Reviews

So I just finished watching Being the Ricardo's on Amazon Prime. I've been very impressed with Aaron Sorkin since he started directing. Both Molly's game and The Trial of the Chicago 7 were on my Year's best list. While I certainly enjoyed aspects of Being the Ricardo's it's a relatively lukewarm experience.

The film follows a chaotic week in the life of Lucille Ball as she films I Love Lucy while dealing with marital issues, rumors of being a communist, and dealing with her pregnancy on screen. All the while we are introduced to a combinations of flashbacks and future narrations adding context to the characters and the events. The family also acts as a biography of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz's whirlwind romance and the creation of I Love Lucy. Overall not a bad story and anyone familiar with I Love Lucy is sure to enjoy the intricacies introduced in this film.

Now Aaron Sorkin is known for his sharp dialogue and interesting character portrayals. Sorkin's once again writes biting dialogue with quite a number of excellent deliveries from the ensemble cast. The script also does a good job elaborating on the complexities of Lucille Ball's and just how different she was than her screen counterpart.

Aaron Sorkin's chose to have a nonlinear script which bounced around from past, present, and future. While this technique can be useful for adding depth to story in this situation I actually felt it was forced and felt relatively flat. The disjointed narrative really didn't add anything to the film and ultimately just slowed the pace down quite a bit.

I also questioned the overall tone of the film. It seemed like Aaron Sorkin's just didn't know the kind of film he wanted to make. Was this a straight biographical drama? Was this a quick-witted comedy? Was this a stark character study of communist hysteria and gender dynamics in media? Honestly it's all of those things and the tone shift so frequently it never really seems to find its footing. The film would have benefited from picking a story and telling that story instead of trying to be so many different things.

I suppose that's the point however. Lucille Ball wasn't just I Love Lucy. She was a firebrand who helped revolutionize tv as we know it. There's nothing wrong with adding additional layers to the character. Still in this situation I don't think Aaron Sorkin's quite had a grasp on the narrative and the film suffered.

Now onto a strong point the film had an excellent cast. Nicole Kidman did a good job with Lucille Ball. I will say I don't think she completely transformed into that character the way I have seen in other biographical films. Javier Bardem did a solid job and demonstrated a fairly wide range and comedic talent that I didn't know he had. Of course what's not to love about J.k. Simmons. No one can play the grumpy yet lovable curmudgeon the way he can.

Admittedly I'm not a huge I Love Lucy fan. While I certainly appreciate that era for film I never had a love for early sitcoms. Perhaps that has made me a bit biased but this film really didn't do much for me. The acting was good but not exceptional and while I enjoyed the story I found the tone to be inconsistent. I honestly expected a bit more from Aaron Sorkin considering his track record. I wouldn't call this a mess but it's definitely not a homerun. A 6.25 out of 10.

So I watched the movie Lamb last night. I really knew nothing about this film whatsoever going in. That being said this turned out to be an incredibly bizarre and captivating ride from start to finish. You just have to keep a very open mind and not let your expectations about genres influence you too much.

The plot of Lamb starts out with a simple yet strange enough premise. A seemingly disconnected and cold couple live in isolation in the rugged country side of Iceland. They tend to their livestock of lambs yet show no affection or warmth for each other or their animals. As they continue their repetitious and mundane experience they encounter something truly strange. A lamb is born from their heard with a very abnormal physical appearance. From there the couple take ownership of the lamb and treat it as a member of the family. Of course all is not right and the film slowly descends into a nightmarish hellscape as an unknown entity stalks from the shadows.

Lamb is a very very slow burn psychological thriller that will have you wondering what is going on. Those expecting an orthodox horror film will certainly be disappointed. Really the film doesn't so much deal with horror as it does slowly build towards a feeling of dread that something is horribly wrong. There's also an element of absurd humor to the entire film which makes the entire experience stranger.

I will say the film does something truly ingenious by normalizing the lamb character and their interactions with their family. The film takes something truly abnormal and somehow makes it a simple part of the family dynamics. As viewers we're supposed to simply accept this as normal but this also makes us build anticipation just waiting for the film to implode into chaos.

The absurd premise of this film would certainly feel almost like a satire if not for the incredibly well acted scenes. Noomi Rapace and Hilmir Snaer Gudnason are both incredibly talented. Noomi in particular brought a level of deadpan sincerity to this performance that was required to sell this role. The film did not have a bad performance. Of course the film also only had three actors.

For a first-time director Valdimar Jóhannsson has made something truly unique. The cinematography and integration of sound were exceptionally well done. Like all of my favorite suspense films Lamb slowly builds momentum and incorporates the use of sound as a character to push the narrative forward. The scenery also was used as a deliberate set piece to help push the narrative along. There are definite moments of unease and the entire film is a slow-moving car crash just waiting to explode into flames.

This film will certainly play with your expectations. It incorporated so many elements from multiple genres yet patched them together in a way that creates a strange chimera like creature worth viewing. I can't say everyone will enjoy this experience but it certainly was an experience.

The film had an incredibly slow burn pace to cultivate a rich atmosphere of dread. Still, the film was incredibly slow and will certainly turn off a number of viewers. Some may drop the film simply when they discover the ridiculous premise. Honestly this film is far more a family drama about coping with grief than a straight horror film.

The combination of so many genres will certainly alienate a number of people expecting something else entirely. However, walking into this film with no expectations whatsoever will give you a unique viewing experience that will certainly leave an impact. A 7.25 out of 10.

So I watched Nightmare Alley at the theater last night. I had very high expectations for this movie based upon the phenomenal ensemble cast and the directing talent of Guillermo Del Toro. I have to say this is one of the best made films of the year.

Nightmare Alley is a deeply atmospheric Neo Noir remake of the 1947 film by the same name. Both being based upon the 1946 book. The central plot revolves around an ambitious man with a dark past picking up work at a traveling Carnival. Slowly he acquires skills as a talented Mentalist and con artist. All the while his life spirals out of control as his past and present collide into catastrophe. The film also touches upon themes regarding generational trauma, substance abuse, untreated mental health, and abuses in power.

Nightmare alley has a number of incredibly strong points making this one of my favorite movies of the year. I love film Noir and Nightmare Alley delivers in every regard. A slow burn intricate narrative filled to the brim with murder, mystery, suspense, tragedy, and drama all while creating a dark and brooding atmosphere that is sure to keep you enthralled. Nightmare Alley is the kind of bleak and cynical film that captures the elements that I really appreciate in a well-made film noir. It's certainly not for the faint of heart or those who cant appreciate a methodically paced film grounded in dialogue and not thrills.

Guillermo Del Toro is a master of his craft and you can tell he truly loves this genre. He painstakingly captured all the classical elements of film Noir yet also created an incredibly well made modern masterpiece. The technical aspects of this film absolutely put it in a best of for 2021. The cinematography, design, score, directing, and acting are all top quality. With all of these components I was perfectly immersed into this world. You feel completely transported back to the time and it really makes this an emotionally jarring experience.

Acting-wise this has the best ensemble cast of the year. I can't think of a another film that comes even close. Bradley Cooper has really earned his bones over the years and his range really brought a unique performance to the deeply flawed character. Yet the film didn't have a bad performance. Willem Dafoe, Cate Blanchett, Toni Collette, Ron Perlman, and Rooney Mara all deliver outstanding performances. Ensemble performances like this really can push a film to the next level and Nighmare Alley certainly did so for me.

I've spoken a great deal about the technical aspects of the film. That being said I enjoyed the story and dialogue just as much. The writing can feel a bit forced at times and the film was probably 20 minutes too long. Yet I enjoyed the ride immensely. The characters definitely adhered to traditional tropes of the genre as well making for a few one note characters.

The pacing was certainly slow but I never felt board. The film kept pushing the narrative forward in a nuanced manner until the proverbial train collides with a brick wall. The ending is sure to leave an impact. Sure at times a bit predictable but Noir have always been about the journey and not the destination.

So Nightmare Alley is one of my favorite films of the year. A mix of one of my favorite genres combined with world class directing and acting. I will say this film will not please everyone. Some may get turned off by The dark and nihilistic themes of the film while others may expect a more action-packed thriller. It's not fair to judge a film for what it's not however.

Nightmare Alley is a success by every metric I personally value a quality film for. It's a shame it's failing in the box office because this is a movie that deserves to be seen. A modern Neo Noir masterpiece despite a few superficial flaws. A 9.25 out of 10.

So I just finished watching the The Last Duel. I unfortunately missed the movie on the big screen since it came and went so quickly in theaters. The Last Duel absolutely bombed in box office and Ridley Scott blames millennials attention span. After watching this film I'm not sure whose fault it was but man it was a great film. It is a shame it wasn't seen by a larger audience.

