Martin Cid's Blog: Martin Cid Magazine, page 104

Thriller ‘Clutch’ Wraps Production: Featuring Sadie Katz, Kaiwi Lyman, Mike Ferguson, and Augie Duke

Director Michael Merino’s upcoming action-thriller “CLUTCH,” starring Sadie Katz  (Wrong Turn 6), Kaiwi Lyman (Den of Thieves), Augie Duke (Mayans M.C.), Mike  Ferguson (Showdown at the Grand), with Michael Pare’ (Streets of Fire) and Vernon  Wells (Mad Max 2) has wrapped production and is headed into post.

“Clutch” was partially inspired by true events; writer-producer Michael Merino based the  story on a real life car-jacking of a female rideshare-driver who was taken hostage by a  criminal on the run from his less-than-law-abiding accomplices, who were involved in a  deleterious enterprise that was never solved.

According to the official logline, “Clutch” follows the story of Tonya (Sadie Katz), whose  life is in a bit of a shambles and works as a share-driver to make ends-meet, and is  under the thumb of her sugar daddy (Michael Pare’). One evening while working Tonya  is car-jacked and finds herself in the dark underbelly of the city’s mob. The Carjacker,  known as X (Kaiwi Lyman), is being hunted on the streets of the city by two hitmen,  Tartalo (Mike Ferguson) and Lucius (Dan Istrate). They’re being guided by their Mob  Boss (Vernon Wells) with orders to retrieve money stolen by X and eliminate him for his  betrayal. Eventually Tonya comes to understand that some criminals are not what they  first seem.

Katz commented on taking on the role of “Tonya”: “This is such a great script, I was  thrilled to be a part of it. Michael Merino and Producer Randy Charach have been  wonderful and I absolutely love indie films like this one. I’m stoked!”

The film also stars Eva Hamilton (Ruin Me) and Jessica Uberuaga (Incarnation).

Michael Merino’s previous film, the Dolph Lundgren action-thriller “Acceleration,” was  written and directed by Merino. “Clutch” will be Merino’s second feature primarily set in  automobiles. The film is being produced by Randy Charach (Charach Productions) and  Merino (MCMFILMS).

Nina Bergman. Photo by Daniel Bernhardt

Birmingham Royal Ballet Announces 2024 – 25 Season

BLACK SABBATH – THE BALLET IN ROTTERDAM JUNE 2024 PRESENTED BY HOLLAND DANCE FESTIVALTHE MAIN COMPANY TO PERFORM CARLOS ACOSTA’S CLASSICAL SELECTION IN ICELAND SUMMER 2024

AUTUMN SEASON BEGINS WITH LA FILLE MAL GARDÉE AS PART OF 24-28 ASHTON WORLDWIDE FESTIVAL

WORLD PREMIERE OF THE THIRD PART OF THE BIRMINGHAM TRILOGY, LUNA, FEATURING AN ALL FEMALE CREATIVE TEAM

THE NUTCRACKER RETURNS TO BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME AND THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL

SPRING 2025 UK TOUR OF SIR DAVID BINTLEY’S CINDERELLA

BRB2’S THIRD UK TOUR TO FEATURE AN ALL-NEW PROGRAMME FOR SPRING 2025

Today, announcing Birmingham Royal Ballet’s 2024 – 25 Season, the company’s Director Carlos Acosta said: ‘I am so happy to be able to share our plans for the future with everyone. Still riding high from the successes of the autumn/winter 2023 season, we have a lot to celebrate, but we also keep moving forward, keep challenging ourselves and keep aiming high, in terms of our goals and ambitions. Everyone at BRB has worked incredibly hard to ensure my vision for this company has been, and continues to be, realised, and I am very proud of our achievements and excited about our plans. This Season exemplifies the importance of balancing the creation of platforms for emerging talents to shine, alongside the joy we bring to the classical canon of work that the Company is so proud to perform.’

Fresh from the sell-out success in Birmingham, Plymouth and London, Black Sabbath – The Ballet has had a raft of international interest. The European premiere will be at the Luxor Theatre in Rotterdam, presented by Holland Dance Festival (13 – 15 June) and we are already in advanced talks about touring Black Sabbath – The Ballet to the USA in summer 2025.

