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Abominable: Hustle and Snow

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Abominable tells the story of young Yi (Chloe Bennett) who inadvertently discovers a yeti on her rooftop. Naming him Everest after the famed mountain region that he calls home, Yi and her two friends embark on an epic quest to reunite the magical creature with his family. However, along the course of the perilous journey, the young adventurers must also be on their guard to protect Everest from a wealthy financier and a determined zoologist who will stop at nothing to capture the beast for their own gain.

Written and directed by Jill Culton (Open Season), Abominable’s release came in the midst of an avalanche of animated fare about the yeti. As the third (!) film in the last two years to reacquaint children with the legendary snowbeast, Abominable ran the risk of oversaturating the market and simply blending into the background. Thankfully, the film’s stunning animation and emotional character arc help it to stand out in the crowd in the best of ways. Visually, Abominable is simply stunning, filling the screen with vibrant colours and images that are often a feast for the eyes. Featuring lush backgrounds and bold colours, the landcapes often engulf its characters, especially as the children move closer to their destination. (Ironically, immersive work on natural surroundings is so good that cityscapes sometimes feel jarring in style.) Appropriately, however, some of the best animation is reserved for Everest, the Abominable himself. Even in 2D animation, extensive work on Everest’s wistful fur and lovable facial expressions bring him to life in an almost tactile way. (Honestly, I can’t remember the last time that I felt a character was soft and cuddly enough onscreen to feel warmer just by watching him…) 

Central to the story is the relationship between Everest and Yi as they embark on a journey that will offer far more than adventure. Grieving the loss of her father, Yi is a young woman on the go. She works multiple jobs and only takes cash so that she can keep true knowledge of her profits to herself. Though her mother and grandmother wish that she would slow down, Yi remains determined to raise enough money to finally take an extended trip like she and her father always intended. Of course, when she meets Everest, everything changes and her determination to see him return to his home takes priority. 

Interestingly, both Yi and Everest find themselves on similar journeys in search for a home. While Everest is looking to find his family in his literal home, Yi’s home simply has not felt the same since the loss of her father. Her hustle serves to keep her preoccupied as she struggles to process her feelings. Nevertheless, we soon discover that the true power of Yi’s ‘magic’ lies in its ability to bring life where death has laid waste. This proves to be an appropriate counterbalance to the broken and weary Yi whose soul lies barren due to her grief and pain. Though they come from different worlds, the true beauty of their relationship lies in their ability to provide a safe home for one another that breathes life into their lonely hearts. For both Yi and Everest, they are able to meet the pain and anxiety of the other with grace and safety in a way that also breathes life into their lives. As such, Yi’s initial hustle slowly gives way to a healing of the soul.

In light of this, Abominable proves to have been one of the most unexpected surprises of my year. While the film has all the humour for children that one would expect from modern animated fare, it’s the film’s unique and powerful message of hope in the midst of struggle that helps Abominable become so much more than ‘another yeti movie’. Though the young characters venture deep into the cold, there’s a warmth at the core of the film that offers hope for any weary soul.

While the disc may appear to lack special features (stating “and many more” on the cover rarely means it), the Blu-ray release has a surprising amount of extras for those who dig around. Deleted scenes and shorts are fairly typical for this sort of thing but feature commentaries are always welcome. Some of the standouts on the disc include “Courage to Dream”, a look at challenging cultural and gender biases within the film, and Cooking with NaiNai, featuring Tsai Chin and Chef Shirley as they walk through their recipe for pork buns. There are also features on voicing the characters and, if your inner child wishes to speak Yeti, there is also a short that teaches you the various grunts and groans Everest uses to communicate.

Abominable storms onto 4K and Blu-ray on December 17th, 2019 and is now available on VOD.

The First King: Built on Blood and Brotherhood

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The First King brings to life the timeless tale of Romulus and Remus, two shepherds and loyal brothers, who escape capture and begin a journey that will lead one of them to become the founder of the Roman Empire, the most dominant nation history has ever seen. Searching for freedom in the midst of the unforgiving wild, Romulus and Remus both desire a new beginning… but the path to the throne lies in one’s ability to kill their own brother.

