Diva's Runaway Review

Runaway is about a phoenix that has fallen to Earth, where she is picked up by Kanye West, who falls in love with her. However, their romance is short lived, as she chooses to leave his world before she is destroyed. The phoenix tells Kanye that what she hates about his world is the fact that people have to tear down what is different. She explains to him that if she remains with him the world will knock off her wings and turn her to stone. The only choice she has is to fly away and burn

Kanye is an…an…artist?!

Who knew? Certainly not I. He was always this crazy guy, who did and said crazy things.  As far as his music goes, I never quite thought it was much my style. So I watched this based solely on his reputation, and my expectation was that it would be wholly ridiculous.

I was only partially right. As I only got to see the last 40 minutes of the movie, that is really all I have to go on.

The Man’s an Artist…I Can’t Deny That.

First, pretty much everything about Runaway was artistic. Kanye didn’t put forth much fluff or meaningless scenes, characters, or the like. Everything from the visuals, to the dancing, and to the way he played out his music on screen had a level of symbolism and sophistication that I previously never expected from Kanye.  For example: there was a scene where Kanye was show boating for his beautiful Phoenix Lady Friend, he was performing a song and a troupe of ballerinas came in and danced beautifully. It was really amazing. It was also so well choreographed that every movement made by each of the ballerinas corresponded to the music, even though each movement was different,

The Story was Good It Just Needed to Be More Connected

That being said, the movie could have benefited with a more cohesive storyline. Now, I’m not sure if Kanye means for his album to be a concept album, which implies that each song contributes to the overall story the album is trying to tell, or if meant to just to take some songs on his album and make a movie out of them. My guess would be the latter, but that doesn’t mean the movie wasn’t any good because it was.  If I were to venture a guess, each of Kanye’s songs has a deeper meaning but they way Kanye utilized them in the movie needed more explaining.  It wasn’t until almost the end did the message of the movie become apparent, because the phoenix out right told the viewers. The story was more cohesive towards the end, by far. The last two songs flowed perfectly together, and it totally made the movie!

The Best

The absolute best thing about this movie was the Phoenix character played by Selita Ebanks.  Everything about her was awesome: her costume, her acting, and the symbolism of her character. Can you tell I liked her? She looked great. Selita Ebanks played the part with enough grace and wonder that it made it the part shine. One could tell that the symbolism of the Phoenix was really important to Kanye. However, I think the symbolism I found in it was probably different than the symbolism Kanye had of her. Well, such is the way with art, right?

The Most Awkward

The most awkward part of this movie, which is different than the most ridiculous parts (that MJ float…I’m kinda bummed I missed that), was the sex scene between Kanye and the Phoenix. It wasn’t a full blown sex scene, just glimpses of them doing the deed, but it got awkward really fast. Would that be bestiality? It was necessary for the plot progression but left me feeling weird and slightly uncomfortable.

The saddest part

They served turkey, or some kind of bird, at the dinner party and The Phoenix had this expression like they were eating her cousin. It was unfortunate.

RECAP:

PROS:

Depth. Kanye has a deeper level of artistic depth then I had previously thought possible.

Selita Ebanks and the Phoenix symbolism, which was the whole point of the movie and very well executed.  Her costume was fantastic too, by the way.

The Ballerinas were amazing. ‘Nuff said.

 CONS:

Kanye overacted a bit…

A little bit more cohesive story telling would have been nice.

The quasi-bestiality, it was just awkward.

Cousin eating, that’s just wrong.

THE VERDICT:

I wanted the movie to continue once it was over. I couldn’t believe that it was over, cause I think it only ran for about 45 minutes. It was no Dark Knight, but it was a well made, and well thought out piece of art. If you are into symbolism and a higher level of music/art or would just like to have a glimpse into Kanye’s head I’d definitely recommend it.  For me, I’d watch it again…

I’m going to have to agree with Spectre on this one. Three stars…Neil Patrick Harris. J

Diva Out!

Spectre's Runaway Review

Runaway is about a phoenix that has fallen to Earth, where she is picked up by Kanye West, who falls in love with her. However, their romance is short lived, as she chooses to leave his world before she is destroyed. The phoenix tells Kanye that what she hates about his world is the fact that people have to tear down what is different. She explains to him that if she remains with him the world will knock off her wings and turn her to stone. The only choice she has is to fly away and burn.

The visuals were stunning.

I know what you’re thinking. I just told you everything so why should you watch it? You should watch it because this short explanation doesn’t do the movie justice. While I can explain the main idea to you I cannot even begin to explain how it played out, what it looked like. The real value of this film is in its artistry. It was gorgeous. From the colors, to the movements, to the camera angles, everything about it was made to be interpreted. I don’t really know what else to say except that it was not what I would have expected from Kanye West, but it was definitely a welcome surprise.

 It’s really all about the music.

Kanye’s film is based on his upcoming album (My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, set to release in November) and features songs from the album. Most of the movie is set to these songs, meaning there is only a limited amount of true dialogue. It actually works really well, as the things that happen onscreen are a direct reflection of either the lyrics of the song, or the general feeling the song is designed to evoke. It’s actually pretty cool, and is a welcome elevation from R. Kelly’s hip-hopra. 

The first half was a bit weird.

There were a few times when I was really just wondering what the heck was going on. The most memorable was a part where Kanye and the phoenix were jamming Power together and then it suddenly panned to a small Asian boy in red, running across a field, with a torch that had different colors of smoke coming out of it. Then suddenly there were fireworks and a song featuring Rihanna started playing, Kanye and the phoenix were there, and there was a parade with a float of Michael Jackson. That part lost me and I laughed at the TV, but at least I was enjoying myself right? There was also something going on with a sheep in Kanye’s backyard. I’d really like to know what that was.

The last half was the best half.

The last half was the part where we actually got into relevant conversations and a bit of humor. I mean a tiny bit but still appreciated. It’s also where you get the two best parts of the movie. Which is a segment based on the song from his upcoming album, Runaway, which he played at the MTV’s Video Music Awards. While the song is playing a horde of ballerinas come and dance to the whole song. WHOLE SONG. Get it? I wanted to point out that it’s the only full song featured in the film. I figured that might mean something.  My personal favorite part was the ending where Kanye wakes up to find the phoenix is gone and starts running after her. I mean full on running, trying to get to his lady. Does he make it? Now that I won’t tell you......unless you send me money. Then I’ll tell you.

RECAP:

PROS:

Artistry was really beautiful. Not something I had expected from Kanye

The music was great. I am now looking forward to his album.

This film was actually really deep, something to start discussions over

Ballerinas, fireballs, and some of the most serious running I’ve seen in a while

The sheep

CONS:

I did not really get the first half (except the very beginning)

Let’s just say Kanye won’t win any Oscar’s for best actor

The sheep

VERDICT:

I’m pretty sure it was designed mostly to uplift his image and get some publicity for his new album, and in that I think he succeeded. Plus I’ll admit when it ended I thought man that was it? I really wanted more, though I’m not sure why. And I would see it again, if only so I could understand it a bit better.

I’m giving it 3 hearts, a Neil Patrick Harris

We're back! Thank you Kanye!

As you should now be aware, SpectreDiva is back in business, and we actually have Kanye to thank. No, this is not a joke. for those of you who don't know, Kanye has created a short noir film based on his new album. It is called Runaway, and is premiering tonight on MTV and BET at 7 pm central time. We both decided to watch it, which is how we figured out a way to resurrect the blog. Anyway, we will be watching tonight and will post our opinions sometime in the near future. One thing's for sure, it's bound to be ridiculous.