Us - 98% Perfection (Spoiler Free)

Back in 2017, comedic performer and writer Jordan Peele made his feature film debut with the horror masterpiece Get Out. The story of a young interracial couple heading into the country to spend the weekend with the in-laws only to discover a more sinister and unnerving plot in motion. It was a smash hit earning Jordan Peele the Acadamy Award for Best Original Screenplay as well as nominations for Best Director and Best Picture. More importantly, it established Jordan Peele as a genuine talent for real horror cinema: as in films that are well crafted and comment on the human condition that also happen to be scary rather than the torture-porn jump-scare fests we tend to get more often than not. I was incredibly impressed (and still very much am) with Get Out and became overwhelmingly eager to see what the next step would be. Having now seen his much awaited follow up film, Us, I am happy to report that Jordan Peele has once again struck gold with his new nightmare. While this may not be as clever or as memorable as Get Out, at least to me, it still succeeds in delivering a scary, unsettling, and profound experience in its own way. Despite one minor flaw which I will get to momentarily.

The story follows a family of four arriving at their Summer house for a vacation with plenty of fun things to do, including fishing, boat riding, and days at the Santa Cruz Beaches. Our main protagonist Adelaide (Lupita Nyong'o), is less than thrilled to visit said beaches due to a mysterious childhood trauma she experienced there. After a day at the Beach, they all return to the house, but just before everyone can get to bed, they are suddenly confronted by four strangers clad in Red waving large Scissors. Soon after their arrival, we discover that these strangers are actually exact Dopplegängers of themselves, and they do not seem friendly. Now, our heroes must survive the night and unravel the mystery of these strange and other creatures stalking them.

As I mentioned before, this is a genuinely true horror film. To me, horror is not about how much you can scare an audience with creepy ghosts, blood & guts, or loud and repetitive jump-scares, but instead about how you can take a profound theme or subject matter and tell a compelling yet nervewracking story about it. The most obvious comparison to make would be The Twilight Zone, which, incidentally, Jordan Peele is a fan of and will be hosting the upcoming reboot. The stories from that show were not necessarily horror, at least not all of the time, they were stories exploring strange ideas and real-world concerns that just so happened to be scary.

Us takes that very notion and through carefully crafted visuals,  nuanced performances, and witty writing (mostly), not only delivers an exploration of duality but also of nature vs. nurture, perception, and the horrible concept of "The Other." The ones who look like us but just can't be, because they're savage and could never be really like us. Except, they can be us.

The acting from the entire cast is what sells the film. Every one of the named characters gets to play their "evil" twin, and it is gleefully clear how much fun they are all having. Each and every performer distinguishes their dual roles brilliantly and performs them both with vast amounts of conviction and passion. Even the child actors are incredible. Needless to say, the MVP award goes to the leading lady Lupita Nyong'o, who carries the movie on her shoulders.

As you might expect, director Jordan Peele shows his mastery in the director's chair. Much like James Wan (another master of horror cinema) Jordan is excellent with actors, has a keen eye for crafty & creepy shot composition, and successfully creates an atmosphere of tension and unease. This may very well be the guy to bring back pure horror cinema, and I could not be more delighted at that prospect. Hell, I'm not even a serious horror fan, but I appreciate it when it's good like this. It's a whole lot better than what passes as "horror" these days, with their cheap jump-scares, and their overreliance on gore, and their incompetent writing, and their...okay, I'm going on a tangent. Sorry.

Now, as much as I enjoy singing the film's praises (because they are well earned), there is one little flaw that prevents me from ranking it higher than Get Out. It is in regards to the ending twist which, as I have already stated in the title of this review, I will not spoil here. What I will say is, while I understand and appreciate what the twist wanted to accomplish, and can understand those who may or may not have seen it coming, I personally don't think it was as well executed as it really should have been. The twist, while still clever in its own way, is executed in such a manner that it raises questions about the story which did not really need to be brought up. Also, it unintentionally diminishes the air of mystery that was otherwise perfectly executed throughout the film. This could very likely be a case of Studio interference but we may never know.

