This is the kind of movie that you go to see in theaters. If you don't, you'll wish you had. This movie isn't going to win any Oscars or try to impress you with a serious story that makes you think about anything. It's purely to entertain you and make you laugh. It manages to do that while having heart. I'm not sure it could have had the same heart without Ryan and Emily. It felt like kismet timing for them to be paired together for this. Ryan doing some of his own stunts was impressive and if there is one thing this movie really does do well, it's give more respect to stunt people and encourage others to join the field. It has some really neat looking action scenes you won't see anywhere else, even a record breaking one. That said, I'm really not into blockbusters or action movies in general and so it was a bit long for what it was with quite a thin, unbelievable plot. That's the only reason I gave it a 7. If it weren't for the narration over the movie, it would be rated higher, but it was a little too meta to be considered timeless.
Reviews
73 Reviews
Miller's Girl
(2024)
Dear Seth Rogen...NO!
2 May 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is quite literally Seth Rogen's attempt to normalize his best buddy James Franco's behavior with teenage girls. In 2014, James Franco gets in trouble for seducing and soliciting teenage girls on Instagram. Seth Rogen acknowledges James's behavior in an interview and says he disapproves of it and is okay with Hollywood blacklisting his buddy even though James is very much still his buddy. Look it all up, you'll find it. The Internet never forgets and neither do I. It's appalling that Seth Rogen sought this script out and made this movie personally just years after his friend was part of the start of the whole #metoo movement. I have no clue why no media outlet is discussing this glaring issue since so many reported on it years ago. Seth Rogen appears untouchable. That said, he chose to allow the most disgusting, unnecessary and frankly outdated and pornographic dialogue in this film ever to exist outside of a porno. Even the movie calls it for what it is in a later scene. Yet, we all had to hear it and stomach the message that it all appears to be A-ok. Teenage girls are mature powerful women who seduce older men and destroy their lives for the simple fun of it, you see. So the movie ends abruptly with an obvious approval of the beyond oak tree age gap and in fact blames it on a teenage girl with admittedly no life experiences to draw from. This movie was sick on so many levels. The Crush was fine because it was from a time when Lolita was also somehow fine, but those days are long gone, and for good reason. Seth Rogen needs to be taught a lesson. Since this movie failed miserably financially, let's hope he learns it.
Martin Freeman was quite good on his part in this, but I'm surprised and oh so disappointed at his choice to be in it as well as defend it in interviews. I only hope he sees this review and does his research. Jenna is simply too young and naive to know the background, and isn't it ironic?
Martin Freeman was quite good on his part in this, but I'm surprised and oh so disappointed at his choice to be in it as well as defend it in interviews. I only hope he sees this review and does his research. Jenna is simply too young and naive to know the background, and isn't it ironic?
Bebe's Kids
(1992)
Still funny
21 April 2024
This movie deserves so much more love! It's one of the best animated films, and certainly the funniest. I've been watching it since I was a little girl and it got me through some hard times. It was one of the first movies to introduce me to black humor and say what you will about stereotypes, but this was written and directed by black folk who knew how to get laughs. I felt like one of Bebe's kids myself growing up in Detroit and this is extremely nostalgic. It was on TV all of the time in the 90's, so I don't know how there aren't more reviews. They basically turned the Disney formula on it's head. Even their songs are better than most Disney songs. If you haven't seen it yet, it's still worth a watch.
Baby Reindeer
(2024)
Victim shaming by a confused writer
20 April 2024
This guy seems very confused, both in the show and in real life. He talks about being groomed, yet isn't even aware of the definition of grooming and how it has to involve a minor. It's a huge insult to abuse victims everywhere. On top of that, attempting to make a stalker sympathetic is a horrible choice. It's not their fault? They're simply mentally ill? I've got news for you, being mentally ill doesn't make you sympathetic or a victim in and of itself, especially if it involves a personality disorder you can't treat, or the fact that medicating a person doesn't change who they are aside from tiring them out. Most people don't make the poor choices that lead them to being stalked as in this case where he basically insinuates that some people bring it on themselves. Well, he certainly did! He absolutely should be embarrassed by his life choices which are now insulting women and men alike by assuming his experiences in any way relate to others. This show isn't progressive, it's regressive. It has you nearly constantly cringing at the bad humor, intense and triggering scenes, and poorly worded narration excusing most of the behaviors. The actress playing Martha is so convincing, she's the only reason to keep watching. At least the show draws a better conclusion than the main character's real life story.
