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Rye Lane (2023)
A Promising Start Hindered by Conventional Tropes
Rye Lane presents itself with a burst of energy, promising a unique cinematic experience. With its quirky humor, vibrant style, and captivating chemistry between the characters, the film manages to draw viewers in from the beginning. However, despite these strengths, Rye Lane ultimately succumbs to the limitations of a conventional and somewhat corny love story, hindering its overall potential.
The film's premise initially holds great promise, showcasing a distinct and engaging theme. It explores the dynamics of love in a refreshing manner, sparking curiosity and anticipation in the audience. The quirkiness and charm of the characters contribute to the film's appeal, adding depth to their relationships. Unfortunately, as the story progresses, it follows a predictable trajectory, adhering to the well-worn path of a typical romcom. This reliance on conventional beats limits the film's ability to break new ground and explore its potential to the fullest.
The actors in Rye Lane deliver commendable performances, establishing a strong on-screen chemistry that enhances the viewing experience. Their portrayal of the characters contributes significantly to the film's initial allure. However, as the story falls into predictable patterns, the characters' development becomes somewhat stagnant, preventing the actors from fully exploring the depth of their roles. Despite this limitation, the performances are enjoyable and add charm to the overall narrative.
Visually, Rye Lane shines with its stylish and colorful cinematography. The film utilizes the setting to its advantage, creating a visually appealing backdrop that adds to the overall atmosphere. The camera work effectively captures the energy and vibrancy of the film, enhancing the viewing experience. However, the film's reliance on conventional storytelling limits the cinematography's potential for truly innovative visual storytelling.
While Rye Lane can be considered a fun and entertaining watch, it falls short of delivering a truly exceptional plot. It holds promise with its unique starting point but ultimately succumbs to the constraints of a conventional love story. The film's amusing and colorful nature, combined with well-executed visuals, contributes to its overall appeal. However, it fails to transcend the boundaries of its genre, resulting in a slightly above-average romantic-comedy experience.
In conclusion, Rye Lane offers a promising start with its quirky humor, vibrant style, and engaging chemistry between the characters. However, it becomes hindered by its reliance on conventional tropes, following a predictable narrative path. While the performances and cinematography are noteworthy, the film fails to break new ground or offer anything truly exceptional in terms of plot. With a rating of 3/5 stars, Rye Lane remains an enjoyable but ultimately limited romantic-comedy experience.
Argentina, 1985 (2022)
Argentina, 1985 - A Captivating Glimpse into a Pivotal Period
Argentina, 1985 (2022) takes us on a cinematic journey through a significant chapter in the country's history. Drawing inspiration from films like "The Trial of the Chicago 7" and "The Post," it strives to capture the essence of a tumultuous era. While the film adheres to the typical industrial platform model, it remains emotionally engaging for those with a connection to the subject matter.
One of the film's notable strengths lies in its portrayal of the historical events of 1985, evoking a strong sense of national sentimentality. For any patriotic Argentine, the film elicits genuine emotions, resonating with the audience on a deeply personal level. This aspect of the movie is undeniably its most powerful, striking a chord with viewers who share a collective memory of the time.
The film's cast delivers commendable performances, although their characters sometimes lack the depth and development needed to truly captivate the audience. While the actors convey the emotions associated with the period effectively, their potential for nuanced exploration is somewhat untapped. Nonetheless, their commitment to the roles shines through, and their performances contribute to the film's overall impact.
Visually, Argentina, 1985 embraces a skillful blend of camera work and cinematography. The film showcases an array of scenes that depict both the public and private spheres of Argentine society during that era. While some moments may feel contrived or forced, certain scenes and lines successfully evoke a strong emotional response. The cinematography beautifully captures the essence of the time, providing an immersive experience for the audience.
Despite these positive aspects, Argentina, 1985 is not without its flaws. The film seems more focused on appealing to a global audience and winning awards, rather than engaging with younger generations or those contemporaneous to the events portrayed. It adheres closely to the mainstream industrial platform model, resulting in a somewhat simplistic narrative that may leave some viewers craving a more profound exploration of the subject matter.
