The Bad Guys Delivers A Fun Animated Heist Experience For The Whole Family

      Creating a family-friendly experience in animated form which the whole audience can enjoy is challening considering that not only must the film boast eye-opening visuals, but also a solid narrative and tone that entertains young children as well as adults. With The Bad Guys, DreamWorks Animation Studios manages to find that right balance in giving audiences a fun and colorful animated crime comedy romp that carries an important message for young children regarding doing what's right and feeling good about it. 

       The Bad Guys plot has a group of notorious animal criminals attempting to avoid a prison sentence after being caught by pulling off their most challenging con yet. With the instructing of their mentor, Professor Marmalade, the dubious gang sets out to mislead the world that they're doing good. For DreamWorks studios who gave audiences animated classics including The Prince Of Egypt, Shrek and How To Train Your Dragon, The Bad Guys represents their strongest work in years with it putting its own fun spin on the heist genre. Although its plot can be seen as being a bit predictable and formulaic, The Bad Guys makes the most usage of its storyline while driving home the message that it's better to be good than bad because of how rewarding it feels. 

      As far as voice acting talents go, DreamWorks assembles a talented cast with everyone delivering fantastic work which brings tremendous amounts of heart and energy to the story. Sam Rockwell is both witty and charming as the gangs leader Mr. Wolf with him convincingly showing his characters steady progression from bad to good. Marc Maron is equally good as the sarcastic and cynical Mr. Snake, whose revealed to be Mr. Wolf's second-in-command and best friend. Maron demonstrates his characters loyalty to the gang, as well as his confusion with seeing Wolf becoming more of a likeable citizen. Awkwafina shines as the sharped-tongue and sarcastic Ms. Tarantula also known as "web". Craig Robinson adding to the casts energy as the childish and sensitive master of disguise, Mr. Shark with Anthony Ramos as short-fused and loose-canon Mr. Piranha, who has a tendency to fart whenever he gets nervous. Outside of Wolf's group, the standout voice acting performances go to pompous philanthropist Professor Rupert Marmalade IV, who suggests that Mr. Wolf's group start doing "good deeds", and the charming Zazie Beetz as Mr. Wolf's love interest Diane Foxington, a fox governor whose later revealed to be a former female thief named The Crimson Paw. Overall, the films immensely talented cast make the most of their roles with everyone proving to be suitably energetic in bringing the story to life in animated form.

      Directed by Pierre Perifel in his feature film debut, he does a fine job of bringing the stories animated world to the screen in a form that's both sharp and colorful visually. The films images shift from looking hand drawn to carrying a natural 2D feel which makes them appear larger-than-life to young audiences. The film takes direct inspiration from the Oceans 11 franchise with its music playing a similar track that drives home the stories heist aspect. The story remains fast-paced with a sizable amount of cartoon violence shown including car chases involving the main characters being pursued by police or moments of peril being executed in a light-hearted tone. In terms of visuals, The Bad Guys stands as DreamWorks most groundbreaking animated work in years with Perifel giving the story a genuine heist feel despite it being aimed specifically towards kids.    

      The script for The Bad Guys consists of themes which include friendship, being bad with a desire to be good, the realization of ones own potential, redemption, forgiveness, changing, sacrifice, and climate change. The heart of the story lies within the transformation that Mr. Wolf's character goes from being a slick con artist to a more redeemable character by the films end. The story is narrated from Wolf's perspective with him stating in the films opening monologue that his animal crew are already perceived as being monsters without people taking the time to understand their perspective. As Wolf states in the films opening sequence regarding his animal gang: "Yeah they're a bit eccentric, but when you're born us, you don't exactly win many popularity contests. Do I wish people didn't see us as monsters? Sure I do. But these are the cards we've been dealt, so we might as well play 'em." In keeping consistent with the heist aspect of the story, the script provides fun twists and turns regarding key characters which shake up things up while making an admirable effort to flesh out Wolf's gang of criminal friends. Themes regarding friendship and loyalty are shown to be tested with Snake's character witnessing the change that Wolf undergoes, and becomes conflicted in his own actions. Though the plot for The Bad Guys can be viewed as predictable, it delivers solid messages regarding the power of second chances and the goodness inside of everyone. Despite Mr. Wolf being a thief, the audiences sees glimpses of the good within him through his loyalty and compassion for others which make them root for his characters change.

