Tuesday 18 February 2020

THE CALL OF THE WILD

Recommended. The opening credits are accompanied by the sound of chopping wood, announcing the biggest star - Harrison Ford as one of Buck's owners, but the first sequence of the movie comprises of hilarious exploits of the dog in a southern villa and garden. Buck is digitally antropomorphised Scooby-Doo way. Other dogs, wolves and caribous are clearly CGI-enhanced since they resemble "The Lion King". Scenes under the northern lights, the black wolf figure and a town venue called "The Argonaut" give the film mythical and fairy-tale-like characteristics. While I loved it as an adult, it appears suitable for children as well. It's almost a comedy, though the film keeps in tension and has a few deeply moving moments. The plot is presented mostly through the dog's eyes - not in the camerawork but in the storytelling. In the town, "Teeth pulling" is advertised. I laughed a lot and I cried on a few occasions too but the most moving situation ends with humour as well. Cara Gee, Omar Sy and Harrison Ford are excellent in their roles. Credible locations: British Columbia, Yukon and California do the magic too. And last but not least, I kept replaying the matching, gentle western music in my head after leaving the cinema.

HARLEY QUINN: BIRDS OF PREY

Recommended. I loved every bit of it. Is it even possible not to adore Harley Quinn? The soundtrack is perfect. Margot Robbie deserves an Oscar. Ewan McGregor gives a top performance as well. But the best are the set decor, all of Harley Quinn's look and the script, especially the main protagonist's narrative. It's punk, deranged and... fabulous. The reenactment of "Diamonds are a girl's best friend" Harley-style is fantastic. The post-credit is puzzling because you hear her say: "Did you know that Batman...?" and it gets cut-off.

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