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SF Radio 8.29 Reboots and Reputations in CHIP ‘N DALE RESCUE RANGERS

June 29, 2022 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

When crimes go slipping through the cracks, these two gumshoes are the ones to call. In a ‘reboot-with-a-twist’ film of the classic series, CHIP ‘N DALE RESCUE RANGERS arrives on Disney+ with strong reviews and a surprisingly biting satire. But who is this film for? This week, SF’ers Heather Johnson and Alan Sharrer return to discuss the challenges of reboots, the power of sacrifice and the very best cameos.

You can stream on podomatic, Alexa (via Stitcher), Google Play, Spotify, iHeart Radio or Amazon Podcasts! Or, you can downoad the ep on Apple Podcasts!

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

8.29-Chip-N-Dale-Rescue-Rangers

Filed Under: Featured, Film, Podcast Tagged With: Andy Samberg, Chip 'N Dale Rescue Rangers, Disney, Disney+, John Mulaney, reboot

Rise: Another Disney Slam Dunk

June 24, 2022 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

Perhaps some of the more unsung heroes of Disney’s cinematic canon are their inspirational sports stories.

While they’re primarily known for their animated features, nature documentaries and fantasy-adventure films, Disney has always been able to find inspirational stories in the world of sports. Without even scratching the surface of their vault, films like Remember the Titans, Miracle, Queen of Katwe and Glory Road have become classic tales of young people who have been changed by the experience of competition (and even, in some cases, have changed the world as well).

Rise fits very neatly into this tradition. 

(L-R): Yetide Badaki as Vera and Dayo Okeniyi as Charles in Disney’s live-action RISE, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Set primariliy in Greece, Rise tells the amazing true story of the Antetokounmpo brothers who came out of obscurity to dominate the NBA. When Charles and Vera Antetokounmpo emigrated from Nigeria to Greece, they dreamed of a better life for their family. However, despite their passion for hard work, they struggled to garner citizenship and lived every day under the risk of deportation. Living from paycheque to paycheque, their children found solace on public basketball courts. Although they had no experience playing the game, the Antetokounmpo boys soon discovered their natural giftings and looked for ways to use their talents to help their family.

(L-R): Ral Agada as Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Dayo Okeniyi as Charles Antetokounmpo, and Uche Agada as Giannis Antetokounmpo in Disney’s live-action RISE, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Patrick Redmond. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Telling the story of Antetokounmpo brothers and and their ascension to NBA dominance, Rise is an incredible story of resilience that absolutely charms. Directed by Akin Omotoso, the film knows the power of storytelling inherent within the world of sports and uses it to its advantage. Slow motion shots at the buzzer, practice in the rain and battles on the court all bring the action to life with suspense and drama. (Ironically though, the final scenes at the NBA Draft may hold the most solid dramatic tension, even if we already know the outcome.)

Even so, instead of focusing on a particular ‘big game’, Rise primarily spends its time with the Antetokounmpo family as they fight together to survive. As Charles and Vera fight tirelessly to support their family financially, so too do they want to support their children in their dreams. With barely enough money to pay the rent, their boys find their inner spark on the basketball court. Nevertheless, Charles and Vera remain nervous of their endeavours. But their initial apprehension to the boys’ love of basketball is rooted in their desire to protect them from exposure, rather than to selfishly prevent them from enjoyment.

(L-R): Yetide Badaki as Vera and Dayo Okeniyi as Charles in Disney’s live-action RISE, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

And the fear of exposure is justified.

Due to their undocumented status, the Antetokounmpo family lived under a constant dread. Having witnessed the police tear immigrant families apart themselves, they understood the risks of being discovered. While Charles and Vera fought to make their residency legal, they simply continue to run up against an endless stream of roadblocks and red tape. Unable to find work without legal status (and unable to get legal status without work), they are only able to make ends meet by selling sunglasses to tourists and taking on odd jobs. In this way, the film highlights issues that are far greater than whether or not Giannis understands his basketball fundamentals. Instead, Rise cries out for the poor and impoverished who are attempting to start new lives in a foreign country. 

