Mini Film Reviews Volume 88

Whale Rider

A contemporary story of love, rejection and triumph as a young Maori girl fight to fulfil a destiny her grandfather refuses to recognize. It has got a fantastic story with stunning scenery, I wanted to like this but I couldn’t get into with this film, the pacing is rather off. I don’t want to be too harsh on this film but for me personally it hard to connect with, it has got great potential but for me personally it doesn’t deliver.

A Bug’s Life

A misfit ant, looking for “warriors” to save his colony from greedy grasshoppers, recruits a group of bugs that turn out to be an inept circus troupe. The animation itself is gorgeous to look at and the pacing is perfect, for me personally this is one of the weakest Pixar films. This is more aimed at kids than the adults itself, it takes itself too seriously but despite that this is easy to follow, with these flaws this is a major disappointing.

Trigger Warning

A special forces commando returns to her hometown after her father’s sudden death, only to run afoul of a violent gang when she starts asking questions. Personally, I like the story to this film as this is well made, the thing is with this film it doesn’t gel or flow together with the first hour, the violence can overshadow the film itself, I don’t want to be too harsh on this film as this isn’t quite memorable, it is such a shame with this film as I wanted to like this.

Dante’s Peak

A volcanologist arrives at a countryside town recently named the second most desirable place to live in America, and discovers that a nearby long dormant volcano may awaken at any moment. A perfectly paced film that certainly hold your interest, the two lead have got excellent chemistry together, it is action packed but it never loses the story itself, it might not gel or flow together as much but this is entertaining from start to finish.

The Great Escaper

Bernard Jordan escapes from his care home to attend the 70^th Anniversary of the D -Day Landings in France. One of those film that doesn’t feel too sentimental or rather forced, this film is likeable and it will move you as this is silently powerful, the flashback element never gets too overcomplicated and that is the key, the acting is amazing and this film will surprise you.

Dumplin’

Willowdean (“Dumplin”), the plus – side teenage daughter of a former beauty queen, signs up for her mom’s Miss Teen Bluebonnet pageant as a protest that escalates when other contestants follow her footsteps, revolutionizing the pageant and their small Texas town. Real, honest and relatable film that will touch your heart, you will care about with these characters. I personally connect with this film as the message is self-image, also the personal journey aspect. People will connect with this film as well; it will leave you a lasting impression on you.