Movie Review: Parasite (2019)

Parasite is a deeply affecting comedy, thriller, and social commentary. Director/writer Bong Joon-ho once again crafts a thoughtful, unexpected story that's equal parts delightful and appalling. The sheer audacity of the characters and the increasingly jaw-dropping unfolding of events can keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It has power and impact, and will stay in your head long after the credits have rolled.

In a nutshell, the film is about the Kims, an unemployed family whose canny members methodically maneuver their way into gainful employment with the fabulously wealthy Park family. Parasite's main strength is the Kims, who are incredibly sympathetic protagonists. It's hard not to root for them. The parents have a familiar bickering dynamic and the children roll their eyes at the antics, but their sub-basement home is full of affection and kind words. Once they engage with the Parks, their individual talents and determination to get ahead come into sharp relief.

There are a lot of laughs during this part of the plot, thanks to the chutzpah of the Kims as well as the strong locations. The sprawling, ultramodern Park manse contrasts sharply with the cramped Kim quarters, and both provide excellent comedic effect, as the Kims scrabble frantically around the large set or lounge comfortably on their elevated toilet (!) at home. Even mobile phones are sources of much amusement.

But since this is a Bong film (c.f. Snowpiercer, Okja, The Host, Mother), a sharp left turn comes out of nowhere and turns everyone into The Scream emoji. The perfect soundtrack underscores the merriment, the celebrations, and the dread and anticipation once things go off the rails. I spent the first hour of the film wondering what the director's main message was--the blissful ignorance of the wealthy? The cycle of poverty that can only end with extreme action?--and spent the next hour clenched into a trembling ball of sweat and fear. And when the ending came, I shed a tear, for everyone. As doge would say, such bittersweet.

In conclusion, Parasite has it all: comedy! Action! Thrills! Romance! Bad weather! Scenes of Korean people eating! Lee Sun-kyun's sexy dad voice! And so much more!!!

TL;DR: Nuts, in a good way! Highly recommended!

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This post brought to you by Thai food!

Movie Review: Hustlers (2019)

Hustlers is a stylish, energetic love story. Based on an article by Jessica Pressler about former strippers who organize and level up their hustle, the movie is the very definition of the Bechdel test. It's got everything: a standout performance by JLo, a killer soundtrack, and stylistic flourishes by writer-director Lorene Scafaria. This movie will make your skin glossier, your hair shinier, and your cellulite disappear! It is also very entertaining.

The main character is ostensibly Destiny (Constance Wu), whose flashbacks help a journalist (Julia Stiles) reconstruct her story. I say "ostensibly" because JLo, as veteran stripper Ramona, utterly dominates the movie as soon as she appears onscreen, performing acrobatic pole-related feats to Fiona Apple's "Criminal." It's love at first sight for Destiny, who later seeks out Ramona and asks for some mentoring. Generous to a fault, Ramona takes her new protege fully under her gloriously fur-clad wing, and a close friendship soon develops. The two are separated briefly, and upon reuniting, combine their powers with a couple of younger strippers (Keke Palmer and Lili Reinhart) to wring enormous amounts of money from Wall Street types, with, er, pharmacological assistance. Alas, nothing lasts forever, and soon the jig is up for these entrepreneurs.

Hustlers is fun, but never loses sight of its core dynamic: the strong respect and affection between Ramona and Destiny, whose shared ambitions and similar work ethic elevate both to a level of power and control that they always craved. Wu, despite terrible bangs, is effective here as a grounded foil for JLo's powerhouse ringleader, whose desire for more conquest ultimately leads to the group's downfall. Interestingly, it's their clashing viewpoints about the consequences of their actions that drive the wedge between them: Destiny is uneasy about exploiting the johns, whereas Ramona passionately proclaims that their clients/victims deserve to be fleeced. "If we don't do it, someone else will," she reasons.

As the movie reaches its conclusion, Destiny, now estranged from her fellow hustlers, asks after Ramona, who shows that she still cares deeply for Destiny. Some bonds are too powerful to break, but they can be weakened. The love story in Hustlers ends with Janet Jackson crooning in the background. Perfection.

TL;DR: Very well-made film! Highly recommended! 

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This post brought to you by Walden Local Meats! Down with factory farming!!!

Movie Review: Ad Astra (2019)

Ad Astra is achingly beautiful. It explores familiar themes in fresh and dazzling ways, and with a bold melancholy perfectly encapsulated by its protagonist. Fragrant Husband and I predict that it will sweep technical wins when awards season comes, and could even net Brad Pitt little statues for his performance.

Ad Astra is mainly the story of a man looking for his father. Astronaut Roy McBride (Pitt) is renowned for his cool under pressure, but he labors under the inescapable shadow of his father, Dr. Cliff McBride (Tommy Lee Jones), considered the greatest in their field. When a phenomenon originating from the very edge of our solar system pulls Roy into a secret mission, his carefully cultivated detachment begins to crack.

I say that Roy's search is the main story because there's another one revealed near the end, another attempt at discovery whose conclusion elevates the movie's core message. Set in the near future, Ad Astra shows the human conquest of the expanse of space: there are commercial flights to the moon; babies are born on Mars; and Neptune, billions of miles away, is a recently visited frontier. Space Command is the organization in charge of space missions, and Roy obeys his instructions until given a reason not to. This decision prompts him to question himself and his motivations as he journeys toward confrontation.

Much like in the poem "Ithaka," in Ad Astra the journey is more important than the destination. Viewers are in for a treat, as the gorgeous visuals of space are accompanied by an uplifting yet somber score by Max Richter. Pitt is outstanding as Roy, balancing his outward hyper competence with his internal anguish to create a thoroughly sympathetic character. And though he travels to the farthest reaches of our system, his vision is consistently grounded--again, underlining the film's main theme. "We're all we've got," Roy says. Humanity has spread out across the entire solar system, and we did it together; we accomplished so much because we had each other. "Ad astra"--meaning "to the stars"--is a feat only possible through our shared visions, unity of purpose, and combined efforts. Competition also played a role, I'm sure.

As wonderful as the movie is, the science does tend to take a back seat to the storytelling. There's at least one action sequence that will annoy physics/space nerds, and I still question the point of a particular interlude with serious Reavers-from-Firefly vibes. This movie also utterly fails the Bechdel test, although at least the teams Roy interacts with aren't complete sausage fests, and Ruth Negga's character isn't just another pretty face.

The prettiest face, of course, belongs to Pitt, making two hours of Roy's sad eyes and mournful voiceover more than bearable. So in closing, here is a joke I came up with myself: Ad Astra, more like SAd Astra, amirite????

