Review: The Burnt Orange Heresy

Release date: March 6, 2020
Running time: 99 minutes
Starring: Elizabeth Debicki, Claes Bang, Donald Sutherland, and Mick Jagger

In The Burnt Orange Heresy, art critic James (Bang) befriends a mysterious stranger Berenice (Debicki), at one of his art classes.  The two begin a fling, that quickly leads to James inviting her to spend some time at the house of Joseph Cassidy (Jagger), a rich art dealer that has asked James to meet with him.  However, James soon learns that an elusive painter is also residing on the property, and that Joe's invitation might have come with an ulterior motive. 

I really wanted to like this movie.  The trailer makes this seem like a great caper involving a clever critic and a grand scheme.  And this movie starts off very well.  The performances are all wonderful, with Claes Bang and Donald Sutherland being especially enjoyable.  Bang is wonderful at the start as a smooth talking art critic who is a little too good at his job and a little too full of himself.  The opening sequence is a really enjoyable piece of storytelling and sets the stage for what should have been a really good film.  Debicki also does a great job as an elusive tourist who is simultaneously genuine with those she meets while keeping some part of her hidden.  And Sutherland as the elusive artist is wonderful; he wanes lyrically often and has a fantastic persona that is infectious to watch.  And the writing is very good with a lot of interesting and engaging dialog between the various characters.

However, this film is ultimately derailed by its story.  The movie takes a very long time to get to the main dilemma, and then goes off the rails towards the end.  I am fine with movies that change genres partway through or that have sudden turns, but this one spiraled down pretty quickly and ridiculously.  There is an insane twist that occurs before the final third, that changes the tenor of the entire film.  And this leads to an unfulfilling ending for a film that could have been so much more.  To the film's credit, the ending still leaves some questions remaining, which seems to be fitting with the overall tone of it.  But it really feels like the filmmakers had a darker vision for this movie and just tried to cram it all in at the end.  

The Burnt Orange Heresy paints an interesting picture, with fantastic performances and some very good writing, but the overall experience is hurt by a story that goes off the rails.  

Rent It

Review: Onward

Release date: March 6, 2020
Running time: 102 minutes
Starring: Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Octavia Spencer

Pixar is known to have a magic touch as almost every movie they make becomes an instant classic.  However, do they have the same touch when the movie deals with real magic?  Onward is a new animated adventure from Pixar set in a fantasy world where magic has been replaced with technology.  It still has all the fantasy beasts and lore, but spells and adventuring have given way to modern conveniences.  However, when young Ian Lightfoot (Holland) turns 16, he receives a package that will change his and his brother Barley (Pratt)'s lives!

As with all Pixar films, the animation in Onward is top notch.  The movie has a great style that blends the modern world with fantasy elements.  It has just enough references to fantasy movies and games to stand out, but still manages to put  them in a modern setting.  And on top of the style, the animation is as gorgeous as ever.  Hair effects, lights, fog, and fire; all are beautifully done and really make the world come alive.  And as you would expect from top notch voice talent, the characters are perfectly voiced.  Pratt and Holland have a natural rapport and do well as on screen brothers.  Pratt is perfect as the gregarious Barley and Holland is likewise fitting for the uncertain younger brother.  That is not to say that the rest of the voice talent are lacking; all the characters are expertly done and really contribute to the immersion you feel in this magical adventure.    

And on top of all of that, there is a ton of humor in this movie.  The writing is sharp and witty, there are subtle references to fantasy, adventures, and modern life, and even unspoken jokes can be laugh-out-loud funny.  For a movie about a fantasy setting, the adventure itself is wonderful.  How Pixar puts the D&D tropes into a modern setting is a joy to see.  There are adventuring clues and riddles, traps, long treks, and heartbreaking setbacks.  The film is clearly inspired by D&D, Lord of the Rings, and many other fantasy worlds, and blends them together into a cohesive story about a fantasy environment that has moved on from magic.  And the adventure itself introduces some magic back into the worlds, and does so with plenty of humor and heart.    

Pixar's Onward will cast a charm spell on you with it's wonderful cast, beautiful animation, and story that has all of the heart and magic that we have come to expect from this studio.

Watch It

Review: Wendy

Release date: February 28, 2020 (DC Area March 6, 2020)
Running time: 112 minutes
Starring: Yashua Mack, Devin France, Gage Naquin

Wendy is an updated retelling of the Peter Pan story, one that keeps some of the magic from the original but grounds the high flying adventure closer to some reality.  In the film young Wendy (France) and her two brothers James and Douglas (Gavin and Gage Naquin) follow a funny, energetic boy to a secret island.  The boy, Peter (Mack), shows them how to be young kids forever.  However, how long can these kids stay on the island and ignore the real world?  Could they really stay there forever?

