Highbrow Magazine - disney plus https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/disney-plus en Disney Plus Delivers a Hit With ‘Loki’ https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/12304-disney-plus-delivers-hit-loki <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/film-tv" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Film &amp; TV</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Thu, 06/10/2021 - 10:16</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/2loki.jpg?itok=fJWlIu0H"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/2loki.jpg?itok=fJWlIu0H" width="480" height="250" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p> <p>On June 9, Disney Plus launched an impressive new addition to its Marvel show roster. <em>Loki</em>,  created by Michael Waldron,<strong> </strong>and starring Tom Hiddleston and Owen Wilson, follows the God of Mischief as he is thrust outside of time itself and forced to work with the “Time Variants Authority” (time police) in tracking down and stopping a mysterious criminal wreaking havoc on time. </p> <p> </p> <p><em>Loki </em>continues in the tradition of <em>WandaVision</em> with its air of mystery and unique aesthetic style. While Disney’s previous two shows have explored deep emotional themes of grief and regret --  in <em>WandaVision</em> and also <em>Falcon and the Winter Soldier</em> -- <em>Loki</em> takes this even further, getting distinctly philosophical as it puts the question of fate versus free will on trial. </p> <p> </p> <p>The show flips the power structure of the Marvel Cinematic Universe on its head, weakening Norse Gods to mere mortals and making Infinity Stones glorified paperweights. </p> <p> </p> <p>For those who can’t stand the complex mind acrobatics of time travel and multiverses in media, <em>Loki</em> does a phenomenal job of creating compelling time travel that is easy to understand, with consistent and airtight rules for those who enjoy exposing flaws in media logic. The show even manages to play with time travel in new ways, keeping the somewhat tired narrative quirk interesting and fresh. </p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/1loki.jpg" style="height:312px; width:594px" /></p> <p> </p> <p>While some of the humor falls a bit flat, overall the show has the same quality and charm audiences have come to expect from Marvel's movies and shows. Tom Hiddleston and Owen Wilson’s performances are terrific, continuing the work of earlier films in bringing Loki from a pure villain to a sympathetic one, if not an anti-hero. </p> <p> </p> <p>Wilson’s performance is particularly great as a foil and supporting character to Hiddleston’s Loki, serving as a good comic comparison between his bureaucratic detective Mobius and the egotistical God-turned-prisoner Loki. However, his performance also shows Mobius as his own complex character. Mobius isn’t simply a narrative prop to highlight Loki, but a sharp-witted detective with his own complex motivations and ideology.</p> <p> </p> <p><em>Loki</em> shows the promise of being a stand-out hit among Marvel’s current show roster offering a mix of mystery, philosophy, and the fun begrudging alliance of buddy-cop films.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Author Bio:</strong></p> <p><strong><em>Garrett Hartman is a contributing writer at </em></strong><strong>Highbrow Magazine<em>. He is a California State University Chico student double-majoring in media arts design technology and Journalism/PR. A lover of pop culture, he enjoys film, television, video games, and literature. However, as a drummer of a rock band and alt-rock enthusiast, music holds a special place in his heart.</em></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>For Highbrow Magazine</strong></p> <p> </p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/loki" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">loki</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/disney-plus" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">disney plus</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tom-hiddleston" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">tom hiddleston</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/owen-wilson" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">owen wilson</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tv-series" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">tv series</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/sci-fi" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">sci-fi</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/mobius" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">mobius</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/marvel" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Marvel</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Garrett Hartman</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-photographer field-type-text field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Photographer:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Disney Plus</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Thu, 10 Jun 2021 14:16:06 +0000 tara 10413 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/12304-disney-plus-delivers-hit-loki#comments ‘Mulan’: A Successful, Live-Action Version of the Disney Classic https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/10833-mulan-successful-live-action-version-disney-classic <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/film-tv" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Film &amp; TV</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Sat, 09/05/2020 - 08:33</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1mulanfilm.jpg?itok=rF7f0lhK"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1mulanfilm.jpg?itok=rF7f0lhK" width="480" height="360" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p> <p><strong>AT A GLANCE</strong></p> <p><strong>Mulan</strong></p> <p><strong>Director: Niki Caro (“The Zookeeper’s Wife,” “McFarland, USA,” “Whale Rider”)</strong></p> <p><strong>Starring: Yifei Liu, Donnie Yen, Li Gong, Jet Li, Jason Scott Lee, Yoson An, Tzi Ma, Rosalind Chao</strong></p> <p><strong>Rated: PG-13</strong></p> <p><strong>Available  to stream now with Premiere Access on Disney+ (cost is $29.99, plus a Disney+ subscription). On Dec. 4, the movie will become available to Disney+ subscribers without the additional $29.99 fee </strong></p> <p><strong>Critical rating: 3½ stars out of 4</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>First, it’s important for readers to know that I am, generally, a fan of Disney’s live-action remakes of animated classics. There is a school of thought that sees virtually every remake as unnecessary, and many amongst that crowd seem particularly invested in shaming the Mouse House for its continual returns to the well. I get the reasoning. Why mess with art that worked the first time around? The obvious answer is that – assuming said art has value – one can open it to new generations and perhaps even expand the appreciation of those who loved it initially.  </p> <p> </p> <p>By presenting a classic work through a new lens, artists can explore new ideas, flesh out previously squandered subthemes and occasionally reframe a work altogether. Shakespeare festivals and theatrical directors have made an industry of this, and nobody complains because the results are so often sublime.</p> <p> </p> <p>Personally, I find the transition from animation to live-action particularly rewarding. The two forms can tread the same ground, but the viewing experience is inherently different. With animation, we are separated from the characters in a visceral sense. This – along with the ability to hyper-stylize settings – allows artists to easily transition to the realm of fable. Advances in special effects have aided live-action filmmakers in this regard, but there is no denying that human actors, for lack of a better word, “humanize” the works they touch. Disney has exploited this possibility both successfully (think <em>Beauty and the Beast</em> and <em>Cinderella</em>) and stutteringly (<em>Alice in Wonderland</em>, <em>Dumbo</em>).</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/2mulan.jpg" style="height:600px; width:405px" /></p> <p> </p> <p>With <em>Mulan</em>, one must start by noting that the story is not really Disney’s. The plot comes from a centuries-old Chinese folk tale about a female warrior who poses as a man in order to take her father’s place in combat. Despite the lengthy history – and the non-Disney films the story has inspired – it’s the success of the 1998 animated musical that most modern Americans remember.</p> <p> </p> <p>Curiously, Disney and director Niki Caro decided to stray substantially from the foundation laid by the 1998 film. This <em>Mulan</em> is not a musical, and it is decidedly more realistic than its predecessor. This may be distressing for those hoping for a faithful adaptation – ala <em>Beauty and the Beast </em>(2017) – but the differences are refreshing. This <em>Mulan</em> is many things, including a family drama, a tale of female empowerment and a rather beautiful martial arts adventure. That these elements are not routinely merged, works in the movie’s favor, as does Yifei Liu, a 33-year-old actress who successfully passes as a teenager.</p> <p> </p> <p>In the U.S., Liu is probably best known for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/04/pro-democracy-boycott-of-disneys-mulan-builds-online-via-milkteaalliance" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">publicly endorsing the Hong Kong police</a> and, thus, creating headlines and unintentionally inspiring a #BoycottMulan movement before her film was even ready for release. Although this movement has gained steam with the film’s streaming debut, I predict the actress’s performance will outshine the controversy. Regardless of how one feels about her politics, Liu is a talent, and her embodiment of Mulan is striking.</p> <p> </p> <p>This live-action retelling reinforces how difficult it would be for a woman to successfully pass as a man in a military setting. In fact, one scene spawned memories of the 1999 film <em>Boys Don’t Cry</em>, featuring Hilary Swank as a transgender man struggling to present himself to the world. This version of <em>Mulan</em> is not, however, solely interested in the complexities of identity. It is interested in attacking social structures that paint women as less capable than men. This theme plays out not only in Mulan’s story, but in a subplot about a powerful witch named Xianniang (Li Gong). Both Mulan and Xianniang – although on opposite sides – know oppression.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/3mulan.jpg" style="height:337px; width:600px" /></p> <p> </p> <p>As in the Disney cartoon – and the folk tale before it – Mulan enters the military to fulfill a duty asked of her father (Tzi Ma). Although he agrees to go to war, Mulan knows that he is too old, so she sneaks away, pretending to represent her family as a son. Her spirit, skill with martial arts and powerful chi soon prove she is the most powerful soldier in her unit.