This week I watched several movies. I’m also including a movie review for a classic that I watched for the first time ever last week. I forgot to include it in last week’s post! Below are my reviews for the week of February 11-17th.
Movie: Jurassic Park (1993) Directed by Steven Spielberg; Screenplay by Michael Crichton and David Koepp
Summary:
Jurassic Park is a science fiction adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg, released in 1993. It is based on Michael Crichton’s novel of the same name. The story follows a group of people who visit a theme park populated by genetically engineered dinosaurs. The park’s creator, John Hammond, invites a paleontologist, a paleobotanist, a mathematician, and his grandchildren to preview the park before it opens to the public. Chaos ensues when a security breach allows the dinosaurs to roam freely, endangering the lives of everyone on the island. The characters must navigate the dangers of the park and find a way to escape. The film is known for its groundbreaking visual effects, thrilling action sequences, and exploration of ethical questions surrounding genetic engineering and the limits of human control over nature.
OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (Feb 18 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat
My Thoughts:
I’m nearly thirty and I don’t know how I had never seen Jurassic Park until now. Maybe I did watch it when I was a kid, and I just don’t remember. Growing up, I thought dinosaurs were a bit scary (except for the cute ones in The Land Before Time) and I always thought of Jurassic Park as more of a “boy’s movie.” Anyway, I saw that they had this movie on Netflix, and I thought, “Why not?”
I see now why this movie is a classic. The special effects are amazing, even by today’s standards, and the action is thrilling. Actually, the special effects might even be better than some of the CGI that we see today. I was also intrigued by the story, especially as it relates to Dr. Alan Grant’s character arc. Yes, there’s the whole story about the ethics around messing with DNA, nature, and “playing God,” but it feels like the movie heavily centers around Dr. Grant learning to like children. I did not expect that at all!
On another note, I’ve always thought that Jeff Goldblum is an attractive man, but after watching this movie I think I better understand the Internet’s obsession with him. I mean…
… I get it now.
Anyway! If you’re like me and have never watched Jurassic Park, it’s available for streaming right now on Netflix. You won’t regret it!
My Rating:
Where to Watch: As of 2/19/2024, you can stream Jurassic Park with a Netflix subscription.
Movie: Past Lives (2023) Written and Directed by Celine Song
Summary:
Past Lives is a 2023 American romantic drama film written and directed by Celine Song in her feature directorial debut. Starring Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, and John Magaro, it follows two childhood friends over the course of 24 years while they contemplate the nature of their relationship as they grow apart, living different lives. The plot is semi-autobiographical and inspired by real events from Song’s life (Wikipedia contributors, 2024a).
My Thoughts (some spoilers ahead):
Let’s come back to a review of another 2023 Academy Awards nominee. Past Lives has been nominated for Best Original Screenplay and Best Picture. In Past Lives, Nora Moon/Na Young, the protagonist, migrates from Korea to the Canada at the age of 12. Nora reconnects with her childhood sweetheart (Hae Sung) twice. Once 12 years after leaving Korea then once more 12 years later.
I went into this picture expecting a drama, but I didn’t expect to come out of it feeling absolutely gutted. I was either crying or on the brink of crying all throughout the movie. There are some aspects of this movie that are incredibly relatable not only to me, but probably for most people. I’m sure we’re all prone to ruminate about the past from time to time. We might think about the “could have’s,” especially when it comes to past lovers.
The reason why this film resonated so much with me is because I too left my home country at around the same age as Nora when I was 10 years old. I also understand what it’s like to be a 1.5 generation immigrant. When I see Nora struggle to write an email in Korean or hear Hae Sung tell her that her Korean is “rusty,” I feel seen. I may have a BA in Spanish and teach the language to high school students on a daily basis, but at times, I still feel like I’m not “Mexican enough” and I feel ashamed that my Spanish isn’t as strong as my English.
The film’s title, “Past Lives“, relates to the concept of “inyeon,” which according to the filmmaker means that “you are connected to each other in lives before this one and also that you will be connected in the lives after this one. And in every lifetime, it’s going to mean something a little different” (Kim, 2023). I think the film’s title has another meaning. Even though I was still just a child when I moved to the US, I left behind a completely different life or version of myself in Mexico. In the same way, when Nora left Korea, she left behind a version of herself, and I think that version and all the possible outcomes of that version of herself becomes her “past lives.” I guess I think of the “multiverse” and the idea that every decision we make or don’t make leads to a different possibility. What might have happened if Nora’s parents hadn’t decided to leave Korea? Or what might have happened if Nora and Hae Sung had decided to prioritize each other rather than their careers when they reconnected at 24 years old?