This movie is a mixed bag.  I love the idea of a modern retelling of Peter Pan and this film had a lot of charm.  The camera work was very interesting at the start, with a great use of colors and light to convey Wendy and her brothers' journey to Never Never Land.  The scenes where Wendy first meets Peter are especially interesting, with a great build up to the final meeting.  I also love some of the themes here, the balance that the story tries to tell of youthful expectations versus the realities of life.  One line from the film that stuck with me was when Wendy talks about adults just being complacent in life, stating that "Your life will go by and nothing will ever happen."  In that respect, it feels like a very modern update to the classic children's tale and I applaud the filmmakers for this attempt.  

However, Wendy has a lot of issues that spoil this wonderful concept.  I can't remember the last time I wanted to like a movie so much but it just didn't live up to my own expectations.  The various kids of Never Never Land are very energetic and fun, but they also suffer from delivery that feels forced.  This can be expected from children acting, but with so many of the film's stars being kids, it can lead to some awkward dialog.  Additionally, the story just didn't feel like it had much structure.  Maybe that was intentional--i.e., the movie itself is also meant to simulate the carelessness of youth--but I think it just needed some more editing.  Big events happen with little build up or explanation, and there is one major plot point that just comes out of nowhere and feels laughable.  Additionally, the ending felt a little bittersweet.  And, despite the film having such a great use of color and light at the start, the whole film feels muted.  For a movie that takes place on a tropical island, I expected some of those scenes to really pop but they felt like the entire movie was put through a matte filter.  

Wendy is a charming concept; a retelling of Peter Pan with a diverse cast grounded in a modern time.  However, perhaps this Never Never Land did need some adults to deal with its issues and make the film actually soar.   

Rent It

Screening: I Still Believe

From the makers of I CAN ONLY IMAGINE comes the true life story of Christian music mega star Jeremy Camp. Jeremy’s remarkable journey of love and loss proves there is always hope in the midst of tragedy and that faith tested is the only faith worth sharing.

Cast: KJ Apa, Britt Robertson, Melissa Roxburgh, Nathan Dean, Shania Twain, and Gary Sinise

Directed by: The Erwin Brothers

Screenplay by:Jon Erwin & Jon Gunn

Based on the Book by: Jeremy Camp

Produced by:  Kevin Downes, Jon Erwin, Andrew Erwin

Rated:  PG

Screening Details

Tuesday, March 10
7:00 PM

AMC Mazza

Screening Link: 

http://www.lionsgatescreenings.com/LrMni93385  

Be sure to Like and Follow Watch or Pass on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and share with your friends!

As always, screenings are first-come, first-served so please arrive early to ensure you get a seat.

Deal: Get Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle + The Next Level in 4K for $15.99

Right now you can get the surprisingly good Jumanji reboot, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, and the entertaining but less bright follow up, Jumanji: The Next Level in 4K for $15.99 via Microsoft.  These movies are Movies Anywhere compatible so will transfer to your linked accounts (VUDU, iTunes, Google Play, FandangoNOW) if you have them associated, and will be available in 4K on those accounts if those services have the movies in 4K.

To get this deal, follow this link.  Make sure to click UHD before purchasing to get them in 4K!

Thanks to Slickdeals for the original deal info!

Review: Go Back To China

Release date: March 6, 2020
Running time: 96 minutes
Starring: Anna Akana, Kelly Hu, Lynn Chen, Richard Ng

Go Back to China is the second feature film from writer and director Emily Ting. This movie follows a spoiled rich girl Sasha Li (Akana) who embarks to the real world and tries to get a job after the completion of her fashion degree. But without experience and little to no options left, finding a job is the least of her current troubles. After nearly draining her entire trust fund, her father Teddy Li (Richard Ng) decides to cut her off and force her to return to China to work for the family toy business. This forced journey offers both a means for financial benefit and a life-changing trip of self-exploration.

Emily Ting's story comes off as both personal and authentic. Sure you may not be of Asian decent but these are common challenges everyone shares in obtaining their American Dream. Instantly the quote "how am i supposed to get work experience if i don't get hired" in the beginning of the film strikes a nerve as a fresh college graduate looking for a job. Emily's semi-autobiography which was actually filmed at her fathers toy factory takes viewers into the life of a dysfunctional Asian American family split between America and China. Sasha's journey to learn more about her estranged family and seek acceptance from them is an emotional one.  

