Tag: Coming Of Age

I SAW THE TV GLOW (2024)

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Written & Directed By: Jane Schoenbrun

Cinematography: Eric Yue 

Editor: Sofi Marshall 

Cast: Justice Smith, Brigette Lundy-Paine, Ian Foreman, Helena Howard, Lindsey Jordan, Danielle Deadwyler, Fred Durst, Amber Benson, Michael C. Maronna, Danny Tamberelli

Teenager Owen is just trying to make it through life in the suburbs when his classmate introduces him to a mysterious late-night TV show a vision of a supernatural world beneath their own. In the pale glow of the television, Owen’s view of reality begins to crack.

I loved this film and I can’t recommend this film highly enough. It’s a film where not only about the filmmaking but the experience. As afterward it feels like a religious experience.. 

This film Destroyed me and made me feel devastated in a good way. Had me deep in thoughts afterward still thinking about it. I don’t know if I can ever do this film Justice in writing or talking about it. As I know emotionally or even intellectually I can be right or express my feelings exactly about this masterpiece. 

I purposely tried to know very little about it so that I knew only a few details and didn’t know where it was going or what to expect? But was willing to go wherever it took Me, come what may 

This film feels aimed At any outsider or misfit who felt or feels misplaced like they didn’t belong. Who is struggling in life and most importantly in an Identity? For anyone Made to feel like every move and decision is a mistake and there is something not quite right about you. Never seem To fit in with any crowd even the ones it seems like You should. How others seem to be on a different wavelength than you. Who just doesn’t Or can’t get it. 

This film might not be for everyone, but it’s Beautiful and full of heart and tragedy. Full of emotion. 

The film is alive with so many questions, theories, and realities. Almost every shot is filled with imagination, depth, style, and creativity. Thought and passion have obviously been put into each facet, Every moment felt filled with emotions.

Another masterpiece from writer/director Jane Schoenbrun whose previous film, WE ARE ALL GOING TO THE WORLD’S FAIR. Which was just as strong and surprising.

No spoilers, it’s a film to go into blind and to experience. Any further reading after this point, there is nothing but SPOILERS.

 Almost every shot in this film is filled with imagination, depth, style, and creativity. Thought & passion have obviously been put into each facet & detail. Every moment felt filled with emotions.

The film is about so many things but what it spoke to me and I’m sure many others. It seems to be about Regretting your decisions. Then Living with the aftermath. That might be a kind of existence but also In a way the death of your dreams and any real hope of happiness. Where it feels what seems like a certain suicide might have been better than Your current existence. 

it explores how some shows or forms of entertainment can be an escape for some to Get lost in. as they provide an escape but hope of a different reality with The themes and characters. That can become not only nostalgia eventually but also help them cope with the reality that sometimes is better. Eventually, one can get confused and can get lost. As it’s own wonderland or closely resembles your own struggles only in a more fantastic and world-ending manner. 

Also how one can get stuck in an identity that seems tight, but you let the scare control you. Convincing you that could be better for you than what is expected of programmed into you. Finding your own identity. How you can be trapped in an identity. That you are never comfortable in and force yourself to stay. Even though never quite happy and slowly killing you from the inside out. 

It also is about identity sexual and physical. As it is a film that has themes and experiences that might speak to a transgender audience and individuals. As well as the lgbtq community but can easily be understood by a Universal audience who are willing to be open to it. 

A beloved, lived-in fantasy seems better than anyone in reality as it is filled with so much imagination that anything can happen the same with reality but in fantasy, it stays better and more fantastic. whereas in life there can be long stretches of punishment, sadness, and boredom that feel like torture. How you can get lost in that fantasy. As it feels more rewarding and real. As you live vicariously through characters you identify with. So their victories feel like yours. Even though there is nothing to show for it. Like sports fans in a way. 

Where one parent seems more like a scary phantom who you can’t communicate with but is always around and the other truly loves you, but you still can’t seem to connect or communicate with them fully though they wish you would and love you endlessly and they are that may keep you grounded and you stay around for their sake. How that parent you are scared of might be the one who physically holds you back and makes sure you never escape. While the loving one bows out, you feel a sense of guilt and want to take care of them before their eventual exit.  

