Movie Diary
Just my brief thoughts on the films I watch.
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- DirectorDavid LoweryStarsCasey AffleckRooney MaraMcColm Cephas Jr.In this singular exploration of legacy, love, loss, and the enormity of existence, a recently deceased, white-sheeted ghost returns to his suburban home to try to reconnect with his bereft wife.2017-11-30
A Ghost Story.
It really was more of a movie that tried to set a mood and make a single point rather than tell a traditional story.
The cinematography was amazing, almost every single shot was beautiful and haunting, even though some of them dragged on for too long.
The music was also excellent in the film, very moody and ominous.
The biggest issue I got with it, is that it felt longer than it was. It's an interesting idea and it's quite a bold way to present it with a "lead character" that's basically mute and passive for the entire movie.
Pretentious is a word that'll be use a lot to describe this movie. Given the heaviness of the themes tackled by the film, the purposefully overly slow pace and minimalist dialogue felt rather fitting.
I think the film would have benefited from more event happening. It's literally uneventful, which I guess was the point, but still at some point the film felt like it barely had enough in it to justify it's runtime.
But still even with the few parts that felt too slow, the movie kinda comes together in the end. When Casey Affleck witness the story of his couple. It's a moment that I would described by saying it was sad, but I don't really know why. In the end, I was moved by this film. It's definitely a very "artsy" movie that won't convince everyone, but it convinced me.
Rating: 7/10 - DirectorMatthew VaughnStarsTaron EgertonColin FirthMark StrongAfter the Kingsman's headquarters is destroyed and the world is held hostage, an allied spy organization in the United States is discovered. These two elite secret agencies must band together to defeat a common enemy.2017-11-30
Kingsman: The Golden Circle
The long awaited sequel to the very successful and surprising Kingsman: The Secret Service. I have to say, I loved the first movie, so it goes without saying that I was looking forward to the sequel.
Unfortunately, this movie is very disappointing. The first 30 minutes or so are very promising, while it does feel like a sequel, it feels like a deserving one, but sooner than later the movie turns south.
Let's start with the good, the movie has it's moments. It's occasionally funny I guess.
There's two obvious problems, first, the movie is too god damn long. The movie is about 143 minutes, I think it could've lost about 40 of those and be much more straight forward and entertaining.
Second, the movie relies 100% on over the top everything, humour, action, characters. Nothing feels grounded, the first movie had his share of over the top violence and action, but it was also somewhat grounded, it was earned and some moments were toned down to benefit character development. In this one, nothing feels earned, it starts off very over the top and it never lets go, which is a shame, cause the movie becomes quite boring after a while.
It's the worst Matthew Vaughn movie by far. I am sad to say this is very disappointing and I don't see them doing a third one.
Rating: 2/10 - DirectorTomas AlfredsonStarsGary OldmanColin FirthTom HardyIn the bleak days of the Cold War, espionage veteran George Smiley is forced from semi-retirement to uncover a Soviet Agent within MI6.2017-12-01
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
This is the most realistic spy movie I ever saw. It must be pretty close to what being a spy is like in real life. The cast is absolutely stacked with talent, but the writing and direction are what made this movie.
I have to say after one viewing, I did not fully get this film. It's quite a challenging watch, but when you give your full attention it's a very rewarding one.
The fact that it's hard to follow actually is beneficial, because we simply don't know who to trust. The use of extreme zoom lens throughout the film further reinforced the feeling of being watched and isolated. The cinematography from Van Hoytema was very subtle and efficient.
The performances were stellar, especially Gary Oldman and Tom Hardy. Although, I did feel that Colin Firth was a bit underutilized.
Overall this movie is not the traditional spy film and might be hated or misunderstood by mainstream audiences for being original and unapologetic in the way it was told. It's definitely a film that requires multiple viewings and I'll be glad to revisit it later.
Rating: 8/10 - DirectorMartin McDonaghStarsFrances McDormandWoody HarrelsonSam RockwellA mother personally challenges the local authorities to solve her daughter's murder when they fail to catch the culprit.2017-12-01
2018-03-02 (Second viewing)
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
This was one of my most anticipated movie of the year, and I have to say, it did not disappointed me. Martin Mcdonagh is back with his darkest movie yet.
