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Reviews
Dune: Part Two (2024)
The movie experience I've always desired
This movie experience has been unlike anything I have ever experienced inside a movie theater before and I have been blown away by Christopher Nolan a few times and I thought he had no equal when it comes to spectacle and storytelling on the biggest screens possible until Denis Villeneuve. First prisoners impressed me followed by sicario but then the stunning bladerunner2049 showed me Denis is the real deal. Then he made dune part one which already cracked my all time top 5 and solidified my belief Denis may be the best blockbuster filmmaker of this generation including Nolan. Dune Part 2 was another experience entirely, it was the most profound and powerful movie experience I've ever had in a theater before. This film made me feel everything it had to say with such massive and grand world building but yet so intimate. Part 2 was such a visceral and intense experience that I've always hoped to see one day in a theater and I now have finally tasted that experience firsthand and I feel blessed to have experienced it. I've seen it twice now and it was the same but different feeling each time. If you have not seen it on IMAX yet do not waste your experience on anything less trust me.
The Hateful Eight (2015)
Tarantino at his best
I have grown to admire Tarantino's work as a director despite his obession with the use of the "N word" in some of his movies. Jango and Inglorious being my two favorites of his, even over cult classic pulp fiction. Not a huge fan of his most recent outing with over hyped once upon a time but the Hateful Eight was his last good film in my opinion. Tarantino at his best with a good script and great tension building along with good cinematography, The Hateful Eight despite being in one location and being originally made for a stage play, it's quite entertaining and keeps my attention throughout with good characters and cast chemistry. Tarantino's ability to use actors to speak loudly with their body language without sometimes saying a word is very unique. I also was very inspired how Tarantino went old school and brought back the formality of how movie premieres were done way back in the day with his limited 70mm screenings with even well made brochures and a small gift handed out about the filmmaking process before the movie, it brought a sense of awe back to cinema.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
Much better than volume 2
I was not a huge fan of the second film, I thought it was okay at best which was a far cry from the original film which is still probably my favorite Marvel film outside of the spider verse films with Miles Morales. Volume 3 however was a return to form for James Gunn and the band of misfits. It was a more emotional story for the group which was a good way to end the series. I'm also impressed with Gunn's writing and character development of Nebula and how far she's come since the first and how integral she became to the series. James Gunn has slowly become a master of the delicate balance of good humor, nostalgia, and drama in storytelling that the more I watch him grow as a director on screen the more I become very fond of his distinct and retro-vintage style.
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)
Good, but Unnecessary two part film
Great action scenes but felt they were extended for no reason which made the film unnecessarily 45mins too long. They could of cut the film decently and had a richer story develop into one final complete film for a near 3hr run time to end the series but extended it to make it into two parts to follow Hollywood trends and maximize profits. Many of the shots were beautifully done although I'm not a big fan of the cameras they used for the film. The close up face shots during intense tension and whispered dialogue were great in the beginning but was over used throughout the film. I don't know why they used AI enhanced facial shots so much I thought it would've been more relatable to see Tom aged and everyone's imperfections made it a bit weird for me. Overall a good flick at unnecessary costs.
Black Adam (2022)
I tried to be open minded
I don't know what people were watching but I clearly didn't see the same film. Anytime I see that the Rock is headlining a film I usually don't expect anything of substance going in. I typically expect a below average film with bad acting and mediocre direction, but after seeing all the good reviews from users about this film, I tried to watch it with an open mind. However now after watching it my assumption was right it was the same old Rock flick without laying any smackdown. It was a very cringe worthy and nonsensical experience like for example waking up after 5000 years and immediately being able to speak English. The story was weak and sloppy and I could care less about any character. I believe the Rock chose the wrong director and writers for this film I was better off waiting for hbo max.
Elvis (2022)
Not a Baz Lurhmann enough film.
I read a review of Elvis with someone saying that the film was not Baz Lurhmann-esque enough. After watching although a decent film, I agree with that statement the film felt like Baz held back a bit and not the normal Baz artistry I admire in his films.
