Talking Movies: Blind Ambition, In the Heights and Ghostbusters: Afterlife
Spling reviews Blind Ambition, In the Heights and Ghostbusters: Afterlife as broadcast on Talking Movies, Fine Music Radio. Listen to podcast.
TRANSCRIPT
Good morning – welcome to Talking Movies, I’m Spling…
This week, we’re talking about a documentary, a coming-of-age musical drama romance and a sci-fi fantasy comedy adventure.
Starting off with a film now on circuit…
BLIND AMBITION
Four Zimbabwean men prepare to represent their country for the first time at the World Blind Wine Tasting Championships.
Writer-Directors: Robert Coe and Warwick Ross
– This is Joseph, Marlvin, Tinashe and Pardon’s stirring and entertaining tale of triumph, conquering hardships only to summon their God-given talent for wine tasting.
– Armed with an uplifting story, charming characters and an unlikely dream team, Blind Ambition seems destined to become the backbone or inspiration for its own Cool Runnings type movie.
– The documentary’s similarities with Cool Runnings predestine its narrative and provide a framework for the story as momentum gathers in the build up to the big contest.
– On the surface, this familiar underdog tale gives the film get-go to maintain its entertainment value, offering audiences enough formula to invest in the characters, get behind the team and cheer them over the finish line.
– This timely documentary offers a window into the immigrant’s journey entering another land in the spirit of unhu or ubuntu in this case.
– Blind Ambition’s primary aim is to entertain, inform and uplift with its infectious optimism by showing just how far these contenders have come.
– Taking over John Candy’s role as coach is the eccentric Garret, a former world blind wine-tasting champion, self-confessed loose canon and an absolute oddball whose interjection adds offbeat humour and tense drama as he comes to encompass the best and worst of France.
– Blind Ambition works wonders, keeping its upbeat spirit, good pacing and emotional resonance, a joy whether you consider yourself a wine aficionado or have never touched the stuff in your life.
It did just enough to get… an excellent 8 on the splingometer!
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Moving on to a film now on Showmax…
IN THE HEIGHTS
Usnavi and his New York community imagine and sing about a better life.
Director: Jon M. Chu
Stars: Anthony Ramos, Melissa Barrera and Leslie Grace
– In the Heights is a colourful, joyful and heartfelt musical drama about the predominantly Dominican suburb of Washington Heights in New York.
– Based on the Lin-Manuel Miranda Broadway stage play of the same name, the film takes on more heft in the wake of the Trump’s administration’s controversial policy around immigration.
– In the Heights may have a political undercurrent but its pure optimism, deep-rooted heritage and community spirit keep it hopeful and in the pursuit of happiness, fixed on the ideals of the American Dream.
– Chu’s experience and directorial talent for fresh and celebratory dance musicals translates into a film of Disney exuberance – rich in culture, diversity and storytelling with upbeat latin pop and love ballads.
– Led by a rising star in Ramos who starred in the actual Broadway production, as well as Hamilton, his unassuming charm and singing talent go far creating some magnetic chemistry opposite a sassy Barrera.
– Struggling with blackouts, heatwaves, racism, crime and making a dime, the film’s feel good vitality and camaraderie power a timely message about surviving and thriving.
– While there’s plenty of excitement, energy and emotion, the loose storytelling does come across as a bit unfocussed and scattershot, often putting style over substance.
– Still, while there’s plenty of hype – it’s reinforced by a broad cast, firm direction, a can-do attitude and plenty of pride.
A solid 7 on the splingometer!
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And finally a film on Showmax…
GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE
A family discover a secret legacy left behind by their grandfather.
Director: Jason Reitman
Stars: Carrie Coon, Paul Rudd and Finn Wolfhard
– Ghostbusters: Afterlife takes place decades after the events of the Ghostbusters II sequel based on a script penned by Dan Aykroyd.
– Serving as a reboot and a tribute, this entertaining romp powers up the magic for a new generation and honours late Ghostbuster, Harold Ramis.
– The sequel leans on a sharp young cast including Stranger Things’s Finn Wolfhard, Gifted’s McKenna Grace and introducing the delightful Logan Kim.
– Passing on the torch from an estranged and reclusive Egon Spengler to his grandchildren, Afterlife captures the buzz of sci-fi fantasy fun and elegantly transplants it into a comedy adventure akin to Super 8.
– Appealing to all ages, Ghostbusters: Afterlife recalls Harry Potter at times with Grace’s round spectacles and proton blasts as the kids stumble onto a ghost trap and the Ectomobile.
– A series format like Smallville could have expanded on the rediscovery but this adventure is best in its build up as artefacts and the art of ghostbusting are excavated from the past.
– This kind of comedy is second nature to Paul Rudd whose star power and presence is welcome opposite a well-matched Carrie Coon.
– While full tilt entertaining, the sci-fi fantasy does become supersized and unwieldy in true Ghostbusters fashion as a slightly awkward yet touching tribute unwinds.
– While not quite as silly, Ghostbusters: Afterlife makes an excellent argument for a reboot and next generation series.
A satisfactory 6 on the splingometer!
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So just to wrap up…
BLIND AMBITION… an uplifting true story and charming subjects power this thoughtful and stirring Cool Runnings type documentary… An excellent 8!
IN THE HEIGHTS… exuberant performances, lively songs, sleek choreography and assured direction elevate this joyful musical… A solid 7!
GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE… a next generation cast power this proton blast of entertaining and nostalgic Ghostbuster fun… A satisfactory 6!
For more movie reviews and previous Talking Movies podcasts visit splingmovies.com.
And remember, Don’t WING it, SPL!NG it!
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