Ever since I watched Mr. Nobody I’ve been intrigued by any film that explores the concept of multiple realities. Some films do so better than others, and I appreciate that even though Past Lives is firmly set in the “real world” it shows us how these “spiritual” or maybe “scientific” concepts can affect our own lives. Nora and Hae Sung learn to come to terms with the fact that they are not “meant to be” at least in this lifetime, and I think even Nora’s husband understands that it’s important for them to process their feelings about this. I think it’s absolutely possible to grieve the loss of a version of our life that will never come to pass.
The more I think about this movie the more I want to watch it again. I’d love to hear other people’s thoughts on this film. If you know me personally, please let me know when you watch this movie so we can discuss it! Otherwise, please share your thoughts with me in the comments!
Where to Watch: As of 2/19/2024, you can stream Past Lives with a Showtime subscription or with premium subscriptions on YouTube, Hulu, Paramount+, and Amazon Prime.
Movie: Migration (2023) Directed by Benjamin Renner; Written by Mike White and Benjamin Renner
Summary:
Migration is a 2023 American animated adventure comedy film produced by Illumination and distributed by Universal Pictures. The film was directed by Benjamin Renner, co-directed by Guylo Homsy, and produced by Chris Meledandri, from a screenplay written by Mike White and a story by White and Renner. It stars the voices of Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Keegan-Michael Key, Awkwafina, and Danny DeVito. The story follows a family of mallards who try to convince their overprotective father to go on a vacation of a lifetime and attempt to migrate from New England, through New York City, to Jamaica. (Wikipedia contributors, 2024b).
My Thoughts:
This is not related to my thoughts on this movie, but I went to see Migration on Valentine’s Day with my boyfriend. This film’s intended audience is children/families, but it’s the only film that sounded like a fun, light-hearted thing to watch in the middle of the week. What surprised me was that I had no idea there would be so many families going to the movies together for Valentine’s Day! It was actually really fun to watch this movie with the audience we had. There were so many children laughing out loud; it was just really sweet.
I really had a good time watching Migration. At it’s core, it’s a film about being stepping out of one’s comfort zone, and being brave even when you don’t feel brave. I loved seeing this family of ducks love and support each other. The film also shows communities coming together to overcome adversity, and I think that’s really important for children, and really anyone, to see on screen. This movie reminds us to be brave and to have each other’s backs.
If you’re in need of a dose of optimism, I suggest you watch this movie!
Where to Watch: As of 2/19/2024, you can watch Migration in theaters or rent/buy through YouTube, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies.
Movie: Maestro (2023) Directed by Bradley Cooper; Written by Bradley Cooper and Josh Singer
Summary:
Maestro is a 2023 American biographical romantic drama film that centers on the relationship between American composer Leonard Bernstein and his wife Felicia Montealegre. It was directed by Bradley Cooper, from a screenplay he wrote with Josh Singer. It was produced by Cooper, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Kristie Macosko Krieger, Fred Berner and Amy Durning. The film stars Carey Mulligan as Montealegre alongside Cooper as Bernstein; Matt Bomer, Maya Hawke, and Sarah Silverman appear in supporting roles (Wikipedia contributors, 2024c).
My Thoughts:
Before I really share my thoughts, I think we should first acknowledge the fact that many people think Maestro is “Oscar bait.” Bradley Cooper both directs and stars in this movie, and so I can see how many might think that he is just eager to win an Oscar in one way or another. While I also suspect that this movie is Oscar bait, it doesn’t mean it’s a bad movie or that it’s “soulless.” Both Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan are great in this movie, and the story pulled at my heartstrings. Leonard Bernstein’s sexual orientation may have complicated things in his marriage, but the movie shows just how much he loved his wife, Felicia Montealegre.
