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Reviews
Kaguya-hime no monogatari (2013)
Great, but one thing is bothering me!
I really enjoyed this film but i wish they would have given a reason as to why the princess was sent from the moon, what was her mission? Why couldn't she stay on earth? If there was a genuine explanation as to why she had to visit and subsequently leave earth, the ending would have carried more weight.
Otherwise, the films art style and story (until the end) is very pleasant. The idea of a normal girl becoming a princess and discovering that all that glitters is not gold is not particularly unique, but its told with enough charm to remain fresh. Its my favourite Studio Ghibli film I've seen to date.
Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
Pretty Pandora
It took 13 years for James Cameron to deliver the sequel to Avatar. To say it was worth the wait may be hyperbolic, but i must concede the film sporadically immersed me into moments of wondrous splendour, the kind of which only the magic of cinema can provide.
Frankly, The Way of Water made me feel the same way i did in 2009 when its predecessor took the cinema by storm; amazed by the way a picture could look but slightly dismayed by its reluctance to advance its plot before stopping to smell the roses. The waves of the splendid seas of Pandora effortlessly flowed across the screen, the same of which i can not say about the films pacing which unfortunately ebbed in the second act. The runtime is long, and it feels it. I admire Cameron's concerted effort to take his time to build Pandora; especially as its set to be home to three more sequels in the coming years, but feel that trimming the film to below three hours would have been a welcome adjustment.
Nevertheless, i wont readily forget my awe when were first plunged into the majestic seas of the Metkayina, or the excitement of Neytiri confronting the "sky people" after the tragic loss of her son amidst the dreary drizzle of an escalating war. I was genuinely invested in Jake's struggle between leading the Na'vi and raising his young family. Particularly interesting to me are the future developments in the stories of Spider and Kimmy who i feel have the most mystery behind them. Spiders conflict between helping the Na'vi who have raised him and connecting with his absent father is a plot point which i can see headlining future instalments in the saga.
Ultimately, the film is a technical masterpiece which again underlines Cameron's pursuit of performance perfection. It suffers a similar issue to its predecessor in its pacing but i am pleasantly surprised in the depth of its themes and storytelling.
Roll on 2024 and the third instalment in this spellbinding series.
Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022)
The wooden boy is full of life!
I must preface this review by admitting i am a huge fan of Del Toro. His films exude an otherworldly ambience that leave me wanting more. His darker interpretation of Pinocchio is no different.
The stop motion animation is charming and the sets contained within this film are all meticulously prepared. The film is a feast for your senses.
The plot is dark without losing its charm, i adored the incorporation of the fairytale into the depths of fascist Italy. There are scenes that genuinely will pull on your heart strings, such as Pinocchio's decision to forego his immortality to save his maker, or the sweet connection he makes with another boy whilst embroiled within the horror of a youth training camp.
Pinocchio himself started out as slightly too exuberant but he eventually garnered my empathy as the film waltzed to its finale. Perhaps i wasn't ready for his bold and inquisitive nature after the grounded start the film made when telling Gepetto and Carlo's story. Nevertheless, he won me over.
All in all, I've been left with that all too familiar warm feeling after seeing another of Guillhermo's films. I'm sure it wont be too long before i revisit this one again. Any fan or cinema would be making a worthwhile decision to give this one a go.
Go see it!
Jurassic World Dominion (2022)
A bit bloated but a fun ride overall
The first half an hour or so is a bit messy as the film has so many storylines going in different directions. Eventually the film picks up and the actions scenes are well done (although a bit repetitive) . Dont expect anything too complex or innovative, but its a fun popcorn film.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Great Entertainment Value!
Amazing cinematography, score and action. Not the most complex plot but didn't need to be. Overall really enjoyable experience and shows Cruise is only getting better as time goes on.
The Book of Boba Fett: Chapter 6: From the Desert Comes a Stranger (2022)
The best Star Wars Episode yet
Great seeing Luke, Ahsoka and Grogu again. The ending set the finale of this series up perfectly as the impending war on tatooine heats up and the triangular relationship between Grogu, Luke and Mando comes to a eagerly anticipated decision.
Nightmare Alley (2021)
Stunning Storytelling
As a fan of Del Toro i had high hopes for this one and i was not disappointed. The story of Bradley Coopers characters slow descent from ambitious carny to ruthless egomaniac was fascinating to see. All leading up to his sudden fall from grace.
The film looked beautiful, especially scenes in the haunting carnival and snow. The story was a slow burn but worth it in the end as we got to see him come full circle in the end and become what he had once pitied (the geek). I see it as a tale of the dangers of selling dreams to people of which you don't believe. We saw how the judges wife happily smiled as she murdered her husband and killed herself, all because the fake words told to her by the mentalist regarding how her son would be with them again sold her a dream which she was desperate to believe.
