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Extraction (2020)
Pretty Action & Pretty Bad Writing
The stunt work on this film is really well done. With some great continuous shots filled with overwhelming, well-choreographed fight scenes, the film is entertaining. The problem is that every beat in between the action is filled with poor dialogue. Not to mention, the overall writing of the plot and characters falls flat and fails to bring anything novel or interesting to screen. The film is full of emotion and power, but it just doesn't really work for the audience because they're so disconnected from it.
It's definitely missing some things, but you can tell it was close to being a really well done film.
This Is Us: Forty: Part One (2020)
A Beautiful, Authentic Nuance
Many here are complaint about the alters to the script due to COVID and more. Such an approach should be commended and looked at with a more charitable view.
This Is Us gives us REAL CHARACTERS to follow in real time. So, it only makes sense that the events in this world would affect them, too. We want that. That's part of what the show was about.
I agree that these two episodes were, at times, a bit slow and lacking in some senses. However, the scripts still held some really powerful dialogue and strong scenes, especially nuanced with all the battles of racial things and COVID. I do not think this was "too political." If anything, this show fought to remain NOT policial.
This show is about people! Not politics. And it remains so. This showed Randall's personal life struggles and all he faces as a black man. That is not politics. That's people.
Even more, this script managed to be nuanced with a bit of religious/Christian undertone, which I think is beautiful. For a world that is very often anti-religion right now, the script shows how many people do turn, in some senses, to God or "deep, spiritual" things. In this, we can think: If there is a God, does he answer my prayers? Why does he allow so much evil? And, the show answers this even in it's not-religious philosophy. Many tragedies happen, but it is how life - or God - uses them to build our character and make us who we are... meant to be.
It Comes at Night (2017)
Don't look for a "horror" film; look for a good film.
If you can hold back your questions and curiosity, you'll taste the brilliance Shults conveys through the naked eyes of a scared teenager in a world of mysterious woe.
Joel Egerton is one of my favorite actors. So, I'll try to examine this film as unbiasedly as possible. Nevertheless, its his, among others', performance that holds the film together for an impacting impression.
It Comes At Night is not a film that will answer all of your questions. It isn't as much about the world, as it is about the people. This world is unfamiliar, but humanity is digestible, even when pushed to its darkest limits.
Horror is defined differently in this film. This film lacks jump-scares and graphic violence to wet the tongue of gory-hungry fans. Nevertheless, its horrific nature is conveyed through the fearful mind of Travis (played by Kelvin Harrison Jr.). As well as the phenomenal acting of Joel Edgerton and Carmen Ejogo. The placement of this family in such a dark, mysterious world changes everything, yet changes nothing. It only furthers the strive for a happy, successful life. Except, in this world, normalcy is far from achievable.
I admire the dynamism Will and his family adds to the story when joined with Travis' family. The skepticism in us, just like Paul, constantly questions Will, and his honest intentions. Since its a horror film, in a horrible world, we expect it to be replete with horrible people. Nevertheless, its not the people that are horrible, but the situations they are placed in.
Many people disagree about what actually comes at night, but, I think, its pretty clear that Travis' dreams are what comes at night. I noticed that the screen ratio is thinned, intensified during Travis' dreams. In addition, I noticed that the final scene, is also thinned and intensified. At first, I considered that the ending was one of his dreams, and not actually reality. However, that doesn't exactly fit with the the formula of the ending. Leading me to believe that this ratio change is done to show that Travis' worst fears, nightmares had become reality. What came at night, just as a dream, had come in the day, for real.
The cinematography, color, and acting, create an image on screen that, I think, accurately exemplifies the vision of Shults. Its not the most perfect film, but it keeps you interested in each scene, constantly curious, yet satisfied. Not with answers, but raw talent (Joel Edgerton) and luckless situations.
My rating is 8.2/10 (82/100) or on IMDB, I gave it an 8/10.
Shutter Island (2010)
A Brilliant Mind-twister
This film will twist your mind. It may be a movie that's "messed up," but its the good kind of "messed up." Films that make you think and truly feel the thrill of not knowing which way the characters and/or story will head, are the sorts that are written and directed beautifully. DiCaprio and Ruffalo do an amazing job. Like in most their movies, you feel the characters and go on a literal and mental journey with them. This is a film that may at times appear slow if you do not get into it. You must be paying attention to detail and attempting to understand all the characters are trying to tell you. The thrill and mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat, intrigued to grasp the full understand of the mystery the movie hides from you.