What could have been a story of triumph that feels like a tragedy of not following your way out being boring, responsible, and paying for it. Escape seems like the craziest idea. Haunting creating their own worlds and inviting you In to explore. The film is Unique mesmerizing and sincere. While leaving the audience in instant unease and astonishment. 

How you can look back at something that seemed so important and strong almost  life changing and once you get older you look back and it seems foreign to you completely  different from how nostalgia can play tricks on you you can be embarrassed or seen like a different existence 

It will also exist in nostalgia itself.  There are quite a few cameos from people who were popular and recognizable to those who came of age in the 1990s. a haunting reminder of ghosts from a previous time. Here as a reminder for some in the audience. As well as the pop culture  display and definitely the soundtrack 

How television or pop culture can bond us to others we never would have thought to approach or ever talk to. That can be lifelong friendships where shared interest is only the beginning.

Through all of this, the film stays true to the pop culture that is influenced by a mixture. That is very detail-oriented. Using the same fonts, images, and storyline episodes of them. Even the grains of aging tapes and quality degradation. As you can tell this is personal and very powerful.

It doesn’t even feel like I have made a scratch on the surface of this film. That is how deep it is. A similar feeling for some of the people who first saw STAR WARS who were not only amazed but wanted to tell everybody about it. Not to mention knowing how much it would eventually mean to others. (not as on as grand a scale audience-wise) but waiting for others to see it to discuss and lay in wait as others discover it and claim it as a future favorite. Though you were one of the early adopters. 

Grade: A 

BRUISER (2022)

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Directed By: Miles Warren 

Written By: Miles Warren and Ben Medina 

Cinematography: Justin Derry 

Editor: James LeSage

Cast: Jalyn Hall, Trevante Rhodes, Shamier Anderson, Shinelle Azoroh, Sarah Bock

A 14-year-old boy turns to a charismatic loner for help after being beaten up, in this searing feature debut about fathers, families, and the effects of fighting.

This is a film that has some great direction and filmmaking, but the material while enriched also doesn’t come off as well.

The film is a character study that focuses on three characters in particular. Which feels a bit too much. It’s understandable as you want to give the two forces their understanding and see their strengths and weaknesses. As well as what they seem to be fighting over, the boy also gets his time to get to know him.

Though most of the film is trying to be a coming-of-age story. Highlight the two men who want to be the boy’s father. As though they both care about him. He comes off more as a prize than anything else and an extension of their rivalry that seems will never end. Nor truly be satisfied as both will never back down.

This is truly showcased in the end and l truly shows who matters as he is saved from a lesson his mother taught him early on in the film. She seems to be the only parent who loves him and thinks of him first.

The film feels like a tragedy in slow motion. As a child eventually chooses between two fathers the stern but loving and unemotional Malcolm and the drifter who is personable, cool, and fun Porter. Both have anger issues one is just more stable and the other is free-floating. The film comes off as realistic enough. Though both provide toxic masculinity and show lasting effects that it can provide in all ways. It also showcases the power of forgiveness as well as religious values that can regulate and save a person. How people learn violence at times from those who are there to love and protect them. How they feel is how they show their love and feelings. 

The film offers a dramatic powerhouse and great cinematography. Yet the film never seems to allow itself or the characters any joy throughout. 

Grade: B-

FRYBREAD FACE AND ME (2023)

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Written & Directed By: Billy Luther 

Cinematography: Peter Simonite

Editor: Fred Koschmann

Cast: Keir Tillman, Charley Hogan, Sarah H. Natani, Martin Sensmeier, Kahara Hodges, Morningstar Angeline, Leilani Taliaferro, Nasheen Sleuth, Jeremiah Bitsui 

Two adolescent Navajo cousins from different worlds bond during a summer herding sheep on their grandmother’s ranch in Arizona while learning more about their family’s past and themselves.

This film came out of nowhere. It’s heartwarming as can be and shows the importance of family and our ancestors. Especially when trying to uphold traditions that are slowly being forgotten and not used at all. 

