Film | Rivenmaster Raves

December 1, 2023December 1, 2023

The Water Man (2021)

The Water Man (2021) is a heartwarming and visually stunning film that captures the essence of childhood dreams and the power of imagination. Directed by David Oyelowo, this fantasy adventure takes viewers on an emotional journey filled with love, loss, and the unbreakable bond between a father and son.

The film follows the story of Gunner Boone, a young boy who embarks on a quest to find the mythical Water Man, a legendary figure said to possess the ability to cheat death. Gunner’s motivation stems from his mother’s illness, and he believes that finding the Water Man is the only way to save her.

Oyelowo’s direction is masterful, immersing the audience in a world where reality and fantasy seamlessly blend. The cinematography beautifully captures the enchanting landscapes and magical moments, making the film a visual treat. The use of colors and lighting adds depth and enhances the emotional impact of the story.

The performances in The Water Man are exceptional, particularly Lonnie Chavis Jr. as Gunner Boone. Chavis portrays the vulnerability and determination of his character with remarkable skill, capturing the essence of a young boy desperate to save his mother. An unlikely friendship develops in the story when Gunner meets Jo Riley, a young teen girl with a troubled background portrayed by Amiah Miller. David Oyelowo also delivers a compelling performance as Gunner’s father, showcasing the complexities of a man torn between his own grief and his son’s unwavering hope.

The film’s narrative is rich with symbolism and explores themes of love, loss, and the power of storytelling. It beautifully depicts the struggles of a family grappling with illness and the lengths they will go to protect one another. The Water Man also highlights the importance of imagination and the role it plays in overcoming adversity.

What sets The Water Man apart is its ability to resonate with both children and adults. While it is a fantastical adventure, it also delves into profound themes that will tug at the heartstrings of viewers of all ages. It reminds us of the power of hope and the strength that can be found in the face of adversity.

Finally, The Water Man is a captivating and emotionally resonant film that explores the power of imagination and the enduring bond between a father and son. With its stunning visuals, exceptional performances, and heartfelt storytelling, this film is a must-watch for audiences of all ages.

November 24, 2023November 24, 2023

A Monster Calls Moving and Captivating.

“A Monster Calls,” directed by J.A. Bayona, is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged film that explores the power of storytelling and the complexities of grief. Based on the novel by Patrick Ness, the movie follows the journey of a young boy named Conor, who is struggling to cope with his mother’s terminal illness.

The film begins with Conor’s vivid and terrifying nightmares, which reflect his inner turmoil. He is haunted by a monstrous tree that comes to life and tells him stories. This tree, voiced by Liam Neeson, serves as a metaphor for Conor’s emotions and acts as his guide through the difficult process of accepting his mother’s impending death.

One of the most striking aspects of “A Monster Calls” is its stunning visual imagery. The use of dark and muted colors creates a somber and melancholic atmosphere that perfectly mirrors Conor’s emotional state. The animation sequences, which illustrate the stories told by the monster, are beautifully crafted and add a magical element to the film.

The performances in the movie are exceptional, particularly from the young actor Lewis MacDougall, who portrays Conor with remarkable maturity and depth. He effectively conveys the character’s anger, sadness, and vulnerability, allowing the audience to empathize with his pain. Felicity Jones, who plays Conor’s mother, delivers a heartfelt performance, capturing the essence of a loving parent facing her own mortality.

The film’s exploration of grief is both poignant and relatable. Conor’s struggle to come to terms with his mother’s illness is depicted with raw honesty. Through his interactions with the monster and the stories it tells, Conor learns valuable lessons about loss, forgiveness, and the complexity of human emotions.

Ultimately, “A Monster Calls” is a powerful and moving film that tackles the universal themes of grief and acceptance. It reminds us of the importance of storytelling as a means of understanding and processing our emotions. The movie’s ability to provoke deep introspection and evoke strong emotions makes it a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.

Last but not least:

Trust me this movie will take you by surprise if you thought it was a kid’s film. The story unfolds slowly so just allow yourself to be drawn into the plot allowing the writer and director to bring you to the conclusion. Having watched so many films and written a number of reviews myself, I have I have a hard time not getting ahead of the story. While the ending may not entirely surprise you like “The Sixth Sense”, it’s similar in the way it drops hints along the way.

While not a new film, having been released in 2016, it is available on Netflix. You can also stream A Monster Calls by renting or purchasing on Google Play, Amazon, and Vudu.

I highly recommend this film.

April 29, 2023April 29, 2023

Sweet Tooth an entertaining and captivating Triumph

I just finished marathoning Season 2 of Sweet Tooth on Netflix. If you have been missing out on this one, you’re in for a treat. Do start with Season One, as it’s totally worth every minute of viewing time.

The Story

Sweet Tooth is a popular Netflix series that has captured the attention of viewers worldwide. The show is based on a comic book series of the same name by Jeff Lemire. The series is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a virus has wiped out most of humanity, and hybrid children are born with animal features.

The story revolves around Gus, played by Christian Convery from Vancouver, Canada. Christian portrays a young boy who is part deer and part human. He lives in a secluded forest with his father, who has sheltered him from the outside world. When his father dies, Gus sets out to find his mother, who he believes is still alive. Along the way, he meets a tough loner named Jepperd, (Nonso Anozie) who becomes his protector and guide.

The show is a thrilling adventure that takes viewers on a journey through a world that is both beautiful and dangerous. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the relationships between them are heartwarming. The show also tackles important themes such as family, survival, and the impact of technology on society.

Sweet Tooth is an excellent example of how a post-apocalyptic story can be both entertaining and thought-provoking. It is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a good adventure and wants to see how humanity can survive and thrive even in the most challenging circumstances.

Sweet Tooth (Christian Convery)

Convery’s performance as Gus is remarkable, as he manages to convey the innocence and vulnerability of a child while also portraying the strength and resilience needed to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. The show’s creators have done an excellent job in casting Convery, as he is a perfect fit for the role.

Throughout the series, Convery’s performance is consistently impressive, and he manages to hold his own alongside the more experienced actors in the cast. His ability to convey emotion and deliver lines with conviction is a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft.

Although Christian is just 13 years old, he has played alongside some of the biggest names in Hollywood. He most recently was seen on the big screen as ‘Henry’ in the comedy-horror-thriller Cocaine Bear alongside Keri Russell and O’Shea Jackson Jr.

Some of his past credits as listed on IMDB include Highland Films’ drama Tiger Rising (2022); Disney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2021); Paramount Pictures’ Playing With Fire (2019); Amazon’s critically acclaimed film Beautiful Boy (2018) opposite Timothee Chalamet and Steve Carell; Netflix’s Pup Academy (2019-2022); Disney’s Descendants 3 (2019); Marvel’s Venom (2018); Syfy’s Van Helsing; CW’s Supernatural (2016) and more.

Synopsis

Overall, Sweet Tooth is an excellent series that is made all the more enjoyable by Convery’s performance. He is a rising star in the acting world, and his portrayal of Gus is sure to be remembered for years to come. Everything about the series is captivating, the characters, the music score, the directing, the scenery, the special character makeup and effects, all make this the one to watch. I can’t wait for Season 3 as I’m sure we will see Sweet Tooth finally be reunited with his mother.

If you haven’t watched Sweet Tooth yet, I highly recommend it, as it is an excellent example of the talent and skill that can be found in the world of acting. Parents should be advised that the series is rated TV-14 for some mild language and violence.

You can watch both season 1 & 2 now on Netflix.

SEASON ONE TRAILER

SEASON TWO TRAILER

For more about Christian Convery visit: