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Willy's Wonderland (2021)
Cage's Wild Performance Adds Fun to Enjoyably Flawed Film
This is a film that is hard to review. On one hand, it's a terrible film with a lot of cliche characters, terrible acting from many of the cast, choppy and poorly choreographed action, and it has a really predictable story. On the other hand, it's also a movie that's incredibly fun and dumb, making it hard not to enjoy.
The highlight of the film is Nicolas Cage's performance, which is hilarious and over-the-top in the best way possible. However, Emily Tosta's acting is honestly awful. It is clear that the film is not meant to be taken seriously from many of the performances. It's the perfect movie to watch with friends and enjoy the stupidity of it all. It's going to be considered a cult classic in a few years. If you like to be selective with what films you watch in your free time, I would recommend skipping this movie, but if you ever have the time to watch something wacky and fun, I would recommend checking it out.
The Adam Project (2022)
Ryan Reynolds and Walker Scobell's Chemistry Elevates the Enjoyment of a Time-Travel Film with a Unique Premise
This film was actually very enjoyable if all you want is a good time. For starters, it has a unique premise that sets it apart from other time-travel films. Ryan Reynolds plays the lead role, and while it may feel like he's playing himself for the tenth time in the last six to ten years, this time it feels a bit more charming than usual, perhaps because of his compatibility with his acting partner Walker Scobell, who completely steals the show and provides a standout performance. Most of the rest of the cast does an enjoyable job as well. However, the villain is underwhelming and not as well-developed as the rest of the characters. The family dynamics in the film are well done, and the action sequences are fun to watch but nothing new or special. The special effects are mostly good and add to the overall enjoyment of the film. I think it is a great sit down and watch with the family film.
Blue Streak (1999)
Martin Lawrence's Comedic Energy Saves an Otherwise Predictable '90s Comedy
This film was okay. Martin Lawrence tries his best to make the film work with his comedic timing and energy, which is mostly good, but others in the film let him down. The supporting cast feels uninspiring and forgettable. The plot of the film is predictable and stereotypical, making it difficult for the movie to stand out and be memorable within its genre. Despite this, it is still an enjoyable film for a random night's watch. Perhaps the film could have been more interesting if it had been played more seriously. At the end of the day, it is just a fun '90s comedy film that could have been better.
The Imitation Game (2014)
Outstanding Performances in a Thought-Provoking Historical Drama
This is a very well-made historical drama. For starters, Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley deliver outstanding performances. The way the film dives into the complex mind of Turing while also tackling themes of secrecy, identity, and persecution is fantastic. The film has its sad moments and will leave you feeling emotional, but it is also thought-provoking and leaves you with many heavy thoughts also. Like many films in the genre, it is not entirely historically accurate, but either way, it still manages to capture the essence of the time and the gravity of the situation very well. If you are a fan of historical pieces or semi-true non-fiction works, then this could be an enjoyable film for you.
Inside Out (2015)
A Beautifully Crafted Dive into the World of Emotions
This movie is beautifully crafted. The way that it dives into the complex world of emotions and how they shape our experiences and perceptions of the world is simple and yet deep. The animation is colorful and vibrant, grabbing your attention immediately. The voice acting is top-notch from all involved, with each person bringing the right amount of every emotion needed to be believable. Kaitlyn Dias is great as Riley, especially! The music from Michael Giacchino also perfectly fits and enhances everything within the film.
In the realm of themes, the concept of artistically visualizing the brain as a huge functioning factory-style workplace is a unique and intriguing idea. The exploration of core memories and how they can be affected by our emotions adds an extra layer of depth to the film that many may appreciate. One of the standout aspects of Inside Out is the message that all emotions are important and necessary. It is a message for people of all ages. The film also touches on the idea that we all have our own inner worlds and experiences that others may not understand.
Overall, it is a heartwarming and thought-provoking film that is sure to become a new all-time favorite for many.
Hardcore Henry (2015)
An Interesting Idea Falls Short in Execution
This film had an interesting idea, but unfortunately, it doesn't deliver on its execution. The main character is a very boring lead, which made it hard to dive into the film. The way that it is shot and stylized is unique but it also feels like a higher budget YouTube video with some choppy scene transitions and it seems to rely a lot on violence and other shocking imagery which is kind of the point. The concept is an interesting one that should be attempted again in some other ways with a plot that may be interesting to follow. It really just seems like a typical mindless action video game cutscene compilation, where hopefully in the future it could be expanded on to have a more carefully crafted story. As it stands, the film is not a must-see.