</p> <p> </p> <p>Although Mulan is thematically interested in big ideas, including character and equality, it is also a fine fantasy film filled with beautifully crafted martial arts sequences. The director’s  previous directorial efforts – including the wonderful 2002 drama <em>Whale Rider</em> – demonstrate her ability to build empathy for characters, but they don’t hint at the level of skill with which she tackles action. Some of the battle sequences in Mulan are reminiscent of pure martial arts movies, including the wonderful 2000 effort <em>Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon</em>. Perhaps this shouldn’t surprise since a number of fine martial artists were involved, Donnie Yen and Jet Li amongst them. The excellent battle footage adds a dynamic edge to the movie, making it easier to invest oneself in the combat than is possible in an animated film.</p> <p> </p> <p>Ultimately, it is difficult to say whether the live action <em>Mulan</em> is better than its animated predecessor. Fortunately, one needn’t make that assessment. This version of <em>Mulan</em> is its own creation, significantly changed, yet thoroughly pleasing to watch.  </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Author Bio:</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><em>Forrest Hartman, a </em></strong><strong>Highbrow Magazine<em> contributor, is a longtime entertainment journalist who teaches in the Department of </em></strong><a href="https://www.csuchico.edu/jour/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank"><strong><em>Journalism &amp; Public Relations at California State University, Chico</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>For Highbrow Magazine</strong></p> <p> </p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/mulan" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">mulan</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/disney" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Disney</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/martial-arts" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">martial arts</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/new-films" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">new films</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/disney-plus" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">disney plus</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/live-action" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">live action</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/animated-films" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">animated films</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/remakes" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">remakes</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/yi-fei-lu" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">yi fei lu</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/jet-li" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">jet li</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/li-gong" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">li gong</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/jason-scott-lee" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">jason scott lee</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Forrest Hartman</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Sat, 05 Sep 2020 12:33:08 +0000 tara 9809 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/10833-mulan-successful-live-action-version-disney-classic#comments ‘Hamilton’ World Domination Continues With Disney Plus Movie https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/10720-hamilton-world-domination-continues-disney-plus-movie <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/film-tv" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Film &amp; TV</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Fri, 07/03/2020 - 11:20</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1hamilton.jpg?itok=qowO0soL"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1hamilton.jpg?itok=qowO0soL" width="480" height="269" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p> <p><strong>AT A GLANCE</strong></p> <p><strong><em>Hamilton</em></strong></p> <p><strong>Directed by: Thomas Kail</strong></p> <p><strong>Starring: Lin-Manuel Miranda, Phillipa Soo, Leslie Odom Jr., Daveed Diggs, </strong><strong>Ren</strong><strong>ée</strong><strong> Elise Goldsberry, Christopher Jackson</strong></p> <p><strong>Rated: PG-13</strong></p> <p><strong>Available on: Disney Plus beginning July 3</strong></p> <p><strong>Critical rating: 4 stars out of 4</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Reviewing <em>Hamilton</em> now is like deconstructing the Super Bowl the day after America watched. Everyone already knows what happened, so your job is to bring context … or at least avoid looking stupid. Here goes.</p> <p> </p> <p><em>Hamilton</em>, with music, lyrics and book by Lin-Manuel Miranda, has been a smash since opening off Broadway in February 2015, and many who fancy the theater have already seen either a Broadway or touring production. Beyond that, casual fans are aware of the wildly popular “Hamilton Mixtape.”</p> <p> </p> <p>So, why talk <em>Hamilton</em> now? Because a filmed adaptation of the 2016 Broadway show is debuting on Disney Plus July 3, bringing <em>Hamilton</em> into even more lives and putting Miranda one step closer to world domination. The exquisitely shot production is about as close as one can come to a quality Broadway experience during the Covid-19 pandemic, and although not as thrilling as a live performance, it’s really great.