It also shows the hardships of one family and how over one summer. There seems to be a passage of importance and forgiveness. Even those family members who you can’t stand or are annoying mean something and contribute to you and your future.

Be it advice or living lessons. Throughout you have characters who are lost and are trying to find themselves and some sort of meaning. Others have it figured out and need that opportunity or push in the right direction.

Every character in this film has a tale of what’s shown and spoken and so much that is not that that shapes them. The strongest impression is from the protagonist’s uncle. who is exaggerated in trying to be masculine and not measuring up to his older brother. While also feeling trapped to a certain extent. 

Kahara Hodges makes an impression as the wild aunt who ends up being the most caring next to the grandmother. She steals her scenes. Her character defies any kind of stereotype but is so heartfelt. 

This is a film that is much better and richer to watch and discover. Some will compare it to the show RESERVATION ROAD. It deals with indigenous people like that show. Not as modern or quirky, but shows Native American people in a different light. We still see their struggle but we also see their joy, livelihood, and traditions. The curation of culture unfortunately seems to be losing Its way. 

While it stays a coming-of-age film. It is an identifiable nostalgic story. That involves growing up to the world and those around you and appreciating them. It’s a personal story from writer-director Billy Luther

And one we should be honored that he told it and shared it. As the film has so much heart and hidden joys. It’s gritty but filled with warmth and love. 

Grade: B+

LOVE AND OTHER CULTS (2017)

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Written & Directed By: Eiji Uchida

Cinematography: Maki Ito

Cast: Sairi Ito, Kenta Suga, Kaito Yoshimura, Antony, Matthew Chozick, Denden, Leora Hirota, Tomoko Hayakowa, Hidenbu Abera

Born in a regional city, a young girl named Ai is sent to a cult commune by her religious maniac mother and lives there for seven long years. After the cult is exposed by the police, Ai starts a new, normal life going to a regular middle school, but can’t find a place to fit in normal society. Ai drops out to continue finding her path in life, first living with a rock-bottom delinquent family, then moving on to be part of a middle-class family, all along trying to find her place in this world. The only person who understands Ai is Ryota, another drop-out and cast-off from society. Ryota finds his path in a shady world of delinquents while Ai ends up working in the sex industry. Two teens’ purity gets swallowed up by the urban jungle of a big regional city. A black comedy depicting the lives of modern youth and their struggles in a place where there is no way out.

This is a film best to go into blind though even if you know the plot it still isn’t the easiest to explain. 

The cast is mostly newcomers to the screen who come off expertly, but also excel in raw talent on screen and seem untrained. Even though Lead Actress Sairi Ito goes through it all on screen and deserves special Acclaim. 

This is the third film by the writer/ director Eiji Uchida and I can definitely say that his films are original and you never know quite what to expect and that mystery makes the films exciting. Not to mention showing a bravery that has been missing from cinema In a while definitely not the most mainstream but so Indie and aiming more for a cult audience that it makes his films admirable no matter how controversial for some they might be.

As they focus on Characters more  on the fringe of society and so far In Their own way has been films they are coming of age stories no matter what the ages of the characters 

A film Mainly about the loneliness of youth so that they find camaraderie and family wherever they Can.Though as they try to support one another the film shows that the only way for them to grow and find their own paths is truly as individuals. They might meet someone who helps them align and who ultimately they end up with but first must go through many things alone 

Throughout though many adults seem to mean well. As major influences they either screw up the kids more through actions, abandonment, or both. As we see even their peers sabotage them through jealousy 

Some have compared this film to the epic film LOVE EXPOSURE by Director Sion Sono and it has that same kind of off-kilter feel that feels a bit fetishistic at times. That film had more than enough time to fulfill its story being 5 hours long (but truly never felt that long) not to mention that film was fully devoted to exploring fetishes and the characters who live that lifestyle. Here we get snippets of it. 

Here though the stories stop for certain characters at times that feel like fragments you get the general idea,  Throughout. In that other film, there is an innocence there the entire film tries to be a romance. Ultimately  this one feels a bit more tawdry though with a love story 

They are both coming-of-age stories though this one has its own rhythm that if you can get along with the best this film will be  worthwhile if not it will just stay strange to you 

The film is very composed, especially in its shots and bright colors. That almost makes the film feel illustrated at times.

