Chaos Walking

Official Australian release date: 4/3/21. Viewed: 9/3/21.

Director: Doug Liman
Actors: Tom Holland, Daisy Ridley, Mads Mikkelsen, David Oyelowo
Genre: Sci-Fi / Action
Rating: M

‘Chaos Walking’ is a near-future humanity-trying-to-colonise-a-new-planet film, based on the book ‘The Knife of Never Letting Go’ by Patrick Ness, which I haven’t read. I may have to read the three books, as the unique “power” all the men on this new planet have is that their thoughts are visible – called “the noise”, shown as multi-coloured clouds around their heads. No secrets here! Or so you’d think. Todd (Holland) is a teenager raised on this planet, guided by the mayor, Prentiss (Mikkelsen) & preacher (Oyelowo), when Viola (Ridley) crash lands from the 2^nd fleet from Earth.

It’s directed by Doug Liman, who has a very interesting CV now (‘Swingers’, ‘Bourne Identity’, ‘Mr & Mrs Smith’, ‘Edge of Tomorrow’) and does a good job to keep things moving, while slowly fleshing out the characters. It’s essentially a chase film, with Todd & Viola on the run the whole time. Quebec does a good job of standing is as not-unusually-seen terrain. The “noise” can get annoying at times, but Holland’s charm helps.

I should highlight that some won’t like the few instances of animal cruelty shown on screen, so be warned. Good to see Spider-Man and Rey acting together – you can see the studio trying to cash in when they filmed this 3.5 years ago! Why there are some quite obvious reveals (reminds me more of ‘The Chrysalids’ than other sci-fi novels), and there is a little more world-building needed (I’m sure we’ll see sequels), it offers enough to leave you satisfied.

Overall: Solid, if unspectacular, sci-fi.

Gav's Rating: 3 stars.

Raya and the Last Dragon

Official Australian release date: 4/3/21. Viewed: 6/3/21.
Directors: Don Hall & Carlos Estrada
Actors: Kelly Marie Tran, Awkwafina, Izaac Wang, Gemma Chan
Genre: Fantasy / Adventure
Rating: PG

‘Raya & the Last Dragon’ is another excellent Disney Animation film (not Pixar), with strong female characters, a well-plotted story and some breathtaking animation. We’re introduced to the fantasy world of Kumandra, which is an imitation of Thailand, Cambodia, China, Malaysia and Vietnam, where benevolent dragons once lived in harmony with humans. Raya (Tran; “rie-a”, not “ray-a”) is a princess in the now-divided Kumandra, as is Namaari (Chan). To restore peace and Kumandra, Raya sets out to find the last dragon – Sisu (Awkwafina) – and the gem.

Awkwafina provides lots of the comedy as Sisu and works really well, as does Raya’s armadillo, Tuk Tuk. Along the way, Raya & Sisu are joined and helped by Boun (Wang), Tong (Wong) and some cute monkeys. Needless to say, there’s a big showdown with others that are selfishly keeping parts of the gem. Lots of great sword battles!

The pacing is great, and there’s plenty of subtle and not-so-subtle lessons laid in. Some nice character growth for Raya and Namaari. The CGI is exceptional – I don’t think kids these days appreciate it how good they have it! What they’re able to make happen on-screen is a joy to watch. Totally satisfying experience.

Overall: Visually and emotionally superb story.

Gav's Rating: 4 stars.