If you simply watched the trailer of the film you would probably think this was a historical epic filled with action and swords. While the film does have a few intense action scenes you would be wrong. The Last Duel is a medieval period dialogue-heavy drama with a big hefty dose of historical mileu thrown in for good measure. The film uses an unorthodox film technique of focusing on three separate individuals and their vantage point of what occurred leading up to an. The final act shows all three colliding into a brutal and intense conclusion that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Those expecting an immediate gratification of in your face action may be disappointed but those who can recognize this slow-burn methodical drama will be in for a cinematic treat.

The Last Duel may be a box office bomb but it's one of Ridley Scott's best in years. It is the kind of film that really reminds you Ridley Scott is a true auteur and master of his craft. The use of the rashomon effect telling conflicting narratives of a single event really made this a unique viewing experience. It's a hard technique to correctly incorporate but Ridley Scott made it a central part of the film and really made something special here.

On top of the rashomon effect this is just a really well-made film. Ridley Scott did a fantastic job directing and the editing was very well done. The set and character designs absolutely immersed you. You really felt like you were following each character and that level of immersion really helped the film move along. I will also say the choreography was well shot as expected. There wasn't a humongous amount of combat but when it happened it was brutal and in your face.

As a whole I really enjoyed the writing and characterization of each central character. You really felt like you knew the characters and understood their motivation from their perspectives. The film was quite smart and had some biting commentary regarding abuses of power, systemic sexism, and hyper-masculinity. The movie absolutely framed the conflict in a way that transcended the time period and drew parallels with a number of modern issues of systematic sexism and abuse. All around a very smart film that will absolutely make you stop and think.

Acting wise this film had a fantastic cast. Adam Driver is one of my current up-and-coming favorites. This was a great year for him and he continues to impress. Matt Damon really demonstrated his range here. He absolutely transforms into to this barbaric brute of a character making for a believable performance. Jodie Comer is a new one for me but her performance was powerful and captivating. Honestly, she was the focal point of the film and her ability to slightly alter her character really made the film. Ben Affleck is there and he is blonde. I don't think we needed him in the film really but he did a good job playing pompous and unlikable.

So I really liked The Last Duel. That being said I understand why it wouldn't be a must-watch for everyone. If you walk into this film expecting the next Gladiator you're going to be disappointed. This was certainly not a feel-good experience that deified over the top masculinity. On the contrary it heavily criticized those traits.

The film was also a bit heavy-handed on its message at times. I'm not sure why we had to see so many orgies. I understood the whole objectifying females aspect the first time. Just came across as unnecessary. The film could have also been shortened a bit as well. Personally I wasn't bored but I could see some people questioning the pacing.

This year we have seen a number of well renowned and respected directors criticize the dying art of Cinema. While I can't agree with everything they've said I can certainly agree that a film like The Last Duel should have received far more fanfare. This is an excellent film but it requires patience. It's a slow burn which weaves into a complex tapestry of interpersonal drama and intrigue. This film won't be for everyone. Still, for those who can appreciate the art here it's in the years best category. A 9 out of 10.

So I watched the Trial of the Chicago 7 on Netflix. This has honestly been one of my most anticipated films of 2020. Aaron Sorkin's has always been an incredible screenwriter but I've also been impressed with his recent stent directing. Plus, what a fantastic cast. I'm pleased to say this has been one of my favorite films so far from 2020.

Anyone familiar with the trial of the Chicago 8 and then 7 will know the story quite well. The story follows the real life trial and the political and social events leading up to the 1968 counter protests and trial through a series of flashbacks. This is one of those situations where the facts greatly trumps fiction as this is a courtroom drama sure not to bore despite a few historical changes for the sake of entertainment.

The film as a whole does a fantastic job taking a historical event and making it relevant with a number of parallels with modern protest and abuses of power. Ultimately the film was quite successful in illustrating the power of collective action and protest in the face of government intervention. It's a powerful film that manages to still be incredibly entertaining and often funny despite its lofty themes. The film also did a really good job setting the context for the historical struggle and defining the setting as whole. It certainly isn't one of those historical dramas simply made for history majors.

Speaking of script as a whole I was absolutely impressed. Aaron Sorkin knows his way around a political drama and it really shows with this film. He managed to take a traditional courtroom drama and somehow make it incredibly funny and smart while socially relevant. The dialogue was sharp and biting and all the characters were incredibly well written. Of course this was no surprise as witty dialogue has always been Aaron Sorkin's trademark. Sure some of the lines were ridiculous and over-the-top but they were still quite well done.

