Chloe & Theo

An independent film about a man from the Arctic who is sent by his elders to the New York City to seek a permanent solution they are facing due to the assault on the nature by the southern people. I have heard it was based on the real, but for the lack of source I can't confirm how much true it is. For the voices over the global warming and considering recently concluded 'climate change conference' in Paris, I thought giving it a try would uplift my spirit on this matter.

Definitely a good idea for a film, a serious theme, even though it did not turn out to be as I hoped for, had a little fun watching it. A short film, not even exceeded the 80 minute mark. Since it was a low profile flick, there's no big casting or the grand spending for making it, but merely an alright film. It was dull in parts due to the stretch, otherwise could have made it a fantastic short film. And a bit it looks like a cross of documentary and feature film in the narration part.

"Life is so full of difficulties. But in my homeland, our sense of family bond us together. Like a warm coat against the cold wind."

What I think about the movie is, it was not bad, as well as brilliant. Very predictable, especially the end went as I expected, that's sad. But a couple of scenes in the entire film were somewhat out of the ordinary. More like it was for the children that deals on the global warming, but for the adults and their matured minds, it kind of fails to convince due to a shortfall of exploration on the subject.

You know it only brought the serious topic on-board, but the intention was not given to explain it, or discuss them. So I feel it missed the great opportunity to open up on the debate and spread the message as what a theme like this supposed to do.

After this I've watched a couple of other movies, but this will be the last review I'm writing on this blog for this year (2015). As a movie fanatic, I had another wonderful year and plenty of excellent films as well as so many bad ones. Finally, I wish all the WCA readers a very happy new year 2016. I'm hoping for another successful year ahead and try to keep the WCA alive utmost.

6.5/10

Theo (Theo Ikummaq) is an Inuit who loves to walk on the ice, with the sky above him. But, the elders of his region are VERY worried. The climate seems to be changing, getting warmer, and this upsets the balance of nature. This is true for Inuit, animals, and plants. Therefore, after having dreams of a giant killer sun, the elders send Theo on airplane to New York City. Once there, this relatively young man is to "find the native elders" and hatch some plans to save the arctic. But, alas, when Theo makes it to Manhattan, no one seems to know where the elders are. Happily, Chloe (Dakota Johnson), a homeless but bright woman, takes him under her wing. This includes leading him to a secret hideaway which she and a few others call home. After much discussion, these folks are convinced Theo's best chance is to talk to the large groups of "elders" at the United Nations. Unfortunately, they reject his plea and, when Chloe gets mad, the young lady lands in jail. Fortunately, a smart lawyer (Mira Sorvino) comes to help the whole group, including making plans to raise funds for Theo to broadcast his concerns. Then, tragedy strikes. Will the world know that all peoples must work together to combat climate change? This fine film has a Crocodile Dundee feeling, as Theo is very much an outsider in the big city. But, there is a far more serious tone, as Theo's message is extremely important. Even so, there are light-hearted moments, with Theo exhibiting a natural charm. Johnson, Sorvino, and the rest of the cast is quite wonderful, too. The scenes in the Arctic are beyond beautiful in their harsh ways while the NYC setting, costumes, great script and careful direction complete the movie in fine fashion. Want to see something sweet, moving, and unusual at the same time? Theo and Chloe's journey is a most excellent adventure.

Theo is an Inuit from the Arctic. The elders have a nightmarish dream of the angry sun. They send Theo to deliver their message to the elders of the south. He arrives in NYC clueless to the modern world. He is befriended by homeless Bruce Lee fangirl Chloe (Dakota Johnson) and her circle of friends. They go to the UN but are taken to jail. They find an ally in Monica (Mira Sorvino).

This is one odd indie. I'm sure its heart is in the right place. The central environmental message is important but I fear the unrealism only detracts from it. Dakota Johnson is homeless like a billionaire is poor. The quirky humor is ill-fitting. At times, it's really heavy handed which also detracts from the central message. It's too bad because Theo is a really compelling character. A better writer could bring about a better message movie. This has too many awkward moments.

This movie had good intentions and the potential to convey an important message. However, it was let down by a poor script. Given that the film's intention was to highlight the wisdom of First Nations peoples, it could have done a lot more to centre the voice of Theo. Instead there was too much focus on the other characters and Theo's message didn't have the impact that it should have.

A Good script, a touching story and a simple way of telling the story. Do not expect the greatest of the movies but, can expect: simple directing, simple starring and a simple movie. It makes one think. Good job from Dakota. Must See In a time when everybody wants the new gadget, the more fashion clothes, the super car, this movie makes us think, just for a while, that we must take care of the planet, so that our grand grand Childs still can live here. Movies should do at least one of the following: entertain, make us think or makes disconnect for a brief moment in time. This movie makes us think, but both Dakota and Theo, makes us disconnect.