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Benjamin Redic

“Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)” – A Violence Conductor Perspective

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Hey, it’s Benjamin Nathaniel Redic II, the Violence Conductor, here to give you my take on the new “Birds of Prey” movie. I’ve been hearing a lot about why it didn’t do well at the box office, so let’s dive in.

Plot and Theme:

  • This movie is loaded with girl power, and that’s cool, but the way it was marketed was a turn-off to some, particularly to dudes. The film’s narrative pretty much paints every male character as garbage, while all the female characters, even those who are morally ambiguous like Harley Quinn, are portrayed as heroes or at least in a very positive light. 
  • The plot focuses more on Harley Quinn rather than the team dynamic of the Birds of Prey, which was a bit misleading if you were expecting a team-up movie from the get-go.

Marketing and Audience Reception:

  • The marketing, coupled with some interviews, like Ewan McGregor’s, where he was using his Obi-Wan voice to promote the film, didn’t do it any favors. It almost made me decide not to watch it. 
  • Here’s the thing: if you’re going to make a film that’s all about empowering women, then women need to show up to support it. Just like how “Black Panther” saw black audiences come out in droves to support. If the female demographic doesn’t show up for female-led movies, you can’t blame the other half of the population for a lackluster box office.
  • Hollywood, it’s not the customer’s job to watch your movie; it’s your job to make a film that people want to see. If it fails, look at your marketing, your product, not the audience.

Action and Choreography:

  • As for the action, it was entertaining but not groundbreaking. It had its moments, especially with Jurnee Smollett-Bell as Black Canary. She had some cool Taekwondo moves, which I appreciated as someone who’s been training in martial arts. 
  • Huntress wasn’t as dark or serious as I expected from the comics, which was a bit of a letdown. The action was over-the-top, fitting for a Harley Quinn movie where physics takes a back seat to fun.

Camera Work and Technical Aspects:

  • There wasn’t anything about the camera work that blew me away. It was serviceable but didn’t stand out.

Rating:

  • On a scale of 1-5, I’d give “Birds of Prey” a 3, It’s not worth full price admission, but for a matinee or a rental, it’s fun enough. I wouldn’t be buying the DVD, though.

Final Thoughts:

  • The movie was cool in its own way, but it didn’t meet expectations for a team-up. It’s more of a Harley Quinn solo adventure with guest appearances. 
  • I’ve been slacking on reviews due to travel, but I’ll be back with more content soon, including gaming videos and movie reviews. And for the record, I’ve been doing the Black Panther thing before it was cool, so maybe someone in Hollywood’s keeping an eye on me.

Benjamin Nathaniel Redic II, the Violence Conductor, out. Catch you later.

Harriet Tubman – Worth the Watch?

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Hey everyone, it’s Benjamin Nathaniel Redic II, the Violence Conductor, back with another movie review. I got to see “Harriet” at an early screening, courtesy of Impact Outreach, and I want to give a massive thanks for that opportunity. 

Plot:

  • “Harriet” might just be the best movie of the year in my opinion. While not primarily an action film, it’s based on the true story of Harriet Tubman, which means there’s plenty of tension, chase sequences, and some moments of combat. The plot is compelling, following Tubman’s escape from slavery and her subsequent missions to free others.

Acting:

  • The acting is top-notch, with performances that genuinely moved me. There were several moments where I found myself getting teary-eyed. The portrayal of Harriet Tubman is not just about her courage but also her wit and humanity. She’s shown standing up to those who doubt her, which adds a layer of humor and strength to her character.

Characters and Dynamics:

  • One of the standout aspects is how the film balances the portrayal of characters. Not all white people are antagonists, and not all slaves are eager to escape, showcasing a spectrum of human responses to oppression. There’s even a black character who works with slave catchers, adding complexity to the narrative. 
  • The relationship dynamics, particularly with John, are handled with nuance, showing the consequences and personal sacrifices involved in the fight for freedom.

Action:

  • While not action-heavy, the sequences that involve action are well-executed. Harriet’s escapes, her confrontations, and even her strategic thinking during tense situations are depicted in a way that feels authentic and intense. There’s a scene where she jumps onto a horse and uses a musket with remarkable composure, which I really appreciated.