Black Sabbath – The Ballet, ,
Birmingham Royal Ballet, 2023, Original Music – Black Sabbath, Lead Composer, Project Music Supervisor, Conductor –
Christopher Austin,
Composer / Sound Designer –
Marko Nyberg,
Composer –
Sun Keting,
Lead Choreographer –
Pontus Lidberg,
Choreographer –
Raúl Reinoso,
Choreographer –
Cassi Abranches,
Designer-
Alexandre Arrechea,
Lighting Designer-
K.J,
Dramaturg –
Richard Thomas,
Metal Curator –
Lisa Meyer, Credit: Johan Persson/

In summer 2024, the Company will make its first-ever visit to Iceland to perform Carlos Acosta’s Classical Selection in Reykjavik.

The autumn season begins at Birmingham Hippodrome (25 – 28 September) where BRB presents Sir Frederick Ashton’s La Fille mal gardée, its Founder Choreographer’s most popular ballet. This is the first time La Fille mal gardée has been presented by BRB under the directorship of Carlos Acosta, who, for many, is one of the definitive interpreters of Colas in this sunny, effervescent ballet. The production will tour to Plymouth Theatre Royal (10 – 12 October) and Sadler’s Wells London (25 – 26 October) and is part of the official 2024-28 Ashton Worldwide Festival. Additional BRB events programmed as part of the Festival include A Celebration of Ashton in February 2025, and a special Ashton Foundation ‘Insight’ masterclass, featuring Carlos Acosta and Sandra Madgwick coaching BRB dancers in the roles of Colas and Lise on 30  April 2024 at Elmhurst Ballet School.

Also this autumn, BRB presents the World Premiere of Luna, a 2-act (full-length), abstract ballet in six movements, which forms the final part of Carlos’s Birmingham Trilogy (City of a Thousand Trades + Black Sabbath + Luna). This new work is inspired by the pioneering and socially enterprising women of Birmingham who have contributed to the shape of the city that Birmingham Royal Ballet calls home. Drawing inspiration from the book Once Upon a Time in Birmingham: Women Who Dare to Dream by Louise Palfreyman, it features an all-female, international creative team, including Choreographers Iratxe Ansa (Spain); Wubkje Kuindersma (Netherlands); Seeta Patel (UK); Arielle Smith (UK); Thais Suárez (Cuba); with music composed by Kate Whitley (UK). Costume Design is by Imaan Ashraf, Projection Design by Hayley Egan and Lighting Design by Emma Jones. The creative team will explore contemporary universal themes including matriarchal roles in society, education, female empowerment, overcoming adversity, and community. The World Premiere will be at Birmingham Hippodrome (3-5 October) before it has its London premiere at Sadler’s Wells (22-23 October).

Sir Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker was his gift to the City of Birmingham when Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet moved to the city in 1990 and it remains one of the world’s most spectacular presentations of this festive tale. After breaking all previous box office records in the Birmingham 2023 run, this year will see the first-ever Relaxed performance at Birmingham Hippodrome, which will bring this story to life for children and young people normally unable to attend theatre productions of this scale (1pm, Tue 3 Dec). The Nutcracker’s Birmingham run begins on 22 November playing through to 14 December. The Royal Albert Hall spectacular presentation of The Nutcracker returns this year (29 – 31 December 2024).

The 2025 Spring UK Tour will be Sir David Bintley’s Cinderella, one of BRB’s most popular ballets. With sumptuous sets and costumes by John MacFarlane, virtuoso dance and some of ballet’s most memorable coups de theatre, Cinderella continues to thrill audiences across the world with one of the largest UK touring productions. One of BRB’s most in-demand ballets, Cinderella opens at the Mayflower Southampton (6 – 8 February) before travelling to Birmingham Hippodrome (19 February – 1 March), The Lowry Salford (6 – 8 March), Sunderland Empire (13 – 15 March), Bristol Hippodrome (27 – 29 March), and finally Plymouth Theatre Royal (9 – 12 April).

Spring 2025 will see the third BRB2 UK tour, this time featuring an all-new programme, to be announced. BRB2 has attracted a wealth of international talent to the company already. These future stars have already made their mark within the company and, as the 2-year initiative approaches its first conclusion, all eyes are on what these talented young dancers will do next. Watch this space.