The Prestige
(2006)
Nolan's 2nd best
20 April 2024
I'm my opinion, this is Nolan's best movie after Memento. Only these two movies have enough depth, story, mystery and emotion to keep you so captivated that you can watch them time after time for years without ever wanting to look away. Nolan was right, the audience is smarter than studios give them credit for. Everyone in this gave their best performance. It didn't feel like acting, it felt like the real life experience of good vs bad. Nolan loves to play with that idea in his movies, but this and Memento are the only ones that give you your answer. Everyone is both good and bad, all it takes is the right circumstance. The Tesla/Edison rivalry is no coincidence, and obviously influenced the plot heavily. David Bowie playing Tesla was magical. I watch this every year and find new things to love about it every time. It's a timeless movie that people should remember forever. It's unfortunate his last several movies can't live up to this. However the two he gave us more than make up for the tragedies that were Dunkirk and Oppenheimer. Forget about those and come back to The Prestige if you want real truth.
Waco: American Apocalypse
(2023)
Captivating and unbiased
15 April 2024
This was one of the best documentary cases I've seen. It was so unbiased in showing equal parts of both sides that I fully understood and agreed with both sides while simultaneously being angry with both for their decisions. I watch every documentary on cults I can get my hands on, mostly because it's fascinating to know just how often this happens and what leads to it. What kind of people join a cult? I've known two people in my life to be in them, one who leads a cult and one who follows in an entirely different cult. Cults take all kinds of people, but the one thing every cult has in common is that it's about power. And one person has it. Or in this case, one government. Innocent lives are always at risk in the quest for power and that's the real warning.
Dream Scenario
(2023)
Has an agenda
3 April 2024
So they did a lot of pseudo research on this movie, which is odd considering how far they go with it. Nic Cage is supposed to be Bret Weinstein, albeit an inaccurate portrayal of him and his beliefs, other than some of the things in the film happening to him, such as a woman stealing his work, getting cancelled by a social justice mob, and being a college professor in evolutionary biology. Except unlike Bret, Nic Cage is completely unlikeable as a character and you aren't rooting for him at all. I'm also shocked at the way they brought up Jordan Peterson and Joe Rogan as 'alt right' when they most certainly aren't. As a female fan of all the people mentioned here, it's seriously concerning what they're up to in this screenplay. The writers seem to have an agenda with it, but it's not entirely clear what it is other than to stain the reputations of certain people before you even know who they are. It's a semi original idea with a weird execution and a disappointing ending.
Poor Things
(2023)
It's no lobster
8 March 2024
I too would like to punch a crying baby. That said, most of the things people would like to do never need to be seen on screen, know what I mean?
I definitely never needed to see that much of Emma Stone. There may have been more nudity in this than porn. As such, I'm sure I'll never need to see it again and I'm certainly glad I saw it alone. While it was oddly funny and weird and wicked, especially seeing Bella go through every emotion and thought possible, it was also exhausting. The costumes were glorious and distracting, the cinematography, setting and background the best I've ever seen. This movie is pure beauty surrounded by ugly characters. I think I'm glad I saw it, but I won't need to see it again. Consider the Lobster remains my favorite and I'll continue to watch what this director puts out, but with low expectations.
I definitely never needed to see that much of Emma Stone. There may have been more nudity in this than porn. As such, I'm sure I'll never need to see it again and I'm certainly glad I saw it alone. While it was oddly funny and weird and wicked, especially seeing Bella go through every emotion and thought possible, it was also exhausting. The costumes were glorious and distracting, the cinematography, setting and background the best I've ever seen. This movie is pure beauty surrounded by ugly characters. I think I'm glad I saw it, but I won't need to see it again. Consider the Lobster remains my favorite and I'll continue to watch what this director puts out, but with low expectations.
Dune: Part Two
(2024)
Part 1 was better
8 March 2024
So, I cried. So the special effects were amazing. So the worm scene made me squeal. So the role I had been begging Denis to give to Anya Taylor Joy was exactly what I imagined, wanted and everything I hoped and dreamed...aside from wanting more of her.