It has a slightly diverse cast and nothing is ever said of their origins, though is clearly noticeable and a bit mysterious.  

The film shows that Love can be like a cult as it is mainly two of you at the center but you must get to know and hang around each other’s friends and families even if you have nothing in common with them and become sort of the crew, a kind of second or third family. You take on Each other’s characteristics slowly and interests. How they Make sacrifices and little donations of time and money.

Grade: B

ARMAGEDDON TIME (2022)

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Written & Directed By: James Gray
Cinematography: Darius Khondji 
Editor: Scott Morris 

Cast: Banks Repeta, Jaylin Webb, Jeremy Strong,  Anthony Hopkins, Anne Hathaway, Andrew Polk, Tovah Feldshuh, John Diehl, Jessica Chastain, Domenick Lombardozzi 

A deeply personal coming-of-age story about the strength of family and the generational pursuit of the American Dream.

While this coming-of-age story is enriched with culture and the time period, as well as plenty of emotion. It is devastating in its own way. As there rarely seems to be any joy and mainly downtrodden. So that it works as an unflinching portrait.

Unfortunately, it comes off a little dull, just as muted as its Colors. The film doesn’t have to be sentimental, as it never is and never floats in any kind of nostalgia either. So that after a while you wonder what is the point.

It is based on the director’s childhood and experiences. So it is deeply meaningful to him and a way for him to open up. 

Other than some cultural landmarks and a song or two, there aren’t too many attempts to let us be saturated in the times. As the film tries to make its Points. Though you are also left with the feeling unfortunately this story could still play out the same way at any time. Especially today only with more cellphones and different slang 

It plays out more like a tragedy to show on a personal level the rampant racism that was around and how the system was always set up in its own way for him to make it, but his black best friend was doomed from the start and never had any opportunities to turn it around. No matter what his parents believed or the constant barrage of adults telling him to make it all you have to do is pull yourself by the bootstraps. As his friend does do that but gets slapped down each time.

As a coming-of-age story, the adults are around but come in and out, and while more than just caricatures they often come off more as portraits than anything. You can feel the burdens and hardships of their lives and their feelings for one another, but there seems little for them to do than be there and react. We never learn too much about them. 

We might hear about it but rarely see it. Though he has recognizable actors in the roles. So that you have familiarity and hopefully warmth for them automatically. 

It fits in with writer/Director James Gray’s other films. There is a coldness and stillness to his films. Here this is more of a film that tries to have some happiness and hope but it is still under a cloud of despair. Then it just ends.

Having Darius Khondji as the cinematographer. Might seem like a waste for a story that isn’t small in scope. Him being a grandmaster of the art. Maybe as this is small scale it is meant to be more of a snapshot, not necessarily a portrait. As to why it feels so tiny. Yet it sets particular roots for the future that will be world-changing. He uses the camera and coloring to make it more intimate and not call attention to itself. As it moves along 

If this is only part one of future autobiographical films that ending makes sense. As he tackles more of his life story. Which hopefully gets more upbeat, but even if not. You can applaud that he made an unsympathetic coming-of-age tale. This is rare and throws the audience off a bit, but certainly stands out. 

Having so many recognizable actors does garner interest, but their roles are small, yet so important to the story. You can see why the actors signed up. 

In the end, I have to say the film leaves you slightly disappointed 

Grade: B-

AFTERSUN (2022)

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Written & Directed By: Charlotte Wells
Cinematography: Gregory Oke
Editor: Blair McClendon

Cast: Paul Mescal, Frankie Corio, Celia Rowlson-Hall, Sally Messham

Sophie reflects on the shared joy and private melancholy of a holiday she took with her father twenty years earlier. Memories real and imagined fill the gaps between them as she tries to reconcile the father she knew with the man she didn’t…

This is a movie that presents a happy picture but hints at dismay and other things going on, on the sideline but they are never explained.

So throughout we get hints of something dismaying, but also it’s never quite explained to us. Which allows the audience to feed into or put whatever they feel into the story and make it more personal.