Cinerella. Momoko Hirata Photo Bill Cooper

David And Nayda Utterberg Collection Of Rare Huanghuali Furniture Soars Past Estimates

New York – Bonhams kicked off Asia Week New York with its Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art sale, which more than doubled its all-in estimate and achieved US$7.8 million overall with 88% lots sold. Exceptional results were achieved for the Collection of David S. and Nayda Utterberg, which achieved US$4.26 million in total for five rare lots of 17th century huanghuali furniture.  

Results from the Utterberg collection:

A large huanghuali waisted corner-leg table with giant’s arm braces and drawers, sold for 4x its estimate at US$1,633,500 (estimate: US$300,000-500,000).A fine and rare 17th century huanghuali three-shelf bookcase with drawers, jiage, sold for 4.5x times its estimate at US$1,143,500 (estimate: US$200,000-300,000).A fine and rare 17th century huanghuali tapered low cabinet sold for 4x its estimate at US$991,100 (estimate: US$200,000-300,000).A fine 17th century huanghuali round-corner tapered cabinet, YUANJIAOGUI, sold for US$279,900 (estimate: US$150,000-250,000).A fine and rare 17th century huamu burlwood-inset huanghuali recessed-leg wine table Jiuzhuo, sold for US$216,400 (estimate: US$100,000-150,000).

“The Utterberg collection contained some of the finest examples of Ming Dynasty huanghuali furniture to come to the market in recent years. Each piece of the couple’s collection was carefully selected from the leading dealers of the day for its superb craftsmanship, simplicity of line, and richly figured grain,” commented Dessa Goddard, Bonhams SVP, Head of Asian Art US.

Asaph Hyman, Bonhams Global Head, Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, said: “It has been a privilege to offer the exceptional collection of classical Chinese furniture carefully formed by David S. and Nayda Utterberg. Their pursuit of perfection whether in David’s professional life or in their collecting was clearly recognized by worldwide collectors. We are most grateful for Mrs. Utterberg’s trust and for the opportunity to handle such remarkable objects. This tremendous success follows on from the wonderful sale of the Chinese furniture collection formed by fellow Seattle collectors Mary and Cheney Cowles. We now look forward to our forthcoming sales in London, Paris, Stockholm and Hong Kong.”

Additional highlights of the sale include:

A fine and rare huanghuali round-corner cabinet, YUANJIAOGUI, sold for 4x its estimate at US$699,000 (estimate: US$120,000-200,000).A superb and rare imperial glass two-handled globular tripod censer sold for 4x its estimate at US$406,900 (estimate: US$50,000-70,000).A very rare 10th century yue celadon-glazed double-gourd vase, sold for 16x its estimate at US$165,600 (estimate: US$10,000-12,000).Two 18th century huanghuali horseshoe back chairs, with later restorations, sold for 9x its estimate at US$121,150 (estimate: US$10,000-15,000).

The Chinese Art department also offered The Robert and Florette Weiss Collection of Chinese Snuff Bottles, sold to benefit the International Chinese Snuff Bottle Society, which was a white glove sale that achieved US$283,000 overall. Bonhams’ Asia Week New York sales will continue today, September 17, with Classical and Modern Chinese Paintings and on September 18 with Japanese & Korean Art as well as A Private Collection of Japanese Prints and Watercolors.

“Ok, Mister”: A Deon Cole Stand-Up Special on Netflix from Los Angeles

Deonm Cole stars in “Ok, Mister,” a new stand-up comedy special on Netflix. It is directed by Ryan Polito.

Once a staple on Conan O’Brien’s talk show, Deon Cole makes a triumphant return to Netflix with his stand-up special “Ok, Mister.” The title humorously suggests a code young girls might use to fend off unwelcome advances from older men.

Fear not—this performance is free from heavy drama. Instead, Cole masterfully navigates the intricacies of sexual relationships with sharp wit and biting irony. He regales us with tales of comically failed romantic encounters and the poignant frustrations that come with the passage of time. His self-deprecating humor and infectious energy keep the audience thoroughly entertained throughout the show.

