ricdesan Reviews

Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver (2024)

Rebel Moon 2 The somber task at hand

[9/10 · 23 April 2024]

This awaited chapter in the tale of the mother world and the depradations against the galaxy and Kora's story, has been vilified for plot dialog and maligned for simple language and story telling. I find those opinions lack the insight to think about what drives these characters and that brings all this heart to the screen in a very underwhelming way at the beginning of this grim tale.

And say what you will about Zack Snyder but he knows why these basic simple responses and lingering silences portray a deeper meaning other than what a undiscerning viewer cant be bothered to understand in the bigger picture. In that way he adds a nuance that many miss.

These are sophisticated world killers brought down to the literal earth by the wisdom of those who cultivate it. There is no need and it would almost be insulting to do other than the best they can to face what they know better than all those around them is:

Certain death.

The villagers empathy and the warm bosom of this village that will stand with them against annialation touches them all and those that know death so intimately are humbled by their stolid hope.

This is the emotional tone set early on that brings all together in a last bid to save all that these humble people are. Then when the dreadnsught arrives everyone knows as the viewer now knows what folly the resistance they will mount is. The killers never were in doubt from the beginning, but they steel themselves for the work at hand!

Then the vision of Zack Snyder takes over. What transpires is one of his best David meets Goliath battles put to film! Full of guerilla and grey man tactics that doesn't rest on much more than human will and vast lifetimes of experience and the force be damned. Ed Skrein is an impeccable villain - as tough as they come and never to go down easy. It makes for a very satisfying resolution to this conflict in which the third film is hinted and I will be eager to see this formidable band of badasses fight for whats right,

One more time.

Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire (2023)

A Galactic Tale that Star Wars forgot how to be.

[8/10 · 20 April 2024]

When you recruit Zack Snyder to a project in the realms he travels you invite something perhaps unique or unusual or maybe even great.

The jury may still be out on this for many but for me after perhaps the tenth time of watching part one, I have realized this has grown on me and much to my utter surprise has scratched my Star Wars itch of which nothing since Rouge One has been able to satisfy.

Is it perfect - no - is it formulaic, at times yes. Does if have flashes of cinematic wonder? Absolutely! The gems peppered throughout thrill me on the tenth viewing as much as the first. So that is what makes this something to savor over time and to come back to so often.

It has intent! Zack Snyder intent and the ability translate it onto the screen. When SW lost most all its heart in its reimagining, Rebel Moon wore much of its heart right on its sleeve and did so with audacity. Some speak of wooden dialog or varying effects but miss the point as when Kora makes her will known it reigns down in a wrath of badass that will soon define all of the characters to be recruited into her quest of service. From there the deeds and the situations get very thick. I am always pulled into this ride no matter what and its one part visual feast and one part dreaded march to oblivion. Many miss that point. What never wavers though is this vision of audacity that drives the entire film. Even minor characters flaunt it and though you know they wont survive getting in Kora and company's way, they are never the less very dangerous and bring maximum effort to the story.

All the cast brings what all I can describe as "flavor" to this journey that keeps things interesting even if not all that unpredictable or verbose. Then comes the gems that make me smile everytime. The crown flowers for the battle robot, the reaching of Kora's fingertips to feel the feathers of the Chimera. These gems of which there are many win over the cinephile in me to love this film more than I did at first.

That's some of the movie magic. Of course as many have said what they do with the second part of this story will make or break it in a bigger sense of the word but to be quite honest will in no way ruin my gradually built admiration for the first film alone.

And in that there is a wee bit of movie making brilliance.

Spaceman (I) (2024)

An intimate, uncertain and far less grandiose but still profound modern 2001

[8/10 · 3 March 2024]

The gritty fly by the seat of its pants space exploration of a flyby gas cloud in our solar system is a simple but hugely effective premise of the simple and deeply profound outside looking in, of the human experience.

