Jim Caviezel. © Angel Studios and Santa Fe Films. Directed by Alejandro Monteverde.
Vizeit Reviews is in solidarity with the WGA & SAG, however, SAG will allow film critics to continue their normal movie critiques as usual but with certain restrictions.
In Every Darkness, There's Always A Light
Hollywood is in a unique position due to the strike and other controversial events that changed cinema during the post-pandemic. However, one film came into the scene silently and it's roaring throughout July and that film is Sound of Freedom. This is the return of Jim Caviezel on the big screen and his performance really made this film more impactful. While this film is still getting controversy from a range of topics, this is still a film that Hollywood won't shine light on anymore and I'm happy it's getting released majorly. Let's dive into this film and see what's the controversy about. Story: After rescuing a boy from ruthless child traffickers, a federal agent learns the boy's sister is still captive and decides to embark on a dangerous mission to save her. With time running out, he quits his job and journeys deep into the Colombian jungle, putting his life on the line to free her from a fate worse than death. Right away, this is a hard film to watch due to the real-life subject matter. However, it doesn't push it to its limits which I very much respect because this film includes some of the most heartbreaking scenes of this year. This isn't an easy film to watch but Jim Caviezel brings light into the film and makes the viewing much easier. Jim's performance is fantastic throughout the film and his performance feels very shallow yet great. The way he brings the real-life hero Tim Ballard is so interesting because Jim's performance with his eyes and dead silence brings it all. Even though there are performances in different films that do that in which cases do work or don't, for this type of character, it fits perfectly, especially with the subject matter. There is some rewarding little humor to keep this film way too depressing but Jim really shines this film to its fullest. While there is some fictional material in the film, especially in the final act, the film faithfully recreates what Tim saw in some of the events he encountered. Especially during the island scene, which was a tense scene, really demonstrated how Tim had to keep himself in control and under-detected while saving these kids. While the final sequence is fictional, which takes place within a rebel forest, it's still tense on how Tim would approach it and it adds action to the film which makes it more thrilling. It's not so an action film but more on the thriller part with some inspirations from Narcos and A Private War. Besides the well-made tense sequences, Jim really delivered his best performance since The Passion of the Christ and the supporting cast here really made this film more powerful and thrilling. Bill Camp is amazing in his huge supporting role and his scene with Jim's character at the hotel was very emotional and it's one of the best scenes in the film. I love their duo friendship and it's very well done while still keeping Jim in the spotlight. Javier Godino has a small supporting role in the film but he does a great job with his performance. Mira Sorvino has a very small role in the film but her scenes with Jim really shine and give depth to the complexity of Jim's personal and work life. These performances really make this film tense and help make the subject of the film more prominent rather than underexposing it.
What I also love about this film is the directing which is done by Alejandro Monteverde. His way of telling visual storytelling here is unique. It's slow and somber yet fast-paced due to its well-crafted editing. There is a unique visual style here that is supported by its great cinematography, photographed by Gorka Gómez and Andreu Aec. It's a mix of light and darkness yet it shows signs of hope and faith. Alejandro lets its actors feel into the moment with the support of the film's production design and practicality. One thing I really liked about this film is that Alejandro lets Jim explore Tim's personality and creates some unique moments that give depth to the scene of his character or the situation of the scene. I found that very compelling and it adds little nice detail to the situation of the scene. Besides the directing, the production here is easily very well done for a low-budget indie film. Especially for a faith-based film, this is high quality and you can tell with its production design, on-location filming, well-shot cinematography, and score of the film. For the past 10 years, we have seen more crappy Christian films but I'm glad this film stepped out to show that it's possible with the right crew and the right director. I wouldn't even consider this film a faith-based film. Even though there are moments where it spreads its Christian/catholic faith, it's done very well while still keeping the subject matter front and center. The line "God's children are not for sale" is the hardest line in the film and from there, I knew I was in for a thrilling ride. It's also so weird seeing the same actor that played Jesus 11 years ago kicking ass in the film. Overall, the production is very great for a low-budget indie film and it shows that if you care about the story or subject matter but also utilize the cinema art form, you can create a good film in the end. While there are controversial parts of the film which case I won't discuss here, I still have some issues with the film itself.
