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Reviews
Dogman (2023)
Superhero Movie for Dog Lovers
Superhero name: Dogman.
Origin story: Hardened by unfathomable suffering and by being denied love and protection, the protagonist finally develops the superpower that frees him.
Superpower: Dogs understand "absolutely everything," he says.
Costume: Drag.
Gadgets: Wheelchair and leg braces.
Secret lair: Derelict school building.
Sidekicks: The canine posse.
The question remains: Is Doug (woof!) a superhero or a supervillain? Motivated by the wish to take what he never had as a child as payback, getting revence on his abusive brother, fighting for survival and for the underdog, leaning into his fatalistic belief in God, Doug can be seen in either light. Besson could have done more with Douglas as the Defender of the Weak, as it is the most energetic element and prevents the story from sliding into the side of depressive. On the other hand, most of the emotional beats come from Doug's struggle and success to survive. As many critics have pointed out, the elements are a bit all over the place.
Commendably, Besson (as we trust him to) avoids resorting to killing off dogs for shock or entertainment value. Death of a beloved dog would have easily served as inciting incident, but, in this one, the dogs are above such profanities.
Animal work is first-class and a real joy to watch, as is Landry Jones' portrayal of fragile yet tough-as-nails Douglas who wears his detachment as a shield like a mourning veil.
A couple more re-writes would've made this a ten-out-of-ten.
The Goldfinch (2019)
Would be better as a miniseries
This novel would've been better served adapted into a series rather than a movie. The film's a very decent watch, but the story spans decades and sprawls in such diverse worlds that it would have benefited from a longer, serialised form.
Heartstopper (2022)
A brighter look on LGBTQ+
As someone who's gay teenage years were, for the most part, quite magical, I'm so very glad productions like this are beginning to turn up.
In the past, fictional LGBTQ+ narratives were mainly tragedies, and yet, the reality is that teenage outside the cishet realm is also joy, excitement, and optimism. Just like straight teen years can be. This show catches that sparkling somewhat perfectly.
The Great (2020)
A fun quality production
Had much more laughs than I expected. Also quite clever, yet an easy watch. Special mention to Douglas Hodge as Velementov, the Empress-adoring outwardly-blunt-yet-delicate-within Commander of the Armed Forces: the trusted supporting actor of countless productions gets to shine as he'd always ought to. (A surprisingly brilliant comedic actor! Huzzah!)
Gangster Squad (2013)
Even the title of this movie is cliché
So deeply clichéd you keep expecting a twist in the end to reveal it was all to throw the audience off scent - but the end game is as expected as everything else in the film. Not even the all-star cast could save these unoriginal characters and uninspired dialogue.
The cinematography and overall aesthetics of the film are decent. Entertaining enough to watch through once, at least if you are sufficiently tired after a long day.
Jussi Pussi (1970)
Good things come when Spede steps back
This little gem proves that Spede Pasanen should have just stuck to producing and let other people decide more often. 'Jussi Pussi' has a delightful lightness and nonchalant anarchy to it, underscoring Ere Kokkonen as the true talent of the "Spede family".
Cobra Kai (2018)
Go along with it just for fun
While not exactly the pinnacle of the thespian's craft, this rather soapy, yet casually violent storyworld will definitely entertain.
Live by Night (2016)
Entertaining enough
Aesthetic, yet believable, not too overstated Zeitbild. Manages to entertain throughout.
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)
Captivating campfire stories
Some good old-timey storytelling - might leave you feeling a bit blue, though.
Long Shot (2019)
Modern affairs
Another welcome addition to the Not So Terribly Outdated Gender Roles -romcoms.
Theron's character would have been more intriguing had it been written to be more realistic (i.e. more politically correct). This would have also created interesting tension between the two main characters.
Rogen plays the same guy he always does. There's a hint of vulnerability that brings credibility to the role, but a bit more wouldn't have ruined the part.
All things said, Theron and Rogen make a surprisingly believable couple. The central question of the film is "Should you sacrifice your own personal values for the greater good?", and the answer it arrives at is that, for the greater good, you should follow your heart.