As with all great film Scifi it trades on galaxy size "givens" and makes what would be delusion so less fantastical that belief is a ride the viewers voluntarily climb aboard. Once you do then the interaction of Anush and a stoic and perfectly cast Adam Sandler will make you think and ponder the whole rest of the film, but in the best way possible.

Even through inhuman eyes and alien wisdom there is no way to comprehend, we see the mirror that is held up - what really matters in the experience of cosmonaut Jakob and we are perhaps also reminded of the frailty of our own journey in the universe and to stop and examine it closer and live it more fiercely. When Anush's story proves no less finite than our own, they remind us that intelligence seeks knowledge and the pure power of insight in the simple comprehension of knowing.

This film will grow on you and will be revered cult film down the line.

After Yang (2021)

A Poinant and Compelling Vision of Consciousness and what it is to be human.

[9/10 · 8 February 2024]

This grounded and impeccable near future examination of everyday tech and its evolving role with AI seems completely fresh while the masterful hand of the director makes it all so common and taken for granted as only humans can lose sight of meaning.

When Yang the artifical brother to the much younger Mika goes from functioning one moment to shut down the next is when we see - at first - the commodization of all tech in this future space.

But what transpires from the moment Yang falters is the real ocean depth of what removing this companion to our daily lives, really means.

This is where everyone brings such a subtle melachholy to this story in a way that brings meaning into focus and when a subtle but brilliant Collin Farrell is tasked with reviewing Yangs rare memory cache is when the weight of the story and events hit us.

Its mesmorizing and true to form and a never ceasing wonder at Justin Min's work on the screen that drives a new realization of what these experiences really mean and how precious they are to the one that experienced them! In that moment we as the sentient species in the situation have to stop and ask ourselves about our own reality, how we experience it and what value it brings to this our life.

No matter the decision we come to - this brilliant film will leave an indelible mark on your psyche.

A Muse (2012)

A Masterpeice of the Spring and Winter

[10/10 · 25 January 2024]

A vibrant tale that blends the poetry of language and visual beauty in a way that elevates both. It tells the most exquisite familiar tale of beauty and emotion in the skilled eye of the knowing beholder who has the depth, empathy, years and adoration only a long lived human can embrace and channel into prose.

Yes, it is that special and must be felt deep in the viewers heart to know weight of its impact. In her debut performance by one of the most gifted dramatic actresses of her generation Kim Go-eun is mesmerizing and natural in her perfect portrayal of eager appreciative and wiser than her years of youth. On the other side of this wonder is Park Hae-il who is masterful in his realistic portrayal and his breathless ardor that desires nothing more than the ability to take in the glory that is the shining Eungyo from the most wondering and calm center that is the creator to the muse!

In the midst of this perfection the cruel world will interrupt and twist at the end that is this story of humanity, creating not the perfect ending but an ending perfectly realized. Korean filmmakers and show runners have reinvigorated the dramatic tale and even among such creative brilliance this is a film that rises higher still and makes it viewers thankful to be a part of it which is something Hollywood lost so long ago.

Perfection is stil attainable and A Muse paves the way.

Wild Prairie Rose (2016)

A simple Haiku about the discovery of a whole different human world

[9/10 · 23 November 2023]

Wild Prarie Rose harkens back to a simple grounded time where the discovery of ourselves and the world around us proceeds at a very deliberate pace. Director Deborah LaVine absolutely steeps us deep in the quiet charm of the open plain in a way that is so authentic as to be seamless.

It is in fact so good that even the natural cycle of life does little interrupt the spell and the human stories that flow around it. Even with such a deft touch if it wasn't for the nuanced and heartfelt work of Tara Samuel and Oscar winner Troy Kotsur this film would'nt have touched the viewer as deeply as it did.

What it does in the end is remind us whats important and beautiful about all the mundane around our lives and that we should never stop looking for all that's special in the least likely places.

And in this case the reward is a lasting and deeply connected romance.