The writing is on par with everything else he did, even though the film relies more on character building than straight up humor like in Seven Psychopath.
The acting is fantastic all around, but Sam Rockwell stole every scene he was in. That guy just added so much to his character, every little mannerism it was quite entertaining to witness. France Mcdormand and Woody Harrelson were also excellent.
The movie had an unusual structure, which did threw me off from guessing what'll happen next. I'm having a hard time finding anything actually wrong with this film, perhaps the man who threatens Mcdormand in the gift shop felt like he was just there to be misleading and didn't really add anything to the film.
Overall this movie was great, the writing, directing and acting all came together nicely. It balance the dark humor and actual drama really well. It manage to give depth to each characters in a way that wasn't forced or cheesy. I'll watch it again, multiple times for sure.
* Second viewing: Couples of things that stood out, the acting is very much still incredible, the movie remains entertaining, although less funny than the first time around, which is normal, but I wonder if it will hold up well after a few more watch.
The back and forth between the mother and daughter is just as awful as the first time, it's really poorly done, I cannot comprehend why McDonagh wrote such a terrible scene.
I liked the ending even more this time, the themes of vengeance and redemption were clearer and more effective, the ending leave us guessing how the story ends, it will definitely piss some people off though.
Also, the tracking shot is still the best of the entire year.
Rating: 8/10 - DirectorMike BirbigliaStarsKeegan-Michael KeyGillian JacobsMike BirbigliaWhen a member of a popular New York City improv troupe gets a huge break, the rest of the group - all best friends - start to realize that not everyone is going to make it after all.2017-12-02
Don't Think Twice
This movie is about a group of improv that struggle to keep itself together after one member gets a gig for weekend live.
I didn't think this movie would be this dark and depressing, it looked lighthearted and fun. Actually, it dig right into serious themes such as, financial security, envy, friendship, getting old and the fear of not having what it takes.
Like I said, I didn't expect this movie to go there, it was quite depressing at times, it made me think about my owns ambitions and potentially shortcoming.
The director made a fantastic job balancing the humor and the drama, while also playing a lead. The acting was great, it felt very natural, like it was an actual group of friends that knew each other forever.
The only thing I didn't like was that near the end there's a big dramatic scene between the group and it's immediately resolved with a scene happening "8 months later". It felt both out of place and cliche. I get that the happy ending was needed to please everyone, but the film would have benefited from something more raw and in line with what came before.
Still though, great movie, very fast paced and entertaining, would definitely recommend it.
Rating: 7/10 - DirectorDarren AronofskyStarsJennifer LawrenceJavier BardemEd HarrisA couple's relationship is tested when uninvited guests arrive at their home, disrupting their tranquil existence.2017-12-06
Mother!
This film was a hard watch, as expected with Aronofsky. He managed to surpass all my expectation and give us a truly unique and profoundly disturbing film.
I've gain a new respect for Jennifer Lawrence, before this I felt she's been on a path of franchise, career boosting roles, such as X-Men and Passengers, but this role is very risky and challenging even for cinephile like myself, I can't imagine what her fan base felt like watching this movie.
The acting was phenomenal, everyone did a stellar job. Ed Harris and Javier Bardem definitely stood out from the rest of the supporting cast.
As for the actual events happening in the movie, I'll need some time to process them and probably one more viewing. For now, what I can say is that the film is extremely surreal, it's more a sequence of allegory, metaphors and symbolism than an traditional narrative that makes sense.
But still, the movie found a way to make us care about everything even if a lot of it was total nonsense.
I didn't expect this movie to go that far, it went to eleven. The last thirty minutes or so, are so insane and horrible to witness. I felt an almost physical need to stop the film. I consider this a compliment though.
As for negative, the movie might have went overboard with the symbolism and such. Especially that you should get the main idea of what it all means fairly quickly.
Overall, it's a daring movie, that proves Aronofsky still got it after the terribly disappointing Noah. This film is great, if you know what you're getting into, also not for mainstream audience at all.
Rating: 8/10 - DirectorBenny SafdieJosh SafdieStarsRobert PattinsonBenny SafdieJennifer Jason LeighAfter a botched bank robbery lands his younger brother in prison, Connie Nikas embarks on a twisted odyssey through New York City's underworld to get his brother Nick out of jail.2017-12-11
Good Time
This is my second viewing, I am now comfortable to call this movie an absolute masterpiece. It's the kind of film that manages to stay as engaging and thrilling the whole way through, while having a lead character that's a total piece of garbage.
