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Reviews
Miraculous - Le film (2023)
A bit of a jumble that turns out well
I traveled from the US to France to see the film in theaters, and knew what to expect (a musical that won't follow the arc of the show), but the vast majority of viewers obviously did not. There is a lot of music, and in each screening I went to (each with very different audience demographics), at the start of each song there was always embarrassed laughter and some oh là làs. Some of the shorter songs don't have much purpose and I would've preferred a few more minutes of development (Adrien is so much more than the emo boy he is portrayed as, and Chat's own superhero journey is omitted), but some of the numbers really are fantastic, both songs and their scenes. Courage En Moi literally gives me goosebumps, though the way its set into the film gives a very cheesy beginning. Plus Forts Ensemble is both beautiful and meaningful. Tu Es Ladybug is fun. By the final song, Être Moi, even I think "enough already", but listening to it on the soundtrack reveals it to be a good song, just the victim of over-saturation. They did cram A LOT into one film, and depth was sacrificed for this, but I do have hopes that it has set up a really interesting second film. The animation is BEAUTIFUL and the attention to detail can really be appreciated on the big screen-- I hope that's not lost on Netflix. And, no matter how annoyed people seemed by yet another song, in the end everyone was quite clearly enthralled by the film. I never saw or heard a child misbehave or complain, which was astonishing. Several screenings, the audience broke into applause at the end. A late screening of nothing but teens and adults was filled with swearing immediately after the (very purposeful) black screen. Either way, everyone was drawn in and invested. Listening to the soundtrack, you can really appreciate the songs as they are, and I really hope they get the attention they deserve (especially Lou). I hope the word gets out more on those details of the music and the AU, so people know what to expect and are not thrown off, and I hope those that are give it a second chance (wink), as a friend and I agreed, when you're prepared for all the songs and the flow, it is much more cohesive. Over all, I ended up being more impressed than I had expected, and others I know said the same. Keeping my fingers crossed for a successful Netflix debut!
Hectometer (2011)
Fantastic!
Lovely short film, which was shown before the MENA premier of "Senna" at the 2011 Doha Tribeca Film Festival.
William Trubridge was present and introduced the film, as well as his his reason for making it as a tribute to the endangered Hectors Dolphin.
Short (about five minutes), but beautiful, with lovely music and a sort of poetry, accompanying footage of a simply unbelievable feat of pushing human boundaries. As opposed to most sports (and especially the sport in the following film), you see that this sport is incredibly peaceful, methodical, even spiritual.
An absolutely lovely way to spend a few minutes of your time. Highly recommended.
Sanctum (2011)
Has its weaknesses, but haunting all the same
Watched this film on a LONG flight when there was nothing left I desired to see. Unlike others, I watched DESPITE Cameron's billing. The quality of some actors annoyed me a bit in the beginning, but once I settled in after the first 10-15 minutes, I was able to focus on the story. To other reviews, there IS plenty of plot-- quite deep, psychologically gripping plot. Early on the movie proves that it will not pull sentimental punches. There are weaknesses; two main characters (the Americans) really don't bring anything to the story, and it was their acting that caused me pause. But, in the end, the film delivers when it matters, and has left me haunted in many ways since. Give it a chance, and drop your preconceptions. You won't be sorry.