Darkest Hour

DARKEST HOUR
2017 | Dir. Joe Wright | 125 Minutes

"You cannot reason with a tiger when your head is in its mouth!"

In 1940, the Labour Party forces British Conservative Party Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain out of office. Meant to serve as a placeholder for the Conservative Party, the irritable First Lord of the Admiralty Winston Churchill is elected Prime Minister. Despite immense pressure from Parliament and King George VI, Churchill perseveres and refuses to surrender to the escalating might of Germany.

Designed to be a prestige picture in every way, Darkest Hour is frustratingly conventional, lacking in any unique qualities in terms of content and presentation. Nearly the entire film features a murky visual aesthetic meant to accentuate the WWII-era England setting that is more jarring than nostalgic. The narrative depicting Parliament and George VI's objections against Churchill and Churchill's subsequent triumph despite their misgivings is as generic as it sounds as depicted on screen in this feature. The very worst sequence is one invented out of whole cloth in which Churchill converses with common British folk while taking a ride on the London Underground, asking their opinions on the war and the potential negotiations with Germany.

Character actor Gary Oldman's go-for-broke performance as Winston Churchill, fully transformed into the iconic British PM under heavy prosthetics, is worthy of praise, but leaves no room for nuance and is far, far from his best work. Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James also deliver brilliant performances as Clementine Churchill and Churchill's secretary Elizabeth Layton respectively but their work is ultimately wasted on this picture.

The biggest draw of Darkest Hour is Gary Oldman's astounding portrayal of Churchill. Oldman is excellent but his performance is never subtle and, at points, even distracting. The feature itself is a washed-out paint-by-numbers affair, failing to tell a story meant to be inspiring.


FRAGMENTS
- Legendary character actor John Hurt was initially cast as Neville Chamberlain but was undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer and passed away in January 2017; incidentally, the real life Chamberlain died from terminal bowel cancer

- Darkest Hour depicts the political administrative challenge of Operation Dynamo, while Dunkirk, also nominated for Best Picture released in 2017, depicts the struggle on the ground, on the sea, and in the air


MCU CONNECTIONS
- Ben Mendelsohn (Talos in Captain Marvel and Spider-Man: Far From Home)

Call Me By Your Name

CALL ME BY YOUR NAME
2017 | Dir. Luca Guadagnino | 132 Minutes

"Right now, there's sorrow, pain. Don't kill it and with it the joy you've felt."

In the summer of 1983 in the Italian countryside, Elio, the teenage son of an archaeology professor falls in love with Oliver, a graduate student spending the summer with Elio's family. Fearing the social stigma against homosexuality of the time, they carry one their relationship in secret. Elio suffers the biggest emotional loss of his young life as Oliver returns home at the end of the summer.

Luca Guadagnino's adaptation of André Aciman's 2007 novel depicts love, longing, sexuality, heartbreak, and loss through an honest lens that is never judgmental and never veers into exploitation. Beautifully shot in Crema, Lombardy in northern Italy, the film affectively creates an ephemeral idyllic setting both visually and emotionally. Where the film fails to be compelling at certain points is in its lack of dramatic stakes. While there is palpable emotional tension throughout the picture, there isn't much narrative tension to speak of as Oliver's return home is inevitable.

Timothée Chalamet carries the film with a heartfelt and delicate performance as Elio. Equal parts spirited and vulnerable, Chalamet impressively evokes the genuine and often-times confusing emotions of first love. Perpetual second-string actor Armie Hammer is serviceable but ultimately unremarkable as Oliver. Young actress Esther Garrel is adorable in a small but notable part as Elio's jilted girlfriend Marzia. As Elio's father, Michael Stuhlbarg is entertaining as a passionate academic, and ultimately a crucial player in the defining scene of the feature in which the professor reveals to Elio his knowledge and support of the relationship shared between Elio and Oliver.

Call Me By Your Name is a touchingly earnest examination of fleeting romance and youth. For what its worth, the picture is nearly devoid of dramatic tension. The tragedy of this love story, as in all stories of young love, is that the central relationship was never meant to last but there is a multitude of lessons to be learned from it.


FRAGMENTS
- The final shot of the film is of Elio crying in front of a fireplace as Sufjan Stevens' "Visions of Gideon," which was specifically written for the film, plays and the end credits roll -- this sequence absolutely destroyed me

- Timothée Chalamet appears in two Best Picture Oscar Nominees that were released in 2017: this film and Lady Bird

- Michael Stuhlbarg appears in three Best Picture Oscar Nominees that were released in 2017: this film, The Post, and The Shape of Water


MCU CONNECTIONS
- Michael Stuhlbarg (Nicodemus West in Doctor Strange and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness)

The 90th Academy Awards

My ranking of the Best Picture Oscar contenders of 2018:

1. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
2. The Shape of Water *
3. Get Out
4. Phantom Thread
5. Lady Bird
6. Dunkirk
7. Call Me By Your Name
8. The Post
9. Darkest Hour

*Actual Winner

Black Panther

BLACK PANTHER
2018 | Dir. Ryan Coogler | 134 Minutes

"You are a good man with a good heart, and it's hard for a good man to be a king."