Interestingly, there’s also a deeply rooted faith that strengthens the Antetokounmpo family as well. Despite everything that they’ve gone through, Giannis‘s mother holds fast to her belief that God has a plan. (“God makes no mistakes. Give it your all and let God do his work,” Vera encourages.) To her, even the darkest of moments can provide blessings by the end and this gives them boundless hope throughout the process.

In some ways, it’s a shame that Rise has gone straight to Disney+. With its passionate heart, incredible story and solid performances, this is a film that actually deserves to be recognized onscreen as opposed to an unknown property that people scroll past while looking for Pixar material. With an eye on justice, Rise inspires with joy and enthusiasm that should please the whole family. Quite simply, there is an affectionate heart within this film which is contagious.

In other words, it is definitely a slam dunk.

A scene still from Disney’s live-action RISE, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Rise is available on Disney+ on Friday, June 24th, 2022

Filed Under: Disney+, Featured, Film, Reviews, VOD Tagged With: basketball, Disney, Disney+, drama, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kostas Antetokounmpo, Rise, sports, sports film

Ms. Marvel: For the Dreamers

June 8, 2022 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

“The change is here. The change is her.” – Ms. Marvel

It’s no secret that, ever since Iron Man flew across screens roughly 13 years ago, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has perfected the art of selling superheroes. First, create an origin story for a loveable outsider who is struggling to find themselves. Then, after they encounter an otherworldly power, they are transformed and finds their true calling. Using the same formula, Disney has managed to dominate a box office (and streaming world) with no signs of slowing down.

Though, there is a wind of change blowing in the MCU. As we transition out of a world dominated by white male superheroes, Marvel has done an excellent job celebrating the vibrancy of voices within our own world. Whether it’s Sam Wilson’s Captain America, the rise of Wanda Maximoff or the global celebration of Eternals, this new phase of the MCU has changed the faces of their stories. Now, with the release of Ms. Marvel on Disney+, Marvel has created another solid example of how diverse casting and cultural representation opens up new worlds for storytelling. 

And the story of Kamala Khan feels like it’s going to be something truly special.

Set in New Jersey, Ms. Marvel introduces the Marvel Universe to Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), a 16-year-old high school teen and fangirl of the Avengers, especially Captain Marvel. Living at home with her Islamic family, Kamala spends her nights dreaming of one day becoming like her hero. So, when she hears about the very first ‘AvengersCon’, a convention honouring Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, Kamala knows that she must be one of the first ones in attendance. Dressing up in cosplay of Captain Marvel, she adds a golden bangle that she discovers in a box of old junk in the house in order to secure her victory in the Con’s costume contest. However, when things go wrong, Kamala discovers that she has the power to create energy constructs and begins to wonder if becoming a hero may be more of a reality than she’d ever imagined.

Marvel excels at bringing the imagination to life but here they have created a world of such vibrant, youthful enthusiasm that one cannot help but be drawn in. In many ways, Ms. Marvel is reminiscent of Spider-Man Homecoming or the introduction of Miles Morales in Sony‘s animated Into the Spiderverse. In both cases, those films walked the line of style and substance by giving their characters colourful worlds to play in while never losing the character’s passion and soul. 

Ms. Marvel takes a similar approach by selecting a charismatic lead and immersing her in a world of neon vibrancy that bursts off the screen at all times. Whether it’s the seamless integration of animation or the bright, engaging visuals of the world, Ms. Marvel wants the screen be flooded with colour and joy. (In fact, powered by music from the ‘80s and ‘90s, there’s even a slightly retro feel to the series that adds some extra snap.)

Most importantly though, Feige & Co. have truly found someone extraordinary for their Kamala Khan. Young lead Iman Vellani has such charm that she absolutely sparkles on screen [pun intended]. Balancing innocence, humility and fire, Vellani has the soul of a dreamer and the spirit of a hero, making her perfect for the future of the MCU. 

Although the series pops with a Western style, the series does an excellent job of highlighting Kamala’s Islamic heritage. Living with her devout parents, Kamala takes her faith and culture extremely seriously. Trips to the mosque, conversations in Urdu and more help ground her world in the Islamic traditions and faith. At the same time, she also lives in a world of Instagram and pop culture.

