Full of Feelings: July Movie Picks

 

July is here and I am back with some more movie reviews to share. Thanks for reading and I hope everyone is having a great summer!

The Covenant directed by Guy Ritchie is one of the best films he’s done.  It is absolutely heart-pounding and definitely not just another Afghanistan war movie. The way the story is told from a war veteran perspective and from the other side of an interpreter’s role is gripping, as we see the consequences with every choice made.  

Jake Gyllenhaal and Dar Salim were a perfect match, as they are strong characters. There is so much emotional depth in this film and the ethical and moral conflicts really heighten the already intense nature of the movie. As an audience, we can feel that powerful human connection and that’s not an easy feat to always translate.

Only recently did I actually see Disney’s animated, The Little Mermaid. While I recall in my childhood bits and bobs of the film, it was interesting to see it again from an adult lens. My favourite song was “Kiss the Girl” as it had that tropical reggae and romantic groove. 

Then I saw the 2023 live-action remake.  The high points were Melissa McCarthy’s deliciously evil role as Ursula and the song “The Scuttlebutt” from rapper, Akwafina. I could immediately feel the lyrical vibes of Lin Manuel Miranda in that one.  

Halle Bailey as Ariel though was pretty forgettable, despite a good voice, something about her didn’t spark a lot of interest. Another downside really was the animation, which felt very dark most of the movie without the vibrancy. Then there’s Flounder and Sebastian, yikes... Their expressionless faces made them more lifeless to me instead of lovable characters.  Going for a more realistic look for them just didn’t quite fit.  The dreamy and whimsical romance was lost, maybe due to the script or just the lack of chemistry overall between Ariel and Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King 

While I’m sure there are kids and even adults all over gushing over this version, I felt it was a flop. 

You Hurt My Feelings is a film written and directed by Nicole Holofcener. Are telling lies actual deal breakers in a relationship/marriage or can there be nuances within? The movie explores this idea when book writer, Beth (played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus) is gutted when she overhears a conversation of her husband, Don (Tobia Menzies) and a friend, where he gives harsh criticism of her new book that she has been struggling to finish. All along, draft after draft, Don had been telling her how much he loved it.

Focusing on a very introspective look at relationships from all angles, there’s no grandiose moments here. Everything is very subtle, yet deeply moving. We get to see how childhood experiences have shaped Beth’s perception of herself and the stresses of life that compound feelings of insecurity and vulnerability. Don is also battling his own crises, as a therapist who is failing to connect with his patients and doubting his vitality, as the clock ticks on in life.  It’s messy, but the problems are not unique, they are familiar, which is the real high point of the movie. There is a genuine connection felt with some excellent performances from Tobias Menzies and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.                                                       

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret is directed by Kelly Fremon Craig.

As a fond reader of just about all of Judy Blume’s books, I was really excited to see what they would come up with doing this movie.  Margaret, played by Abby Ryder Fortson, is sweet, sassy, and just a total delight to watch on-screen. She has a contagious energy to her personality and feels so relatable.

Set in the 70’s era, this coming-of-age tale definitely shows the confusion, teenage angst and triumphs of self-discovery and growing up.  There was no shying away from topics either like teen sexuality or skepticism of religious belief, which really added a layer to honour the nature of what can go through adolescent minds when they are figuring out who they are.  There’s plenty of laughter and heartfelt moments too. I love that Rachel McAdams was casted as Margaret’s mom, as she just has that genuine motherly feel to her personality.  I loved this movie and highly recommend seeing it.