AllMovieReview

KFOG REVIEW: “THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN” & “QUEEN OF KATWE”

thedhk
Up this week is the 8 millionth remake of the year, “The Magnificent Seven” starring Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, Vincent D’Onfrio and Peter Sarsgaard. It was directed by Antoine Fuqua. So it had potential, but ultimately I didn’t feel it brought much new to the table. More in the audio review. 

Alas a slight tech glitch meant the audio review for “Queen of Katwe” was lost, so I’ll type it instead. 

It stars the amazing Lupita Nyong’o, David Oyelowo, and a cast of unpretentious child stars, including lead Madina Nalwanga as real life chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi.

Taking place in the slums of Uganda, there are definitely moments that will test your first world guilt, but that’s not the main intent of the film it seems.
It’s ultimately a sports movie formula, but about chess! Thought the earnest performances of the cast really carried the film and it was heartwarming to watch. 

I will say be prepared to take a moment to appreciate first world privileges like electricity and running water. The goal of the film doesn’t seem to be explicitly to guilt audiences but it’s tough to see the discrepancy in the availability of such things. It particularly hits hard when it comes to the availability of education. 

Overall I felt the film was pleasantly inspiring, and worth supporting with your time and money.

A photo posted by DHK (@the_dhk) on