AD ASTRA

Release Date: Malaysia, 19 Sep 2019

Genre: Science Fiction / Drama

Running Length: 2:02

Cast: Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones, Liv Tyler, Donald Sutherland, Ruth Negga

Director: James Gray 

Screenplay: Ethan Gross

"He could only see what was not there and miss what was right in front of him."

AD ASTRA (Latin for "to the stars") isn’t the sort of sci-fi motion picture with action and explosion aka Armageddon, eventhough it has Liv Tyler in this movie. Instead, this movie is in the same vein as The Martian, Gravity and Interstellar where the focus is on the human spirit and relationships. What I really enjoyed about this film is the use of space exploration as a canvas to look inward at the very core of our humanity - what does it mean to live and to love? 

This film spoke to me and probably most men, as our masculinity are pegged with our drive, performance and success in reaching our quest. And if we fail, we are told to "man up". As a result, we are good at compartmentalizing how we feel. Such suppression usually leads to loneliness and being distant in our relationships.

Brad Pitt, fresh off the recent Once Upon A Time in Hollywood turns in another stellar performance. His performances here reminds us that he’s more than a pretty face. He is restrained throughout the entire film (probably because his character's heart rate doesn't go up more than 80 bpm even when he is faced head-on with fight-or-flight situations).

The cinematography and set design captures the vastness of space and just so gorgeous to look at respectively. And the soundtrack complements the film instead of trying to forcefully draw out a certain emotion from the audience.

All in all, it was a meditative and healing experience for me as this film develops at its own pace. At times, it feels personal and intimate as though Brad Pitt was still reeling from his recent split from Angelina Jolie and their children. It feels like we're inside Brad Pitt's brain as we see him close-up in almost every frame and hear him narrating calmly in voice-over throughout the film. A mesmerizing film. 

RATING: 9/10

TV Review: MINDHUNTER (SEASON 2)

Release Date: Now streaming on Netflix (Malaysia)

Genre: Crime / Drama / Thriller

No. of Episodes: 9

Cast: Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv, Albert Jones, Lauren Glazier, Stacey Roca, Michael Cerveris

Series created by: Joe Penhall

When MINDHUNTER first came out almost 2 years ago on Netflix, I was completely captivated by it. It showed the power of dialogue done right. I was genuinely creep out by the interviews between our two FBI protagonist (Groff and McCallany) and the serial killers. This video explained it best. 

So when the second season recently came out, I was stoked. So, is season 2 better than the first one?

But before I give my review, for those who have yet to watch Season 1, here's what this crime series is all about. Set in the late 1970s, two FBI agents are tasked with interviewing serial killers to determine patterns on why they did what they did. By profiling them, such behavioral research will be used to solve open cases.

Season 2 picked up immediately from the ending of Season 1. Some of the infamous serial murderers who appeared in this season include: Son of Sam, Charles Manson, Tex Watson, Paul "Bag Murderer" Bateson, BTK and Wayne Williams.

I found this season not as gripping as Season 1. Perhaps I was expecting more of those chilling interviews to understand deeper what was going on in the minds of the criminals. But this season instead chose to tackle an ongoing case, the politics and bureaucracy of the justice system and the personal drama of some of the characters.

If there is one thing I learned about a profile pattern from this season is the need to control. Also, this season competently explores the question of, "Are serial killers born or made?" through a family tragedy.

All in all, I'm still invested in this series and I can't wait for Season 3!

RATING: 7.5/10

PARASITE

Release Date: Malaysia, 15 Aug 2019

Genre: Thriller / Drama

Running Length: 2:12

Cast: Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-Kyun, Jo Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-Shik, Park So-Dam, Lee Jeong-eun
Director: Bong Joon-Ho
Screenplay: Jin Won-Han, Bong Joon-Ho

PARASITE, the latest from Bong Joon-Ho (The Host, Snowpiercer, Okja) tells the tale of a lower-class unemployed family of four. Luck (or some may argue bad luck) came upon them when they chanced upon a glamorous higher-class family of four and in no time, their lives get entangled in the most unexpected way. 

Bong Joon-Ho has crafted a rare and bizarre movie but yet it's very accessible and believable to audiences worldwide. Parasite is a multi-genre movie where it has elements of dark comedy, drama and thriller. And somehow it works. 

The performances are on point. What I do like are the restrained set pieces and how the cinematographer is able to bring out the best with the limitations. The spaces where the poor lives feels really claustrophobic and "smelly" while the rich; spacious and clean. 

Just like Okja, if there is one thing which I felt was a tad too heavy-handed is its social commentary. Also, the length of the movie especially the middle portion could have benefited if it was trimmed down a little. 

RATING: 8/10