By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
So, this is what a $120 million passion project looks like. Director and screenwriter
Francis Ford Coppola's dystopian epic
"Megalopolis" emerges as a grand, yet "Mega" misfire.
It is rather difficult to write those words about Coppola since he is one of the most revered and talented figures in modern cinema. This is the visionary behind "The Godfather," "Apocalypse Now," and countless other beloved classics.
At this stage in his filmmaking career, it appears that Coppola, 85, is prepared to take bold risks—having invested his own money to fund the project—and embrace the uncertainty of whatever outcomes arise.
"Megalopolis" unfolds as a modern fable. It is narrated by Laurence Fishburne ("Transformers One"), who also stars as Fundi Romaine, the dedicated driver and personal assistant to Cesar Catilina (Adam Driver, "Ferrari"), a visionary architect and Chairman of the Design Authority in New Rome. In addition to having invented a unique building material, Cesar also has a special skill that allows him to stop time.
Cesar's ambitious vision for New Rome clashes with Mayor Franklyn Cicero (the ever-reliable Giancarlo Esposito, "Abigail" and TV's "The Boys"), who is already grappling with pressing issues like housing, immigration, and poverty.
Sound familiar? Tensions escalate when the mayor's daughter, Julia (Nathalie Emmanuel, "The Killer"), develops a strong attraction to Cesar, complicating matters further.
Coppola's style is evident in every frame of "Megalopolis," from its sprawling cityscapes to its intricate character dynamics. However, the film often feels disjointed, with its grand ideas sometimes overshadowing the story's coherence.
The performances are a mixed bag. Adam Driver and Giancarlo Esposito are compelling. Other standouts include Shia LaBeouf (Upcoming, "Salvable") who plays Cesar's jealous cousin and is eager to take him down. Aubrey Plaza who is pulling double duty this weekend starring in "My Old Ass," has a wild role here as a news/financial reporter and Cesar's ex-lover who is out to get him too. I also enjoyed seeing Jon Voight ("Reagan") tear through his role as Hamilton Crassus III, Cesar's wealthy uncle and the head of Crassus National Bank.
Other familiar faces, include Jason Schwartzman ("Queer") who is part of the mayor's crew. Dustin Hoffman ("Kung Fu Panda 4") plays the mayor's "fixer," and Talia Shire ("Chantilly Bridge") stars as Cesar's mother.
Visually, "Megalopolis" impresses with stunning cinematography and special effects that bring New Rome to life. Yet, these elements can't fully offset the pacing issues and convoluted plot, making the film's 138-minute runtime feel twice as long.
Though flawed, "Megalopolis" stands as a testament to Coppola's enduring vision, indomitable spirit, and relentless pursuit of cinematic innovation. However, it falls short of its lofty aspirations.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Look At This Trailer For
"MEGALOPOLIS"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
