Wonder Woman (Movie)

Wonder Woman - copyright: DC Comics (characters and original stories), DC Films (movie) and Warner Bros. Pictures (publisher)

Determining whether or not a movie is good is a difficult task. Besides many technical aspects, the personal opinion is always a key factor. That is why professional movie reviewers must (at least theoretically) ignore their own preferences and evaluate the film by itself. Obviously enough, the public opinion may under or overestimate movies using only personal convictions or personal tastes. Even specialized sites grades may be influenced sometimes.

One of the most recent movies that falls in this category of “exaggerated evaluations” is Wonder Woman, which is also the present review subject. As I just write about things that I like, do not expect a bad review here. On the other hand, I must be loyal to my opinion about fair reviews. Actually, that why I have written this text: to expose (or try) a neutral evaluation of a great movie, that is so full of exaggerated evaluations in the internet. The review summary? Wonder Woman is not near perfection, but it is far from catastrophe.

There is many wonders in Wonder Woman

Released in June 2017, Wonder Woman is the movie about the homonymous super heroine from the DC comic’s universe. Along the years, her origin was reinvented many times, which may create some confusion about his story. However, the main facts never change, both in the comics and in the movie. Diana was raised among the Amazons like a gift from the Greek gods. The Amazons were a group of women living at a mystically hidden island, aside from the rest of the planet. They received the gift of eternal youth, and should be always ready to defend the world when needed. One day, an American soldier called Steve Trevor lands in the island, running from Germans. After discovering the Great War in the patriarchal world, Diana decided to help the allies, being named Wonder Woman by the media in her first appearance.

George Perez's Wonder Woman stories lent some ideas for the movie 

The movie was able to show this origin well, and develop a great plot in general. Considering the different changes in the character story over the years, the movie has some of the greatest elements from Wonder Woman’s universe. For example, the spirited Etta Candy (played by Lucy Davis), one of the first Diana’s friends in the patriarchal world, originally appeared in the year 1942 comics. Another great moment, without telling any spoiler, is a major plot twist that is based in the modern Wonder Woman comics from the New 52 series.

Etta (left) and Diana (center) buying some "patriarchal" women clothes

Wonder Woman has great abilities, even for an amazon, being very fast, skilled and strong.  The action scenes were well designed and performed in general, for both hand to hand combats and war zones shootouts. Wonder Woman is a complex character by essence: she is naturally charming and lovely, a person who hates to hurt other people; on the other hand, Diana is a true warrior, and has no hesitation in starting a fight to defend the justice.

Gal Gadot is really the Wonder Woman

The actress Gal Gadot played a very convincing Wonder Woman, being capable of showing these two conflicting sides of the character. Besides Wonder Woman, the other characters are great, especially Steve Trevor (played by Chris Pine). They really look like a couple, just like in the comics. Trevor is like Diana: kind and fair, but also brave and merciless when necessary.

Pine and Gadot make a lovely couple

I just talked about the good aspects until now. Therefore, the movie is not perfect, even if many people and sites consider it “the best super hero movie of all time” or “a flawless adaptation of a great comic’s story”. I respectfully disagree on these evaluations, as they are strongly motivated by the “strong woman protagonist” and/or the “first good DC Extended Universe movie” effects.

For me, there are three main cons in Wonder Woman. The first are the Amazons fighting scenes, or the “dancing” scenes, as some called. I expected some unusual fighting style from an ancient isolated country, but their movements were just weird, like an exotic ballet. In the second place there is the CG (computer graphics). Sometimes, the special effects are really poor, as the movie was a low cost production. Besides that, some scenes, as the main villain battle, could be more physical, with real interaction between the characters.

The third con is the movie plot in general, full of different mistakes. For example, some parts of the movie, as Diana’s childhood, for example, are excessively long. Another problem is that she is, at the same time, naive and wise, which may be confusing in some scenes. Finally, the movie ending was completely obvious and frustrating. Even if you are expecting that final, I believe that the story could be more creative and deliver some (good) surprise in the end. There are some other minor problems, as the contradiction between Wonder Woman’ speech (she hates violence and loves peace) and her actions (she fights and kills her enemies). Although she always had this dual nature, the movie was not to balance them properly.

The Amazon island Themyscira: some of its scenes could be better paced

Wonder Woman is a respectable movie. It is really a difficult one to review, and probably that why it has so many different (and extreme) opinions. It has a lot of action, a decent adventure, some good jokes and a competent cast. Gal Gadot really is “Wonder Woman”, and I believe that she can become a better one after the feedback received from the public and with a better movie script. The plot has some holes, some scenes were confusingly filmed and the CG may be a bit lackey sometimes, but it is nothing that compromises the entire movie. If you are looking for a good movie, and not a cinema master piece, Wonder Woman is a great choice.

The Mummy (Movie)

The Mummy (1999) - copyrights: Universal Studios

When you want to see a good movie, which elements you want to find? Action? Adventure? Comedy? Or maybe a bit of mystery and thrilling? For me, the best movies unite all these elements (and sometimes some more) in one good story played by great characters. One example of this type of movie, and one of my favorites, is called The Mummy.

The Mummy, released in 1999, is an epic motion picture. Full of Egyptian references, it is a great combination of action and adventure with refined humor and thrilling moments. Besides the interesting story, The Mummy has charismatic characters, a very good soundtrack, and an amazing Egyptian atmosphere full of mystery and magic.

The Mummy - Theatrical release poster

 Starting in the ancient Egypt, 1290 BC, the movie shows the story of the main antagonist: Imhotep (played by Arnold Vosloo), a high priest of Pharaoh Seti I. When the Pharaoh finds out that the priest had a love affair with his mistress Anck-su-Namun, the couple kills Seti I. Before being captured, the mistress committed suicide, in order to allow Imhotep performs her resurrection in Hamunaptra, the city of the dead. However, the priest ritual is stopped by the Medjai, the Pharaoh bodyguards.

Due to his serious crimes, Imhotep is sentenced to death through the Hom Dai, the worst Egyptian curse. It consists of being mummified alive and buried in a sarcophagus full of flesh-eating scarab beetles. The Medjai would always watch over the coffin, because if the priest was released, he would bring destruction to the world. Obviously, we all know that the mummy will be released (and defeated) in some moment. Leaving it aside, the gorgeous visual effects and the good narrative are able to introduce the public to the ancient Egypt “universe”.

The desert footage are beautiful, both in the "past" or the in "present" scenes

This little story is told in the beginning of the film. Right after this introduction, we return to the “present”, first in 1923 and then in 1926, where we meet the main protagonist: Rick O’Connel (brilliantly played by Brendan Fraser), an American that already visited the ruins of Hamunaptra, during his fights for the French Foreign Legion. O’Connel makes a deal with Evelyn Carnahan (charmingly played by Rachel Weisz), an Egyptologist eager to find more about the city of the dead. Together with her party, also composed by her brother Jonathan (played by John Hannah), they head to Hamunaptra guided by the American.

Rick, Evelyn and Jonathan in exploration

After having a competition with another group of explorers, also trying to find the lost city, they (obviously) release the priest mummy. Imhotep, released from the Egyptian curse, acquired many supernatural powers, and must be stopped at any cost by O’Connel, the Carnahan’s and the Medjai, who now aims to protect the entire world. Although the plot is sometimes predictable, the story flows nicely, with a good mix of funny and exciting moments. I am a fan of Egyptian culture, and it is amazing to see hieroglyphs, pyramids chambers and all sort of ancient materials and locations.

There are many treasures in Hamunaptra (if you ignore the mummies...)

One of the movie highlights, besides the good story, is the interaction between the characters. Rick and Evelyn “Evie” form an interesting couple: he as a man of action and reason, and she is an impulsive, yet intelligent woman. It is funny to see then argue about what to do next, or when they try to show up the interest in each other. Jonathan is the comical relief of the movie, creating instant jokes with all the cast. Vosloo is also very competent, playing the arrogant and scary mummy. Actually, sometimes, it is even possible to sympathize a bit with Imhotep, as his major objective is to revive his lover (although he wants to destroy the world in the process...)

Imhotep, before he fully recovered his body

On the other hand, one of The Mummy problems is the extent of Imhotep supernatural powers. In one moment, he creates a gigantic sandstorm, but in other, he is not able to defeat a single man in direct combat. When you realize this fact, some scenes may look weird. Another possible con is the fast pace action. The Mummy runs fast in some moments, which requires extra attention to not lose anything. Probably, it is because the movie has many things to show.

Even so, these many things are what make The Mummy a special movie. The well-planned jokes, the action scenes such as the airplane chase and the ship shooting, the exploration of ancient tombs and ruins, and the amazing desert footage are examples of great moments of the movie. It has some minor problems, but one fact prevails: the fun is everywhere, disguised in many different forms.

The airplane chase by the "mummy sandstorm" is fantastic

The Mummy is an enjoyable movie, combining action, comedy and horror in a great story through the ancient Egypt mysteries. Even if some of the “historical facts” are fictional, you could bet that everything really happened, thanks to the competent plot, visual effects and beautiful locations. The story is exciting, and the cast fitted like a glove in all the characters. Never a mummy movie was so funny and scary, with an almost perfect balance of these so different genres.

Back to the Future (Movie)

Back to the Future: registered trademark and copyright of Universal City Studios, Inc. and U-Drive Joint Venture

Every good movie needs a good script, providing a long and well-paved road, where it can drive the characters and tell the story. "Roads? Where we’re going we don’t need…roads", would say Doc Brown with property. After all, this movie didn’t follow a normally paved road: he created new standards, ideas, and concepts, changing the way of filming for all the future (literally).