Fallen Stars (2017)

Mysterious nuanced intimate films still exist in the modern day

[9/10 · 3 October 2023]

In a perfectly portrayed "living in LA" haze of aimless existence and blasé encounters with our fellow meandering humans, occurs an underwhelming, intricate and uncharacteristic connection that almost seems like it would be impossible in the internet age.

Yet here we are and what unfolds is a character study that plays everything so close to the vest that you are lured in despite a completely fumbling glacial pace. It harkens back to almost a black and white era independent film or something that the South Koreans have mastered in recent years.

Whatever the concoction skilled director Brian Jett has crafted it is so enjoyable to behold and with such powerful yet subdued acting brought by both leads it has us root for these waylaid individuals who are at best a complete mismatch for one another yet is drawn together like we are drawn fully participating in their small adventure in mundane life living.

This movie has such an impact with me not only did I want to review it ... but I will always be eager to watch it again and be reminded of the small life stories that can save us though we know it not.

Griffin & Phoenix (2006)

A simple story on the beauty of life

[10/10 · 25 September 2023]

Sometimes it's a clarity of vision that finite time brings to our experience of life and all the precious existence that surrounds us.

Griffin and Phoenix reach this sacred place that we should all know or experience but rarely do we ever get there in the blossom of our existence like they did. It's a treasure to behold and for a moment we feel the wonderful lving in the present that occurs.

The heart that both Amanda Peat and Demott Mulroney bring to this celebration is astonishing in its depth and its feeling. It rends the viewer just as it rends them and that is the nature of its gift to us and the power of what it shares. For knowing where it is going does not dim our joy in taking the journey with them.

And isn't the perfect moments our lives supposed to be like that? This film cries yes unequivocally and out hearts must totally agree!

Better Days (2019)

The hope of better days in a very special way

[10/10 · 20 September 2023]

Hard topics can make for powerful stories of our shared human condition. A rare few transcend these close examinations of ourselves, particularly the crass and evil aspects of human natures.

Better Days does indeed rise above such a dark and hateful place that is bullying and does so with such soul and nuance that it achieves that which is much more meaningful than just a cautionary tale. I think it achieves something genuinely transformative and special. The intimate story of Chen Nian and Xiao Bei enduring a hard life to strive for something above their lot in life is riveting and emotional to a degree where the performances by Dongyu Zhou and Jackson Yee reach so deep down inside us that few if any Oscar winners in recent years could even dream of being in the same zip code as the depth and nuance these actors bring to this film.

It is the marvel that makes this story special.

Though its not a happy story its humanity and sacrifice and indeed love make us the viewer hope beyond hope that the simple destiny that they desire may somehow still be something they can have.

And so we watch and hope in the hardness and in the end stand in awe of this dark story so well told by a such a skilled director that leaves a permanent mark on each of our own souls!

Yes, this film is that special and will reach into your heart and remind you of what is important and to beware the smiling face of evil.

Shizukana ame (2019)

Human Grandeur in deep simple story telling.

[10/10 · 2 August 2023]

It so easy to forget the taste, feel and depth of our daily routine because the mundane we all experience brings an nearly invisible familiarity. So too, does that mindless pattern of life sometimes stray into something altogether different, transformational and of such nobility that it brings out a rarified kindness that makes a human effort for one another - a marvel to behold.

Silent Rain or aka Shizukana ame, tells such a story. Yuki meets Koyomi via a shared love of Taiyaki and her mastery of the confection. His limp and her uniqueness brew a concoction that is special and cherished by both in a slow blooming certitude until life - as it so often will - plays its usual mean tricks.

From a barely glowing ember something remarkable may occur and we are unable to turn away. As this wonderfully quiet and simple story tracks the tenacious and patient effort between two people we eavesdrop intimately in the pure process that only a skilled Japanese filmmaker can portray.

And make no mistake you will be glad to have made this journey because of the special effort of the actors making you believe what you see is real on the screen. This is an absolutely remarkable film!

