Songbird a big flop
IT’S ABOUT PEOPLE TRYING TO SURVIVE NEW HEALTH SCARE
Adam Mason’s production never rises above status of mediocre.
In the midst of a raging real-time pandemic, when cinemagoers need diversions from the dire situation around them, comes a science fiction movie in unimaginable bad taste.
It deals with the mutated relative of Covid-19, aptly named Covid-23. This particular Songbird hits all the wrong notes as humanity is transported into the future and battling another bitter pandemic.
Tedious and incapable of fully developing its sombre premise, Adam Mason’s production never rises above the status of mediocre in its depiction of the future and the consequences of another horrific pandemic.
With a cast of mostly unknowns, the narrative centres on Los Angeles and a set of diverse characters all trying to survive.
Citizens are required to take temperature checks on their cellphones, while those infected are removed from their homes against their will and placed in quarantine camps.
Some fight back against the brutal restrictions.
Sprinkled among these denizens of this particular jungle, are a group of special individuals who are immune to the plague. These humans wear yellow wrist bands signifying their health status and they are valuable to the community.
One such individual is Nico Price (KJ Apa), a motor cycle courier, who flits around delivering various items to wealthy individuals.
He carries on a virtual relationship with singer, Sara Garcia (Sofia Carson), who wants to be famous.
She makes a living online selling covers of classic songs. When she becomes infected, Nico races against time to save her.
The only genuine surprise on offer is the resurfacing of Demi Moore, the once famous 80s star, looking slightly off colour. No doubt seeking an easy payday.
Moore’s character runs a black market operation in yellow wrist bands with her husband, played by Bradley Whitford.
What were they thinking? Songbird is a prime example of exploiting a situation in the name of so-called entertainment – and doof ing a terrible job it.