The pacing of this film really holds some of the momentum of certain scenes. It gets a little bit stale in certain sequences with dead moments which bothered me, especially during some dialogue scenes. While this is still a plot/character story, it does get a little bit lost in between but still keeps the subject matter within context. Mira's character gets little screen time which was a bit disappointing but her small scenes add emotional depth to Tim's journey. There are some little screenplay issues in some parts and I wish it could've been shorter. Still, this is an engaging thriller that will be talked about for many years to come. With all the controversy and weird ass conspiracies behind it, if you look through the lens of the film, you will find many great things behind this unique production and story. Jim really helps elevate this film with its powerful story and keeps the film more thrilling. Well shot with great performances, and a well-made story that will be watched on for years to come. This is a film that will be sure to be looked at and be more appreciated to confront one of the darkest crimes in the world. In the end, this is a film that helps spreads its message about child trafficking and hopes that it reaches audiences around the nation and the world for the better to save children from the darkness and bring them to the light. Now, it's time for Jim Caviezel to start working on that long-awaited sequel of The Passion of the Christ. Now Playing Only in Theaters! Vizeit Score: "A-" (Share this review with your film friends and on social media! Thank you for continuing supporting my indie cinema website.) Copyright © 2023 Vizeit Reviews / Vizeit Studios. All Rights Reserved. Review Written By: Everardo Garcia Jr. Editor In-Chief/Owner of Vizeit Reviews | (Chicago Indie Critics Member [CIC])
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Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, and Rebecca Ferguson. © 2023 Paramount Pictures, Skydance, and TC Productions. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie.
Vizeit Reviews is in solidarity with the WGA & SAG, however, SAG will allow film critics to continue their normal movie critiques as usual but with certain restrictions.
Watched it in IMAX @ AMC Theaters
The Biggest Mission Begins... Since the franchise got its foot into the blockbuster landscape, it has been going on a high rise with each film entry. From one simple crazy stunt to an airplane stunt, to a helicopter stunt, and now a motorcycle jump stunt, the franchise never stops innovating. All thanks to the legend himself, Tom Cruise. This franchise goes to all places of the world and in this film, it's even more. While more is good, what makes this franchise consistent is its characters and that's what this film more special. Especially the main crew and this film proves that its fuel is not out yet. Join me on a world mission to stop AI and watch Ethan Hunt jump from a hill with a motorcycle. Story: Ethan Hunt and the IMF team must track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens all of humanity if it falls into the wrong hands. With control of the future and the fate of the world at stake, a deadly race around the globe begins. Confronted by a mysterious, all-powerful enemy, Ethan is forced to consider that nothing can matter more than the mission -- not even the lives of those he cares about most. Ethan Hunt always goes rogue in every mission but in this entry, being rouge was necessary because of the precautions that this new threat might change the world. If this new threat was the plot for a spy film in the early 2000s, it would've been cliché or dumb. However, in today's technology and industry, this new threat definitely works very well. That new threat is AI. The use of AI in terms of storytelling really made the conflict more impactful to certain characters including Luther Stickell and Benji Dunn due to their computer hacking craft. This story impacts every character from Ethan Hunt to a smaller character like Degas played by Greg Tarzan Davis (Top Gun: Maverick). However, this isn't the only new threat in town. Ethan's old enemy Gabriel (Esai Morales) has returned and while this is our first time seeing him in this franchise, it resembles the culmination of this long-running franchise. An old enemy to finish the job. This story is much stronger than the previous entry but I still feel Fallout is the best directed film in the franchise. However, this film doesn't shy away from its characters and connection to this new threat because this will carry on to the next film and it does a good job balancing those elements. Every character has a play into this unknown threat and while it's focusing on Ethan and Gabriel, this threat lurks around the shadows and it's going to be central for the sequel. Every character here is given a moment to shine and the cast is amazing. The new standout would be Pom Klementieff as Paris and she killed it with her action sequences. The main cast including Tom Cruise and Hayley Atwell were fantastic and Hayley's character is so interesting and exquisite in a deadly way. I really liked that Ethan is showing her the new ropes as an IMF agent and their chemistry works very well. There is a lot of character development for Ethan Hunt and a lot of screen time for Hayler's character Grace. However, Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson) is still a crucial part of this franchise and her impact really determines the fate of Ethan Hunt and the mission itself. While we don't get a lot of screentime with her, she really packs a punch during her scenes and her character grows even more in this entry. Ethan himself is amazing and Tom Cruise really helps this character really develop and go to areas that we've never seen from his character's past. It's all about his past coming back to him and even we get one of the original actors from the first film to reprise their role which is Henry Czerny as Eugene Kittridge. All of those missions are connecting together for something greater and overall, the story is done very well by balancing action through character storytelling and development.
