Comedy
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
This movie has one of the best chemistry between two characters, Nick Cage and Javi. Seeing them two bond over in the city reminded me of myself and my best friend, Canyon. I loved the part where they are acting and Nick has to let go of Javi and they overdramatize his “death” which is him just falling down a feet from the wall. When me, canyon, and other friends would play online games, we would overdramatize too like saying, “don’t worry man, we are going to get you out of here alive! You are going to go home and see your wife and kids, I promise you!” It’s just a bunch of dudes shouting at their mics while playing a video game together.
I hated the CIA plot line. It stole focus from the best part of the movie, the bromance between Nick and Javi.
I resonated with Nick/Nicholas Cage. In the past decade, he has become a meme for being in many low-budget movies. Regardless of what movie he is in, he always gives it his all no matter what. He fully embraces whatever role he is playing to be the best actor he can be even though the movie isn’t going to pay him a lot or make him popular. I agree. I too believe that regardless of what work I am doing whether it’s me scanning CACs or writing a review, I want to give my 100% effort and make a product that I am proud of.
Another part I appreciated was the alter ego. In this movie, Nick Cage is constantly arguing with his inner self, which is portrayed as a rockstar Nick Cage from the past who is super egotistical. It represents his inner ego and pride as an actor which often gets in the way of his family relationships.
This movie is a blast and a must watch with your friends.
Barbie
So recently, I watched the Barbie movie with my friend, Canyon. After first watching it, I was confused. I am a guy so the entire Ken arc made sense to me. I had difficulty understanding Barbie's story in the movie.
After a while of reading multiple internet posts of what Barbie's story means, I understand the movie better as a whole.
I give this movie a solid 8/10.
As a movie with its story and main ideas, it is perfect. What isn't so perfect is all the extra stuff like Mattel's role in the story or the daughter who is just there to act edgy. If you could remove those two things that serve more as fillers, it would be a 10/10 movie for me.
I loved the introduction scene with the Barbie song ranging from Barbie flying down or eating breakfast with nothing to showcase how absurdly perfect and fictional the barbie world is. I also loved the song scene where the Kens go on an all-out war against one another before adopting peace.
I guess for Barbie, the main lesson I took away was in embracing the imperfections of oneself and of one's world. For Ken, it was about cultivating self-worth based on one's beliefs and not based on one's relationship with others.