In conclusion, Argentina, 1985 offers a captivating glimpse into a pivotal period in the country's history. While it may not fully realize its potential in terms of character development and engaging a broader audience, the film's emotional resonance and visual presentation make it worth watching. With its effective portrayal of historical events and a touch of sentimentality, Argentina, 1985 provides an opportunity to reflect on the past and appreciate the significance of the times.
Marte Um (2022)
Misses the Mark, A Predictable and Boring Drama
Despite some solid performances, the movie suffers from a slow and unentertaining pace, making it hard to stay invested in the characters' lives.
The family dynamic in Brazil provides an interesting backdrop, but the story itself feels uneven and conventional. Some plotlines are engaging, but others fall flat, leaving the audience wishing for more. The camera angles are calm and measured, but they do little to enhance the overall experience.
While the actors do their best with the material, there's little that sets this movie apart from countless others that explore similar themes. By the third act, the predictability of the plot becomes frustrating, and the attempts at emotional manipulation feel cheap.
The movie's portrayal of an alcoholic father falling off the wagon feels like a tired trope, and it's hard not to feel a sense of aggression toward the filmmakers for resorting to such a hackneyed plot device.
Ultimately, "Mars One" fails to deliver on its promises and feels completely overrated.
Babylon (2022)
A Wildly Entertaining and Audacious Ode to Life's Fleeting Memories and Enduring Images
Babylon, a highly entertaining and bold film, offers a lot to the viewers, but not all of it will be everyone's cup of tea. The movie features a standout performance by Diego Calva, while Margot Robbie delivers an intense and physically demanding performance. The film is a robustly crafted, vulgar but loving ode to the fleeting memories of life and the enduring power of images. Tobey Maguire's degenerate and slimy role is a masterclass in creepiness. The first two hours of the film are exhilarating, hilarious and outrageous. However, the final hour's imagery felt too on-the-nose and spoon-fed, and the ending wasn't particularly satisfying. Despite these shortcomings, the film still deserves a 4/5 rating for the sheer joy and entertainment of the first two hours. Overall, Babylon is a wild ride that will leave you questioning whether all of it works or none of it works, but you'll have fun regardless.
Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre (2023)
A Formulaic Yet Enjoyable Action-Comedy with a Strong Cast
Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre is the latest action-comedy film directed by Guy Ritchie. While it is not one of Ritchie's best works, it is still an enjoyable movie thanks to the energetic action scenes and the strong performances from its cast. The plot may seem familiar, and it does follow a well-worn formula, but the cast brings a fresh energy to the movie that makes it worth watching.
Hugh Grant, in particular, shines as a flamboyant and eccentric former MI6 agent. It's refreshing to see him play a character that lets him have fun and be a bit silly, and he steals every scene he's in. The addition of Aubrey Plaza to the cast also adds some much-needed humor and freshness to the film.
The action scenes are well-paced and entertaining, it's a bit unrealistic at times, but that's part of the fun.
The first half of the movie may seem weak, but it definitely picks up in the second half, and the plot twists and turns keep the audience engaged. The movie has its moments, and it's a serviceable action-comedy that's worth checking out.
While Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre may not be Guy Ritchie's best film, it's still an enjoyable ride thanks to its strong cast and humorous moments. If you're in the mood for a lighthearted adventure with some well-executed action, give this one a shot.
Le voyage dans la lune (1902)
A Timeless Visual Spectacle
The visuals in Trip to the Moon, produced in 1902, are still impressive, surreal, and unique, even by modern standards. Méliès' use of special effects, executed with hyper-stylization, makes them somewhat timeless. Méliès was undoubtedly regarded as a wizard at the time, and the film's creativity is admirable. However, after 120 years, it's difficult to stay actively engaged in the story. The experience is more about passively admiring the visuals than being actively involved in the narrative. Nevertheless, Trip to the Moon is still more engaging than many contemporary films, despite over a century of technological innovation. The film's accompanying score was also noteworthy, as it was modern and perfectly matched the movie's atmosphere, demonstrating how far ahead of its time Trip to the Moon was.