In this engaging special, Deon Cole showcases his extraordinary comedic talent, grounded in realism, to highlight an all-too-familiar truth: as we age, sharing intimate moments with someone of the opposite sex becomes increasingly challenging.

Cole’s approach is a lesson in taking life’s absurdities in stride, armed with humor and self-assurance. With winter on the horizon, this September evening offers a perfect opportunity to reflect on life’s frustrations and embrace them with laughter.

Enjoy!

Where to Watch “Ok, Mister“

Netflix

Alannah Farrell: “Erect” Opens with Thought-Provoking New Works on Paper

Germantown, NY – The Alexander Gray Associates in Germantown is thrilled to announce the opening of a captivating new exhibition by Alannah Farrell titled “Erect.” The showcase, featuring Farrell’s recent works on paper, will open to the public this Saturday, September 21, with an opening reception scheduled from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. This exhibition will be on view until December 21, 2024.

The title of the exhibition, “Erect,” is a personal homage to Emily Brontë, who once penned the evocative line: “Having levelled my palace, don’t erect a hovel and admire your own charity …” For Farrell, this quote serves as a poignant reference point, setting the thematic tone for the pieces on display.

Drawing inspiration from the haunting visuals of George Tooker and Hans Bellmer, Farrell’s new works offer intimate, near-cinematic scenes imbued with a palpable sense of psychodrama. A recurring motif in these portraits, tableaus, and cityscapes is the presence of towering high-rises. These architectural giants, which perpetually rise and fall to reshape the urban skyline, symbolize volatility and transformation, acting as metaphors for the human form.

Farrell’s artistry collapses the boundary between interior and exterior worlds, drawing significant parallels between urban transformation and the evolving identities within queer and trans communities. Their compositions are deeply informed by queer theoretical frameworks spanning from the 1990s to the present, emphasizing how identity is indelibly shaped by both location and experience. This is particularly evident in works like “Estate” (2024), where a mirrored silhouette of the artist overlays a nocturnal cityscape, blurring the lines between figure and ground. “Painting might attempt a facsimile of reality,” Farrell notes, “but it always deviates and becomes something else.”

The new compositions encapsulate feelings of isolation and instability while simultaneously exploring the quest for collectivism. As Farrell articulates, “What does the journey of shattering and shedding indoctrinated false binaries and oppressive systems look like in this moment? How is that search for liberation contained, built, and destroyed in our current structures?” For Farrell, painting is an exploratory process, “a way of searching, trying to survive, peeling back layers of bullshit, shedding skins… Often, I feel I’m only just getting started. That’s when it gets exciting.”

Born in Kingston, NY, in 1988, Alannah Farrell is a queer painter currently residing and working in New York City. Farrell received their BFA from The Cooper Union in New York. Their work has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions at notable venues including Anat Egbi in Los Angeles and New York, Green Family Art Foundation in Dallas, and Lyles and King in New York. Their artwork is also part of the permanent collection at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Miami, FL. Farrell is represented by Anat Egbi in Los Angeles.

Lee/Al (Choke), 2024 (detail), Watercolor, acrylic, and colored pencil on paper, 14 1/8 x 10 1/4 in (35.9 x 26 cm), 17 3/4 x 13 7/8 x 1 5/8 in framed (45.1 x 35.2 x 4.1 cm framed)

Julien’s Auctions Unveils Hong Kong’s First “Legends in Motion” Auction: Featuring Iconic Bruce Lee Film Memorabilia and Martial Arts Artifacts

Hong Kong – (August 16, 2024) Julien’s Auctions has made a significant announcement with its upcoming event, LEGENDS IN MOTION, which will feature an array of dazzling items from titans of sports, music, and entertainment. This highly anticipated auction is set to take place live on September 28 at Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong, and online via juliensauctions.com. Central to the auction is a rare and exclusive collection of items belonging to martial arts legend and global pop culture icon Bruce Lee. This auction marks the industry-leading Hollywood auction house’s grand return to Asia with its inaugural event in Hong Kong, following its landmark sale of items from Michael Jackson and other pop culture legends in 2010.

