Change Your Image
thatblondude
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé (2023)
Good, Could've Been Great
Oh, the editing team really think they've achieved something astounding here, don't they? And it's not like they didn't have a trillion chances to. Unfortunately, the entire thing feels flat. And for a 170 minute project, this is very equal to a crime.
I won't get into the directing efforts because I feel the problem isn't exactly there, even though it is far from being a splendid job. The editing is tasteless, and it's where the main flaw is. Instead of taking us to the vibe of the concert, somehow the film manages to pull us away, so we're left with a lifeless feeling.
You're about to jump out of your seat 'cause you know a certain powerful moment of the tour is coming, and when it actually happens, you are left with an empty feeling, thinking to yourself "well, it was better when someone illegally put together a multicam edit with fan videos on Youtube".
The whole movie structure is a mess, and there's no rhythm whatsoever. To go through the whole thing and not get used to constant and extremely dry transitions from concert to documentary seems awry.
The movie obligates you to care way more about the next outfit than what's actually happening on stage, and I was sure that would work beautifully on the screen, but it was just too... messy? Distasteful, even.
The sound mixing is full of poor choices. Even some pieces of live vocals were shockingly wrong. Moments when what you're hearing simply doesn't match what you're watching, and while the audience obviously understands it is a collection of different performances, there's no excuse for that on a film.
There are some stunning takes and beautiful shots every now and then. The audience sequences are so fun and quite frankly the best part of this film. Some documentary bits bring strength to the project (Blue Ivy's sequence is deeply touching). The fact that it comes from a beautiful tour full of interesting details can't be ignored, it is only not explored in the right way.
All in all, it simply doesn't do justice to the excellence that is the Renaissance World Tour, and that is a shame.
The Little Mermaid (2023)
Bigger Than the Original
Beautifully done, in every single way. I didn't want it to end, and that's not a feeling I get very often.
Words cannot describe Halle Bailey. An example of how to portray innocence. It takes short seconds to fall in love entirely with her Ariel. She is the movie, and that's a marvelous point. Couldn't get enough of her, and can't wait to see her next projects.
The directing and edition here takes the film to a whole new level and makes every single scene memorable. It takes minutes to achieve a rewatch potential.
The couple's chemistry is out of this world and easily brought me to tears with simple scenes, the way it should be.
"Part of Your World (Reprise)" and her high note moved me in a way that I don't think any other musical live action from Disney did.
The original songs are huge and very welcome. Eric's solo got me by surprise, never expected it to be so powerful (and Halle vocalizing in the background as a nod to classic mermaids? Truly mesmerizing). "For the First Time" is so smart lyric-wise, and happens in a moment I've always felt needed a song in the animation.
Also, my favorite 4DX experience, by far. Truly magical.
It's bigger than the original in every way, no fear in saying that.
Years and Years (2019)
A Permanent Mark
Remarkable, unforgettable. This is the kind of stuff that motivates me to keep writing and working in this industry.
I don't remember another story giving me such an intense amount of feelings altogether. The weight it left on my heart got heavier and heavier with every sequence, every episode, every line of (magnificent) dialogue, and I could feel the writer's goal being accomplished within me. What a ride. Everything here is interesting, even arcs coming from minor characters, every detail.
Episode 4 was easily one of the toughest viewing experiences of my life (in a tremendously good way). It affected my mind in a way that I know I'll never forget, and could never fully describe (or recover, truly).
I always say that a good project "doesn't end when it ends", and this is the perfect example. Years and Years, somehow, left a permanent and stunning mark in my mind and soul.
It really doesn't get any better than this.
Spiral: From the Book of Saw (2021)
In the end, the real victim is... the audience.
When you create a new title for a saga that is known for its plot twists and interesting, deep characters, you have to live up to that standart. Here, we don't even have a chance to come close to that.
You know the feeling when a movie starts and you're like "oh, that could definitely be the killer in the end". Well, you're 100% right, that IS the killer, and if you're able to watch it all the way until the ending scene, you deserve some kind of trophy.
This one has every element necessary for a bad movie. Honestly, sometimes it even made me wonder if that was the goal: to make a terrible film (?). We'll never know, but that's definitely what they've achieved.
Chris Rock's acting can be painful to watch in this one. There's a close-up shot where we're supposed to feel his fear, his emotions. That, for me, was the real horror here. I was terrified... at how worse it was getting. But that award for terrible acting goes to the whole cast.
What a wasted potential for a somehow cool concept.