This film feels real, you forget you're watching something that's staged, it just has that genuine feeling.
Robert Pattinson is phenomenal and in my opinion is the only frontrunner for a oscar, but I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't win.
The screenplay is incredible, it doesn't waste any time. During the film we see how much Connie is an dirtbag and a excellent manipulator. He just abuse the trust of everybody he meets.
Overall, this movie is near perfection. I was entertained and thrilled throughout even on my second watch. I cannot wait to see what the Safdie brothers will do next.
Rating: 10/10 - DirectorAlain DesrochersStarsColm FeorePatrick HuardMarc BeaupréA francophone S.Q. officer and an anglophone O.P.P officer reunite to investigate a large car theft ring led by an Italian mobster.2017-12-12
Bon Cop Bad Cop 2
This sequel to the 2005 French Canadian hit, manages to be funny and surprisingly emotional.
Patrick Huard and Colm Feore are back and it feels like they never left. Their work so well together, I regret they didn't make a TV show instead.
Feore gave a great performance, I didn't expect this from him at all, he could've have easily phoned it in, but he gladly didn't.
This movie is pure fun and entertainment, although a few jokes fall flat, but this is to be expected in this type of movie.
The biggest issue I have is the villain is terrible, totally cliché and ridiculous. Also, the movie dragged a little, at 125 minutes, I think 100 minutes, would have been a sweet spot.
Overall, this movie was a crowd pleaser, it felt like a French Canadian blockbuster, which it kind of is. It was fun and ultimately that's all it had to be.
Rating: 6/10 - DirectorRian JohnsonStarsDaisy RidleyJohn BoyegaMark HamillRey develops her abilities with the help of Luke Skywalker, as the Resistance prepares for battle against the First Order.2017-12-15
2017-12-19 (Second Viewing)
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
It is finally here, the next episode in the Star Wars saga!
So I'll start by saying that this is easily the best movie since Disney bought the right to the franchise.
The core is their for a great story, but the film falls in the trap of putting action ahead of characterization.
Some scenes felt great, especially everything involving Luke and Rey on the island. In my opinion this should have been the main story line.
Finn felt useless, he should have stayed in a coma. Poe was given more of an arc this time around.
A new addition to the cast was Benicio Del Toro, I loved him. He was on another planet compare to the rest of the cast, he just played the shit out of his character.
Mark Hamill and Daisy Ridley were great together. The character of Luke was truly different and it was really satisfying to see him still develop and grow, especially compared to the "Han Solo" from The Force Awakens, who was just a carbon copy that didn't change the least in the thirty years since we last saw him.
The best performance though was from Adam Driver, he's just captivating to watch, you feel his internal conflict and you just want to like him, even if he's the bad guy.
Carrie Fisher was also very good, this was her final role and it felt satisfying, they dealt with her characters in a very classy manner.
The cinematography was amazing, it's probably the best looking Star Wars film since Empire Strikes Back. There's a number of shots that are straight up beautiful. There was an epic feel to some of it, especially the last few scenes with Luke.
This film also felt much more like an actual movie than The Force Awakens, which felt like non stop action and fan service. While there is fan service in The Last Jedi, it's never useless, it's stays true to the characters and to the plot.
Rian Johnson did a superb job directing this film, he truly managed to bring new element to this franchise while conserving the feeling of Star Wars, it was a great balance.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
There were a few moments that reminded me of old samurai films, with Rey inspecting the old tree with the mist and the music, or also the way Luke faces the army at the very end.
SPOILERS END.
Overall, it's impossible to deny the greatness of some scenes from this film, it's unfortunate though that some others feel lackluster and dragging. The film on second viewing is really too long.
In the end, the positives far outweighs the negatives, this is a movie that will be praise in time, for now people need to properly digest it.
Rating: 7/10 - DirectorMatt SpicerStarsAubrey PlazaElizabeth OlsenO'Shea Jackson Jr.An unhinged social media stalker moves to LA and ingratiates herself into the life of an Instagram star.2017-12-25
Ingrid Goes West
This movie explore the impact that social media can have on people, especially people with mental issues. We follow Ingrid, which is revealed from the get go to be a mentally unstable stalker.