Still grieving over the death of his father, T'Challa ascends to the throne of Wakanda, a technologically-advanced and resource-rich African nation hidden from the rest of the world. On a mission to bring an enemy of his country to justice, T'Challa discovers a family secret kept by his father in the form of an adversary who intends to usurp T'Challa's birthright and conquer the world using Wakanda's high-tech weaponry. T'Challa begins to consider the impact of his actions as a king, and the role of his nation, on the world stage.

Black Panther is a visually-stunning action-packed spectacle that encourages serious discussions about what it means to be a leader, and about the proper amount of knowledge and resources a nation should share with the world. As a distinct departure from other heroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, T'Challa's struggles not with his ego or personal failing, but with making the best decisions as a ruler. While T'Challa gradually shifts away from Wakanda's historically isolationist approach to foreign affairs, in direct contrast his rival Erik Stevens is overeager to reveal the might of Wakanda to the world. Writer/Director Ryan Coogler does not provide easy answers, but he clearly rejects the violent path chosen by those like Stevens.

The film showcases exceptionally imaginative special effects to present Wakanda's technological wonders, particularly in the grand sweeping aerial shots of the nation's Afrofuturistic cityscape, when the scientific genius Shuri reveals the automated Vibranium mining system to an astounded Agent Ross, and when all of T'Challa's gadgets are put to use during an intense car chase through the streets of Busan. The breathtaking fight choreography featured in every thrilling action sequence is also a true highlight of the picture. T'Challa's multiple ritual combat scenes atop a waterfall, a fight sequence in an underground casino in Busan, and the epic climactic ground battle between Wakandan tribes are absolutely exhilarating.

Leading an incredible cast of predominantly black actors, Chadwick Boseman is, in a word, iconic as T'Challa. Boseman exudes T'Challa's strength, patience, and wisdom as a king, and also manages to be gentle and charming when joking with his sister or trying to convince the woman he loves to stay by his side, having the opportunity to show off more of his range as a performer than in his first appearance as T'Challa in Captain America: Civil War. Michael B. Jordan takes complete ownership over all of his scenes as antagonist Erik "Killmonger" Stevens, a complicated villain with motivations that may be justified despite his misguided approach. Lupita Nyong'o is radiant as Wakandan spy Nakia, the apple of T'Challa's eye. As Shuri, Letitia Wright is a real joy, perfectly fitting the role of playful rebellious sister, brilliant chief scientist, and capable warrior. The most impressive action star in the cast may be Danai Gurira in the role of Okoye, the fierce general of Wakanda's all-female royal guard the Dora Milaje. The film also features Daniel Kaluuya as T'Challa's best friend and Border Tribe leader W'Kabi, Winston Duke as Mountain Tribe leader M'Baku and proud foil to T'Challa, Angela Bassett as the Queen Mother Ramonda, Forest Whitaker as mystic wise man Zuri, and Sterling K. Brown as king T'Chaka's wayward brother N'Jobu.

Previously appearing in Avengers: Age of Ultron, Andy Serkis returns as the despicable illegal arms dealer Ulysses Klaue, dialing up Klaue's over-the-top personality to the very limit. Martin Freeman reprises his role from Captain America: Civil War as the CIA Agent Everett K. Ross, essentially the token white supporting player of the film with a much greater part to play than in his previous appearance. Also returning from Captain America: Civil War are Florence Kasumba as Dora Milaje warrior Ayo, and John Kani as King T'Chaka.

Unlike any previous Marvel Studios film to date, Black Panther tells an inspiring story about the challenges of being a good leader while delivering on the promise of a solid action film that goes well beyond simply following the familiar beats of a standard comic book movie. The film firmly establishes T'Challa as one of the most heroic characters depicted in cinema, and the narrative provides a bounty of amazing role models particularly for children of color. Wakanda Forever!


MID-CREDITS STINGER
T'Challa reveals his plans to share Wakanda's knowledge and resources with the rest of the world to the United Nations.


POST-CREDITS STINGER
A trio of Wakandan children wake a man known as the "White Wolf." The man is revealed to be Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), living in peace and undergoing treatment from Shuri to deprogram his Hydra brainwashing.


STAN LEE CAMEO
Stan the Man is a high roller at the underground casino in Busan.


