Category: Film/TV

A pleasant day of Annihilation

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I was finally able to catch the film Annihilation, starring Natalie Portman as the biologist Lena and Jennifer Jason Leigh as Dr Ventress. A meteor crashes into a lighthouse creating a slowly growing zone of warped reality which threatens to change all life on earth. Lena is a member of the latest expedition to explore the phenomenon after previous explorers, except for her disoriented husband, failed to return. The mystery and danger increases as they move closer to the lighthouse. This is science fiction with elements of horror.

I enjoyed the film, even when it meandered in the middle, but many reviewers on IMDb had a more mixed opinion. The biggest plot problem was the lack of protective clothing for the explorers in an alien environment; something repeated in many other sci-fi films. Don’t expect to leave with a complete explanation if you decide to see the movie before it departs for Netflix.

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When the coffee shop clerk excitedly asked me “Have you seen it?” on Sunday morning, there was no question what she was talking about. No I haven’t seen Black Panther yet, preserving my long standing tradition of avoiding blockbuster movies for a few weeks until the rowdiness is reduced to a minimum. It’s hard to do while viewing the Spoiler-net, but it can be done. It is great, however, to see so many people attend the film on it’s opening weekend, encouraging the studios to make more Afro/African-themed movies with Black casts.

The above comic is part of my childhood memory of the character, though it isn’t the earliest appearance of the hero. Yeah, it was 30 cents instead of the current mortgage of $3.99. This was done by renowned artist Jack Kirby, born Jacob Kurtzberg, co-creator of the Fantastic Four, X-men, Hulk, and the Black Panther. He grew up on New York’s tough Lower East Side when gangs ruled and the fighting was constant. Kirby describes getting jumped after school, chasing and being chased over rooftops and down fire escapes, while dreaming of escaping the neighborhood.

Of course, the character has been through many hands since then, now being written by well known author Ta-Nehisi Coates. Wesley Snipes, who tried to create a Panther movie in the ’90s, has voiced his support for the present film. Snipes’ failed attempt gave him the knowledge to make the Blade films, the FIRST successful movies based upon a Marvel Comics character.

A manic “Good Time” was had by all

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“Good Time” was one of the most intense WTF movie experiences I have ever had because every 5 minutes I’m thinking “why the fuck would someone do that!” This film is about the aftermath of a botched robbery masterminded by Connie Nikas, played with increasing recklessness by Robert Pattinson of Twighlight fame. He is constantly lying on the run from the police in a quest to rescue his mentally challenged brother, although the brother would be better off without Connie’s assistance.

Most of the movie takes place in the space of a single neon lit night. One awful decision leads to another until Connie’s flight comes to an abrupt end, but not before damaging other lives during his manic journey. The extreme wide angle closeup film making puts you uncomfortably close to the action. It makes you feel like you were suddenly dropped into chaos, slowly figuring out the situation as the film proceeds. The intensity is relieved by the awkward humor of seeing people blunder their way through strange situations.

The often cringe inducing behavior should not discourage you from seeing this movie, now in limited release. A smooth drink afterwards certainly wouldn’t hurt.