The action here is fantastic and it's mind-blowing that the majority is all practical and it's done very well without any really fast cuts or shaky cam. The Rome chase is one of my favorite action sequences in this franchise and it gets more intense with the train sequence. It's a balance of over-the-top but still realistic due to the practicality and work behind it. Props to the stunt team for creating long yet creative action sequences that feel fresh but still familiar to the franchise. Also, of course, we still see Tom Cruise running in three or more scenes. There is a bunch of inspiration from other forms of media including Uncharted and The Bourne films. The cinematography really elevates the action sequences and I really liked the tight yet wide-angle fight sequences including the night sequences. Plus, it looks like this is Fraser Taggart's first feature film as Director of Photography and he really killed it. You still get the stylish dutch angles and close-ups established by the franchise. The sound design is also very good and the iconic score still goes hard. The editing is solid throughout the action sequences and the production design is amazing with a lot on location and practically, especially with the entire train sequence. Overall, the production is amazing and they keep the technical action sequences to the max. However, even with those action sequences and great character development, I still have some issues.
Since this is a two-part film, the ending left an unsweet taste while still being conclusive. It's like a mission is completed but there's another mission still waiting to start. Still, the ending is conclusive and it opens up to what comes next. I wish we could've gotten more screen time for Rebecca Ferguson as Ilsa Faust and we are still missing Jeremey Renner. Like c'mon, where the hell is he? The action sequences are still fantastic but I feel like the previous entry had more weight and intense action drama while this one was more of a moving-to-next-location sequence. I feel like the pacing was a little bit draggy but it still managed to balance out the action with proper character-to-character drama. The only thing I hope we can get more of is Benji and Luther working together because those scenes are intense and well done. The airport scene is a great example of intensity that the franchise should continue with their next film. Besides those small issues including pacing, I still found myself on the edge of my seat. Tom Cruise keeps pushing this franchise to its limits and it's fantastic to see how each entry is getting bigger yet more intense than ever. Fantastic action sequences, great performances, and loads of fun! This is definitely one of the best films of this year and action cinema is thriving than ever! From John Wick: Chapter 4 to Mission Impossible 7, this is definitely a great year for cinema and practical production too as well! I cannot wait for the next entry and see where Tom Cruise goes next in his crazy stunts. Now Playing in Theaters! Vizeit Score: "A" (Share this review with your film friends and on social media! Thank you for continuing supporting my indie cinema website.) Copyright © 2023 Vizeit Reviews / Vizeit Studios. All Rights Reserved. Review Written By: Everardo Garcia Jr. Editor In-Chief/Owner of Vizeit Reviews | (Chicago Indie Critics Member [CIC])
Ezra Miller. © 2023 Warner Bros Pictures, DC Studios, Double Dream, and The Disco Factory. Directed by Andy Muschietti.