Rogue One (2016)
My favorite out of the entire series.
I'm not a huge fan of star wars mainly because of how much Lucas ripped off from the Dune books. However this is my favorite out of all the star wars films. Even with it's faults I liked how daring and original the story was. I liked the dirty and grittier tone of this film especially the cinematography by Fraser. I also liked the diversity of the cast. One thing I would have changed was the casting of Felicity Jones, although she's a great actress, she did not fit the rough and edginess of her character which made it hard for me to believe in her tough upbringing background. Overall a solid Sci-Fi film.
The Matrix Resurrections (2021)
This film was proof to me...
The matrix trilogy is my favorite trilogy of all time despite Revolutions. Once I heard who was directing the 4th film and saw who was casted and then the worse news of all that Laurence Fishburn is not returning as Morpheous, I set me expectations really low. The film had a few cool new elements but the story and cast was a mess. This film proved to me what I suspected all along once I found out years ago that the script for the Matrix was indeed stolen by WB from an aspiring writer. It's easy to tell this film was like a driver who had all the directions but then ran out of them and became lost. It's sad really because it had potential in the right hands.
La La Land (2016)
I actually don't like musicals, however...
I am not really a huge fan of musicals but this film however was an enjoyment. The reason why this musical separated itself to me from other musicals is that this film was a story first before it was a musical it told me a story about two people navigating love, their careers, and desires within Hollywood and the trials and tribulations it comes with. The story was told without forcing random bursts of sing and dance every 5mins where they don't belong. It was more story then it was musical and that made it a pleasing experience despite the films lack of diversity.
Arcane: League of Legends (2021)
The series was good
Not a fan of the steam punk theme and the character jinx gets to be pretty annoying after a couple of episodes due to lack of character depth, the whole bratty child personality gets old. But overall very well written story and the voice acting as well as the animation was on point. This series makes me excited because it will give Netflix the confidence to greenlight other similar animation content such as this which I've been craving ever since watching the Netflix animation series love,death, and robots.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
A story of underdogs
This movie and the animated film Into the Spiderverse are my two favorite Marvel films hands down, if you disagree fight me. This film had great cast chemistry, special effects, action, and a well written story with the perfect amount of humor. A band of misfits coming together to shock and surprise both doubters in the story as well as movie audiences. They did it all with barely any superpowers involved and to me that was true strength.
Red Notice (2021)
Had low expectations and goodthing...
I thought I wasn't even going to finish Red Notice before even watching expecting another typical silly The Rock action/bad acting film. But to my surprise I had a little fun watching this all thanks to Ryan Reynold's cheeky humor. Despite it being predictable and an elementary written story, it was a watchable and vaguely entertaining Netflix film.
Soul (2020)
The grand message we have all looked past
Since Toy Story and Bugs Life I have been a fan of Pixar from childhood to adulthood enjoying their films even to this day. I think for the first time Soul hit home for adults more so than any other Pixar film. It embodies the grand life message we all miss because we are too busy living life to slow down and smell the roses. The scene where Dorothea talks about the fish is the perfect metaphor of the message. The beauty of life isn't what you accomplished the beauty of life is hidden within just simply enjoying the entire journey of life whether good or bad, that's what being alive is about then we begin to understand the monumental gift life truly is just as Joe's epiphany moment in Soul. Good job Pixar.
Gisaengchung (2019)
I was very impressed
Director Boon Joon-ho has been slowly becoming my favorite foreign filmmaker outside of North America and the UK. He's extremely talented and a good storyteller. Snowpiercer was a surprise and now comes another pleasant surprise by him in Parasite. Well written story with a talented cast with great chemistry. The flow of the film was smooth and exotic with rich character development, acting was impressive by all. The film's emotional message at the heart of the story, was the real gem and I am grateful for it.