TL;DR: Beautiful, thoughtful space drama. Highly recommended!

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This post brought to you by a weeklong resurgence of summer weather! Wooo!!!

Movie Review: Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

Spider-Man Far From Home (FFH) is a light summer snack. It's funny, has great supporting characters and a terrific soundtrack, and the CGI is phenomenal. However, IMO the hero and the villain are weak. Overall, Spidey's latest adventure is sure to satisfy his fans, and, as is obligatory for an MCU movie, increases anticipation for the next one.

FFH shows viewers the fallout from Thanos' actions in the last two Avengers movies, and follows Peter Parker (Tom Holland) on his class science trip to Europe. Trouble also shadows the young superhero, in the form of elemental monsters. Fortunately, another superpowered person shows up to fight the villains: the dome-headed Mysterio, played by an excellent Jake Gyllenhaal.

"But Fragrant Elephant," you protest, "you said the hero and the villain are weak! Y u praise Donnie Darko?"

Because, my love, Jake is great but Mysterio is lame. He's so obviously the bad guy, as any comics fan will know. While the reveal of how he does what he does is impressive, his motivation is small-time. Which, I suppose, is in keeping with Peter's own modest ambitions to enjoy his trip and get with MJ (Zendaya).

Speaking of, she and Ned (Jacob Batalon) are highlights in this film. They're both adorable, as is newcomer Brad (Remy Hii), whose backstory is the best. As for the adults, Happy (Jon Favreau) has his sights set on Hot Aunt May (Marisa Tomei), and teachers Mr. Harrington (Martin Starr) and Mr. Dell (JB Smoove) are utterly hopeless. Alas, Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) is mostly relegated to comic relief, although that's likely because, in fact, [REDACTED].

My biggest complaint with the movie is how much of a wet blanket Peter is in Spider-Man Far From Home. He's so reluctant to step up after his mentor's death that he makes a series of poor decisions. It's difficult to reconcile whiny Peter with the solid, reliable Spider-Man from Avengers Civil War, Spider-Man Homecoming, and Avengers Infinity War. The contrast between Peter's wish for a normal life and his responsibilities as Spider-Man makes for a key theme in this movie, but it's a jarring contrast from his characterization thus far, which painted him as a kid who will always do the right thing, no matter the cost to himself.

Anyway! My bellyaching aside, FFH offers plenty to enjoy for casual Spidey fans and stans alike, so by all means, give Marvel more of your money, and chuckle at the teenage shenanigans!

TL;DR: MJ rules!!!

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This post brought to you by mysterious tea! Ah, if only my kanji skills were higher than toddler level!

Movie Review: Yesterday (2019)

Yesterday is the sweetest movie I've seen in recent memory. Director Danny Boyle's latest film is carried by its lead's winningly melancholy performance, terrific cinematography, amusing premise, and of course, a soundtrack by the Beatles.

Jack (Himesh Patel) is a mediocre musician who is prepared to give up on his career, to the dismay of his devoted childhood friend and manager Ellie (Lily James). And then he wakes up one day and it's as if the Beatles never existed. Jack soon realizes the possibilities presented by this situation, and goes off on a journey that catapults him to the top of his game. Naturally, he discovers that success and fame have their price...

The acting and the writing in Yesterday work hand in hand to charm the pants off viewers. Special kudos goes to roadie extraordinaire Rocky (Joel Frye) and Jack's parents, played by Sanjeev Bhaskar and Meera Syal. A famous musician also plays a key role in the plot, one who is very game indeed. The only blip on the radar here is Kate McKinnon, whom I love, and her very over-the-top portrayal of a music industry player. Maybe her performance just clashes with Patel's low-key sad sack hero? In any case, the dialogue is sparkling, darling, absolutely sparkling, with dry British humor on full display.

While obviously a big theme here is the brilliance of music and the ability of beautiful songs to connect to millions/billions, a reveal at the very end gave me a sneaking suspicion that this is also Danny Boyle's love song to British culture and the phenomenal artists it produces. The movie also explores the themes of responsibility, friendship, honesty, and luuuurve. Because, my dears, romance is in the air! Guess who gets the girl!

Snark aside, Yesterday does contain many surprises, my favorite being the judicious use of "The Long and Winding Road." Plus, Jack's attempts to stay true to the Beatle's vision(s) are hilariously obstructed by our modern times (c.f. "Hey Jude," album titles). And the biggest surprise is just how touching Patel's rendition of the Beatles songs are--he has clear, strong vocals that express his connection with the melody and the lyrics he's performing. He's so dreamy.

In conclusion, Yesterday is a delight. Perfect for father-daughter time, date night, or really just any time you can get away from the kids so you don't have to explain why the man on the screen is so sad when everyone around him is so happy. I guess "He's British" could work, eh? ;-)

TL;DR: A beautifully executed concept. Cheers. (British voice)

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This post brought to you by delicious Rioja!

Movie Review: Dark Phoenix (2019)

Dark Phoenix is a somber, more down-to-earth retelling of the celebrated Dark Phoenix Saga from the X-Men comics. The movie has outstanding battle sequences, a terrific soundtrack by Hans Zimmer, and an excellent performance by Sophie Turner as the tormented Jean Grey. As a rabid fan of the comics throughout the nineties, and a superfan of Jean Grey/Marvel Girl in particular, I thoroughly enjoyed Dark Phoenix. While lacking in certain important elements, it's a beautiful superhero film and it tells a good story.

Briefly, the film is about Jean Grey's transformation into an uncontrollable force and the X-Men's attempts to bring her home. In the comics, Jean becomes corrupted by the Hellfire Club's machinations, but the movie makes a more straightforward choice about who is ultimately responsible for her turn to the dark side. It's that terrible betrayal--one born out of love, but without trust in her strength--that pushes her to commit horrific acts that draw even Magneto out of his self-imposed exile to try and stop her.

All the cast members do what they can with admittedly thin writing, particularly Tye Sheridan as Scott, whose love for Jean was always the cornerstone of the team in the comics. The lion's share of emoting goes to the A-listers, with James McAvoy portraying a less noble Charles Xavier and Michael Fassbender, as always, a formidable presence as the master of magnetism. Alas, the other X-Men only serve the story for the impressive combat set pieces, with one notable exception: Jennifer Lawrence's Raven, who [SPOILERS].

The unfortunate lack of character development extends to the villain, played by Jessica Chastain. Sadly, her most menacing feature is her frosty wig, and her stated motivations are at odds with her poor tactical judgment. She also has to deliver super cheesy lines, although nothing will ever be on the same level as Halle Berry's infamous "Do you know what happens to toads...?" cringefest.

