Film Review: "Migration" (2023).

"Soar into a new adventure" in Migration. This animated adventure comedy film directed by Benjamin Renner, co-directed by Guylo Homsy, written by Mike White, and produced by Illumination. The Mallard family is in a bit of rut. While dad Mack is content to keep his family safe paddling around their New England pond forever, mom Pam is eager to shake things up and show their kids—teen son Dax and duckling daughter Gwen—the whole wide world. After a migrating duck family alights on their pond with thrilling tales of far-flung places, Pam persuades Mack to embark on a family trip, via New York City, to tropical Jamaica. As the Mallards make their way South for the winter, their well-laid plans quickly go awry. The experience will inspire them to expand their horizons, open themselves up to new friends and accomplish more than they ever thought possible, while teaching them more about each other—and themselves—than they ever imagined.

In February 2022, Illumination announced a new film titled Migration, with Renner attached to direct with Homsy as co-director and White to pen the script. Renner described the film as Little Miss Sunshine (2006), but with ducks. The film's tone becomes more tense as the story progresses. Renner drew influences from his childhood experiences and dynamics with his family when making humorous situations for the Mallard family. When shaping the film's humor, Renner wanted to avoid "lazy jokes," which he felt were common in family films. He aimed for a sense of humor that could appeal to both children and adults. Additionally, a general rule he made for himself was for there to be no fart jokes. The filmmakers sought to treat the humans in the film in the way they believed ducks perceived them. White described the film as using a "comedic fantasy landscape" to explore its central themes. He said that the film has more depth than a standard children's film and a lot of Illumination's output, but still retains a zaniness that appeals to children. Like all the Illumination films, the film was animated by Illumination Studios Paris. Renner was tasked with adapting his minimalist drawing style from previous films for a computer-animated film, which requires backgrounds to be fully visualized and rendered instead of suggested. Renner described the difference between traditional animation and computer animation as being that the former is additive while the latter is subtractive. Working with computer animation, the director found that there were many elements he felt did not belong, such as texture, lighting, and shading.

The film stars the voice talents of Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Keegan-Michael Key, Awkwafina, Carol Kane, David Mitchell, Isabela Merced, and Danny DeVito. The film benefits from a good voice cast, bright and beautiful animation, and very funny and charming moments.

The film is consistently funny, it moves like the wind, and it's bizarre enough that adults might get more out of the odd storyline than kids just wanting to find out where babies come from.

Simon says Migration receives:

Also, see my reviews for The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales (Le Grand Méchant Renard et autres contes) and The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

Film Review: "Hell Camp: Teen Nightmare" (2023).

From the director of The Yorkshire Ripper comes Hell Camp: Teen Nightmare. This documentary films directed by Liza Williams. Out-of-control teens across America were sent to a therapy camp in the harsh Utah desert. The conditions were brutal, but the staff were even worse.

On May 4, 2019, Steve Cartisano died of a heart attack after his long battle with cancer. However, the Challenger Foundation founder evidently left his mark on the world. Numerous teen rehabilitation programs exist today, and many of them have been accused of abuse over the years. In 1988, Cartisano created the wilderness therapy organization, which had the goal of rehabilitating "out-of-control" teenagers by utilizing negative reinforcement and forcing the campers to learn survival skills. However, conditions at the camp in the Utah desert were horrid, and the staff certainly did not make the children's lives any easier. Parents would pay thousands of dollars for workers at the Challenger Foundation to kidnap their teenage children from their homes and drag them to Utah, where they experienced awful treatment and had to hike five-hundred miles in the desert. They believed their kids would be reformed from their rebellious ways when they returned home, but most cases were not success stories. Following the death of a sixteen-year-old, Kristen Chase, in the summer of 1990 due to heatstroke during a brutal hike, the Challenger Foundation was shut down. However, Cartisano had to face the music and answer to the numerous allegations of abuse following the wilderness therapy program's end. However, according to Rolling Stone, a jury found Cartisano not guilty, and he was free to go about his life. But Chase's parents sought justice for the death of their child, so they filed a federal lawsuit against the therapy camp and Cartisano. The lawsuit was ultimately settled in 1994 for $260,000. Aside from that, Cartisano was essentially shunned from society, seeing that he had ruined his reputation by creating the controversial Challenger Foundation. But that didn't stop him from trying to continue his work. Cartisano opened more therapy camps for troubled teens and continued to leave a trail of abuse in his wake. He founded HealthCare America, which was shut down when teens under Cartisano's care were found tied to a car and had been abused. Once again, the organization's closing didn't stop Cartisano. He later opened Pacific Coast Academy, a pricey therapy camp in Samoa that the United States Embassy put an end to after a video exposing the horrific conditions the teens experienced was leaked.

