Lucy (2014)

Lucy (2014)

6/10

Starring

Scarlett Johansson

Morgan Freeman

Amr Waked

Choi Min-sik

Directed by Luc Besson

I didn’t know this movie was out, I just happened to be a day at the cinema to see what was showing, and I enjoyed it. The idea of this movie is what sells it, although the dramatic way that Lucy [Scarlett Johansson] developed wasn’t as cinematic as I would have hoped. That said, her performance was grand.

Lucy was fun to watch, and it further proves that Morgan Freeman is the best supporting actor you can have by your side.

Directed, written, and edited by Luc Besson, Lucy was shot in Taipei, Paris, and New York. This science fiction action film stars Scarlett Johansson as the title character, Lucy, who develops psychic abilities when her brain capacity grows from using over 10% to 100%.

As a result, Lucy acquires physical and mental capabilities, including telepathy, telekinesis, mental time travel, and the ability to choose not to feel pain. These dramatic changes happen after she’s overdosed by a synthetic drug called CPH4, which bursts in her stomach. The drugs were sewn into her belly when she was captured and forced to participate in drug trafficking.

The movie’s focus then shifts to revenge as Lucy comes down hard—in a high-visual-effects way—on her captors. After breaking free, she goes to the hospital for surgery, then returns for revenge.

The visual effects in this movie are well done, and Lucy has the most impressive visual effects of any Luc Besson film.

Scarlett Johansson’s portrayal of Lucy may not go down in the record books as one of her best, but from the get-go of this movie to the anticlimactic ending, I have to say I was glued. The ending wasn’t as explosive as I would have hoped, especially considering Luc Besson (Taken [2010]) has the ability to deliver. Here, he just allowed the movie to take on a mind of its own, dragging until it felt like the writers lost interest and let it end with a sudden puff.

One thing I’ll give Lucy is that the movie is memorable. The idea leaves a taste in your mouth as you walk out of the cinema. You start to wonder what it would be like to have more use of your cerebral capacity (for those who don’t know, that means your brain). The movie went on to make over $200 million from its $40 million budget.

I may not be looking forward to sitting down and watching Lucy again, but if you haven’t seen it, please do.

The Addams Family (1991)

The Addams Family (1991)

6/10

Starring

Anjelica Huston

Raúl Juliá

Christopher Lloyd

Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld

The Addams Family. I remember watching this movie over and over again when I was younger. I was thrilled by the reverse imagery of the Addams family and wondered what it would be like to live in their world—where torture is fun, and pain precedes laughter. Seeing it again, 23 years later, I can say this movie is a perfect translation of the cartoon series of the same name, but the storyline is dull and might put you to sleep if you’re not hyped on caffeine.

What I admired most were the visuals and cinematography. The way the cinematographer, costume designer, and director blended the dark feel of the characters with their lifestyle creates an atmosphere of a real home, not just a house of weirdoes. The film makes you want to give Barry Sonnenfeld (director) and Owen Roizman (cinematographer) a thumbs-up for their filming mastery.

So, what does The Addams Family have going for it?
Imagery. This movie will capture you with its visuals and concept, so much so that you might almost overlook the dullness of the story (almost). It was also a financial success in 1991.

The Addamses are a satirical inversion of a typical family—eccentric, wealthy, and delighting in the macabre. They don’t seem to care that people find them bizarre. In this theatrical movie, the Addams family is missing one of their own: Uncle Fester (Christopher Lloyd), Gomez’s (Raul Julia) brother. They’re taken by storm when their lawyer, who’s facing financial troubles, shows up with an imposter who looks, thinks, and behaves like Fester. But the question is, could it really be Fester, or is it a fraud?

That’s what you’ll need to watch to find out.

The acting in this movie is a treat for the eyes. I totally enjoyed the late Raul Julia’s portrayal of Gomez Addams—better than Tim Curry’s in Addams Family Reunion. Christina Ricci was also a better Wednesday than the one in Reunion. For me, the cast in this movie was on point.

The Addams Family was awarded Best Horror Film of the Year in 1991 by the Horror Hall of Fame. Anjelica Huston was nominated for the 1991 Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for her performance as Morticia Addams.

Here’s a fun fact: the pinball machine based on the film is the best-selling and highest-produced pinball machine of all time.