continue arcs already introduced and progressed)- before they’re fighting for their lives.

Directors Anthony and Joe Russo have the impossible task of assembling all of the raw fable material work, a (rich) fool’s errand if there ever was one. After deftly directing Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Captain America: Civil War, they again perform an impressive job of multi tasking, with them blending the sheer amount of universe hopping with inspired PG-13 combat. They keep their spy movie styled geography hopping intact, while expertly blending the sheer amount of CGI and live action effects the extravaganza calls for. It’s too much of a good thing, as the relentless pace has one wishing for the gargantuan machine to just take a breath, and let the MCU, so good in its downtime, resolve their family (extended and otherwise) issues.

And what of Thanos, the antagonist who the series has been mentioning (and hyping) since The Avengers? Dangerously close to being physically generic like other villains (and infinitely meme-able), Josh Brolin proves an inspired choice for his voice (and somewhat similar physical similarities). Behind his steely ruthlessness, McFeely and Markus bring some touches to give Thanos (somewhat of) a back story to explain his weighty motivations, but it’s hardly enough to make us feel for his plight. The dude is trying to wipe out half the universe (with a gauntlet of multi coloured gems), and we’re not really sure why his followers (with generic instant coffee powers) follow either. It makes you wonder what kind of pathos could have been generated had they skipped an origin story for the Avengers- and had one for Thanos instead?

With all of the talent assembled, and a (momentous) track record established, consistencies give way to necessary plot devices. Accents, powers, and personalities at times arbitrarily buckle and dissolve- cheapening the experience. With such a checklist to go through (even for 2 movies that will rival Lord of the Rings’ for their run time), it can be disorientating watching a character known for flying crawl around impotently. But even more disingenuous, is the cynicism of the casualties. While the film features a great deal of death (some of us aren’t going to walk away from this one), the Infinity Wars title suggests the sheer amount of recycling favoured in any franchise machine. With the Infinity Stones macguffins capable of reconfiguring time and life, is there actual consequence to the stakes involved? With that reality present in the background, it robs the foreground of some poetically final moments that would have been unusually brazen for a corporate blockbuster machine.

With an epic amount of expectations and hype (but not as much as the sequel), Avengers: Infinity War does a great deal of work in creating a breathless ride. Its multitasking is impressive, comic banter amusing, and the stakes are high. It promises to break box office records. One wishes that with the running time, we could meet more of the antagonist, and (similar to Age of Ultron) have more downtime with our heroes. But when you have corporate expectations, some irregularities are chartered in. In line with a trailer (see below) that is dishonest, one has to wonder if Doctor Strange is pulling his cape over our eyes. 

Rating:

4/5

Trailer: Click Here.

Black Panther

2018’s Black Panther, directed by Ryan Coogler.

Starring Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Sterling K. Brown, Angela Bassett, Forrest Whitaker, Andy Serkis, and Florence Kasumba.

Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Musical Score (Ludwig Goransson), Best Musical Song (Kendrick Lamar, Mark “Sounwave” Spears and Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith), Best Costume Design (Ruth Carter), Best Production Design (Hannah Beachler and Jay Hart), Sound Editing (Benjamin A. Burtt and Steve Boeddeker), and Sound Mixing (Steve Boeddeker, Brandon Proctor and Peter Devlin).

 

What is it about?

Black Panther is the tale of King T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman), ruler of the fictional African country, Wakanda. Secretive and unknown to the majority of the world, its most valuable resource is vibranium, the super metal used in Captain America’s shield, Ultron’s Sokovian asteroid, and in the suit of the Wakanda Nation’s king protector, the Black Panther. As King T’Challa takes the throne and mourns the passing of his father, he and his tech savvy sister (Letitia Wright), old flame (Lupita Nyong'o), and gang of bad ass protectors (the Dora Milaje, lead by Danai Gurira) must get to the bottom of protecting their isolationist kingdom. They discover a rogue vibranium smuggler (Andy Serkis, last seen in Avengers: Age of Ultron), who has mercenary intentions- but he may not be as threatening as rogue Erik Killmonger (Michael B Jordan), who is connected to T’Challa in ways unanticipated. Will T’Challa be able to protect his people and repel the threats to his nation’s ways of life- and all other nations too?

Why is it worth seeing?

Black Panther is the 6^th film in the Phase 3 stage of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), which is parent company Disney’s changing the face of franchise films and their interconnectedness as we know them. With Panther being Marvel’s 18^th film in the MCU, it would be easy to slap together something cat-like and call it a day before smashing the MCU together for Infinity War (an event a decade in the making)- instead Black Panther has facets to it that are more interesting than your average comic book movie.

As Thor has convincingly shown, showing off a homeland that feels authentic and lived in can be difficult. While Wakanda isn’t exactly Ridley Scott’s futuristic Los Angeles, it does feel like a place that was ripped from the pages of very comics that have been adapted for the MCU. Steeped in an insular Afro-culture full of tradition; the buildings, costumes, and futuristic technology all speak to a place that feels unique and genuine.

Last seen directing the underrated Creed, director/co-writer Ryan Coogler, brings his skills in the more intimate battles, such as a bravura single take in a Korean casino, or in singles combat. While he occasionally struggles with the more elaborate CGI battle scenes (the climatic fight is a dud), cinematographer Rachel Morrison (the first female to be nominated for an Oscar in that category in Mudbound) keeps everything looking clean and luminous.

Black Panther’s greatest strength is in its memorable villain, Killmonger- played to perfection by Micheal B Jordan. His portrayal of the antagonist is that of dynamic energy, with patient restraint. In a film that apes James Bond, Killmonger does everything a Bond villain would never do- radiate fierce calm, explain as little as possible, and bring a perspective to the fray that makes the protagonist look silly at times. In terms of being woke, Killmonger’s only contemporary in terms of highlighting the inherent hypocrisy of the dominant society would be that of the Joker.

But Killmonger isn’t painted in makeup and laughing hysterically. He comes from a place that we all know of and as a society have marginalized- and is a instrument that we have created. Possessing experience from his time as an American soldier working to destabilize third world countries, he understands the deck is always stacked against the oppressed. In his quest to change that, Killmonger’s character is so dynamic and provocative in his arc, that in a parallel universe, he could be Tony Stark. As it is, he believes he is the hero of his own film. It’s to this film’s detriment that he’s not, especially after watching him own the allegedly super powered and super dull T’Challa.

It’s hard to argue with the stylish Killmonger. With the isolated robust nation historically refusing to help others, he brings up questions of fairness and comeuppance from a position of violent strength, to counter systemic oppression. Watching the various kings clumsily try to stick to outdated orthodoxy, only strengthens his point. That could be a larger theme at work here in the MCU universe: that in sticking to the format of stand alone films that have to feed into gigantic team up extravaganzas, truly dynamic outliers have to be minimized in favour of corporate franchise synergy.

Rating:

4/5

Trailer: Click Here.