I feel like I’m the alien writing this review. Apparently, most critics liked the new Steven Spielberg film, “Disclosure Day.”
I sat in the cinema feeling the material was so dated and it would have worked best if it were released 40-something years ago as a companion piece for Spielberg’s 1977 classic, “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and 1982’s “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.”
I actually stepped out of the press screening two thirds of the way through. I went to take a short walk and buy a small sandwich during one of the car chases, quite assured I knew how it would play out.
I did enjoy many Spielberg films as a youngster, and could identify what went into “Disclosure Day.” The ingredients being: 1. Earnest, good hearted leads; 2. Aliens; 3. A big bad mysterious corporation sanctioned by the government. (In this case, said entity is named Wardex. Wardex has lots of black cars and agents in black tactical gear. Colin Firth plays their big boss.); 4. Fumbling courtesy of said agents; 5. Car chases (the wily heroes will evade capture); 6. MacGuffins; 7. Creature payoff at the end.
I also thought they got someone to knock off the music of the now 94-year-old John Williams. I saw the credits, and it was actually John Williams who did the score. The man is a legend, and I feel bad saying I do not recall a melody from it.
A lot of the comedy wasn’t landing. The more successful attempts at getting a laugh happened in the scenes with Emily Blunt and Wyatt Russell. If the movie focused more on Emily Blunt’s Kansas City weather reporter, Margaret Fairchild and shaved half an hour off, I may have liked it more.
The material fails the incredibly talented Josh O’ Connor, who plays Dr. Daniel Kellner, an ex-employee of Wardex. I only hope he got a good paycheck so he can go back to better written roles for films which may have a more modest budget.
When it comes to cover ups and files, my version of “Disclosure Day” would involve all the information on our flood control corruption scandals, though that might not grab worldwide attention. Maybe the release of the complete Epstein Files?
“Disclosure Day” is out on regular screens and at the IMAX.
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In celebration of “Pride” month, the 2024 Luca Guadagnino film, “Queer” starring Daniel Craig is out. Justin Kuritzkes’ (“Challengers”) screenplay is based on an autobiographical book by William Burroughs.
The film involves Craig’s character William Lee navigating life, love and queer identity in 1950’s Mexico. Unusual images, strange dream visuals, and both sad and funny vignettes abound.
Recent Tony award winner, Lesley Manville, is barely recognizable but quite enjoyable as a hallucinogen guru named Dr. Cotter, who lives deep in the South American jungle.
“Queer” uses the Sinead O’ Connor version of Nirvana’s “All Apologies” for the opening sequence and trailer — and it is absolutely perfect.
Apart from another Nirvana track, look out for music by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, Prince, and New Order. There are also big band tracks, and Latin American tunes of the era. I particularly loved the use of the country tune “Riders in the Sky.”
Unlike “Disclosure Day,” “Queer” is designed for a very niche audience. I must say, I did like being in the dark with the selection of music and the strange images. “Queer” is an exclusive release of Ayala Cinemas.