Black Summer (2019–2021)

Just as heinous a zombie mess as can be made real

[8/10 · 29 July 2023]

I can hear the pitch for this now. What would you do if you take fast zombie environment, make it edge of your seat the entire way, use Children of Men simple shot cinematography and pull a Nigel and crank the grim on this sucker to 11. Well the show runners said hold my beer and here we are.

Sometimes this is bleak enough to make the Road look like a Sunday stroll which is not everyones cup of tea, but it does one thing impeccably well it seems authentic as hell with all the mistakes and missteps along the way that humans will ALWAYS make.

Just don't complain about it when someone tells you its about as ugly as this scenario can get and you disbelieve them.

Captain Fantastic (2016)

Human magic in a film to remind us of who we are.

[10/10 · 25 June 2023]

Human films are often things of pure magic and this rests firmly in that high pantheon! It is not just a wonderful story about our species and the pure glorious potential that most of the world forgot - but also a subtle and powerful commentary about what civilization has lost in our modern age.

Wisdom and insight and genius and skill and pure capability are just a grasp of a hand away in reality where this current reality would have us believe we are not the captains of our destiny. Ben demonstrates beyond question that is a fallacy and will let his wonderful family make his case! Knowing the toxicity of the outside world he makes a harrowing, calculated risk to do whats right for the love of his life.

It is this journey and all it entails and all the intelligence brought to it that spins the magic. The actors are a superb ensemble of believability and a powerful statement about not only individualism but about their beautiful gifts to what is right and true for the quest of this family.

For me it also carries a special depth knowing the power of education not by those paid to do so but by our family and parents who love us and look to prepare us and teach us all they know and more to be philosopher kings of the world.

Count Me In (2021)

A bittersweet review with an IRL caveat from a real musician

[6/10 · 30 January 2023]

As many have alluded to the glaring omissions I have to in places concur. From a slightly relevant musician history of playing guitar for 15 years and then turning my back on that skill set to pick drums back up from childhood barely covers the excitement for this documentary.

It started so strong ... talked about historical drummers selected interesting perspectives from drummers of all walks of life and flirted with all time greatness early into its tight runtime. There wasn't a drummer here I didn't respect and then the documentarian made his fatal flaw. Almost tossing out all the wonderful attention to detail early on.

Personal taste aside when you got to rock greats you talked Moon and Bonham and I waited for the obvious entry in that triumvirate! But no mention of Neal Peart was forthcoming not even an brief mention and for many in the drum world it was clearly a criminal mistake. If you can mention the other two and even the non rock era legends like drum God Buddy Rich, Neal's snub slams this effort right into the dirt and leaves the space open for the greatest drum documentary of all time .... Because even this single omission means:

You are not it.

I wont say I didn't enjoy you for I watched you 3 times over time before I wrote this review and my disappointment would not waver. To watch this you may want to have my 40 years in music love and be a drummer that can see the whole with love even missing such a huge heart of creativity at its core.

Ms. White Light (2019)

The 300 lb White light in the room ... and its okay.

[9/10 · 18 June 2022]

This is a rare confluence of vision, story and simple filmmaking that exposes the imperfection of a process that is unique to us all and how the twists of life deliver to us the grit or will or determination to make everyones ending as much as a miracle as their beginning.

Within such film magic is the raw and riveting human emotions that Roberta Colindrez and Judith Light bring to the everyday pace of life's winding down that rings true in the viewers gut even in the face of the unique skill and situation Lex finds herself in.

The pace and the emotion sometimes on the surface and sometimes so deep lend this gentle story weight and trust that creates the magic and reminds the viewer to not take anything at face value and to understand we must all take this journey and do with it the best that can.

And for all this the movie begs to be seen and once experienced leave an imprint on your psyche. Thank you Paul Shoulberg.

Toradora! (2008–2009)

Ruined by male bashing school girls!!