FRAGMENTS
- Director Ryan Coogler has collaborated with actor Michael B. Jordan on all of his films so far including Fruitvale Station, Creed, and this film

- Director Ryan Coogler has also collaborated with composer Ludwig Göransson on all of his films so far including Fruitvale Station, Creed, and this film

- Sterling K. Brown and Winston Duke were featured in recurring roles on the television series Person of Interest

- Martin Freeman and Andy Serkis previously appeared together in Peter Jackson's The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey as Bilbo Baggins and the creature Gollum


SUPPLEMENTAL STUFF
- Video: Kendrick Lamar and SZA "All The Stars"

- Video: The Weeknd and Kendrick Lamar "Pray For Me"

- Video: Ludwig Göransson featuring Baaba Maal "Wakanda"

Coco

COCO
2017 | Dir. Lee Unkrich | 109 Minutes

"Remember me, though I have to say goodbye. Remember me, don't let it make you cry. For even if I'm far away, I hold you in my heart. I sing a secret song to you each night we are apart."

A young boy named Miguel dreams of becoming a musician despite his family's strong objections. On Día de Muertos, Miguel finds himself in the Land of the Dead and one of his ancestors must give him their blessing before sunrise in order for Miguel to return home. However, his great-great-grandmother's long-standing detestation of music poses a significant obstacle for Miguel, unwilling to bless him unless he gives up his dream. On the run with the help of a desperate soul named Hector, Miguel races against time in search of his long lost great-great-grandfather who generations ago abandoned his family to be a famous musician.

Initially inspired by Día de Muertos folk art, director Lee Unkrich, assisted by a full team of cultural consultants, strived to authentically present Mexican traditions in Coco. The resulting film is brimming with excellent music, dazzling visuals, and concepts rooted in traditional Mexican beliefs presented in truly clever ways. Above all, a strong emotional through-line about the importance of family and remembrance runs through the picture.

Visually, Coco is simply mesmerizing, marking another high watermark in Pixar's extensive history of technical achievements. Stand-out set pieces include the bridge between worlds made of flower petals leading to the massive vibrant city of the Land of the Dead, the elaborate party atop Ernesto de la Cruz's tower, and the stadium concert setting for the film's finale. Absolutely every facet of the film is thoughtfully designed and well-rendered from the eye-catching neon alebrije spirit animals to subtle touches such as Miguel's increasingly translucent skin, marking the progression of his curse, slowly transforming him into a skeleton.

Young Anthony Gonzalez carries the emotional core of the film with humor and genuine energy, natural in his portrayal of the Miguel's headstrong and vulnerable qualities. With expert comedic timing, Gael García Bernal is loveable as the roguish Hector, sharing great chemistry with Anthony Gonzalez's Miguel. Playing Miguel's stubborn and strong-willed great-great-grandmother Mamá Imelda, Alanna Ubach delivers a spirited performance. As music legend Ernesto de la Cruz, Benjamin Bratt is a perfect fit, believably charismatic and charming, and smoothly taking a sinister turn into the film's final act. Natalia Cordova-Buckley is a hilarious scene-stealer, providing the voice for legendary Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, appearing briefly in the film as a vital supporting character.

Coco is a unique and uplifting experience. At its center, the picture examines the compromises a person may make to chase their dreams at the risk of forgetting the importance of family, a deep concept wrapped in an artful and authentic presentation of Mexican culture. Ultimately, Coco is among Pixar's greatest achievements, delivering what the groundbreaking animation studio does best: an emotionally moving cinematic experience with jaw-dropping visuals and plenty of heart.


JOHN RATZENBERGER AS...
- Juan Ortodoncia


A113
- Miguel and his ancestors visit a Bureau of Family Grievances Corrections Officer voiced by comedian Cheech Marin in office A113


PIXAR INTERCONNECTIVITY
- A Pizza Planet delivery truck drives by Miguel's window at the start of the film

- In the Santa Cecilia marketplace, Marlin, Dory, Nemo, and Destiny from Finding Nemo and Finding Dory, and Remy from Ratatouille appear as alebrije figurines, as well as stuffed dolls of Woody and Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story

- A figurine of Nemo from Finding Nemo sits on the ofrenda in Miguel's home

- A poster for The Incredibles (in skeletal form) appears in the Land of the Dead


FRAGMENTS
- Coco was released in Mexico on October 27, 2017 (nearly four full weeks before the film was released in North America), and became the highest-grossing movie in Mexican box office history

- Currently, select theaters in the US are screening the Spanish-language version of the picture


SUPPLEMENTAL STUFF
- Video: Dante's Lunch - A Short Tail


MCU CONNECTIONS
- Benjamin Bratt (Jonathan Pangborn in Doctor Strange)