Few stories are as classic as the brother-against-brother epic of Romulus and Remus. Written and directed by Matteo Rovere, The First King brings the story to classic story to life in a way that somehow still feels fresh. Visually, the film does not shy away from the brutality of the time, depicting a world of gore and violence that remains lost and in search of leadership. However, despite its blood and gore, First King ultimately focuses its lens on the relationship of the two brothers in a way that maintains the intimacy of the conflict as opposed to the potential for mere spectacle. As a result, the film manages to keep the narrative emphasis smaller and more poignant, despite the limitless implications of its eventual outcome. In this way, The First King is not the next Braveheart but neither does it need to be. (Incidentally, the film’s more intimate focus also serves to maximize the film’s smaller budget as well.)

While at its heart, the film focuses on the relationship between Romulus and Remus, it is also a fascinating look at the war between love and power. For example, having claimed his role as king through a murderous rampage and believing himself to be at one with the gods, Remus seeks to conquer all of those in his path. Even so, the one obstacle standing between himself and total power is his relationship with his brother, Remus, to whom he has pledged to care for in all circumstances. For Romulus, Remus reminds him of his humanity, calling him to lead with authority as opposed to fear. Initially, there is a conflict with Romulus due to his love of his brother that brings out the best in him. 

Nevertheless, rather than succumb to love and humility, Romulus becomes consumed by the desire to rule, despite his brother’s pleas. Growing in rage and power, Romulus becomes determined to become king, even at the expense of ‘killing the gods’ along the way. Refusing to seek spiritual counsel, Romulus proclaims himself lord over others and ignores any proposed ‘will of the gods’. 

Interestingly, though Romulus eventually takes the form of villain, it is power that is held in the highest of regards in this film. In The First King, power is a drug that leads to success, as opposed to one’s downfall. (Incidentally, given that the legend describes the birth of Rome and, subsequently, the powerful Roman Empire, this seems like an inevitable outcome.) Although, with its emphasis on power and domination, the film feels somehow outdated, despite its well-executed story. Even though there remains a humanity in Remus throughout much of the film, even he invariably gives way to the desire to dominate others. (More than this, the film also suggests that this is the way that the gods demand that true leadership is to be maintained.) As a result, in a world where authority figures remain constantly under scrutiny, a story that emphasizes the effectiveness of power without question seems highly suspect. Despite its historical root in the establishment of Rome, this tale of the two brothers warring for leadership unfortunately lacks criticism or self-awareness. 

Well-executed and thrilling to watch, The First King is a solid re-telling of a classic fable. Rather than being distracted by the potential for epic scale battle scenes, director Matteo Rovere wisely keeps the focus on the story of the brothers and the intimacy of their conflict. Even so, however, the film’s emphasis on power over love shows the outdated nature of the narrative for a world looking for a new kind of leadership.

The First King begins its reign on BluRay and VOD on September 24th, 2019.

Kung Fu League: Martial Arts Takes a Comedic Punch

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Kung Fu League tells the story of Fei Ying Xiong (Ashin), a young comic book writer who pines for young Bao’er (Madina Memet) yet is unable to tell her how he feels. Fearing that he will lose her to his company’s head manager, he summons the help from four legendary Kung Fu masters—Wong Fei-hung, Ip Man, Huo Yuan Jia and Chen Zen—to teach him the highest levels of martial arts in an effort to win her heart.

Directed by Jeffrey Lau, Kung Fu League is a wild combination of action, comedy and romance that, thankfully, rarely takes itself too seriously. While the film offers some solid martial arts work, the primary focus of the film is its comedic and romantic storylines. As a result, the film’s tone lands primarily somewhere between unrequited relationship film and fish-out-of-water humour. As Fei Ying Xiong pines for his young love, the great Masters find themselves in increasingly bizarre circumstances as they attempt to navigate modern society. By bringing epic heroes like Ip Man and Wong Fei-hung into the present day, the film does as much as it can to undermine their classic ‘superman’ image. In doing so, however, the film finds a balance between lampooning and honouring the cultural icons, showing them for their bravery but also their archaic imagery. (In fact, one scene in a McDonalds is particularly hilarious as the martial arts greats struggle to pay for their dinner.)