For only a second film directing under his belt this film was truly impressive. I really enjoyed his directorial debut in Molly's Game but The Trial of Chicago 7 really shines. The choice of timed flashbacks worked incredibly well as a storytelling device. It never felt forced at all and really helped to keep the pacing fresh. Speaking of pacing despite its length I never boerd or that the content was rushed. It's honestly rare to find a screenwriter that can transition seamlessly to directing but Sorkin's seems to fit that bill.

Of course this film's success also came from the incredible ensemble cast. The writing was certainly well done but there wasn't a bad performance in the entire film. I will point out this Sacha Baron Cohen was a standout. He was incredibly funny but at the same time perfectly fit the character in every way. Mark Rylance was also fantastic. I've had my eye on him since Bridge of Spies and he certainly didn't disappoint. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is one of my fan favorites and he definitely didn't disappoint. Of course there wasn't an actor that disappointed in this film.

As far as negatives the film could be a bit heavy-handed at times. Clearly Aaron Sorkin tried heavily to tie this event to modern day social conflicts. Coming from such a blatant political perspective could certainly be a turn-off for some. Coming from a historical angle the film also made a few changes for obvious storytelling reasons. Clearly Sorkin's made these changes to tell his story but I understand why it's a valid criticism.

As a whole the Trial of the Chicago 7 was one of my favorite films of 2020. I love sharp dialogue and entertaining characters and this film delivers in spades. Sorkin's has really shown that he is more than a capable writer but has also grown into a director in his own right. It certainly helped that the acting was all across the board fantastic. This is one of the first films of 2020 that I would certainly recommend to almost anyone. A 9.25 out 10.

So I watched Hillbilly Elegy on Netflix. I've heard quite a bit of mixed reactions from this film. Acting-wise it's supposed to be Oscar-worthy, but the overarching story told by Ron Howard supposedly falls flat. Overall I would say it is a bit of both.

Story-wise the film follows a young man going to Yale University attempting to get in touch with his rural Appalachian family in a moment of crisis. Through a series of flashbacks the film maps out life in a small Appalachian town and introduces a unique cast of personalities. All the while the film shows how rural poverty and drug addiction can impact a family.

At its heart the film illustrates the hardship of rural poverty and how drug addiction severely impacts those communities. Unfortunately for the film it does so with a relatively simplistic manner that ignores the intricate socioeconomic factors that create poverty and substance abuse in the first place. Instead the film decided to go a relatively safe cookie cutter route of showing the virtues of hard work in the face of hardships. A relatively lazy presentation that cutaway any controversy purely for a feel-good friendly experience.

There certainly was a story to be told here but the manner in which it was told leaves much wanting. I honestly expect nothing less from Ron Howard at the moment. He has firmly set himself recently as a safe feel good director. Even in his directing choices the use of flashbacks in the film were relatively disjointed and uneven. Often it slowed the narrative down, but that largely seemed by intent to distract from the overall shallow presentation of the content. Everything about the presentation choices really just made the film feel like Oscar bait. Not necessarily bad but ultimately hollow.

The film certainly missed an opportunity to bring life to rural Appalachia. Everything from the characters to the setting simply felt like set pieces. There was so much wasted potential to craft a case study regarding the effects of drug use and post industrial decay on a Appalachian community. I normally don't criticize a film for what it should have been but there is just so much wasted potential.

Acting-wise I will say the film certainly deserved praise. Glenn Close is truly a chameleon. She transforms herself in every role and this is no different. Physically she perfectly embodies her role but her mannerisms and pattern of speech are absolutely spot on. Of course Amy Adams is a treasure and she really brought life to the characterture like role she was presented. Physically she transformed herself but again emotionally she delivered some of the best moments in the film. I wish the story was better to match the performance these two titans brought to the film.

I really wanted to like Hillbilly Eulogy. The film had such potential to tell a story and present a subculture that deserved representation outside of traditional stereotypes. Unfortunately Ron Howard went the easy route and made a safe film that is sure to make some viewers tear up and pump their fists with it's overly simplistic feel good ending.

I expected substantially more and I suppose that was my fault. Ultimately you shouldn't judge a film for what it isn't but I can't help but criticize a film that perpetuates harmful stereotypes while refusing to address the actual issues the film brings up. Ultimately this was an utterly forgettable film with some solid acting and mediocre storytelling simply for mass appeal. Do better Ron Howard, a 5.75 out of 10.

