And now, today, we are going to review a film that is NOT based on a true story, but more based on actual events that occurred in the 1920s, and with fictional characters. It was also directed by Damian Chazelle, whom some of you may remember for directing films like La La Land, and Whiplash, for instance. So now, let’s talk about the latest film that he directed, Babylon, starring Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Diego Calva, and more.
Plot: Set in Los Angeles, California, in 1926, a Mexican immigrant named Manny Torres (Diego Calva) brings an elephant to a party that occurs, meets Nellie LaRoy (Margot Robbie), and admits to her that he wants to become part of something bigger. Now, Manny, Nellie, Jack Conrad (Brad Pitt), and many others becoming part of the movie production industry in Hollywood, when Hollywood begins to make shifts in filmmaking. So now, the question remains, will Manny’s dream to become part of something bigger come to fruition in the end?
OH MY GOSH!!! What the heck did I watch this past weekend? I’m sorry, I realize that this film was rated R. However, I expected this film to be rated R because of certain violent scenes that would occur (as depicted from trailers that I at least saw in this film), and maybe a a few sex scenes here and there. But wow, after seeing this film, may I just say that I was in for a surprise, and not in a positive way, I’ll say. This is probably one of the worst, and possibly one of the most immoral films to come about. In fact, I heard that this film has been a flop, and bomb at the box-office thus far. First of all, there were quite a few sex scenes scattered throughout this movie. Okay, I understand that since the fall in the Garden If Eden (which, besides family members, and friends of mine that may normally read these posts, I hope quite a few others that read these posts do believe in Creation, and the Garden Of Eden), mankind has become corrupt even in the US. But come on, we’re people even in the US, and Hollywood this corrupt even in the 1920s, and 1930s, or did the filmmakers end up exaggerating history to a degree in this case? Somehow, because of the fact that God, and the Bible were taken out of public schools in the 1960s, if not earlier, I believe maybe the filmmakers might have exaggerated on the US, and Hollywood culture in this case. Please correct me if I’m wrong, however. Yes, the US has become more corrupt today than back then, but this livid takes place back then. So yeah! Anyway, including in some mfg the sex scenes were some people dancing naked at different parties, and things like that. In addition to these, the characters, besides maybe Manny Torres, weren’t all that likable. Even Margot Robbie’s character, Nellie, wow, what a psychopath she was either from the drugs, or even beforehand. I understand that the actress can nail this type of character perfectly, as proven with films like Suicide Squad. Still, for once, could Margot Robbie play a normal character, or something like that? Just a thought! As the for the movie, overall, let’s just say that, for the most part, it felt rather depressing than it should have been, especially around the middle to end.
Honestly, if there were any good things in this film, they would be that some of the action scenes, when characters are acting out action scenes from films, or acting period, were rather good. Additionally, the ending seemed to be rather decent as well.
And that’s my review for Babylon. Honestly, after seeing this one, I think I may research movies of this type more, to see if they’ll be rated PG-13, or R. The reason being is that films like Babylon seem to prove that movies that are rated R end up having more inappropriate content thrown in your face more than should be the case. Setting that aside, the characters aren’t ones that you can get behind, and the messages overall seem rather negative, and depressing. Personally, I’d rather sit down, and rewatch previous films that were directed by Damian Chazelle like La La Land, than sit through immoral garbage like Babylon ever again. Yes, La La Land was bittersweet at points. However, at least that one had decency, and a much more fun storyline to it. Not to mention some good original songs. That being said, DO NOT see Babylon, regardless of whether or not you have the option to see movies for free. You’d be better off going to a game night at a friend’s place, having dinner with family, or any other alternatives. In all honesty, I can see why this movie flopped. Hopefully, with that being the case, Hollywood will come out with more adult films that are somewhat more decent, you know? We shall see!
Final Grade: D
Matthew’s Animated & Live-Action Movie Reviews 