Movie reviews

ETERNALS IMAX 3D 

Watchable. The protagonists have names referring to Greek, Roman, Babylonian myths, Sumerian or Celtic history and European folk tales. The actors speak English in a variety of accents. There's even a Bollywood dance scene and Indian actor Harish Patel embodies a Bollywood director. Still, few actors are as annoying as Kumail Nanjiani - who barely makes a few moves, clearly not knowing how to dance, or as wooden and mumbling as Barry Keoghan in this film. Angelina Jolie is as stiff as if she suffered from a chronic backache. And the whole thing is cut so randomly you don't know the actual order of events. The music's bombastic. Still, if you need to see it, Imax is your best bet. The Imax-worthy bits include: London Natural History Museum in 3D - you feel as if you were really there, London's Camden Lock area, Eternals' celestial adobe and spacecraft, Babylonia, Sumer - both wonderfully enacted, with the Ishtar Gate or the Hanging Gardens, just like we learn from ancient artifacts and history books. 3D is not necessary, only some scenes have it and it's generally mediocre. Sadly, all the awe-inspiring visuals are put into the first half. You can take a nap during the second half which sees interchangeably: inflated arguments, fights against the monsters or each other, arguments, fights etc. Unbearably epic. The mid- and post-credit scenes are both quite promising sequel-wise.

BEFORE YOU MARVEL AT ETERNALS

Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe have long been accustomed to characters derived from Norse mythology, like Thor, Odin or Loki. The latest Marvel’s release, however, expands the superhero universe incorporating protagonists heavily inspired by myths and legends from other regions of the world.The below characteristic of Eternals, Deviants and Celestials traces their cultural origins only and is therefore spoiler-free even if you aren’t familiar with the comic books:

Thena is derived from Athena, Ikaris from Icarus, Sersi from Circe, Ajak from Ajax, Kro from Cronus, Phastos from Hephaestus - all of those, just like Eros, appear in classical Greek myths.

• Athena possessed boundless knowledge and was a fierce combatant as the goddess of wisdom and warfare.

• Icarus was the man who flew too close to the sun hence melting his wax-coated wings.

• Sorceress Circe could change others into animals.

• Ajax was a human renowned for strength and bravery, an intrepid and swift warrior.

• Cronus personified time and belonged to immortals – obviously.

• Hephaestus mastered iron hence would forge weapons and shields.

• Eros was the god of love and fertility.

Makkari stands for Mercury from Roman mythology. Mercury was the god of tradesmen, intermediaries, but also of thieves. He often showed his cheeky face playing pranks on others. On the other hand, he bridged the world of gods and humans and often served as a mediator. In arts he’s traditionally presented with wings attached to his shoes. The guy definitely thought on his feet.

Kingo can be decoded as Kingu and Tiamut as Tiamat. Both come from Babylonian mythology.

• Kingu wore the Tablet of Destinies which gave him immense power. When he was killed, his blood was used to create humans.

• Tiamat embodied primordial nothingness but also gave birth to the first generation of deities.

Druig can be deciphered as Druid. Druids were actual Celtic priests and were closely connected to nature and familiar with healing properties of various plants.

Sprite hails from European folk tradition where sprites were elves or fairies and often acted childishly.

Gilgamesh is simply Gilgamesh and harks back to Sumerian history. Most likely he was a king who was posthumously deified. Ancient poem “The Epic of Gilgamesh” depicts him as part mortal part divine. He quests for immortality but fails to obtain it. Remarkably, after his friend’s death, he questions the meaning of life and the value of human accomplihment in the face of ultimate extinction. Yet he becomes immortalised in the poem.

Bearing in mind who was who helps you guess the attributes and superpowers of Marvel’s new cinematic protagonists. Are they what you expected them to be?

HER DOCS FILM FESTIVAL

TWO MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT

Watchable. Masterfully acted, with a number of sharp lines about toxic masculinity. Also, all the actresses are made to look beautiful, whether young or old and regardless of race. Impressively shot: both the Peace Room and the black and white insertions. The plot comes with a few smart twists of action. The discussion is thought-provoking, multi-angle. Sadly no solution to the issues is offered. But that, again, necessitates a question: are we doomed?

LOVEMOBIL

Recommended. Prostitution inside out. If you've ever wondered what a hooker's life looks like, this is their daily reality. The documentary tells about their clients, the job - so hard, often unpleasant and dangerous it's unbelievable anyone wants to do it. What you hear scares you off men. The story of the three women shows their past, present and likely future. Or a lack of thereof.