There are just SO many films out there! You see two to three wide releases on a weekend with a handful more in limited release. Throw out at least a dozen more on VOD or streaming and now you have an overload of content. But we only have so many hours in the day, and we must be thoughtful towards what we dedicate that precious free time to. That is the point of this series of articles giving you specific reasons why you should run out to your nearest multiplex, drive to search for that limited release, drop some money in the virtual cinema, or to surf those streaming services. Here on The Wasteland Watchlist, you will find some reasons to check out the latest and greatest of films including…The First Slam Dunk (theaters July 28h)
The Animation
Did anyone else expect this level of animation from a random anime dropped in US theaters? Guess what…we are SO late to the game! These are some of the most impressive visuals I have seen in an animated film before. The textures are impressively detailed. The characters feel equal parts stylized and realistic. This is a hard balance to hit but the animators in this film certainly knock it out of the park. The animation would be great in any film, but this film is so full of action that it is just that impressive the way they make it work. The way the “camera angles” are rendered is so impressive. The basketball game becomes so dynamic with these choices.
The Emotion
We can feel deeply about our favor sports, right? But The First Slam Dunk delivers so many more layers to this emotional journey. Our protagonist has plenty of trauma in his life that has led himself down this basketball path. The narrative navigates these past traumas through effective flashback sequences that feel perfectly threaded with the excitement of the game. But so many of the characters gain depth through these flashbacks or even the impressive character work embedded in the game. This script is dynamic, and it makes the result much more impactful.
The Action
What is an essential piece to a great sports film? It must be delivered when the sporting events begin. The First Slam Dunk just might deliver the greatest basketball game ever rendered on the big screen. The intensity is on a whole other layer. What is most impressive is that the game feels so believable yet mixes in anime flair for immense effect. The slow motion and speed-up beats mix perfectly to maximize the tension realized in the game. This film is mostly about a basketball game and director Takehiko Inoue maximizes every single moment creating a thrilling, fully engrossing experience for two hours.
The Music
What makes a sporting event even more exciting? Music! And The First Slam Dunk certainly got the memo. I thought the music was going to blow me out of my seat a few times throughout the film. The energy and ferocity of the score makes the game that much more intense and exciting. I want the music to be the soundtrack of my life. My daily life would be so much cooler and exciting…just like this movie.
