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Lucy Buglass (45 KP) rated Lion (2017) in Movies
Jun 20, 2019
Upon discovering this short film, I was impressed with how well it had performed. During its first year of distribution, it has won 126 awards at a variety of film festivals which is quite the selling point. Walking in to the film, I didn’t know much about it but the air of mystery made my viewing experience even better. The film is set in an isolated cabin, on a snowy night, which creates the perfect backdrop for a horror tale…
From the very first scene you can tell this cabin is not a happy place to be. Straight away we’re created with sounds of domestic violence, making the viewer feel instantly uncomfortable. The father in the film is repulsive and lives in a squalor, with cigarette butts, leftover pizza and empty cans of beer dotted everywhere. Michael Segal really brought this character to life, showing us that not all villains are supernatural or machete wielding psychopaths. Some evil can be found in the average home, behind closed doors, where violence takes over. Sometimes humans can be more terrifying than anything else.
The way Lion deals with domestic violence, particularly against children, was done incredibly well. It’s not an easy topic to cover but this short makes an impact without going too far and making it gratuitous. Part of what makes this film so good is what you don’t see on screen, and how your imagination runs wild. It has a slow burning narrative that builds up the suspense and finally unleashes the climactic moment with only a few minutes to spare, providing closure and satisfaction for the spectator.
I really liked the use of special effects throughout the film, because they blended in nicely with the rest of the scene and weren’t overdone at any point. Cinematically it hits all the right notes for a horror film through it’s use of low-lighting, tense creeping moments, and an excellent use of music. Jump scares and gore weren’t needed in Lion, because it manages to deliver real horror in a much more subtler, but effective way. The presence of the lion throughout was a good motif to use as well, as they’re synonymous with courage and being a fighter. You’ll see what I mean when you watch it.
Lion is an incredibly important short film that I believe is a must watch, even for those who don’t tend to reach for horrors. The final card at the end reiterates the important message that is present throughout the film, and it really resonated with me. It’s a film with fantasy elements, yet still deep rooted within reality that it makes you want to stand up and take action in any way you can.
https://jumpcutonline.co.uk/lion-short/
From the very first scene you can tell this cabin is not a happy place to be. Straight away we’re created with sounds of domestic violence, making the viewer feel instantly uncomfortable. The father in the film is repulsive and lives in a squalor, with cigarette butts, leftover pizza and empty cans of beer dotted everywhere. Michael Segal really brought this character to life, showing us that not all villains are supernatural or machete wielding psychopaths. Some evil can be found in the average home, behind closed doors, where violence takes over. Sometimes humans can be more terrifying than anything else.
The way Lion deals with domestic violence, particularly against children, was done incredibly well. It’s not an easy topic to cover but this short makes an impact without going too far and making it gratuitous. Part of what makes this film so good is what you don’t see on screen, and how your imagination runs wild. It has a slow burning narrative that builds up the suspense and finally unleashes the climactic moment with only a few minutes to spare, providing closure and satisfaction for the spectator.
I really liked the use of special effects throughout the film, because they blended in nicely with the rest of the scene and weren’t overdone at any point. Cinematically it hits all the right notes for a horror film through it’s use of low-lighting, tense creeping moments, and an excellent use of music. Jump scares and gore weren’t needed in Lion, because it manages to deliver real horror in a much more subtler, but effective way. The presence of the lion throughout was a good motif to use as well, as they’re synonymous with courage and being a fighter. You’ll see what I mean when you watch it.
Lion is an incredibly important short film that I believe is a must watch, even for those who don’t tend to reach for horrors. The final card at the end reiterates the important message that is present throughout the film, and it really resonated with me. It’s a film with fantasy elements, yet still deep rooted within reality that it makes you want to stand up and take action in any way you can.
https://jumpcutonline.co.uk/lion-short/
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated The Human Tornado (1976) in Movies
Jan 6, 2020
If You're Looking For Something New...
