#lloyd taylor

[brnuser]

NICHOLAS BRAUN as Lloyd Taylor "Your Surrender" (Prom version) from Neon Trees (2011)

[filmso2]

Spies in Disguise

2019

[onfilmz]

PROM 2011

[vintagewarhol]

[stuff-diary]

Nimona

Movies watched in 2023

Nimona (2023, USA)

Directors: Nick Bruno & Troy Quane

Writers: Robert L. Baird & Lloyd Taylor (based on the graphic novel by ND Stevenson)

Mini-review:

This was so f**king good. What a groundbreaking, creative, original and incredibly fun movie. It's honestly mindblowing how much world building and character development the film manages to pack in just 90 minutes. And gosh, Nimona and Bal are (anti)heroes for the ages, there's no doubt about that. As for the animation, I have to say I've never seen a movie that looks quite like this. I love that most animation studios have begun to push their boundaries after the release of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, cause thanks to that we're getting absolutely stunning movies. Also, on top of the amazing animation and characters, the movie delivers a powerful message that feels painfully timely in this day and age. Seriously, I will never stop thanking Annapurna and Netflix for saving this from oblivion when Disney decided to cancel the project (most likely over its wonderful gay content). I really hope Nimona reaches the audience that needs it the most, and I'm so so so glad it finally made it to our screens, cause it's definitely worth the wait.

[movie-titlecards]

Nimona (2023)

My rating: 8/10

That bit with the statue, I mean. Dude.

[braunography]

Nicholas Braun as Lloyd Taylor in Prom (2011) dir. Joe Nussbaum

[adamwatchesmovies]

Spies in Disguise (2019)

If the line to Frozen II is too long or the tickets sold out, see Spies in Disguise instead. I’ll confess to preferring it over the Disney animated sequel. Its great voice cast makes good use of its familiar premise and there are enough solid gags to keep both kids and adults smiling.

Framed by a mysterious man with a robotic hand (voiced by Ben Mendelsohn), “the world’s most awesome spy”, Lance Sterling (Will Smith) turns to socially awkward scientific genius, Walter Beckett (Tom Holland) for help. Lance needs to find a way to clear his name and stop the baddie, a mission that’ll be much more difficult now that Walter has accidentally transformed him into a pigeon.

Throughout, we're reminded that Lance believes in fighting fire with fire. He doesn’t hesitate to blow up or knock out his opponents. This clashes with the young scientist's belief in a gentle approach. To carry this idea all the way through, you’d expect a revelation about the cybernetically enhanced terrorist’s origin to go something like this: because the agent shot first and asked questions later the first time they met, Killian lost his left arm and came back to get his revenge. The H.T.U.V. agent would realize there are consequences to using violent methods. Things would come full circle. It isn’t the case. Big missed opportunity by writers Brad Copeland, Lloyd Taylor, and Cindy Davis. There are other moments where the mismatched duo seems to get out of very sticky situations inexplicably - usually between scenes, which can be frustrating.

Otherwise, this film gets a lot right. The premise is ridiculous. The action scenes are equally loony. Walter’s unorthodox gadgets make for unpredictable, delightfully manic battles that make great use of the animated medium. Seeing Lance fail as he attempts to do everything he used to be able to while in the body of a pigeon fills the theater with chuckles and hearty laughs. It's funny to see someone arrogant get knocked down a peg. You’re having a good time as he struggles with his new body. It's a cartoon in the best sense of the world. Then, as the two heroes spend more time together, you warm up to them. This is where the voice actors come in. Tom Holland and Will Smith have perfect voices for these roles and play off each other wonderfully. Ben Mendelsohn is an obvious choice for a villain but it’s hard to argue with the results. I’ll also highlight Rashida Jones as the security agent hunting Lance Sterling - she’s got some good scenes.

Spies in Disguise delivers what you expect out of a spy comedy and a bit more too with its rubber-logic confrontations - all of which are surprisingly well co-ordinated. It’s got some memorable gags and the chemistry between Holland and Smith make up for the faults in the story and screenplay. It’s good family fun. (Theatrical version on the big screen, January 4, 2020)