Watched it in IMAX @ AMC Theaters
Worlds Collide Quick Review: We arrived at the last stop in the DCEU and it's not that bad. In terms of story, it's solid but my god, poor visual effects workers. This was an interesting trip of a film and it did deliver in certain areas but not all of them. Besides the controversy and troubled production surrounding this film, the directing of this film is solid and you can see that this is a Andy Muschietti film. However, there are certain scenes that are studio interference which killed the momentum of its emotional story. However, it's not just about cameos or the multiverse. It's about letting go of the past and moving on to a better future. The scenes with Barry and his mom are the strongest scenes in the film. Especially during their final conversation which brought a tear to my eye. The recast of Barry's father wasn't that noticeable for me but I prefer the original actor from the Snyder films. Barry's story with his parents is very crucial in the film and I'm happy they didn't stir away from that main focus. Even though the film is marketed as a huge multiverse event, it's still a story about family and love. However, there are points where they push the multiverse a little too bit but I did enjoy the two duo of two Barry Allen's'. Seeing Michael Keaton's Batman is always a joy and I hope they keep Sasha Calle as Supergirl in the future because she killed it. Besides the characters and story, the ending is a mixed bag not because of the main story but because this is where the DCEU ends. It's a weird sendoff but it will divide audiences on how they treated this old universe with this being the final film. The biggest complaint for me would be the CGI/VFX but even with that, I was still hooked on the main story and in the end, it's time to send the DCEU away for good. Overall, a solid comic book film with a good story, solid characters, and interesting directing from Andy. Even with all the controversy surrounding this film, I'm happy it got to see the light of day. Except Batgirl...why Zaslav. Now Playing in Theaters and on VOD. Vizeit Score: "B+" (Share this review with your film friends and on social media! Thank you for continuing supporting my indie film website.) Copyright © 2023 Vizeit Reviews / Vizeit Studios. All Rights Reserved. Review Written By: Everardo Garcia Jr. Editor In-Chief/Owner of Vizeit Reviews | (Chicago Indie Critics Member [CIC])
Shameik Moore. © 2023 Sony/Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Marvel Entertainment, Arad Productions, Lord Miller Productions, and Pascal Pictures. Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson.
Watched it in Dolby Cinema @ AMC Theaters
The Universe Expands with Some Consequences Behind It This year of comic book films is so far pretty mixed with some great while some disappointing or straight-up WTF. However, Sony Animation brought us some of the best animations I have ever seen in cinema and a story that will bring every emotion on screen. This film is wild from start to finish and this being a comic book film and a animated film, I was glued to the screen. It's memorizing, beautiful, emotional, action-packed, and just insane with the scope of this eye-popping film. It's a film that I will remember decades ahead and it's up there as one of the best sequels of all time. Dazzling and down to earth, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is the film that everyone will love whether you love comic book films or not. Join me in the multiverse and high-five every Spider-Man we see until we run across the Spider Plushie. Story: After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn's full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. However, when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders. He must soon redefine what it means to be a hero so he can save the people he loves most. Since the first film was released way back in 2018, it changed the animation industry by taking unique risks to make their films more artsy or pop-out by creating a unique identity. Five years later, they did it again by changing the animation game by pushing the limits of animation while giving a grounded story that the audience will connect with. While the story and characters are very important to every film, the technical elements should get more praised, especially with this film's groundbreaking animation from every frame and little detail. Over 1,000 animators worked on this film and it's the longest American animated film ever with over 140 minutes. That is insane, especially for an animated film that takes a while to complete. I applaud every animator who worked on this film and it came out beautiful. The animation details are incredible with the iconic comic book style, a mix of 2D and 3D, with different art styles from different eras. It's beautiful from every frame and I loved how there are small nice animation details that make the movement more smooth and poppy. I really love animation and this is by far the best technical animated film of all time with Ponyo still at number one. This film pushes the boundaries of animation but also superhero storytelling through animation. You still have the animated gestures and expressive actions of characters and action moments, but during serious moments without any action, the animation takes it down for a bit and makes a scene realistic. Not in terms of texture or graphical fidelity, but with lighting, emotions of each character, and atmosphere. That's where the animation gets stronger during emotional set-pieces and it works very well. The story itself also is fantastic because of its expansive characters and new worlds that put each character in danger of their own mistakes.
