Tag: will smith

Stand tall and be proud in that. “King Richard” (2021)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green
© 2021 Warner Bros. Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Quick trailer of today’s post: it’s a film that has earned six Oscar nominations, including Best Actor for Will Smith. Does he deserve it? Not in my humble opinion. Maybe the film deserves an Oscar? Not really. Is it at least worth watching? Absolutely yes. [insert emotional music] When I first heard of King Richard, I honestly thought it’d be a history drama or something like that… Please tell me I wasn’t the only one. Anyway, then I found out that it’s actually a film about the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, two incredibly talented tennis players. So where does the title come from? Here’s the thing, it’s not a typical biographical film, because the story of those two ladies (or back then girls) is presented mostly from the perspective of their whole family, especially their dad. Richard Williams (Will Smith) is incredibly proud of his children and wishes all the best for them. So much that he’s even planning their life, which he’d like to be full of successes. Richard is not a very wealthy person and, additionally, he’s black-skinned, so back then it wasn’t the best start for his teenage girls. However, the man does everything to make sure that Venus and Serena (Saniyya Sidney & Demi Singleton) will make their dreams come true. At first I felt like it’s a film about a parent who tries to make up for his less fortunate life by making sure his children will be rich, pretty and famous. You know this type of a parent, right? No matter that the child wants, they are already superstars in their parents’ eyes. But the longer I was watching, the more I understood his stubbornness in actions. He honestly loved the girls and wanted all the best for them, not because he wanted to feel better as a parent, but because he knew the girls need a lot of support in starting their own journey. In the end, I believe it’s a beautiful film about the power of family, feminism and also a significant production for the African-American community, for sure. However, I think there are better films nominated this year, so I wouldn’t see this one as a winner. Additionally, as much as I adore Will Smith and I think his performance was fine, I also don’t see him as a winner this year. In fact, I feel like a nomination for him is a bit unfair, considering there are lots of other male actors that performed way better, in my opinion. For example, I totally don’t understand no nomination for Timothée Chalamet in “Dune” as that was a brilliant performance by this young man. Anyway, it’s a very interesting piece and I enjoyed it a lot, so take some time to see it.

My rating: 7/10
S.

No guile, no game, no girl. “Hitch” (2005)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Andy Tennant
© 2005 Columbia Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

How many of you have decided to find their significant other this year? If so, perhaps you will make use of today’s film. Especially if flirting isn’t your skill and dating scares you more than those twins in “The Shining.” It’s a story about a professional love coach. Alex Hitchens (Will Smith), known as Hitch, is a master of flirting and making women’s hearts melt. A lot of men come to him for advice and one of his clients happens to be Albert Brennaman (Kevin James). He’s an average-looking guy, quite introvert, rather shy and awkward. Albert has a huge crush on Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta) who is a hot celebrity that the man’s company is cooperating with. Obviously, it won’t be easy, but Hitch doesn’t give up and decides to help his client. In the meantime the “date doctor” meets Sara Melas (Eva Mendes), an attractive gossip columnist. Flirting with her should be a piece of cake for our specialist. Surprise surprise, no tricks that Hitch has been using and teaching for ages works on the woman. But it doesn’t discourage him from trying harder. Unfortunately, he doesn’t mention what his real profession is and Sara might not like to know the truth. It’s one of those comedies that are perfect for single people and couples, married and divorced, men and women. And if you’re searching for some nice dating ideas, that’s exactly for you. Especially the scene with Albert dancing. DO NOT DO THAT. I mean do it, but then don’t complain you can’t find a date. By the way, you know how nowadays they try to involve more and more black actors in films? 15 years ago they had a different problem. They were thinking of Hitch falling in love with a black woman, but that way, in their opinion, they wouldn’t satisfy the white viewers. However, a white actress would perhaps make it awkward for everyone. Yes, in 21st century they were afraid of showing and interracial relationship. Oh well. Anyway, no white actress, no black actress, so what’s left? Ah yes, a Latina. Not sure how that’s a compromise but fair enough. Remember, love is colourblind! Unless you’re filmmakers.

My rating: 8/10
S.

Prince Ali! Fabulous he! Ali Ababwa! “Aladdin” (2019)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Guy Ritchie
© 2019 Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

When I saw that the new “Aladdin” had been directed by Guy Ritchie, I was slightly surprised. I didn’t expect him to accept such project. And then I immediately assumed that this version would be quite spicy. Well, it wasn’t. It was actually sweet and adorable. If there’s still a person on this planet who doesn’t know the story of Aladdin, then I don’t know what to say except “enjoy living in your cave.” Although I have to admit one thing. I was watching Disney animations as crazy when I was little, but somehow I didn’t see (or rather I couldn’t get them because I was living in the times and country where VHS with certain films were sometimes difficult to get) “The Lion King” (1994) and “Aladdin” (1992) back then. I watched them for the first time about 4 years ago as an adult and I think those are beautiful animations that I’ll definitely show to my own children one day. Personally, I’m slightly against remaking such classics, so I needed quite a while to finally watch the new “Aladdin.” I understand that we’re living in the 21st century, but do we really need to remake everything for our children to make them interested in films? My family was showing me veeeery old films for children when I was little and those were my beloved ones, even if I had Cartoon Network and all that. Films are not only about special effects, but also about the story and, for me, the 1992 “Aladdin” was good enough. However, I wasn’t bored while watching the new one. I think it has its charm and Will Smith is actually pretty fine as Genie. Oh and I also liked the fact they invited not very popular actors and let them shine. Bravo Naomi Scott (as Jasmine) and Mean Massoud (as Aladdin)! This film is not a waste of time, but let’s just keep the original animations in our heart. It’s big enough.

My rating: 7/10
S.

Do not wink at me like that! “Bright” (2017)

SashLeave a comment
directed by David Ayer
© 2017 Netflix. All Rights Reserved.

Some of you may roll their eyes after seeing today’s recommendation. I know that many people think this film is below the average. But I will be its defender. If you haven’t heard of it yet, let me shortly tell you the basic information. We’re in a bit different reality where humans are not the only creatures walking on the earth. The main character is a detective, Daryl Ward (Will Smith), who has an unusual partner. His partner is Nick Jakoby (Joel Edgerton), an Orc. Despite the fact that in the film reality Orcs are nothing new, people still don’t fully accept them. And vice versa. Therefore a human detective working with an orc policeman is not a perfect match. Still, both partners decide to cooperate in order to, as it always is in action films, save the world. Why do I like this film? 2 reasons. The first one is that it presents intolerance from a different perspective. In our world, luckily not that often as before, people with a darker skin colour are seen as those “weird creatures”. In the film, the good and real human is… Will Smith. So I guess you know his skin colour. But since he’s the good one, we need a “new” bad one. Ah, okay, we have Orcs. Ridiculous, right? So for me this film shows that racism may never end. We will keep on searching for new “bad guys” to discriminate and there will always be that stupid fight between us. Am I being depressive now? I’m sorry. But that’s how I read this film. Still, the second reason is that it was supposed to be an action film. And IT IS an action film. Shooting, screaming, running and a bit of drama. That’s what it was supposed to be and that’s what we got. Despite my first reason, look on the BRIGHT side and give it a try.

My rating: 6/10
S.