In Ms. Marvel, it’s important to still honours the old ways, even as Kamala lives in a new world.

What interesting is that, at this point in their storytelling, the MCU has begun to pass the torch to those who have grown up with it as part of their livelihood. Characters like Iron Man and Captain America have left their mark and faded away for the next generation. Kamala is no exception. To her, the world has become a place where superheroes are admired (and, dare I say, common?) and the greatest of them all is Captain Marvel. Revered for her strength, power and fierce example of womanhood, Captain Marvel is held up in the highest esteem by the young hero-in-waiting and she yearns to be like her. Plastering her room with posters and dressing up in cosplay at the first AvengersCon, Kamala will do anything she can to honour her idol. 

Kamala is a dreamer. And the life of a hero is her ultimate fantasy.

And therein lies the true spirit of Ms. Marvel. This is a series about honouring the past but still leaning into our dreams. Whether it’s her mother or Captain Marvel herself, Kamala holds the women of her life in the highest respect. But she’s also growing up and wants to be figured out what it means to herself in the process. She recognizes the value and power of the women who have blazed the trails but she also wants to become who she was meant to be.

For Kamala, it’s time for her dreams to become reality.

The first episode of Ms. Marvel is available on Disney+ on Wednesday, June 8th, 2022 with new episodes streaming every Wednesday afterwards.

Filed Under: Disney+, Featured, Reviews Tagged With: Disney, Disney+, Kamala Khan, Marvel, Matt Lintz, MCU, Miss Marvel

Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers – Dusting Off these Two Gumshoes

May 20, 2022 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

When Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers was named as Disney’s next reboot for streaming, the decision simply made sense. 

After all, Disney+ has provided the House of Mouse with an entirely new way to bring their content to the next generation with very little risk. From DuckTales to Darkwing Duck, their investment in bringing back popular franchises for the kids of the modern era have been fairly successful thus far. (I’m still waiting for the return of The Adventures of the Gummi Bears but I digress…)

But things began to take a turn for the strange when it was announced that the franchise would be passed to director Akiva Schaffer, who intended on taking a more meta-approach to the material. Usually, that’s often a bad sign. After all, every reboot (especially a beloved one like Rescue Rangers) comes with certain expectations in tone, humour and style. When you mess with the formula entirely, it can alienate the audience. (See Ferrell and Kidman’s Bewitched)

Amazingly though, Schaffer has come through.

In Disney+’s Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers, Chip and Dale have seen better days. After the cancellation of their fame animated series over 30 years ago, the characters have both moved on. With Chip (John Mulaney) now living in obscurity as an insurance salesman, Dale (Andy Samberg) spends his days attending fan conventions with the hope of garnering enough interest to resurrect their franchise. However, when one of their beloved former co-stars is kidnapped, the two estranged rangers reluctantly come together to solve a real crime in the face of overwhelming odds. 

Using his signature sarcasm, Schaffer infuses Rescue Rangers with a winking eye and sardonic edge that still feels like a love letter to the property. By blending multiple animation styles ranging from claymation to puppeteering but still grounding the project in the human world, the film feels very much like a spiritual sequel to Disney’s Who Framed Roger Rabbit?. (In fact, any comparisons to the classic 80s animated classic are absolutely deliberate as Schaffer includes numerous references to it.) Sharply written and executed, Rescue Rangers is absolutely eye-candy across the (story)board that features a never-ending stream of pop culture references that should make the film enjoyable on rewatch. (The billboards and advertising that adorn the film’s streets are worth the watch alone.)

And no franchise is sacred. 

Somewhat surprisingly, Rescue Rangers is more than willing to break out of the Disney canon and satirize other studio properties as well. (Again, another key ingredient for Roger Rabbit.) Whether it’s poorly rebooted animation like ‘Ugly Sonic’, or beloved franchises like My Little Pony, Looney Tunes, Pokemon or even ET: The Extra Terrestrial, there’s a surprising amount of support from other studios to let Disney lampoon their products. 

