The Woman King

 

The Woman King

In Doubt Viola Davis was a tearful distraught mother pleading for help from a stone hearted mother superior played by Merial Streep; Davis was nominated for an Oscar. In The Help Davis plays a maid in the segregated 1950’s south; she won an Oscar. So, playing a Ajojie virgin amazon general is no stretch for her. This is a very muscular role. She was fierce and did not smile once in the film. The film is a historical epic based on a story written by Maria Bello. The Ajojie were all-female warriors who protected the West African kingdom of Dahomey (present day Benin) during the 17th to 19th centuries. 

The movie is action packed. Most of the combat is hand to hand fighting with swords and spears. I am not certain, but I hope Davis used a body double for the grueling battles. The film is more complex than a simple action movie, it has layers. A main theme is the slave trade. Benin was an incubator for deporting slaves. That is where the infamous Gates of No Return were located. In the film warring tribes supplied war captives as slaves. One epic battle was to free the slaves. Against her strong military discipline Davis forms a bond with a young recruit, Nawi. Nevertheless, training is brutal (there are no tears on Dahomey boot camp). There is also palace intrigue. Davis is at odds with king’s harem and a power play with the queen ensues.

Another subplot was a budding romantic entanglement with a Brazilian slaver and young Nawi. The slaver himself was part Brazilian and part Dahomey. He is conflicted about slavery and helps Nawi escape.

The supporting cast were wonderful. Theuso Mbedu plays Nawi the young recruit. She is fearless but does not follow orders. Davis has loyal lieutenants, Lashana Lynch and Shelia Atim  were outstanding. John Boyega plays a regal King Ghezo.

If you like action movies this one is unique. It also gives an historical depiction of the slave trade.

 

 

Star Wars the Last Jedi

Star Wars the Last Jedi                                                                                               December 15, 2017

I have been doing this since 1977.The first Star Wars movie mesmerized me. I never saw special effects like that before; I watched the movie elven times. It is quite a feat for a franchise to maintain relevancy and freshness for this long. This film is as good if not better than a lot of prior ones.

Star War films are a medley of classical themes from Greek Tragedy to Shakespearian drama. This film is more operatic with its sweeping battle scenes and good verse evil drama. There is the tense student master relationship between Luke Skywalker and Rey. Adam Driver’s hulking presence imbues Klylo Ren with dark secrets. A constant in these movies is John William’s soaring music. The opening notes are so ubiquitous they are instantly recognizable. The script is excellent, it incorporates elements from earlier films and portends future episodes.  

Carrie Fisher looked tired but wise; she did a good turn. She is no longer Princes Leia but is now General Leia Organa. She was in the entire film, she completed her work before dying. Her presence in this film is important to legitimize the transition to future films. Mark Hamill’s revival as Luke Skywalker is pivotal to the film. Luke has many conflicts some dark. He is weary and heavily burdened by the past and what awaits him. He is a dominant factor of the movie

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I was not enamored with Daisy Ridley in the prior film, but I feel better with her now. With her athletic body she performs action well. Her acting is a bit stiff but this is a minor distraction given the sweep of the movie.

Oscar Isaac is the new Han Solo. He is as rash and bull headed as Han but less larcenous. He has a big role in the movie and I am sure in the ones to come. John Boyega brings some humor to the part. There was always a lighted heartedness in these films. He is the romantic interest in the film, but with whom?

There is plethora of other actors; Benicio del Toro is a scoundrel (what a stretch). Laura Dern is a rebel commander with a with a challenging hairdo. I did not spot Prince William and Prince Harry, they were Strom Troopers. Hint they are tall storm Troopers.

Chewy, the franchise’s mascot, was loquacious as ever. There is a new merchandising stocking stuffer named a porgo, who needs to lay off the caffeine.  Another fantasy animal is called a crystal fox (the four-legged kind not two).

They film is doing very well in the box office, but it needs to break $800m before making a profit. Hey, with Force in your sail, that’s a chinch.

p.s.-Do not leave before the credits roll!!!