Tag Archives: Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn (Movie Review)

Posted on by
Reply

Title: Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn (2020)

Director: Cathy Yan

Screenplay Writer: Christina Hodson, Paul Dini, and Bruce Timm

Stars: Margot Robbie, Rosie Perez, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Ewan McGregor, and Ella Jay Basco

Genre(s): Action | Adventure | Crime | Runtime: 1 hour 49 minutes | Rating: R

IMDB STORY LINE:

A twisted tale told by Harley Quinn herself, when Gotham’s most nefariously narcissistic villain, Roman Sionis, and his zealous right-hand, Zsasz, put a target on a young girl named Cass, the city is turned upside down looking for her. Harley, Huntress, Black Canary and Renee Montoya’s paths collide, and the unlikely foursome have no choice but to team up to take Roman down.

Now let’s talk about the movie… That’s why we are here, right?

SHOW RATING OVERVIEW ★★★★★ (4 Stars)
Writing/Story: ★★★★  |  Cinematography:  ★★★★ Character(s)/Acting: ★★★★

Writing/Story: ★★★★

I’m not a comic reader, so I can’t speak to the accuracy of the character’s story/timeline, but I did like this story. I thought the character of Harley Quinn, which I had not been introduced to before was very interesting. I thought that the script really was successful at giving her a complete backstory with clear intent as to why she does the things she does and why she will continue to be the criminal she is.

Cinematography ★★★★

There were some great camera shots, especially in the beginning of the film when Harley is running from everyone who now wants her dead. I think the cinematography during that scene as well as the fight scene in the fun house was particularly well done.

Character(s)/Acting: ★★★★

FUN! FUN! FUN! The lead actresses in this film seemed like they were having the time of their lives. They dove into their roles, head first, and didn’t look back. I thought they all did a great job brining live to these over the top, comic book characters.

FUN FACTS:

* Jurnee Smollett-Bell does all of her own singing in the film.
* When Harley Quinn is leaving the police precinct she points to a wanted poster and says, "Hey, I know that guy!". The wanted poster is that of Captain Boomerang with whom she worked with in Suicide Squad (2016).
* The egg sandwich that is made for Harley Quinn is not made with chicken eggs, but instead with duck eggs because Margot Robbie is allergic to chicken egg white (she gets migraines from them).

MY FAVORITE QUOTE:

“You know what they say: behind every successful man is a badass broad.” ~ Harley Quinn

TO SUM IT UP:

I definatly think Birds of Prey is worth seeing. Especially now, when we are all pretty much locked in our houses trying to avoid COVID-19. So, renting it online, pop some popcorn, and enjoy a night in!

Have you seen Birds of Prey yet? If so, let me know your thoughts in the comments below. If not, like I always say, I highly recommend seeing it for yourself and forming your own opinion.

Gemini Man ~ Movie Review

Posted on by
Reply

Title: Gemini Man (2019)

Director: Ang Lee

Screenplay Writer: David Benioff, Billy Ray, & Darren Lemke

Stars: Will Smith, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Clive Owen, and Benedict Wong

Genre(s): Action | Drama | Sci-Fi

Runtime: 1 hour 57 minutes | Rating: PG-13

IMDB STORY LINE:

A retiring assassin, Henry Brogan, finds himself pursued by a mysterious killer that can predict his every move. Discovering that he’s being hunted by a younger clone of himself, Henry needs to find out why he’s being targeted and who the creator is. ~ Written by Bixy Gello

Now let’s talk about the movie… That’s why we are here, right?

SHOW RATING OVERVIEW ★★★★★ (4.75 Stars)
Writing/Story: ★★★★★ | Cinematography:  ★★★★★ | Character(s)/Acting: ★★★★★ | CG: ★★★★

Writing/Story: ★★★★★

I loved this story. The whole concept of the assassin, created as a clone, sent to kill the man he was created after. WOW! The script was fantastic, fun, and just packed with action. There were just enough twists and turns to keep me on the edge of my seat. I loved it!

Cinematography ★★★★★

With all the action shots, this one could have tanked, but it was great. There were some beautiful shots, but that isn’t really what you watch a movie like this for. For me, it was all about the action and the fight sequences and the camera work in these scenes was magically. As a viewer, you really feel like you’re right there in the thick of it.

Character(s)/Acting: ★★★★★

This film features an amazing cast. With Will Smith, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Clive Owen, and Benedict Wong… WOW! They were all fantastic. I loved every second and was sucked in from the very beginning. Usually, when I watch super stars like Will Smith, my mind wanders and I think about other roles they’ve played. Not with this film. Will Smith instantly became Henry Brogan and there was no looking back.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead was perfect as Danny. She was completely natural as the touch girl but also had a very appealing innocence to her. I thought she did a great job and the subtle chemistry between her character and Will Smith’s character was charming.

Computer Graphics (CG): ★★★★

Sure, you can tell the Will Smith clone is CG… of course he is, Will Smith can’t be two different ages at the same time. However, I think they did a fantastic job of making him look as real as possible. As with all CG characters, I find the mouths never are quite natural, but it didn’t distract from the film at all.

FUN FACTS:

* The original script was written for Clint Eastwood.
* Johnny Depp turned down the film in 2012.
* From 2003 to 2010 Nicolas Cage was attached to this project, but he convinced Jerry Bruckheimer to work on The Sorcerer's Apprentice instead.

MY FAVORITE QUOTES:

“You can tell me now or you can tell me in five minutes without all your teeth.” ~ Danny Zakarweski

TO SUM IT UP:

WATCH THIS FILM!!! Seriously, if you haven’t seen Gemini Man, I highly recommend it, but don’t take my word for it, see it for yourself and form you own opinion.

Have you seen Gemini Man yet? If so, let me know your thoughts in the comments below.