malbanese

The premise? You've seen it before. The actors? Probably Needed the work? The script? Possibly funded by the Vatican (who knows or cares) however lacklustre to say the least. The special effects? Leave a lot to be desired in this day and age (Considering 'The Exorcist" still stands today as one of the most frightening films, thanks to Dick Smith's fantastic effects.) The problem with the churn factory of Hollywood and the fodder they produce these days, is that there is no originality or perspective of reality or the times. What do I mean? Well, the whole way through this film, all I could think of was, "How is it that these people still believe in god, when he allows Catholic priests to prey on children and they get away with it?". So I find my self sympathising with the demon and conjuring all sorts of interesting plot ideas throughout the film, where the entity is protecting the child from the evils of religion, and punishing the priests for their harmful ways.

The fact that reality has not provoked or infiltrated films like this is an insult to our intelligence and boring to the viewer to say the least. Next film to come along that has 'devil' or 'exorcism' in the title, I can assure you, the story and ideas, will all be the same.

Tune out. Don't bother. Ho Hum.

So let me start by saying I am a fan. Comics have played an integral part of my life growing up with the likes of Spiderman, The Avengers and Doctor Strange among too many more to list, and I remember back in the 80's and 90's, studio attempts at making poor films like Spiderman and Captain America. I also remember being so excited when I had the chance to watch them, but also disappointed they didn't live up to the imaginative creativity of the original comic books. How could they?

The lack of technology, cgi, special effects and budget constraints (back then, no one wanted to see superhero films). With that, we were satisfied with what we got, because we knew it was the best we could get for the time.

Fast forward a couple of decades and we now expect much more. We have been spoiled with amazing adaptations of comics we loved in our youth, and they are brought to life on screen with the same creativity and passion we loved them for. The Avengers saga, Spiderman films, Thor, Ant Man, Doctor Strange, Captain America and Captain Marvel, to name a few, all living up to expectations and sometimes exceeding them.

Then there is the Eternals. What feels like a cash grab riding on the coattails of Marvels success. A CGI extravaganza that pushes the 2 and half hour limit, but could have been shorter or longer (depending on who was making it). In the hands of Chloe Zhao, it feels like it was falling through her fingers. Don't get me wrong, technically the film looks good. But the film feels forced at times and hollow at others. The characters, although well defined are boring and waning in their own existence. The potential was there. I liked some of what I saw, but I left the cinema feeling annoyed, unloved, taken for a ride. I expected more. And I have a right to expect more because I have seen what Marvel films bring to the table, and I am familiar with the feeling and emotion I get from those other films, that take care and show love for the material.

If the Eternals come back for another film, I don't know if I'd care for it. It would require a whole new direction for me to be interested to go back for another foray.

Not sure what all the hate is about. This is by far one of the most original and intelligent series to come out in a long time. The mixture in sets depicting the sitcom and real life offer a valuable insight into how we view (or don't view) the unimportant characters of tv shows.

This is both entertaining and well acted. I personally can't wait for the next episode. I can only hope this series stays and evolves. I'd hate it if this was cancelled. It has potential and promise.