Tag: James Hong

WENDELL & WILD (2022)

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Directed By: Henry Selick 
Written By: Henry Selick and Jordan Peele
Based on A Book By: Clay McLeod Chapman and Henry Selick 
Cinematography: Peter Sorg
Editor: Robert Anich, Jason Hopper, Mandy Hutchings and Sarah K. Reimas 

Featuring the voices of: Lyric Ross, Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, Angela Bassett, James Hong, Ving Rhames, Natalie Martinez, Sam Zelaya, Tamara Smart, Seema Virdi, Ramona Young 

Two scheming demon brothers, Wendell and Wild, enlist the aid of 13-year-old Kat Elliot to summon them to the Land of the Living.

Henry Selick is a master of his craft it is unfortunate that we rarely get to see or experience his projects, but when we do, you are certainly in for a good time. His projects should be looked forward to, as most audiences do for a new Pixar film. 

This film feels fresh and is full of diversity which Is rare in animation, especially in films of this kind. Where here the lead character is female and celebrated for her gumption and tenacity. 

The one weakness the film has overall is that while it seems deemed to be short and simple. It could have used more enrichment when it came to the characters’ stories. Especially for a film supposedly based on Selick’s unpublished children’s book.

Now of course some parents might not agree with the film being so dark and having a more supernatural and underworld motif. Though really it is advertised on the poster.

As a person with a weakness for song and dance, it might have been more full overall go there was a musical number or music somewhere. 

It also offers a reunion of Keegan Michael Key and his comedy partner Jordan Peele (who co-wrote and produced the film) in animated form and with the same Chemistry and hijinks. In Fact, the title is the character’s names 

The film has subtle satire about capitalism

And prison industrial complex. As well as a family message for those with and without. How you are not your parents and to be open to your children’s ideas. Especially if at heart they are trying to update something for you.

It makes sense why this came out around Halloween. As it makes a perfect film for the season and a good film to watch with the family. 

I was expecting a different marvel than this but also better than expected. 

Grade: B

THE TWO JAKES (1990)

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Directed by: Jack Nicholson 
Written By: Robert Towne 
Cinematography: Vilmos Zsigmond 
Editor: Anne Goursaud

Cast: Jack Nicholson, Harvey Keitel, Meg Tilly, Madeline Stowe, Eli Wallach, Ruben Blades, David Keith, James Hong, Frederic Forrest, Richard Farnsworth, Tracey Walter, Joe Mantell, Perry Lopez, Rebecca Broussard, Van Dyke Parks

The sequel to Chinatown finds J.J. “Jake” Gittes investigating adultery and murder, and the money that comes from oil.

When the film was coming out I remember all the advertisements for the movie as a kid and always being impressed by its poster artwork. At the time I had never seen or heard of CHINATOWN the movie, but knew this was a sequel to something and really only interested because Jack Nicholson was in it and this was right after BATMAN and I remember him from the movie THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK. 

This sequel or update of the film classic CHINATOWN tries to continue the look and style.  It even has some returning cast members and characters. While employing some great character actors. So by all rights, the film should be noteworthy. As it has some great shows to fill.

Though it falls short very short that barely stands in the shadow of the previous film. It has a similarly twisty and twisted storyline that ends up being easy to figure out. Not to mention not as devastating. As it doesn’t pull the audience in, as much to care. It stays at arm’s distance. Not that the first film was all that warm and cuddly but it kept you on your toes. Especially when it came to the mystery. Here you just wonder how everything fits. 

This film also lacks any memorable scenes or revelations. It’s pretty mundane as it seems to try too hard. You want it to be better than it actually is. As the material is there it just feels misrepresented.

Madeline Stowe at first seems like she will be a femme fatale and be more important to the overall story. Though after awhile she seems to be here for no real reason other than as pretty dressing and more of a distraction.

The cast seems to be playing more into the mood of the movie. Which is always gloomy rather than characters. This film has no spirit really it stays flat and simple.

The film tries but it comes up as rather dull and just going through the motions. As it never takes a definite direction or offers any real distinctions.

Knowing this film had a full share of behind-the-scenes dramas between screenwriter Robert towns, Producer Robert Evans and star/director Jack Nicholson, Evans was upset after hoping to play the role of the other Jake Played by Harvey Keitel, but not only not being strong enough an actor but getting bad plastic surgery right before filming began. Then Robert towns dropped out of directing and the film was postponed until Nicholson took the reins of the project. As this was supposed to be the second of a trilogy. 

You can see what they were trying to do and attempting before time ran out, but this might have been better off than what could have been. 

Grade: C+

TANK GIRL (1995)

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Directed By: Rachel Talalay

Written By: Tedi Sarafin

Based on a Comic-Strip By: Jamie Hewlett and Alan Martin 

Cinematography: Gale Tattersall

Editor: James R. Symons 

Cast: Lori Petty, Ice-T, Naomi Watts, Malcolm McDowell, Don Harvey, Jeff Kober, Reg E. Cathey, Scott Coffey, Ann Cusack, Iggy Pop, Brian Wimmer, Billy L. Sullivan, James Hong, Doug Jones, Stacy Linn Ramsowar 

A girl is among the few survivors of a dystopian Earth. Riding a war tank, she fights against the tyranny of a mega-corporation that dominates the remaining potable water supply of the planet.

The film successfully fills out a comic book world with vivid colors, fashions, and ridiculousness. 

The problem is that it all feels constantly staged on a set and bargain basement. The practical special effects are the only thing that is very impressive. Even later in the film Malcolm McDowell’s character’s more digital look is lackluster.

The film looks cheap and it keeps its rebellious D.I.Y. Punk attitude, but it doesn’t sell the story. It tries to remind the fans of its origins from time to time showing a scene and then showing the outcome from the panel of the graphic novel. Fans might remember how much it is not the graphic novel, but light entices newbies in the audience to seek out the source material.

The film isn’t horrible it is probably actually ahead of its time given a decade later it would probably have been treated better by the studio and audiences might have been more receptive. If made today probably would have been a successful limited series on a streaming Service 

Surprisingly I quite enjoy the film. Though wasn’t actually looking for much. Maybe it is that offbeat production and sense of humor the film has that makes it feel a little different and special. 

Lori Petty’s performance is enjoyable one of her biggest starring roles. Though I can understand if some audience members might find her annoying. While she is certainly energetic and wacky to truly be a believable action hero. Here she comes across as campier and like a demented sidekick, but maybe that is part of the appeal.

Her performance makes the action scenes a little more hard to believe. When you have this more comedic character all of a sudden being a savior and out stoic hero. 

The film attempts to be experimental with not only the comic book panel cutaways but also a musical sequence that comes out of nowhere and probably helps cement the film’s cult classic status. Not to mention genetically altered kangaroo men.

The film was clearly made to be appealing more to teenagers and a female audience. Though it already had limited appeal as more of a cult comic book. Where the filmmakers and studio at the time hoped would come out and support the film and have at least that audience. 

Anytime the film risks getting too violent. Which can happen in a dystopian apocalyptic landscape. It cuts away, there is no abundance of bad language or adult situations that are hinted at but cut short. Even a slight Beastiality romance between a kangaroo-man and the lead is more hinted at than anything 

The film is also one of the earliest appearances of actress Naomi Watts in a supporting role. 

Though credit must be given to this film for offering diversity and representation across the board in the casting of the film.

During the film and by the end it will definitely feel like you are on some kind of psychedelic or drug. Think of it as a precursor to a studio film like GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY in wackiness and heroics. 

Grade: C+