Airplane! (1980)
A Classic '80s Comedy Parody with Corny Yet Enjoyable Jokes
This film is undoubtedly a classic '80s comedy parody film. I found it incredibly entertaining, much like many did when it was first released, despite some jokes showing their age. Many of the jokes are corny and cheesy, but they still manage to land for the most part. However, there are certain racial and sexual jokes that might bother some viewers today, though I personally found them enjoyable. The cast is exceptional in delivering the jokes and overall performs solidly, with even Kareem Abdul-Jabbar making a notable contribution. It's no surprise why this film has been referenced in so many other television shows.
The Marvels (2023)
A Fun and Lighthearted Team-Up Movie with Varied Writing and Enjoyable Cast Chemistry
The Marvels is what I would call a fun, alright movie. The movie, for the most part, is not trying to be some serious masterpiece but instead a lighthearted team-up movie that truly does work in those moments. The film tries to implement some more seriousness in it from time to time, and that is usually where it falls flat, but if you open yourself to a good time, then it shouldn't matter too much. The writing varies from weak to strong, from character to character and moment to moment, which could create a weird rollercoaster feeling when watching for some.
When it comes to the cast, there is not too much bad to find. Brie Larson seems to have been allowed to have more freedom to play Captain Marvel in a way that feels more natural to her, and the result is a more charming and likable character than previous attempts have found. Teyonah Parris is also good in her role, feeling a bit more comfortable since her last outing as Monica; however, similar to the first time we saw her, the writing feels a bit underdeveloped around her character, but it was a step up from WandaVision, which is good. Samuel L. Jackson was good as usual, and the writing surrounding his character, in my opinion, felt like a natural step forward from Avengers Endgame and Captain Marvel's first film, but not Secret Invasion, which is a good thing. The star of the film was easily Iman Vellani, who is charming and lovable every time she is on screen. She may be one of the best Marvel castings in the history of the genre. Her character and the dynamic she brings to the team are great, and the cast that follows her from her Disney+ show is all enjoyable as well. The biggest problem when it comes to the main cast is Zawe Ashton, who plays her role very stereotypically. The writing is incredibly boring and stereotypical for her character in general, but sometimes a great unique performance can give it some spice, but here it just feels like a performance for a paycheck that at times is hard to watch because of how over the top it is.
The three leading ladies had some great charisma and charm when working together, so when the film goes away from that, you can see its issues. As a superhero film, it is either average or below, but either way, it is fun, and sometimes being that fun below-average adventure movie is better than a typical average action flick. If you expect something brilliant, new, and serious, this film is not for you.
Huo Yuan Jia (2006)
A Moving Film with Outstanding Martial Arts Performances and a Powerful Message about Honor and Forgiveness
Fearless was an incredibly moving film. The acting was great from everyone involved, even through the language barrier, and the martial arts and stunt performances were perfect. There were moments where I found myself visibly flinching at what was happening on screen. The film does an excellent job of capturing the intensity during every fight scene. The story was also very impactful. The themes of honor, tradition, and forgiveness were handled beautifully, and I found myself really invested in the journey of the main character and his struggles. The pace of the film was a bit slow at times, but it did not change the experience of an enjoyable and thought-provoking watch. If anyone is a fan of martial arts films or wants to watch something with a powerful message about the dangers of arrogance, this would be the film to watch.
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022)
A Refreshing and Heartfelt Christmas Story with Mantis and Drax in the Spotlight
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special was a small heartfelt Christmas story. It was a refreshing change to focus on Mantis and Drax instead of Star-Lord, although he was kept at the heart of the story, which was a cool decision. Pom Klementieff delivered a fantastic performance as Mantis, becoming the lead to the story perfectly. Dave Bautista's portrayal of Drax is always enjoyable, especially when he has a bit more to do than just provide comic relief. Kevin Bacon was a great addition to the cast, and it felt natural to have him included in something like this, especially since his name has been mentioned in connection with the Guardians since the first film. The special offers a fairly simple watch where things happen for the sake of silly enjoyment. It works as a holiday special and successfully puts you in the holiday spirit. Whether you're a fan of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise or simply enjoy holiday specials, this one is worth a watch.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
A Fantastic Conclusion with Heart, Stellar Cast, and Elite Music Choices
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a fantastic end to the Guardians trilogy while also the perfect start to something new if someone wishes to take it there in the future. The story of these movies has always had heart to them, and this one is no different. Every character in this film has a big emotional moment for themselves that has been building up from the first film. The cast is as charming and emotional as ever, especially Bradley Cooper, who was great in this journey as Rocket Raccoon. One favorite of mine from this film is Will Poulter, who perfectly plays a dumb kid in an adult super-powered body very well and has some great comedic delivery when needed. Chukwudi Iwuji also does very well, taking what may usually be seen as a stereotypical bad guy and giving him a bit of an edge to make the character more comfortable and fun to digest than past MCU villains. As usual with these films, the music choices are elite and tell the story on their own! The film's visuals, from the crazy visual effects of space and CGI creatures to the more practical makeup and animal suits, to the shots, it all works so well. The comedy, more or less, is very well-timed. One issue with the film is that it often cuts between moments of true heart to more typical superhero action-type moments which, although expected, does slow down the pace, especially when all we want is to get back to the heart. Overall, if you enjoyed the first two films, you will probably enjoy this one if you don't mind a bit of a darker tone. If you didn't enjoy the first two, perhaps the small change in tone will make the film work for you. Either way, Guardians 3 is a great addition to the superhero genre in general, and Marvel is going to miss James Gunn.