Taking these omissions into account, the film remains a compelling story. Williams takes her time escalating the intensity of Cartisano's downward spiral, but the tale never feels slow, and it is perfectly plotted. An extreme documentary film that well and truly exhausts the con artist craze. An unbelievable if repetitive tale of deception and defrauding in 20th century America. In the end, it raises an important question: should you believe therapy camps entirely? And by doing so, it makes you question your own gullibility.

Simon says Hell Camp: Teen Nightmare receives:

Film Review: "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" (2023).

"The tide is turning" in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. This superhero film directed by James Wan, written by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, and based on the DC Comics character crated by Mort Weisinger and Paul Norris. It is the sequel to Aquaman (2018), and the 15th film and final installment in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Having failed to defeat Aquaman the first time, Black Manta, still driven by the need to avenge his father’s death, will stop at nothing to take Aquaman down once and for all. This time Black Manta is more formidable than ever before, wielding the power of the mythic Black Trident, which unleashes an ancient and malevolent force. To defeat him, Aquaman will turn to his imprisoned brother Orm, the former King of Atlantis, to forge an unlikely alliance. Together, they must set aside their differences in order to protect their kingdom and save Aquaman’s family, and the world, from irreversible destruction.

During the production of the first film, Jason Momoa pitched a story for a sequel. However, Wan did not want to rush a sequel. Ultimately, in January 2019, Wan was in negotiations to return to the director's chair and oversee development when the first film was set to become the highest-grossing film based on a single DC Comics character. In February, Johnson-McGoldrick was hired to pen the sequel. In late February, Warner Bros. scheduled the film for a December 16, 2022 release date. In August 2020, it was confirmed that Wan would return to the director's chair. In March, the planned start date for filming was revealed to be in June, though there was potential for this to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In May, it was revealed that the film would begin filming in July. In June, the film's title was announced as Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. By late June, Patrick Wilson, Amber Heard, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Randall Park, Dolph Lundgren, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Kidman, and John Rhys-Davies were confirmed to reprise their roles, with Martin Short, Vincent Regan, Pilou Asbæk rounding out the film's cast. At the same time, principal photography commenced and wrapped in early January 2022. Filming took place at Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden in London, as well as throughout England and California under the working title Necrus. The visual effects for the film were provided by Cinesite, DNEG, Industrial Light & Magic, Moving Picture Company, and Scanline VFX, with Nick Davis serving as the visual effects supervisor. In March, the film was moved to March 17, 2023. In August 2022, the film was delayed to December 25, 2023. In April 2023, the film's release date was moved to December 20, 2023. In October, the film was delayed to December 22, 2023.

Momoa continues to prove that he's one of the best casting choices of the millennium, interpreting Aquaman. I seriously cannot imagine another actor incorporating the character's essence as seamlessly as him.

And although it is true that the film is not as well-rounded as its predecessor, it maintains the elements that made the first a good film.

Simon says Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom receives:

Also, see my reviews for Malignant and Blue Beetle.

Film Review: "Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire" (2023).

"There are no heroes. Only rebels" in Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire. This epic space opera film directed by Zack Snyder, and written by Snyder, Kurt Johnstad and Shay Hatten. After crash landing on a moon in the furthest reaches of the universe, Kora, a stranger with a mysterious past, begins a new life among a peaceful settlement of farmers. But she soon becomes their only hope for survival when the tyrannical Regent Balisarius and his cruel emissary, Admiral Noble, discover the farmers have unwittingly sold their crops to the Bloodaxes — leaders of a fierce group of insurgents hunted by the Motherworld. Tasked with finding fighters who would risk their lives to defend the people of Veldt, Kora and Gunnar, a tenderhearted farmer naive in the realities of war, journey to different worlds in search of the Bloodaxes, and assemble a small band of warriors who share a common need for redemption along the way: Kai, a pilot and gun for hire; General Titus, a legendary commander; Nemesis, a master swordswoman; Tarak, a captive with a regal past; and Milius, a resistance fighter. Back on Veldt, Jimmy, an ancient mechanized protector hiding in the wings, awakens with a new purpose. But the newly formed revolutionaries must learn to trust each other and fight as one before the armies of the Motherworld come to destroy them all.

