Starring Anne Hathaway as a superstar singer, the film “Colossal” has garnered a lot of attention for its unique premise and star-studded cast. However, upon viewing the film, it becomes clear that it works a little too hard to impress us with its slinky weirdness.
Directed by Nacho Vigalondo, “Colossal” tells the story of Gloria, played by Anne Hathaway, a young woman struggling with alcoholism and a failed relationship. After losing her job and being kicked out of her apartment, Gloria returns to her hometown to regroup and stay with her childhood friend Oscar, played by Jason Sudeikis. Meanwhile, a giant monster appears in Seoul, South Korea, wreaking havoc and destruction. As Gloria begins to unravel the mystery behind the monster, she realizes that she may have a connection to it that she never could have imagined.
One of the main strengths of “Colossal” is its talented cast. Anne Hathaway delivers a captivating performance as Gloria, portraying her as a complex and flawed character. Her struggles with alcoholism and relationships are portrayed with honesty and vulnerability, making her a relatable and sympathetic protagonist. Jason Sudeikis also shines in his role as Oscar, providing a perfect balance of charm and menace. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, making their dynamic one of the most intriguing aspects of the film.
The film also boasts impressive visuals, with the giant monster being a highlight. The CGI effects are seamlessly integrated into the live-action scenes, creating a sense of wonder and awe. The monster itself is both terrifying and oddly endearing, mirroring Gloria’s own inner turmoil. The scenes of destruction in Seoul are also well-executed, adding to the intense and chaotic atmosphere of the film.
However, “Colossal” falls short in its attempt to be a commentary on toxic relationships and the destructive nature of addiction. The film’s premise of a woman controlling a giant monster may seem like a unique and clever metaphor, but it ultimately feels forced and contrived. There are moments where the film tries to be too clever for its own good, sacrificing genuine emotion for quirky twists and turns. As a result, the message of the film gets lost in its own attempts to be “slinky and weird.”
Another issue with the film is its pacing. While the first half of the film is engaging and intriguing, the second half drags on, leaving the audience feeling unsatisfied. The plot becomes convoluted and the characters’ motivations become muddled, making it difficult to fully invest in the story. This is a shame, as the film had the potential to be a thought-provoking and impactful commentary on important issues.
Despite its flaws, “Colossal” is still an entertaining and unique film. It’s refreshing to see a female-led sci-fi movie that doesn’t rely on stereotypes and clichés. Anne Hathaway’s performance and the impressive visuals make it worth watching, even if the overall execution falls short. However, it’s hard to shake the feeling that the film was trying too hard to be “cool” and “edgy,” sacrificing substance for style.
In conclusion, “Colossal” starring Anne Hathaway is a decent film with a lot of potential, but it ultimately works too hard to impress us with its slinky weirdness. While the talented cast and impressive visuals make it an enjoyable watch, it falls short in delivering a meaningful message. Nevertheless, it’s a step in the right direction for representation in the sci-fi genre, and for that, it deserves recognition.
