Change Your Image
taniqeb
Reviews
Wheels (2014)
A film not to walk away from
This is the kind of film that doesn't pretend to explain itself; the kind of film you can't start watching halfway and expect to find a resolution. It's the kind of film that requires you to remain seated, be still - and focus on what's really in front of you.
The premise of a paraplegic trying to end his life sets a dark yet humorous tone, but this quickly evolves into a sort of belated coming-of-age story. Add into the mix, a wheelchair-bound street junkie, poverty, prostitution and drugs - and you have the making of a needling and all-to-often relatable reality.
This story, given its almost two-hour length, doesn't dawdle and distract you with sub-plots. It is decisive and the story-telling is raw whilst remaining sensitive to the themes it explores. For those who are cast aside, life is seldom a thing of beauty or purpose.
If we can forgive a few sudden character swings, we are still left with an engaging and empathic representation of what going down the deep and dark rabbit hole truly looks like.
The Host (2020)
An unimpressive attempt at story-telling and film-making
This film starts with an interesting premise but quickly spirals toward the absurd when two unrelated story lines intersect, at a place where the viewer should just stop watching.
If the intent of the film was to have a plotless outcome - it's succeeded, and as improbable as the story-line is, it is somewhat plausible. The characters are underdeveloped and lack history or purpose, almost like being stuck in an airport and people watching.
A good idea badly executed.