Inspired by Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai (1954), the project began development as a Star Wars film that Snyder had pitched to Lucasfilm, shortly after the sale of Lucasfilm to The Walt Disney Company in 2012. Snyder also pitched the idea as both a video game and a film to Warner Bros. Pictures. The project was later redeveloped by producer Eric Newman and Snyder, first as an original television series, before settling on a film by Netflix. By late April 2022, Sofia Boutella, Djimon Hounsou, Ed Skrein, Michiel Huisman, Doona Bae, Ray Fisher, Charlie Hunnam, Anthony Hopkins, Staz Nair, Fra Fee, Cleopatra Coleman, Stuart Martin, Cary Elwes, Jena Malone, Corey Stoll, and Ray Porter were cast. Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Patrick Stewart, Liam Neeson, Morgan Freeman and Anthony Daniels were considered before Hopkins was ultimately cast. Rupert Friend was originally cast, but dropped out due to scheduling conflicts, and Fee was ultimately cast. At the same time, principal photography commenced and wrapped in early November. Filming took place throughout California, to tap into $83 million in qualified spending and tax incentives. In January 2023, it was revealed that Tom Holkenborg was hired to compose the film's score. In late August, it was confirmed that the first and second parts of Rebel Moon would be subtitled Part One: A Child of Fire and Part Two: The Scargiver, respectively.

Boutella and cast proves that they really are much more than a visually pleasing and imposing figures.

With his distinct, divisive filmmaking style completely unrestrained, for better or worst, Boutella and cast fight through the cliches, lack of character development, and excessive runtime to still offer plenty of excitement.

Simon says Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire receives:

Also, see my review for Army of the Dead.

Film Review: "Maestro" (2023).

From the director of A Star Is Born comes Maestro. This biographical drama film directed by Bradley Cooper, and written by Cooper and Josh Singer. This fearless love story chronicles the complicated lifelong relationship between music legend Leonard Bernstein and Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein.

The project had been in development at Paramount Pictures, with Martin Scorsese initially attached to direct. However, he stepped down as director to work on The Irishman (2019). Steven Spielberg was also initially attached to direct the film and had approached Cooper to star, but offered the director position to Cooper after a screening of A Star Is Born (2018). Ultimately, in May 2018, Cooper was attached as director and to star as Bernstein. Cooper admitted that one of the challenges in playing Bernstein was that so much footage of him conducting exists, and he couldn't possibly replicate his talent. Cooper therefore focused on a single performance, Mahler's second symphony, which he spent years learning how to conduct convincingly as Bernstein. In January 2020, the project was moved to Netflix, with filming expected to begin in 2021. In September, the project was given the title Maestro with Carey Mulligan joining the cast. It was also announced that filming would begin in the spring of 2021. By late May 2021, Matt Bomer, Michael Urie, Sarah Silverman, and Maya Hawke rounded out the film's cast. At the same time, principal photography commenced and wrapped in late October. Filming took place in New York City; Fairfield, Connecticut; and Tanglewood, Massachusetts. Filming was initially expected to begin in early April 2021.

An endearing film with two impeccable performances from Cooper and Mulligan. Cooper extends his career into a new field with his dramatic work and Mulligan, who rivals him in both presence and raw talent, is a joy to watch. It's not easy to capture performances this raw, nor to conduct pieces such as Mahler's Symphony No. 2.  Cooper does it all to an impressive degree. Mulligan’s mere presence in the film allows Cooper a wide berth to go big with scenes and moments that play with and embrace camp. Mulligan’s performances always sizzle. Her bond with the audience is palpable and her joy in entertaining is apparent in every note.

While the story of the film may be familiar, there are enough good choices from Cooper to make his musical biopic of Bernstein feel fresh. There are moments where the pace can stop dead in its tracks. Other than that, this film is amazing and filled with an emotional story, fantastic performances, and wonderful music. For moments there, you're reminded what the power of this medium can be; the beautiful meshing of what we see and what we hear into a cataclysm of what we feel. Despite the film treading familiar ground in terms of its storytelling and having some underutilized talent, it still proves to be effective. The film is a tour de force sophomore effort that channels Cooper's off-screen struggles with his artistry that vibes deeply personal and painfully honest.

Simon says Maestro receives:

Also, see my review for A Star Is Born.

Film Review: "Finestkind" (2023).

From the writer and director of L.A. Confidential and 42 comes Finestkind. This crime thriller drama film written and directed by Brian Helgeland. The film tells the story of two brothers, raised in different worlds, who are reunited as adults over a fateful summer. Set against the backdrop of commercial fishing, the story takes on primal stakes when desperate circumstances force the brothers to strike a deal with a violent Boston crime gang. Along the way, a young woman finds herself caught perilously in the middle. Sacrifices must be made and bonds between brothers, friends, lovers, and a father and his son are put to the ultimate test.