Well...I'm not sure I can get over the plot changes of the book, although they're probably a better story. I'm really devastated about the direction they took Chani compared to the books. I knew something was up when they kept warning you in interviews before the movie, but this was ridiculous and just plain sad. And why make Jessica seem evil so suddenly? Why make Stilgar seem like a mockery of his character both in the first movie and in the book? This almost felt like someone else directed it or changed their perception of Dune's meaning very quickly. It felt very w o k e.
I suppose the biggest letdown were the first scenes with Paul and Chani together. The cheesy porno music was a HORRIBLE choice for those scenes and could have been so much more romantic or creative. I didn't think they should have spent so much time making such a mockery of religion (even as an atheist lol), when the stories aren't just planted stories, they're actually true. Even if they're made to be true, it's still real. The audience laughed so much at the Fremen, I was insulted for them.
Was it good? Yes. Will I see it 100 more times like Part I? No. I'll probably only see it like 10 more times.
Well...I'm not sure I can get over the plot changes of the book, although they're probably a better story. I'm really devastated about the direction they took Chani compared to the books. I knew something was up when they kept warning you in interviews before the movie, but this was ridiculous and just plain sad. And why make Jessica seem evil so suddenly? Why make Stilgar seem like a mockery of his character both in the first movie and in the book? This almost felt like someone else directed it or changed their perception of Dune's meaning very quickly. It felt very w o k e.
I suppose the biggest letdown were the first scenes with Paul and Chani together. The cheesy porno music was a HORRIBLE choice for those scenes and could have been so much more romantic or creative. I didn't think they should have spent so much time making such a mockery of religion (even as an atheist lol), when the stories aren't just planted stories, they're actually true. Even if they're made to be true, it's still real. The audience laughed so much at the Fremen, I was insulted for them.
Was it good? Yes. Will I see it 100 more times like Part I? No. I'll probably only see it like 10 more times.
Two girls getting along
5 March 2024
Where is the love for this movie?! This was basically the original Mean Girls. It's one of my favorite comedies of all time, still watching it decades later and still have it memorized. As a girl who was severely bullied in school at the time this movie came out, this was like the ultimate revenge movie for anyone not in the popular group. It's ridiculous and over the top in a way I don't like movies to be now, but it was one of the first to do it before it became the norm. It has real heart and love and characters you love to hate and love to laugh at. I've heard there is a sequel being made and I'm on board for it as long as Janine Garofalo reprises her role. Aside from Romy, she was always my favorite. I'm not sure how this isn't as popular as Clueless, but it should be!
Don't impress me much
4 March 2024
I'm reviewing this after finishing the season. This is what happens when you let too many women stir the pot. The last episode was probably the best of them all. The first episode was a sloppy mess. The editing was bad, there were way too many characters that were unrelated and more importantly, unnecessary scenes that have nothing to do with the main plot. I'm sorry, but is this a soap opera or a crime show? I came here from a captivating and philosophical season 1 and 3 of the original show. It had supernatural elements to it, sure, but it made sense. You can't make this new season make sense. Jodie Foster can't even do it and she practically gift wraps an audience and hands them over to you! And what do you do with it? You blow it on lesbian teen drama, lame sex scenes, reverse gender roles, relationships with no chemistry or believability whatsoever, and the female cops behaving very badly. Great, what a fantastic example to set for us women. Hey people, it's okay, it doesn't matter whether a man or woman is in a role, they behave the same way apparently. So much for men and women being different but equal. Also why are so many non native actors playing Inupiaqs? It's so distracting. How is it an improvement over when we had Italians playing them in spaghetti westerns? And what in the sam hill was with that dance scene?!?! It was awkward, pretentious, and totally ridiculous. Yes I know what they were trying to do with that scene and where they're trying to lead us, and it's just more of the same pretentious drivel. They should have watched the first season again, it actually meant something. And it didn't have to rely on race baiting, gender roles, and forced dialogue. Its one major flaw was the nudity/sex scenes, but believe it or not, they somehow still had something to do with the plot more than in this season! Someone explain to me why we need more women in Hollywood when all they seem to want to do is make a big thing about it without actually making a good thing OF it.
I love Jodie Foster, I love Native people and their tribes even more, but this show is just not worthy of either of them. Go watch Wind River or Hold the Dark instead.
I love Jodie Foster, I love Native people and their tribes even more, but this show is just not worthy of either of them. Go watch Wind River or Hold the Dark instead.
Spaceman
(I) (2024)
Introspective. Best on shrooms.