      As a story that's meant to represent fighting bias while delivering a heist plot, The Bad Guys succeeds as being a fun-filled experience. Even though it's plot isn't exactly original, it works well enough that young and older audiences can overlooking its shortcomings with children receiving some important takeaways from the films story regarding how change is always possible and that being good ultimately brings greater happiness and riches than being bad. While not the most groundbreaking animated film, The Bad Guys delivers a charming experience which the whole family can enjoy while marking a solid return to form for DreamWorks animation.

Final Verdict: An enjoyable animated experience for the whole family that satisfies both young children and adults.

Images Courtesy Of DreamWorks Animation Studios

Thor: Love And Thunder Gives Fans An Entertaining Though Inferior Follow-up To Thor: Ragnarock

    

       There's a saying that some acts can be tough ones to follow, particularly within the realm of Cinema. Such appears to be the case with Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe lacking some of the power of phase 3, which can also be said regarding the Thor franchise. Since his first appearance in 2011, the Thor series has spawned four films with their overall quality acting like a Yo-Yo in terms of one entry being a solid crowd-pleaser with the next being a disappointment. Wheras Kenneth Branagh's Thor was a solid start for the character, its follow-up: Thor: The Dark World represented a step back for the series before rebounding strongly with the franchises best installment with Thor: Ragnarock. Despite providing loads of fun and excitement for audiences, Thor: Love And Thunder ultimately feels like a disjointed rom-com that although flawed, still manages to entertain. 

      Taking place after Ragnarock, Love And Thunder has Thor (Chris Hemsworth) enlisting the help of Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), Korg, and ex-girlfriend Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) to fight Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale), who intends to make the gods extinct. Love And Thunder's plot is one that raises some notable questions regarding Thor's place in the MCU post Endgame. It's execution however, leaves much to be desired as the film often finds itself struggling between its blending of comedy and drama. While Love And Thunder works as being a serviceable entry in the MCU, it never outdoes the previous installment despite struggling to land on the same equal footing. Despite never reaching the same heights as Ragnarock, there's enough that works to make Love And Thunder an honorable fourth installment in the Thor series.

      As far as performances go, Thunder's cast is fantastic with everyone delivering fantastic work that compliments the films over-the-top silly tone while filling it with a sizeable amount of heart. With Thor, Chris Hemsworth proves that he's born for the role without losing any of the characters charm and wittiness. Natalie Portman's return as Thor's ex-girlfriend Jane Foster, who now obtains powers to become the mighty Thor while undergoing cancer treatment. Portman owns her part and brings a refreshing sense of heart and energy to the story. Tessa Thompson once again shines as Valkyrie, the king of New Asgard and Thors ally whose now adjusting to the political aspects of ruling away from the battlefield. As the films main antagonist, Christian Bale delivers in a well-layered and scene-stealing performance as Gorr the God Butcher, scarred wielder of the Necrosword and manipulator of shadows who seeks the extinction of the gods. The rest of the supporting cast do well in adding to the films level of fun including Jaimie Alexander as Asgardian warrior and Thors childhood friend Sif, Taika Waiti in a hilarious performance as Kronan gladiator Korg, who befriended Thor, Russell Crowe as king of the Olympians, Zeus with the actor spawning a goofy accent. Overall, Thunder's cast appears to be having an absolute blast with playing their characters.