In 2018, Jake Gyllenhaal, Ansel Elgort and Zendaya were attached to star in the film with Helgeland as writer and director. However, all dropped out after the project was stuck in development for several years. Helgeland first wrote the script in 1995 and Heath Ledger was originally attached at one point. By late April 2022, it was announced that Paramount+ had acquired the rights to the film. In addition, Ben Foster, Toby Wallace and Jenna Ortega replaced Gyllenhaal, Elgort and Zendaya, with Tommy Lee Jones, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Aaron Stanford, and Tim Daly rounding out the film's cast. At the same time, principal photography commenced and wrapped in early June. Filming took place in Boston, Fairhaven and New Bedford, Massachusetts. During filming, some of the crew have made claims of not getting paid, and injury while on set.

The cast's individual performances are excellent, quite predictably, though their characters are two-dimensional at best. Lesser characters are caricatures - the cast as morally-ambiguous are particularly ill-used - and the film as a whole is all over the place, tonally and narratively. It's as if no one's sure whether it's a comedy, farce or tragedy.

For all its good looks, the film is a let-down, hampered by the vanity of its star and by what, for audiences, at least, feels like a Krays-lite version of a very familiar story. The film really does waste the majority of its potential, Helgeland never tapping into the story of two brothers in a way that is essential or lasting. The cast's excellent performance is sadly not enough to pick up the work of Helgeland, who is better suited writing great stories behind cameras. Even though the efforts to make the brothers likeable and endearing characters are there, we can't really empathize with them and the film feels just like another glorification of violence for violence sake. Helgeland revels in the violence and depravity, setting a dubious tone that, in that final act, has as much of a struggle as Foster's character in going straight. How you start with an epic crime tale and Forster at his most Forster and end up with something this tepid might even be a more interesting story than the movie itself. Writer-director Brian Helgeland gives us violence without felt menace, doomed romance without felt desperation, and decadence without felt pleasure.

Simon says Finestkind receives:

Also, see my review for Legend.

Film Review: "Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget" (2023).

"This time, they're breaking in!" This is Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget. This British stop-motion animated comedy film directed by Sam Fell, written by Karey Kirkpatrick, John O'Farrell and Rachel Tunnard, and produced by Aardman Animations. It is a sequel to Chicken Run (2000). Having pulled off a death-defying escape from Tweedy’s farm, Ginger has finally found her dream – a peaceful island sanctuary for the whole flock, far from the dangers of the human world. When she and Rocky hatch a little girl called Molly, Ginger’s happy ending seems complete. But back on the mainland the whole of chicken-kind faces a new and terrible threat. For Ginger and her team, even if it means putting their own hard-won freedom at risk – this time, they’re breaking in!

In April 2018, a sequel was reported with Aardman Animations, StudioCanal and Pathé set to produce. DreamWorks had no involvement due to ending their partnership with Aardman after the release of Flushed Away in 2006. Fell was approached by Peter Lord in 2016 and was convinced to return to Aardman to direct the sequel. Kirkpatrick and O'Farrell returned to pen the sequel. In mid October 2019, the film officially began pre-production. Because very few props and models from the original film survived after being destroyed in a warehouse fire in 2005, Fell and his team resorted to use reference photos from original film's "making of" book. In June 2020, Fell released more details about the sequel, which would follow from the ending of the first film, where the chickens have settled into their new safe area. Molly, the chick of Ginger and Rocky, begins to outgrow the area, just as word of a new threat to the chickens arrives. By early 2021, Zachary Levi, Thandiwe Newton, David Bradley, Romesh Ranganathan and Daniel Mays replaced Mel Gibson, Julia Sawalha, Benjamin Whitrow, Timothy Spall and Phil Daniels. While Jane Horrocks, Imelda Staunton, Lynn Ferguson and Miranda Richardson reprised their roles. Bella Ramsey, Nick Mohammed, Josie Sedgwick-Davies and Peter Serafinowicz rounded out the film's cast. Aardman said that Gibson was not asked to return as Rocky. In July 2020, Sawalha, the voice of Ginger in the first film, revealed Aardman's intention to recast her role, saying her voice now sounded too old. The decision was met with widespread criticism with some finding the decision ageist. At the same time, principal photography commenced. According to visual effects supervisor and executive producer Nick Park, the stop-motion animation used throughout the film was more complex than anything Aardman had done before.

The film stars the voice talents of Newton, Levi, Ramsey, Staunton, Ferguson, Bradley, Horrocks, Ranganathan, Mays, Serafinowicz and Richardson. The film is brilliantly voiced across the board, with special notice to Levi as Rocky, Newton as Ginger, and Ramsey as Molly. With a scene-stealing ensemble, the characters shine for their charisma and are led by three protagonists with hilarious chemistry. 

The film is not just a solid follow-up to Chicken Run, it’s an outstanding achievement in claymation: dazzling in its technical supremacy, wholesome storytelling, and universal humor.

Simon says Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget receives:

Also, see my reviews for ParaNorman and A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon.