“Mothers’ Instinct”, a thrilling drama, centres on a clash between two 1960s housewives, earns 3/5 stars. Directed by Benoît Delhomme, it stars Jessica Chastain and Anne Hathaway, whose performances are astonishingly commendable. The rivalry between them intensifies after a devastating incident. Jessica Chastain’s covert exploration of her adversary’s basement in a powder-blue flower-patterned jumpsuit is simply stunning. Even though it had the ingredients to be a standout film, if helmed by Todd Haynes, it failed to achieve that status. The extent of irony incorporated in the movie remains debatable.
Next up is “The Beautiful Game”, a quite light-hearted yet persistent sports narrative set during the commendable event, the Homeless World Cup. Receiving 3 out of 5 stars, it was directed by Thea Sharrock and starred Bill Nighy, a former West Ham officer who coached the English team. The plot advances when Nighy discovers an exceptional player (Ward) and recruits him to transform their scoring capabilities. Soon, they’re off to Rome for the finals. As much as it appears to promote the Homeless World Cup, it also deliveries an enjoyable drama. The appealing views, swift 4-a-side activity, and engrossing soundtrack enhance its charm.
Lastly, “Kung Fu Panda 4”, directed by Mike Mitchell and Stephanie Stine, gets 3/5. The voices in the film are provided by celebrities like Jack Black, Awkwafina, Bryan Cranston, James Hong, Ian McShane, Ke Huy Quan, Dustin Hoffman, and Viola Davis. This 94-minute release is under a PG certificate.
As the eagerly awaited fourth instalment of the animated martial arts film series unfurls, a perpetually vexed Master Shifu (Hoffman) advises the indefatigable bear, voiced by Black, to start mentoring his successor. Po is however disinclined to adopt a protégé or step up to the role of Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, a position that sounds bureaucratically-heavy. The writing may be sparse, yet it doesn’t diminish the pure pleasure of the film. Even a subpar Kung Fu Panda movie still outdoes a vast number of typical animated films. Exploring fresh territories such as Juniper City and the illegal underbelly underneath its vibrant streets is enjoyable, though there’s a slight decrease in the ‘skadoosh’. Full review to follow.
Disco Boy ★★★★☆
Directed by Giacomo Abbruzzese. Featuring Franz Rogowski, Morr Ndiaye, Laetitia Ky. Limited showing, 92 mins
Following his memorable performances in Undine and Great Freedom, one could naturally assume they’ve seen Rogowski at his most tormented. Think again. In Abbruzzese’s dazzling first film, the chameleonic German actor portrays Aleksei, a young Belarusian who embarks on a hazardous journey through Europe to join the Foreign Legion. The idea of soldier and dancer having similar body control was the initial inspiration for writer-director Abbruzzese, which his incredibly creative and painstakingly drafted screenplay has expanded into the most psychedelic dance film vision. The dramatic choreography pays homage to Freudian theories on controlled limbs. Full review pending.