Masterclass

I've been given the great opportunity to visit back my country for two weeks. I didn't hesitate to make use of my limited time there to watch movies that haven't been screened in Japan. (I know, you thought I was gonna join some volunteer activity to help starving children). So, I watched Jon Favreau's amazing The Jungle Book, Jeff Nichol's sci-fi Midnight Special, and the new X-Men installment, which I already reviewed below. I also watched two Indonesian movies to redeem me not doing anything on my thesis which, surprise surprise, is about Indonesian movies. I was going to watch Jeremy Saulnier's buzzy thriller Green Room but I didn't find the time (or someone to go with). That movie was released at the same time with Apocalypse so it didn't get a fair screen time, and also it had to compete with three local movies, one of them was pretty high profile.

The Jungle Book

I only remember images from the animated version. I had a laser disc version back home and of course it hasn't been used since 2001. But of course we remember the hit songs like 'Bare Necessities' and the timeless characters like Baloo, Bagheera and Shere Khan (actually I'm only familiar with those three and Mowgli of course). So, Jon Favreau is given the chance to direct a live action adaptation which serves basically as something Disney must do so that they're not presumed to bloodsuck other properties for a living (jk). The voice cast is exceptional, listed by me according to awesomeness, Lupita N'yongo (we can agree an Oscar winner deserved to be seen, not only heard), Ben Kingsley, Giancarlo Esposito (LOS POLLOS), Christopher Walken (IN A VERY AMAZING ROLE), Bill Murray (YESSS) and Idris Elba (YAAAASSSS). Let me get myself together for a moment.

I don't actually remember the story in the animated version. I only remember it as like a child-Tarzan singing with animals, so I'm the worst person to compare. But I'm gonna call it that this film has a satisfying story that is marvelous, heartbreaking, and full of great messages. But the real star here is the invisible CGI. Move over Avatar. I'm actually scared to rewatch Avatar only to make myself disappointed because the CG doesn't hold up. If this doesn't win an Oscar next year I'm going to be very pissed. This movie could basically pass as an animated movie for all I know. My favorite sequences would be the first time Shere Khan arrives and the songs. Neel Sethi as the sole human performer could also carry the movie as Mowgli with so many character traits. I would recommend this movie to anyone who respects a film and filmmaking process. Andy Serkis must be panicking right now. The Jungle Book: rated 4/4


Midnight Special

I might be the only one but I liked Take Shelter more than Mud, and both are great films. Writer director Jeff Nichols followed up those two exemplary movies with Midnight Special, a star-studded backed-by-studio indie sci-fi film. Starring his man Michael Shannon with Joel Edgerton, Adam Driver and Kirsten Dunst. It's so refreshing to see a sci-fi made in a very intimate way and not in the way that it's going to destroy the whole world. The film was probably less about sci-fi and spectacle rather than its touching father-son relationship drama. The film was shrouded in mystery which makes it even better to watch as you see it all unfurl before you. I also like how the film puts us right into the moment without having any downtime at all. It's all fluid and despite being backed by Warner Brothers, it never felt like a studio film. It felt like a small sci-fi and that is the beauty of the film. The film's score was also amazing I was surprised it wasn't scored by a big name composer.

While many might argue on the film's final twist, (spoiler will follow) I thought the film was never about the sci-fi elements but more about the human aspects of it. The father-son, familial relationship, the friendship and even a man's discovery of something that awed him. (spoiler here) The third act twist felt like a sequel to Disney's inspiring yet flopping Tomorrowland last year with George Clooney. It's not a 'holy shit awesome' twist but a touching one. I don't know how to explain it. The film built up to it nicely and even if you're disappointed about it you wouldn't rant about it because it never was that important to the whole movie. I would like to know more why Michael Shannon didn't say anything to his son before parting. I would like to know how Adam Driver's character and the rest of the world who saw the world above our world react. It's a thought-provoking film and a great sci-fi. The title alone is amazing. It almost had nothing to do with the film. I cannot wait to see it again. Midnight Special: rated 4/4