The Prayer LeBron James photo print Michael LeBrecht. Image courtesy： © Julien’s Auctions

For the first time in over five decades, 40 unique pieces from Bruce Lee’s life and cinematic career will be available for fans and collectors to view in Hong Kong – the city where Lee grew up, honed his martial arts skills, and emerged as a global superstar. These invaluable artifacts will be displayed at a grand exhibition at Pacific Place, providing the public with a rare chance to closely examine these treasures before the auction. The exhibition will also include memorabilia from other renowned legends, such as BTS, Taylor Swift, Michael Jackson, FIFA, and NBA icons. This free exhibition will be open to the public from September 14 to September 27, running daily from 11 AM to 8 PM.

Adding to the excitement, Hong Kong-born American film star Philip Ng, who has practiced martial arts with his father since childhood and became a direct disciple of a student of Ip Man (Bruce Lee’s master), visited Julien’s Studios in Los Angeles. In an exclusive video preview, Ng shares his admiration for Bruce Lee and highlights some of the most meaningful items in the auction. This video is set to be released in early September, offering fans a glimpse into this extraordinary event before the auction items make their journey to Hong Kong.

Messi. Image courtesy： © Julien’s Auctions

Bruce Lee enthusiasts will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own artifacts from the master himself, whose illustrious career and brilliant stardom have left a profound cultural impact, particularly within the global Chinese community and among Asian Americans. Born in San Francisco, Lee returned to Hong Kong, where he ascended to international superstardom through martial arts classics such as The Big Boss, Fist of Fury, and The Way of the Dragon. His crowning achievement, Enter the Dragon, which he starred in and choreographed, became a global box office sensation, grossing over US$300 million. With a modest budget of only US$850,000, Enter the Dragon stands as one of Warner Bros.’ most profitable films of all time.

Beyond his status as a movie star and exceptional athlete, Bruce Lee was an innovator who revolutionized Hollywood and the entertainment industry with his unique approach to health and fitness, which continues to influence millions today. Additionally, he was a philosopher whose deeply held beliefs about living a purposeful life continue to inspire and resonate across generations.

Julien’s Auctions’ LEGENDS IN MOTION is poised to be an extraordinary event that not only celebrates Bruce Lee’s enduring legacy but also showcases a wealth of memorabilia from some of the most influential figures in music and sports history.

“The Crow” – Movie Review: A Modernized and Much Altered Revival of the 90’s Classic

“The Crow” is a movie directed by Rupert Sanders starring Bill Skarsgård. With FKA Twigs, Danny Huston and Isabella Wei.

Once a modern classic of the 90’s, the film has now been revived with a fresh, modernized, and notably more violent iteration than its original counterpart. Rather than simply remaking Alex Proyas’ renowned film, this new version embarks on a different path, endeavoring to forge its own unique universe, free from the borrowings and homages of its predecessor. This bold choice aims to modernize an already iconic film.

Plot

Eric and Shelley are entwined in an almost idyllic romance, until tragedy strikes, and they are brutally murdered. Eric returns from the dead in an immortal form, determined to avenge his beloved’s death and attempt to rescue her from the clutches of death itself.

About the Film

“The Crow” is a film destined to be endlessly compared to the 1994 classic. It diverges significantly, with a resolute intention to discard Proyas’ visually dazzling aesthetic in favor of creating a new, more contemporary, violent, and grimly realistic universe. However, “The Crow” emerges as an uneven film, with an initial segment that can feel somewhat sluggish until Eric transforms into a vengeful specter. At this juncture, the film shifts dramatically, evolving into a tale of violent retribution that borders on operatic carnage, a stark contrast to the earlier, slower rhythm of the narrative.

Nevertheless, “The Crow” earns commendation for its bold attempt to craft its own aesthetic, transforming the romantic tale into something far more raw, visceral, and savage. Inevitably, comparisons with the original will abound, as it’s impossible to escape them when revisiting the same story. This new version may not eclipse its predecessor, or so it seems, but it stands out as a daring, vibrant film brimming with energy.

Our Opinion

This new rendition, striving to diverge as much as possible from its forerunner, achieves something fresh and noteworthy, particularly in the brutality of its climactic sequences. Although a commendable film, it remains burdened by the unavoidable comparisons to its predecessor.