Despite this minor yet ever-present flaw, I was still absolutely impressed with this movie. Not only does it reaffirm Jordan Peele as a genuine talent, but it also gives new life to the horror genre. If you can handle scary movies, then you owe it to yourself to see this one. Just don't blame me if you suddenly develop a new fear of Scissors and/or Mirrors.

Is this film worth seeing?
Yes.

Is it worth seeing in theaters?
Yes.

Why?
It's yet another case of a really talented filmmaker showing us all how horror should be done. It's scary, brilliant in so many ways, and profoundly socially relevant. Do not miss this one.

Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm, thank you all for reading.

Captive State - A bad remake of a good Twilight Zone episode

There are few things as annoying as the anticipation of a promising movie, only to have most, if not all of that promise, crushed under its own potential. Everything about this movie screams of intelligent ideas, compelling themes, and profound storytelling, and yet, despite having all of the necessary ingredients, it fails to properly utilize them completely. Captive State could not be a more fitting title for this film, because I did indeed feel as though I was being held against my will by my desire to find something, anything, that would qualify as a redeeming factor in this film that would have made the whole two hours I wasted watching it worth the sacrifice. Much to my dismay, none ever came. This movie is already an instant contender for one of the worst films of the year, and I rue the day I ever come across another that's even worse. 

Taking place in the not too distant future, the story is about a society that has been taken over by an invading alien force. Our nation had been crumbling and was on the brink of self-annihilation until these mysterious creatures, known as "The Legislators," invaded our planet and demanded full control over our government. Humanity promptly accepted their terms and has agreed to live under their rule while the aliens plunder the Earths natural resources. A group of underground resistance fighters is plotting to strike against the alien dictators and ignite a fire to encourage the rest of humanity to resist. The future of humanity rests in their hands as they carefully put their plan in motion all the while trying to evade the ever watchful eye of the police detective assigned to track them down and take them out. Will the resistance ignite the fire or will they get crushed by the uber-powerful dictators? 

Right off the bat, this is an excellent idea for a science fiction story. In fact, as I suggested in the title of this review, the story reminds me of an episode of The Twilight Zone. Notably, the one titled The Obsolete Man. However, while that show, and that episode especially, had a profound story, compelling characters, and an overarching theme worth investing it, Captive State fails miserably to provide any of that. 

The biggest problem with this film is its lack of personal stakes and sympathetic characters. Sure, the ones we follow in the story have back stories we can empathize with, but none of them have anything for us to latch on to. We never learn anything about the characters we're supposed to care about. Not their personalities, their ultimate desires & goals, or their reasons for wanting to fight back in the first place. Yes, resisting dictatorships is in and of itself a noble and worthy undertaking, but there has to be more to it other than the typical chest-pumping "FIGHT THE POWER" stuff. You can put the whole world in peril as much as you want, but unless there is a personal and emotional aspect of the story for the audience to sympathize with, of which there is none in this movie, then it's all for not. 

Another major issue with this film is its atrocious breaking of the "show, don't tell" rule of filmmaking. Be it for budgetary constraints of lazy writing, the movie spends a considerable chunk of its running time telling the audience about past events, the current state of affairs, and major plot points, rather than finding creative ways to visualize any of it. Sure, the visual style and tone of the film are appropriately bleak, and there are some decent special effects thrown in for good measure, but that is not enough to make a compelling story. Watching a movie about resisting an alien invasion should not feel like reading a depressing war history book. 

This is the most disappointing film for me this year so far. It fails to take full advantage of its story, has no idea how to create even a single compelling character, and has no redeeming qualities whatsoever. There was so much potential for this film to have been placed on par with the likes of Robocop or even District 9, a science fiction story about the powerless and disenfranchised fighting back against a ruthless and apathetic leadership. Alas, it was apparently not meant to be with this movie. Rod Serling would be most displeased. 

Is this movie worth seeing? 

No. 

Is it worth seeing in theaters? 

No. 

Why? 

It's an absolute failure in every sense of the word. Skip this one and just watch that episode of The Twilight Zone I mentioned earlier. It's a far better execution of this particular kind of story. 

Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm, thank you all for reading. 