As the film stays what it presents itself as. A look at a father and daughter spending a holiday together at a resort. They bond and have a loving relationship. Except towards the end, they get into a bit of an argument and separate.

Where this will lead we aren’t quite sure but in the end seeing them together again we know they are alright.

In the film, we are never quite sure what happened after the horrific kiss. as we see the future somewhat and it appears we are looking back at memories and videos. We never quite are sure why she is watching these videos or what she is looking for or exactly what happened.

So Essentially it feels like we are watching moments and how they affect us though we have no idea where they are going so it is a bit abstract for us to make up the past and the future. As we watch all we know is that present.

Almost a snapshot, but it is a beautiful film with inventive shots at times. Such as instead of focusing on the actors focusing on their reflections on various objects. Ultimately the film is heartbreaking. It also fills you with a kind of joy.

Remembering when you loved it you loved your kids and everything was innocent and kind of perfect while the outside world looms. It’s one problem that you will have to deal with and encounter. For the time being you are in your own little world with your family and loved ones and that is all that matters 

They are mistaken for being siblings rather than father and child. Though that does show how young he is to be a father and the pressures that might present with little disappointments lien the resort not being as grand as advertised 

The film revels in these ambiguities and it’s another film that benefits from it is mostly taken from a child’s Point of view not fully but in pieces. This helps to explain that some of the camera work and angles are a bit obscured. 

This also allows us later on or after for us to realize that it’s impossible to totally reconstruct a memory perfectly. And that the daughter here can’t ever fully come into focus 

And it offers the universal wonder of looking back at certain moments in our lives and re-evaluating them. We’re what we remembered, better or worse we’re their clues other things were going on. 

The film offers a happy ending but no closure

Grade: B

VIOLET (2014)

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Written & Directed By: Bas Devos

Cinematography: Nicolas Karakatsanis

Editor: Dieter Diependaele

Cast: Cesar De Sutter, Koen De Sutter, Mira Helmer, Brent Minne, Fania Sorel

15-year-old Jesse is the only one who witnessed the stabbing of his friend Jonas. Now he has to face his family and friends form the BMX riders crew and explain the unexplainable – how he feels about it.

If not Into impressionistic and experimental films this is not the film for you.

As it seems as not much happens and everything happens as we watch a young teen come to grips with his feelings about witnessing his friends endlessly get murdered and we see how this murder affects those around him including the victim’s family but not much happens and everything happens

Obviously heavy emotionally we see the pain and feelings on others’ faces but the main. Teen is expressionless either trying to come. To grips with his feelings or trying to feel something as very one is expecting it but doesn’t know howS

If you look, For a more Plot centered film, this is not for you. If you want to watch a study in grief where the film keeps a slow pace and is more about the everyday this is for you.

There are some striking shots and visuals but that is all there is as the film feels simplistic but wants to show a certain depth. It achieves what it aims for and while some might be able to get something or at least what they seek out of it.

It personally leaves one cold. A slice of Life and a sort of coming of age that for a film that showcases life feels lifeless itself. 

As less like witnessing and just watching a bunch of shots comes together that might have been glorious b roll footage for another film. Though at least here it has some kind of meaning for you to take away. Define for yourself 

Plotless and lacking any kind of dramatics at least traditionally almost like improv where you are meant to assign what they are thinking or feeling by little clues as to their expressions or behavior 

Though an audience is left to see the film’s worth. As the film does try to connect but leaves you to pick up the pieces.

So it is almost like the lead character who will not give anyone anything emotionally but as we are connected to him as our protagonist we try to figure him out abs kind of put our own thoughts and concerns on display in our minds 

Some could easily call this lazy filmmaking but the filmmaker is more interested in getting a reaction from the audience that the film lacks by letting visuals and sound linger more than anything documenting with a cinematic flair rather than aiming the story or narrative in any particular way or direction.

Depending on. What you came to the film for Will predict your interpretation or any kind of entertainment/enjoyment you might get.

This is more of a film. To be studied and presented at a museum as an exhibit  than anything else traditional 

Throughout it seems that like the lead, No one Knows how to communicate really. 