As such, Rescue Rangers feels more like a meta-take on the challenges of rebooting old properties than it does trying to feed you the same Disney product again. In essence, rather than offering a strict reboot of Rangers, the film leans into the difficulties of doing so. Characters who were once beloved by fans have now been relegated to the convention circuit, with the hopes that enough interest will bring them back into pop culture relevance. 

At the same time though, there is no doubt that this film is made with love. Schaffer does not use the film to mock the franchise but rather to somehow reinvigorate it with the understanding of an adult. Jokes referencing CGI surgery, cheese addiction and even references to a strip club and [cartoon] trafficking are made with an adult audience in mind. 

In this way, while the film’s primary story may focus on the missing characters, the true antagonist of the film is getting older. From Lumiere to Tigra the forgotten Avenger, none of these animated characters are ready to settle into the dustbin just yet. (“It’s gotten tough out there for us old timers”, Monteray Jack groans.) Emotionally tied to their faded fame, each one wants to prove that they’re still worth something. This desire to hang onto the glory days is especially true of Chip who yearns to be remembered as more than a ‘2nd banana’. From begging for attention on social media to having CGI surgery, Chip is left scratching and clawing at the elusive celebrity status that he once enjoyed. Though the rest of the world has moved on, he simply wants them to know that he still has value. In a world where no one cares to know your name, how do you know you matter? What does hope look like when your best days seem behind you?

Middle-age is tough, even for animated chipmunks.

But that leads to the film’s biggest question: who is the target audience? Unlike other kids fare that includes the adults, Rangers does the opposite by targeting adults first. Ultimately, this approach works fine, except for the fact that Rangers comes with the baggage of a being known property. For example, in the case of Roger Rabbit, Disney had a blank canvas upon which to create their adult-targeted story. Not so for Rescue Rangers, a series which is known for targeting little ones. (It’s also worth mentioning that, as recently as last year, Disney rebooted Chip ‘N Dale as an animated series that targeted kids). So, with this in mind, parents of young ones may need to exercise caution before hitting play.

Nevertheless, there’s little doubt that Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers is a reboot win. Fast and furry-ous with its humour, Schaffer manages to walk the line between parody and preposterous in ways that revive an old property without feeling stale. So, even if it does seem odd to target the parents over the kids, it’s absolutely worth dusting off these two gumshoes for old time’s sake.

Chip ‘N Dale’s Rescue Rangers streams on Disney+ on Friday, May 20th, 2022.

Filed Under: Disney+, Featured, Film, Reviews Tagged With: 90s, Andy Samberg, Chip 'N Dale Rescue Rangers, Disney, Disney+, Eric Bana, JK Simmons, John Mulaney, Kiki Layne, reboot, Seth Rogan

Better Nate than Ever: Find Your Light

April 1, 2022 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

It’s hard to find words to describe the ray of sunshine that is Better Nate than Ever. 

Better Nate than Ever tells the story of Nate Foster (Reuby Wood), an unpopular but spunky 13-year-old theatre student in Pittsburgh who dreams of becoming a Broadway star. When an open audition for the role of his dreams takes place in New York, Nate and his best friend Libby (Aria Brookes) sneak out so that Nate can fight for what he believes is his future. However, after a chance encounter with Nate’s estranged Aunt Heidi (Lisa Kudrow) upends their plans, Nate and Libby must work together in order to make their dreams a reality.

Telling the story of one young man’s dreams of becoming a Broadway star, Better Nate than Ever is an utter delight from start to finish. Directed by Tim Federle (who also wrote the novel upon which the film is based), Nate is sharp, fantastical and fun children’s fare. There is such an enthusiasm and likeability about this film that you cannot help will be drawn in to its world. Musical sequences take on the appearance of a Broadway stage but never distract from the story that’s going on around them. This is not a film where songs burst forth from the cast as they walk down the street but rather are embedded within the life of struggling actors trying to make it big.

After the misfire that was Dear Evan Hanson last year (and arguably Netflix’s Prom), Better Nate than Ever is a return to form for onscreen musicals. These examples prove how important (and divisive) casting a film of this nature can be. However, Nate manages to hit the right notes in this area, especially in young lead Reuby Wood, who sparkles as the indomitable Nate himself. Wood brings an energy and life to the role that makes him undeniably likeable. His chemistry with onscreen bestie Libby (Aria Brookes) works well as the two enjoy some impressive banter, considering their age. 