Captain Marvel - Marvel Studios equivalent to Wonder Woman (mostly)

Special Note: 

I would like to make it clear that I am aware of some of the controversy regarding this film and its star. Namely, the comments made by Brie Larson regarding critics, representation, and the need for more diversity. I would like to state that I understand and mostly agree with Brie Larson's comments, but I do not entirely appreciate how they were made. I know her intentions were good and do believe that her heart and mind were in the right place when her statements were made, but I think that they could have been made better. Having said that, I want to make it abundantly clear that this will in no way affect my overall opinion or appraisal of the movie Captain Marvel. As always, this review is of the films own merits and nothing else. 

Thank you all and please enjoy the review. 

One of the things that seem to help Marvel Studios maintain its high regard, rightfully so I might add, is, is their ability to go against expectations and still deliver the goods. Especially in recent years. Black Panther was arguably the turning point for Marvel Studios transitioning from being just a fun studio that made good superhero movies to a risk-taking and status quo challenging powerhouse that not only encourages progress in films and society but demands it by merely proclaiming "if we can do this, then so can you!" This is one of the many reasons I still enjoy Marvel's superhero movies as well as their characters in general, as their ability to inspire and encourage others is phenomenal and beautiful. Though it may be flawed in some areas, Captain Marvel is yet another glorious feather in Marvel Studios cap. Wonder Woman would be proud. 

Taking place in the 1990s the story follows a woman named Carol Danvers (Brie Larson). A member of an intergalactic police force known as the Kree who have been at war against an alien race known as the Skrulls, a species with the ability to assimilate anyone they choose down to the DNA. During a skirmish with a band of Skrulls, Carol finds herself stuck on Planet Earth and is trying to make contact with her squad and hunt down any hidden enemies on the planet with her. Along the way, she runs into a young SHIELD agent named Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) who believes her and offers to help. The two of them follow a trail of clues to an air force base where, upon investigating, Carol discovers that she was actually from Earth, but she can't remember her old life. On top of that, enemy agents are quickly working their way into SHIELD. Now, Carol must solve the mystery of who she used to be, and in doing so, become the hero she was always meant to be. 

What I like best about this film is that, as I have stated in the title of this review, it is just about on par with Wonder Woman. In that, it is a much desired and well-executed superhero film with a female lead with a story that revolves around feminist philosophies, issues, and perceptions. Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel is smart, funny, brave, compassionate, and charming in her own way. As a symbol, this iteration of Captain Marvel embodies real feminist strength in the face of adversity and sexism. Offering inspiration to young girls everywhere to follow their dreams and don't take no crap from anybody. A message I can always appreciate. 

Brie Larson is terrific in the lead. She always struck me as a talented actress especially when she won the Oscar for Room. A film that is both delightful and difficult. 

The chemistry between Brie Larson and Samuel L. Jackson is incredible. Their banter and character clashing make for some of the best scenes in the movie. I have little doubt that they got along well on set. Even better, they are surrounded by an incredibly talented and versatile cast of supporting characters who all offer a level of nuance to the story. Without spoiling anything, some of the characters turn out to be different than what may have been expected. 

The special effects and action scenes are exciting and fun. The CGI make used to make Samuel L. Jackson look nearly thirty years younger is terrific. It's almost scary just how far special effects have come. Not to mention the fight choreography is fluid and easy to follow. Very rarely did I find myself stumbling to comprehend the action on screen. 

Now, as much as I do enjoy this film, it is not without a few flaws. 

The main issue for me is the amnesia storyline. While Brie Larson does a beautiful job with the character, there really isn't much to grab onto for most of the first half. Because Carol Danvers doesn't remember who she was and only knows what others have told her, she mostly comes off as a blank slate with few but funny personality quirks. This could have been fixed a little if the writers had thought to give her a little more to work with before she regains her old memories. As is, it's not bad just not as developed as I thought it should have been. 

I had a blast with this film. It's entertaining, intelligent, relevant, and will hopefully go on to inspire many people, especially women, to be the best that they can be. I look forward to seeing Captain Marvel again soon. 

Is this movie worth seeing? 

Yes. 

Is it worth seeing in theaters? 

Yes. 

Why? 

It's another milestone for superhero movies and for leading ladies. Here's hoping we get a few more in the future. 

Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm, thank you all for reading.