Film Review | The Scorch Trials

Thomas (Dylan O’Brien), Newt (Thomas Brodie-Sangster), Minho (Ki Hong Lee) and the rest of the survivors from The Glade are final safe…or so they think. When an unbecoming Aris (Jacob Lofland), a fellow lab-rat from another maze trial, places his trust in Thomas, they uncover the truth: WCKD in in fact wicked.

The Story

Unlike the earlier instalment, The Scorch Trials is in fact merely based on Dashner’s best selling series. Although all of the elements appear in the film, T.S. Nowlin unravels the bones of Dashner’s skeleton and rearranges them suit viewers rather than readers. Although I think it’s a sacrilege to the book, the film lover in me tips her hat off to Nowlin in regards to his re-write to cater for the big screen.

Don’t worry Maze Runner Fans, all the bits and pieces that made The Scorch Trial great on the page is retained on the screen. My one disappointment is “the unknown” in regards to Newt’s and Brenda’s (Rosa Salazar) character development. The rewrite suggests different outcomes for both characters in relation to the original plot for each character in the book…but I’ll leave it for Nowlin to decide for The Death Cure. Again…I’m torn. I like the way the book pulled my heartstrings for Newt, but I also feel like the film gives an extra element to Brenda…even if it means removing some from Newt.

Overall, from start to finish, I was at the edge of my seat. It was like watching the first twenty minutes of World War Z on repeat – except ten-times better! My heart is literally still pounding.

The (Additional) Cast

O’Brien, Sangster, Lee, Dexter Darden (Frypan) and Alexander Flores (Winston) all get special mentions for their incredible reprisals. But I think we should give some special mentions to:

Jacob Lofland and Rosa Salazar for adding a few more dimensions to an already strong cast. Lofland was a brilliant Aris in his portrayal of a boy who simply knew too much for his own good. I loved that Lofland’s character was given a down-to-earth personality in contrast to the odd and weak character in the book. Salazar gave Brenda a very nonchalant, yet badass façade, which is very refreshing in contrast to Scodelario’s half-hearted portrayal of Teresa.

Giancarlo Esposito also gets a special mention for his believable portrayal of Brenda’s mentor and friend, Jorge (a.k.a “Horhay”). Esposito was menacing, yet endearing.

Cinematography

Much like the special effects in the first film, the cinematography in this film is top-notch. Each shot was perfectly calculated so that almost every scene had an eye-grabbing mise-en-scène to capture the action. I was literally saying, “What a great shot!” every ten minutes!

Overall...the film stands on its own. The book gives a bit more background information, but it is very different. So readers, don’t be too disappointed if it’s not the way you thought it would pan out. Take it as is and let The Scorch Trials thrill you like there’s no tomorrow. I recommend this film for thrill seekers and Dashner lovers.

Star Rating: ★★★★
Next on sL: Pan

Film Review | Fantastic Four

All Reed Richards (Mile Teller) wanted to do was make a difference. When he finally receives the chance to make a difference, the US government decides to give the glory to their people instead. Convinced by his colleague, Victor (Toby Kebbell), to “stick it to the man” and get ahead, Reed and the rest of his team decide to break the rules and make history.

The Story

This 2015 reboot of the Marvel franchise sees yet another origin story come to fruition. Moving away from 2005’s lighter take on the beloved comic book superheroes, this film leans towards the murkier side of story telling.

Instead of an intergalactic storm that alters human DNA, we have a completely separate world to play with altogether. Dealing with collegiate geniuses with their own quirky specialisations, this film plays with “bio-matter” and its potential to energise and rejuvenate our (apparently) dying planet.

Now, the story has a basic plot that simply outlines how these heroes become the Fantastic Four, so I can’t fault its premise based on its simplicity. What I can fault it on, on the other hand, is it’s lack in depth in regards to characterisation and missing “wow” factor.