Although it is also fair to say Disney unabashedly uses Nate as an opportunity to show off their IP as use of musicals like Frozen and West Side Story all fall neatly under the Disney umbrella. In fact, there’s even a certain irony about the fact that they are making a musical about Lilo and Stitch within the film, as its one of the few properties that Disney has not turned into a live-action remake or Broadway play. (However, does it make me a bad person that I kind of want to see the Stitch musical now?)

At its heart, this is a film that invites us to follow our dreams. Whether you are young like Nate or older and more established like his aunt, Nate wants to encourage you to take those risks to ‘find your light’. Although Nate’s story takes off very quickly, the film also makes it clear that it is difficult to achieve your goals. There is a struggle involved but the film does not want you to give up in the midst of that struggle. (In this way, it’s also worth noting that this film also carries with it a message of love and support of the LGBTQ community as well.) 

Much more than this though, this is also a film but what it means to find your life. Whereas Nate knows instantly what he wants to accomplish, Libby is unsure of her future. She has no interest in being a star yet she loves to support those that can be. However, she still does not know who she is or what she wants to be. As her journey unfolds, Libby begins to understand her role in Nate’s inevitable stardom. In this way, the film reminds the viewer to push forward as there is a place for us all. 

While the title Better Nate than Ever may seem a bit outlandish or self-serving, it is also hard to disagree that it’s also accurate. Fueled with a deep affection for Broadway and musical theater, Nate absolutely pops on screen. Most importantly though, it absolutely makes you want to go and find your light as well.

Better Nate than Ever is available on Disney+ on Friday, April 1st, 2022.

Filed Under: Disney+, Featured, Film, Reviews Tagged With: Aria Brookes, Better Nate than Ever, Dear Evan Hanson, Disney, Disney+, Frozen, LGBTQ+, Lilo and Stitch, lisa kudrow, Reuby Wood, Tim Federle, West Side Story

SF Radio 8.20 Sacred Sexuality in PAM & TOMMY

March 27, 2022 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

In the ‘greatest love story ever sold, Hulu’s Pam & Tommy tells the story of the theft and release of the celebrity couple’s sex tape back in the late 1990s. Beginning with the energy of a raunchy comedy, the series gradually shifts its perspective into something much more poignant and (dare I say it?) powerful in its conversations about gender and sexuality. This week, Amanda Jane Smith and Miriam Ibrahim return to have an honest discussion surrounding the nature of ‘gaze’ and the relationship between consent, sexuality and pornography.

You can stream on podomatic, Alexa (via Stitcher), Spotify, iHeart Radio or Amazon Podcasts! Or, you can downoad the ep on Apple Podcasts!

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

8.20-Pam-TommyDownload

Filed Under: Disney+, Featured, Hulu, Podcast, SmallFish Tagged With: Disney, Disney+, hulu, Lake Bell, Nick Offerman, Pam & Tommy, Pamela Anderson, pornography, Seth Rogan, sexuality, Tommy Lee

Turning Red: Embrace the Panda

March 11, 2022 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

Growing up is hard. Embracing the changes as they happen can be even harder.

Directed by Academy Award-winner Domee Shi (Bao), Red is a delightful coming-of-age story that is easily one of Pixar’s best films in years. Filled with bright colours and fueled with humour and heart, there’s simply an infectious joy about the film that charms and delights throughout. With fun and furry… er… fury, Turning Red becomes a wild ride into one young girl’s journey into the madness of puberty.

Taking place in 2002, Turning Red tells the story of Mei Lee (voice of Rosalie Chiang), an enthusiastic pre-teen girl who lives in Toronto, Canada. Though she loves her family dearly, the expectations and pressure created by her over-protective mother, Ming (voice of Sandra Oh), is a cause of stress for her as she endures the chaos of adolescence. Things become even more frenzied when Mei discovers a family secret: whenever she gets too excited, she changes into a giant red panda! Freaked out by this shocking truth, Mei must try to figure out whether or not this change can be controlled… and whether or not she wants to.

