Friday, 29 July 2016

Finding Dory

DISCLAIMER: This blog is not for profit. All images and footage used are property of their respective companies unless stated otherwise. I do not claim ownership of this material.
    
When it comes to animated sequels, there is often a lot that can go wrong. If a movie is good enough to warrant a sequel (which seems to be around 80% of animated movies these days), it can be difficult, if not impossible, for a second film to measure up to its predecessor. This is not the case with Finding Dory.

The first and most striking thing about this film is the way in which it is able to build upon the plot of the original, whilst not feeling like a copy of it. It also has just the right amount of nostalgia thrown in, whilst still focusing on developing its own story first and foremost.

Obviously, there is more of a focus on Dory as she attempts to find her parents in this film. This time around her character is really developed and built upon. In addition to this, the plot is able to encapsulate everything that makes Dory a great character in the first place. “What would Dory do?” is a common phrase uttered throughout the film and overcoming disabilities is a running theme expressed through several characters.

Also similar to Dory herself, the film is really really funny. The humour of the film is just a sharp as the original. Another similarity to the original is the beauty of the animation, which actually looks a lot better than Finding Nemo due to obvious advancements in technology.
Finally, the film is incredibly heart-warming, as the film is chock-a-block with incredibly sweet moments between both old characters and new.

We may have waited 13 years for this film, but it was most definitely worth waiting for. 

Sunday, 24 July 2016

The BFG


DISCLAIMER: This blog is not for profit. All images and footage used are property of their respective companies unless stated otherwise. I do not claim ownership of this material.


This adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book the BFG is able to capture the spirit of its source material very well. In spite of being a bit too syrupy-sweet in certain areas, the effects and acting are also so masterful that it is barely noticeable.

Mark Rylance is wonderful as the BFG, who seems to have stepped right off the page in terms of both his voice and physical appearance. The animation on both the large protagonist and his fellow giants is also fantastic, especially when compared to the uncanny valley we could have been thrown into. Young Ruby Barnhill also does a great job as Sophie.

The cinematography is beautiful and adds to a sense of magic which permeates the entire film. This is then added to by the score, which creates a child-like sense of wonder when blended with the cinematography. Sometimes this atmosphere can be a good thing, as it allows them to consistently be in keeping the tone of the book and it goes very well with some scenes.

The film can occasionally feel a bit too full of whimsy and wonder, like they are trying to stuff in as many ‘wow’ moments as possible. Maybe it would have been better if it was a bit more subtle, but as I said such scenes do make for some lovely cinematography.

Overall, this is an immensely enjoyable adaptation of a classic book, which is well worth a watch.