So I watched the new movie Bill and Ted Face the Music. Of course with Covid this was pushed from a theatrical release to a digital one. I've honestly been pretty excited to give this one a watch considering I love the Bill and Ted series. Overall,this film absolutely succeeded as a touching send off to the series and a nostalgia rich blast from the past with a heart of gold. We may not have necessarily needed a Bill and Ted part 3 but I'm certainly happy we got one.

The plot of the film follows an aging Bill and Ted as they still continue to try to discover the song that will revolutionize the world. Of course as life happens they haven't been as successful as expected and it appears their marriage is on the verge of collapse. A visitor from the future yet again push the duo on a quest through time and space for their far out adventures. This time we also get to meet their daughters who also pick up the mantle as lazy but endearing rockers who just like to jam out and try to save the world. It may not be the smartest film but you will have a hard time not smiling at the aging rockers wacky shenanigans.

The story is hardly what I would call revolutionary but where the film really succeeds is as a nostalgia rich blast from the past with a heart of pure gold. The film constantly references itself in a way which brings back past plot points but still manages to avoid feeling lazy or tripe at all. The film has heart and it will absolutely make you smile, which in our current social climate is a nice treat in itself.

I personally found the film to be quite funny as well. This certainly isn't a cerebal experience in any regard. It's not high brow humor but it was never trying to be. It's silly and it really embraces the wacky Bill and Ted formula to give you a fun family friendly comedy that will entertain those ready to embrace the silliness of it all. Be excellent, rock out, and love each other. What's not not to enjoy about all of that wrapped in a silly silly voyage through time that will have you laughing?

Acting-wise Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter did not skip a beat picking up their iconic roles as aging rockers for Wild Stallions. I'm not saying either deserve an Oscar here, but both put their heart into this role and they really brought back what made these characters so lovable in the first place. Yes they are older but these two really managed to stay true to the elements that made Bill and Ted such great characters in the first place.

My biggest surprise however were the two young actresses playing their daughters Samara Weaving and Brigette Lundy-Paine. These two really did a fantastic job channeling the character's personality and mannerisms and in a way that absolutely made them believable as the rockstars daughter. Plus both of them did a great job delivering the lines so that their side adventures are just as fun as Bill and Ted's.

Now of course as much as I enjoyed the film it was far from perfect. The film was very formulaic and highly predictable. It absolutely relied heavily on the nostalgia formula to push the narrative along which could be deemed is lazy by some. It absolutely was not reinventing the wheel here but I would argue they were never trying to. As long as you can embrace the formula and nostalgia without being too jaded there is a fun time to be had.

At its very heart Bill and Ted has always been a light-hearted and lovable franchise about goofballs getting together and making a difference with passion and caring for their fellow man. Yes, the film is goofy and silly and highly predictable at times. It's also heartwarming and gives just enough nostalgia to give you the warm and fuzzies while also delivering keeping the characters as lovable as ever. Personally I had fun and smiled and laughed the entire time. A 7.75 out of 10.

So I've seen Joker at the theater twice now. I've been holding off making a review as this film just has so many spinning wheels to process. I will say, I completely understand why someone would not enjoy Joker. It's dark, disturbing, and hits way to close to home with our current social political system. That being said I love the film! I absolutely think it is a work of art and easily the best DC film to date.

Anyone familiar with the joker origin story from The Killing Joke knows the Joker is an unreliable narrator. This tradition continues in this Joker origin story that is so outside the traditional genre it's hard to even call it a comic book film. Arthur Fleck is a struggling clown for hire attempting to live his dream of being a comedian. All the while he is forced to live with a rare neurological disorder that makes him laugh uncomfortably and suffers from extreme depression and anxiety. As the film unfolds we witness the slow falling apart of a man pushed to the brink of madness and what happens when society as a whole gives up on him and falls apart.

Joker certainly owes quite a bit of its storytelling to Scorsese with strong themes coming from both Taxi Driver and King of Comedy. Here we examine a case study of a man feeling alienated and alone all the while examining quite a bit of social commentary on some of the darker side of our society. The film exams so many real issues like the failures in mental health, class conflict, social alienation, and the political system it's hard not to feel uncomfortable while watching a film that both reflects and distort reality to make a dark and entertaining film that will leave a lasting impression.