Although I understand that this is an origin story, I wish the story had more depth into Doom’s lonely character. I didn’t believe that he was an outsider because the majority of the mid-section of this film has him part of the team rather than apart from the team. But…I think I’m getting way ahead of myself. In truth, I think the writing let the cast down.

The Cast

Miles Teller was an incredible choice as the leading mastermind behind the ingenuous invention that teleports people and things through to different dimensions. Where the writing faltered was in his ability to be the leader. Overshadowed by his father-like figure, Dr. Franklin Storm – a.k.a. Reg E. Cathey – Teller simply had no chance in really encompassing a leading role.

Kate Mara was believable in her role as Sue Storm, the adopted obedient daughter, but her character lacked depth beyond her ability to “follow patterns”. Her superhuman abilities of being able to be invisible and create force fields were rendered useless by her innate ability to hack into different computer systems.

Michael B. Jordan had a more rounded character as he took on Johnny Storm. He had it all – from daddy issues, to sibling issues and heck even loyalty issues. I think they used his super powers to its full capacity more so than anyone else’s in this film. So for that, I give the writers and Jordan two thumbs up for their redeeming factor with this particular character.

Jamie Bell needs to be given a pat on the back for his underdeveloped character. Although we see an abused child at the beginning of the film, this concept is never returned to as the film progresses. Instead Bell’s alter ego, “The Thing,” is somewhat underused as he was excused be a weapon for the US government…only after being slightly dejected by Teller’s character’s momentary abandonment of him – which again was ignored towards the end of the film.

Toby Kebbell was the most disappointing underdeveloped character altogether. What should have been the perfect counterpart for Teller’s lead, fell through as Kebbell’s antagonist was simply given a sloppy introduction and an abrupt ending. There was nothing scary about Kebbell’s ‘Doom’ – gory, yes, but not scary as his name suggests. What the writing missed in this character was the looming presence of hatred and resentment. Instead, we get an image of a lazy and resentful post-teen collage student.

Special and Visual Effects

These departments receive a dishonourable mention in regards to their lack of attention to detail. The graphics in this film were poorly executed as some – if not most – of the scenes with green screens and/or other graphics were obviously spotted. It was more distracting than awe-inspiring as the big screen only magnified their underdeveloped digital enhancements.

Overall, regardless of my disappointments, I didn’t mind this film. I’ll forgive its faults since it is a reboot and a re-origin of the Fantastic Four. But in future – please give your actors something to work with and get your special effects “on point”! And…what happened to the end-of-film preview scene?! C’mon!

Star Rating: ★★

Next on sL: Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials

Film Review | Ant-Man

Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) just wanted to ‘be the hero his daughter already knows he is,’ instead, his time in prison has landed him in a tough place – unemployment. After being kicked out of his own daughter’s birthday party for not pay– oh, wait, I mean playing his part as a parent, Scott decides he needs to get his head in the game – even if it means doing a job that will land him back in prison. Little does he know, he’s being watched.

The Story

Skewing minutely away from the original comic, the next instalment to Marvel’s Avengers ensemble sees Paul Rudd as the comedic and charming, Ant-Man. Changing the origin story to suit past, present and future storylines, we see an ex-conman trying to make an honest living. Swearing never set foot in another jail cell again, Lang sees himself at a dead end as his past taints his employment prospects – regardless of how much street-cred he may give to any workplace.

While Lang plays “who’ll employ me?!”, his story is overshadowed by the bigger up-hill battle that Michael Douglas’ character has to face – his own creation. Attempting to hide his advanced technology that shrinks bio-particles from the government, Hank Pym finds himself at odds with former protégé, Darren Cross (Corey Stoll). Slightly psychotic and delusional, Cross attempts to replicate the Pym Particle in order to capitalise his imitation in order to show Pym that he was, and is, worthy of his attention. In the mix of all of this, we also have a father-daughter complex where Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) is a double agent who feeds information from Cross back to her father, Hank. But back to Lang…

After allowing Scott to “rob” him – i.e. take his shrinking suit – Hank hires him to steal Darren’s replica, the Yellowjacket, before it gets into the hands of the wrong people.

