Last week on Bulwark Goes to Hollywood, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ray Mendoza about his latest project, Warfare, which he co-wrote and co-directed alongside Alex Garland, known for Civil War. The film invites audiences to experience its intense sound design in theaters, where the explosive sounds of grenades, IEDs, and overflights resonate powerfully. This immersive audio experience is essential to truly grasp the film’s impact.
For those planning to catch the film, I encourage you to do so before tuning into our upcoming episode of Across the Movie Aisle, where we will delve into Warfare. I anticipate a spirited discussion, particularly when addressing the misguided notion that the film serves as pro-war propaganda. This interpretation, while rooted in a famous quote by François Truffaut, overlooks the film’s deeper narrative. As anyone familiar with Come and See or Paths of Glory can attest, cinema can indeed convey anti-war sentiments, and Warfare is no exception.
In a lighter vein, I must mention A Minecraft Movie, directed by Jared Hess. The film, while not the year’s biggest blockbuster, benefits from the unique touch of its creator, known for Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre. Hess’s signature earnest weirdness permeates the film, making it feel distinctly his own. The narrative follows Henry, a young artist whose imaginative sketches draw the ire of his peers and teachers, echoing the struggles of creative individuals in a world that often fails to appreciate their talents.
Set in the fictional town of Chuglass, Idaho, where potato chips reign supreme, the film juxtaposes the absurd with the relatable. The humor shines through in moments like a Minecraft “villager” falling for Jennifer Coolidge, who transforms a simple product placement into a comedic highlight. Jason Momoa’s character, a champion gamer, adds another layer of absurdity as he attempts to charge a child for mentorship.
Hess’s work has always thrived on this blend of realism and absurdity, as seen in Nacho Libre, where the world of Mexican wrestling amplifies the protagonist’s heartfelt journey. However, not all of Hess’s ventures have struck the right chord; Don Verdean fell short, lacking the whimsical stylization that defines his best work.
While A Minecraft Movie currently holds a modest 47 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, I believe its genuine goofiness will resonate with audiences, potentially making it a generational classic akin to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles of the 1990s.
For those interested in literary discussions, be sure to tune into this week’s episode of Bulwark Goes to Hollywood, where I engage with Alissa Wilkinson about her new book on Joan Didion, We Tell Ourselves Stories. If you’re a fan of Didion, her book is a must-read, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with it.
