What I’m Watching: Cena’s latest and the SwiftiesDate: 11/13/2023 New to Theaters: “Freelance”
Following his heroic wartime feats, Mason Petite finds himself stuck in the doldrums of mundanity. His marriage is ripping apart at the seams. A half-hearted transition to a cynical law practice debases his once-admirable virtues. Worst of all, Mason’s now-ordinary existence is devoid of the spark that once provided him with purpose.
Mason’s journey traverses down a new path when a former colleague offers him a simple security gig — watch over a journalist tasked with interviewing a political leader embroiled in controversy. When a coup breaks out, Mason is thrust back into battle to protect his client and discover the truth in the action romp “Freelance. “
Readers, do not take the premise’s hints at political intrigue and emotional existentialism too seriously, as “Freelance” stumbles into theaters as a reasonably straightforward movie star vehicle for former WWE legend John Cena.
Similar to Dwayne Johnson and Dave Bautista, Cena has firmly established his dynamic acting chops on the screen. He boasts an affable meathead energy in several projects, such as “Bumblebee” and “Blockers.” However, within this macho presence, Cena often discovers layers of intrigue. His work as Peacekeeper in the DC Universe is especially impactful, with the actor deftly wrestling with the violent conditions that formed the character’s hardened, warmongering shell.
As one could judge by “Freelance’s” abominable 0% Rotten Tomatoes score, this film is not interested in exploring Cena’s profundity or anything of particular substance. To be honest, that’s perfectly okay with me. While I would struggle to label “Freelance” as an accomplished film, it does provide a decent dose of amusement for viewers searching for a breezy action/comedy hybrid.
“Freelance” operates like a live-action cartoon. Every character moment and narrative beat lives in its own implausible, one-dimensional world where everything is dialed up to the utmost extremes. Within this approach lies a zany vibrancy that delivers fun in inconsistent doses. Cena, “Community” star Allison Brie and Juan Pablo Raba establish a lively comedic rapport as Mason, journalist Claire Wellington and President Juan Venegas. Even when the jokes clumsily facepalm, the actors infuse a dynamic pulse to drag the material forward with a wink and a smile.
The action sequences here are similarly endearing in their makeshift design. “Taken” Director Pierre Morel turns the film’s limited budgetary assists into a strength, deploying scrappy techniques that inject some verve into fairly mundane setpieces. Inclusions like POV camerawork and practical blood effects are not always convincing. Still, they display more creative vitality than several blockbusters with much more resources at their disposal (looking at you, Marvel).
Don’t get me wrong, “Freelance’s” strengths are equally balanced by its frequent falterings. The narrative is an aimless mess that jockeys between farce and maudlin melodrama. I think the movie would feel more cohesive if it fully embraced its inherent silliness, but we are instead subjected to countless scenes that drive forward without clear direction. The third act becomes especially laborious as screenwriter Jacob Lentz haphazardly chucks exposition at the wall without consideration. In addition, while I award the film points for its competence, “Freelance’s” limited charms never shake the”been there, done that” deja vu feeling that emanates throughout its runtime.
Did I enjoy “Freelance?” My answer to that would be “sort of,” which is sadly the best review this film has received to date (quote that one on the DVD cover!). The movie delivers an amiable yet entirely disposable experience well-suited for mildly engaging viewers scrolling through their streaming services.
Also in Theaters: “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour”
Taylor Swift. T Swizzle. President of Swifty Nation. These titles describe a pop culture phenomenon with unparalleled influence in our zeitgeist. Since emerging toward superstardom as a teenager, Swift has charted a rare vocal voyage, switching up her style and sensibility across numerous projects while establishing remarkable consistency throughout. An endless parade of Grammy awards and chart-topping tracks have all helped transform Swift from a famous musician into a singular cultural influencer. Just think of the waves of paparazzi documenting every place she visits, the people she travels with and, of course, the men she dates.
I am unsure if I would earn the Swifty distinction, but I enjoy her work. As a 26-year-old, it feels like Taylor has grown up alongside my generation. She began with wistful love songs that emanate the teenage spirit before defining her mark as an artist deeply connected to the sentiments of today.
Following the smash success of Taylor’s Eras Tour, audiences can now experience the epic concert experience on the big screen — without paying $500 plus fees to Ticketmaster! “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” certainly will not indoctrinate any nonbeliever with bad blood toward Swift. Still, for fans of her insightful perspective and dynamic catalog, this is a roaring and reflective event that will leave everyone in the audience shaking it off from one track to the next.
It is no surprise the production values of this concert adaptation pop on screen. Swift never runs out of style; she constantly implements roaring instruments and vibrant dance numbers that expressively heighten her tracks. Director Sam Wrench and his technical team showcase adept skill in manifesting the concert energy on screen. The varied lenses, intimate framing and free-flowing movements inject dynamism that few concert films can equal.
There are also sneakily resonant undertones to “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour.” Indulging in a decade-plus Swift greatest hits collection often left me nostalgically feeling like I was 22 again, dressing up like a hipster, eating breakfast at midnight and making fun of my exes. If anything, I think this concert film serves as a great testament to Taylor’s immense impact on millions of adoring fans.
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