      Directed by Taika Waititi who previously helmed Thor: Ragnarok, Waititi brings the same style of silliness and over-the-top nature which made that film a smash hit with fans. He maintains the same type of quirky humor that worked the last time around with it being heavily prevalent with characters like Bao, or referencing a not-so-kid-friendly orgy the deities have planned. In terms of overall look and visuals, Thunder is just as visually stunning as Ragnarock with both movies containing a striking retro feel which separates them from the first two Thor films. Whereas Rock 'n' roll was a huge part of Ragnarock's soundtrack, Love And Thunder's soundtrack makes use of Guns N' Roses' greatest hits, including "Welcome To The Jungle," and "Paradise City", which are cleverly utilized during key sequences. With a running time spanning 1 hour and 59 minutes, Love And Thunder is fast-paced, though it can't shake the feeling that its story moved too rapidly at times. As a whole, Waititi keeps the same style as Ragnarock, although the newer film feels like a less effective redux version of that one. 

      When it comes to its writing, Love And Thunder possesses the right questions that its story strives to answer such as what is Thor's role in the universe along with audiences finally getting answers regarding his breakup with Jane, which wasn't shown in Ragnarock. Love And Thunder's script is more romance oriented than most other MCU films with an emphasis on themes regarding the importance of choosing love, asking for help, and perservering despite the odds. Janes return in the story presents her as being "The One Who Got Away", with Thor being stunned not just by her reemergence but also her superhuman strength that enables her to carry the latters hammer. The script is jam-packed with tons of hilarious bits such as Thor attempting to call back his hammer Mjolnir from Jane. Though the strength of the movie lies within the characterization of Thor and his dynamic with Jane, the script often finds itself struggling between balancing out both the comedic and dramatic moments. The subplot involving Jane having Cancer doesn't carry as much weight as it should because it's often accompanied by unnecessary humor in an attempt to keep things light-hearted. As fantastic as Christian Bale is at playing Gorr, his character feels underused with audiences not being able to fully empathize with his characters arc despite his effectiveness as the films antagonist. While serviceable, Love And Thunder's writing feels uneven with unnecessary elements added such as the wasted appearance of Guardians Of The Galaxy's cast with little to no importance to the story. 

      Despite Thunder's struggle with balancing out it's silliness along with the more serious side of its story, there is still plenty to enjoy with it offering fast-paced fun. Although it doesn't top Ragnarock as the franchises best, it still offers up a reasonably satisfying sequel that's wacky, surprisingly moving, and works as being a worthy addition to the ever expanding MCU. 

Final Verdict: Worth Watching for Thor and MCU fans, just don't expect it to be as good as Thor: Ragnarok.

Images Courtesy Of Disney

The Northman Surprises Audiences With It's Bizarre And Unflinchingly Brutal Form Of Storytelling

       It feels like it's becoming more of a rarity these days to find an old-fashioned midieval action drama given that the current slate of Hollywood films being generally franchise or comic book driven. In the case of The Northman, Robert Eggers latest Viking epic would've fit perfectly in the era which saw the likes of Gladiator, Troy, and 300 back in the mid 2000's, making it's release in a mostly entirely different cinematic landscape now appear even more remarkable given the bizarreness and esoteric aspect of the story. Directed by Eggers who previously helmed The Witch and The Lighthouse, the unique though skillful filmmaker delivers a bloody revenge epic that's visually breathtaking though unapologetically unconventional with the directors signature filmmaking style being proudly displayed here. 

      The Northman's plot centers around Prince turned viking Amleth (Alexander Skarsgard), seeking revenge on his uncle two decades after the killing of his father along with kidnapping his mother. Northman's story would be one that sounds compelling if not for the fact that its basically the same plot as Disney's The Lion King, except in live-action form with humans and far less kid friendly. However despite that glaring comparison, Eggers manages to place his own unique spin on the whole revenge concept while crafting an epic that's visually striking and well-acted, though doesn't shy away from surprising audiences with key bizarre moments which prove to be shockingly effective. Although his art house style of filmmaking won't please everybody and will leave audiences split on the approach he takes in telling the story, The Northman ultimately works as being a ferociously entertaining Viking epic.

      Regardless of how one feels about Eggers style of directing overall, he always manages to generate fantastic performances out of his main cast who show the utmost devotion to the stories he helms. Alexander Skarsgard gives a strong performance as vengeful Viking warrior prince Amleth, whose determined to avenge his father's murder. Skarsgard makes for a convincing lead with him relying more on his facial expressions to convey emotion and anger moreso than delivering excessive lines of dialogue. Along with Skarsgard, Nicole Kidman commands the screen with her untamed performance as Amleth's unhinged mother Queen Gudrun, whose taken hostage by her husband's brother after his murder. Claes Bang proves effective as Amleth's uncle Fjolnir the Brotherless who desires to take his brothers throne. Anya Taylor-Joy impresses as Slavic sorceress Olga of the Birch Forest with her skillful performance matching the intensity of the story. Other noteworthy performances include Ethan Hawke as Amleth's cousin and Fjolnir's elder son Thorir the Proud, Elliot Rose as Amleth's half brother Elliot, and Willem Dafoe in a brief role as Heimir the Fool. Overall, The Northman's cast is well-matched with everyone giving their all with playing their characters along with adding to the stories intensity. 

When it comes to Northman's style of directing, Eggers presents the story as being explicitly violent with intensely gory battle scenes involving severed heads, mutilated corpses, and a man ripping out another man's throat with his teeth. The stunning cinematography puts audiences in the stories ancient era with it being full of bloodshed along with being bathed in a monochrome moonlight type approach. As far as music goes, Northman's score is effective in giving the story a nightmarish feel with the use of midieval instruments, a choir, and band of percussionists. When it comes to pacing, the film has a slow buildup to what's expected to be an explosive climax that turns out to be softer than what was originally envisioned. On a visual note, Eggers delivers a world that's breathtaking with striking imagery including a weird climactic battle involving the two main characters fighting on top of a volcano wearing nothing but their underwear, or a gruesome raid sequence shown earlier in the film that's relentless in its brutality. With the violence, Eggers doesn't hold back and capitalizes on the stories graphic nature while simultaneously making it mesmerizing to watch.

      In terms of scriptwriting, The Northman's bolot plays out as being strictly a revenge story with little to nothing else going on outside of that. Themes including honor, murder, revenge, fate, and human sacrifice are emphasized here with an overall message ultimately saying that revenge is a brutal affair. Although the story bears remarkable similarity to The Lion King's such as the king being wrongfully murdered by his sibling who lusts for power with his heir running away for years then later returning for revenge. Northman's plot delivers surprise twists and turns with its story, particularly in its third act including a kiss which turns the story on its head along with changing the main heroes narrative going into the climactic duel. The violence is shown as being brutal though appropriate given the nature of the plot with the action often switching from one earthly battle full of mud and gore to strange yet supernatural sequences involving witches or Valkyries while all being connected to the same world. What's noteworthy about the screenplay for The Northman is how it attempts to subvert audiences expectations with twists and surprises which not only generate shock but prove to be effective without compromising the overall main narrative. 

      As uniquely told as The Northman's story appears to be, it's style for doing so isn't for everyone as it takes a more unconventional approach with its storytelling. It can also be stated that Robert Eggers work isn't catered towards mainstream audiences with its intended demographic being those who enjoy more experimental types of filmmaking. As a revenge tale, The Northman is a no-holds-barred Viking epic that's unapologetically brutal yet gives an honest depiction of Viking culture in a form that's perhaps more visually appealing than it is as a piece of storytelling. While the story may be lacking some power on that front, the fantastic performances delivered by its main cast as well as its unflinching style of filmmaking make it a bizarre, strikingly beautiful, and gruesome experience worth enduring. 

Final Verdict: Worth watching if one can stomach its unusual style of filmmaking.