Camera Work:

  • The cinematography is beautiful, with precise and clean visuals. The color palette is particularly well-chosen, enhancing the storytelling without being overstated. I’d give this aspect a 5 out of 5.

Cultural Commentary:

  • Watching “Harriet” made me reflect on the importance of historical figures as role models. Harriet Tubman’s story is one of bravery, intelligence, and faith, qualities that transcend time and circumstance. Her story reminds us of the sacrifices made for freedom and equality, much like the tales of historical figures from various cultures.

Rating:

  • On my new 10-point scale, I’m giving “Harriet” a 9 out of 10. It’s an exceptional film that deserves support, not only for its portrayal of a significant historical figure but for its storytelling quality. This movie is worth every penny of that $14 ticket price. It’s good for adults and educational for kids, offering a visual and emotional journey into history.

Final Thoughts:

  • “Harriet” is a film that should be celebrated for its narrative strength and cultural significance. It’s a reminder of the power of one person’s determination and the impact of their legacy. Go see it, support films like this, and let’s hope for more stories that delve deep into the lives of those who shaped our history.

Catch you next time for more reviews. Benjamin Ethaniel Reichenberg II, the Violence Conductor, signing off. Happy Halloween, y’all!

Music

Review of “The Rise of Skywalker” – A First-Person Perspective

Hey there, it’s the Vodka Doctor, also known as Benjamin Ethaniel Reichenberg II, the Violence Conductor, stepping outside of my usual set to share some thoughts on a movie that’s been polarizing for fans: “The Rise of Skywalker”. Be warned, there will be spoilers here, so if you haven’t seen it yet, that’s on you.

Plot and Power Scaling:

  • From my perspective, which was shaped by entering the Star Wars universe around the time of “The Phantom Menace”, the Force was about elegant combat with lightsabers, magical push-and-pull abilities, and some impressive acrobatics. However, “The Rise of Skywalker” seemed to lose sight of this simplicity. 
  • Rey, despite being shown as incredibly powerful from the start – levitating like Yoda, manipulating objects with precision – her use of the Force in combat scenarios felt inconsistent and illogical. Why swing a lightsaber like a baseball bat against someone much stronger and better trained like Kylo Ren? Where was the finesse and strategy?

Action and Choreography:

  • The action in this movie was a letdown for me. The fight scenes lacked the intensity and tactical engagement that I expect from Star Wars. For example, the confrontation between Rey and Kylo should have been a masterclass in lightsaber combat, but instead, it felt like a power clash without much skill or thought behind the moves.
  • There were some ridiculous moments, like Leia surviving in space or characters using the Force for teleportation, which felt like a departure from established lore. The Force has always had its mystique, but these new applications seemed more like plot conveniences than thoughtful expansions of the Force’s capabilities.

Character and Story Arc:

  • The title “The Rise of Skywalker” felt misnamed to me. If anything, it should have been about Ben Solo’s redemption, not Rey declaring herself a Skywalker. The narrative around Rey’s lineage and her sudden mastery of all Force abilities just didn’t sit right with me. It’s like they forgot she was supposed to be learning, not just magically adept at everything.
  • The climax with Palpatine was confusing. What exactly happened in that fight? Was Rey absorbing and redirecting Force energy? It was hard to tell, and it left me unsatisfied with the resolution of such a pivotal moment.

Ratings:

  • On a 10-point scale, I’d give “The Rise of Skywalker” a 4 out of 10 for action. For an action movie within such an iconic franchise, this is unacceptable. If you strip away the Star Wars name, the combat and action choreography would be considered subpar.
  • Overall, as a Star Wars movie, I’ll give it a 7 out of 10. It was better than some of the other films involving Rey, but that’s not saying much.

Final Thoughts:

  • I love the Star Wars universe for its potential, its lore, and its universe. But when movies introduce powers or plot devices that contradict established rules or ignore character development for the sake of spectacle, it’s disappointing. 
  • The action sequences in other media like cartoons, books, or even older games often feel more true to the spirit of Star Wars than some of these recent films. It’s like trying to make Dragon Ball GT make sense when Dragon Ball was all about skill and not just escalating power levels.
  • Disney, if you’re listening, please remember what made the Force and lightsaber combat special. It’s not just about who has the highest power level; it’s about technique, strategy, and the journey of mastering these abilities.

I have spoken. The Violence Conductor, out.