On this week’s Reel Thoughts, we engage with new NCFCA member Manning Franks to explore five film-related questions.
- Take One: Name one of your most fulfilling film-going experiences and why?
Manning: Right out of the gate, I’m gonna cheat and highlight two as they are incredibly different but highlight different aspects of the film going experience. The first occurred in 2005 at the opening Friday night of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, where I fully embraced the joy of a communal experience at the theater. Light sabers were aglow, people sat on the stairs, and cheers erupted every time something worthwhile transpired. I was only a child, but that feeling of joy never left my mind. Secondly, and more recently, my IMAX experience at my local Regal watching No Time To Die for an early screening. It was my first IMAX movie back from the pandemic and with a bucket of popcorn in hand I was transported away. It felt so good to be back in the theaters. I didn’t care I had to get up for work in 3 hours after I got back home!
- Take Two: What are your favorite types of characters on film? Why?
Manning: This will undoubtedly all come down to personal preference, but I’ve always gravitated to the earnest heroes who traverse through hardship. The world is idealistic to them, but through trial they grow and mature. Be they farm boys from Tatooine, the dreamers from Bedford Falls, or dragon riders from the Island of Berk, I’ve gravitated toward them, as one would expect, because I relate to them on a personal level. Their journeys always stir a high degree of emotion from me.
- Take Three: Name one guilty pleasure in your world of film-viewing.
Manning: I am firm believer that YOUR experience watching a film is unique for you and there should be no guilt behind it! Be it whatever movie you desire to watch or how you watch it (yes, even if you want to watch Tenet on your iPhone, sorry Christopher Nolan). The closet thing I have is that I MUST have popcorn if I’m watching a movie in the theater. I don’t care if I’m full and just ate a meal, popcorn adds to the theatrical experience in my mind, and wouldn’t you want to maximize that said experience to the fullest? I know I would!
- Take Four: If you had one film composer who could score your life, who would it be and why?
Manning: Conventional wisdom would say John Williams because who doesn’t love that man and what he’s done for music in film? However, I’ll take Miyazaki’s frequent collaborator: Joe Hisaishi. Hisaishi balances this whimsical and somber tone in his pieces that lend themselves to intimate stories. They routinely feel magical, and his sound is something I would love to accompany me throughout my life. Just imagine the Spirited Away score and I’ll subsequently allow him to transport me away.
- Take Five: Do you have baggage (positive or negative) when reviewing films with certain acting talents? Why?
Manning: Wow, this is an excellent question! I don't think I necessarily have one. Sure, I get excited about seeing ANYTHING Oscar Issac is in, but I always try to be subjective even if my expectations will vary depending on the actor/actress. On the positive side, I've adored Oscar Issac ever since I enjoyed his performance as Joseph in The Nativity Story (although, we won't talk about the film's overall quality), he has such natural charisma that even my negative thoughts on The Card Counter are elevated because I just love every time I see him on screen. On the *ahem* less-than-enthusiastic end of the spectrum, and I may get push back for this, but I'm always skeptical of a Tom Holland performance. Outside of playing Spider-Man, I haven't been impressed by him in recent memory. He is someone, in his current choices, that I can't get excited about--as I see him getting miscast far too much for my liking. Of course, I'm hoping to be WOWED one day!
**Manning Franks works as an Emmy-nominated photojournalist and critic for WFMY News 2 in Greensboro, N.C.—his hometown.