4 March 2024
Someone compared this movie to Ad Astra and Solaris, but those movies didn't have half the heart this one does. They weren't trippy, they weren't as ambitious or as beautiful IMO.
This was a loving, funny, intellectual and psychological sci fi drama. I'm not sure it mattered that Adam Sandler was in it or not, or that Carey Mulligan was in it or not. I think anyone could have done their performances just as well really. Hamus was the star. And I don't even know if he was real. It doesn't really matter if he was though, does it? He's a means to an end. I highly recommend watching this if you have ever done a psychadelic, especially mushrooms, which reduce your ego to about nothing. If you never have, this movie is about as close as you'll get. My husband and I watched it together and we felt we could relate immensely to the story after having done mushrooms together and finding each other in the dark.
Will everyone like this? No way. It's not for most people. It will likely bore most people and probably irritate or anger others, and almost certainly depress many.
We would watch it again.
This was a loving, funny, intellectual and psychological sci fi drama. I'm not sure it mattered that Adam Sandler was in it or not, or that Carey Mulligan was in it or not. I think anyone could have done their performances just as well really. Hamus was the star. And I don't even know if he was real. It doesn't really matter if he was though, does it? He's a means to an end. I highly recommend watching this if you have ever done a psychadelic, especially mushrooms, which reduce your ego to about nothing. If you never have, this movie is about as close as you'll get. My husband and I watched it together and we felt we could relate immensely to the story after having done mushrooms together and finding each other in the dark.
Will everyone like this? No way. It's not for most people. It will likely bore most people and probably irritate or anger others, and almost certainly depress many.
We would watch it again.
The Last Thing He Told Me
(2023– )
Feels phony
29 February 2024
3 episodes in and this show has bitten off more than it could chew. Almost nothing happens in the first three episodes because the writers were so busy trying to find cringeworthy dialogue between teenagers and...pretty much everyone. I was a teenager not very long ago and while moodiness is a thing, lame dialogue like this is not. Also why do actors representing Austin all have accents? Has anyone from this show ever been to Austin? They don't have accents! It's filled with mostly city dwellers, many of which from other cities in other states, and their accent as all but disappeared. This isn't the only route they take to insult our intelligence though. It seems SO obvious what the plot is to the audience, yet the writers of the show seem to think they've done a great job keeping us guessing and trying to confuse us. Really, we're just bored. I'm only finishing this because I like the Australian Angourie Rice. She's the only one in this who is acting as well as she can with what she's given. Everyone else is phoning it in for some reason, like even they know how unbelievable this plot is. You wouldn't believe they're married, you wouldn't believe Jennifer Garner would be friends with anyone she's talking to and just none of it really works. It's like they just met and started filming the same day. I really had high hopes for this one, but it's not half as good as "The Old Man", though it doesn't mind stealing the plot a bit.
The Novice
(2021)
Great character
24 February 2024
Whoever wrote this movie watched a lot of Black Swan. It's very close to that movie except this was better in my opinion. It was more mature, more realistic and far more believable. I'm not sure everyone would get it or relate to it without having a similar personality type to Dall. Only other Dall's know the ending with a certainty and understand what drove her in the first place, let alone what drove her to madness. If you've ever had to excel at something you know you're not good at, this is the movie for you.
I wish the other characters in the movie had more background, but in a way the movie was as obsessive about Dall as she was about succeeding. She was a complex character that was fully fleshed out, yet fickle. I would appreciate more female roles like this in the future where you don't even notice the entire movie essentially had no male presence, and without making a thing about it.
I wish the other characters in the movie had more background, but in a way the movie was as obsessive about Dall as she was about succeeding. She was a complex character that was fully fleshed out, yet fickle. I would appreciate more female roles like this in the future where you don't even notice the entire movie essentially had no male presence, and without making a thing about it.
God's Creatures
(2022)
Why the bad reviews?
28 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I wasn't going to leave a review for this movie because I didn't rate it higher than a 7, but then I saw all of the negative reviews and was so confused. What are people doing watching Irish movies if they aren't used to a slow, dark, depressing tale?
If you can handle honest story telling with real acting that isn't theater or over the top, then and only then should you watch this. I didn't even consider this to be a 'slow burn' really, just a departure from the usual Irish dark comedies I normally watch. It's just a captivating drama that is very real, very possible, and probably meant for people who can relate in some way. I was able to relate in many ways. My own husband had dark secrets when I met him that his mother not only kept from me, she lied for him. It happens every day. I was also a victim of sexual assault on more than one occasion and felt the movie mirrored my experience fairly well, albeit with more interesting characters. I'm no feminist or believer in a patriarchy by any means, but this movie felt very real and I can see how it might make some uncomfortable. Perhaps people have some inner demons they should address if this story bothers them so much.