She uses Instagram to gather any information she can on her "prey" and she then stalks them. I use the word prey, but it's really inaccurate, because throughout the movie her intentions seems to be good even if her method are quite insane.
Audrey Plaza is an actress that I really like, she finally has a lead role and she truly delivers. We can easily identify with Ingrid, we even feel bad for her. The rest of the cast is also good, they do their job, without anybody standing out.
This movie was way darker than I expected from the trailer, in fact I had no idea of the mental condition of the protagonist. It was really refreshing and even though social media is a subject that has been done to death, the film was able to approach it with a different angle, that made it quite fresh and original.
In the end I really enjoyed it, and I didn't know how it was going to end, which is always a plus.
Rating: 7/10 - DirectorMike FlanaganStarsCarla GuginoBruce GreenwoodChiara AureliaA couple tries to spice up their marriage in a remote lake house. After the husband dies unexpectedly, the wife is left handcuffed to their bed frame and must fight to survive and break free.2018-01-02
Gerald's Game
Mike Flanagan is a filmmaker that I've always felt mixed about, his movies have been mostly competent, but nothing really great or new. Fortunately for us, Gerald's Game is by far his best feature, mostly due to the source material written by Stephen King.
This is a movie that mostly take places in one room, we've seen this before, but not exactly like that. Our protagonist, Jessie, very quickly loose her mind and proceed to have visions and conversations with her dead husband and herself.
This film was surprisingly original, tense and even scary. There's some very unexpected horror elements thrown in, and it works perfectly well. We also get to know Jessie, and learn about her dark past in a very effective way.
The acting from Carla Gugino was fantastic, Bruce Greenwood also gave a great performance. The direction from Flanagan was competent, though I didn't feel he really elevated the source material, he did give it justice though. The cinematography was pretty dull, nothing gross, the movie just looked flat and unoriginal. The writing is really good, it's a great adaptation of a lesser known King's story.
The biggest problem of this film is the ending, which feels like an epilogue that is completely disconnected from the rest. Not only does it break the pacing, but it leaves viewers unsatisfied, because it basically started a whole new film fifteen minutes from the ending.
Overall, the film was really entertaining, especially considering the subject matter, it nearly overstayed it's welcome though, with a bizarre epilogue, still didn't hurt the movie too much.
Rating: 6/10 - DirectorGuillermo del ToroStarsSally HawkinsOctavia SpencerMichael ShannonAt a top secret research facility in the 1960s, a lonely janitor forms a unique relationship with an amphibious creature that is being held in captivity.2018-01-05
The Shape of Water
Guillermo Del Toro has been a very hit of miss director for a long time. Some times he directs a absolute masterpiece like Pan's Labyrinth or a lackluster action extravaganza like Pacific Rim. The Shape of Water is, very fortunately for us, his best film since Pan's Labyrinth. The movie is very personal, touching and original.
The movie explores loneliness and isolation, our three main character, are all lonely because of their difference. Elisa, is a single, mute woman, working as a cleaning lady in a research center. Giles, is an older gay man, his art is now obsolete because of the rising popularity of photography. The creature, well isn't human, it's continually chased and tortured by the government because of what it looks like.
The characters are mostly great, Elisa and Giles being the standouts. The only character that wasn't well developed is Strickland, but the fact that Micheal Shannon plays him perfectly truly makes up for his lack of characterization, beside being an evil capitalist man of course.
Visually the film is splendid, Dan Laustsen did a great job as the DP. There's plenty of unforgettably beautiful images in the movie, that still makes me wonder how they achieved them. The set designs and the costume are also great, nothing stood out as being fake looking, you just accept the time period easily, which is very impressing considering the low budget of 20 million.
I didn't expect to love this film that much! Visually stunning, wonderfully acted, written and directed, this is one of the year's best film.
Rating: 8/10 - DirectorDanny BoyleStarsKerry FoxChristopher EcclestonEwan McGregorThree friends discover their new flatmate dead but loaded with cash.2018-01-10
Shallow Grave
This is Danny Boyle's first film, and it kinda feels like it. Althought the movie had a lot of interesting visuals, it was somewhat unfocused, but Boyle's distinctive style saved it.
