Historical Subtleties Meet Modern-Day Tensions

Read Time:3 Minute, 25 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
LOLA
–

Genre: Sci-Fi, War
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 19m
Director(s): Andrew Legge
Writer(s): Andrew Legge, Angeli Macfarlane
Cast: Stefanie Martini, Emma Appleton, Rory Fleck Byrne, Aaron Monaghan
Where To Watch: coming to theaters and VOD August 4, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: With an unmissable fusion of charm and intellect, Andrew Legge makes his silver-screen entrance with LOLA. This movie is a delightful mishmash of old-world allure and future-focused elements, setting your curiosity aflame while giving solid entertainment value throughout.

Our journey begins in 1940s England, where we cross paths with the Hanbury sisters, Thom (Thomasina) and Mars (Martha,) played brilliantly by Emma Appleton and Stefanie Martini. These time-bending heroines introduce us to LOLA, an ingenious device designed to tap into the radio waves of the future. The story takes us from lighthearted musings over music from future legends like David Bowie to a sobering, reality-check realization that World War II is knocking at their door. Suddenly, their science project takes on a life of its own, morphing into a potentially devastating weapon of warfare.

Crafting a celluloid dream that mirrors a time-worn documentary, Legge presents LOLA with an enticing blend of old-school and innovative filmmaking techniques. The result is a striking authenticity that blurs the line between past and future while giving the audience a natural feel for the period. LOLA shines as it deftly walks the tightrope between fun-filled wonderment and deep, philosophical contemplation. Thom and Mars initially revel in the thrill of their discovery, treating it as the ultimate playground. However, as the harsh realities of war come knocking, they quickly understand the game-changing potential that LOLA brings to the fight against the Nazis.

The whimsical invention, though, transforms into a source of horror as their control over the device is lost. This plot twist forces us to face the ethical implications and potential consequences of manipulating time, taking the narrative far beyond a simple time-travel tale. LOLA has minor flaws; the storyline occasionally feels hurried, leaving the audience craving a deeper dive into certain elements. Additionally, the blend of different film formats, designed to enhance the perception of time shifts, might induce discord rather than a sense of unity for some viewers.

LOLA resonates with contemporary issues, mirroring a world grappling with self-obsessed leaders and socio-political unrest. LOLA, Andrew Legge's first cinematic offering, delivers a thrilling time-travel adventure that teeters on the edge of scientific innovation and ethical quandaries. The movie nudges viewers to ponder their choices and their potential ripple effects.

Andrew Legge's debut, LOLA, demonstrates an adept command of cinema's potential and the power of visual storytelling. By marrying historical subtleties with progressive themes and modern-day tensions, Legge crafts an engaging, enjoyable narrative. LOLA toys with the concept of time in a refreshing way that leaves a lasting impact. Despite minor hiccups, LOLA delivers an absorbing and introspective cinematic experience, hitting the mark for a movie as daring and distinct as LOLA.

For more reviews, please visit – https://linktr.ee/Overlyhonestmoviereviews for more info.

Follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of DARK SKY FILMS]

MY SAG-AFTRA/WGA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

#SAGAFTRA #WGA #SAGAFTRAStrong #WGAStrong