Movie Reviews
“The Boy and The Heron” by Hayao Miyazaki, Movie Review – Signals AZ
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When Hayao Miyazaki announced that 2013’s The Wind Rises would be his “final” film, many suspected that an artist of his caliber would eventually return to create again if given the chance.
Release Date: 07/14/2023Runtime: 124 minutesDirector: Hayao MiyazakiRotten Tomatoes: 97%iMBD: 7.6/10Where to Watch: Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Home, Google Play Movies, YouTube |
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Ten years later, the legendary Japanese animator, known for classics like Spirited Away, Castle in the Sky, and Princess Mononoke presented us with perhaps his definitive work. This new magnum opus combines the finest elements of his previous films into something sure to be considered the greatest Hayao Miyazaki film of all time.
In the story, eleven-year-old Mahito loses his mother in a hospital fire during World War II
His father soon remarries—his late wife’s sister—moving them to the countryside where he can apply his manufacturing profession to the war effort and support his family as they welcome a second child. Behind their new rural home looms a strange, abandoned tower, and around the pond on the estate grounds flies a mysterious heron.
![](https://www.signalsaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Phippen-Museum_AIA.jpg)
![](https://www.signalsaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Phippen-Museum_AIA.jpg)
When his new mother enters the forest in the delirium of pregnancy, the entire estate goes searching for her. Only Mahito knows that the path to finding her leads into the tower.
The heron lures Mahito inside, and he soon finds himself in a dreamlike world that would make L. Frank Baum and Lewis Carroll proud
Unlike The Wizard of Oz or Alice in Wonderland, this narrative leads Mahito into a “world of the dead”—not in the morbid sense typical of Western mythology, but a beautiful realm where spirits migrate between planes of existence. From there he finds himself embarking on an adventure deeper into the world of dreams and death, where he ultimately learns to come to terms with the loss of his mother.
Like the greatest fairytales and childhood fantasies, The Boy and The Heron navigates its mythological story with a dream-logic familiar to anyone who’s plumbed the landscapes found in the deepest sleep.
What sets this film apart from similar narratives—in addition to its uniquely Shintoist approach to mythology—is the masterful cinematography and animation displayed across every frame
From beginning to end, this film showcases a master and his team working at the peak of their craft. It’s a childhood adventure on par with other classics in the genre, sure to take audiences of all ages on a journey they won’t soon forget, and one that begs for a second viewing by the time the credits roll.
About our Admit One Author
Isaac Frankel is a freelance writer and content creator specializing in reviews and analysis of cinema, interactive media, and mythological storytelling. He was raised in Prescott, AZ, wrote his first non-fiction book in 2013 after graduating from Tribeca Flashpoint College with a degree in Game & Interactive Media Design, and currently produces content for the YouTube channel: Off Screen.
More of his work and current projects can be found at www.isaacafrankel.com.
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Movie Reviews
Movie review: 'Despicable Me 4' is exactly what you'd expect
![Movie review: 'Despicable Me 4' is exactly what you'd expect](https://attractionsmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Mega-Minion-04-Despicable-Me-4-courtesy-of-Universal-copy.jpeg)
Charm sets the film apart
“Despicable Me 4” isn’t amazing by any means and probably won’t be in conversation for Best Animated Film at the Oscars, but, like “Rise of Gru,” what sets it apart from any other run-of-the-mill animated film is the charm of the franchise. The reason people continue to rush to the theaters to see these films is their consistency. No matter if it’s a spinoff or a direct sequel, you know walking into a “Despicable Me” film what you’re going to get, and that’s perfectly fine because you’ll still have a good time.
The new additions of Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell) and Poppie (Joey King) are fine. They don’t get much setup and are just thrown at you as new characters, which is fine but very forgettable. The standouts, of course, are the Minions, as well as the addition of Gru Jr. The combination of the two was probably the best part of the whole film. I could’ve watched a 90-minute film of just that.
