So I mentioned this in my Annihilation review, but I love Gina Rodriguez. Like a lot. Jane the Virgin is one of my favourite shows of all time, and so I'm always interested in anything she does. And I suppose having that kind of relationship with an actor's work has its ups and downs. Sometimes you get something like Annihilation, and sometimes you get Someone Great. This is an odd movie, because while it's certainly not great, there's actually a lot to like here. The three central performances (Gina, Brittany Snow and DeWanda Wise) are actually really, really good. The film is at its best when it focuses on the friendship between these three, and their chemistry is organic, lived in, and just damn fun. Honestly, they're so good together that I'd even say that it's worth a watch just for that. I mean everything else is fine too. The tone is breezy and light, the supporting cast are fun (you can never go wrong with RuPaul), and the writing is sharp and actually pretty funny
One major problem is the flashbacks. Gina Rodriguez has fantastic chemistry with Lakeith Stanfield, but honestly all of the scenes with their relationship just drag on. This happens a lot, and every time it does, it really messes with the pacing. Is it necessary to the plot? I guess, but the film, much like Rodriguez' character, feels so hung up on this guy, and kind of loses sight of what's important. And yeah, I know that the film is about their breakup, but these flashbacks are so poorly woven into the plot that it feels like we're jumping between two different films, one of which is significantly better than the other
The film also uses so many contemporary references that'll probably age like milk, and overall the whole thing is pretty forgettable. Someone Great definitely had it's charming moments, and would make for a fun night in (I know I had one watching it), but it's probably something you'll forget in the morning. Watch it for an ace story of female friendship, even if there isn't much else going on here
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Brie Larson is having one hell of a 2019. Coming off of the fantastic Captain Marvel, we've got Unicorn Store, one of the strongest directorial debuts I've ever seen. It's honestly so refreshing to have a film like this, one that highlights the value of childlike wonder, and in doing so, actually delivers a pretty important message about never giving up on your dreams. And if that sounds cliché, the sheer joy of the film, along with Larson's wonderfully quirky style, makes it feel like such a breath of fresh air, especially in a world where it's so easy to be cynical. Unicorn Store understands that we live in pretty bleak times, and with so much to be worried about, the film asks us to just stop and dream, and in doing so remember what's important
In anyone else's hands, this probably wouldn't have worked. I mean, the idea of a grown woman trying to fulfill her childhood dream of owning a unicorn is pretty silly, but that's kind of the point. We take it seriously because she does. Like Kit, we have our doubts, but we also hold out hope, because maybe, just maybe things will work out for her. The film does acknowledge that Kit's plan does seem childish and even a little ridiculous, but it does this so we understand why she needs to succeed. It really is the story of a disillusioned person rediscovering their joy, and it's so uncynical and magical that it just works. Kit's ultimate decision is the perfect conclusion, because by the point she's made it, she's already achieved her dream, and now it's time to move on and chase a new one. Will the quirky, modern fairytale style work for everyone? Definitely not, and I understand why some people don't like it, because it all hinges on how willing you are to accept the idea at the centre of the plot. I don't know, man, I'm just so happy that this movie exists, because the fact that it delivers such an important message (hold onto your sense of wonder) while also being an absolute delight makes it a true treasure. It feels like such an important film without ever implying that that's what it's trying to do. This is the kind of modern magic that we really need more of. I suppose it is hit or miss, because if you aren't invested in the plot straight away, then the whole thing will kind of fall through, but if, like me, you love this kind of idealism and want to see a film that revels in it, then Unicorn Store is a must see. God I loved this
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