[2/10 · 10 June 2022]

This started with such potential and then characters went downhill fast. The boy characters have the depth and insight the girl charactures degrade so badly by the middle of the season that I get angry watching the blatant boy bashing.

When conniving girl rivalry creates one escalation after another and the boys who know better put up with it and allow themselves to be pushed around to a point where you can no longer hope they find a connection. You know the series has jumped the shark an is a waste of time.

Trying to remember the last time that I despised characters in a series so soon after it started when I did genuinely care for them at first ...

Nothing this horrid comes to mind. I still cant reconcile the guys being referred to as dogs. This was an unfortunate waste.

Along for the Ride (2022)

Summer coming of age with deeper waters

[9/10 · 7 May 2022]

I have seen many coming of age films that start like this and when it surprises enough to avoid cliched pitfalls ... I start to enjoy it. The leads bring a fresh chemistry of relaxed unpretentiousness that hints at the depths to be seen later.

The languid resort town pace and great direction by Sofia Alvarez bring this sweet movie to a genuine close that doesnt rely on the conventional and is all for the best of a heartfelt film.

If you enjoy a subtle play on theme where Emma channels a wonderful and nuanced Jennifer Connelly in the character you will love this! As do I.

Spontaneous (II) (2020)

When Actors breathe life into a unique premise

[9/10 · 22 April 2022]

This started out as a wholly unique live in the moment story building an unheard of metaphorical depth to an otherwise shallow environment - high school!

Spontaneous combustion gives this heartfelt wonderful film an urgency at once palpable and surreal. Still this could have easily gone astray without the anchoring work of the leads. Catherine Langford and Charlie Plummer. Their living in the moment earnest banter and irreverence, brings a poignancy that could have been easily lost throughout!

Its this grounded angst in an uncontrollable scenario that drives home the undercurrent of right now is all you got until you dont. And when the unfairness keeps occurring with no rhyme of reason ... you cant escape the power of what present means at the end of this story and it both tragic and affirming!

Lofty goals for a film to aspire to but I think the movie creates that despite having to overcome itself. This is story that will stay with you and its why I salute the achievement of the vision.

We Couldn't Become Adults (2021)

The lens of youth never resonated so forlornly

[9/10 · 25 March 2022]

This is not a not a happy ending film but for all that its melancholy and familiar detail of rose tinted nostalgia it still cant be anymore spot on.

With detail and deja vu like resonance for anyone who has had and lost or never found at all, this bittersweet - all to close to home meandering film strikes a chord in a very natural methodical way.

You see the influence throughout his life and for anyone who has experienced its like you feel along with him as well and know the longing and churning need to find meaning that may never come. So many times filmmakers will offer that pat hollywood ending but sell their vision short.

Not this one and the creators can take an abiding deep pride in crafting something utterly human or relatable though it may not give the resolution so deeply desired.

Bravo ... truly Bravo!!

Homestay (2022)

The journey post life that seems plausible.

[10/10 · 9 March 2022]

From such a review you would not guess there are subdued undercurrents of such deep emotion. There is that and more.

After a passed soul is popped into another body and tasked with finding out "how, (more like why) the other human is deceased this journey begins. The outside soul drops without a clue into the old life and has an inordinately hard time unearthing the death of the body!

As the 100 days pass like the lazy hours of sun on a summer day he is immersed into the that life. Its sweet and mysterious and his progress is non- existent in uncovering the clues. Those around him that admire and perhaps adore him are of little help.

While he gets closer to the truth and gains insight the tone of the movie changes and brings the truth to the front in way that completely surprises.

As his understand grows it is how the filmmaker brings you intimately to the story and how as with real life not all is as it seems and its compelling and poignant in the way that great Japanese film has mastered.

As such it becomes an instant all time favorite human film that will rank on all time lists easily and will be a film that the heart will want to revisit ... many times.