What I really liked about this film is that it wasn't afraid to tell a story of great importance yet vulnerability. Understanding what children go through in the real world as far as life challenges and struggles, as well as peer pressure from all angles, shows how one's childhood can make or break someone. Each character in this film displays distinct differences in these worldly challenges. And while this story does focus on the pursuit of the  "American Dream" it taught an important lesson in believing in your own dream and passions. Everything doesn't always go the way you thought it would but staying true to your dreams makes any and all of them obtainable. 

Along with its financial and family struggles in this story, it also takes a glimpse into the toy manufacturing business and its impact on the Asian culture. Watching this exploration, you can't help but feel something . This movie will resonate with its viewers in some capacity coupled with a good heartwarming, family-oriented story that will make you laugh yet leave you remorseful.  With limited release options, you might only be able to see this on demand, but if you can catch in theaters check it out.

Watch it.

Deals / News: Showplace ICON Tysons Corner - New Theater and Free Movies Through 3/4/20

Showplace ICON is opening a new location at Tysons Corner, near the AMC Tysons Corner theater.  To celebrate this, they are doing a soft launch through Wednesday, March 4, 2020 to get ready for their grand opening.  During this time, you can see any movie at their theater FOR FREE!  Tickets go live an hour before the movie starts, you just have to be there in person to secure your seat.  If you sign up for their free rewards program, you also get two free small popcorns and drinks to enjoy at the show.

To view showtimes at the theater, click this link.

We went to check out a show during the soft launch and have some quick thoughts below:

Parking: There is a parking garage at the theater.  It is a little small but there seemed to be plenty of open spaces during the soft launch.  The theater itself validates parking so you can park and enjoy a show without worrying about a parking tab.

Ticketing: Tickets are all handled with kiosks before you enter the theater.  You can browse showtimes, sign into your reward account, and pay for your tickets right out front.  The whole process was relatively seamless, but the movies were free so there was no payment needed.

Food: The theater is going for an upscale environment, and should have a full array of food and beverage options.  They are hoping to offer food that is good enough to attract people who aren't even seeing a movie.  We will see if that occurs.  We had the popcorn and it was delicious.  Fresh with just the right amount of salt and butter! 
Update: We also sampled a few of their bites at a recent event, including cheese tortellini, a delicious pizza, and a bite that had salmon, bacon jam, and avocado.  All were very delicious!

Recliners: The recliners are the best in the business!  They fully recline but also offer a power headrest, so you can lean back but still keep your head pointed at the screen.  They also offer two levels of heat so you can stay warm during the movie.  The heat stays on for about 20 minutes so if you want to keep the heat, you have to keep turning it on.  But overall, these were insanely comfortable!

Screen: The theater screen was fine.  It was plenty large and clear, but I did notice some pixelation in certain scenes.  The theater advertises certain films as 4K, so I imagine this theater had a 1080 screen or something similar.  When you get to be the size of a theater, pixelation is going to happen if you sit close enough.  It wasn't very distracting, but it was disappointing that a brand new theater wouldn't have 4K all around. 
Update: We also checked out a movie that was on their 4K screen and it looked great!  So if you are heading over there and care about picture quality, I would go with the 4K option if it is available.

Sound: My theater was equipped with 7.1 Dolby surround sound.  It sounded very good, but I was a little disappointed that Atmos wasn't offered on all screens in a brand new theater.  Thankfully the sound was loud, but not deafening.  It filled the theater but at no point did it hurt my ears! 
Update: We also went to a movie in an atmos theater that also sounded great.  Nice balance of sounds and again, loud and full but not deafening.

Subscription Service: Showplace ICON has a subscription service for $9.99 a month.  This gets you one free ticket to a movie and any additional movies are $9.99 each.  It also gets you rewards and 20% off on food items.  This is not a bad deal, but with Regal Unlimited and AMC A-List offering substantially more movies for about twice the cost, I don't know how many hardcore movie-goers it will pull away.

Overall, the new Showplace ICON Tyson's Corner location is a very nice theater that should offer more of a moviegoing experience.  The only shame is that my theater's screen and sound were not up to what I expected from a brand new theater.  However, the upscale food, easy ticketing kiosks, and amazingly comfortable chairs should provide a nice option for those hoping for a more refined movie experience.