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John Cena

Dolittle: A High-Seas Adventure that Never Fully Sails

May 7, 2020 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

Dolittle re-introduces the world to Dr. John Dolittle (Robert Downey Jr.), a reclusive man who lives in solitude in his lush manor in 19th-century England. Dolittle’s gift is that he can understand the language of the animals, with whom he speaks to on a daily basis. However,  when young Queen Victoria becomes sick, the doctor and his furry friends are called back into action as they embark on an epic adventure in order to save her life..

Directed by Stephen Gaghan (Syriana), Dolittle is a film with aspirations of classic childhood adventure films but, unfortunately, never quite lives up to its full potential. Derived by critics, there really is more to like about the film than some have given it credit for. On the one hand, Gaghan creates a world of whimsy that has echoes of the charm and heart of the original work, combining the childlike joy of colourful animals with an emotional journey for its lead. Distancing itself in style and tone from the successful Eddie Murphy films of the late 90s, Downey Jr. proves to be a good choice for the titular character of Dolittle himself. Always willing to play with child-like wonder, Downey brings his signature charisma to the role in such a way that he always makes you want to go on the journey into the unknown with him. 

On the other hand, however, the film struggles to maintain a consistent tone, dropping the more classic feel for bathroom humour that simply doesn’t work, especially in the awkward dragon finale. (Although not uncommon by any stretch, rumours of rewrites to include more ‘silliness’ into the film plagued it’s marketing upon its release.) Also, the film seems to lack an overall energy which seems odd, considering the pedigree of its cast.

Even so, what appeals to me about Dolittle is its interest in exploring what it means to deal with the pain of our past. Once known as a grand adventurer, the death of his wife has caused Dolittle to become a recluse from the human race, fearing any experience of loss of relationship in the future. Broken by his past, Dolittle has lost his passion for life and only agrees to the journey because he has been urged into action once again by the Queen herself. While this may seem heavy-handed on paper, the film does handle the topic of grief and loss at a level appropriate for children and may even provide some healthy questions for engaging the struggles in their own life. 

What’s more, Dolittle also points to the fact that healing best comes through community. Whereas some films simply point to healing as ‘moving on’, Dolittle acknowledges that the best healing comes when we realize that there are people holding us up along the way and share our burdens with them. (In fact, without any spoilers, Dolittle’s engagement with the dragon even highlights this idea of grieving together as a manner of healing. If only that scene hadn’t… sigh… if only…) As he processes his grief along his adventure, Dolittle’s journey helps him to appreciate the joys of the past and accept the grace required to move forward. 

Because of its interest in helping show what it means to process our feelings, Dolittle does have something positive to say to the children of this generation. With a heart of adventure, the film has so much potential yet it never comes to fruition. So, unfortunately, while there are some who will enjoy the ride, this may ultimately not be a trip worth taking.

Dolittle is available on VOD and Blu-ray now.

Filed Under: DVD, Film, Reviews, VOD Tagged With: dolittle, Eddie Murphy, Emma Thompson, John Cena, Rami Malek, Robert Downey Jr, Selina Gomez, Stephen Gaghan

5.08 The Buzz Around BUMBLEBEE

December 31, 2018 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

https://screenfish.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/5.08-Bumblebee.mp3

As the sixth (!) entry into the TRANSFORMERS franchise, BUMBLEBEE is a complete course correction for the series. Taking us back to 1987, BUMBLEBEE focuses on the emotional journey of its characters, giving a feel reminiscent of the Amblin films of the 1980s… but is it too little too late? This week, Steve is joined by author Troy Kinney (Watching Movies, Watching Stories) as they tackle giant robots, the nature of letting go and what it means to be human.

You can also stream the episode above on podomatic, SoundCloud or on Spotify! Or, you can download the ep on Apple Podcasts, Google Play or more!

5.08 Bumblebee

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.

Thanks Troy for joining us!

 

Filed Under: Film, Podcast Tagged With: 1980s, Aquaman, Autobots, Bumblebee, Hailee Steinfeld, John Cena, New Years Eve, nostalgia, Optimus Prime, Transformers, Troy Kinney

Trainwreck: The Past Won’t Let You Go Without A Fight

November 11, 2015 by Jacob Sahms Leave a Comment

trainwreck

Amy Schumer’s team-up with Judd Apatow, Trainwreck, arrived on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD without the fanfare that it might have a few months ago. A casualty in another theater shooting, the film deserves more attention, even if it is a jumbled cocktail that fails to completely blend. Schumer’s insights are powerful and funny, even if we don’t always know what to do with what she’s telling us.

As a little girl, Amy (Schumer) is told by her father (Colin Quinn) that “monogamy isn’t realistic.” It becomes her motto in work, in relationships, and, most definitely, in the bedroom. She so fears the same fate that befell her mother (to be cuckolded and abandoned) that she refuses to let anyone get close – until she meets sports doctor, Aaron Conners (Bill Hader). Suddenly, she’s drawn into something more than sex, more than physical pleasure, and she has no compass by which to determine her direction.

Handed the keys to the kingdom (a full-length feature film), Schumer tried to do too much. She sets out for a Bridesmaids-level comedy on her own (without a wing-woman like Melissa McCarthy or anyone else to prop her up) that is ambitious in its own right. But she’s aiming high enough for guys, too, with her fitting more-than-a-cameo performances by John Cena and LeBron James from the worlds of WWE and the NBA. And she wants to draw out a powerful exploration of what it means to learn and grow when your past is stacked against you emotionally and socially.

The Blu-ray combo pack features deleted scenes, the unrated version, a look at Daniel Radcliffe’s funny ‘cameo’ in “The Dogwalker” movie-within-a-movie, the prerequisite gag reel, and commentary from Apatow and Schumer.

For my money, the funniest moments are left to Hader and James. The ‘bromance’ of these two as an odd couple, with the switch of expectations between the male and female relationships, provides insight as well. Out of all of the film’s gags, it’s these moments that brought the most laughs – even though Schumer is the mind behind all of them.

Schumer has something to say about the way that the social constructs, the family impact, of our past control our future. They form us and direct us from an early age, before we know better. They’re not just about sex and relationships, but about race, religion, gender, and much more. What defines us as human beings is what we determine for ourselves when the time comes. Will we be who we are called to be, meant to be? Will we be ourselves, choosing to live and believe in what we know to be true, even when it conflicts with what we’ve been taught?

This is ultimately a “coming of age” movie – it’s just that it takes some of us longer to grow up than others.

Filed Under: DVD, Film, Reviews Tagged With: Amy Schumer, Bill Hader, John Cena, Judd Apatow, Lebron James

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