While the premise may sound similar to Pixar’s Inside Out, the two films could not be more different. Written by Pete Doctor, Inside Out has an unavoidable level of distance as he writes from his own perspective. However, Red feels much more personal. As Mei wrestles with the changes within her, Shi brings an empathy and understanding that stems from her own experiences as a young girl that makes Red feel more real. As a result, whereas Inside Out feels like a man attempting to comprehend his daughter, Red seems much grounded from personal understanding.

Set in the urban jungle of Toronto, there’s also little question that the film is a love letter to her upbringing in Canada. Having immigrated at a young age, Shi grew up in the city and Red unashamedly adores its hometown. References to loonies, Wilfred Laurier, rides on the TTC and more all allow the city to have its moment in the sun. (Set in 2002, they even refer to the Rogers Centre as its proper name, the SkyDome.) 

More importantly though, Red is also a loving testament to her upbringing as an immigrant Canadian. While the film is not about Shi herself, the film celebrates her Asian heritage yet also remains willing to show the challenges that growing up in a different culture may cause within the home. Caught between the traditions of her parents and her life as a Canadian teen, Mei attempts to make sense of her world and her place within it. Although she remains committed to honouring her parents and their values, Mei’s life feels like a threat to her parents’ traditions. Pop music, boys and sexual attraction begin to create a rift between her and her mother that begins to break down their relationship.

In this way, Red fearless in its exploration of growing up. Using the red panda as a metaphor for Mei’s changing emotions and body, Red feels authentic and honest. Dealing with issues ranging from sexual attraction to a girl’s first period, the film feels grounded in all of the awkwardness of youth, even in the midst of its wild premise. 

While Mei’s world begins to change, Red points out that all of us are fueled by a complex mixture of imperfections, anger and sadness. As she attempts to balance her new and unpredictable emotions and her mother’s expectations of her, Mei becomes frightened of what’ happening to her. However, as she begins to navigate these changes, she also begins to understand what it means to accept the pieces of herself that don’t always fit into the box. (In fact, she becomes empowered by them.) Yes, the changes in her life may be scary and cause tensions at home, but there’s something incredible about them as well.

In the end, Turning Red definitely turns into something special. Mei’s journey may be her own, yet this is a story for everyone who has (or are) going through the chaos of growing up. Whether it’s learning to accept who you are or the ever-changing dynamics between teenagers and parents, these moments in our lives can be really difficult. Even so, Red reminds of the power that comes when we embrace the panda. 

Turning Red is available to stream on Disney+ on Friday, March 11th, 2022.

Filed Under: Disney+, Featured, Film Tagged With: Canada, Disney, Disney+, Domee Shi, Pixar, Red Panda, Rosalie Chiang, Sandra Oh, Toronto, Turning Red

SF Radio 8.18 We Don’t Talk About BOBA FETT

March 6, 2022 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

Streaming on Disney+, The Book of Boba Fett tells the epic story of the famed bounty hunter and his exploits after the Battle of Sarlaac’s Pit in Return of the Jedi… until it doesn’t. Pivoting hard at the halfway point, the series quickly brings in the best characters from The Mandalorian and focuses more on the group than Boba himself. This week, ScreenFish’r Heather Johnson returns to talk about whether or not we needed a redemption story for Boba Fett and the flaws of Jedi choices.

You can stream on podomatic, Alexa (via Stitcher), Spotify, iHeart Radio or Amazon Podcasts! Or, you can downoad the ep on Apple Podcasts!

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

8.18-The-Book-of-Boba-Fett

Filed Under: Disney+, Featured, Podcast, SmallFish Tagged With: Baby Yoda, Boba Fett, Din Djarin, Disney, Disney+, Grogu, Jennifer Beals, Jon Favreau, Ming-Na Wen, Sophie Thatcher, Star Wars, Temeura Morrison, The Book of Boba Fett, The Mandalorian

No Exit: Though the Weather Outside is Frightful…

February 25, 2022 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

Though the weather outside is frightful… it’s probably more terrifying to stay inside.