</p> <p> </p> <p>First, the obvious: <em>Hamilton</em> is a terrific piece of musical theater. The music, heavily infused with hip hop, R&amp;B, and other pop elements is lively, unique, and beautifully rendered. Add a smart book about a largely ignored American founding father and you have the foundation for a genre-changing work.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/2hamilton_0.jpg" style="height:337px; width:600px" /></p> <p> </p> <p><em>Hamilton</em> isn’t a flash in the pan. People will likely be talking about this musical in theater circles for decades … not just because it’s an excellent production, but because it’s smart enough to appeal to the traditional Broadway crowd and cross over to pop music audiences who might otherwise shy from the theater. This Disney Plus run will only cement that, exposing oodles of youngsters and their families to both the show and live theater.</p> <p> </p> <p>But is <em>Hamilton</em> the movie actually theater? I think it is. This filmed version captures the Broadway cast at work in the Richard Rodgers Theatre in June 2016. It is not a single, front-to-back take. Rather, filmmakers shot a number of live performances (including one with no audience) over the course of several days. This … and six cameras shooting from varied viewpoints … allowed director/producer Thomas Kail and his editors to replicate the live experience while allowing viewers to hang on facial expressions and appreciate dance numbers in a manner that would be impossible in the theater itself.</p> <p> </p> <p>It’s a treat in large part because this is a great cast. Miranda stars as Hamilton, rapping, dancing and acting his way through one number after another, dropping a ridiculous amount of verbiage in the process. Because so much of the <em>Hamilton</em> soundtrack involves rap and hip-hop, the score is always moving, and the cast members aren’t just singing. They are spitting important exposition at a furious pace. Had Miranda simply created the show, he would have earned a place in theater history. The fact that he is so compelling in the title role is a bonus. His Hamilton is alternately ambitious, melancholy, rambunctious and wise, and it all seems a fitting tribute to a man who helped build a fledgling nation.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/3hamilton.jpg" style="height:337px; width:600px" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Miranda is bolstered by memorable supporting turns from a host of great talents. Daveed Diggs plays Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson. Phillipa Soo is Eliza Hamilton. Renée Elise Goldsberry is Angelica Schuyler. Christopher Jackson portrays George Washington. Leslie Odom, Jr. plays Aaron Burr. All are tremendous.</p> <p> </p> <p><em>Hamilton</em> uses what some might call colorblind casting, but it goes beyond colorblind. The show is intentionally diverse, meaning white historical figures are often portrayed by minority actors as a point of course. This is particularly poignant in the wake of the George Floyd protests. One might be able to overlook the fact that a Black man is playing Thomas Jefferson, were it not for that fact that Jefferson ran a plantation and owned slaves. That juxtaposition is jolting. It is also a powerful statement, asking viewers to think about the founding of America differently than they might have previously.  </p> <p> </p> <p>For those who have somehow missed the <em>Hamilton</em> hype, the story itself focuses on U.S. founding father Alexander Hamilton, who played an outsized role in the American Revolution and economic policy in early America. As noted in the show, he is oft overlooked by pop culture, but Miranda and company have set the record straight. Today, you are far more likely to hear a teenager humming the Hamilton anthem “My Shot” than an ode to Ben Franklin, and we can thank Miranda for that.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/4hamilton.jpg" style="height:337px; width:600px" /></p> <p> </p> <p>This is not a simple history tale, however. Hamilton’s story is recited using music that many would find more at home on a hip-hop station than a Broadway stage. The soundtrack is a hybrid really. It’s part rap, part pop, part melodramatic theater ballads, and it blends into a wonderful, inspired mix.</p> <p> </p> <p>One should not, of course, take the history lesson too seriously. Although the broad strokes are right, Hamilton – arguably – is too sympathetic. He wasn’t a perfect man, and a number of his transgressions (although addressed) are glossed over. Also, Aaron Burr is the unquestioned villain of the story, which is equally oversimplified.</p> <p> </p> <p>That said, <em>Hamilton</em> could very well convince viewers (particularly the young) to read more about American history, leading them to a more nuanced view of the men who shaped America’s past.</p> <p> </p> <p>But to dwell on that idea is to risk a reputation for stodginess. Whether or not <em>Hamilton </em>inspires scholarship, it is still a thrilling and inspiring piece of art. And the movie version is an exceedingly nice stand in for the live production.