In blaxploitation movie The Human Tornado, Martial arts street pimp Dolemite has to dodge a racist sheriff while helping his good friend Queen Bee retake control of her nightclub.
Acting: 5
Nobody is winning any awards in this movie, but it works in certain spots. There is a certain charisma around Rudy Ray Moore who plays Dolemite that is quite hard to deny. He’s just fun to watch and, if nothing else, you know he’s giving you 100%. The rest of the actors go about their lines with the strength of dark roast coffee. They’re never really believable, but it somehow works in the grand scheme of things.
Beginning: 10
Characters: 10
Dolemite makes the movie. He’s suave, got a way with the ladies, and takes absolutely no shits from the man. His martial arts are a thing of legend and he’s even taken it up a notch from the first movie! His one-liners will leave you with quotes for days. At one point in the movie, we see Dolemite taking a woman into his room. He tells her, “You really came at a bad time. I’m very very busy. Relax, take off your things, and I’ll see ya later.” And trust me when I say that’s only one line of MANY. The other characters make for good fun as well although, I have to admit, I don’t remember most of their names.
Cinematography/Visuals: 9
Conflict: 9
Entertainment Value: 7
It’s hard not to settle in and enjoy this movie. Once it gets rolling, it's pretty consistent and nonstop with the action and the constant events that never cease to amaze you. I laughed, I clapped, and just when I thought I had seen it all, the movie gave me something new!
Memorability: 6
Pace: 5
The Human Tornado takes quite a few twists and turns that does slow the movie down in spots. There were also a few scenes where you scratch your head wondering why it had to be in there in the first place. It’s not boring, but it definitely could have been shorter.
Plot: 6
Resolution: 3
One of the most headscratching endings I think I’ve seen in film. And I’ve seen a lot of movies. I’ll just leave it at that.
Overall: 70
If you haven’t watched a blaxploitation film yet, you are missing out. They are not just comedy, but it’s also a bit empowering watching the main characters rise up against the man. You could do worse than The Human Tornado. Random Fact: This is one of Ernie Hudson’s first movie, the black Ghosbuster himself!
Acting: 5
Nobody is winning any awards in this movie, but it works in certain spots. There is a certain charisma around Rudy Ray Moore who plays Dolemite that is quite hard to deny. He’s just fun to watch and, if nothing else, you know he’s giving you 100%. The rest of the actors go about their lines with the strength of dark roast coffee. They’re never really believable, but it somehow works in the grand scheme of things.
Beginning: 10
Characters: 10
Dolemite makes the movie. He’s suave, got a way with the ladies, and takes absolutely no shits from the man. His martial arts are a thing of legend and he’s even taken it up a notch from the first movie! His one-liners will leave you with quotes for days. At one point in the movie, we see Dolemite taking a woman into his room. He tells her, “You really came at a bad time. I’m very very busy. Relax, take off your things, and I’ll see ya later.” And trust me when I say that’s only one line of MANY. The other characters make for good fun as well although, I have to admit, I don’t remember most of their names.
Cinematography/Visuals: 9
Conflict: 9
Entertainment Value: 7
It’s hard not to settle in and enjoy this movie. Once it gets rolling, it's pretty consistent and nonstop with the action and the constant events that never cease to amaze you. I laughed, I clapped, and just when I thought I had seen it all, the movie gave me something new!
Memorability: 6
Pace: 5
The Human Tornado takes quite a few twists and turns that does slow the movie down in spots. There were also a few scenes where you scratch your head wondering why it had to be in there in the first place. It’s not boring, but it definitely could have been shorter.
Plot: 6
Resolution: 3
One of the most headscratching endings I think I’ve seen in film. And I’ve seen a lot of movies. I’ll just leave it at that.
Overall: 70
If you haven’t watched a blaxploitation film yet, you are missing out. They are not just comedy, but it’s also a bit empowering watching the main characters rise up against the man. You could do worse than The Human Tornado. Random Fact: This is one of Ernie Hudson’s first movie, the black Ghosbuster himself!
