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drmariusgarrett
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Ratings
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Reviews
Ancient Apocalypse (2022)
Fascinating Theory and Well Presented
Let's tackle the elephant int he room. Firstly the criticism of being non-scientific. Science is a process and theories are developed so that we can refute them by generating and testing hypothesis. This series by Hancock is a valid theory. Those who criticize know very little about real science. Secondly, the archeology being pushed is wrong. There are lots of anomalies that cannot be explained. A theory must explain all anomalies. Not some that you like.
An excellent series that attempts a unified theory. As far as I can tell all the evidence Hancock cites is corroborated, the theory is a narrative that brings them as a unified story. Very well done. I would have liked better graphics about how these ancient structures operated at the time, hence 9 and not 10.
Velvet Buzzsaw (2019)
The business of art
This film is first and foremost a critique of the business of the art world. Once this focus is recognized, then the narrative of the film gains coherence. Superb acting throughout. The characters are well developed before being summarily killed-off. The final determination, voiced by the primary protagonist, is that art has a soul. This final enlightenment brings the narrative to a close as we understand that the business of selling art denied it its soul. The gory parts in the film are necessary to make this criticism visceral rather than purely academic (as the agents themselves did when they commercialized the art products.)
What a brilliant yet uncomfortable film to watch.
Mute (2018)
A dark technically brilliant film noir
The film develops each character so that they fit like a jigsaw. Although the narrative arc is staggered and sometimes the audience is allowed to get lost, the interactions between the characters is excellent. This is not a feel good movie, taking place in a dystopian Munich of the future, but as creative characters they interact well on the screen. An Amish mute bar tender looking for his girlfriend and coming across her estranged husband who is an American surgeon doing shady surgical work, a pedophile assistant, a Russian mob and a sundry of human detritus all converge at the end to show the humanity of the main protagonist. Definitely a higher rating than a 5.5, as it is technically well made, good acting and casting and inventive scenery and ideas.
Kaijû no kodomo (2019)
Quality and depth
As Ghibli studios pushed us into both Anime and Japanese Culture, Now, Ayumu Watanabe has pushed Japanese anime into exploring the meaning of life. Away from the stereotypical anime subcultures. A wondrous and life affirming portrayal of how connected we are with each other and that we are all sons and daughters of the stars. The depiction of inception, the biological miracle that comes with fertilization is a central theme. This is a cerebral film that can be enjoyed purely for its superb visuals.But understanding that science still cannot explain how the universe functions, and dark matter, you have to appreciate that art has a role to play. What a magnificent anime, film and thesis. If you do not understand it, be aware that this is deeper than you think. Enjoy the cartoons.
Sucker Punch (2011)
A concoction of genres held by CGI and a weird little girl fetish
Similar to the film "Life of Pi" expropriated with characters that act as avatars for the real world, and "One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest" for the finale. Sucker Punch is filled in-between with a CGI wonderland. Although seemingly anti abuse (male onto female), the context remains one of pleasuring the male ego. Disturbing because of the hopelessness and destitution of the female characters, held together by male infantile and juvenile save-the-world arcade game sequences. All the men gain their pleasures despite their eventual negative outcomes. La petite mort become la grand mort but still a climax for the men. Disturbing on many levels.