(This gif doesn't need a legend: it speaks for itself)

With its absolutely unique and fantastic touch, Back to the Future will be forever an epic of world cinema. It is difficult to explain the reasons why this movie is so charming. Or maybe it's not so hard to explain, but hard to number all these reasons. Anyway, the most determining factor is the story: funny, immersive and unforgettable. The premise of the film is relatively simple (with a little bit of imagination): What would happen if you, a teenager, returned to the past, and then met your younger parents at the same age as you?

And if, in addition, all occurred in the same time when they met and fell in love? These are questions that fit almost everyone, who, sometime, got curious about the patents past. Do you know if they were correct or troublemakers? Or if you father were shy and your mother outgoing? To allow this central idea to work during the movie, another concept was proposed.

Discover the changes in the movie city of Hill Valley is also amazing

The possibility of time travel, carried out by car DeLorean model DMC-12. With it, the return to the past became possible, leading the protagonist to meet his parents in 1955, thirty years before the current date. And speaking of the protagonist, the character Marty McFly (played brilliantly by Michael J. Fox) is a classic teenage stereotype, which appeared in the 80’s. Outgoing, cheerful, seeking for success using his talents. It was a generation that began there, and continued until nowadays, making the character so believable and familiar.

DeLorean: you want one, don't you?

In a role almost as important as McFly is his friend Emmett "Doc" Brown (played by Christopher Lloyd in another brilliant interpretation). I believe that we could never find a better “crazy scientist” than Lloyd. Serving as a counselor and companion, the Doctor is a contrast to the young character, adding the tone of seriousness and science to the film, and, sometimes, also providing great laugh moments.

Doc and Marty make a great pair of time travelers

The movie plot focus on two main situations: first, Marty must deal with his parents, and understand their loving relationship; second, but also very important, the time traveler have to find, alongside with Doc, a manner to return to his own time, as the DeLorean has some problems in return home. These two problems end directly related as the movie advances, leading Marty to make important (and funny) decisions to set everything alright.

The clock tower scene is a classical among classical

Inclusive, the movie is able to deliver very different feelings to tell the story, cleverly alternating funny and serious moments. This relation catches your attention, never letting the movie get boring. Join it with great actors, (few, but) well-made special effects, and an engaging soundtrack, and the story turns one of the funniest of all time.

DeLorean going to time travel: great special effects

Besides Marty and Doc, there are other great actors in the movie. The movie antagonist, Biff Tannen, played by Thomas F. Wilson, is a character that we all love to hate. The actor really did a very good job, playing a classical school bully that is always mocking with everybody. Marty’s parents, George and Lorraine, are played by Crispin Glover and Lea Thompson, respectively. Both present a very competent and funny work, especially when played with Michael J. Fox.

Back to the Future had a box office of $383 million, being a complete commercial release in 1985, as the movie cost $19 million. Despite the success, the movie had some problems during the filming. Probably, the most significant is the protagonist change. Despite being the initial choice, Michael J. Fox was not able to play the role due to his participation in the television series Family Ties. So, Eric Stoltz was chosen to plat the main role.

It's difficult to imagine a scene without Lloyd and Fox

However, as the movie advanced, the producer Robert Zemeckis determined that Stoltz should leave the production. He believed that the actor was not meant for the film humor, and again returned to Michael. In a special agreement with the television series, the young actor recorded “Back to the Future” in the “free times”. Nowadays, it’s very difficult to imagine Marty McFly played by a different actor.

And talking about Zemeckis, it’s necessary to remember some others producers of “Back to the Future”. Bob Gale, along with Robert Zemeckis, is the writer of the story, and probably the higher authority when we talk about the movie universe. Steven Spielberg and Frank Marshall worked as executive producers, and Alan Silvestri was responsible of the movie music.

Neil Canton, Bob Gale, Christopher Lloyd, Robert Zemeckis and Michael J. Fox

Yes, the music of Back to the Future is a special part of the movie. Certainly, the soundtrack is one of the most remembered things of the story: all the best scenes are supported by amazing songs, specially the instrumental ones. The Outatime Orchestra is the responsible for the movie classical music, a team with 98 members, headed by Alan Silvestri. The time travel scenes would not be the same if the orchestral music wasn’t there. Of course, we cannot forget the Huey Lewis with “Back in Time”, and “Johnny B. Goode”, by the Starlighters.

Marty playing the electric guitar in the past

The movie final leave us wanting for more, but, at the same time, shows the correct message: the adventure never ends. Of course, you probably know that this movie has two sequences, but the first Back to the Future will always be the better one, where (or when) the franchise universe started and became famous around the world.

We always want to go back for more adventure!

You will find everything that an epic movie needs in the “Back to the Future”: fascinating story, remarkable soundtrack, excellent actors, a solid plot, and, the most important thing, a lot of fun. Join Marty and Doc in the best time travel movie ever, and one of the best motion pictures of all time, now and in the future (with or without flying Deloreans).