Movie
Maxxxine goes to Hollywood
After the stylized gore and delightfully depraved storytelling of ‘X’, the subverted dreamland of ‘Pearl’, director Ti West’s third offering ‘Maxxxine’ was somewhat disappointing.
Mia Goth reprised her role as Maxine and was every bit the ethereal horror movie icon. The audience is led around the twisted world of 1980’s Hollywood complete with a killer soundtrack and crunchy-looking hairdos. The character of Maxine wants to be a legitimate actress rather than an adult film star. In ‘X’ Maxine repeatedly states that she wants to be famous, in ‘Maxxxine’ she is famous as an adult film star. Many of the male characters recognize her from her work, so Maxine has achieved the fame she was desperate for but wants to legitimize herself as an actress despite her dark past following her to Tinseltown.
Kevin Bacon was also an unexpected treat as the slimy PI. The rest of the cast was stellar, each imbuing their characters with enough quirk and intrigue, to make what essentially was a pretty basic storyline; entertaining. Elizabeth Debicki particularly shines as the female horror director who sees Maxine’s potential and casts the aspiring actress in her horror sequel (Meta anyone?). Debicki is every bit as intimidating and impressive as her amazing shoulder pads!
It’s not that ‘Maxxxine’ “jumps the shark” exactly, I can understand wanting to give your trilogy a big finish. However, the production’s desire to go big meant that ‘Maxxxine’ lost the delicious claustrophobia its previous installments had that works so well in the horror genre. Maybe its because we are no longer in the grips of a worldwide pandemic, ‘Pearl’ and ‘X’ were filmed back-to-back in March 2021, ‘Maxxxine’ didn’t have the building sense of dread that served the others so well.
‘Maxxxine’ is not constructed like a traditional horror instead more like a thriller or crime drama. Yet, the kill scenes still remain inventive and disturbing; the alleyway scene lives rent-free in my head for better or worse! Despite all the pro’s ‘Maxxxine’ is just missing that special something (dare I say that ‘X factor’?) which elevates it from a basic slasher movie. The layer of realism added to the first half of ‘Maxxxine’ feels like it’s shaking off the tentative optimism of ‘X’ and the technicolor delusions of ‘Pearl’ in order to mature into the real cutthroat world of showbiz. This angle could have worked if the direction had stuck to it. Instead, the storyline becomes increasingly more convoluted.
The penultimate scene is an outlandish mess highlighted by the fact it takes place under the looming Hollywood sign. With added guns and helicopters it’s easy to forget the humble barn that started Maxine’s story. Whether it was too much studio intervention, the curse of the doomed finale of a trilogy, or Ti West forgetting that scaling back scenes has the most impact. The sensory of assault of ‘Maxxxine’s’ finale does not unnerve the audience the same way Pearl’s flinching, tear-filled unnatural smile still does.
‘Maxxxine’ is still an entertaining watch. Fans of the unofficial trilogy will enjoy seeing how Maxine’s story ends. But after both ‘X’ and ‘Pearl’ became, quite rightly, instant horror classics, this fan expected more.
Movie
‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Will Leave You Breathless
“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.
Movie
Is ‘Kraven the Hunter’ a Total Letdown?
“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.
Movie
A Brief Review and History of A Year Without a Santa Claus
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.