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“Skincare”: An Engaging Thriller with a Nostalgic Nod to the 90’s and the Dawn of the Internet Age

“Skincare” is a thriller movie starring Elizabeth Banks. With Lewis Pullman, Nathan Fillion and Mj Rodriguez. It is directed by Austin Peters.

“Skincare” is a thriller steeped in irony, especially in its aesthetic choices. Starring the ever-charming Elizabeth Banks, this film transports us back to the vibrant streets of Los Angeles in the 1990s, a time when the internet was emerging as a groundbreaking social phenomenon. The movie delves into the origins of influencers and various subcultures that the internet has since spawned.

Plot

Hope Goldman is an ambitious beautician struggling to keep her business afloat. Adding to her woes, her fiercest competitor sets up shop next door and lands a coveted TV interview, further overshadowing Hope’s efforts. As if this weren’t enough, strange occurrences begin to plague her email account, setting off a chain of events that unravel her life.

About the Film

While “Skincare” carries moral undertones, it stops short of being overtly moralistic. The script excels in delving into the characters’ psyches, making them relatable in their moments of desperation and vulnerability. It masterfully justifies their actions, weaving a narrative of desperate decisions in desperate times.

Moreover, “Skincare” skillfully leverages the aesthetics of the 90s, taking us back to the roots of today’s internet chaos. The hacking of an email account becomes the catalyst that sets everything in motion. The protagonist’s ambition and the pervasive desperation of her environment are palpable throughout the film. The film is rife with irony in every scene, blending thriller elements with a touch of comedy, and cleverly parodying the television thrillers, aesthetics, and characters of that era.

Austin Peters, the director, does an admirable job, crafting a noteworthy thriller filled with irony. He is supported by a stellar performance from Lewis Pullman, who delivers an impeccable portrayal of a psychotic character. However, the film truly belongs to Elizabeth Banks, who once again takes on a challenging role and makes it deeply resonant for the audience.

Our Opinion

“Skincare” is an old-fashioned thriller brimming with essence and irony. It may not be a contender for major film awards, but it marks an impressive directorial debut for Austin Peters and showcases another commendable performance by Elizabeth Banks. The film captures the spirit of the 90s and the nascent internet era, offering a nostalgic yet fresh cinematic experience.

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Exhibition “GUTAI x POP UNDERGROUND” Unveiled at CADAN Yurakucho: A Collaborative Effort by Yoshiaki Inoue Gallery and NANZUKA

NANZUKA is delighted to announce the opening of the collaborative exhibition titled “GUTAI x POP UNDERGROUND,” curated in partnership with Yoshiaki Inoue Gallery and displayed at CADAN Yurakucho. The exhibition has been thoughtfully curated by Akihito Inoue, bringing together a confluence of historical and contemporary art forms.

Jiro Yoshihara, the pioneering founder and leader of the postwar art movement known as Gutai, famously inspired the younger generation of artists with his bold exhortation: “Do not imitate others,” and instead, “create what has never been done before.” These empowering words provided these artists with the audacity and self-assurance to craft their unique means of artistic expression and pursue distinctive creative paths. By freeing themselves from external influences, they could heed their inner voices and strive to materialize those internal visions.

NANZUKA has taken a more expansive approach, championing artists who have garnered recognition predominantly outside the Japanese art landscape, and offering them a stage in the global art arena. In an academically rigorous manner, NANZUKA bridges the dynamic energies of contemporary art with elements of pop culture and related disciplines such as design, illustration, street art, manga, fashion, and music.

“GUTAI x POP UNDERGROUND” represents a synergistic collaboration between six Gutai artists and eight emerging talents from NANZUKA. The exhibition investigates how the individualism and creativity exhibited by members of Gutai have left an indelible mark on contemporary artists, and how these modern artists continue to push the boundaries of artistic expression. This exhibition draws extensively from the Gutai collection of Yoshiaki Inoue Gallery, featuring works by luminaries such as Jiro Yoshihara, known for his iconic circle motifs; Sadamasa Motonaga, who was captivated by the mysteries of nature and famously poured paint directly onto canvas to create abstractions reminiscent of flowing rivers and cellular division; Shozo Shimamoto, celebrated for his radical performances involving the smashing of paint-filled bottles against canvas and the creation of “holes” by puncturing newspaper-covered canvas; Kazuo Shiraga, who, disenchanted with conventional painting methods, developed a technique of painting with his feet while suspended by a rope over a canvas on the floor; Takesada Matsutani, who, based in Paris, has been creating works for over fifty years by pouring vinyl glue onto canvas and then darkening it with pencils; and Etsuko Nakatsuji, who transitioned from ad design to become a prolific artist in painting, sculpture, and printmaking, frequently using the human form as her subject.