Blue Beetle (2023)
A Predictable and Average Superhero Film with Some Enjoyable Family Elements
Blue Beetle was probably the most average superhero film I have ever seen in my life, which is a shame considering how long the genre has gone on; you would think things like this would've been left in the past. The film's plot is incredibly predictable from start to finish in basically every aspect, from the film's villains, the emotional points, the twists and turns, and more. Xolo Mariduena is enjoyable while on screen, but it feels he gets underutilized as the title character. Bruna Marquezine is okay, but whenever she isn't interacting with Xolo, you can tell there is not much there. Susan Sarandon is awful as the villain, both because of her performance and the film's writing as a generic CEO-rich bad guy. Raoul Max Trujillo is great at playing the stereotypical muscle to the main bad guy. The Reyes family is what attempts to make this film a bit more fun to watch, and it works with three specific characters. First, we got George Lopez, who more so than not lands the comedy in the film and was fun to watch. Then we got Adriana Barraza, who is just great as Nana. Last we got Damián Alcázar, who delivers great emotion in his acting. As a Spanish man, the film was really relatable in many aspects, and I am sure lots of people would agree. Overall, it could be a fun family film for people both a fan or not a fan of the genre, but nothing more, new, or groundbreaking.
Black Adam (2022)
A Disappointing Addition to the DCEU with Dwayne Johnson Falling Short
Black Adam, the film that was famously supposed to change the hierarchy in the DC Universe, did nothing to rectify what has proven to be wrong in the DCEU and instead proved to be another waste of time. For comic book fans, we witnessed a famous DC villain become the hero in their own film because the lead actor was too stubborn to play the role for what it was supposed to be. Dwayne Johnson was not particularly strong in his role and only really works in the role in terms of looks. The best part of the film is easily Pierce Brosnan as Dr. Fate. I was engaged every time he was on the screen. Besides him, the only other memorable performances, not in a good or bad way, just an okay, sure, that worked, were Aldis Hodge and Noah Centineo. The story felt overcrowded and complicated because it was trying to do too much to make a character be who they aren't. In the overall DC world, the film is entertaining in action and flashiness, but it just is not a movie that was needed.
Following (1998)
A Glimpse into Christopher Nolan's Early Filmmaking
Following stands as Christopher Nolan's first venture into filmmaking. Although it is sometimes deemed a student film due to its limited budget, this film is way ahead many student films in many aspects. With $6,000 at his disposal and a concise 60-minute runtime, you can observe the early stages of Nolan's distinctive filmmaking style. While the script may lag at times, as well as the acting, it still has the carefully constructed plot with a twist or two often found in many if not all of Nolan's works. For the lovers of Nolan, diving into this film provides a valuable look into his progression and how far he has traveled in his cinematic journey.
Entergalactic (2022)
An Artistically Crafted Love Story with Stunning Animation, Relatable Characters, and Enchanting Music
This film showcases a great and very real feeling love story, animated beautifully. The film is artistically crafted to be visually stunning and appealing, as well as warm, inviting you into the vibe with purpose. Its love story is incredibly relatable for many young adults, and there is going to be at least one character in the film that embodies some spirit of yourself. The film's music is also enchanting and mood-setting. The voice acting from all the characters is great. The story may feel similar to other love films made in recent years, but the music and visuals are what allow the story to feel more unique and special. I won't say it is a must-watch, but if you decide to watch it or need something to put on randomly, this is not a bad choice and you will have a pleasant experience.
