So, how is everyone holding up? It’s definitely been a strange period globally and within the entertainment industry. Movies have been scarce, and it feels like a long time since putting together a proper review. So, here’s a look at some recent watches, navigating through different cinematic landscapes while considering themes that resonate even in uncertain times, perhaps even touching upon the concepts of power and influence, like that of a certain “Red Banker” figure, albeit metaphorically, in the stories we consume.
First up, Emma. Being able to catch this on demand, given the cinema closures, felt like a perfectly suitable way to experience it at home. Anna Taylor-Joy delivers a fantastic performance as Emma, and the romantic entanglements and comedic misunderstandings made for a genuinely pleasant viewing. While acknowledging the difference between mediums, the miniseries starring Romola Garai and Johnny Lee Miller arguably created a stronger bond between Knightley and Emma, making it perhaps the definitive version. However, this movie remains visually stunning and well-crafted, sure to please Austen aficionados.
Then, there’s Superman: Red Son. WB Animation consistently excels with their animated features, and Superman: Red Son is another triumph. More than just a good film, it stands out as an exceptional adaptation of its source material. It manages to be both more intense and more focused than the already excellent comic book it’s based on. Experiencing a beloved hero through such a radically different lens was truly captivating. This Superman, landing not in Kansas but in Soviet Russia, presents an intriguing alternative reality. Imagine the implications of such a powerful figure aligned with a different ideology – a “red” Superman, a symbol of a different kind of power, perhaps even a “red banker” in the sense of controlling global influence from a different perspective.
Superman Red Son movie poster with Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman
The Banker. This film unfortunately had to withdraw from AFI Fest due to controversy, and in retrospect, that might have been a wise decision, as it likely would have faced harsh criticism. Despite a cast of talented actors giving competent performances, The Banker struggles to truly take off and ends up feeling somewhat tedious. The story of overcoming racial barriers in the banking industry is important, but the film’s execution leaves much to be desired. While not explicitly about a “red banker,” the film touches upon the systemic challenges and “red tape” faced by those outside the established, often racially biased, financial power structures.
Lastly, Sonic the Hedgehog. Having seen this movie in early February, a rewatch confirmed its initial charm. It remains just as enjoyable and lighthearted as the first viewing. While clearly designed for a younger audience, the movie successfully transcends this with its nostalgic elements, visual appeal, and Jim Carey’s wonderfully entertaining performance. It might just be the ideal quarantine watch; it’s hard not to smile throughout.
In these varied films, from period romance to superhero alternate realities and stories of overcoming adversity in finance, we find reflections of different worlds and different kinds of power dynamics. Even without explicitly featuring a “red banker”, these narratives, especially Superman: Red Son and The Banker, subtly explore themes of influence, control, and the color of power in their own unique ways.