Jurassic World Dominion (2022)
A Disappointing Addition to an Overextended Franchise
Jurassic World Dominion fails to impress as a dinosaur movie, as the plot seems to be a poor choice. The dinosaurs are present but not the main focus, giving the impression that they are only there to extend the franchise. Even the inclusion of Alan Grant seems to be more for nostalgic purposes than contributing to the story. Chris Pratt's character also appears to be underutilized and serves more as a prop rather than a leading character.
The camera work in the movie is particularly shoddy, with cuts from one angle to another creating confusion, especially in fast-paced scenes like the one in Malta. The depiction of Malta in the movie is also disappointing, with the country portrayed as a dirty, third-world Arabic nation covered in desert sand, which is not an accurate representation of the country. The use of Arabic style music in the background also seems out of place and unnecessary.
Overall, Jurassic World Dominion seems to be a movie that was made to extend the franchise rather than being a well-planned and executed story. It is disappointing that a franchise that should have stopped by the third installment continues to churn out mediocre movies. Although the movie is not a complete disaster, it falls short of being an enjoyable watch.
Additionally, the length of the movie seems to be excessive, and the dragging plot does not help in holding the audience's attention. The story's predictability adds to the monotony, leaving little to surprise or engage the viewers.
As if to acknowledge the franchise's overreliance on gimmicks and sequels, Ian Malcolm's line, "Jurassic World? Not a fan," serves as a meta-commentary on the movie itself. It is a nod to the fans who have been disappointed by the franchise's recent offerings, and unfortunately, Jurassic World Dominion does little to change that sentiment.
Elvis (2022)
A Mesmerizing Journey Into the Life of a Musical Icon
Elvis (2022) is a biopic that offers an insightful glimpse into the life and talent of one of the greatest performers to ever grace the stage. Austin Butler delivers an outstanding performance as Elvis, effortlessly capturing the essence of the legendary artist from start to finish. His portrayal is likely to earn him much-deserved accolades during the awards season.
However, the film does have its flaws. Clocking in at 2 hours and 40 minutes, it's a bit too long for comfort, and towards the end, it starts to lose its momentum, leading to an unsatisfying finish. Additionally, the film's over-the-top and extravagant visual style, while suitable for the musical numbers, can become burdensome and distracting during the quieter moments.
Unfortunately, the film's narrator and one of its most prominent actors, Tom Hanks, gives a surprisingly disappointing performance. His prosthetics often look like they're falling off, and his accent is distracting and difficult to get used to. This issue is compounded by the fact that he's the narrator, which means he's present throughout much of the movie, causing some frustration and annoyance.
Despite its shortcomings, Elvis is still an enjoyable and informative movie that provides an excellent window into the life of a musical icon. While it may not be perfect, there are certainly enough high points to warrant a watch, making it worth a solid 6/10 rating.
Infinity Pool (2023)
A Fascinating Idea that Falls Short in Execution
Infinity Pool presents a fascinating concept that is both original and intriguing. The movie follows a storyline that is similar to The Purge, but with a twist. In this movie, there are no consequences for the wealthy elite, which is a unique and thought-provoking concept.
However, the movie loses its way quickly, and the storyline becomes too bizarre for its own good. The events that unfold towards the end are confusing, and there seems to be no clear message to take away from them.
The actors' performances are commendable, and the production values are excellent. The visual effects and cinematography are well-executed, but unfortunately, they cannot compensate for the muddled and confusing storyline.
Overall, Infinity Pool is an interesting idea, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. The movie is too convoluted and lacks a coherent message, leaving the audience feeling unsatisfied. Despite some of its strengths, this movie is ultimately a miss.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)
Overstuffs its Runtime, Losing the Charm of the First Two Films
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania may have been visually impressive, but it failed to deliver the same level of charm and emotional depth as its predecessors. The movie felt overstuffed, trying to cram too many plotlines and characters into its runtime without allowing the audience to fully process what was happening.
While the humor was still enjoyable, it often felt like a distraction from the convoluted plot. Paul Rudd's performance as Ant-Man was as endearing as ever, but it wasn't enough to salvage the film's lack of heart.
One of the movie's highlights was Jonathan Majors' portrayal of Kang. His performance injected much-needed energy and personality into the film, leaving audiences excited for what's to come in the future of the MCU.
