'A Wrinkle in Time' (2018) Review

A Wrinkle in Time unfolds itself alongside a young, intelligent Meg Murry and her little brother Charles Wallace four years after the mysterious disappearance of their father. Meg, Charles, and her classmate Calvin are then transported through space by three peculiar and powerful beings in order to embark on a daring quest to find Mr. Murry. 

This incarnation of A Wrinkle in Time stands as the second attempt to translate Madeleine L'Engle's novel that's been long described as "unfilmable." I, myself, am quite familiar with the book as I had to read it eight years ago in my seventh grade English class, and I'll be upfront to admit that I absolutely hated it. However, I wasn't going to simply let my distaste for the source material or my preconceived notions automatically color my review as negative because I believe every film should be seen before I form and share an opinion . With that being said, my expectations weren't very high for A Wrinkle in Time and I still wound up disappointed when it was all over.

The 2018 adaptation is directed by the acclaimed African American female filmmaker Ava DuVernay and features a script written by Jeff Stockwell and Jennifer Lee, which was based on Madeleine L'Engle's publication. DuVernay previously had helmed smaller-scale films such as Selma and 13th to great success, but this was her first big-budget venture and I can't imagine how embarrassing this must be for her. I've often heard film fans throw her name into the ring to helm a Star Wars flick, but I couldn't be happier to hear she's not interested in the gig after seeing how she handled this big-budget bonanza. She's clearly talented but I don't think blockbusters fit her style of filmmaking.

I'd say A Wrinkle in Time's biggest issue is that it was well-intentioned but not well executed. DuVernay definitely embraced the awkwardness of the source material in an effort to remain faithful as possible I guess? As a result, the plot's immensely incoherent, the dialogue's dreadful, the acting is atrocious, the characters are uninteresting, and the film wasn’t entertaining in the least. That's not even mentioning the inharmonious edits, jarring camera movement, or terrible song choices including various generic pop-style songs I'd never heard before but am sure were created purely for the film's soundtrack. On that note, Ramin Djawadi is a composer who I greatly admire due to his work on Game of Thrones... but his score rarely fit the mood of the scene it accompanied... The sole strengths of A Wrinkle in Time are really just its visuals and Chris Pine's performance, but neither of those elements can carry the movie... Even the bright, colorful imagery doesn't look natural due to lackluster vfx work from time-to-time, as can be evidenced above.

So you may be wondering, "How is that DuVernay's fault?" Well, a director oversees the entire project and should reign things in if they aren't working. They provide guidance for the cast and crew, and it's their responsibility to ensure their vision makes it to the big screen the way they intended. Otherwise, they didn't exactly fulfill their obligation. Perhaps, these shortcomings can be attributed to the studio, as Disney's had a spree of at least one flop-a-year (whether it be critical, financial, or both in certain cases). However, this film is far too ambitious for it to simply be a studio-made product. There's evident artistic intent put into this so it's not like nobody tried. Genuine effort was put forth.

One of A Wrinkle in Time's most glaring issues though was an immense emotional disconnect. I could have cared less about the characters, and the filmmakers didn't give me any incentive to invest in them whatsoever. Every character functions as either an expositional device or a stilted, stale personality. Seriously, the lines these actors were provided with would suffice as some of the worst dialogue I've heard uttered all year. And if there's one thing we take for granted these days, it's quality performances. ESPECIALLY those from young actors since we've been blessed with watching a talented pool of performers these last few years. Unfortunately, Storm Reid, Levi Miller, and Deric McCabe aren't up to the task of elevating the material provided. In the role of Meg, Reid provides a performance leagues beyond her other young costars as she's at least able to occasionally display emotional depth. Her scenes with Pine are easily her best, and are a testament to her potential if she continues to fine-tune her acting abilities. However, Reid's mostly left waking around almost as expressionless as possible, and the film suffers a great deal from it.

