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You're Next (2023)
10/10
A good time at the cinema!
14 July 2023
Since Tokoloshe: The Calling (aka Tokoloshe: An African Curse), LX Seth and the team have grown exponentially - with this film, their third so far... It definitely shows.

"You're Next" is this sort of non-linear, meta-slasher whodunnit that channels vibes of films like "Scream" (especially the 5th one). While the inspiration is clear, I was happy to see this film works hard to stand on its own, rather than borrow or steal from popular films of the genre.

The cast is a mix of younger and older characters, from the millennial "influencers" to the "grown ups" who are the police detectives trying to solve this string of murders. While I'd have loved to see more intergenerational banter as the two clans mix, I feel both sides give some good performances. That being said, the younger cast often bring most of the energy and thrills due to the circumstances of the plot putting them in more immediate danger than our cops.

From a technical side, the film has some interesting ideas, and there are a few really creative moments - some from the editing, and sometimes from cinematography. While the majority of the film is serviceable, the team behind this film have grown so much since their previous works, and that's not something to be taken lightly.

I'll admit that sometimes the film's pacing can slow down and a few scenes seem to take a while to get to the point... I must admit that as a whole, the film is greater than the sum of its scenes.

The main hook of the movie is social media, but I feel there's a few places this film could've dug deeper to explore that theme. Despite this, it becomes evident that the Filmmakers found more interest in the slasher/thriller side of things, and it shows (not a bad thing).

There were moments where character motivations and narrative elements felt unclear (even times were I thought the filmmakers made blatant errors in the plot), but by the end I was pleasantly surprised to find out that most of this was intentional... setting up for some utterly joyful twists and turns to the plot. I won't say more for risk of spoilers though.

Watching this in cinema with a full audience was a real joy, and I can honestly say it was a stand-out experience to watch this endearingly made local-slasher on the big screen.

I'm so glad LX Seth and the whole team are making films like these. They're such fun in a darkly twisted kind of way.

As a Day 01 Fan, I seriously can't wait for their next film - Highway Sheila: The Resurrection.

Note: 10/10 rating reflects my overall enjoyment of this film, not in ranking to every film ever made... This isn't Shawshank Redemption, okay? But it's such a fun time.
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Velma (2023– )
8/10
It's finding It's Voice
19 January 2023
I'll admit the first 2 episodes felt like so much potential that wasn't landing, trying too hard to be edgy and crass at times... but 3 & 4 actually had me laughing quite a bit.

Stylistically and thematically this show is an acquired taste, but I'm starting to enjoy myself and I feel like the show is also finding its own voice, and getting its footing right.

Will it be great? Unclear.

But I've enjoyed Mindy Kailing's other work, and so I didn't wanna give up too soon. There is something there... a heart to it which does keep me invested. Also, I do love the cast and art style.

Personally, I'm glad I stuck around. And I'll probably be watching for the rest of the season.
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9/10
Unexpectedly great, with a lot of Heart - Not just for Kids
21 September 2020
I've been a Jurassic Park fan my entire life, but being 25 years old, I was only mildly curious to take a look at Camp Cretaceaous.

While the first 3 episodes are pretty enjoyable, it seemed to be most appropriate for its target audience of young children.

However, once we get to episode 4, things suddenly change to an impressive degree. The stakes feel a lot higher, the tension is phenomenally well handled (especially for a children's show). I really feel like the creators did their best to get the most out of Jurassic World and I had a blast watching this show.

While I have some mixed feelings about the human characters' animation style, it was a minor gripe with a wonderful show. The dinosaurs are impressive. The musical score feels very true to Jurassic. And the story is absolutely entertaining.

The whole 1st season takes place around the same time period as the first Jurassic World and while some major movie moments cross paths with the series, Camp Cretaceaous never loses sight of its own story for the sake of fan service. It keeps respectful to the larger story, but manages to be an entirely gripping and enjoyable journey on its own.

The thing that stood out most to me was the human element of the whole series. While I was hesitant with some of the main characters at first, they all really grew on me. By episode 5 I was so attached to them, it became a roller-coaster of emotions every time they stumble into danger. Every kid in the show contributes beautifully to the cast and fills the show with a unique and endearing spirit.

Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceaous is a wonderful show with a lot of heart. I loved the full arc of this season and all its characters. I sincerely hope we get to see more seasons in the future.

I'm so glad I decided to give this a watch. I highly recommend it. Not just for kids.
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10/10
Joyful, Beautiful and Perfect
8 June 2020
The Peanut Butter Falcon is an endearing, sweet and beautiful film.

Every scene was brought a smile to my face and it continued to win over my heart more and more with each minute that went by.

Beautiful cast. Wonderful story. Unlike any film I've ever seen before.

I am so deeply glad a movie like this exists.

10/10 - Easily one of the most lovely films I've seen in my life.
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Sylvio (2017)
10/10
A beautiful and charming Film.
4 May 2018
The following is my sincere opinion on the film:

I was curious and cautiously optimistic about watching a film based on that Gorrila Vine series, but I am so glad I did.

This is a simple, quiet but joyful and heartfelt film about the Journey of a creative Gorilla trying to find his place in the World. The story is told very thoughtfully, with extremely well crafted and well edited scenes. It's apparent in every shot that a lot of love and care was put into this film.

While Sylvio may not be very flashy, or thrilling, it is certainly endearing and meaningful. It showed me that a great film can be made from even a dude in a Gorrila suit as long as the ones creating it put their heart and soul into it. This is exactly the case for Sylvio. It's slightly outlandish and odd but loveable and undeniably creative.

Now, this film may not be for everyone, especially if you're not patient with more Indie films, but if you're open to it, this could be perfect for you.

It certainly was a perfect film to me. From start to finish. I don't know why this film exists, but my life is brighter and sweeter because of it.

Thank you to everyone who made it. 10/10
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