The way it was told was quite fine in it's pace and mood. For those that are upset by the lack of explanation for Brian's absence in Australia, do you need to have everything spoon fed? It's up for interpretation. Brian was never a great character, he didn't actually do anything to be such a shining star to his mother and it took her entirely too long to realize that because he was her favorite. He likely never went to Australia at all. He could have been in prison for crimes he obviously seems so willing to commit. You're on the same journey as Emily Watson here, we only really see what she sees and her perspective and actions change everything. If only more people were willing to reflect on their misdeeds.
If you can handle honest story telling with real acting that isn't theater or over the top, then and only then should you watch this. I didn't even consider this to be a 'slow burn' really, just a departure from the usual Irish dark comedies I normally watch. It's just a captivating drama that is very real, very possible, and probably meant for people who can relate in some way. I was able to relate in many ways. My own husband had dark secrets when I met him that his mother not only kept from me, she lied for him. It happens every day. I was also a victim of sexual assault on more than one occasion and felt the movie mirrored my experience fairly well, albeit with more interesting characters. I'm no feminist or believer in a patriarchy by any means, but this movie felt very real and I can see how it might make some uncomfortable. Perhaps people have some inner demons they should address if this story bothers them so much.
The way it was told was quite fine in it's pace and mood. For those that are upset by the lack of explanation for Brian's absence in Australia, do you need to have everything spoon fed? It's up for interpretation. Brian was never a great character, he didn't actually do anything to be such a shining star to his mother and it took her entirely too long to realize that because he was her favorite. He likely never went to Australia at all. He could have been in prison for crimes he obviously seems so willing to commit. You're on the same journey as Emily Watson here, we only really see what she sees and her perspective and actions change everything. If only more people were willing to reflect on their misdeeds.
Handling the Undead
(2024)
Where was the movie?
27 January 2024
I had the chance to see this for the Sundance film festival. I wish I had chosen something else. Anything else. This was almost the slowest thing I'd ever seen, and I just followed it up by watching "The Stalker" by Tarkovsky, so when I say slow--I mean sloooooooow. At least Tarkovsky had a meaning and philosophy being told as part of the story for you to ponder during slow scenes. This movie left you wishing everyone in it would die a horrible interesting death because their lives were so monotonous. There wasn't a single likeable character besides the innocent Kian, and he had essentially no lines! In fact there was hardly any dialogue of any kind in the entire movie. Hardly anything happened at all, then when something sorta kinda does, it ends abruptly. I've got the book, and "Let the Right One In" is one of my favorite movies and books, so it's not as if I'm not the right demographic here. This just has nothing going for it. I regret the time spent on it, the money spent, and the hours of backlash I had to hear afterward from my husband who was equally upset by the time he so rarely gets being wasted watching nothing happen. Boring doesn't even begin to describe it. More like mind numbing. Don't say I didn't warn you.
American Nightmare
(2024)
Californian nightmare
21 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I watched this case live in real time when it first happened. I believed Aaron and Denise were telling the truth and were just an embarrassment to the Vallejo police department before even hearing about Matthew Muller. Neither of them looked like the type of people to make up such a thing and their case and details were far more believable than that of Sherri Papini and her husband, who seemed suspicious from the start. The point is that this was one of the first major cases of 'fake news' before that became a thing. Now it's common to distrust any source at the highest level of news, scientific organizations and especially the government. This case should scare every person who watches, regardless of what country they are in. It could happen to anyone, rich or poor.
I do think the main problem with the case was that it happened in California. If it had happened on the east Coast, they would have investigated further. California is stuck in the Hollywood bubble so badly that it was the cops, not the media, who referred to Denise as the 'Gone Girl' first. The police reaction and the lack of discipline to their department after the defamation suit is more shocking than the crime itself. Denise was essentially raped all over again. I really wish she and Aaron had fought harder and not settled out of court so they could force some firings and get the chief and detectives involved to face charges or be disciplined in the very least. But I understand their desire for privacy.