But Dark Phoenix absolutely shines when it comes to epic mutant showdowns. Slow motion is used sparingly and to terrific effect. Storm's lightnings and gales are awesome, Nightcrawler's teleporting is on point, and Cyclops uses his beams in short, effective bursts. Jean is terrifying when the tell-tale signs of the Phoenix force erupt under her skin right before she starts wrecking everything. And Magneto is just a total badass, displaying both near-perfect control over his gifts and the indomitable will that makes him the X-Men's most enduring foe. There's a train fight that underscores everyone's repeated reluctance to engage him. The only exceptions to all this magnificence are Beast (Nicholas Hoult) and his awkward wire work jumping, and dreadlocks guy. Who is dreadlocks guy???

In conclusion, Dark Phoenix is a story about the consequences of great power--not just mutant power, but also power over others (i.e. authority figures like parents, teachers, etc.). Without control, without regard for others, power destroys. But in the right hands, power saves. Maybe we should call the team the X-Women after all.

Also: My dad when I told him I was watching Dark Phoenix: "Sansa!" 

TL;DR: A grim summer spectacle elevated by Hans Zimmer's score. Give it a chance!

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This post brought to you by chia seeds!

Movie Review: Men in Black International (2019)

Men in Black International is fun, funny, and predictable. It's a light summer movie that invites viewers to relax and enjoy the ride with its two charismatic leads and entertaining supporting characters. Overall, it recalls the zaniness of the first MiB, and a sequel would be welcome!

MiB International follows the first adventures of senior agent H (Chris Hemsworth) and probationary agent H (Tessa Thompson), whose initial mission together leads to encounters with all sorts of aliens: fearsome ones, adorable ones, and of course, those bent on the subjugation/destruction of the known universe, the usual. Along the way, ridiculously awesome weapons are used, transportation choices always serve hyperspeed realness, honey, and witty banter flies back and forth almost nonstop.

While the plot is uncomplicated--an important otherworlder gives the Men in Black a mysterious item that will save their world--the background and the journey towards its resolution are enjoyable. This is an origin story of sorts for Agent H, who has spent most of her life looking for the agency and is rewarded with recruitment, in a delightful scene with Agent O (the incomparable Emma Thompson). She is assigned to the London office, where O suspects something is wrong. Agent High T (Liam Neeson), head of said office, welcomes M with open arms, while H charms the ladies and butts heads with the uptight Agent C (Rafe Spall). When M finagles herself into backing up H on a routine assignment, poop hits the fan, and the two agents must learn to trust each other and work together!

Like I said, the movie is very predictable. For instance, the real sikrot villain is telegraphed, and Chekhov's guns abound. However, there are moments of genuine unexpected pleasure, such as the existence of Pawny (Kumail Nanjiani), and the fight scenes with Riza (Rebecca Ferguson). In any case, predictability does not detract from MiB International's entertainment value. It's a story with new characters treading well-worn narrative grooves, so it's fortunate that Agents H and M have terrific chemistry and exchange lines with easy familiarity. (This is Hemsworth and Thompson's third time onscreen together.)

In conclusion, Men in Black International is a consummate summer movie: bright, bubbly, and goes down smooth. Its main themes--friendship, trust, knowing yourself--are well delivered, the special effects blend seamlessly into the scenes, and the soundtrack is fire. Best of all, it's self-aware of its attempts at wokeness, and it passes the Bechdel test! More, please!

TL;DR: Recommended for those who like fun and laughter!

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This post brought to you by tea!

Movie Review: Avengers Endgame (2019)

Avengers Endgame is a touching and delightful conclusion to the epic battle that began back when the group of superheroes first assembled to defend New York. And while the roster has grown since then, this movie focuses on the originals: Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, Hawkeye, and the Hulk. The action is intense, the one-liners hilarious, and the music persistent--I still have the Avengers theme stuck in my head, and I am okay with that.

In this adventure, our heroes try to undo the results of Thanos' actions from Avengers Infinity War. Since this review is spoiler-free, all I can say is that a lot of what follows is unpredictable, incredible, and sometimes hysterically funny. And while I was very nervous coming into this movie because I've become very attached to some of the characters and I don't want to lose any of them, I came out happy and satisfied. The journeys they all take--together and separately--lead to difficulties and agony, but also to victory, absolution, and redemption.

Perhaps most of all, this film is about second chances, about trusting and opening yourself to the risk of another failure. Cliché though it is, it's not about how often you fall, it's about how often you get back up. And the Avengers fell hard in the last movie. Avengers Endgame is the story of them getting back up, dusting themselves off, and hitting back. As Fragrant Hubby would say, And it is glorious.

Of course, heroes are only as good as their archnemeses (help? is this the plural of archnemesis?), and this movie delivers. To say more would be to spoil (she said, coyly), but let it be known that the Big Bad in the movie sure gives everyone a run for their money.

One last, slightly spoiler-ish point: there's a shot late in the movie that, to me, looked like Marvel excitedly saying, "Look! Look! We're woke! We listened!" Was it pandering? Absolutely. Did I love it? HELL YEAH. Am I gonna find a gif of it and save it on my phone to look at when I feel down? HEAVEN YEAH. Are both Junior and Juniorette going to be watching it with me? LIMBO YEAH.

Okay, I ran out of metaphorical constructs. Forgive me, we watched A Game of Thrones' The Battle of Winterfell episode right after watching this movie so my brain is a little confused about which end-of-the-world is which.

Overall, Avengers Endgame made over a billion dollars on opening weekend, so what are you waiting for? Get thee to a cinema and become part of the movie event of the year, nay, the decade!

In closing, I leave first-time goers some excellent advice I received from a friend: hold off on drinking too much beforehand, because this is a three-hour movie and you don't want to miss a second of it! I plan to watch it again, frankly because I missed a bunch of dialogue and also because it's really good and also Hubby and I keep arguing about which plot holes are in fact plot holes and which aren't.

TL;DR: GLORIOUS. EPIC. WATCH IT ASAP.

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Movie Review: Us (2019)

My ducklings, in my unparalleled generosity I have once more done the unthinkable: watched a scary movie so you don't have to! Jordan Peele's sophomore feature, Us, had terrifying trailers, but I enjoyed his first film, Get Out (my review here), so I went in expecting scares and social commentary. The former I got in spades; the latter...I'm still processing.

Briefly, Us is about a family whose vacation is interrupted by murderous doppelgängers. Protective mom Adelaide (Lupita Nyong'o), goofy dad Gabe (Winston Duke), track star Zora (Shahadi Wright Joseph), and little brother Jason (Evan Alex) are just chilling in their waterfront home one night when the power goes out and four people holding hands appear on their driveway. From that point on, the movie transforms from cute and normal to utterly distressing.