Also, Ewan Mcgregor is simply great in this, his character is very cartoony and over the top, but he makes it work.
The story itself is quite cliché and even a little boring, but Boyle's find a way to make it feel new and fresh.
Overall, it's a solid little flick, that I might watch again, but it's not one of his best movie.
Rating: 7/10 - DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsRobert De NiroHarvey KeitelDavid ProvalIn New York City's Little Italy, a devoutly Catholic mobster must reconcile his desire for power, his feelings for his epileptic lover, and his devotion to his troublesome friend.2018-01-11
Mean Streets
This is one of Scorcesse's very first movies, even this early in his career they were signs that he would do great things eventually. The way he uses music makes the film seem young and full of life.
Harvey Keitel and Robert De Niro are so excellent in this. They really are the heart and soul of this film. Unfortunately, De Niro disappears for a good chunk in the middle, it made me wonder what was the point of the movie for awhile.
The camerawork is great, a lot of wide shots, following people around, while they're fighting or walking. It looks very ahead of his time and unique.
The story is very unfocused, that's by far my biggest gripe. At various times I was truly lost thinking, what is even going on? When will the plot kick in? Well, very late in the film we actually understand that the whole point is to show the relationship between Charlie and Johnny. How Charlie's trying to really look out for him, while he constantly gets more in dept. The actors makes it work, their performances are just so raw and authentic, it's very impressing.
Even if, the plot dragged a bit, the music, the camerawork and the performances make this film more than a worthy watch. I really liked it.
Rating: 7/10 - DirectorBen WheatleyStarsSharlto CopleyBrie LarsonArmie HammerSet in Boston in 1978, a meeting in a deserted warehouse between two gangs turns into a shoot-out and a game of survival.2018-01-14
Free Fire
The new Ben Wheatley film is basically one really long and messy gun shootout, provoked by ridiculously bad luck and failure to communicate. The film knows what it is and it doesn't try to be anything else. It big, loud, dumb and very fun.
The inevitable issue with this kind of movie is, will it be able to be interesting and entertaining the whole way through? The answer is mostly yes, thanks to some very naturally likable actors. Although, a few parts are less engaging, I never was bored.
The buildup to the shootout is very enjoyable. We know it's coming, we keep trying to guess what will happen, it's fun, and funny enough I thought the movie was very well written, for what it is of course.
There's a few issue with the sound during the film, sometimes characters speak and we hear their dialogue from the other side of the warehouse, to convey the impression of distance the director chose a effect that wasn't really convincing. The sound of their voices seemed sometimes way too loud, for the distance and other times clearly too quiet, it wasn't consistent.
Overall, this movie was fun, it didn't overstayed it's welcome and it didn't take itself too seriously.
Rating: 6/10 - DirectorAng LeeStarsKevin KlineJoan AllenSigourney WeaverIn suburban New Canaan, Connecticut, 1973, middle-class families experimenting with casual sex and substance abuse find their lives beyond their control.2018-01-17
The Ice Storm
So this movie is directed by Ang Lee, which is pretty hit of miss in my opinion. With movies like Hulk, Life of Pi or Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, it's just all over the place.
I have to say, I didn't watch this film in the best condition, it was on Netflix and the description for it was not only god awful, but it was actually completely misleading.
I thought that there would be an ice storm fairly early in the film, the title didn't help either, and that the protagonist would be somehow stuck with each other, being force to deal with their shit.
Not only was it nothing like that, but the "ice storm" is basically just rain, that freezes a bit, and it happens when there's only 20 minutes left...
Anyway, that's not really the movie's fault, but it kind of made me mad while watching it. It basically was a interesting character study, a family drama, a coming of age story and all of that wrapped up in a socially awkward theme : sexuality.
The actors were all good, even if I expected another kind of film, it actually never was boring. Under different circumstance I might have liked it more, but for now didn't really care for it.
Rating: 6/10 - DirectorLuca GuadagninoStarsTimothée ChalametArmie HammerMichael StuhlbargIn 1980s Italy, romance blossoms between a seventeen-year-old student and the older man hired as his father's research assistant.2018-01-19
Call Me By Your Name
I went into this movie completely blind, I only knew not much would happen and the sexual orientation of the protagonists.
This film is just lovely and quite relaxing, there's no conflict almost and no high stakes drama. The first half or so, I felt so calmed and charmed by the film's visuals and music.