For those who think this is too slow...if it happened to you, wouldn't you want the opportunity to speak freely and emotionally for the first time? They haven't said much publicly and this was their chance to get it all out. My husband and I never thought it was too long or drawn out, and we both cried right along with them, knowing it could have been us. The sad reality is that cases like this are so common that it's hard for people to pay attention anymore or even have empathy for the people it happens to. As a victim of multiple assaults, both sexual and violent, it's extremely difficult to be believed, even more difficult to prosecute, and then more difficult to find the energy to pursue charges after not being taken seriously. This case has a lot of lessons in it, and should be mandatory viewing for young people everywhere.
I do think the main problem with the case was that it happened in California. If it had happened on the east Coast, they would have investigated further. California is stuck in the Hollywood bubble so badly that it was the cops, not the media, who referred to Denise as the 'Gone Girl' first. The police reaction and the lack of discipline to their department after the defamation suit is more shocking than the crime itself. Denise was essentially raped all over again. I really wish she and Aaron had fought harder and not settled out of court so they could force some firings and get the chief and detectives involved to face charges or be disciplined in the very least. But I understand their desire for privacy.
For those who think this is too slow...if it happened to you, wouldn't you want the opportunity to speak freely and emotionally for the first time? They haven't said much publicly and this was their chance to get it all out. My husband and I never thought it was too long or drawn out, and we both cried right along with them, knowing it could have been us. The sad reality is that cases like this are so common that it's hard for people to pay attention anymore or even have empathy for the people it happens to. As a victim of multiple assaults, both sexual and violent, it's extremely difficult to be believed, even more difficult to prosecute, and then more difficult to find the energy to pursue charges after not being taken seriously. This case has a lot of lessons in it, and should be mandatory viewing for young people everywhere.
Beckett
(2021)
John Washington is no Denzel
17 January 2024
I tried to like this. The trailer looked good, but that's where it ended. It had an entirely too long start to the movie which didn't exactly build any character development or have any interesting dialogue that didn't feel forced.
The plot didn't bother me since everyone should know just how common it is for the US to interfere in the elections of other countries. That aside, the movie was clearly biased and nonsensical with what could have been a smartly written plot. How many scenes are wasted with John running down ghetto streets of Greece? Or just running in general? Or getting seriously maimed and continuing on like nothing happened? There's a scene at an Internet cafe that never gets followed up on, what was that about?
You know what, I'll just say it. John Washington is not a good actor. I'm not even comparing him to his amazing father whom we all pretty much worship, because those expectations would be too high. Nepotism is a problem in Hollywood like anywhere else, and this guy does not know how to express emotions. He's wooden and has no chemistry with anyone he acts with. I've seen him in Tenet, his movie with Zendaya and now this. He's just painful to watch. Someone else could have his job who works hard and deserves it. This movie might have been better without him in it, but I guess we'll never know.
The plot didn't bother me since everyone should know just how common it is for the US to interfere in the elections of other countries. That aside, the movie was clearly biased and nonsensical with what could have been a smartly written plot. How many scenes are wasted with John running down ghetto streets of Greece? Or just running in general? Or getting seriously maimed and continuing on like nothing happened? There's a scene at an Internet cafe that never gets followed up on, what was that about?
You know what, I'll just say it. John Washington is not a good actor. I'm not even comparing him to his amazing father whom we all pretty much worship, because those expectations would be too high. Nepotism is a problem in Hollywood like anywhere else, and this guy does not know how to express emotions. He's wooden and has no chemistry with anyone he acts with. I've seen him in Tenet, his movie with Zendaya and now this. He's just painful to watch. Someone else could have his job who works hard and deserves it. This movie might have been better without him in it, but I guess we'll never know.
Solid Actionomedy
8 January 2024
This is a Guy Richie movie, not an Oscar contender, what do people expect? To be honest, it was much better than the trailer made it seem. I'm not a fan of Guy Richie movies or Hugh Grant, and most definitely not Jason Statham. Yet I enjoyed this more than any Bond movie I've ever seen. I certainly enjoyed it more than any superhero movie since The Dark Knight while were on the topic of useless action movies. This movie had laughs, some seriously witty dialogue, and Aubrey Plaza. Josh Hartnett even makes a comeback as the superficial celebrity he isn't. Yes it was over the top and quite unbelievable, but what action movie isn't?
This one is up there with Nice Guys and The Gray Man. We need movies like these to keep going in order to keep hope alive that just maybe some popcorn flicks are worth watching.
