ENCANTO (2021, animation)

January 5, 2022

Greetings again from the darkness. Well we knew this day would come – an animated film that eclipses Pixar’s COCO (2017) in vibrant colors and stunning animation. The opening credits celebrate this as Disney’s official 60th animated feature film, and it’s truly prismatic and a glorious visual treat. The trio of directors include ZOOTOPIA (2016) collaborators Jared Bush and Byron Howard, as well as first time director Charise Castro Smith.

The story is set in Columbia, continuing the current trend of global trekking in animated films like LUCA, MOANA, RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON, and the aforementioned COCO. It’s also in keeping with Disney’s feel-good approach to a kinder, gentler world where there are no real villains, and most of our protagonists discover their inner-strength. This story revolves around the Madrigal family, who live in a magical house that takes strength from a magical candle, and all of the family members possess their own special power. Well, all of them except for Mirabel (voiced exceptionally well by Stephanie Beatriz, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”). Mirabel’s special night fell flat and she’s the only one in the family lacking a “gift” … and her judgmental Abuela Alma (voice by Maria Cecilia Botera, singing by Olga Merediz) never lets her forget. Of course what we notice, and no one else seems to, is that Mirabel is a caring, loving, soul, and we know a payoff is coming.

The songs are from the talented Lin-Manuel Miranda, and the bloodlines connected to his IN THE HEIGHTS movie are readily apparent. It’s likely a few of the songs will stick with kids, not the least of which is, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”. What won’t be as popular with kids is a story over-crowded with characters and a backstory seemingly inserted to ensure the film slides into the modern day political climate. There are simply too many characters (and too many powers) for young kids to keep track of – not to mention the two factions within the family (Julieta’s side and Pepa’s side). There is a flashback to the family’s history and how they came to live in the magical house, and it’s a story that mirrors the journey of many immigrants.

The voice acting and singing are all superb, and mostly stay consistent to the Columbian story line. And Mirabel is certainly a character we expect kids to take a shine to. She’s kind and friendly and has a loving heart. Pixar tends to offer up stories that are perfectly structured, while Disney has always known how to tug on the heartstrings.

Now streaming on Disney+

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Posted by David Ferguson

A HERO (2021, Iran)

January 4, 2022

Greetings again from the darkness. “Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.” That line from a Sir Walter Raleigh poem hit me early, and stuck with me through this latest superb film from Iranian writer-director Asghar Farhadi. Having won me over a decade ago with A SEPARATION (2011), and again 5 years ago with THE SALESMAN (2016), Farhadi excels at pushing our buttons on the complexities of human nature.

Rahim (Amir Jadidi) receives a two day leave from debtor’s prison, and has reason for optimism. He has a legitimate plan to make good on his debt and gain his release. A taxi drops him at the tomb of Xerxes where his sister’s brother Hossein (Alireza Jahandideh) is working on the preservation. Rahim, a low-key guy with an easy smile, asks Hossein for help in brokering a deal with Bahram (Mohsen Tanabandeh), the man who paid off the loan shark on Rahim’s behalf, and filed the complaint that sent him to jail.

The divorced Rahim meets up with his secret lover, Farkhondeh (Sahar Goldust), to cash out the 17 gold coins she recently found. Unfortunately, the exchange rate is less than expected, and worse than that for Rahim, Bahram refuses to accept the partial payment in conjunction with a promissory note. This leads to the aforementioned ‘tangled web’ and allows filmmaker Farhadi to do what he does best … cause us to question everything.

The web involves Rahim, Bahram, the jailer, and a local charity that gets involved for what is initially termed the actions of ‘a hero’. But that’s just the tip of who gets dragged in, and that includes Rahim’s son, who has a significant speech impediment. So what happens? Well, without giving anything away, we learn there’s a fine line between a lie and the truth, and between a heroic act and manipulation. In fact, Farhadi has us questioning what it means to be a hero. What impact does media attention have? Is it heroic to do the right thing? What if that thing also helps you?  What role do the reasons for your actions play?

Rahim faces a steady stream of moral forks in the road. Which path to take at any given time has ramifications on him, his situation, and countless others. As the fibs pile up, soon others are lying to help you or telling stories to hurt you. There is so much grey area here, we can’t be certain whether black and white even exists. Farhadi’s film seems like a simple story about a simple man, but neither the story nor the man are simple. It’s not about the money, but the money reveals character. Reputation and integrity are on the line. We may first root for Rahim and jeer Bahram, but upon reflection, we likely shift our support. This is Iran’s submission to the Academy, and it’s a good one.

In theaters January 7, 2022 and streaming on Amazon Prime January 21, 2021

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Posted by David Ferguson

AMERICAN GADFLY (2021, doc)

January 4, 2022

Greetings again from the darkness. Since I was unsure of the definition of “gadfly”, I was equally unsure of what I was getting into when I agreed to review the first feature-length documentary from Skye Wallin. It turns out, Wallin anticipated that particular uncertainty and kindly provided the definition in the opening for the film. A gadfly is one who provokes or annoys in regards to certain topics, and in this case those topics are political and societal in nature. The titular gadfly is not one person, but rather a few unusual collaborators: a group of smart and idealistic teenagers and an 89 year old former Senator.

Our ‘old-timer’ is Mike Gravel, who served as US Senator for Alaska from 1969 through 1981. He’s probably best remembered for reading the Pentagon Papers into the official record in 1971. The Pentagon Papers were the focus of Steven Spielberg’s Oscar nominated film THE POST (2017), but here they serve as background on Mr. Gravel, a lifelong fighter for ideals (think first edition Bernie Sanders). He ran a campaign for President in 2008, but had since lived a quiet life until contacted by a group of teenagers looking to raise awareness for the shared causes they believed in: anti-war, anti-corruption, etc.

The Gen Z activists convinced Gravel to run for President (the 2020 election) on a platform that mirrored his long-standing beliefs. Once Whitney, Gravel’s initially dubious wife, was on board, things clicked into overdrive. The smallest bit with the most impact was Gravel turning his Twitter account over to the youngsters. Make no mistake, this was a social media campaign fueled by the passion of a group of teenagers hoping to drive change. Mr. Gravel clearly admired (and shared) their passion, though he was not able to physically engage like he had early in his career.

Obviously these youngsters had no experience running a campaign, but their instincts were sharp as they drew in thousands of followers who shared their vision. Their goal of gaining an invitation for Gravel to one of the televised debates was both impressive and disappointing. A painful lesson about rules and a structured system led to a learning experience, rather than a successful mission.

Along the way, the group crossed paths with the likes of Andrew Yang, Tulsi Gabbard, Marianne Williamson, Rick Santorum, and yes, even Bernie Sanders … each candidate expressing their admiration for the group’s work, and some even offering valuable assistance. Throughout history, the passion of youth has generated waves of change. The impacts aren’t always immediately noticeable, but the desire for a better world should drive us all, regardless of age or political affiliation. Skye Wallin’s entertaining and informative film reminds us of this.

*Note: Mike Gravel passed away in June 2021

VOD on January 4, 2022

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Leave a Comment » | Documentary | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

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