I don't say this to rip on the child actors as I understand they're trying their best, but I get the vibe they were miscast and DuVernay's lack of experience directing young talent didn't help things. Poor Levi Miller is offered nothing of substance or pertinence to work with whatsoever. His introductory dialogue is along the lines of "I don't know why I'm here. I just suddenly felt the urge to here and so I'm here." At that point, I started laughing because his lines were so awkward and unnatural. Beyond that though, his character has little-to-no development and it feels like he was only incorporated to motivate Meg and because he was in the book. Then there's Deric McCabe as Charles Wallace... Sadly, his line delivery was one-note so he just sounded like a kid reading a script written by other kids... The script wasn't written by children by the way... Having read the book, I know what Duvernay and McCabe were going for... They just didn't hit their mark, and the role would have been far better suited to a young actor like Jacob Tremblay or Jackson Robert Scott (the kid who played Georgie in last year's adaptation of It).

In regards to the experienced adult actors, it's just as bad...The three entities Mrs. Which, Mrs. Whatsit, and Mrs. Who are portrayed by Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, and Mindy Kaling respectively, and they're each awful... They're around to guide Meg and occasionally impart words of wisdom, yet they're rarely around and feel rather pointless as a result (I know it's like that in the novel as well). Oprah must be running low on interview money to stoop to this... Anyways, Oprah stands around to speak inspirational, empowering quotes you'd probably find on a poster without a care in the world, Reese Witherspoon is ditsy as can be as Mrs. Whatsit, and Mindy Kaling's Mrs. Who is stuck only able to utter quotes spoken by others unless the script demands otherwise... I couldn't take any of them seriously at all though because they each look ridiculous in the eccentric, over-the-top costumes.

I'm including this gif to point out how silly she looked running in that costume. I couldn't help but chuckle, and I hope you get a good laugh from it as well! If A Wrinkle in Time has any saving grace, its that you can at least laugh at it from time-to-time for all the wrong reasons. It should also be noted that Zach Galifianakis, David Oyelowo, and Michael Peña are in this, but good luck remembering that when it's over because their screen-time is SCARCE. Oyelowo's just a disembodied voice so you probably won't even know he was ever involved. Good for him I suppose!

The only actor in entire ensemble who I felt delivered an all-around quality performance was Chris Pine. Pine provides a performance rich with nuance and subtle expressions of emotion that enhance the awful things around him. Gugu Mbatha-Raw does the best she can with her depiction of Mrs. Murry, but is ultimately caged in by limited screen-time and an awful script. Thankfully, she has some scenes with Pine though because their chemistry really worked.

On the bright side, A Wrinkle in Time sends a positive message to young audience members. It's just a shame they've probably heard it already and that the delivery was so clunky in comparison to every other film that ever sought to inspire or empower its audience to be themselves. The children at my screening were not interested in the events onscreen at all, getting up on numerous occasions to walk around or simply divert their focus elsewhere.

In case it wasn't already apparent, I don't think A Wrinkle in Time is deserving of your crisp cash. If you hope to levy your hard-earned dollars towards supporting diverse blockbusters or you're simply going to the theater for the sake of enjoyment, you'd be better off supporting Annihilation, Black Panther, or Game Night. Otherwise, you may as well stay at home since A Wrinkle in Time is a colossal waste of time. I was already envious of those whose Wrinkle in Time screening was interrupted by an entourage of celebrities during the Oscars, but I'm even more jealous now that I've seen the film. Their prayers for it to stop must have been answered at least... 

Film Assessment: D-

'The LEGO Batman Movie' Review

I find it fitting that this review wasn't published till the film's release date that happens to fall on the third anniversary of my blog, and the exactly three years since I reviewed The LEGO Movie.

'The LEGO Batman Movie' Review

The LEGO Batman Movie revolves around everyone's favorite brick built bat LEGO Batman as he not only fights Gotham's criminal element but deals with the pressures of adopting a son. Somewhere along the way, LEGO Batman must learn the importance of teamwork if he's going to succeed in catching the villains set upon Gotham by the Joker.