Now Is Good (2012)

Life that resonates as it should

[10/10 · 6 March 2022]

This celebration in the shadow of pain and lost time is a poignant trip you cant NOT take. I grieve for the wonderful human Dakota plays.

Being an old man that knows a preciousness like this and and living time that is very dear to me, I still embrace the poignance of the singular journey this film portrays. It leaves an indelible permanent mark on ones soul and it is something to be born gratefully.

Some film transcends the medium and should still be seen though it breaks your heart ... and this is one of those films.

Bella (2006)

Film that transcends itself to be so human.

[10/10 · 24 February 2022]

This is one of my all time favorite films as it deals in life and humanity in a way that so effectively paints the picture of our potential in seizing the moment to do what not only saves others but saves ourselves.

Redemption is never neat and tidy and when this chef fully commits to this lost waitress in a moment of despair we are treated to brighter side of ourselves and the capacity to create hope where it isnt or hasnt been in oh so long.

And its amazing to behold as the ending touches everyone who sees it and reminds us of our capacity of the glorious humans we can be. This film can not be missed.

Our Lovers (2016)

A whimsical romance that is as it should be

[10/10 · 3 February 2022]

Being a cinephile and romance film lover I stumbled upon a reviewer here that said it was the best they has seen in years.

As I watched this and even with subtitles there was something very special going on! A smart funny introspective messy real human story with great characters and interesting dialog and just enough imperfection to breathe life into the whole affair. The leads have a great banter and intellectual chemistry that lets everything else evolve naturally.

Even Cristobal as the wacky best friend is not out of place here and the other villains' in the story are not so intractable that you dont have at least some sympathy.

The legend of Our Lover will grow and will rank right up with the greats over time. I already know I will visit Irene and Carlos often and be glad to be caught up in the magic each time.

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021– )

A wonderful little slice of life

[9/10 · 25 January 2022]

This was a total surprise for me as I dont watch much kdrama but love real human stories of the heart. This does that better than anything I have seen in episodic TV in a long time.

The small town life is utterly charming and the characters are wonderful even if a bit over the top ... they still trade in real relatable and believable secrets of the heart in a natural way that makes you care about what they feel. Chief and Miss Dentist are over the whole series incredibly adorable so you have to cheer their success and its this caring about everyone that is in this little town and their tribulations that reach the heart in such a real way.

If you enjoy stories about the depth of everyday humanity and the trials of love, this series can NOT be missed.

To Whom It May Concern (VI) (2016)

The many roads to redemption

[10/10 · 16 January 2022]

This film treats and hides such deep insidious personal turmoil under such a blank demeanor that when the breath taking portrayal by Dawn Olivieri lets you glimpse under the surface it jolts you whatever facet she shows.

You never know the whole story but maybe dont want to in any case and the director paces an amazing story of a human pebble cast into the deep ocean of misery no one would guess exists. It is this nuance that draws you in. When good guy Sam ( a guileless WIlmer playing a tossed human pebble,) is shown such a momentary act of kindness the unlikely path it leads them down is inspiring and transformative in such an everyday way that you cant help be caught up in it.

As it plays out it is not hard to see that the awakening of the redeemed saves them both.

It is one of the most unique heartfelt stories of its kind in quite a few years and a must see.

Paterson (2016)

Paterson a soul story.

[10/10 · 23 November 2021]

All to rare do filmmakers tread the deep ocean of the soul, let alone cover it in nuance within such an obvious love story. Paterson does this - and does so in quite contemplative simple human terms.

Such is the mundane glory of this slice of life that the viewer is lulled into the gentle lapping patterns of a shore of emotion that never does more than hint at anything other than languid love. But there is the daily journaling and its connection - like life - to everything around this awe inspiring portrayal by Adam driver.

When you think this all a simple study without conflict or trauma, you are once again surprised not only at such a random event ... but are lured into the triumph that comes in the same wonderful deep aching terms that this whole film brings to the soul of the watcher. One of the best films any of the actors have ever done.