Us is an extremely well-made film, and there are two standouts: the acting and the soundtrack. Every single cast member is on point, the most brilliant being Nyong'o's double performance as Adelaide and the shears-wielding Red. Honestly, she was so disturbing that for a couple of nights after watching the film, I kept seeing Red in my mind's eye, ready to kick my ass with her signature mechanical psycho ballerina flourish. Make room, Natalie Portman in Black Swan! There's new nightmare fuel in a tutu!

The supporting characters are similarly fantastic. Duke gets the most laughs as a walking dad joke, and the kids do a terrific job of being sympathetic. Little Jason gets extra points for being possibly the most perceptive person in the story, despite being dismissed early on as unfocused. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Moss plays a family friend whose counterpart is chillingly, silently unhinged.

But the real star of the film is the music by Michael Abels. Us boasts the obligatory jarring strings/percussion beats of typical horror fare, but it also has "Anthem," the creepy chorale opening theme, and a remix of the 1995 song "I Got 5 On It" that starkly illuminates the movie's overarching theme of duality. Janelle Monáe's "I Like That" is also featured, and any work by Ms. Monáe automatically elevates a thing by 100%.

As for the statement the movie makes...well, honestly, I don't know! I'm pretty sure it's "The monster is US!", as the poster above suggests, but apparently people have been reading class differences into it? Sure, why not! As for me, I have so many questions about the villains' costumes and weapons acquisition program! Who decided on the ankle-length overalls, and wouldn't closed shoes make more sense when executing (heh) a murder spree? Also, do those rabbits not poop? In real life, the waste products of countless bunnies would be the real horror show.

Overall, Us is an effective thriller that expands Peele's scope. While its message is not as laser focused as in Get Out, Us is larger and more ambitious, and showcases a sweet portrayal of a family whose strength comes from the love, trust, and determination of each member. In the end, defeating Us means coming to terms with the darkness within, and a strong family unit can make the struggle less painful. What I'm trying to say is, Winston Duke, will you marry me?

TL;DR: AAAIIIIEEEEEEEE SCARYYYYYY

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This post brought to you by another verdammt cold! What is up, immune system?

Movie Review: Captain Marvel (2019)

Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) is a terrific origin story. It introduces viewers to Carol Danvers, a superheroine who's confident, implacable, and full of quips. The editing is especially excellent, helping to briskly tell a story spanning light years and different alien civilizations. Overall, the movie is an excellent addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) roster, and admirably fulfills its secondary task of getting us excited for Avengers: Endgame.

The trailers reveal the basic premise of the plot: Captain Marvel starts out as an amnesiac operative for the powerful Kree empire, and a crash landing (into a Blockbuster!) on Earth begins her hero's journey to recover her memories and find her true self. Along the way, she must face off against the Kree's sworn enemies, the shapeshifting Skrulls, and dogged pursuit by Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.

[SPOILERS AHEAD]

Captain Marvel takes place in the nineties, and visual gags from that time period abound. The funniest ones involve computers and dial-up, and Fragrant Husband and I were unabashedly bellowing with laughter at the nostalgia. Similarly, the soundtrack pays homage to the popular bands of my childhood/tween years: Garbage, Nirvana, No Doubt, etc. The songs make their respective scenes much more fun, though as a whole, the soundtrack is not as strong as the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 OST.

The film also does a great job depicting space locations such as Hala, the Kree capital, with its enormous, super-advanced structures and stark training facilities. There's the border planet, appropriately desolate and forbidding, where the Kree team gets ambushed. And then there's Planet C53, "a real shithole," as Minn-Erva (Gemma Chan) reminisces. (The side characters get all the best lines in Captain Marvel.)

By far the most important element in the film are the character relationships. Carol has an easy camaraderie with her Kree mentor (Jude Law) as well as with Fury. Her easy exchanges with them highlight appealing aspects of her personality: her confidence and positive outlook. But it's her relationships with her best friend, Maria Rambeau (Lashana Lynch), and with the Skrull leader Talos, that showcase her powerful humanity, and it's her admiration for the Air Force's secretive scientist, Dr. Lawson (Annette Bening) that reveals her heroic core.

And what a hero she is! Even before she goes Super Saiyajin, Carol is a force to be reckoned with, especially when it comes to free-for-all brawling. In one scene, she utterly destroys all her foes with her arms encased so she can't fire her photon beams. In another scene, she obliterates Kree soldiers while protecting a precious, precious lunchbox. Then, after her final Limit Break, she's a one-woman planetary defense force. Thanos better watch out!

As great as the bipeds are, Goose is the indisputable star of Captain Marvel. Just look at that widdle face! Goose is a true hero, one who is clutch in a crisis and brings joy and goodness and light wherever she goes. I would watch a standalone Goose movie, and you would too, don't even lie. She's irresistible, and her actions in Captain Marvel cement her iconic status in the MCU. I would give this...cat...all the Infinity Stones in a heartbeat.

Speaking of, the Ultimate Power Thingie of Power in Captain Marvel will be familiar to fans of the Marvel films, but the mystery of how Mar-Vell got it remains. Hint: chronologically speaking, we last saw it after WWII. It may or may not be addressed in a future movie, but in the meantime, Marvel will hopefully allow viewers a glimpse of a grown up Monica Rambeau (Akira Akbar), whose sweet smile and calculated words inspire (unwilling) heroic deeds.

In conclusion, BLACK WIDOW MOVIE BLACK WIDOW MOVIE BLACK WIDOW MOVIE

TL;DR: Cats are heroes, too! Truly the most empowering Marvel film.

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This post brought to you by very fluffy snow!

Movie Review: Widows (2018)

Widows is a social commentary disguised as a drama/slow burn thriller. It boasts a phenomenal cast, outstanding music, and a tight script by director Steve McQueen and Gillian Flynn (of Gone Girl infamy). Although some plot turns are predictable, Widows is still a terrific exploration of power--what it gives, takes, and costs, and how an unlikely group of women come into theirs.

In the movie, the death of a group of criminals during a heist acts as the catalyst for the eponymous widows to join forces. Viola Davis plays Veronica, whose husband Harry (Liam Neeson) led the gang of men. Veronica gets stuck with Harry's bill, so she reaches out to Linda (Michelle Rodriguez) and Alice (Elizabeth Debicki) with a proposition: do one job with her, pay off the debt, keep the remainder. Twist: they've never done this before!