Representing NANZUKA are works by a diverse group of artists including Tetsuya Nakamura, who studied lacquer at Tokyo University of the Arts and has since explored various forms that examine how visual information impacts living beings; Hiroki Tsukuda, whose geometric compositions collage urban landscapes, architecture, and symbolic natural elements, all depicted with a futuristic aesthetic; Ryuichi Ohira, who delves into the inherent properties of materials to construct “undefined forms” that channel the primal and irrational human impulse to create; Makoto Taniguchi, who aims to capture his sense of reality by focusing on the invisible yet tangible aspects that lie beyond such binaries as creator and viewer, image and material, and the real and the virtual; Kenichiro Fukumoto, who draws inspiration from natural elements such as plants, spores, cells, and fossils for his oil paintings, drawings, and sculptures that combine woodcarving with ceramics; Kotaro Abe, who blends pigments and mediums with everyday food ingredients like black sesame and tapioca flour to create his own unique “paint”; Yoshiki Muramatsu, whose work is influenced by a broad spectrum of postwar and contemporary culture, resulting in illustrations, flyers, posters, photographs, videos, and animations; and Ryunosuke Okazaki, an artist and fashion designer whose work explores rituals and acts of prayer, and who possesses a vision that transcends conventional frameworks.

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“Uglies” – Netflix’s Latest Offering: A Futuristic Dystopia with a Nod to Youth

“Uglies” is a sci-fi movie starring Joey King, Keith Powers and Chase Stokes.

“Uglies” is a film that transports viewers into a futuristic universe reminiscent of “The Hunger Games” (2008), blending elements of past inspirations to paradoxically strive for a resolution to a chaotic future. This movie is an adventure deeply inspired by the 2008 film and Suzanne Collins’ literary universe, merging futurism with a critique of capitalism and seeking rejuvenation in youth to combat corporate disorder.

Indeed, the films starring Jennifer Lawrence garnered significant public acclaim, and “Uglies” appears to aspire to the same level of success without introducing anything groundbreaking or contributing fresh ideas. Consequently, “Uglies” emerges as yet another adventure tailored for rebellious teenagers seeking self-identity. The narrative offers nothing new, either in literary or cinematic terms.

Plot Summary

At the age of 16, young individuals undergo a cosmetic procedure designed to render them perfect—handsome, beautiful, and socially integrated. The underlying belief is that uniform beauty will eliminate differences and thereby conflicts. However, a splinter society perceives this as a deceptive means of control, suspecting that the aesthetic operation harbors far more sinister implications.

About the Film

“Uglies” seems more intent on appealing to young audiences and achieving commercial success rather than convincing viewers with its underlying concept (which, admittedly, is not without merit). Consequently, “Uglies” recycles marketing strategies that have previously resonated: themes of rebellion, romance, the pursuit of beauty, and the notion that adults are deceiving the younger generation.

Ultimately, the film appears more focused on commercial success than on delivering sincere arguments. In this regard, the movie ironically embodies what it should be critiquing: a rebellion against the system that ultimately succumbs to the very cinematic genre it aims to challenge. It bears too many similarities to recent, superior films, relies heavily on clichés, and features characters who seem more like pawns in the dystopian narrative than soulful beings.

It is particularly unfortunate for Joey King, an actress we regard as phenomenal, who has yet to find a role that truly cements her status. Whether this film will be that defining moment remains uncertain, but we have our doubts.

Our Verdict

“Uglies” is a film that strives for success at any cost, shamelessly borrowing ideas that have worked before but now feel worn out in this context. It is a film that ultimately fails to convince, falling short of its potential.

Where to Watch “Uglies”

Netflix

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