This one is up there with Nice Guys and The Gray Man. We need movies like these to keep going in order to keep hope alive that just maybe some popcorn flicks are worth watching.
Saltburn
(2023)
Masturbatory
29 December 2023
Aesthetically, this movie is glorious. It's bright and poppy use of color in between dreary English scenery is a welcome departure from the uncomfortable and awkward exchanges between most all of the characters. Sadly there were only the occasional witty lines, not as many or as memorable as Promising Young Woman. Perhaps they shouldn't be compared, but this one feels more like a first time directors film, while the other feels like a magnum opus. Compared to that, this was a far less believable story. The characters seem genuine on the surface, but are far too intense for their age. I know everyone is comparing it to the talented Mr Ripley, and it's an accurate comparison. Except that the latter is meant to be a creepy thriller, and this movie doesn't seem to know what it is. It's deceptive. One thing the talented Mr Ripley had going for it was it never crossed the line into being disgusting for the sake of it, making it very rewatchable. This movie is the kind of movie you're glad to only see once.
If you don't mind the grotesque and the vapid, you won't regret watching this. I'll still see anything Emerald writes and directs because she knows how to draw your attention and she definitely has a voice, even if it isn't exactly clear what she's saying.
If you don't mind the grotesque and the vapid, you won't regret watching this. I'll still see anything Emerald writes and directs because she knows how to draw your attention and she definitely has a voice, even if it isn't exactly clear what she's saying.
Weathering
(2023)
What will it take to make good movies?
29 December 2023
When I saw Alfre Woodard was in this, I had to see it. She always brings class to every role and is such a natural actress. It's not her fault this script was bad. It just made no sense. Yes it's a short, but shorts are usually meant to leave you wanting more or are begging to be made into feature films. Everything about this is misleading. Intentionally? You keep watching hoping it will go somewhere and that the dialogue will improve, or that the characters will become interesting or fleshed out at least a little, but...what was that ending?! All that just to make it about race in a situation where race had literally nothing to do with anything?!?! What a wasted opportunity. Yes sometimes racism exists in 2023, but once again the demand for it far exceeds the supply.
Waiting for part 2
29 December 2023
There are many scenes that lead you to believe that this is a rip off of Star Wars (or Dune, which influenced that heavily). Then there are the homages to other movies that at first seem accidental, then intentional. Since this movie stands on its own, it's allowed to do such things, and I think in the end it was appreciated. Yes the action is mostly slow and boring and done before. The movie is entirely too long for how much time it spent on said slow action scenes, yet still rewatchable. The dialogue and story were all over the place, choppy and a flat out mess. The characters are mostly unlikable, but still enjoyable to watch. You're actively exploring them as people and in some cases watching them explore themselves.
I'm glad this was made. If I have to watch another franchise movie other than Dune, I'll scream. We don't need more marvel movies or more Star Wars movies, we need movies that take from those, fix their flaws and make them better. This movie is a start. We must support movies like this because it'll get others made. Boycott money grabbing franchises and start watching this.
I'm glad this was made. If I have to watch another franchise movie other than Dune, I'll scream. We don't need more marvel movies or more Star Wars movies, we need movies that take from those, fix their flaws and make them better. This movie is a start. We must support movies like this because it'll get others made. Boycott money grabbing franchises and start watching this.
Fair Play
(2023)
Worth the time
21 December 2023
I didn't expect much from this movie, but it really surprised me. It was funny, awkward, scary, uncomfortable, sad and very very dramatic. It was so dramatic in fact that I had to pause it several times to give myself a minute away from yelling at the TV. Normally I don't go for dramas and don't get so engrossed in the characters, but this movie made you actually feel like you were one of them. It was very believable throughout the entire thing. All the actors did a great job at being convincing and you almost felt for every character in some way. The dialogue was mostly well written without being to feminist and too over the top. The only real problem I had was with the self help guy who was very obviously supposed to be Jordan Peterson but only a mere caricature of the man. Why does Hollywood insist on tearing someone like Jordan Peterson down when he's only helped so many men and women get out of bad situations? If you know him, you know that he's not some greedy monster, he has sincere empathy for people who are struggling to navigate life. It's nothing to satirize. That said, although that weird side plot had nothing to do with what was going on with this couple, it's easy to see how fragile relationships are when they aren't tested. I felt really invested in this movie and might even see it again some day.
