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Bodom (2016)
Lake Bodom
Boring, predictable, unlikable characters, and a film that didn't really know what it wanted to be. Is how I would sum this movie up. It reminded me of Wolf Creek a little. But besides that nothing really good to say about this film unfortunately. Not worth watching. They're better movies out there.
La La Land (2016)
La La land
So I've just watched La La Land for the first time. I have to say I wanted to love this movie I wanted it to become my new favorite movie of all time. But sadly it just didn't make it. I love musicals can't get enough of them to the point I wish we could have a slew of musicals just like we have lots of Superhero movies. So after saying all that,why isn't this a five star review?
Because it had issues. For me Emma Stone has in the past put out some great performances and here she does a very good job here acting wise. But at times I found her singing to be a little sub par, then all of sudden it would be great before going back to being sub par. It just felt really uneven to me and had me thinking I wonder how Emma Watson would have played it if she had gotten the part? However, Ryan Gosling did a great job throughout this movie. Is there anything this guy can't do at this point?
Overall the story had me engaged and the music was great. I really enjoyed the ending. Because I thought it was going to go in one direction and went in another direction. Which I really appreciated. Although, I really don't think the 2.55 CinemaScope that Damien Chazelle and Linus Sandgren went with worked. But I get why they did. It was an artistic thing trying to recreate a '50 theme set in modern times. But it just doesn't translate well to a 65 inch 4K television. What I'm trying to say is this film is best suited for the cinema. It's watchable at home don't get me wrong, but you're not going to get the best experience from your home.
Overall, it's a nice addition to the genre and I will definitely watch it again.
The House on Pine Street (2015)
The House on Pine Street
This is an intriguing movie. Although, it's categorized as a horror it doe not really come across as one to me. It's actually more of a psychological thriller than horror.
Jennifer (Emily Goss) and her husband Luke (Taylor Bottles) move into this old house after Jennifer tries to commit a self abortion on herself back in Chicago. It's not too long before she starts hearing and seeing things in the house. While no one else can hear or see these things. The audience and her husband are left wondering is Jennifer insane or is there something inside that house?
This is a weird film and hard to review because of that. I enjoyed it for what it was the performances were pretty great and it's a pretty decent movie. However, if you are a gore hound, then this movie isn't for you as it's a slow burn. But if you enjoy slow burn movies, then I think you will like this. But I can also understand why so many find this movie boring. As it leaves a lot in the air for you to figure out. I personally enjoyed it and found it interesting to figure out what was going on.
Open Windows (2014)
Open Windows
The plot is about a B-Star Actor Jill Goddard (Sasha Grey) who is tired of the business she's in and wants out. But feels trapped by her friends and management. Here enters Nick (Elijah Wood) her number one fan who runs a website dedicated to her. After winning a competition to have dinner with her he is later disappointed when a person alleging to be her representative says she cancels the dinner date. Her manager, then gives him the ability to view Jill secretly via her computer and phone. Little does Nick know that he is about to enter a sinister game of cat-and-mouse where nothing-and no one-are what they seem.
Described as a 21st Century Rear Window that boasts that it is a unique film that has never been done before. Sadly, it is neither a modern version of a classic nor unique. Yes, voyeurism links both films, but really, that's where the similarities end for me. However, that does not necessarily make this a bad film. In fact, it's pretty a compelling thriller for the first two acts, and then it loses its steam and plausibility by the third act as it takes on an unnecessary Science Fiction element that makes it go a little over the top in my opinion and kind of slightly spoils the ending and the film overall. Although I had a good time watching it. Woods and Grey performances are good, although the former comes off a little pathetic and easily to manipulated at times. Which makes it hard to root for him as he keeps making one bad decision after the next.
This isn't a must watch movie for me, but if you do watch it, then I think you will have a good time too. Just don't go into it thinking it's a 21st Century Rear Window because it's not.
Blue Jay (2016)
Blue Jay
You never get over your first love. This is a story about Amanda and Jim. Reconnecting after two decades apart. They spend the day together reconnecting, falling in love, and opening up old wounds.
I love the well-written, dialogue-driven films and when these types of films are done well they rock! It's probably why I love Richard Linklater so much as this film fits his style and this film reminds me of "Before Sunset" which is one of his films; and boy does this film deliver.
Sarah Paulson and Mark Duplass knock it out of the park. They were amazing. The chemistry felt so real and just worked on all levels. Also, the choice of making the film black and white really added to the film's atmosphere. The only thing I didn't like about this film was the abrupt ending. But that can be forgiven as it isn't about the destination, it's about the journey getting there that really counts. And like I said this film delivers. This film is definitely worth checking out and you can find it on Netflix. You will not regret watching it.
El cadáver de Anna Fritz (2015)
The Corpse of Anna Fritz
This film has a shock factor due to the subject matter. The characters aren't bad, but with the one setting and only few characters they do feel a little one dimensional at times. Alba Ribas (Anna Fritz) steals the show for me. But the other actors do a good enough job too. The story is non-existent. Although I get what Isaac P. Creus is trying to convey. But it doesn't quite work for my taste. However, the payoff is pretty satisfying after what they did to her. I however cannot recommend this film as I think it doesn't really offer anything, but a shock value which is over after a couple of minutes.