Imagine for a moment, you’re a military spouse. No kids thank goodness, but hey, your other half went freaking missing on a super-secret expedition nearly a year ago, and just now managed to show back up. SPOILERS AHEAD!
The spouse is apparently suffering all sorts of abnormalities, including severe memory loss, and the only reasonable thing to do is to send them back to their military’s medical unit, for extensive testing. Which is, more or less, exactly how the movie begins and we’re introduced to Lena (Natalie Portman) and her tiny selfish world that’s about to get a whole lot bigger.
Lena used to be a soldier herself, as we discover, but she left some years ago to pursue a career in, get this, biology and medical science. So just like the Amidala echoes that will never quite leave her, Portman as Lena is an odd mix of strengths and vulnerabilities.
Lena insists, after ensconcing her husband with the doctors and researchers, that she herself go on the same mission her missing husband did, and right away, which finally leads us to the real garden of the story.
So way off in this super secret location out in the middle of nowhere, this anomaly has occurred, and those studying the anomaly have simply named it the Shimmer. All sorts of expeditions have been led into the Shimmer, and Lena’s husband Kane (Oscar Isaac) was the first person to make it back more or less alive and intact. However next to nothing can be gleaned from Kane’s walkabout, so Lena demands in all her quiet badassery to be in on the very next expedition going into the Shimmer herself.
Leading the expedition is Dr. Ventress (Jennifer Jason Leigh), the only one who knows that Kane is Lena’s husband, and rounding out the rest of all-girl group is physicist Josie Radeck (Tessa Thompson), anthropologist Cass Sheppard (Tuva Novotny), and paramedic Anya Thorensen (Gina Rodriguez). Each has their own motivations and personal secrets they’re toting along on the mission into the Shimmer, to find the lighthouse where purportedly the Shimmer first appeared.
Inside the Shimmer itself, time moves clearly very different, and the distorted and refracted lights coming through, combined with who knows what else is going on inside the prismatic doohickey, make for vegetation and animal-life literally never before seen on Earth. It’s with these visuals, of the beautifully mutated flowers and psychotically changed combined animals, that ‘Annihilation’ truly shines and dazzles the audience.
Which is a good thing, because sadly the rest of the film is plagued with vague storylines and unrecognizable twists, stuttered pacing that alternates interminably slowwwww with breathless action-disaster scenes, and an ending that frankly, made little sense and could have been shaved off more than 10 minutes of weird unnecessary visuals.
The very end bit, after Lena’s interrogation was finally over, was a tad predictable and could have easily been told a different way, but perhaps it’s closer to the book series the film is based on, ‘The Southern Reach’ series by Jeff VanderMeer. As there are three books in the series, perhaps there will also be sequel films as well.
Like many things in this zany modern world, ‘Annihilation’ is a visual feast for the eyes, but in plucking and trying to understand that mutated flower now with extra-sharp teeth, the act of trying to fully comprehend the thing is what kills it. Watch it at least once anyway, for the crocodile-shark hybrid if nothing else
Get yourself mutated with Annihilation, in theaters now!
“Mufasa: The Lion King” is a visually stunning addition to the beloved Lion King franchise, offering a fresh and emotionally resonant take on the origins of one of Disney’s most iconic characters. The film beautifully explores Mufasa’s journey, balancing heartfelt moments with touches of comedy that lighten the mood and make the story accessible to audiences of all ages. The animation is breathtaking, capturing the vibrant landscapes and lush environments of the Pride Lands, adding depth to Mufasa’s character and his relationships.
The storytelling is compelling, effectively pulling at the heartstrings while providing insights into Mufasa’s character before he becomes the legendary king. However, the setup for Scar’s betrayal feels somewhat underdeveloped, lacking the deeper motivation that could have enriched their complex brotherly relationship. This missed opportunity leaves a slight gap in understanding Scar’s actions, which could have elevated the dramatic stakes.
The musical score is impressive, featuring memorable songs that enhance the emotional impact of pivotal scenes. While there are several standout tracks, one song, in particular, resonates deeply and is sure to linger in viewers’ minds long after the credits roll. Overall, “Mufasa: The Lion King” is an amazing film and a worthy addition to the Lion King lore that manages to deliver both laughter and tears, offering a rich tapestry of storytelling that fans will appreciate.
“Kraven the Hunter,” directed by J.C. Chandor, aims to introduce a beloved Spider-Man villain to the big screen, but unfortunately, it falls short of expectations. The film suffers from noticeable issues, notably an overuse of ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement), which detracts from the authenticity of the characters’ interactions and contributes to an uneven audio experience. This technical flaw is compounded by rough storytelling that feels disjointed and lacking in coherence, leaving viewers struggling to connect with the narrative.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson delivers a commendable performance as Kraven, showcasing the character’s gritty nature and complex motivations. His portrayal has potential, and it’s evident that he could elevate the character far beyond what is presented with a stronger script and direction. However, the absence of Spider-Man, a central figure in Kraven’s lore, leaves a void that the film struggles to fill. Without this critical connection, the plot meanders and fails to create the tension or stakes that fans of the superhero genre crave.
Additionally, including Rhino as a villain feels like a missed opportunity; he is presented more as a gag character with limited screen time, undermining any sense of threat or depth. For the average moviegoer, “Kraven the Hunter” might entertain but ultimately feels like a mediocre viewing experience. Comic book fans, however, may find disappointment in this lackluster attempt to create a solo character film. Instead of an exhilarating dive into Kraven’s world, the film presents a watered-down version, leaving audiences wishing for a more cohesive vision that honors its comic book roots.
A Year Without a Santa Claus, the 1974 stop-motion holiday classic produced by Rankin/Bass, is a heartwarming and whimsical tale that has cemented its place in holiday traditions. Based on Phyllis McGinley’s 1956 book, the story revolves around a disheartened Santa Claus who, feeling unappreciated, decides to take a year off from his Christmas duties. It’s up to Mrs. Claus and a pair of well-meaning elves, Jingle and Jangle, to reignite the Christmas spirit and show Santa the world’s unwavering belief in him.
The movie is beloved for its unforgettable characters, especially the bickering Miser Brothers, Snow Miser and Heat Miser. Their catchy, vaudeville-style musical numbers, “Snow Miser Song” and “Heat Miser Song”, are so iconic they’ve become cultural touchstones, often parodied and celebrated decades later.
Directed by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass, the film continues the duo’s tradition of stop-motion magic, blending heartfelt storytelling with quirky humor. The voice cast, featuring Mickey Rooney as Santa and Shirley Booth as Mrs. Claus, delivers standout performances. Booth’s warm narration was her final acting role before retirement, adding a layer of poignancy to the film.
Initially released on December 10, 1974, on ABC, the special didn’t immediately achieve the legendary status of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. However, it gained a dedicated following through annual holiday airings, nostalgic appeal, and its distinct charm.
The film’s themes of hope, unity, and rekindling joy remain timeless, making it a perennial favorite for audiences of all ages. Its blend of humor, catchy songs, and a touching message about believing in magic and goodwill ensures its enduring legacy during the holiday season.
For fans of holiday classics, A Year Without a Santa Claus is a must-watch that never fails to warm hearts and spread cheer.
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