Alas it feels like you are sitting around for a scene or a moment where it all makes sense or just idiots that you have been sitting through and it never comes 

A lot of lingering shots of nothing really happening that individuals come to nothing but as a whole might come together to mean something or at least that is my interpretation. 

A Movie that director Gus Van Sant would have loved to have made. A movie where it seems like the filmmaker wants you to do most of the work like CACHE.

As this is just a presentation and they want you to come up with what you think it’s about and connect things in your own way

Grade: C

SUMMER OF 85 (2020)

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Written & Directed By: Francois Ozon

Based on the book “Dance On My Grave” By Aidan Chambers

Cinematography: Hichame Alouie

Editor: Laurie Gardette

Cast: Felix Lefebvre, Benjamin Voisin, Philippine Velge, Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, Melvil Poupaud, Isabelle Nanty 

When 16-year-old Alexis is caught up in the deceitful Normandy sea, David heroically saves him from drowning. And, this is how Alexis meets the person of his life. But, how long will this tumultuous, dreamy relationship last? Will the dream last for more than one summer, the summer of 85?

The film doesn’t go where you expect it to go. What keeps you guessing and mystified when it comes to his film is how it plays with time throughout and leaves you expecting the worse when things are mostly innocent 

It feels a bit similar to CALL BE BY YOUR NAME. As it is a coming-of-age love story between two males of intense feelings and obsession, but yet always feels a bit more of a thriller than a true romance. Though then again young love can be innocent and messy.

Even though nonchalant It’s not even truly coming out film. As it is all relatively handled with no big revelations. Though shows itself as a love story and not one of lust or dangerous obsession 

The film runs on expectations. So that as it goes along. You constantly feel a sense of dread. Always looking for clues, hints, or motives. 

All seems to go well until a girl is thrown into the mix. Even when she had the best of interests. Proving to be loyal to all.

The main characters are the rebellious carefree type versus an introverted romantic. At first, he believes it is all in his head and just an innocent friendship. Then he realizes he is being seduced. Even though the more aggressive character might be bisexual or a sensationalist, narcissistic and not prepared for his feelings. Especially being so young, not ready for the intensity.

By the end, you find instead of a thriller you have gone through a dark drama. That also feels like a string after-school special or a coming-of-age film that has thriller elements. 

Grade: B-

THIS IS THE NIGHT (2021)

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Written & Directed By: James DeMonaco
Cinematography: Anastas N. Michos
Editor: Keith Fraase 

Cast: Naomi Watts, Frank Grillo, Lucius Hoyos, Madelyn Cline, Chase Vacnin, Bobby Cannavale, River Alexander, Max Casella, Steve Lipman, Method Man, Lenny Venito, Jonah Hauer-King

A teenager living in Staten Island during the summer of 1982 embarks on a quest that draws in his family members.

This is a sweet coming-of-age film. It is earnest and tries to give you an overview of the neighborhood, families, times, and atmosphere. So that it feels more natural. Which in a way only exposes how false it is at times. The problem is that it feels way too familiar for the audience.

It tells the tale of a family throughout two days that will come to define them. Each member of the family has to deal with a challenge and we see how they deal with it and overcome it.

Even if most of the film is the adventure of the youngest son and his mission to tell the girl of his dreams happy birthday and that he loves her. With plenty of traps and roadblocks along the way.

The film works as far as nostalgia taking us to STATEN island during the 1980s and while that is fun. Even putting at the heart of the film is the debut of ROCKY III. Which inspired and ties the films and its character together.

The film still feels way too familiar. It’snWorth watching if not necessarily a film fan or for a younger audience, but it offers no surprises nor any reason to really stay invested.

As even when young ladies are willing to sneak them into a bar and give them plenty of drinks out of nowhere. You can tell something is not right and it feels too much of a scene from the warriors.

So that by the end this feels more like an Italian American inspired television movie and while it might be more autobiographical for the writer-director James DeMonaco

It also feels more like a movie that has a checklist and makes sure it goes through the list one by one and on schedule. As the teen adventures Seem a bit like an homage to THE WARRIORS.