But actually, the real twist is that Steve McQueen is more interested in the women and their antagonists than in the job. Hence the slow burn; Widows spends a lot of time following Veronica, Linda, and Alice, as well as the men they're up against: dynastic politician Jack Mulligan (Colin Farrell), his rival Jamal Manning (Brian Tyree Henry), and Jamal's ruthless brother (Daniel Kaluuya). Their confrontations occur during an election campaign: as the men vie for the post of Chicago alderman, the women fight to reassert the power they lost to their husbands. One fight takes place in the public eye, the other under the cover of darkness, and it's the shadowy struggle that has more integrity.

McQueen makes a lot of choices that set this film apart from other heists, with my favorite being an angry back-and-forth in a car where the camera remains focused on the exterior, showing the stark difference between working-class neighborhoods and the "good" neighborhood where Mulligan lives, and highlighting just how close the two places are to each other. The issue isn't distance; it's power. Casting Kaluuya as the enforcer character is also excellent--he absolutely nails it as a genuine threat to the protagonists. Finally, it was a delight to see Elizabeth Debicki playing a normal role, albeit whilst towering over everyone else (she's 6'3). Her character probably has the most growth, not that she needed to grow more! ba-dum-dum Get it? 'Cause she's so tall? I slay.

The job itself occurs after the characters and the social/power dynamics are well established, and I found it thrilling, especially since Hans Zimmer's score during those scenes is reminiscent of horror movies. And the aftermath is *Italian chef kiss*

Overall, Widows is an entertaining film with a message that it alternately hammers home and delicately weaves into the story. Its focus on its title characters and the broader social dynamics they act within is beautifully shot and scored, and the cast is perfect.

TL;DR: Qualifies as a light Steve McQueen film, highly recommended.

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This post brought to you by freezing rain!

Movie Review: Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

Crazy Rich Asians is a wonderful escape into a world dripping with luxury and over-the-top personalities. The movie flaunts its unabashed Chinese-ness, with a soundtrack featuring Mandarin and Cantonese covers of highly recognizable US pop songs, as well as a pivotal scene where mahjong is key. Overall, it's an enjoyable journey that will hopefully lead to more stories like it!

Crazy Rich Asian's lead is NYU economics professor Rachel Chu (Constance Wu, or should I say, Woooo!), whose boyfriend Nick Young (HE'S MINE, HANDS OFF) invites her to Singapore for his best friend's wedding. Multiple surprises await Rachel along the way, many delightful (street food! Designer clothes!), and some downright terrifying (disapproving potential mother-in-law!).

The latter is played to icy perfection by the outstanding Michelle Yeoh, whose character Eleanor verbalizes the conflicts running throughout the film: sacrifice and tradition versus passion and independence, family versus outsiders, old money versus scrappy immigrants, and more. Although Eleanor places herself between Rachel and Nick, the movie has no true villain -- just fundamentally differing backgrounds, perspectives, and attitudes that, naturally, eventually swing in favor of our heroine, since this is after all a romantic comedy.

Apart from the strong writing, the supporting characters are fabulous. First place goes to Awkwafina, fresh off her triumphant debut in Ocean's Eight, whose portrayal of Peik Lin is so iconic that I honestly couldn't catch everything she said because the audience roared with laughter just about every time she came onscreen. A close second is Nico Santos (he's Pinoy!) who plays the resourceful cousin Oliver. On the opposite side of the spectrum is Gemma Chan, whose Astrid is tragic and kind and beautiful and tall and slim and I'm not jealous. That's just your imagination. Sonoya Mizuno is also in this movie, and I did not recognize her at all because I last saw her in Ex Machina, which you should also watch!

Apropos of nothing, the loving shots and scenes dedicated to food made me go, "This movie gets me." This movie is my husband.

Finally, the soundtrack is spectacular in that the music matches all the visual opulence. In particular, the opening song "Waiting For Your Return," "Wo Yao Ni De Ai," and "Money (That’s What I Want)" are very upbeat tracks that encapsulate the spirit of the film. And the song sung live (of course!) at the wedding is swoon-worthy. Love and money -- what a glorious fantasy!

TL;DR: MORE PLEASE!

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Movie Review: Ant-Man & The Wasp (2018)

Ant-Man and The Wasp has a lot of heart. It's a fun little adventure that scales back the stakes, but not the action or the laughs. Overall, it's a great antidote to the grimness of Avengers: Infinity War.

The cast is easily the best part of the film. The gang from Ant-Man is back, and everyone shines: Paul Rudd is earnest and goofy as Scott Lang; Evangeline Lilly remains hyper-competent as Hope van Dyne; Michael Douglas' Hank Pym is brilliant and driven; and Michael Peña is a scene-stealer as the chatty Luis. Any interaction involving Scott's daughter Cassie (Abby Rider) is adorable. There are several new high-profile additions in the sequel, and every one of them is *Italian chef kiss*

The plot is equally enjoyable. There are a number of intertwined threads, but for the most part it's a straightforward proposition: our heroes want to enter the quantum realm and retrieve [SPOILER]. Appropriately enough for its micro-protagonists, this movie dodges the thematic weight of, say, the last two Captain America films. This is very much a family movie, as in the overriding theme is family: the one you're born into, and the one you create through shared experiences and goals.

Watching Ant-Man and The Wasp overcome obstacles is exceedingly entertaining. The CGI during fight scenes is very well done, with slo-mo being used sparingly but to hilarious effect. The soundtrack is high octane from the get-go. And the villains are interesting! Ant-Man and The Wasp face off against two sets of antagonists who want the same thing. One pair has surprising depth, while the other group, despite not being terribly formidable, is certainly persistent.

Also: The Wasp has her hair in a ponytail when she's fighting! This alone almost makes up for the movie not passing the Bechdel test. Soon, Marvel, soon you will be less sausage-y and more...y'know, I'm just going to leave this at: Black Widow movie, woo-hoo!!!

In closing, since this is a Marvel movie, there are two end credit scenes: one after the principal cast list, and another at the very end. Stay and watch, and marvel at Marvel's ability to link its movies!

TL;DR: Fun, brisk, and moving. 

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Movie Review: Incredibles 2 (2018)

Incredibles 2 lives up to its title. It boasts spectacular action sequences, perfect voice acting, grounded themes, AND is preceded by Bao, a lovely short by Domee Shi that had me in tears. Overall, it's a sequel worth the 14-year wait.

Plot: Elastigirl is recruited as the centerpiece of a high-tech PR effort to make Supers legal again. Meanwhile, Mr. Incredible must stay home and parent their three Super kids by himself. But a mysterious villain wants Supers to remain illegal...forever!