</p> <p>                                                                                                   </p> <p><strong>Author Bio:</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><em>Forrest Hartman, a </em></strong><strong>Highbrow Magazine<em> contributor, is a longtime entertainment journalist who teaches in the Department of </em></strong><a href="https://www.csuchico.edu/jour/" target="_blank"><strong><em>Journalism &amp; Public Relations at California State University, Chico</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>For Highbrow Magazine</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><em>--All images courtesy of Disney Plus.</em></strong></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/lin-manuel-miranda" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">lin-manuel miranda</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/hamilton" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">hamilton</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/disney-plus" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">disney plus</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/alexander-hamilton" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">alexander hamilton</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/aaron-burr" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">aaron burr</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/thomas-jefferson" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">thomas jefferson</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/founding-fathers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">founding fathers</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/new-mvoies" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">new mvoies</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/theater" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">theater</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/broadway-shows" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">broadway shows</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/musicals" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">musicals</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Forrest Hartman</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Fri, 03 Jul 2020 15:20:08 +0000 tara 9661 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/10720-hamilton-world-domination-continues-disney-plus-movie#comments ‘Artemis Fowl’ Is a Streaming Mess https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/10692-artemis-fowl-streaming-mess <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/film-tv" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Film &amp; TV</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Mon, 06/15/2020 - 21:06</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1artemisfowl.jpg?itok=eiI7Vz_L"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1artemisfowl.jpg?itok=eiI7Vz_L" width="480" height="270" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p> <p>It’s fair to say Kenneth Branagh is capable of greatness. We know this thanks to memorable acting turns in films ranging from <em>Dunkirk</em> to <em>Othello</em> and because of his equally thrilling work behind the camera.</p> <p> </p> <p>Branagh is the rare screen star who has shown as much talent and breadth as a director as he has when chewing scenery. Although much of his directorial work is centered on Shakespeare adaptations – think <em>Henry V</em> and <em>Much Ado About Nothing</em> – he has proven himself equally capable in the superhero (<em>Thor</em>) and mystery <em>Murder on the Orient Express</em> genres.</p> <p> </p> <p>Branagh is also adept at entertaining the family crowd, as one of his most charming directorial works is Disney’s 2015 live-action reimagining of <em>Cinderella</em>. That fact made his attachment to the <em>Artemis Fowl</em> screen adaptation promising. Originally intended as a May theatrical release, the movie was derailed by the Covid-19 pandemic and shifted to a June 12 debut on the Disney Plus streaming service. Since most of Disney’s high-profile 2020 pictures have been delayed rather than shifted to this platform, one imagines executives knew what they had when Branagh turned it in. It’s not good.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/2artemisfowl.jpg" style="height:250px; width:600px" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Although we know Branagh is capable of greatness because of his lengthy body of work, almost everything we know about the title character in <em>Artemis Fowl</em> is a result of voiceover narration or poorly developed plot contrivances that leave too much to the imagination. In fact, <em>Artemis Fowl</em> is so poorly developed – both in terms of characterization and world building – that it’s hard to imagine how Branagh would let it pass.  </p> <p> </p> <p>The same can be said of the admirable cast. Ferdia Shaw, who plays young Artemis, is joined by Colin Farrell (Artemis Fowl Senior), Josh Gad, Judi Dench, Lara McDonnell, and Tamara Smart. There is enough ability in this group for one to expect a serviceable film. Instead, we get a hodgepodge that – although nifty to look at – alternates between confusing, dull, and maddeningly frustrating. The latter is true because there is good material to work with.  </p> <p> </p> <p>The movie is based on the well-received young adult novels by author Eoin Colfer, and the focus is on the title character, a 12-year-old so bright that he has no patience for school. The intolerance stems from the fact that Artemis knows more than virtually everyone, including his teachers and the psychologist who ineffectually attempts to knock him down a peg. Viewers learn these background points through terse narration and a handful of hasty scenes that do nothing to build empathy with Artemis. That’s problematic because the viewer has to care about him to invest in the adventure that follows.