JT (287 KP) rated The Dictator (2012) in Movies
Mar 10, 2020
Sacha Baron Cohen is back doing what he does best, offending everyone and anyone without so much as a care in the world. The Dictator is a much funnier venture than Bruno was (while not quite as shocking) and still provides some hilarious moments.Given the recent run of press that dictators like Saddam Hussein, Colonel Gaddafi and Kim Jong Il have had this provides an untapped platform of Cohen’s ability to step up to.
As fictional dictator Hafez Aladeen he rules over The Republic of Wadiya, and Cohen models the character on all of the above in some way. The film is even dedicated to the memory of Kim Jong Il, and let’s not forget his real life appearance at a US awards ceremony where he spilled the ashes of the Korean dictator all over the red carpet and on entertainment anchor Ryan Seacrest.
It’s not that Aladeen is particularly vicious, despite claiming that he has sent men to execution for the slightest thing, say not making weapons of mass destruction with a pointy top, he’s just a bit of an idiot.
After refusing to sell Wadiyan oil internationally and denying that he has or is in the process of making nuclear weapons Aladeen heads to New York to address the UN Council. While there he’s captured and left to fend for himself on the streets of New York, while one of his lookalikes takes his place in order to sign a document democratizing Wadiya and opening the country’s oil fields for business.
In typical Cohen fashion there are some scenes that might still touch the nerves of a few American civilians. One particular involves Aladeen and his former head of the W.M.D. program, Nadal take a joy flight in a helicopter above the New York Skyline.
While surveying the landscape they talk in Wadiyan about Aladeen’s Porsche 911, well you can pretty much see where it’s going to go from there. It’s one of a few great scenes that you’re either going to wince at or laugh out loud. The film also draws in the acting talents of Ben Kingsley (how or why he agreed is beyond me) as Aladeen’s right hand man who is responsible for the plot to bring him down.
Also along for the ride is Anna Faris, no slouch when it comes to the slapstick comedy field, she’s more than at home here as Aladeen’s love interest. Directed by Larry Charles who was also behind the camera for Borat and Bruno it keeps tradition with juvenile humor and un-politically correct jokes. If you don’t laugh you’ll be asking yourself how the hell has he got away with it….again!?
As fictional dictator Hafez Aladeen he rules over The Republic of Wadiya, and Cohen models the character on all of the above in some way. The film is even dedicated to the memory of Kim Jong Il, and let’s not forget his real life appearance at a US awards ceremony where he spilled the ashes of the Korean dictator all over the red carpet and on entertainment anchor Ryan Seacrest.
It’s not that Aladeen is particularly vicious, despite claiming that he has sent men to execution for the slightest thing, say not making weapons of mass destruction with a pointy top, he’s just a bit of an idiot.
After refusing to sell Wadiyan oil internationally and denying that he has or is in the process of making nuclear weapons Aladeen heads to New York to address the UN Council. While there he’s captured and left to fend for himself on the streets of New York, while one of his lookalikes takes his place in order to sign a document democratizing Wadiya and opening the country’s oil fields for business.
In typical Cohen fashion there are some scenes that might still touch the nerves of a few American civilians. One particular involves Aladeen and his former head of the W.M.D. program, Nadal take a joy flight in a helicopter above the New York Skyline.
While surveying the landscape they talk in Wadiyan about Aladeen’s Porsche 911, well you can pretty much see where it’s going to go from there. It’s one of a few great scenes that you’re either going to wince at or laugh out loud. The film also draws in the acting talents of Ben Kingsley (how or why he agreed is beyond me) as Aladeen’s right hand man who is responsible for the plot to bring him down.
Also along for the ride is Anna Faris, no slouch when it comes to the slapstick comedy field, she’s more than at home here as Aladeen’s love interest. Directed by Larry Charles who was also behind the camera for Borat and Bruno it keeps tradition with juvenile humor and un-politically correct jokes. If you don’t laugh you’ll be asking yourself how the hell has he got away with it….again!?
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