Melvin Samson

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Honestly wish there were a way to give half a star to a film, because if anything, Mulan (2020) deserves nothing better. Leave it to today's studios to destroy a 1998 classic..one which captivated audiences and explored a different culture and turn it into a senseless, half-baked cash grab. Mulan (2020) was an awkward hodgepodge of everything that can possibly go wrong with a film...bad acting, nonexistent character development, flimsy plotlines and an inability to create an overall immersive experience. Barely half way through the film and I felt like dozing off.. the other half? Contemplating why I just didn't wait a couple more months for the Wonder Woman sequel to drop, because in essence, that's basically what the character of Mulan is. A weird superhero film set in ancient China, masquerading as a progressive film in today's age. Possibly the most ironic concept that the film presents is how shallow the women are shown. What drove her from within to fight for her country? What motivated her, when all her country did was reject women? All these complex emotions that form the crux of a good protagonist are lost in this film. It's not just the acting that feels forced btw, but even the logic of a "strong female character". Without giving more depth to the character, what the film presents is a bland caricature that " can do what boys can do." If that's all the film wanted to convey to the audience, then I'm sorry.. but I've seen films made on a quarter of the budget and by lesser known studios that convey such messages in a much more effective way. The character interaction was poorly done though I'd pin that more on the script than the actors. Overall, no character development, bad acting, a lacklustre plot and a lack of chemistry on screen to connect to an audience means that it's a mere 1/5 for me. (Don't mean to sound condescending here, but just what was going on in the brains of those who gave this a 5 star rating?!?!)

Skyfall isn't just an amazing Bond film. It's a gem of a spy-thriller filled with masterfully embedded symbolism. After Bond's brash, rather reckless adventures in CR and QoS, Skyfall portrays his slow descent into near-redundancy due to a gun shot wound. Moreover, Bond's loyalty towards M as well as his country is tested after she gives the order. The film is truly the epitome of whatever personifies "resurrection". Because like a phoenix rising from it's ashes, Craig's Bond steps up to the challenge unflinchingly. A compelling performance by Craig for which he even got an Oscar nomination. But the true show stealers? Javier Bardem as Silva and Dame Judi Dench as M. Bardem's portrayal of Skyfall's antagonist has cemented him as one of 007's most iconic villains, the perfect mixture of psychotic, humorous and unpredictable. A deadly combination. M has possibly the most screen time in a Bond film since Tomorrow Never Dies and for a good reason too. Dame Judi Dench delivers a powerful performance, stoic and unyielding in the face of adversity. Personally, the scene where she reads Tennyson's poem whilst the frames cut to Bond running through London gives me goosebumps.. it's enough to inspire anyone. Bottom line, Skyfall is an incredible swansong for Dench to gracefully step down as Bond's superior, a role immortalised by her. The ensemble cast of Naomi Harris as Moneypenny, Ben Whishaw as Q and Ralph Fiennes as Mallory is a golden combination as each depict their characters perfectly. Last, but certainly not the least - Adele's "Skyfall". Possibly the most moving, most powerful Bond theme of all time. A true legend, and her strong vocals certainly set the tone for the film, which culminates into a battle of epic proportions in the breathtaking moors of Scotland, Bond's childhood home.. Overall, an easy 9.5/10 for me.

Spectre is a unique entry into the 007 franchise in the sense that it ties up most of the loose ends of the other films in Craig's tenure as Bond. Coming of the high riding expectations following the legendary "Skyfall", it was understandable that the audience couldn't help but feel that Spectre felt a little lacking in what could have otherwise been an outstanding film. Picking up after the events of Skyfall, Bond is back in action, his unwavering loyalty to his now dead boss M still going strong. The film exhibits a spectacular opening sequence in Mexico City and the helicopter fight is personally one of the best Bond opening sequences ever. The mysterious Mr. White finally makes an appearance in the film, introducing a twist in the tale as well as adding elements of thrill. Jesper Christensen delivers a powerful and emotional performance here as an ode to his elusive character seen in past Bond outings. Lea Seydoux, as Madeline Swann is a welcome entry into the franchise portraying a woman who is strong-willed yet endowed with a seductive poignance. Christoph Waltz is introduced as the big baddie behind all of Bond's troubles, Ernst Stavro Bloefield and head of the "Illuminati -like" organization, Spectre. The subplot of Bond and Bloefield being step brothers and Bloefield's attempts on wreaking "psychological torment" on Bond due to it seems a little distracting and was the main chink in the armour for the film. Monica Belucci dazzles as Lucia Sciarra in the film, laying low beliefs that you have to be young to be a Bond girl. Her screen presence maybe limited here, but the Italian beauty enthralls viewers as well as Bond himself. Bautista plays classic Oddjob-inspired henchman, Mr. Hinx and proves to be more than a match for Bond on a train in what I would like to deem as the greatest fight scene in 007 history. Andrew Scott as C brings a fresh wave of cool, calculated villainy alongside Bloefield's plans. The supporting cast of Ralph Fiennes as M, Naomi Harris as Moneypenny and Ben Whishaw as Q deliver their performances perfectly as did the trio in the previous film. Overall, Spectre is an enjoyable ride albeit certain unnecessary subplots and slightly irregular pacing. Apart from that, it is a classic Bond adventure featuring car chases, plane chases, train fights, huge villain lairs and glamorous women. An easy 8/10 for me.