hamzaspurs

"Kraven the Hunter" is a film that has been unfairly criticized. While I agree it has flaws, it is far from a bad movie. In fact, I found myself enjoying the story, which is a rarity in today's superhero landscape. Many modern superhero films rely heavily on nostalgia, as seen with *Deadpool 3* and Wolverine, or flashy visual effects like *Venom*, which ultimately failed to deliver.

What makes *Kraven the Hunter* stand out is its well-written story, compelling villains, and solid performances. Aaron Taylor-Johnson shines in all the action and fight scenes. As a fan of his, I have to admit he could have done better in the dramatic and dialogue-heavy scenes, but his performance overall was strong.

Russell Crowe's role as Kraven's father wasn't groundbreaking-it felt like a recycled version of his previous roles-but he was decent and acceptable. Unfortunately, Ariana DeBose's performance as the lawyer fell flat. Her role lacked depth, and her cold delivery highlighted the poorly written dialogue for her character.

Despite these shortcomings, I genuinely enjoyed the film. It's a shame that a movie like this, with its potential and strong elements, ended up being overshadowed by the general fatigue with superhero films.

The Piano Lesson, delves into the lives of a Black family grappling with their history during a time marked by oppression and loss. The story focuses on Bernice (Danielle Deadwyler) and her daughter, who live with her uncle Doaker (Samuel L. Jackson). The plot unfolds as Bernice's brother, Boy Willie (John David Washington), visits, and we gradually uncover the family's past, including the mystery of Bernice's late husband and the deep significance of their treasured piano.

The film explores weighty themes such as Black slavery, grief, guilt, single motherhood, and moral dilemmas. Adapted from August Wilson's play, part of his celebrated Pittsburgh Cycle (which also includes Fences and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom), the movie carries a similar pacing and tone, though it feels closer to Fences in structure.

Danielle Deadwyler delivers an outstanding performance, portraying Bernice with emotional depth and nuance. She is undoubtedly a rising star, evoking comparisons to Viola Davis. Her performance deserves serious awards consideration. By contrast, I found John David Washington's portrayal of Boy Willie overacted, making it harder to connect with his character. Samuel L. Jackson and Ray Fisher (as Lymon) brought solid supporting performances, grounding the narrative effectively.

The cinematography and direction were immersive, giving the house and the piano a lived-in, almost iconic feel. The dialogue is beautifully written, seamlessly weaving past and present. While I found the ending slightly overdone, the film's overall impact remains strong.

I would rate The Piano Lesson a 7/10-higher than Ma Rainey's Black Bottom but slightly behind Fences. Danielle Deadwyler's performance alone makes this film worth watching, and the music and writing are nothing short of masterful.