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Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Selma (2015) in Movies

Aug 6, 2019  
Selma (2015)
Selma (2015)
2015 | Biography, Drama, History
9
8.4 (10 Ratings)
Movie Rating Watch
Set in 1965, the film follows the voting rights marches from Selma to Montgomery. During the time Black citizens had the legal right to vote, but there were countless strategies put into place to stop them from actually being able to use those voting rights.

The film does a good job of providing back story of what was happening that brought on the marches. It portrays the horrific brutality of a time when blatant hatred ripped through the soul of the nation.

During the Selma march, peaceful protestors dressed in their Sunday’s best were beaten (even killed) by local police. However, even the most hard to watch moments of violence were toned down in comparison to actual footage from the Selma march.

The visceral moments of raw emotion and terrible violence will give the audience chills

Martin Luther King, Jr. (David Oyelowo) would of course be a hard pair of shoes to fill as an actor. But somehow Oyelowo pulls it off with a passion that shows in his eyes. Even the ways in which Oyelowo delivers his speeches were powerful and moving, much in the way of the real MLK, Jr.

An intriguing part of the film is the attention given to MLK, Jr.’s wife, Coretta Scott King (Carmen Ejogo). She is a less talked about figure in history, but perhaps this will now change. She is shown to be a very strong and intelligent woman, who serves as the backbone to the King family. Her role as wife, mother, and political supporter are highlighted.

The cast selection is top notch, making the film very realistic.

Tom Wilkinson, who plays Lyndon B. Johnson, practically resurrects the late President. His physical appearance and vocals make the actor almost indistinguishable from the real LBJ. .

However, there is some controversy over the historical accuracy of certain aspects of the film. This especially is true in regards to the portrayal of LBJ.

He is portrayed as under pressure to pass legislation in favor of Black voters, but he himself comes off as a racist whose heart is not in the cause. This portrayal paints a picture of a dishonest man, wielding political power to save face. It is contradicting to the more well-known image of the LBJ who actually cared very much about civil rights and poverty.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is thought to be his most important piece of legislative work. It was certainly not just a mere political reaction to protestors, though they surely had a strong impact on making it happen.

No one can deny the power of MLK, Jr.’s work. It is a profound historical example of the possibility for political transformation through the will of the people.

Another point of question is whether or not it was JFK or LBJ who originally ordered the FBI surveillance of MLK, Jr. and those associated with him.

A slightly troubling aspect of the film is that it lacks showing any tinge of gender inequality, which was a pervasive part of that era. Also, it was hinted at that MLK, Jr. had infidelity issues. Personally, I had some question as to whether or not this was true, or if it was even a useful piece of information to include. Perhaps it was included to show a more human side to MLK, Jr.

All of these questions aside, “Selma” is an amazing and moving piece of work.

A finely crafted cinematic reflection of a deep and painful scar on American history, I give “Selma” 4.5 out of 5 stars.
  
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LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of Red Dead Redemption 2 in Video Games

Jun 6, 2019  
Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2
2018 | Action/Adventure
10
9.2 (65 Ratings)
Video Game Rating Watch
An incredible achievement in gaming
I must admit that Red Dead Redemption is one of my top games ever, the long awaited sequel was always going to have a lot to live up to. But RDR2 truly builds on the first game in every way.

The game world feels alive. I found myself taking forever to get through the massive story, just because I kept getting distracted by other things going on - so much so that I only finished the story in March (I bought it the previous October on day one).

It took a while to adjust to the controls - I found myself accidentally shooting people I didn't mean to, or punching my horse, which would mor often than not result in my death - but once I had the hang of it, I was hooked.

The story is quite incredible, all of the characters are well fleshed out, to the point that you care about most of them. RDR2 is a prequel story, so you know that the events unfolding are heading towards the first game, but getting there is a thrilling an emotional journey.

The game looks amazing as well, I found myself enjoying the copious amount of horse riding, just to admire the many views and vistas throughout.

The soundtrack is also great - used sparingly until it's needed, resulting in some breathtaking moments.

I can't recommend RDR2 enough, as long as you have the patience to go with it - it's slow burning at times, and it encourages you to fully sit back and take your time exploring this incredibly well crafted world, but the pay off is nothing short of spectacular.