First off the bat: Incredibles 2 tends to be exposition-heavy, because it deals with real-world themes such as parenting, power and responsibility, trust and friendship, fear and discrimination, and legal versus right. In particular, Elastigirl and Mr. Incredible's decision to have her leave the kids so they can one day have the choice that she and her husband don't have--to use their powers for good without fear of legal action--strikes a chord with working parents, who keep at their jobs to provide the best possible everything to their offspring. The contradiction inherent in Elastigirl's illegal actions in the pursuit of legal status is repeated by multiple characters, underlining the IRL fact that the law and justice are two different things. There are also conversations between Elastigirl and Evelyn (one of the two who recruit Elastigirl) that Hubby argues pass the Bechdel test, but I disagree. Will have to rewatch.

Anyway! Interspersed throughout the sparkling dialogue are breathtaking action scenes: Incredibles vs. the Underminer, Jack-Jack vs. raccoon, Elastigirl vs. runaway train, etc. They're, well, incredible! And the accompanying music is on point, sometimes tense, other times wistful, and always entertaining.

Another highlight, naturally, darling, is Edna. As with the first movie, she's a scene-stealer. Director Brad Bird does outstanding voice work as the diminutive genius fashion designer. Edna's lines are the ones that Hubby and I quote to each other on the drive back from the movie theater. I would watch a movie about Edna!

All the actors who give voice to our beloved Supers are terrific! They provide depth to already complex characters. It's great that character actors were selected for both films, instead of using big names to sell seats. (An exception is Bradley Cooper as Rocket in Guardians of the Galaxy, because Cooper sounds nothing like his handsome self when voicing the space raccoon.)

My only negative note about Incredibles 2 is that I think the villain in The Incredibles is better. Syndrome is a nasty piece of work: willing to sacrifice his own lieutenant, murder children, and aware enough to catch himself monologuing. The Incredibles 2 big bad: different! See for yourself.

In summary, Incredibles 2 (and Bao!) is a top-notch animated film, and definitely worth the trip to the theater.

TL;DR: Highly recommended for kids and grownups!

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Movie Review: Hereditary (2018)

Hereditary is bleak and disturbing. Its horror and shocks are rooted in its proximity to reality. It's a lovingly crafted film that's worlds apart from the typical "Boo!" movies of the genre. Overall, it has a strong message, highlighted by phenomenal acting and grotesque imagery.

Toni Collette dominates Hereditary with her powerful performance as Annie, a woman whose secretive mother just died. The first part of the movie shows Annie, her husband Steve (Gabriel Byrne) and two teenage children, Peter and Charlie (Alex Wolff and Milly Shapiro) all grappling with the loss. The film becomes steadily more grim from there, and everything falls apart in the third act.

The strongest elements in the film are the acting, the soundtrack, the set design, and the cinematography. As noted, Collette delivers a bravura performance as the loving, increasingly strained Annie. She's matched by Shapiro, who manages to be weird, helpless, and menacing at the same time. And Wolff offers a deft portrayal of a struggling teenager who really needs things to be stable at home. Meanwhile, Byrne's character is in over his head, but he still tries his best to keep the peace.

Most of the action takes place in the family house, which was built on a sound stage for the movie. The soundtrack creates a sense of dread to even the most mundane shots and, combined with the set design and cinematography, the home shifts from big, warm, and welcoming to close and dark, full of unseen terrors in the shadows. It's the perfect allegory for mental illness, the big theme in Hereditary. In sunlight everything looks right, but once darkness falls, things unravel and unsettle.

The writing is strong, for the most part. It builds tension to almost unbearable levels, and underlines its message of children suffering because of something out of their control. Annie's job--as an artist who creates miniatures that reflect her life--is used to good effect, revealing her past and present, and serving as a catalyst for further turmoil. (Here's a great article, with photos, about the miniatures.) Her sharing with a grief support group provides crucial plot details. Another expository/exploratory tool is the Greek tragedy discussed in Peter's class; the teacher asks if it's more tragic to have a choice, or to be a pawn (i.e. a form of "nature or nurture?"). 

In the end, Steve [SPOILERS], Annie [SPOILERS], Peter [SPOILERS], and Charlie turns out to be [SPOILERS]. Despite having pre-read about the big reveal in the film (accidentally, I swear!), I was surprised and repulsed at the turn of events. And the ending is actually the weakest part of the script!

Now, a full day later, I appreciate how much passion went into this movie. Writer and director Ari Aster told a truly chilling tale of loss, secrets, and betrayal. And perhaps by next week I can walk down my own hallway at night again.

TL; DR: More sad and disturbing than scary.

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Movie Review: Ocean's 8 (2018)

Ocean's 8 is a fun caper movie. The writing could have been stronger, especially given the caliber of the talents assembled, but I am here for the terrific soundtrack and phenomenal outfits. The ending also subverted my expectations, which I appreciate. Overall, it's an entertaining summer film.

The movie plays out much like Ocean's 11. Here, Sandra Bullock is Debbie Ocean, sister of Danny. Like her brother at the start of his movie, she's  released from prison. She soon meets up with her old partner Lou (Cate Blanchett), and they start planning a heist. Much of the movie is devoted to assembling their crew, and then executing Debbie's plan: stealing a necklace worth $150M, while worn by Daphne Kluger (Anne Hathaway) during the Met Gala.

There are three main reasons to watch the film. First, the characters are a joy to watch. As the crew's leader, Bullock exudes quiet charisma and confidence. Helena Bonham-Carter is pitch-perfect as the neurotic designer; Mindy Kaling plays off perfectly with whoever she's paired with; Awkwafina is hilariously oddball; Sarah Paulson juggles suburban motherhood with hypercompetent criminality; and Anne Hathaway hams it up. Alas, Blanchett isn't given much to do (a waste!), so Debbie and Lou don't have the same dynamic as Danny and Rusty. This is true for Rihanna as well. Still, all the women share an easy camaraderie and are endearing as individuals and as a group.

Second, the soundtrack is great. There are a number of the jazzy/instrumental numbers that will be familiar from the previous Ocean's movies. The remix of "Fugue in D Minor" is particularly enjoyable. Every single track is on point, complementing whatever is happening on screen by heightening the tension or comedy. It's a nice soundtrack to chill to if you're working on your computer.

Third, the outfits are killer. Every single outfit worn by every single character in every single scene slays. Bullock and Blanchett are especially fine figures of womanhood in their tailored suits. And when they all dress up for the gala...? (fans self) Well done, Costume Design, well done!

However, Ocean's 8 has two glaring weaknesses. First, the heist itself requires a pretty big suspension of disbelief and/or complete ignorance of major event planning. That's okay! We're all here to watch a group of women succeed, so yay! Second, as mentioned, the movie could have been funnier, given the cast. There are only a few memorable one-liners (the one that made the theater erupt was uttered by Kaling) and tête-à-têtes. At one point, Debbie has a monologue that's absurdly wonderful and meta, and there should have been more of that.