Please allow me to go on a bit of a tangent. Oscar Wilde has been my favorite author ever since I was like, 12, and I wrote a paper about him for school. I realized that not only did he write some of my favorite short stories, but he also wrote some witty plays and the classic, The Picture of Gray. I bring Oscar Wilde up because I’ve not only been a fan of his works throughout my life, I’ve actually been more obsessed with he himself as a person and his biography. Oscar Wilde was either a bisexual or gay man. In his lifetime, homosexual acts were considered a crime, and he was eventually sentenced to two years of hard labor in prison. Sadly, he died at the young age of 46 only a few years after being released from prison.
While I am incredibly interested in Wilde’s life, I’ve always wanted to know more about his wife, Constance Lloyd, and her thoughts on their marriage. While watching Maestro, I kept wondering if Wilde and Lloyd’s relationship was similar to Bernstein and Montealegre’s. Was Lloyd jealous/possessive of Wilde just as Montealegre was of her husband? Did Wilde and Lloyd have a deep bond and love for one another in spite of the circumstances? I’m sure that throughout history, many couples have experienced similar dynamics to that of Bernstein and Montealegre. While mixed-orientation relationships are not ideal, I’m I glad that this movie exists and that it helps us have a glimpse into how two people managed to love and support one another in a relationship like this.
I think that for me, the only downside to Maestro is that I don’t feel like I really came out of it knowing more about Leonard Bernstein’s life and career outside of his relationship with his wife. Maybe I’m uncultured and I should have already gone into the movie knowing who this man was, but I feel like all I learned is that he composed the music for West Side Story and that he was a very popular orchestra conductor. I do suggest others watch this movie, but I would advise you to read up on Bernstein’s life a bit before watching the movie if, like me, you know little to nothing about his life and legacy.
Where to Watch: As of 2/19/2024, you can stream Maestro with a Netflix subscription.
Movie: American Sniper (2014) Directed by Clint Eastwood; Screenplay by Jason Hall
Summary:
American Sniper is a 2014 American biographical war drama film directed and co-produced by Clint Eastwood and written and executive-produced by Jason Hall, loosely based on the memoir American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History (2012) by Chris Kyle with Scott McEwen and Jim DeFelice. The film follows the life of Kyle, who became the deadliest marksman in U.S. military history with 255 kills from four tours in the Iraq War, 160 of which were officially confirmed by the Department of Defense.[5] While Kyle was celebrated for his military successes, his tours of duty took a heavy toll on his personal and family life. It stars Bradley Cooper as Kyle and Sienna Miller as his wife Taya, with Luke Grimes, Jake McDorman, Cory Hardrict, Kevin Lacz, Navid Negahban, and Keir O’Donnell in supporting roles. (Wikipedia contributors, 2024d).
My Thoughts:
“And now for something completely different” as the Monty Python might say… Bradley Cooper also stars in American Sniper. My oh my was it whiplash to watch him portray a witty and gentle man one evening then see him play a burly, patriotic American the next. He really is a great actor.
Call me unpatriotic, but I didn’t love this movie. I appreciate that it depicts the effects that war has on those who enlist in the military (e.g. PTSD), but the issue is that in general, I don’t agree with US foreign policy and I sometimes wonder if these men’s sacrifices during the Iraq war were even worth it. Maybe someone who is more informed than me can explain to me whether or not Chris Kyle’s 255-ish kills make him a hero. I found it hard to completely sympathize with him when the movie shows him referring to the Iraqi as “savages” more than once. Ultimately, while the action was entertaining, I didn’t like this movie because I don’t think its politics were nuanced enough.
Where to Watch: As of 2/19/2024, you can stream American Sniper on Max with a subscription.
References:
Kim, S. (2023, December 1). Inyeon? intriguing concept from “past lives” will change your view of fate. Newsweek. https://www.newsweek.com/past-lives-korean-film-inyeon-fate-destiny-relationships-1848092
Wikipedia contributors. (2024, February 18). Migration (2023 film). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 04:51, February 19, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Migration_(2023_film)&oldid=1208788116
Wikipedia contributors. (2024, February 18). Past Lives (film). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 03:32, February 19, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Past_Lives_(film)&oldid=1208749624
Wikipedia contributors. (2024, February 19). Maestro (2023 film). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 00:52, February 20, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maestro_(2023_film)&oldid=1208955296
Wikipedia contributors. (2024, February 5). American Sniper. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 01:57, February 20, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=American_Sniper&oldid=1203522250
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