Both lead are fantastic, especially Timothy Chalamet, this guy is so young, yet so damn good. Armie Hammer prove once again that The Lone Ranger was just a misstep and that he's actually a extremely charming and talented actor.
Even thought not much happens in the film, it's never boring. Thanks to the great cinematography, acting and music from Sujfan Stevens.
The only thing I didn't like was that the movie felt quite long. It's about 132 minutes, and it feels like it. There's a least 4-5 times that I thought it was about to end, for it only to keep going and going. At least each scenes were necessary, especially towards the end. Like I said, it was never truly boring and nothing was pointless.
Not much wrong with this film, great acting, cinematography, music and overall setting. Only a few pacing issue and the ending that could've come a little faster.
Rating: 8/10 - DirectorTaika WaititiStarsChris HemsworthTom HiddlestonCate BlanchettImprisoned on the planet Sakaar, Thor must race against time to return to Asgard and stop Ragnarök, the destruction of his world, at the hands of the powerful and ruthless villain Hela.2018-01-21
Thor: Ragnarok
Taika Watiti is back, but this time instead of a small New Zealand comedy film, he directs a massive tenth pole in the Marvel franchise. They gave him Thor, who is probably the lamest avengers except for hawkeye.
I'm glad Watiti brought his flare to the universe, by basically destroying everything that was established for this character, the hammer, the hair, the royalty and also the profound dullness in Thor's personality.
Thor is now totally likable and funny with a big, dumb and charming smile. Hemsworth really get to show his comedic side like never before.
The Hulk can talk now, Banner has been stuck in the Hulk for two years. This was really fun to see, Hulk was now a character that did more than just smashing. He was like this big overpowered child.
Valkyrie was a fun addition too, she was the drunk side character, I just wish she looked drunker, that's weird to say, but she's drinking all the time and never looks affected by it. Those are the time you're reminded it's a child-friendly film, which is a motherfucking shame.
The biggest let down is the action, I just felt totally disinterested in most of those scenes. They just felt competent, except for the very end on the bridge. Also, the film is filled with shitty exposition scenes with Cate Blanchette, just useless scenes.
When I'm thinking about it, whenever the movie stop being funny, to be anything else, it just didn't work and I wanted the humor to come back. The movie's also too long, under two hours would've been a really sweet stop for it.
In the end, I still was entertained even though it was too long, and the action was mostly not engaging. The humor was mostly hilarious though, loads of great scenes.
Rating: 6/10 - DirectorPaul Thomas AndersonStarsVicky KriepsDaniel Day-LewisLesley ManvilleSet in 1950s London, Reynolds Woodcock is a renowned dressmaker whose fastidious life is disrupted by a young, strong-willed woman, Alma, who becomes his muse and lover.2018-01-30
Phantom Thread
Daniel Day-Lewis is supposedly retiring from acting after this movie, it would be a nice performance to end on.
PTA brings us a story that might on the surface seem unoriginal or even uninteresting, but it's actually the most bizarre, original and fucked up love story I've seen all year.
The acting is phenomenal, as usual for Day-Lewis, his little mannerism are spot on. We just see Reynolds. Vicky Krieps was also truly great, especially considering she was playing against such an actor.
The score by Johnny Greenwood was something reminiscent of old orchestral music from the 20s and other times deeply eerie and dark. Overall just a beautiful score.
The characters are multidimensional and felt like actual people, which is great. Nobody is just one thing; good or bad, it's much more complex than that, they really did have layers.
Phantom Thread is one of the very best films of the year.
Rating: 9/10 - DirectorSean BakerStarsBrooklynn PrinceBria VinaiteWillem DafoeSet over one summer, the film follows precocious six-year-old Moonee as she courts mischief and adventure with her ragtag playmates and bonds with her rebellious but caring mother, all while living in the shadows of Walt Disney World.2018-01-31
The Florida Project
This is the kind of movie that tries as much as possible to feel real. Like the characters, dialogue or even the events depicted in this movie are all very much in the realm of possibilities.
It's the trashiest movie I've seen in a while, somehow Sean Baker manages to make us care about those filthy irresponsible people. It's truly amazing.
Baker's last film was shot on an iPhone this time around he got real cameras and it shows. This movie is beautiful, while also remaining gritty looking.