Leave the World Behind
(2023)
Stop blaming Russia for everything already
16 December 2023
I'm conflicted about this movie. It can't decide what it wants to be. It's lazily racist on both sides which should bother anyone born after 1980. I was willing to forgive that because that is the norm now in every movie and show with 'diverse' characters who aren't diverse at all. These characters were unrealistic all the way around. The acting felt forced and wooden. However, the mystery of it all and the creepiness just kept me watching. I wanted to find out what was going on around these painfully unlikable characters.
Those deer though?! How many times do we need to see deer in movies? It's so obvious that even the script feels the need to point out it's copying of other tropes. Give us something new. How many apocalypse movies do we have? I've seen them all. Do we still need the deer? This movie couldn't decide if it was an indie movie, a 1950's movie about race, a political movie, a drama, comedy or thriller. It had the worst parts of those things, and yet I kept watching. The dialogue wasn't horrible compared to all the superhero garbage we're given, but it could have been great. The ending was even silly enough that it had me shaking my head that I sat through all that just for that fizzle. The movie doesn't start getting good until the end and then it's over. If you can go into it knowing that, it's worth a watch. I liked that it stayed fairly dark, it's probably too dark for most people. The plot itself is somewhat realistic and probably should be a warning to Americans to stop getting caught up in nonsense while other countries are living life in the real world. Most Americans have never left the country and have no perspective other than what they're fed, so sadly the point of this movie will be lost on them. And here we have the point of the movie, if you can make it long enough to hear the young daughter's 'joke' in bed. It's a didactic little tale that sums up the whole thing. If you can make it that far, just pay attention to that and give it some thought. It's the only reason I'm rating this movie higher than it probably deserves.
Those deer though?! How many times do we need to see deer in movies? It's so obvious that even the script feels the need to point out it's copying of other tropes. Give us something new. How many apocalypse movies do we have? I've seen them all. Do we still need the deer? This movie couldn't decide if it was an indie movie, a 1950's movie about race, a political movie, a drama, comedy or thriller. It had the worst parts of those things, and yet I kept watching. The dialogue wasn't horrible compared to all the superhero garbage we're given, but it could have been great. The ending was even silly enough that it had me shaking my head that I sat through all that just for that fizzle. The movie doesn't start getting good until the end and then it's over. If you can go into it knowing that, it's worth a watch. I liked that it stayed fairly dark, it's probably too dark for most people. The plot itself is somewhat realistic and probably should be a warning to Americans to stop getting caught up in nonsense while other countries are living life in the real world. Most Americans have never left the country and have no perspective other than what they're fed, so sadly the point of this movie will be lost on them. And here we have the point of the movie, if you can make it long enough to hear the young daughter's 'joke' in bed. It's a didactic little tale that sums up the whole thing. If you can make it that far, just pay attention to that and give it some thought. It's the only reason I'm rating this movie higher than it probably deserves.
Brit, where are you?
6 December 2023
It needs to be said how much I love, respect and appreciate Brit Marling and everything she does (even her commencement speech). I've looked up to her since 'Sound of my Voice' and have seen every project she has worked on. She always gives it her all and I was under the impression when I first heard about this show that Brit was going to play Darby. I'm really disappointed that she didn't, because she certainly has more charm and appeal than the actress they chose instead. The main problem with this show is that there isn't a single likeable character. You're not allowed to like anyone because anyone could be the killer. Hell, there could be no killer at all for all we know. It just goes on and on in an endless loop of lame secrets that don't make sense and you wonder why you should care. As slow as this show is, there is very little character development. Compared to the OA and anything else Brit has had a hand in writing, this is shocking. The nudity and scantily clad scenes are a shock as well, but anytime Brit works with Zal, he finds a way to insert these scenes into anything. Zal seems to think shows need to be sexy to attract audiences, and he couldn't be more wrong. The main audience for their work is comprised of women who are tired of having their intelligence insulted. Brit understands that a good mystery keeps you going, but what this show is lacking is meaning, relevance and connection. What is this about? A murder? Climate change? Technology? Make up your minds! You can't make us care about everything while you're preaching it down our throats. Especially when the dialogue is rather simple, not remotely philosophical or memorable. Once I'm told who did what I won't need to watch it again. A decent show keeps you watching, but a great one makes you want to watch it again. Unfortunately they have missed the mark on this one. Brit just isn't allowed to shine through here.
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