The LEGO Batman Movie is the first of what looks to be a long line of LEGO spinoffs, in what I presume will be known as the LEGO Cinematic Universe, and it's only fair that the Batman gets the first considering his standout stint in The LEGO Movie and the simple fact *because he's Batman* (read in Batman voice). It's crazy to think we're getting another this fall with The LEGO Ninjago Movie, but at the same time it's not surprising Warner Bros. and LEGO want to proceed with as many of these movies they can possibly make considering the insane success of The LEGO Movie, a movie I was incredibly surprised by considering I was expecting a lazy feature length LEGO ad rather than a quality animated film with a huge heart.

Director Chris McKay's vision and imagination has no bounds as the film's plot plays out like an epic adventure only a child could imagine, appropriate considering the big twist of The LEGO Movie. One of the things that still astounds me is how animators utilized the plentiful plastic bricks at their disposal to construct animation that has the guise of a professionally-made stop-motion film using actual LEGOs. The animation is absolutely remarkable when you take into account that animators had to ensure each character and plastic piece onscreen exhibited the mannerisms and movement of a LEGO brick or mini-fig. So bravo to the group of animators and visual effects artists, your work was not forgotten. 

The LEGO Batman Movie brilliantly satirizes every aspect of the Caped Crusaders' legacy, both on and off-film, from the campy 1960s Adam West incarnation to the present brooding Ben Affleck take. The entire film is essentially a meta-commentary on DC Comics, and don't worry if you weren't a fan of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice or Suicide Squad there's some jabs in there for you. The screenwriting team of Seth Grahame-Smith, Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Jared Stern, and John Whittington responsible for the Dark Knight's zingers and commentary on the Caped Crusader. 

The screenwriters scope of Batman shows he's just a regular Joe; he misses his parents, swims in the Bat-cave's lagoon, and he heats up his leftovers in a microwave (a gag that plays out exceptionally well despite being in the trailers akin to the DMV bit in Zootopia). They're able to paint a plastic figure as what may just be the most human take on the character. 

An interesting component I'd like to touch on is the angle the story team viewed the Batman-Joker dynamic. The two need each other. It's not romantic, in fact it's the complete opposite, but when Batman can't tell Joker the three words "I hate you" or "You're not my greatest enemy" Joker is left an emotional wreck as though the two went through a bad breakup. Trust me, it's absolutely hysterical and plucks the heartstrings a little more than one would expect as you actually start to feel bad for the constructed clown prince of crime. 

My only issues are that sometimes the entire film felt like joke after joke after joke veering to be a little too kid friendly at times and that certain characters felt a little underdeveloped and cast off to the side in favor of serving the narrative theme. One thing many may be looking for is the next "Everything is Awesome" and while there's not an original song quite like that, there is in fact a heavy metal rendition of a Bat-rap about how awesome Batman is called "Who's the (Bat)Man" that's a hoot to listen to. Also, plenty of 80's hits can be found including "One" and "(I Just) Died in Your Arms" scattered throughout played to great comedic effect. 

The voice cast behind The LEGO Batman Movie is an immensely talented ensemble composed of A-list talent you would never expect to see behind a LEGO movie but I'll take it. Will Arnett's gravelly Batman voice remains an excellent play itself on the dark, gritty nature of recent incarnations of the character while he delivers one-liners and comedic bits with absolute ease and maintains an emotional, human aspect to his take on the Dark Knight. Michael Cera's giddy fanboy Robin, Ralph Fiennes' dry-cut Alfred, and Rosario Dawson's straight woman Barbara Gordon each provide excellent sources of comedy and pair well with Arnett's Batman. Zach Galifianakis' Joker is undeniably insane, not the best-nor worst take on Gotham's clown but easily the more multifaceted and somewhat sympathetic portrayal to date (as I briefly touched upon earlier).