No Exit tells the story of Darby (Havana Rose Liu), a young woman who currently resides in an addiction treatment centre. When she hears of her mother’s hospitalization, Darby decides that she needs to see her immediately and breaks free from her facility. En route, a terrible blizzard forces her to find shelter in a highway rest area with a small group of strangers. However, when she soon discovers a young girl trapped in one of parked vehicles outside, she finds herself caught in the midst of a terrifying race to uncover the identity of the kidnapper and set the young captive free.

Directed by Damien Power, No Exit is an energetic ride suitable for a night of at-home streaming on a cold night. As the director of Killing Ground, Power has experience in the thriller genre and he puts those tools to good use here. Taking place over the course of one evening, the film has some legitimate twists and keeps the viewer engaged throughout. Set in an offramp conservation station during an intense blizzard, Power uses its confined space to build an atmosphere of claustrophobia. Tight camera work keeps us focused on the faces of the players involved, making their interactions feel like a chess match between potential adversaries. What’s more, with only two or three rooms in use, Powers keeps the characters in each other’s way, forcing them to be involved in their lives for the time being. 

While the film doesn’t break any new ground for the genre, Exit’s energy and pacing keep the viewer interested and makes for some light fun. Despite the fact that the film does address multiple issues ranging from drug abuse and child trafficking, none of them are explored in any real depth and merely provide some background to the characters. As a result, though the film seems not to have any particular social agenda, Exit remains propped up by its liveliness. Clocking in at a mere 90 minutes, it’s pacing and brevity keep the film moving quickly and the viewer engaged.

As her first film in a lead role, Liu does a particularly good job conveying an inner strength within her character. As the broken but determined Darby, Liu carries the film with vivacity that never allows the film to drag. While the rest of the cast seem fairly engaged with the material, the other most notable cast member is veteran Dennis Haysbert, who’s calm demeanor provides the film with a much-needed. 

Underneath the criminal exploits, No Exit seems interested in asking the question of what defines who we are. Having been all but abandoned by her family due to her past drug addiction, Darby lives a life of isolation. When she hears of her mother’s hospitalization, she is determined to reach her family, despite the fact that they have essentially disowned her. During her time in the off-ramp facility, the motley crew that she encounters do not appear to know anything about one another yet they all seem to believe that they know who she is. Whether she’s referred to as military child or drug addict, numerous labels are thrown around to describe her, both positive or negative. As such, these pieces of her story instantly become identifiers to her new acquaintances. Even so, she refuses to be defined by these moments of her past. Although she may have struggled with addiction, she is more than an addict. Although her father’s military background is a key part of her life, she is more than a ‘military kid’. In this way, No Exit points out that who we were does not necessarily mean that that is who we are. Darby’s story is her own and she will chart her own path forward.

While No Exit may not be particularly memorable, it still delivers the goods for an evening of thrills and entertainment. Despite its flaws, there’s something instantly likeable about the film that keeps you watching. (Any film that can make a simple game of cards feel high stakes must have something going for it.) As such, when this stop on the streaming highway becomes available, this remains an Exit worth taking.

No Exit streams on Hulu in the US and on Disney+ in additional territories on Friday, February 25th, 2022.

Filed Under: Disney+, Featured, Film, SmallFish Tagged With: Damien Power, Dennis Haysbert, Disney, Disney+, Havana Rose Liu, hulu, No Exit

The Beatles: Get Back – Pulling Back the Celebrity Curtain

November 25, 2021 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

There are few bands as adored as the Beatles.

With a mere 12 studio albums under their belts, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr produced music so remarkable that it defined a generation of music lovers. Even now, after over 50 years and the passing of two original members, the fire for Liverpool’s mop-tops burns just as brightly as before.

Now, with the release of the new docuseries The Beatles: Get Back, audiences have the opportunity to travel back in time to the band’s 1969 recording sessions. With the goal of performing live for the first time in two years firmly in view, John, Paul, George and Ringo attempt to create an entirely new album in a mere 21 days. With such a daunting task putting incredible pressure on the Fab Four, tensions begin to mount, causing division and arguments between them. However, as a result of their commitment to both the creative process and one another, the ‘Get Back Sessions’ result in one of the music’s most iconic concerts: the live performance on the rooftop of Apple Studios.