![Mega Minion, "Despicable Me 4"](https://attractionsmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Mega-Minion-04-Despicable-Me-4-courtesy-of-Universal.jpeg)
![Mega Minion, "Despicable Me 4"](https://attractionsmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Mega-Minion-05-Despicable-Me-4-courtesy-of-Universal.jpeg)
![Mega Minion, "Despicable Me 4"](https://attractionsmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Mega-Minion-05-Despicable-Me-4-courtesy-of-Universal.jpeg)
![Mega Minion, "Despicable Me 4"](https://attractionsmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Mega-Minion-03-Despicable-Me-4-courtesy-of-Universal.jpeg)
![Mega Minion, "Despicable Me 4"](https://attractionsmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Mega-Minion-03-Despicable-Me-4-courtesy-of-Universal.jpeg)
![Mega Minion, "Despicable Me 4"](https://attractionsmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Mega-Minion-02-Despicable-Me-4-courtesy-of-Universal.jpeg)
![Mega Minion, "Despicable Me 4"](https://attractionsmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Mega-Minion-02-Despicable-Me-4-courtesy-of-Universal.jpeg)
![Mega Minion, "Despicable Me 4"](https://attractionsmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Mega-Minion-01-Despicable-Me-4-courtesy-of-Universal.jpeg)
![Mega Minion, "Despicable Me 4"](https://attractionsmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Mega-Minion-01-Despicable-Me-4-courtesy-of-Universal.jpeg)
Movie Reviews
Boneyard (2024) – Review | Crime Thriller | Heaven of Horror
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The True Story Behind Boneyard
Boneyard is inspired by (and fairly closely based on) the true crime case of West Mesa in Albuquerque, New Mexico, just like in the movie. The film is also dedicated to the victims of that unsolved case.
While the West Mesa case remains unsolved, we do know that the remains discovered in 2009 belonged to girls and women. Also, we know that they disappeared between 2001 and 2005.
The 11 victims in the true case are:
Jamie Barela, age 15
Monica Candelaria, age 22
Victoria Chavez, age 26
Virginia Cloven, age 24
Syllannia Edwards, age 15
Cinnamon Elks, age 32
Doreen Marquez, age 24
Julie Nieto, age 24
Veronica Romero, age 28
Evelyn Salazar, age 27
Michelle Valdez, age 22
At one point, the unknown serial killer is called the “Bone Collector” which threw me off. However, this was one of the names used for the suspected serial killer. The complete name used for him was “West Mesa Bone Collector“.
Movie Reviews
Karan Johar, Guneet Monga’s Kill Movie Review: The ‘kill’ never slows down
![Karan Johar, Guneet Monga’s Kill Movie Review: The ‘kill’ never slows down](https://images.firstpost.com/uploads/2024/07/KILL-2024-07-d4fc9050a683657eac3f1ef099f80633.jpg?im=FitAndFill=(1200,675))
Nikhil Nagesh Bhat’s high energy action film Kill is not for the faint hearted.
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Language: Hindi
Director: Nikhil Nagesh Bhat
Cast: Lakshya, Raghav Juyal, Tanya Maniktala, Abhishek Chauhan, Ashish Vidyarthi, Adrija Sinha, Harsh Chhaya
It’s true that we don’t really need stars to make a successful film. Nikhil Nagesh Bhat’s Kill has totally killed it with all its energy. It is fresh, bold and a unique story that not many have thought about and that’s what makes it different. Violent no doubt, but don’t most movies have an element of violence?
I believe Kill is a path breaking Indian action film, but definitely not for the faint heart. It is true that I am not too fond of extreme bloodshed, murder and also not to forget the smashing of head scenes. But keeping my choices aside, I would say Kill is a well-made film and the action sequences are simply mind-blowing. Having watched the movie at the
Red Sea International Film Festival
last year for the first time, I wonder, why did it take so long for the film to be released in India?
It’s insanely violent. What works for Kill is the simple storyline and no beating around the bush. Not much twist and turns and most importantly hitting the hammer right on the nail and sometimes on the people too. The action takes place inside the train with no unnecessary drama, dancing and singing. The concept is daring and fresh for the Indian audience and that makes
Kill
stand out. No flying cars, choppers and superman stunts and most importantly actors like Lakshya, Raghav Juyal and the battalion of dacoits are relatable to the Indian audience. They look like ordinary guys and that’s what makes them special. Lakshya plays the role of an army man, Amrit who is a great boyfriend to Tulika played by Tanya Maniktala.
Lakshya has done a brilliant job, but the actor to look out for is Raghav Juyal. He has a promising career ahead of him. He is one evil character you can’t stop hating. Raghav’s performance is intense and the dialogue delivery, expressions, and every action is absolutely compelling. I must say that this man truly knows his craft. The best thing that the movie brings out is that murderers too have emotions.
If you are looking for a high energy action film
Kill
is one such must watch. Nikhil Nagesh Bhat’ has no doubt done a brilliant job as a director, but without cinematographer Rafey Mehmood probably this film wouldn’t have been such a hit. The best part about the film Kill is that not even once will you get bored. No matter how much at times I hated the gory action scenes and tried closing my eyes, the more I got interested in what’s happening next. The discomfort of the blood splatter, the punching, kicking, stabbing and smashing of head all in a train will surely make you think twice before booking a train ticket next time!
Rating: 4 out of 5
WATCH the trailer of Kill here:
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