I highly recommend the film, theres a lot to be learned from it about the dangers of when one starts to believe their own lies and not knowing when to stop.
Eternals (2021)
Nice idea but third act lets the film down
The film looks stunning and i actually think most of the cast does a good job. The third act seems rushed considering the slow pacing of the film up to that point. The characters also are forgettable, I'm not sure i actually like any of them. Maybe they should not have introduced so many in the same film and instead concentrated on less characters that are more fleshed out.
The concept of saving a population but knowing you are preventing many other generations from being formed is an interesting dilemma and is unique so i commend that concept. Not a horrible film, but certainly watchable...
Encanto (2021)
Beautiful but a bit thin on story
Yet again, Disney have shown that they are the greatest at making visually spectacular films. I don't think i have ever seen a movie with such vibrant colours and rich textures as Encanto.
I feel the plot was a bit thin though and all the problems that Mirabel faced were too easily overcome. It felt a bit like they rushed the third act of the film to get to the finish. Otherwise, it was a fun experience with some great music.
Don't Look Up (2021)
A decent attempt at satire but feels a bit bloated
The film is a decent attempt at political satire on the crazy world we currently live in but as a film it drags too much in middle. Scenes like the Ariana Grande concert and the whole storyline with DiCaprios affair with blanchett are not really needed and dont add much to the story. I believe a 1 hr 40 film could have easily sufficed here to tell a more focused story.
The film is also a bit of a mess tonally, the comedy isnt funny enough to warrant being in a film about a world ending threat. The presence of the sub par comedy just makes the big "sad" ending have very little impact when it lands as the film never takes itself seriously enough. McKay should have focused less on trying to be witty and satirical and more on creating a focused narrative with characters we can care about.
Swan Song (2021)
Great premise with a flat ending
The premise of the film is really interesting and the performances of Ali and Harris are great. The issue lies within the ending feeling a little flat. Although it can be seen as a powerful bittersweet moment with Cameron seeing the happiness of his wife in the eyes of Jack, i feel more could have been done here.
Many hints and teases were placed in the film to build up a grand finish such as the secondary doctor worrying that Jack is not ready to go into real world. Nothing comes of this moment in the end which makes me question was it put in just to throw the audience off? I believe that the doctor played by Glen Close is also undeveloped as we never truly discover her motives ; i felt as though more could have been done with her character.
Ultimately, this slow burner of a film doesn't finish in a way that leaves you feeling satisfied. The potential of the premise deserved a stronger conclusion.
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Just Pure Fun!
A film that had me smiling from ear to ear. Cinematic joy. I saw it in 4dx and the action scenes were masterpieces. A great development of the peter parker character and leaves the door widely open for future instalments. Go watch it!
House of Gucci (2021)
Dull, Long and a lacks any Charm
Although it has good performances from Gaga and Pacino thee slow pace and lack of memorable moments make it very forgettable. Ends up feeling like a big advert from Gucci to say "look how big we are, look how important".
The assassination at the end will be an interesting twist for those who don't know the real life events but it really doesn't make up for the 2 and half hours of drab cinema you have to experience to get there. No character is likeable and Paulo is so over the top it comes off as annoying. Maurizio is a very boring and lifeless lead whose intentions and personality are never really developed. Its a miss for me.
Last Night in Soho (2021)
Stylish but too many narrative issue
Although the performances are good and the directing is stylish and slick there are too many narrative issues to score this film much higher than a 6.
The concept of the "time travel" is never actually explained, why and how it is happening is never revealed.
The ghostly men act as if they are trying to kill Ellie the whole film and even at one point trap her on the bed only to then reveal they are on her side.
Sandy is treated as a hero at the end after her death whereas a few minutes earlier she attempted to kill both John and Ellie brutally. Why would Ellie then have sympathy for Sandy during the fire scene when she has literally just attempted to kill her and her friend?
More questions than answers at the end left me feelin unfulfilled. I will remain a fan of Edgar Wright but this was disappointing for me considering i felt the story had good potential in the beginning.
Sicario (2015)
Amazing score and cinematography, plot a bit thin
The suspense created by the booming score along with the spectacular cinematography make it a masterpiece of filmmaking. The only issue is the plot could do with being a bit fleshed out.
Bridge of Spies (2015)
Interesting subject matter yet a lack of suspense
Spielberg manages to create a film that is able to keep hold of your attention for its relatively bloated runtime, but only just. The true story is that of interest, especially if you are into the Cold War however a lack of memorable moments and a flat third act make it hard to recommend too strongly. Its a fine film, with good acting and excellent cinematography however it won't be something you rush to see again any time soon.