</p> <p> </p> <p>Although young Artemis hates school, he dotes on his father (Artemis Senior), a single parent who thrills his son with fanciful stories about fairies, goblins, and other mystical creatures. These seem like fantasy tales until Artemis Senior goes missing, and young Artemis discovers that his father has actually been feeding him the mysteries of a hidden world. What’s more, Artemis must tap into that world to save his father.  </p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/3artemisfowl.jpg" style="height:403px; width:600px" /></p> <p> </p> <p>The movie’s visuals are admirable. In fact, they are quite good for a picture included as part of the base, original content of a streaming service. These are special effects one would expect from a big screen feature … because that’s what was initially intended. It’s not easy to make fantasy material look believable, but Branagh and his crew succeed on that front.</p> <p> </p> <p>Viewers are legitimately transported to a land where fairies and goblins are real, and it’s all very dazzling and Harry Potter-like. <em>Artemis Fowl</em> would seem, then, to be a perfect film for fans of that series. Alas, the Harry Potter features are painstakingly mapped out so viewers understand the rules of the magical world they enter. This is not the case with <em>Artemis Fowl</em>, which teases viewers without elaborating and leads to a long string of questions that are never adequately answered.</p> <p> </p> <p>Equally annoying is the lack of time given each central character. Artemis Junior is an outline at best. His father gets too little screen time to serve as anything other than a treasure for Artemis to chase, and Holly Short (a fairy who is relevant to the action) makes life-altering decisions with whimsical ease. Even the narrator, a “giant” dwarf named Mulch Diggums, is little more than a sketch. One might chalk this up to too many cuts if the film was longer, but at 93 minutes, the film could have added plentiful background without overstaying its welcome. </p> <p> </p> <p>Every writing coach tells students to “show” -- rather than “tell” -- readers what’s happening. The same advice is crucial with film, but <em>Artemis Fowl</em> is invested only in telling. Viewers never see the souls of the characters, and therefore, they’re never allowed to feel much of anything.  A movie without feeling is a movie that fails.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>AT A GLANCE                                               </strong></p> <p><strong><em>Artemis Fowl</em></strong></p> <p><strong>Directed by: Kenneth Branagh</strong></p> <p><strong>Starring: Ferdia Shaw, Lara McDonnell, Josh Gad, Tamara Smart, Nonzo Anozie, Colin Farrell and Judi Dench</strong></p> <p><strong>Rated: PG                                                                                      </strong></p> <p><strong>Critical rating: 1½ stars out of 4</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Author Bio:</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><em>Forrest Hartman, a </em></strong><strong>Highbrow Magazine<em> contributor, is a longtime entertainment journalist who teaches in the Department of </em></strong><a href="https://www.csuchico.edu/jour/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank"><strong><em>Journalism &amp; Public Relations at California State University, Chico</em></strong></a><strong><em>. </em></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>For Highbrow Magazine</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><em>Image Sources:</em></strong></p> <p><em>--Disney</em></p> <p><em>--Georgia Meschini (<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kenneth_Branagh_at_the_Roma_Fiction_Fest_2009_by_Giorgia_Meschini.jpg" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Wikimedia.org</a>, Creative Commons)</em></p> <p> </p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/artemis-fowl" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Artemis Fowl</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/disney-plus" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">disney plus</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/kenneth-branagh" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">kenneth branagh</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/disney-movies" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">disney movies</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/kids-movies" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">kids movies</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/harry-potter-0" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Harry Potter</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/colin-farrell" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">colin farrell</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/judi-dench" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">judi dench</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/ferdia-shaw" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Ferdia Shaw</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/eoin-colfer" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Eoin Colfer</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Forrest Hartman</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Tue, 16 Jun 2020 01:06:25 +0000 tara 9620 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/10692-artemis-fowl-streaming-mess#comments