Michael's Movie Grade: B
A delightful modern day fairy tale for grown-ups.
Despite the fantasy-based storyline and all the extravagant visuals, the best scenes in this film revolve around two people talking. A reason for this is that the dialogue is simply fantastic. This movie takes this wonderful fantasy-based world and uses it for incredibly intelligent conversations about the world we live in. These conversations are very thought provoking and leave one with much to think about once they leave the theater. As well as giving us a look at the world we live in, this dialogue also gives us a great look into who these characters are, making them much more than the simple two-dimensional stereotypes they could easily have been. These scenes are also boosted by how simply wonderful Tilda Swinton and Idris Elba are in their roles. These are two great actors seen here at the top of their game. As well as giving wonderful performances the two also have amazing chemistry with each other. None of this is to say that the more fantastically elements don't work here. This movie creates a fantasy world that is tied enough into our own world and various mythologies and histories that it feels completely possible to us that this reality could exist. To have a film that makes a story about a genie granting wishes feel this believable is certainly a wonderful feat. The film also looks great. It is no secret that director Geroge Miller (the Mad Max films) knows how to make wonderful looking movies and he certainly does here.
This movie does have its faults though. Much of the story involves the genie telling our heroine about his former masters and what happened when they found him. Some of these are really interesting (the woman who he gives great knowledge to) and some are not that great (the one with the two brothers). However, since there are quite a few of these stories, it begins to get a little tiresome at times, and can make the movie feel longer than it actually is.
While this film has its faults what works about it is truly excellent.
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