Nico Hiraga – Cut To The Chase

Written & Directed By: Mikey Alfred

Cinematography: Ayinde Anderson

Editor: Alex Tsagamilis

Cast: Ryder McLaughlin, Nico Hiraga, Aramis Hudson, Vince Vaughn, Miranda Cosgrove, Angus Cloud, Gillian Jacobs, Blake Anderson

A kid must decide between choosing the future his father wants and following his dream of becoming a pro skater.

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This film unfortunately feels sort of like a b-movie version of the film MID 90S or a more independent version of it, as it feels similar but being not quite as sharp. as there are no major names in the cast, except for Vince Vaughn playing the main characters, strong willed, father, and he makes his presence felt And gives the strongest performance.

The majority of the film is plotless. It’s more of a becoming of age comedy drama, where we watch our main character who wants to be a pro skater through the ins and outs of a few weeks into his life and the various situations he finds himself in.

As in most coming-of-age films, he finds a romance and faces alienation or the breaking up of friendships as they mature and change and head off in a different directions, though there’s a little actual plotter story a bunch of stuff happens that help to define the characters

Though the characters being kind of unlikable, juvenile and bland, which one is sure is the main point of the film. As we all are at that time but here it doesn’t come off as fun or poignant. It comes off more as annoying more like someone looking back at that age, and trying to be hip with the current generation as it feels a little Just out of date for some reason. So that there feels like no one in particular to root for or even look forward to.

What the film does have is a good soundtrack and greats and photography that make you sit through the film and study the shots and notice how well film they are really your patience will be tested with this film and how much you actually get into either the characters or your wonder to see what’s gonna happen next

As the film isn’t quite as polished or confident as mid 90s and has a more open ambiguous ending, that seems a bit more downtrodden and then positive, but hold out hope strives for a DIY attitude and tone.

As it seeks to be authentic, it just constantly seems a bit off brand and a little more manufactured rather than telling it’s truth or being autobiographical or someone’s passion project

Watching it it just feels way too familiar even in different clothing and locations. You’re going to have that I’ve seen this before, but maybe it works for a new generation and will speak to them.

The film is worth watching if you don’t have too many expectations or expect that much from me it’s perfectly fine entertainment. Give the film a chance, though you can’t say you weren’t warned beforehand

Grade: C

Directed By: Amy Poehler
Written By: Tamara Chestna & Dylan Meyer
Based on the book by: Juliet Mathieu
Cinematography: Tom McGill
Editor: Julie Monroe

Cast: Hadley Robinson, Lauren Tsai, Alycia Pascual Pena, Nico Hiraga, Amy Poehler, Ike Barinholtz, Marcia Gay Harden, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sydney Park, Anjelika Washington, Josie Totah, Josephine Langford

Inspired by her mom’s rebellious past and a confident new friend, a shy 16-year-old publishes an anonymous zine calling out sexism at her school.

One applauds the film on it’s Diversity and constantly wearing it’s message on it’s Sleeve. That is actually empowering to young women and promotes a positive message. While also being a movie that is entertaining and enjoyable.

It’s notable for being Amy Poehler’s directorial debut and she has a supporting role as the lead character’s mother.

What works for the film is its message that saves it from being another forgettable teen comedy that is centered around female characters.

The script is smart enough to tackle serious subjects and allow a different point of view. That while being heavy at times in subject matter reminds us that the film is centered around young characters who are allowed to be silly at times and immature. Yet still right on when it comes to certain subjects.

Two-thirds of a satisfying movie then In The last third it all come to a head with the aspects that previously have been annoying become problematic. That beats you over the head with its message

The film is Not subtle with the foreshadowing. It also quickly becomes what can be seen as Peak white feminism. As while the lead character sees injustice and decides to do something about it and pretty soon has a diverse set of new friends to support her as they are the ones who usually is being oppressed and picked on.

Soon they are spreading the message and empowering her and getting stuff done. They are also the ones taking the punishment and the hits more and as soon as it is introduced that she is ignorant when it comes to culture and race and takes it as a personal Insult and soon is having a breakdown as she has no defense and lashes out. So then the movement becomes more about her emotional arc and loses the message and she is especially threatened when it becomes about more than her and the others of various races soon seem to take over and are more vocal.

Not to mention when the film takes down a major villain who uses the patriarchy to his advantage and stays protected because of it. I. A storyline that hat is major but treated minority again as it is more supposed to be about the actual victim it is more centered around her and the change SHE the leader brought about.

It seems that for all fo it’s politics it seems to skip one glaring faux pas of it’s own. Why is there a caucasian lead in a film full of minorities and different types. Where we are supposed to see injustices supposedly from her eyes though she doesn’t suffer and yet constantly acts like she is the one who Is. when in fact they happen to all those around her. The biggest crime perpetrated against her is that nothing really happens to he because she is so unnoticeable

Then the film has the other characters applaud because she cares. The movie might have been more interesting if seen through the eyes of a downtrodden character. That can show an alliance with the caucasian character but can also say something about how it seems white feminism only worried about it’s own concerns and not the universal concern of people of color females.

The way the movie Presents itself is from that kind of liberal feminism that tries to have a positive message but also shows it’s own problems that it refuses to see or at least acknowledge.

In the end when she reveals herself it is seen as her taking back her identity and all the minorities cheer her on. Which feels like white feminism propaganda to a certain extent.

Especially when Amy Poehler who directs the film and plays the leads mother keeps getting credited by the lead as her inspiration it feels like ego pleasing on display. As she is shown With very few faults herself.

In the end, the film is very empowering and worth watching. Especially for younger viewers but doubt for older teens, it will be as memorable.

Grade: C+

Tag: Nico Hiraga

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