As a whole I thought the combination of past Ant-Man and future Ant-Man, along with the allusions to the original comic storyline, worked great for this next instalment. The storyline was solid and fluid, as well as the perfect amount of comedic-charm that Marvel’s films always have.

The Cast

Michael Douglass was a brilliant mentor figure in this film. Bringing the seriousness to balance out Rudd’s comedic strand, Douglass brought the comic’s initial storyline to life.

Paul Rudd’s take on the ‘new’ Ant-Man was just as brilliant as Douglas’ seriousness. Although Rudd did bring much of the comic relief, he did have some great emotional moments in the film as well. He understood the importance of playing a father who would do anything for his daughter, as well as playing Marvel’s typical strong-type superhero. It’s nice to have another father figure join the Avengers, I’m glad to see Hawkeye has a friend!

Correy Stoll was another great balance to Rudd’s light-hearted take to a Marvel classic. He played the roll as a villain brilliantly and was an excellent mirror of what Pym could have been if circumstance were different.

Overall, Marvel fans who have not seen this film are missing out. The story, the cast, the graphics and the film as a whole will have you laughing and sitting at the edge of your seats. Go get your tickets at your local Event Cinemas today!

Star Rating: ★★★

Next on sL: Fantastic Four

Film Review | Paper Towns

Quentin (Nat Wolff) was an ordinary guy living next door to an extraordinary girl – Margot Roth Spiegelman (Cara Delavigne). Margot was an enigma that was perched behind the adjacent window from his own. As kids, these windows were the doors to adventures, but now – it seem – they were truly the passageways to each other’s soul.

The Story

Based on the novel written by John Green, Paper Towns is yet another coming of age film aimed to touch the hearts of teens across the globe. Now, I must confess that I never read past the opening chapters of the novel, regardless, I did enjoy the journey the film took me on.

It begins with a suburban town, with suburban children who cosmically are bound by the pavement that separates their homes. Margot is the typical teen-goddess, while Quentin – a.k.a. “Q” – is the awkward band-geek pining to be something to her. In an odd series of events, Q gets his moment as Margot visits him one night and enlists him to her “Margot-Roth-Spiegelman-Revenge-Plot” towards her backstabbing friends.

Before Quentin could even enjoy his moment with Margot, she disappears. But alas! She leaves clues, which Quentin believes are hidden messages that dictate, “Come find me!” So Q enlists his fellow musketeers, along with some female tag-alongs, and embarks on a twenty-one-hour-long drive to Algoe, NY on a hunch.

Green’s concept for his novel is the old saying, “never judge a book by its cover,” with the straightforward notion of, “never think of a person as anything more than a person”. But from where I was sitting, I saw the film as an ode to the notion of, “never chase the wind; it blows when and where it pleases.” Not once did I get the idea that Quentin placed Margot on a pedestal; I saw him as a rational teenager who – like many teens today – had dreams and aspirations and Margot was his final distraction. We see Quentin and his friends set out on adventures that they’ve managed to hold off until their senior year. The most profound line that I love from the film is, “Everybody else is doing everything for the last time, but I’m experiencing everything for the first time.” I felt the movie sided more on the idea that we shouldn’t wait to live life, we should just live and let life take us where it wills.

The Cast

Nat Wolff was a brilliant lead. Taking it up a notch from his role as Isaac in The Fault in Our Stars, Wolff managed to stir his supporting prowess from Fault and turn it into gold in Paper Towns. He was funny, awkward and touching – basically anything that the scene required, he lavished it in full.

Cara Delavigne exceeded my expectations as she not only held her American accent beautifully, but also portrayed a believable Margot. Whether Margot needed to be a bad-ass-ninja, heartbroken schoolgirl or a candle-in-the-wind, she depicted it with incredible expertise that left you wanting more.

Justin Smith and Austin Abrams are receiving honourable mentions for being amazing supports and for their killer acapella version of the Pokemon theme song. They were a great balance of wit and humour, sarcasm and playful and practically, smart and well…special.