Are we, the audience, in a Jigsaw trap where we have to suffer by watching this? Are we really that evil? Do we deserve it? Well, somehow, it makes us think.
O Silêncio do Céu (2016)
Deep. Tough. Moving.
Here's what you should know: this movie is one of the tough ones. And I mean that in the best way possible.
It ended and I couldn't move. That's how hard it hit me. Couldn't move through the end credits, and even several minutes after. All that silence. That was powerful. Simple, and powerful. That, actually, may be the perfect way to describe the whole film.
Then all I could think about was that I needed to write a review for this one, doing my part and letting people know they should watch it.
Also, if I can give you a little tip: watch it alone. Allow yourself to feel this one.
X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
Fearless. Solid. X.
X-Men: Apocalypse is the proof that the screen adaptation for a story arc from the comics can, indeed, be changed, if that change is for the best.
A lot of characters to take in? Certainly, but not to worry: they were somehow able to handle it perfectly. Each character has its own importance and development (ok, not Jubilee, she is barely in the film), and that is one of the keys for a perfect script. Also, it can sometimes be very cruel and down to Earth, which is perfect, considering the giant number of movies/TV shows afraid of killing their important characters, for example. That's why I call this script a fearless one. It's not about the audience, not about what's going to happen in the future. It's about delivering a good story in the present.
By the way, Simon Kinberg has, again, done a great job here. Same goes to Bryan Singer. Perfect rhythm, very well thought-out connections, characters' interactions all on point, and that list goes on and on. Surprisingly, it contains all the elements for an awesome superhero movie. Plus, I must say I couldn't be happier with how the whole movie revolves around the true meaning of "family", and the different forms of it.
It's a 9/10 because of some repetitions from old movies through the script, mostly with Erik Lehnsherr. It's basically everything we've seen before (twice). His resolutions are so the same I had the feeling even some quotes were identical. That feeling of "oh, I've seen this before somewhere" it's not so good here, unfortunately.
Overall, a very nicely done film that you can't miss. DO NOT listen to the critics or that friend who's comparing this to other superhero movies. This is X-Men: Apocalypse and it's everything it intends to be.
Up in the Air (2009)
Exactly What Watching a Movie Should Feel Like
It's late, really late; I just finished the movie and I simply couldn't sleep without writing a review for it. That's how good this is.
We are introduced to Ryan Bingham (George Clooney), who would be just another typical business man, except for the fact that this one works firing people. Traveling became his life, and to do so, he had to put family and relationships in second place. But that's all good for him, that's the life he always wanted. Then, we meet Natalie (Anna Kendrick), a young but wise woman who brings new ideas to the whole firing business. As expected, soon the two have to pair up and work together, and that's when the real fun begins.
Their moments together are just great, and not only can make you laugh, but also make your heart beat faster. Not in a romantic kind of way, obviously, but with emotion. That's the whole point. She has to admit to herself that he has much more experience that she could ever have, and has to sit and listen, even though it's hard for her to do so, but for Ryan, a successful noble man, to do that exactly same thing can be even harder, and to watch him realize that there actually are a bunch of things that a young girl can teach him is a beautiful, touching journey.
Also, Vera Farmiga's character couldn't be greater. She can make anyone who's watching look at women from another point of view, a strong one. Fierce. Add that with a little bit of plot twist and there you have it: a great persona.
Not too slow. Not too long. Not tiring or pointless. This movie takes its time, and makes you feel. Not like most of the movies nowadays, this one can really make you think (and think again, and then one more time) about your whole life and who do you really want to be, what you really want to do. And I feel like that's the purpose of this story. Moreover, perfect dialogues, great acting.
If you're looking for a movie with meaning, real meaning, you have it.
"Do you want the can, sir?"
Struck by Lightning (2012)
"High School Ends"
So this won't be the best film you've ever seen in your life, truth, but it will definitely not be a waste of your time.
Must say I'm not a big fan of Colfer's writing, but this particular story succeeded in holding my attention. Why? Its difference. Not another "high school drama", this one shows some substantiality. Might be cliché, but you do relate with some situations throughout the film and end up satisfied by outcomes so 'down to earth'. The film has enough potential to make you laugh, cry and easily stop and take a second look at your life, at yourself. So I guess it's all about its message. There were times I actually forgot I was watching a movie, because it felt like I was reading someone's diary. That's how raw it is. Mostly, are you a writer? Intend to be one? You've just found yourself another reason to watch it.
"[...] that's how I live my life. From one dream to the next".