Oh, well. I shall simply take away the image of Debbie and Lou, standing at a window, staring at [SPOILER] and blowing [SPOILER].

TL; DR: Perfect for a ladies' outing, or if you just appreciate ladies.

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This post brought to you by Manila-like weather! Ahhhhhhhh, humidity!

Movie Review: Deadpool 2 (2018)

Deadpool 2 is ridiculous in the best way possible. The action is insane, the dialogue is salty, and the soundtrack is fire. It makes a major misstep early on, but rectifies it in the hilarious post-credits scenes. Overall, it's an entertaining superhero movie that subverts various tropes, just like the first Deadpool.

In this adventure, Wade Wilson/Deadpool encounters a young mutant calling himself "Fistfire" and both promptly end up in prison. However, Cable, a time traveler from the future, busts in to kill the teenager. Deadpool must assemble a team to take on the Askani'Son!

This time around, the merc-with-a-mouth's character arc garners more sympathy, even though every sweet moment is immediately followed by comedy. There's also tons of eye-popping violence, often in the service of giving the middle finger to storytelling conventions and viewer expectations. For example: the perils of disregarding a wind advisory.

The soundtrack is equally gut-busting. The opening juxtaposes Celine Dion's mournful "Ashes" (here's the music video) with the irreverent, winking credits. Songs from Cher, Annie, Air Supply, and other popular sources feature heavily and make onscreen events funnier. There's also a running gag about dubstep.

Best of all, every supporting character is memorable. Colossus is back, as is Negasonic Teenage Warhead, plus Yukio, a new X-Woman. They're all delightful. Cable is tough and multidimensional. He's a parallel to Deadpool in that he uses his considerable resources for very personal reasons, rather than the grandiose save-the-universe motivation shared by other superheroes.

The standout for me is Domino, who breezes through everything because luck is her superpower. She kicks ass and looks terrific. But she also demonstrates level-headedness when she sees [REDACTED], mouths, "NO!" and sidles offscreen rather than join the fray. I am still looking for a gif of that scene, because IT ME.

Finally, while the misstep I mentioned earlier made me grumpy and not enjoy the movie as much as I otherwise would have, everything was forgiven by the time Deadpool made his third farewell speech. And the post-credits sequence had me clapping and chuckling. Bravo! Bravo!

TL;DR: Killer action, music, and one-liners! A must for fans of the first one.

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Movie Review: Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Avengers: Infinity War is dark, raises the stakes, has music that is on point, frenetic action, and it features a competent villain. This movie assumes knowledge of every single MCU movie and thus doesn't bother to introduce any of the superheroes. Instead, from the very beginning it powers viewers through a helluva ride.

The newcomer here is Thanos, so we get to know his abilities and motivations. The "Mad Titan" wants to accessorize his Infinity Gauntlet with all six Infinity Stones. Thanos' goal is to wipe out half of the universe because overpopulation! It destroyed his homeworld!

*** SPOILERS FOLLOW ***

Apart from his convictions, different aspects of Thanos are revealed over the course of the movie. Initially, he's terrifyingly powerful, defeating the Hulk with ease. Then he's cunning, predicting Gamora's moves and laying two traps to extract her knowledge of the Soul Stone. Then he's surprisingly tender--y'know, before he hurls her into the abyss for what he sees as the greater good. And finally, he's effective--he gets what he wants! Behold:

1. Power Stone: Taken from Nova Prime
2. Space Stone: RIP Asgardians...and Loki (?) 
3. Reality Stone: RIP Knowhere Inhabitants...and The Collector (?) 
4. Soul Stone: GAMORAAAAAAA NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
5. Time Stone: Star Lord, you #$%$^$%!!!
6. Mind Stone: RIP Vision! Also, half the universe!

I mean, that is just breathtaking hyper-competence right there. And did I mention he's a single dad? (swoon)

While the film puts Thanos front and center, plenty of other elements make this movie shine. For one, the action is spectacular and practically nonstop. Again, a list:

• Thanos fights the Hulk; 
• Ebony Maw and Black Dwarf fight Dr. Strange, Iron Man, and Spider-Man;
• Proxima Midnight and Corvus Glaive fight Vision and the Scarlet Witch;
• Thor fights a star;
• Thanos fights Dr. Strange, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Star Lord, Drax, Mantis, and Nebula.

There are a lot of crowd-pleasing last-minute saves in the action scenes, with the "Avengers" theme thundering in on cue. The battle in Wakanda during the third act is especially nuts, with awesome sequences like Bucky and Rocket becoming a murder merry-go-round, the Scarlet Witch finally taking the field ("Why was she up there this whole time?" Okoye exclaims), and Thor making a grand entrance.

In place of character building, the theme of choice and sacrifice is highlighted throughout Infinity War. "The hardest choices require the strongest will," Thanos declares, proving himself equal to the task at Vormir as he offers his beloved daughter in exchange for the Soul Stone. Meanwhile, Captain America is adamantly against sacrificing even one life to save countless others: "We don't trade lives," he says, a sentiment echoed by Vision, the would-be sacrifice.

Speaking of dialogue, there's plenty of humor to offset the darkness of the film. The music immediately becomes light when the Guardians of the Galaxy first come on screen, a parallel to their offbeat family dynamic. Among them, Thor continues his comic streak from Thor: Ragnarok, although the magnitude of all his losses finally hits him when he has a heart-to-heart with Rocket (whom he calls "rabbit" throughout the entire movie). Spider-Man is as endearingly clueless as ever, Drax even more so, and Mantis' "mean face" was the first LOL moment for Fragrant Husband.

Yet despite all the the fighting and the occasional laughs, the movie ends with Thanos' triumph, earning him an idyllic sunrise view, while our surviving heroes take in the enormity of their failure. I was particularly touched by Peter Parker's pleading as he fades away--"I don't want to go, please, I don't want to go, Mr. Stark." ;_;

***

"I finally saw Infinity War and now I am sad," I texted my dad.

"Why?" he replied. I was rendered speechless for a minute.

As it turns out, he was not indifferent to the fate of the unlucky half of the universe--he was simply convinced that they're all in an alternate reality--"otherwise the movie makers will get lynched."

I also believe that this is all part of Dr. Strange's long game--the one future where they win over Thanos. And it sure looked to me like Shuri did...something to Vision's synapses when her lab came under attack.

I'm so pumped for the next movie, because Captain America, Black Widow, and Okoye barely did anything in Infinity War except be badass, which means they get more screen time in the next movie!