Directed by Peter Jackson, The Beatles: Get Back is an extensive and expansive behind-the-scenes look at one of the greatest bands in music history. Although the series draws inspiration from Michael Lindsay-Hogg’s 1970 documentary of the project, Jackson manages to create something new by sitting more deeply within the moment. Having to choose from over 60 hours of footage and over 150 hours of unheard audio, Get Back massive length offers an intimate portrait of the creative process of the band like we’ve never seen before. 

While we’re familiar with their songs, there’s something special about watching them become the anthems that we know and love. Songs like ‘Get Back’, ‘Let It Be’ and ‘I’ve Got a Feeling’ didn’t simply drop out of the sky. (Well, there are some exceptions here, like Paul’s development of ‘Oh, Darling’ which seems to just… materialize.) Generally, there’s a push and pull that takes place within the creative process that Jackson highlights beautifully. By slowing down and allowing the footage to simmer, he reveals the comraderie that this group enjoyed when they were creating their best work. As the famed rooftop concert develops, the [rubber] soul of the group is exposed and we witness the magic they could make when working together.

Furthermore, even amidst the chaos of attempting to write 14 new songs in 3 weeks, there’s a playfulness that comes through in many of the practices. Yes, they had grown up and matured. Yes, they had changed. But still, Get Back provides glimpses of the boyish charm that defined them in their earliest years. Fully aware that their life as a band was beginning to come to an end, their desire seems to be to reclaim the fire that they once felt one more time. As a result, whether it’s non-sensical riffs and falsettos or simply relaxing by playing the hits of other musicians, there’s a joyfulness that shines through amidst the seriousness of the moment. 

Meanwhile, Jackson’s series also recognizes the tensions that were brewing behind the scenes. Moments such as Harrison’s brief attempt to leave the band, McCartney’s battle to have his own way and the struggle to accept the intensity of John and Yoko’s relationship during creative sessions offer a deeper picture of a band that has been studied for decades. (Incidentally, it’s worth noting that, while any edit of this type will skew the image in some ways, Get Back opens with text that insists that they’re doing their best to portray these icons in their truest forms.) 

In doing so, Jackson also exposes their shortcomings. Whereas pop culture has immortalized the names John, Paul, George and Ringo as examples of creative geniuses, so too were they simple boys from Liverpool who simply wanted to make music. Idolized by millions, they were also flawed and imperfect, squabbling amongst one another over who’s vision would become the final product. (This tension is particularly visible during the audio of a private conversation between McCartney and Lennon where they address Paul’s constant insistence on doing things his way.) As they work through their difficulties together, we begin to see past their celebrity status and focus increasingly on their desire to rediscover their passion for music (and each other). 

Now, having said this, it’s also worth noting that Get Back is likely not going to win over any new members to the Fab Four Fan Club. While the expanded footage is remarkable and revealing, so too does it move at its own pace. Repeated performances of half-finished songs and conversations about chord progressions may excite devotees but, without that prior passion for the group, it’s hard to imagine outsiders getting particularly excited about it. Throw in the fact that the series clocks in at an incredible 7 hours and 50 minutes and one could understand why the massive scope of this project with its slow tempo will make it a difficult ‘binge watch’ for the younger generation. (Yet, ironically, somehow the runtime seems appropriate considering Jackson’s repertoire for longer, more reflective pieces.)

Even so, there’s something truly special about Get Back. As a love letter to the Beatles, Jackson celebrates the originality and ingenuity of the team as they develop songs that will remain stalwarts for the next 50 years and more. However, at the same time, he also reveals their humanity, including the struggles and strains that can be felt as they work together under duress. By allowing their faults and failings to shine through, Jackson manages to pull back the curtain of celebrity and remind us that these were ultimately just boys who wanted to ‘get back to where they once belonged’.

The Beatles: Get Back is now playing on Disney+.

Filed Under: Disney+, Featured, Reviews, SmallFish Tagged With: Disney+, George Harrison, Get Back, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Peter Jackson, Ringo Starr, The Beatles, The Beatles: Get Back

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