Random Rapid Reviews

[reviewscubed]

What Happened to Monday (8/10)

Summary Line: What Happened to Monday nearly shakes itself out of the predictability of the post-apocalyptic failed utopia narrative with fresh plot devices and raw scenes of tragedy, but lacks the substance to its ending as well as the development of supporting characters to be a fully-polished gem.

Plot: The seven Settman septuplets (Noomi Rapace) live in an overpopulated world where being a sibling is illegal. They reside in an apartment together, going by the names Monday, Tuesday, etc.; one day a week, each septuplet leaves the apartment and assumes the identity of Karen Settman. They carry on in this way, staying safe in a society where their existence is illegal - until, one day, Monday doesn’t come home.

Pros: Willem Dafoe serves as an excellent supporting role to Rapace’s characterization. Rapace manages to play the Settman siblings with similar enough traits that they read as septuplets, but with (almost) enough differences to identify each by the end of the movie. Future tech looks realistic, and fits neatly into the story (cryogenic pods, communication systems, etc. don’t overpower the story). Tragic scenes are given a proper treatment by Rapace’s excellent displays of emotion and pain. Action-packed with great roller-coaster-like rises and falls of intensity.

Cons: The main antagonist barely features into the movie, giving very little payoff to the confrontation and conclusion with her. Conclusion feels rushed, and too quick.

Rating: 8/10

Recommendation: If you want to watch a Netflix Original, this is one of the best! ​

[reviewscubed]

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (9/10)

My first review!

Summary Line: The Life Aquatic is Wes Anderson’s best execution of his quirky, lighthearted but touching style, with a seemingly random but well-tied story that leads a compelling protagonist through a host of unusual challenges.

Plot: Steve Zissou (Bill Murray) seeks vengeance on a so-called “jaguar shark” that killed one of his crewmates, running into conflict with family and son (Owen Wilson), his nemesis (Jeff Goldblum), pirates, and his own crew along the way. 

Pros: Believable story supported by a magnificently strong cast (Murray, Goldblum, Wilson, Willem Dafoe, Cate Blanchett, Anjelica Huston). Light humor in Anderson/Murray’s typically dry style. David Bowie songs performed acoustically in Portuguese (weirdly good) for some reason. 

Cons: Some supporting characters are watered down by the sheer number of characters. Subplots that could be strong and complete are instead halfway there. 

Rating: 9/10

Recommendation: A perfect background movie while you work on something!