All of Batman's rogues gallery are featured in the film to some capacity but I won't disclose the voices behind these iconic villains because that in and of itself can certainly be considered an entertaining trip to IMDB afterwards. Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill return for the buddy Superman-Green Lantern schtick along with fellow Justice League members for some brief cameo appearances. Oh and I can't forget that Siri makes her feature film debut as the Bat-computer or 'Puter for short.

In a strange turn of events The LEGO Batman Movie is the best love letter to Batman possible. While I don't think The LEGO Batman Movie was quite as good as The LEGO Movie, I can say it's a humorous and heartfelt family-friendly affair worth seeing in theaters.

Film Assessment: B+

Recollection Reflection Review: 'Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue Of Ignorance)'

Surprise! I'm introducing a new form of review today called a "Recollection Reflection Review" or a "Triple R". Since I've started my reviews, I've continually grown in my ability to analyze film and recently I've wanted to develop an interesting way to go back and revisit some of these reviews to properly assess the film hence the creation of "Triple R". As the title of these reviews suggest, I will Recollect how I initially felt about the film, reflect on if my opinion changed over time and properly review the film. "Triple R" will work a little differently than Throwback Thursday Reviews because there won't be a set day that I do a "Triple R" as it will be a bit spontaneous but always relate to either a new film release or some current event. "Triple R" also won't be a weekly installment but rather about once or twice a month. "Triple R" will always be of a film I've previously reviewed as older films I haven't reviewed are more reserved for Throwback Thursday Reviews. This "Triple R" is for Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue Of Ignorance) because the Oscars were this week and felt it would be a perfect opportunity to revisit last year's Best Picture winter that's one of my favorite films.

'Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue Of Ignorance)' Review

Nominated for: Best Picture, Best Director; Alejandro González Iñárritu, Best Actor; Michael Keaton, Best Supporting Actor; Edward Norton, Best Supporting Actress; Emma Stone, Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Editing, and Best Sound Mixing.
Won: Best Picture, Best Director; Alejandro González Iñárritu, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Cinematography.

Recollection- Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue Of Ignorance) Review
Reflection- My opinion of Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue Of Ignorance) hasn't really changed since I've seen it and I don't expect it to since I have a vast mount of respect for the filmmaking behind it as well as the film itself.
Review- Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue Of Ignorance) tells the fictional story of Riggan Thomson, a former blockbuster star best remembered for portraying the superhero Birdman, who now looks to direct, write, and star in his own Broadway show to prove he's not a washed up celebrity. Alejandro González Iñárritu, who won his first Best Director Academy Award for this film, stretches the boundaries of filmmaking by creating a film that's scenes are stitched together seamlessly as though it was all filmed in one continuous take. Iñárritu's vision made for what seems like a two hour long tracking shot thanks to such clear editing and camerawork. This was brought to life thanks to Iñárritu's collaboration with cinematographer, Emmanuel Lubezki. The sequences not only appear to be one long take, but also involve a lot of camera movement. This movement manages to simultaneously maintain focus on the story and allow for some gorgeous shots. The film not only has stunning cinematography, terrific direction, but also has a fantastic story and spectacular performances. The talented A-list cast is lead by Keaton, who is just exceptional. Keaton gets to demonstrate a full range playing a conflicted man in Riggan Thomson, whose past is constantly haunting him, where Keaton as Birdman makes a few hallucinatory appearances. Keaton is supported by Emma Stone and Edward Norton, who both are given rich characters with their own respective baggage. Other notable performances included Zach Galifianakis as Keaton's manager and Naomi Watts as one of Thomson's cast members in the production who both are serviceable in their capacity but by no means scene-stealers. All of these elements weave together to make a spectacular film and Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue Of Ignorance) certainly held up to how I remembered it and I still feel it was deserving of its Best Picture victory last year.

Film Assessment: A+