With this in mind, the film also manages to poke fun at the stereotypes of toxic masculinity by showcasing kung fu’s most masculine heroes in surprising subplots. For instance, while all four men demonstrate their sheer masculine power by defeating multiple thugs along the way, they also struggle with their emotions. Though they fight for honour and love, they also feel lost within themselves as they attempt to make sense of how they fit into this new world. (In fact, in several instances, feelings of romantic love between the Masters are suggested, an idea which would kick against their hyper-masculine images.) Interestingly though, the film ends on a note that highlights the power of dominating the other person, which is surprising given the way the film unfolds. Despite League’s interest in usurping the hyper-masculinity of the martial arts legends, it somewhat undoes its own argument in the end by allowing might to rule. As such, even though the climactic battle is entertaining, the film leaves a bit of a missed opportunity to speak to current issues on the table.

Nevertheless, by showcasing some of kung fu’s greatest cinematic heroes in unusual circumstances, the film still manages to get the laughs that it seeks. Entertaining and wild, Lau’s film packs a comedic punch that gives the audience what they want.

Kung Fu League is available on DVD and Blu-Ray now. 

Yesterday: Timeless Musical Truth

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Yesterday tells the story of Jack Malik (Himesh Patel), a struggling singer-songwriter who feels like his opportunities at success will never come, despite the devotion of his best friend and manager, Ellie (Lily James). However, after a freak bus accident during a mysterious global blackout, Jack awakens to realize that he is the only person alive that remembers the music of the Beatles. As he begins to play songs that the world has never heard by one of the greatest bands in history, Jack quickly gains notoriety as one of the great song-writers of his generation. Although, as his popularity explodes, soon questions mount as to whether he’s doing the right thing—and if he’s going to be exposed.

Directed by Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire), Yesterday is a charming love song to the magic of the Beatles’ discography. Fun and lighthearted, the film comes in the middle of somewhat of a renaissance for films about classic rock icons. With films like Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocketman and more making their way to the big screen in the last 12 months, Yesterday ran the risk of becoming a forgettable entry in the midst of the overflow. However, thanks to an entertaining script that swerves in another direction than other more traditional biopics, Yesterday manages to sing a different tune. Relative newcomer Himesh Patel (Eastenders) is a joy to watch onscreen as the overwhelmed Jack, playing him with both humility and ambition. With a suitable backup band of supporting players including Kate McKinnon, Lily James and, most notably, a hilarious Ed Sheeran, the film weaves a story that is whimsical and enchanting.

Of course, the real star of the film is the Beatles discography itself and Yesterday showcases the talent of the Fab Four in a way that desperately wants to prove that their relevance in today’s music scene. Though one would hardly think that the Beatles had moved into obscurity, it could be argued that their impact isn’t recognized as much by younger fans. As such, Yesterday seeks—almost to a fault—to remind us of the enduring importance of songs such as ‘A Day in the Life’ or ‘Hey Jude’ (or ‘Hey Dude’, as Sheeran suggests). In fact, the film even uses Sheeran, one of today’s biggest stars, to validate the music by stating that he thinks the songs are the best he’s ever heard. 

As such, Yesterday speaks to the enduring power of music and its importance in a world looking for modern prophets. While using the Beatles as a backdrop, the film shows the impact of words written by those that have come before and how they continue to resonate in our modern culture. Held in high regard for his song-writing ability, Malik is constantly reminded that his own writings cannot compare to the classics that he’s giving to the world. Interestingly, the film also reinforces this when Malik has the opportunity to finally meet one of the Fab Four. In yet another testament to the words of the previous generation, the unexpected ‘cameo’ speaks to Jack about the power of truth and love in a way that leaves him changed and helps him decide on his future. In a poignant scene, yet again the past informs the present. 

The disc release features several notable special features including a surprisingly beautiful alternate ending, featurette on Sheeran’s role and deleted scenes. However, the most fun may be a few performances of Beatles tunes by Patel at Abbey Road Studios in London. By including these simple songs, the disc suitably bookends the sense of reality about the film by moving it beyond the narrative.