Oppenheimer (2023)
Christopher Nolan's Masterpiece: A Biographical Thriller with Nolan's Signature Twist, Exceptional Performances, and Cinematic Brilliance
This film represents what you get when a director takes everything they have learned from their past films and has something to prove. Christopher Nolan manages to make a biographical thriller with his own signature Nolan twist, interesting to the point where the three-hour film flies by faster than films half its length. The three-act structure makes you feel like you are watching three different films, all part of a trilogy, but at the same time not because of how well each act flows from one to another. The use of black and white to distinguish what side of the story you are watching from is also brilliant, and you can feel the tonal shift instantly. Diving into the cast, Cillian Murphy's portrayal of the lead character is perfect, capturing complexity, brilliance, fear, regret, and a spectrum of emotions with great depth. Robert Downey Jr. Delivers one of his best performances as the film's nuanced antagonist, layered with emotion and precision. Emily Blunt initially feels underutilized, but as the story unfolds, her role becomes clear, and by the third act, she outshines any doubts. The ensemble cast, including the GOAT Rami Malek, also delivers stunning performances deserving of praise. The film's effects are stunning and really throw you into the mind that Oppenheimer must've had to drive him into his creations. The film's score from Ludwig Göransson was masterfully crafted and edited into the film very well, blowing people away, especially the track "Can You Hear The Music." The sound design of the film was also really good, and anything that was meant to be felt was felt when it needed to be. The film has a very heavy weight that it places on the viewer, especially as you get to the film's end, which is one of the best endings in a film of recent memory. Overall, the film is a masterpiece, the culmination of 20+ years of Nolan's work, and it should be seen by anyone who loves to appreciate the art of film.
The Man Who Laughs (1928)
A Silent Film Masterpiece that Artfully Conveys Emotion and Narratives through Expressive Performances and Relatable Themes
I understand that some may be a bit against watching a silent film; however, I found this film to be done very well, and I can see why it is some people's highest recommendation in the genre. For starters, the actors' facial expressions and body movements effectively tell a compelling narrative, maybe even more than actual acting could have. It was great to see how powerful of a story was told through emotion and physical movements. The main character embodies what happens to be my favorite character archetype: the indomitable spirit, so others who may like similar characters may find something to enjoy here. His journey is not only a journey to find romantic love but also self-love and acceptance, which could relate to many. Something I also appreciated was how he transforms his own deformities into a source of laughter for others, even though it brings him sorrow. It is extremely relatable, as are many other themes in the film. Overall, I could see this being something people should watch at least once to appreciate the history of filmmaking.
Peter Pan (1953)
A Classic Kids' Movie with Timeless Messages, Beautiful Animation, and Charming Characters
This film is understandably a classic kids' movie and it is full of fun and heart. The timeless message about the importance of maintaining a youthful spirit as we grow up resonates deeply with me and should remain relevant today. The animation is beautiful, and the characters are charming, contributing to the overall joy of watching. It is important to acknowledge that the film does show its age, particularly in terms of "racist imagery," but it is an issue shared by many older films. While it doesn't necessarily ruin the movie, it's something to be mindful of going in. It's an easy to watch heartwarming film that people should watch at least once.
Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers (2022)
A Fantastic Animated Film with Diverse Art Styles and Lighthearted Fun
Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers is a fantastic animated film. One of its standout features is the diverse art styles of the characters, seamlessly blending together to add visual interest and charm. The incorporation of parody law to bring everything they wanted to use into a realistic setting is a good idea, and it makes me want to see more animated projects explore similar ideas. The acting from everyone in the film was solid, with no performances feeling phoned in. Overall, it's a lighthearted and fun film, filled with some great memes. It would probably be best to watch with the family if available.
Let's Be Cops (2014)
A Lighthearted Comedy Filled with Charm and Easy Entertainment
Let's Be Cops just gives off the vibe of a classic comedy, made to just lay back and relax for an entertaining experience. The charm of Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr. Works well and it manages to overshadow the fact that certain plot points progress due to the secondary characters displaying a level of intelligence that you would find middle schoolers. While the storyline requires a bit of suspension of disbelief, if you're able to embrace that, the film offers a genuinely enjoyable time that goes by fast. Overall, it's an easy and fun watch and the movie does not attempt to be anything more than just that.
Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
A Disappointing Sequel and One of the DCEU's Biggest Failures
Wonder Woman 1984 is probably the biggest failure found in the DCEU, as well as one of the worst modern superhero films of all time. For starters, when you take a look at the first Wonder Woman and some of the story they were trying to tell there, you may notice some similar strings here, which brings two issues. First, the story is not told well at all; second, it was already told in the first film, so it feels redundant. It truly feels disappointing that the crew from the first film, which is one of the better films from the universe, came back with this. Gal is okay in her role as Wonder Woman, although I admittedly haven't been the biggest fan of most of her Wonder Woman outings due to characterizations and writing choices I disagree with. Chris Pine returns for some reason, and although he's good, it just feels like he is here because the filmmakers were too scared to do the film without him. Pedro Pascal brings his charm that he does in every role and is incredibly cheesy, which is fun to watch but not enough to save the film. Lastly, we have Kristen Wiig, who is underutilized as most people in the film, but is kind of okay. The film is vibrant and colorful, but it really feels like a mask to hide some of the film's ugly bits. Overall, it's a messy disappointment of a film that, funny enough, if you told me it came out in the 80s, I would believe you, as it matches more with films released during that era compared to the era it actually belongs to.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
A Visually Stunning and Compelling Sequel
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a fantastic film! First off, it is visually stunning, and it's evident that a considerable amount of time and effort went into its creation. The visuals alone tell a compelling story of characters' emotions and set the tone for each scene. The cast, much like in the previous film, delivers outstanding performances, with Hailee Steinfeld particularly standing out in this one. The character progression of Miles from the first movie is a highlight, especially as the film places him at a crossroads. The soundtrack is among the best in recent memory, leaving a lasting impact even after the credits roll. The exploration of family themes is well-executed, although the second half slightly dips in this regard for the reviewer. The only downside I have is that much of the film's advertisement centered around the second half, which created a sense of having seen a huge portion of it already. The film also ends somewhat abruptly, but this is expected from the first part of a series. Overall, it stands as one of the best comic films to date in my opinion, and I think anyone could give it a watch, whether or not they enjoy superhero content.
Honey Boy (2019)
A Heartfelt and Healing Cinematic Journey
Honey Boy is a movie filled with heart and love. Shia LaBeouf's writing serves as a therapeutic journey for both himself and the audience. Watching him step into the role of his own father showcases the personal significance of the film, and this emotional connection is felt throughout. Noah Jupe delivers a great performance, conveying the hurt and pain of his character very well. The entire cast excels in their roles. The film gracefully navigates various themes, from parental abuse and the search for love to childhood trauma and forgiveness. While it is not perfect, the movie's effectiveness in achieving its intended purpose outweighs any faults. It stands as a beautiful redemption and healing journey for Shia LaBeouf, and he should be proud.
Barbie (2023)
A Thought-Provoking Tale with Vibrant Visuals and Stellar Performances
Barbie is an incredible movie that will entertain, as long as you can understand the lessons that modern society should learn and not get triggered. It aims to speak about the complexities of the relationship between men and women in our world in a simple and understandable way. I truly believe that everyone should watch the film, but if I had to pick a specific group to tell, I would choose late adolescence and above women. I believe the film's message will both speak to them where they may currently find themselves in life as well as lead them to reflect on their past hurt and misunderstandings as well as their future. Besides all of that, the soundtrack of this movie is energetic and grasps people into the film right away. The vibrant colors and impressive prop design deserve a lot of credit as it makes everything feel alive. The script is written perfectly for most characters, and everything is enhanced by the actors. Margot Robbie plays her role perfectly, hitting each theme that Barbie must take in perfectly. Ryan Gosling is a fantastic supporting actor, taking the silliness and seriousness of Ken to great areas in a simple and fun way. America Ferrera is great and delivers one of the most powerful performances in 2023. Ariana Greenblatt is fantastic as a growing teen in need of a lesson, and everyone else does a great job also, doing whatever they needed to do. One of my biggest issues with the film is the plotline involving Will Ferrell. Although I love him, I felt that the plot involving Mattel padded the runtime and did not do anything for me that was truly impactful the way everything else in the movie was. Overall, it is a must-watch, and if you get yourself in the right mindset and open yourself to its themes, this may have you in tears.
Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)
An Unconventional Twist in the Slasher Saga
This film takes a chance to do something a bit different in the franchise, and it might work for you depending on your expectations or relationship with the films. Personally, I'm not a fan of the Michael Myers relative angle, and the introduction of a telepathic link with his niece upset me. It's a shame because Danielle Harris and Donald Pleasence deliver great performances but I struggled to connect in with this one. Like many other slasher films, the story follows a predictable path, but with Michael as the main slasher, it keeps things kind of entertaining. Despite some writing issues, the film can be fun if you go in just enjoying what it offers rather than expecting something else.