Overall, Paper Towns surpassed my low expectations so much I’m actually going to finish reading the book. That’s how convincing this movie is – I’m willing to do this book-screen process backwards! If you know me, that means a movie and/or book is worth it.

Star Rating: ★★★

Next on sL: Ant-Man

Film Review | Pitch Perfect 2

Beca (Anna Kendrick), Chloe (Brittany Snow), Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson) and the rest of the Barden Bellas are back and they've all got their tails tailless between their legs after disgracing the Aca-Community. Their three-year domination of the Aca-World is shattered when their "honorary-Yank," Fat Amy, decides to go commando for the nation's fearless leader. Loosing their world tour to their German contemporaries, Das Sound Machine, the Bellas have to do what - and according to Stacie (Alexis Knapp) who - ever it takes to get back on top! Can the Bellas reclaim their title and take The World Championships too?

The Story

If Pitch Perfect took us through Beca's journey of finding a way to love Collage life (and a group of girls who like to sing to - literally - the sound of their own voices) instead of "already" pursuing her dream as a music producer, Pitch Perfect 2 takes us through her journey of actually doing what she set out to do - while hiding it from the rest of the Bellas, well Chloe mostly.

Ok, it's not really that simple, but it might as well have been. Don't get me wrong it was a pretty good movie, with all the bells and whistles and great singing and choreography, but the script was literally full of punchlines! Don't hate-on-me too soon - I LOVED the one-liners. I was literally laughing so loud - me and the rest of the VMax lovers at Event Cinemas - every two minutes. All I'm saying is, it's your typical dance-slash-singing-movie where the girl has a dream and she's afraid to let others down if she actually pursues it. Then there's a typical fight about it and then, BOOM - someone's caught in a bear trap. Oh, and did I mention the newbie who sticks out really awkwardly on the sidelines trying to desperately fit-in and have her voice heard? No? Well, I guess there's your additional teen-scene cherry-on-top-bonus.

But like I said, you'll be walking out wiping your eyes and clutching your stomachs by the time the credits are rolling - even then, Adam DeVine is waiting to give you one last laugh-out-loud moment!

The Cast

Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow and Rebel Wilson were brilliant in sharing the the limelight with their individual leadership pockets. Kendrick was the firm and distant ruler who's left the main decision to a stress-head-anxious-about-the-future Snow and laid-back-in-denial Wilson. As Snow reprises her  Bellas-for-the-win role and Wilson takes on a more personal journey, the two take hold of their individual screen times perfectly as Kendrick slips off to be her brilliant talented self.

Newbie, Hailee Steinfeld, is placed into the mould...but is like a brick that doesn't fit. No matter how hard you try, she can never sit perfectly damn it! In regards to having perfect pitch, this new addition was more annoying as the film tried to drive Jessie J's, Flashlight, into our memory banks permanently. I'm sorry, but imma have to go all Regina on this and say, "Stop trying to make 'Flashlight' happen. It's not-gonna-happen." Although I'm sure that was on purpose, I had to cringe every time she tried to do her own thing so that she could fit-in. It was like she was trying to conform, but be individualistic all at once; she wasn't even unsure of herself, it was like her character didn't know whether she was mini-Beca or a mini-Chloe - she wasn't even a mini-both. She was literally as messy as my attempt to describe how messy was on screen.

Anna Camp's return was just as entertaining has her first chuck-up solo in the first film. Her go-getter attitude was as brilliant as her Man-UP-reality-check for her former sisters. She was a delicate balance of a slap in the face and a sisterly hug.

Overall, you'll have a great night out with your friends and leave the cinemas a few kilos lighter from all the laughing. This is one for the girls and the boys - there's no denying it; it's one everyone will enjoy. If not for the incredible singing and choreography, then you'll be howling for the tennis-like banter of punchy one-liners that will leave you cackling for days.

Star Rating: ★★★

Next on sL: Paper Towns