Entertaining, engaging and sweet, Yesterday is a feel-good comedy that speaks to the power of love and the value of those that came before. However, in the end, the greatest love song is the film itself, giving the music of the Beatles the power to change the world.

Yesterday is available on iTunes and Blu-Ray beginning Tuesday, September 24, 2019. 

The Steven Universe Movie: Abandoning Hope

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By Jason Thai

Cartoon Networks hit show Steven Universe concluded it’s fifth and final season late spring this year and have now released a movie. Steven and crew after finally defeating the gems (high super powered alien beings that all are named by their gem type) decides to return back to Earth to live a much deserved time of peace. But, three years after the finale, a mysterious new gem by the name of Spinel challenges Steven and his planet, threatening to destroy his friends and everyone he loves. The story takes off as the movie reminds us of why so many viewers fell in love with the series in the first place. Touching on relationship topics (LGBTQ+), love, effects of abuse, loneliness, change, and has great musical scenes just like the show did.

Spinel, the villain in this movie, touches on abandonment. Left behind on a planet, Spinel has been waiting in the same place for 6000 years for Steven’s mother, Rose Quartz, to return. Believing that Rose was truly her friend and would return, she never did, and thus Spinel takes revenge on Steven and his friends. Spinel is the physical embodiment of “that friend you forgot about” as she represents the effects of abandonment and neglect. Throughout the film, as a result of her abandonment issues, she has extreme mood swings as she expresses moments of anger and happiness, then shame and guilt. The dependence of Rose on her self-worth has clearly given Spinel trust issues and paranoia and, even when Steven offers her his love and friendship, she doesn’t believe him. Arguing that he is lying just like his mother did, Spinel believes that she will just be used again and thrown away. These are all symptoms in people suffering from Rejection Sensitivity Disorder and Bipolar (some refer to it as bordlerline personality disorder), both disorders that are common in people who have suffered extreme abandonment. What’s more, her bipolarism really shows towards the end fight scene where Spinel is trying to kill Steven. In the middle of the fight, she breaks down in tears, stating “Why do I want to hurt you so bad?” then later “I just want to be your friend.”

Interestingly, Spinel is stylized in a way similar to how Mickey Mouse and old Disney cartoons were originally animated, featuring very zany and wacky movements while also appearing very loose. While everyone else has a more modern style of animation and movement (called “CalArts”), she has a forgotten and thrown away style, just like how she was treated by Rose. Her gem “Spinel” are also used as fake rubies, an inferior and lesser desired gem. As a result, Spinel has a hard time with her self-esteem and value, fully believing that she cannot change or improve and, that if she was of value, she wouldn’t have been abandoned in the first place. Steven realizes that, even though he has grown as a person through the ability to change and improve, he cannot make somebody change. All you can do for someone suffering is to be there and support them through their journey. The creator of Steven Universe, Rebecca Sugar stated in an interview with TVLINE about the film that “I really want people to take away the idea that it’s OK to be a work in progress. You really want to feel better.”

By reminding me why I enjoyed the series so much in the first place, The Steven Universe Movie was a great way to end the series. Just like the tv show, the movie isn’t afraid to talk about issues that modern television doesn’t (or can’t) talk about it. Spinel is voiced by the very talented Off-Broadway and Broadway theatre singer; Sarah Stiles, who does a wonderful job in bringing the character to life, being super cheery, cartoony and emulating how women in old cartoons sounded. (She even includes the little accents that women in the mid to early 1900’s would sound.) She also does an amazing job in the singing portions of the film, showcasing her character Spinel’s anger and vengefulness. Another scene I particularly enjoyed was the scene where Ruby and Sapphire love for one another fuses again to form Garnet. Beautifully shot with the contrasting personalities of Ruby and Sapphire combining together their faults and strengths and forming the “perfect” Garnet; a physical representation of their love and how powerful it is.

Overall, The Steven Universe movie was a great film that touched on themes of abandonment, love, change, and mental health. Universe is a great way to conclude a series that wasn’t afraid to push the envelope and touch/reach people that never had a show speak to them in the same way that this show continues to do.