Ojing-eo geim (2021)
Undeserving hype
The South Korean film Parasite should've gotten the same amount of hype this show received. First off cringe worthy costume designs they looked too basic, childish, and uncreative. The story had real world implications but felt like a weird lazy rip off of the movie saw with weak writing. It got so predictable and dull I didn't even watch the last two episodes. Overall, watch it if you don't mind cheap storytelling. If you haven't seen Parasite by Bong Joon-ho, then that's a better use of your time.
Dune (2021)
Beautiful
I am glad I did not read the book before watching because it allowed me to be moved and surprised by the grandeur of this film. One of the most beautiful looking films I have seen. I was surprised by the raw power behind the film. If you don't watch this in theaters you are missing out on a once in a lifetime film that begs to be seen and felt as big as possible.
No Time to Die (2021)
It is different
It's different and unique from any other bond film for sure. It's better than both Spectre and Solace but not the epic ending I hoped for Daniel Craig's final Bond but it was a more emotional bond. I don't mind a long film but a lot of scenes should've been cut at least 30min worth.
The Prince of Egypt (1998)
I thank my Father, God for this film
I remember as it was yesterday being mesmerized and blown away by this film as a child and learning about Hope at such a young age. I thank the Lord for teaching me my first biblical experience with such a beautiful underrated film that truly still inspires me to this very day. If your not a believer it's okay you can still allow yourself to be moved by this film's majesty. This film and The Passion are the two films I rewatch to fill my spirit once a year because it's the only two Hollywood has made appropriately. I Hope to change that someday and bring forth more amazing biblical films inspired by this one, so the world can remember who my Father is and see His wonders. Most of all give the people Hope, just as my Father raised me on Hope using films such as The Prince of Eygpt.
Sunshine (2007)
Still one of the most underrated space films.
Well written story, characters, and good casting, which made me care for each character's journey. Good CGI even by today's standards 14 years later along with amazing visuals. Some of the best suspense and tension building I've seen in a film. Danny Boyle nailed it for me on this one. This is a Sci-Fi classic in my books.
Oblivion (2013)
Poetic especially with the world's current state
Joseph Kosinski is one of the most talented and underrated directors in filmmaking. First Tron blew me away and then Oblivion came and I am still baffled how his films were not a runaway success. Oblivion was a beautifully built world with fantastic cinematography and a immersing score as well as the production quality. Maybe it was the casting that didn't resonate with audiences I'm not sure but this is a top 10 Sci-Fi film in my books.
The Revenant (2015)
A good film
A very visceral experience that transports you to the old frontier days. Personally I thought Leonardo deserved the Oscar more for Wolf of Wallstreet than this film. Only because I feel like this was an easy lay up for him.
Black Widow (2021)
It was vaguely okay
A little disappointed I was hoping for a more serious spy, espionage action thriller close to a Jason Bourne type film. But what I saw was a barely average film with some decent punchlines and mediocre action sequences. Expected a richer story from a Titan studio like marvel.
The Tomorrow War (2021)
Stealing concepts but not making them better
This was a Edge of Tomorrow, Avp, and Prometheus rip off. This film was poorly written and messy. The film only became interesting 35min before the end. I was also not buying the whole father, daughter connection thing they were trying to force it wasn't organic. Overall it was a good idea to sell this to Amazon for a decent late night flick at home.
Interstellar (2014)
My Benchmark
3 of my best ever! And favorite film experiences in theaters in my life! Have been tickets to Inception, Interstellar, and most recently Tenet. But Interstellar hit me on such a deep level emotionally that I have not experienced before this film. Nolan has inspired me as a storyteller on exponential levels and I thank him deeply.
Tenet (2020)
"Don't try to figure it out, just feel it"
Nolan's best film yet! Was fortunate enough to see it 3 times in Imax and each time was it's own amazing experience. You need to see this at least twice, it's a lot to digest in one go. The ambition of this film rivals Inception. The new collab with Ludwig on this score was a highlight reel with it's ambitious sounds. The story was deep and thought provoking, not meant for the weak minded. Tenet, Inception, and Interstellar share all time top honors with me.