The acting is great all around, like I said, they all feel like real people, the way they talk over each other and we can't make out a lot of the stuff they say when they're angry. The kids are also very good, very well used. We see them a lot, but their scenes are never about them acting, it's about them being kids and having fun, white trash kid kinda fun.
The only thing I really disliked was the last minute or so. Like why? It was truly an awful way to end the film, not only what actually happened, but how it was shot too. Anyway, it's only a minute long so it doesn't really ruined the film.
Rating: 8/10 - DirectorJulius OnahStarsGugu Mbatha-RawDavid OyelowoDaniel BrühlOrbiting a planet on the brink of war, scientists test a device to solve an energy crisis, and end up face-to-face with a dark alternate reality.2018-02-05
The Cloverfield Paradox
This is a very disappointing movie. When it was rumored that it might drop on Netflix, I thought, "wow that's awesome!". After seeing it, I understand now why it was delayed a billion time and dropped on Netflix instead of the theaters.
Let's start with the good.
1. It looks nice.
2. Actors=good.
3.There was some interesting sci-fi concept and philosophical ideas, but they do nothing with it. Oh shit I'm already in the bad.
Now the bad.
1. There is not a single character in the film. Some great actors like Bruhl, O'Dowd and Oyelowo and they have nothing to do. They could have fix this easily by adding a short montage of their daily routine where we could learn some things about who those people are.
2. The editing is very messy, it's quite jarring. We start with a very brief scene on earth and then withing seconds, it's been 600+ days since everybody's on the station testing the thing. Also, it feels like nothing happens after the inciting event. Like the movie tunes out of itself. It's really weird.
3. The story/events/tone/writing, it's all over the fucking place. This movie was so obviously something else at one point. It tries to be a familial drama, a mind bending sci-fi, a horror/slasher film and a Cloverfield movie.
Unfortunately it fails at everything. Things get set up and they go nowhere. The ship starts being weird and doing stuff on his own, like it's supposed to be scary, but then it stops and they forget about it. Other times the movie stop trying to be scary and becomes silly, like the whole bit with the arm.
The whole "storyline" of her husband on earth was painfully boring and so disconnected from the rest of the film. It screamed reshoot/rewrite. Like everyscenes with him he's just on the phone contantly, like 5+ time in the movie. Even an total amateur writer like me knows that's too much phone mystery/exposition bullshit.
Also, the film does nothing with the mind-bending things it introduces, like the alternate dimension, the ship turning evil-ish or even the Cloverfield brand/monster.
4. Lack of a proper lead. There is the girl, she is clearly supposed to be the lead, because she's the only one with a backstory. A tragic backstory is simply not enough for me to care or even be mildly interested in her. Ava doesn't even have an arc, she just changes her mind last minute, "It's not my world".
5. Not fun/entertaining. I was bored, asking myself "That's Cloverfield 3? Why?". If only it was fun or entertaining, I would've been a lot more forgiving, but no it was truly a mess. Hey at least I didn't pay for it.
Overall, a complete disappointment, it lacks a proper vision, feels like a scrapbook made from garbage. Yesterday, I thought maybe its a 5 or so , but after writing this I can't lie to myself.
Rating: 3/10 - DirectorMartin LarocheStarsIsabelle BlaisIsabelle BoivinSerge BoulianneIn the dead of winter, 18-year-old Chloe runs away from Montreal and hitch-hikes to Tadoussac, a small Quebec tourist village. In exchange for a room, she works at the local hostel, like many other young travelers. But Chloe is also secretly searching for someone.2018-02-10
Tadoussac
This film is dreadfully boring. It's film in a extreme close up-handy cam fashion. This is for us to be with our main characters an feel what she feels.
Unfortunately, the acting from the lead is not only questionable but he actual character is paper thin. The technique used to film the movie make those flaws stand out, because we're not able to see anything else but the character.
The film is very short and very minimalist, barely anything happens during the run time and when the long awaited confrontation finally happens, it's over 10 minutes long of repeated, boring and uninspired dialogue, that felt forced and cliché.
This movie didn't do much for me. The actress playing the mother was great and the intention of the filmmaker was good, but it came out very rough and felling unfinished/unfocused.