Overall, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania had its moments, but it failed to capture the magic of the earlier Ant-Man films. Its lack of focus and emotional depth left you feeling unfulfilled, despite the impressive visuals and performances from the cast.
Busanhaeng (2016)
A Thrilling and Heart-Wrenching Cinematic Triumph
Train to Busan is a cinematic triumph that explores the horrors of a zombie apocalypse in a unique and impactful way. The film's visual effects and cinematography are nothing short of stunning, with well-executed action sequences and a palpable sense of tension that pervades the entire story. The film's tight pacing keeps the audience engaged, and the realistic portrayal of the characters and their emotional struggles makes it a truly unforgettable experience.
The actors in Train to Busan deliver outstanding performances that further elevate the film. Gong Yoo is particularly impressive in his role as a workaholic father who learns the value of family and selflessness as he fights for survival in a world overrun by the undead. The supporting cast also shines, with strong performances from Ma Dong-seok as a brave and heroic man, and Kim Su-an as a young girl who provides the film's emotional heart.
What makes Train to Busan truly exceptional is how it uses the zombie genre to explore complex themes of humanity, morality, and sacrifice. It is a film that is both terrifying and deeply moving, and it will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.
In conclusion, Train to Busan is a must-see film that showcases some of the best elements of modern cinema. Its impressive cinematography, excellent performances, and thought-provoking storytelling combine to create an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (2021)
A Heartfelt and Charming Short Film That Captivates Audiences
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is a delightful and charming film that captures the imagination and heart of the viewer. From start to finish, this film takes us on a journey through the eyes of the eponymous Marcel, a tiny anthropomorphic shell with a big personality.
One of the standout qualities of this film is how sweet and heartfelt it is. Marcel's narration is endearing, and the animation perfectly captures his quirky and lovable character. The film is able to convey a sense of innocence and wonder, which makes it both heartwarming and emotional.
At the same time, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is also a poignant exploration of loneliness and the search for connection. Marcel's small size and unique perspective on the world make him feel isolated, but the film ultimately leaves us with a sense of hope and joy.
Overall, I give Marcel the Shell with Shoes On an 8/10. It is a beautiful and touching film that is sure to captivate audiences of all ages.
Oldeuboi (2003)
A Thrilling Journey of Mystery and Emotion with Stunning Performances
Oldboy is a South Korean neo-noir psychological thriller that was released in 2003. The film follows the story of Oh Dae-su, who is mysteriously kidnapped and imprisoned in a hotel room for 15 years. Upon his release, he sets out on a quest to find his captor and uncover the reason behind his imprisonment.
The main actor, Min-sik Choi, delivered an outstanding performance as Oh Dae-su. He effectively conveyed the character's emotions, which range from rage to desperation, and his transformation throughout the film was truly remarkable. His acting was a major highlight of the movie, making it an intense and captivating viewing experience.
The film also features an intriguing storyline, which keeps the audience on edge until the very end. The twists and turns of the plot were expertly crafted and left a lasting impact on viewers. The cinematography was well done, and the use of color, lighting, and sound added to the overall atmosphere of the film.
Overall, Oldboy deserves a 7 out of 10 rating. While the film can be a bit graphic and violent, it is still a well-made and thought-provoking piece of cinema. The main actor's performance, combined with the film's unique storyline, make it a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers.
You People (2023)
Disappointing Race-Clash Comedy
"You People" is a culture/race clash comedy that revolves around a mixed-race couple and their respective parents. Despite the cast, which includes several SNL alumni, having the talent to deliver comedic performances, the film falls short in delivering engaging and meaningful humor. The presentation style reminiscent of a "GTA 5" cutscene, along with the opening credits depicted in a "Photoshop speedpaint" style, also left something to be desired. Additionally, Eddie Murphy's portrayal of a self-insert of Kenya Barris, who heavily focuses on the dislike of bi-racial people, detracted from the overall viewing experience. Ultimately, I was not impressed with "You People."
Ingrid Goes West (2017)
Interesting and Enjoyable
A very insightful way to see how the world has changed into, how we are dependent on social media, and we will do anything to make others see us as cool, even if that someone means nothing to you. Start off very engaging but dies off a bit at the end imo.