Travis Simpkins

Saturday, December 30, 2017

The Adventure Club (2016): Kids and an Ancient Wish Box

Directed by Geoff Anderson, The Adventure Club (2016) makes an enjoyable addition to the popular genre that features children on a hunt for lost treasure. The story finds a young boy and his friends following clues left by his grandfather that lead to an ancient Sumerian "Wish Box" concealed behind a hidden wall inside the Science Museum. Low-budget aside, the mixture of Museum atmosphere and dusty relics creates a charming mystique. The cast does a decent job with the material, including Sam Ashe Arnold, Dalila Bela, Gabrielle Miller, Kim Coates and Billy Zane.

The Adventure Club. 2016. Movie. Kids and an Ancient Wish Box

Doctor Strange (2016): Marvel Comics. Benedict Cumberbatch, Symbolism and the Mystical Arts

Doctor Strange. 2016. Marvel Comics. Benedict Cumberbatch, Symbolism and the Mystical Arts

Directed by Scott Derrickson, based on characters created by Stan Lee, Doctor Strange (2016) expertly combines Superheroes with magic and symbolism. After an accident, Dr. Stephen Strange loses the use of his skilled hands… and while on a journey of physical and spiritual healing he is drawn into an enclave that practices the mystical arts. The script is well-written and the visual effects are astounding. Many parallels and connections have been noted between the mystical elements of the film and the esoteric nature of Masonic ritual… even down to the use of the name "Cagliostro" in one of the incantations. The cast does a great job, including Benedict Cumberbatch, Tilda Swinton, Rachel McAdams, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Mads Mikkelsen.