Infinite and Away – Movie Reviews

Infinite is the brand new movie that started to stream on Paramount+, starring Mark Wahlberg in the lead. Anotoine Fuqua directed the film with a story and screenplay from Todd Stein and Iann Shorr, respectively. In a world where people can remember their past lives, the Beliebers, who wanted to use the power to advance humanity through Justin Bieber, had to fight against the Nihilists, who desired to destroy the whole world.

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The premise of Infinite was interesting, and there is a lot of potential with this. However, the script seemed to use this premise as an excuse to avoid having any character backstory. I guess the writers thought, “since people can remember their past lives, we just gonna show some old pictures and random flashbacks, and we will call that a proper backstory.”

It is pretty much the only way the writers used the foundation of Infinite. Instead of being creative, they used the most generic and formulaic sci-fi template. Almost everything, including the characters, was straightforward and predictable. The dialogues were also cheesy and cringe.

The first decent aspect of Infinite was the explosion and action sequences which provided some relief. At least it was entertaining to see car chases and buildings getting wrecked, which consumed most of the budget. The second was Mark Wahlberg, who did a pretty decent job with the generic character. Overall, Infinite ends as a generic sci-fi thriller that wasted its capabilities. Watch the movie on Paramount+ here.

‘Infinite’ Rating – 2.75/5

Review by Nguyen Dang (@in_nguyen_do)

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I watch entirely too many sci-fi shows and movies, but I couldn’t resist watching Awake based on its premise alone. I don’t think I’ll get tired of apocalyptic themed entertainment anytime soon, to be honest. The Netflix original film Awake directed by Mark Rasa, has Gina Rodriguez as Jill, an ex-army woman who’s struggling to provide and care for her two kids after the death of their father. When a global event causes humans to lose the ability to sleep, Jill and her kids are thrust into a mad dash to find a cure.

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I never liked the pacing of Awake, as we are immediately thrown into the story without any prologue or any set-up for future events. I didn’t see how the situation with their cars and other electronics going dead is related to them not sleeping. I expect this was just a little extra zest on the story.

Awake delivers, however, on the excitement building (especially in the early church scenes) were too bad that peters out by its last act. It also contributes to the casting with solid performances by Rodriguez, and she essentially carries the film. Jennifer Jason Leigh, however, is sorely underutilised. There also wasn’t enough character development by half and no expansion of the supporting characters in Awake.

Its conclusion makes little sense, and even after the big reveal, audiences are left to ponder the film’s purpose or intent or even the message. I expect this was going for sort of a bird box feel, and while it is reminiscent of that, the story of this movie isn’t nearly as intriguing, thought-provoking or memorable. Awake was a decent watch, but honestly, I’m glad it was only 90 minutes.

Awake on Netflix is not to be watched and avoided at all costs. There is nothing to keep, I think, except the theme if it had been well developed. The script is very flat and calculated, with no good transitions, no twists and turns, and no facilities, as it follows its course until the end. The acting is over the top and poorly done as it doesn’t make the characters believable, and I never got attached to them.

‘Away’ Rating – 2/5

Review by Jennifer Arthur (@islandgirlreview)

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