Even when it comes to the bully getting their comeuppance you can’t wait. Even if the film makes you wait a bit too long and his girlfriend gives him up a little too easily. It just makes her seem that much more innocent despite her father being the local heavy 

Even in the part that involves a character coming out of the closet while it’s Appreciated that the character is confused and not sure about who they are exactly. Was it necessary for them to do it in drag? Maybe that was the truth for the character and how they choose to express themselves, but it offers up a bonding Experience. It also feels a bit stereotypical.  Especially when it comes to acceptance from others who are just a little too quick. So the true film feels cookie-cutter. As everything is resolved in the end a little too neatly and finally.

The cast is impressive and the bigger names get a chance to show off in certain roles we might not expect. Especially Method man who seems like he is playing a minor role but is one of importance later on and as a known resident of STATEN island it is nice to see him represent. 

It could easily be seen as ironic that the film in question At the center of this film is ROCKY III, but it shows no matter what might be universally thought of Something. If you can identify with characters that bring you peace, pride, or inspiration that is all that matters, and how some characters are icons to communities and bring them together on the same wavelength. 

Though Bobby Cannavale is left with a more stereotypical role. That can be said of half the cast. Though Frank Grillo gets to play a more dramatic role it still has him involved in a fight scene. 

In the end, the film can be entertaining. It just feels like you have seen it before and has been built off of other films you have seen and never quite feels itself or fresh. Even if it has its heart in the right place.

GRADE: C

THE HAND OF GOD (2021)

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Written & Directed By: Pablo Sorrentino 
Cinematography: Daria D’Antonio 
Editor: Cristiano Travaglioli 

Cast: Filippo Scotti, Toni Servillo, Teresa Saponagelo, Luisa Ranieli, Marlon Joubert, Renato Carpentier, Massimiliano Gallo, Betty Pedrazzi 

Fabietto Schisa is a boy in the tumultuous Naples of the 1980s. The Hand of God is a story full of unexpected joys, such as the arrival of football legend Diego Maradona, and an equally unexpected tragedy. Fate plays its part, joy and tragedy intertwine, and Fabietto’s future is set in motion.

This film is oddly restrained considering it is directed by Paolo Sorrentino. Whose films always lean on beautiful visuals, characters, and landscapes and usually showcase a surreal reality as well as feeling more epic in scope.

This film is autobiographical so that it feels more personal and with more depth. Not so much an ensemble but we do see the world of Neapolitan Italy through the eyes of our teenage protagonist. Though we spend a lot of time with his family and the characters he comes across. Who each affects and shape his life in some way

Some are more obvious and immediate, others we get glimpses of and then learn about them later but never quite forget them. As each has some kind of advice for the main character.

All of this is happening while in the background soccer player Maradona is bright onto Italy’s Team and is helping them win the World Cup. So Much so that the main characters’ activities are scheduled around seeing the games. 

As he interacts with his family we see plenty of domestic drama. Though throughout there is a love story but it is more between the protagonist and his aunt. Who has a mental illness or is treated like she has and wears provocative clothing and has no problem being naked whenever. Not exactly your typical movie romance. 

Though she is shown more as as a muse for him of free-thinking, humor, sex, and beauty and Luisa Ranieri playing aunt Patrica fills out the role beautifully. As the camera manages to make her look gorgeous no matter what the angle or lighting. Throughout the movie, there are female characters of great beauty who are treated as normal or every day.

The movie also managed to be one of the few films about filmmaking or future filmmakers that basically barely has any movies or talk of them in it. There is no film appreciation, though there is talk of Fellini, a filmmaker who Sorrentino can remind one of in telling personal stories in a grand way that always feels colorful.

This film doesn’t really follow a traditional plot or story and is more a collection of anecdotes and events that shape the character and give a vivid history and view of his hometown in the 1980s. Not as quirky as one might expect as there is nothing that truly stands out. 

Though by the end you are glad you watched and experienced the film that plays and feels more like a book by the end. Only here not everything is spelled out. It is more experienced, witnessed, and felt.

This is also a film best viewed in a theater or on the biggest screen you can find. 

Grade: B-