Rating: 4/10 - DirectorCarlo Guillermo ProtoStarsDenis HartingLauviah HartingPeggy RouxWith passion, the three members of the Harting family make a living singing a cappella ballads in the Montreal metro. All three are blind and haunted by the tragic drowning death of the only seeing member of their family, Hassan. Enter Russian mystic and cult-like leader Grigori Petrovich Grabovoi, who promises to help his followers regenerate and resurrect the dead. For the Hartings, Hassan's resurrection is their only hope for completing their family once more. With intimate access and unflinching observations, the film chronicles the Hartings' attempts at dealing with their collective grief. What emerges is a highly unusual family portrait of three complex yet lovable characters.2018-02-10
Resurrecting Hassan
This is a wonderful, disturbing and ultimately fulfilling documentary.
I'm one of these people that kind of heavily dislike most documentary, but his one was so impressive, both in his presentation and its subject matter.
We follow the family of Denis, they're making money by singing in the Montréal subway and also they're all blind.
This movie shows how they hope to maybe resurrected their dead son Hassan and their troubled side, especially in their love life.
This film is so raw, many times it feel as if you're not suppose to witness the event, because of how personal they are.
Technically, the film is superb, the camera work, the music and especially the sound.
Overall, it was an unforgettable experience that I would recommend to everyone.
Rating: 9/10 - DirectorSophie GoyetteStarsÉliane PréfontaineGerardo TrejolunaIn Quebec, Mexico and Asia, three sensitive souls heed the call of the images and melodies that haunt their days and nights. Moved at once by loss, yearning and longing, Eliane (Eliane Préfontaine), Romes (Gerardo Trejoluna) and his father Pablo (Felipe Casanova) decide to take action before it is too late. Whatever the risks, they must let their dreams take flight. Implicitly trusting that inner voice dwelling inside us all, Sophie Goyette beckons us on a sensory journey where travel, art, dream, and memory serve as mileposts. Her first feature film blurs the boundary that separates night from day; poetry blooms where these two worlds intersect. As she attentively follows the three characters' quests, the filmmaker directs our gaze to the magic that seeps from the cracks in daily life. In doing so, she raises universal questions about being human, about what binds us to each other and to reality. "Mes nuits feront écho" is a bottle that Eliane, Romes or Pablo might have cast adrift: within it, a loving tribute to cinema and its ability to bring back to us what has ceased to be.2018-02-10
Mes nuits feront écho
This is a highly experimental and reflective film. It switches between three main characters, separating the film in "chapters".
The film looks beautiful, so so pretty, and the use of classical music truly elevated some scenes.
My biggest gripe with it is that, never does it tries to create interesting characters or even to catch your interest. After a while you lose focus, because pretty imagery only gets you so far.
Still, I never was bored, but I doubt I'll watch it again.
Rating: 5/10 - DirectorJean-Paul RappeneauStarsGérard DepardieuAnne BrochetVincent PerezFamed swordsman and poet Cyrano de Bergerac is in love with his cousin Roxane. He has never expressed his love for her as he his large nose undermines his self-confidence. Then he finds a way to express his love to her, indirectly.2018-02-15
Cyrano de Bergerac
The great story of Cyrano de Bergerac is perfect for a film. Their is so many culturally iconic elements in the play, like the title character. A charming, funny, clever, heroic, loyal but ultimately flawed hero.
Technically a lot is great, the costumes, the set designs and most of the acting.
The real issue here, is that this film is not a film, but a nearly exact adaptation of the play. Which means, we are treated to the very theatrical dialogue written in alexandrin, this create a huge disconnect from the audience and the characters. It is simply impossible that someone could talk in such manner.
Even if, it is an integral part of the play, this is a film, it's a visual medium. Because of this extreme loyalty to the play the film feels like an extension of it. Look remember that part from the play or that part, isn't it great? No, it doesn't work, we can't possibly get behind the characters when they come from another dimension where people are super intellectual beings that speak in this ridiculously poetic way. It didn't age well and they should've translated the story visually.
Also, the acting from the actress playing Roxanne was god awful. She seemed to bore herself with her monotone voice and expression throughout.
Overall, it wasn't bad, it's a good adaptation. I just feel like it could've been a great film, which it wasn't, maybe someday we'll have a great Cyrano de Bergerac movie.
Rating : 6/10