In the meantime, Marvel fans have Ant-Man and the Wasp and Captain Marvel to tide us over. And Deadpool 2 just came out! What a time to be alive!

***

TL;DR: Can't wait for part two of this tragedy!

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Movie Review: Black Panther (2018)

Black Panther is beautiful. The story is elegantly told, the characters are phenomenal, the action is intense, and the music is fierce. It's so good that it doesn't feel like a two-hour movie. Overall, it's a powerful and refreshingly different entry into the Marvel cinematic universe.

T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman), who lost his father in Captain America: Civil War, is next in line for the throne of the isolationist nation of Wakanda. His ascent is marked by physical challenges (ritual combat) as well as increasing pressure against tradition, notably by his ex, the spy Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o), who argues that Wakanda's immense power should be used for good, rather than hidden from the world. Meanwhile, Ulysess Klaue (Andy Serkis), a ballsy thief and the only person who knows about Wakanda's reserves of the invaluable metal vibranium, pops up on the radar of General Okoye (Danai Gurira). T'Challa, Okoye, and Nakia set off in pursuit, which leads them to cross paths with the formidable Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan).

Speaking of formidable, Okoye kicks so much butt that she would easily be the MVP of this movie, if it weren't for the numerous other fabulous supporting characters. Nakia can throw down as well, but she also has a strong moral compass, and is interested in fighting for the oppressed rather than just against her nation's enemies. Shuri (Letitia Wright), T'Challa's younger sister, is a tech prodigy and the source of most of the film's humor ("WHAT ARE THOOOOOSE?" is a moment I would watch on loop). Finally, M'Baku (Winston Duke) is a scene stealer. And of course, Angela Bassett automatically makes every scene 100% better.

There are several impressive fights in Black Panther, all of which are driven by the story or the characters. My favorite is the final battle that pits Wakandans against each other, because that's when the Dora Milaje display their fluidity as a combat unit. Plus: armored rhinos!!! Vibranium capes!!! M'Baku!!! Okoye single-handedly stopping the nonsense!!! My least favorite fight is the heavily-CGI underground mano a mano between the Black Panther and Killmonger. It was hard to follow, and there was far less tension than the battle royale on the fields.

A minor digression--the chase scene (featured in the trailers) is significant not just for the inventive choreography and unexpected hilarity, but also because, according to my husband, it's when Black Panther passes the Bechdel test. I think that's true?

Anyway, as visionary as this film is, it still follows a familiar formula: the noble king triumphs against the hateful usurper. What makes this particular trope worth watching is the depth given to both hero and villain; it's made clear that Killmonger is motivated by a sense of thwarted justice, and his desire to use Wakanda to give power to the powerless is undermined by his methods. The final moment between the two rivals is both touching and inevitable.

In the end, Black Panther offers something new, both in-universe and to us in the audience: Wakanda, a black nation untarnished by colonialism. Its existence is realized onscreen with such beauty and reverence, and it's thanks to director Ryan Coogler, cinematographer Rachel Morrison, costume designer Ruth Carter, and production designer Hannah Beachler. In fact, the focus on Wakanda leads to my only teeny-tiny beef, which is that there's a musical cue for establishing shots of Wakanda instead of a soaring Black Panther theme (y'know, like Captain America and Iron Man have their own themes). Maybe that's on purpose? Unless--"Bagbak" is the Black Panther theme? If so, I withdraw my objection. Because "Bagbak" is dope.

TL;DR: Spectacular. Watch now.

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Movie Review: Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)

Star Wars: the Last Jedi is a terrific middle entry that features more growth for the next generation of heroes, as well as a bittersweet end to a legend. As always, the space dogfights and lightsaber battles are thrilling, John Williams' score is perfect, and plot twists provide shock and/or delight. This movie has me looking forward to the next one.

Rian Johnson wrote and directed The Last Jedi, and I'm an unabashed fan of his previous work, particularly Brick and Looper. Here, he places heavy emphasis on the evolution of the main characters, plotting out their respective journeys as the Resistance hovers on the verge of annihilation: Poe ignores orders out of his zeal to ensure the survival of the fleeing Resistance; Finn and newcomer Rose Tico execute an unauthorized plan to save the home team, and Rey receives lessons about the Force from the now-reclusive Luke Skywalker.

All the young 'uns become better for it in the end: Poe learns to puts aside his impulsiveness and aggression to observe and come to the correct conclusions; Rey becomes even stronger and more determined; and Finn is gifted this gem of wisdom by Rose: “That's how we're gonna win. Not fighting what we hate, saving what we love.” Annnd smooch. Kidding aside, that's a powerful line that highlights the difference between the light of the Resistance and the darkness of the First Order.

Meanwhile, the veterans play significant roles in imparting their wisdom to the new heroes. Leia is her usual self, formidable and sweet at the same time. She literally slaps Finn for being so hotheaded, and calmly weathers the First Order's attacks. Her second-in-command, Admiral Holdo, is similarly even-keeled, looming over a shouting Poe and quietly dismissing him. Finn and Rose learn a hard lesson from DJ, who promises to help destroy the First Order's ability to track the Resistance fleet through light speed. And Rey wrests the truth from Luke, and from herself.

Luke is the key in The Last Jedi. He symbolizes hope and power, and his self-imposed exile is the result of his self-loathing after what he sees as his failure with Ben Solo and his Jedi students. His lessons to Rey about what the Force is and isn't are stern and sometimes humorous...and highly effective. His conversation with Yoda is enlightening, too, proving that no one can out-master the little green guy. Once Luke absorbs his master's final lesson, he makes his decision and is at peace.

And boy, what a decision! Off Luke goes to confront Kylo Ren, who is slightly less whiny this time around. Kylo reveals that his goal is to wipe out both the Resistance and the First Order, and to create something new from the ashes. He offers Rey a place by his side, but she knows he's a complete tool and rejects him. When Luke shows up for the obligatory dramatic confrontation with his former pupil, Kylo predictably reacts petulantly, which the remnants of the Resistance use to their advantage. Luke's sacrifice allows Leia's people to escape, and thus the stage is set for the final reckoning between the forces of light and darkness.

Overall, The Last Jedi is a true epic, and I don't just mean the running time--the themes of good versus evil, self-discovery, self-sacrifice, forgiveness, love, friendship, and more are showcased to great effect by engaging characters and an entertaining script. The unexpected funny moments, like the Chewbacca-porgs interactions and Luke's snide one-liners, are very welcome. A lot happens, and it serves to propel the story--and the Star Wars series--forward in a new direction. And that's fine by me.

TL;DR: I liked it and I can't wait for the next one! Also, RIP, Carrie Fisher. You are missed.

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