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Djon Africa can be seen as a variation of the classic hero's epic journey. This film is an epic journey where John's journey is one of self discovery of who he really is. In the begining confused and out of place in the land of his birth, he travels to his ancestral land of the Cape Verde Islands where he feels at home but others see him as a foreigner. Gradually melding in to the society there, he loses what was imprinted on him in Portugal and learns the ways of Cape Verde. The cinematography is excellent showing the dramatic but impoverished beauty of the islands, and the atmosphere reflects the mood of the situation accurately. Even without the engrossing character revelation of John, the film would be watchable just for the majestic scenery. In the end we are left guessing, just as the results of our searches for meaning in life are a mystery waiting to discovered.

There have been many who wrote negative reviews for this film, but I think if you start watching Mad Max with the right frame of mind, you will find it worth watching. Set in post apocalyptic Australia, it features stark but stunning landscapes of sand and craggy rock. Tom Hardy as Max and Charlize Theron as Furiosa are excellent and very believable as people traversing this gritty and violent world in search of something better. Hope and redemption as the film puts it. Through blood, gunfights, and car chases they try to stay true to their hopes for a happier future. Best seen on a larger screen to take in the scale of the vistas and the numbers of vehicles involved in the battles, but still very impressive on the smaller screens. The gigantic but empty landscapes highlight just how small they are as they continue on their quest, and also how small their chances of success are. The film at times has a theatrical quality almost like a Shakespearean play as the individual characters reflect on their situation. The battle scenes are elaborate, and almost circus like sometimes. You will get your fill of car chases, guns, and blood in this one. But besides the action Mad Max makes an effort to fill out the backgrounds and hopes of the main characters. These days you don't find that attention from every Hollywood film. Mad Max powers through with the steady pace of an 18 wheeler and you will get a steady supply of action to keep you interested till the end.

Probably a little bit of a commentary of some kind on the dangers of genetic modification, any such message is very poorly articulated in this film. Children and simple minded teens may find Jurassic World's impressive CGI dinosaurs entertaining, but anyone expecting any complexity in the story-line or beyond-cartoonish characters/acting will be disappointed. If you just want to veg out and see a few man vs dinosaur battles this may fit the bill as well. Certainly Jurassic is watchable, and as usual it explores the possible societal relationships and methods of the dinos in an interesting way. Our involvement with the characters could easily have been improved with more character development and background. Overall though it's a fun if largely mindless romp though.