The story is now more expansive than ever. We travel to different universes and worlds that we would never see on the big screen. However, the story also expands on Miles's characteristics, struggles, and point of view of the world around him. While the film explores different universes and connects them all together into a larger-than-life story, it's still Miles's journey. His character arc is what keeps this story integral and the multiverse is just the icing of the cake. While it's nice to see cameos and references in the film, that's not the focus. It's about Miles jumping the hurdles of becoming Spider-Man and being his real self. We see Miles in his personal struggles with family, school, and friends. Plus, being Spider-Man can take a toll on his personal life and he makes new enemies along the way which can damage his personal life. There's no escape until you follow your canon event or break it to become the true Spider-Man. This film explores many ideas that come together on the creation of Spider-Man and this film does it very well. Miles's family is the center of his situation and he cares about his father's fate and his friend's life. However, Miles needs to make some sacrifices in order to become Spider-Man but he's in limbo. I love that it explores many corners and scenarios of Spider-Man and by the end of the film, we see what really happens to Miles when he encounters his true fears. This story is more personal for Miles and the multiverse concept also expands more than ever. I really liked the multiverse plot of this film and I like how each consequence Miles makes can hurt his universe but also his personal friends and family. It not just affecting Miles but also Gwen because she wants to save Miles from danger while also still letting him progress to becoming Spider-Man. Gwen gets more screen time in this film and we follow a similar pattern to Gwen from Miles but the film splits both povs to the larger events of the film. I love this kind of storytelling and it worked very well through the multiverse concept while still being a central focus of the struggles and risks of being Spider-Man.
The other side characters are amazing as well. I loved Miguel O'Hara as Spider-Man 2099 and since he is the main antagonist of the story, it made Mile's journey more difficult throughout the multiverse. However, the villain of this film really took over the first act and half of the second act of the film. The spot really made Miles's consequences way worse and his backstory is hilarious and dark. Having two antagonists in the story is unique and it does a great job differentiating each other on who really is messing up Miles's journey. It's nice to see Miles's mentor come back including newcomers like Jess Drew, Spider-Man India, and Spider-Punk. Spider-Punk is my new favorite Spider-Man and his personality just stands out easily. The voice cast here is fantastic and they really bring out their all into this film, especially Hailee Steinfeld. Everyone did a great job in the film and by the final frame of this film, you are begging to get more adventures of each character's stories but we will have to wait until the third film is completed. The score of this film is a complete overhaul of the first film with more exciting music and great character music themes. Spider-Man 2099 music theme is fantastic and the way they used music for suspenseful scenes is fantastic. Plus, Metro Boomin's songs are also a great addition to the music overhaul of this film's soundtrack. The editing is way more fluid in this film, especially during the fight scene in 2099. The runtime didn't bother me a lot and it flew fast which is a good thing. There is a lot to jam into this film but it didn't feel rushed. However, even with the cliffhanger in the end, I feel like there wasn't an ending which made me sorrowful for a bit. I still believe the first one is still a fantastical comic book film but this is definitely one of the best sequels I have ever seen in terms of story and technical achievement in cinema. A grand slam for animation. Multiverses can be a little bit tiring now but this film really hit the home run by making the multiverse concept big while still being a central story about struggles and scarifies through personal and superhero life. This is a fantastic animated film and it subverts every expectation in the comic book genre. This is a beautifully done film and when the credits roll, you beg for more adventures of Miles Morales. This is a grand achievement for animation and I'm happy this film hit the ballpark for me and for the fans. I cannot wait for the final film in the trilogy. Now Playing in Theaters! Vizeit Score: "A+" (Share this review with your film friends and on social media! Thank you for continuing supporting my indie cinema website.) Copyright © 2023 Vizeit Reviews / Vizeit Studios. All Rights Reserved. Review Written By: Everardo Garcia Jr. Editor In-Cheif/Owner of Vizeit Reviews | (Chicago Indie Critics Member [CIC]) |
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