Hallelujah289

On a first watch, some things have gone over my head with this very science-y movie "Interstellar" that does several kinds of warps regarding space and time. Even still, the major plot lines are clear and the emotional impacts hit when they should.

This is a very well developed film with more than ordinary attention to portraying the problems realistic near future and the kinds of science based solutions that could solve it.

Someone not well versed in physicist types or theories with space, time, gravity, etc (such as myself) can still enjoy it and follow along because of how the actors ground the film with emotion. I have read that Stephen Spielberg developed about 50% of the script, perhaps gave up and handed it over to Christopher Nolan to complete. Between the two there is a good balance between a film that can have mass appeal and still excite the nerds.

I didn't get everything, but certainly there are many kinds of harrowing and spectacular moments in this film sure to cause awe.

Haven't read the book, but was able to follow most of the story except towards the very end, where some context from the book from those who read it helped.

"Where the Crawdads Sing" is a lengthy film at about two hours, but from what I understand it was originally three hours and then cut for time. Most of the film felt like it progressed at a good, even pace, except the ending did feel choppy and slightly unfinished. I do think some extra explanations could help the film, especially at the end which to me felt like it was missing an important scene.

Some additional character dimension from the character Chase would've also helped, as I did not understand the attraction the protagonist Kya had for him. Why did Kya feel driven towards him? Perhaps it would've helped to emphasize her loneliness and the antagonism of the town, and also her lack of experience regarding relationships. The main actress did a good job conveying intelligence and poise, like the character, which was somewhat at odds with the naivety or desperation her character needed to have as well. A more sympathetic Chase would've helped sell the relationship as well.

Another issue I had was difficulty understanding the time period and the cultural context. The year is displayed once and then it's hard to place the time period beyond that, since I forgot the date.

Overall however, a good story, good writing, good characters and acting. Recommended.

As far as sequels go, The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death has a lot going for it. The setting of 40 years after the events of the first film The Woman in Black is a great move. New time period (wartime 1940s vs turn of the century), new cast. Just a whole new dynamic to explore.

The director of this sequel, Tom Harper, is skilled at period products going by his new classic tv series War and Peace. The lead actress looks and sounds the part with a vintage inflection voice. The costume and set pieces look the part.

The plot has a lot going for it as well, with character arcs and a fitting resolution.

However, there's failure points too. The romance between the lead actress and the pilot is idealistic. There's a number of shortcuts taken catching the audience up with the events of season 1 that doesn't seem consistent (there was a wax recording? Why wasn't it in the first film?). And also there's a vague quality about whether or not the woman in black ghost is put to rest-both if she is or isn't seems unsatisfying.

A last part is the boy Edward. Some of his actions are problematic. Not sure his ending fits.

The overall message is a good one though-don't let guilt fester or be manipulated by other people for their own malicious ends.

Overall a decent film with weak spots.