KTSM News – Felipa’s Flix: Megalopolis’ triumph at festivals and flop at the box office

El Paso, Texas (KTSM)—Megalopolis is the all-new, much-talked-about film, said to be Francis Ford Coppola’s last film. While it was the big winner of major film festivals around the world, it was considered to be a box office flop in its opening weekend. Is it a good film? Felipa Solis of the Critics Choice Association says it takes a lot of work to discuss.

Felipa’s Review of Megalopolis

The film received a 16-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival. This is the Festival in France where some of the most successful films are either booed or cheered, and they are generally correct when it comes to defining hit films. It was an absolute box office failure this week, which surprised me until I saw the film. I suppose people were not interested in seeing Francis Ford Coppola’s work because it’s a film where you need to keep your thinking cap on tightly. 

The story is in modern-day America in “New Rome,” like New York City meets the Roman Empire. There are conflicts between Cesar, a genius artist, and Mayor Cicero. Cesar is a genius artist looking to seek and find a Utopian future within the walls of New Rome. Even though his thoughts are about world peace, Adam Driver is sinisterly good in the film. Actor Giancarlo Esposito is the mayor of the fictional city who is committed to continuing an empire of greed, corruption, and special interests. Of course, this is where worlds collide, and the filmgoer has to pay attention. 

It starts very vaguely; you must do your homework before going to this film. Is progress just corruption, or can positive progress be realized? I can’t give it away because I’m not sure. Look for Jon Voight, Shia LeBeouf, Dustin Hoffman, and Francis Ford Coppola’s sister, Talia Shire… For those a little older who remember The Godfather, she was Connie, Don Corleone’s daughter. She was also “Adrian” in Rocky. She’s also Jason Schwartman’s Mom and Nicolas Cage’s cousin, but that’s another story. 

I did enjoy the character Wow Platinum, a seductive TV presenter who is somewhat corrupt and schemes to get what she wants. Aubrey Plaza plays her; she is a fun enemy of Adam Driver’s character.

Is it an exciting film for an election year? Absolutely. Megalopolis is, however, hard to follow, and I don’t understand how, with all of the hype, there were so many empty seats in the theater. I left thinking that maybe I need to see it again or just wait for it to be streamed because that deal is already being cut by the Studio. I was hoping for Oscar Gold. Oh well…  

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