10-Category Review: Annihilation

Intro

Hello and welcome to a 10-category review of Annihilation. Here I will be evaluating the film using a rubric of ten categories (acting, direction, production design, writing, sound effects, visual effects, editing, cinematography, casting, and score/soundtrack). Each category will be judged on a range of 0-10. With each score, I will provide as much evidence as I can to justify the ruling while avoiding spoilers. I hope to give an accurate evaluation of the film without giving anything away. Enjoy!

Acting: 9/10

-Annihilation is headed by Natalie Portman who does well in her layered role. Meanwhile, many members of the supporting cast excel in their roles to provide what the film needs. Some will say there are times when people come off as caricatures but it never reaches a point of disbelief. Overall, everyone does their part to deliver a complex symphony of fear and beauty.

Direction: 9/10

-Alex Garland deserves a lot of attention for the union of detail and depth he was able to put together in Annihilation. While there may be choices to question here or there, Annihilation comes off as a piece of work that was truly cared for by an artist with a vision. It is difficult to get specific here because the film is daring is almost every way.

Production Design: 9/10

-The horrifically beautiful atmosphere of Annihilation is instantly immersive and that comes across in choices both big and small. Created with detail, this film knows how to build a real foundation with its audience through its surreal look and feel. Many daring choices are done tastefully in this highly re-watchable experience.

Writing: 9/10

-The abstract nature of Annihilation's story may be off-putting for some but really reaches for higher meanings. Dripping with substance, the story achieves character growth and connections while drawing on some of the grandest themes available. The layers of this script are what stand out most as it balances literal, emotional and spiritual journeys of several intriguing characters.

Sound FX: 10/10

-It is rare for a film to use sound in a way that steals a scene, much less steal the show. However, it is arguable the the highlight of Annihilation (a film with many highlights) is actually a sound effects choice. There is so much to love about this film but it is undeniable that Annihilation contains a landmark scene in sound effects.

Visual FX: 9/10

-A very ambitious film, Annihilation implements a variety of techniques that keeps the audiences involved throughout. Because the atmosphere is being built from so many angles (both CGI and practical effects), the alien land feels both fresh and effortless. The visuals of this film are a real treat due to the diversity of crafts at use.

Editing: 10/10

-Annihilation is a complex story that unfolds in a nuanced way. There are many opportunities for a film like this to fall off and become a muddled mess yet Annihilation comes across as a concise story told with fluidity. In a story that becomes rather abstract, jumps timelines and is intentionally vague, everything survives due to rock-solid editing.

Cinematography: 9/10

-This is a movie that is beautiful in almost every way and imagery is no exception. From peaceful landscapes to chilling monsters, Annihilation displays everything in its own masterful way that feels both new and authentic. The film has both images and sequences that are genuine pieces of art.

Casting: 9/10

-Some may debate the legitimacy of Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, or Gina Rodriguez but each character was given layered tasks and all actor had their moments of excellence. Portman exudes both vulnerability & strength while every supporting actor knew what they needed to bring to the table as well. Every actor was well suited to handle their balancing acts of internal & external struggles.

Score/Soundtrack: 10/10

-The unexpected star of the show may very well be the musical score. Taking the reigns in the third act, the music really takes the experience to a level of immersion that is rarely reached by a film. The scoring of Annihilation is simply a home run as it services the surreal atmosphere perfectly.

Conclusion: 9.3/10

-Annihilation may not have had much initial success but there certainly potential of staying power here due to the sheer excellence of this film. It is rare to see a movie crafted with such intention, that oozes with such detail, and goes this deep. By any measure of a film, Annihilation is an absolute knock-out and a must watch for any fan of the craft.

10-Category Review: A Quiet Place

Intro

Hello and welcome to a 10-category review of A Quiet Place. Here I will be evaluating the film using a rubric of ten categories (acting, direction, production design, writing, sound effects, visual effects, editing, cinematography, casting, and score/soundtrack). Each category will be judged on a range of 0-10. With each score, I will provide as much evidence as I can to justify the ruling while avoiding spoilers. I hope to give an accurate evaluation of the film without giving anything away. Enjoy!

Acting: 8/10

-A Quiet Place is a film that relies heavily on its actors to hit many difficult emotions and display them in effective, muted ways. There are arguably moments where the children display their acting youth or John Krasinski does a bit too much but I believe everything is ultimately solid from a cast that took on a heavy load.

Direction: 7/10

-The direction of this movie comes across as proficient without anything that sets it apart. While I did appreciate the atmosphere and efficiency of the experience, I did find myself yearning for more unexpected, artful moments. All in all, Kransinski got the job done here.

Production Design: 8/10

-It could be the Hollywood power-couple but A Quiet Place comes off like a real Hollywood movie from the atmosphere to the minute props. I do take some issue with the creative look of the antagonists but I cannot deny current Hollywood trends.

Writing: 6/10

-One of the bigger weaknesses of this film is definitely the writing. While the story is both ambitious and grounded, there are problems with cliches, weak characters and telling (rather than showing) writing. There are certainly strong moments and real emotional beats too but that only gets us so far.

Sound FX: 9/10

-A big draw for A Quiet Place is its use of sound (or lack thereof). The expectations could be high in this regard but the film lives up to it because sound plays a major role throughout. There are some moments of cheap tricks that hold this back from a 10 but, overall, this movie is a great example of how effective sound can be.

Visual FX: 7/10

-The lighting, setting, and rugged practical effects of A Quiet Place serve the film well as they all pull the audience in. What debatably holds the movie back, however, is in how the antagonists look and are displayed. The design there comes off as played-out.

Editing: 7/10

-Much like the direction, the editing of A Quiet Place comes off as proficient without leaving much lasting impression. The pacing is concise and the story is told in a way we're all familiar with. Much like the film overall, this category feels distinctly good not great.

Cinematography: 6/10

-Cinematography is another category where I found myself disappointed by this film. While A Quiet Place does take its time and is more nuanced than most, there is a general lack creativity in the film-making overall. Once again, the job gets done but there is a complete lack of memorable imagary.

Casting: 7/10

-Casting children is a difficult task that this film accomplishes well enough. Meanwhile, Emily Blunt & John Krasinski show off their chemistry while remaining generally believable throughout. Nobody really stole the show but everyone did well.

Score/Soundtrack: 6/10

-I may sound like a broken record at this point but the musical scoring of A Quiet Place comes off as proficient while also a bit bland. Many of the notes fit formulas we've heard before which is effective here but also forgettable.

Conclusion: 7.1/10

-A Quiet Place is a film that does enough right to be engaging throughout but doesn't take quite enough chances to be truly memorable or unique. A perfectly fine film that will probably be liked by most but loved by few.