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shandalaney
Reviews
The Curse (2023)
Some likable moments
I'm fairly torn about this series so far (currently on episode 4). I'm a huge Emma Stone fan. She's so talented, nailing everything from comedy to drama. And The Curse is no exception. She goes through such a range of emotions throughout, but remains earnest and sincere about doing good by her new community, even when it blows up in her face.
Nathan Fielder, I just hate. He makes me deeply uncomfortable. And I am not sure if that's his overall goal. If so, he nailed it. Everything I've ever tried to watch him in, he has this effect on me. He's awkward and deadpan in a way that legitimately gives me the creeps. If I were to discontinue this series for any reason, it would be 100% because of him.
Certain Women (2016)
Bittersweet. At times poetic.
I don't often take the time to write a full-fledged review. But after watching this for the first time last night and sleeping on it, I can't get this movie out of my head.
Most of Hollywood manages to dazzle us with huge explosions, action sequences, bright colors, complete overstimulation, both visual and auditory. This is not one of those movies.
It is a quiet story, that demanded my attention. At times bittersweet and poetic, it painted a simple picture. A window into the lives of four women in a period of their lives. I can definitely see why other people may not like it. It is not a genre for everybody. I think it told a really powerful tale though. It didn't need bright flashy colors, or magnificent wide shots or explosions. The muted pallet, soft backgrounds, hints of scenery. It kept me focused on what was really important. The story. Which was both hopeful and sad.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022)
Bland, Boring, Bloated
I wanted so badly to love this series. As a diehard LOTR fan since its original release, I always love any opportunity to return to Middle Earth.
And then this series happened. And I'm more than happy to NOT visit Middle Earth.
I realized by about the end of the second episode that from scene to scene, I don't care one iota about any of the characters or their outcomes. And I also forget pretty quickly who they even are. They're all bland, unlikeable, empty.
I'd rank this right up there with Wheel of Time as a thoroughly missed opportunity. Under-written with an unbelievably bloated budget.
Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022)
Every Bit As Expected
This latest installment in the series did not disappoint. I am always thrilled to travel back to the world of the Crawley family and their beautifully complicated lives.
Bone Tomahawk (2015)
Trash
I really can't believe I gave this movie my attention all the way to the finish. Poorly written, in poor taste, a waste of fine quality actors. A grotesque, dehumanizing vision of our Indigenous Peoples.
Not to mention that it gave me literal nightmares for months afterward. Now, I love a good horror film just like anybody else. But this one messed with my head in a way I wish very much to forget.
The Batman (2022)
Noir At Its Very Best
I don't often give a 10/10 for a film. But after taking this in at my local theater yesterday, I could give it no less. It checked absolutely every box for me and met every expectation. Clocking in at nearly 3 hours, not a single detail was missed. It gave me a clear view of the ultimate reluctant hero who is still learning who he is as "The Batman". The visibly dark imagery paired with the grit and filth of life in Gotham City gripped me from start to finish. Many people would probably disagree with me, but I feel that Robert turned in a performance that rivals even Christian Bale. Paul Dano was perfection as The Riddler. The entire cast truly was most excellent. I will be making this film a part of my permanent collection to be enjoyed for years to come.
Bo Burnham: Inside (2021)
A hurt that we all need to recognize to heal from
Bo exposes his most raw inner self in this new special. I came into this expecting classic "Bo". What I got instead, was a stark and unabashed look into what we know we are all feeling, yet many are afraid to talk about or recognize still. This pandemic has continued to break us down. He has clearly not been an exception to this breakdown. I saw so much of myself and my experiences of this past year through his eyes. He is not ashamed to say we are all hurting. I could not tear my eyes away from it.
Indignation (2016)
A well-written slow burn
Logan Lerman at his best. He never fails. And once again he has brought a very complex character to life. This film is a great way to while away a rainy afternoon.
Da 5 Bloods (2020)
I Just Can't. . . .
Taking this film in felt too much like work. Two and a half hours of my life that I can never have back.