I also have to say how much I enjoyed the overall director's choices made in the film. Despite the overall length I didn't have an issue with the pacing at all. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next as the film constantly inched the tension forward as you wait for Joker to explode. The dialogue was sharp and somehow manage to be both funny and psychologically jarring at the same time. The film had so many moments that made you want to cry with just how dark the content was, but also threw in intense scenes to add elements of horror and suspense all the while having a few genuinely laugh out loud moments.

The screenwriting was so all over the place but in a absolutely fantastic way. It is hard not to compare the film to Scorsese and so many flattering ways. I must also mention how great the score was for the film. Both haunting and memorable and worked incredibly well with the gritty realistic setting of the film. On top of that the film has many moments that are open to interpretation and will leave many with a completely different viewing experience. Joker will stay with you for days at a time and is an absolutely perfect movie to try and dissect the hidden subtext of a movie that is trying to say so much about our society.

With all that being said even if this film was terrible it would be a must-see entirely for Joaquin Phoenix's performance. He is an absolutely phenomenal actor and one of the best of his generation at throwing himself at a role. That being said this may be a career best. His performance was absolutely amazing and was on a level few actors can reach. Not only did he physically transform himself completely, but every aspect of his persona melted into becoming the Joker. The laugh was so perfect, but more so it was his depiction of the character's psychological trauma that really made a stunning performance. If he does not get recognition from the Oscars the system is truly broken.

So I loved Joker. Still no film is perfect and Joker is no exception. Anyone looking for any semblance of a DC comic book film will be disappointed. There is almost zero mythos from the comics left intact in this film. The film could have been completely unrelated to DC and it only would have changed a few cameo appearances. On top of that while I enjoyed the pacing there were a few scenes that could have been omitted to shorten the time of the film. There is also the question of should this movie exist in the first place? It's constantly bleak and depressing that some may left feeling sickened instead of entertained. This may not be the film we need with so much darkness in our world, but it just may be the film we deserve. If you can push past the knee-jerk reaction to feel disgusted the film is truly a unique experience.

Joker was my most anticipated film of the year. For me it was an utter masterpiece that demands to be seen. The film takes a refreshingly unorthodox look at the Joker character but also applies some truly stunning social commentary to make the film relevant. On top of that the acting and screenwriting were phenomenal and easily some of the best of 2019. Joker is certainly not a film for everyone. That being said it is one of my favorites for 2019 and is sure to go down as one of the greatest comic book adaptations of all time. A 9.5 out of 10.

So I just watched the film Tigers are not Afraid at the movie theater. Honestly I knew nothing about this film whatsoever going in. I had no real expectations about what the film was even about. I have to say it was one of the most enjoyable film surprises I've had in 2019 and an absolute must watch.

The film followed a young girl and her group of orphaned friends as they attempt to navigate the dark corridors of the streets all the while evading the Mexican cartel and the ghosts they lefr behind. Of course the film also threw in Pan Labyrinth like fantasy horror segments that were dark and haunting at the same time. The plot had multiple layers, but ultimately explored the stark and very real devastation the drug wars have had and what happens to those individuals who have lost everything. It's a painfully poignant emotional journey that will leave you reeling with a combination of suspense, horror, fantasy, and drama.

The film's greatest strength of the film is the way it humanizes the entire death and destruction of the Mexican cartel by focusing on the group of kids left orphaned. The film is an excellent case study on the effects of trauma on a child's psyche and what the human mind will try to do to cope with tragedy. The film told such a deeply personal story in such a unique and captivating manner it would be hard not to be moved by the film.

Of course I have to comment on the directing choices of the film. The comparison to Pan's Labyrinth has to be made as both films take a dark and depressing story and somehow attach a fairytale like look at a child's imagination. The film made excellent use of this plot device, mixing in just enough quality horror CGI to push the story without feeling overwhelming. There are no terrifying CGI monsters in this film. The monsters are purely human beings and what we're capable of.

The film truly was a work of passion by the director and those involved and it shows. The children actors were all outstanding and added a level of realism that felt completely immersive. The film and the locations chosen felt almost dystopian in their portrayal, but ultimately reflected just how destructive the drug war really is. In every way the film was designed to completely envelop you and made you feel for the very real struggle the film portrayed.

The only complaint I have regarding the film deals more with just how much the film tried to accomplish. The movie fits so much in its short time span it's easy to feel overwhelmed. The horror elements could have been more intense overall, but really the film was never trying to be a traditional horror film in the first place.

Tigers are not afraid is easily the biggest surprise I've had this year at the theater. It was an absolutely phenomenal film that told a painful, yet beautiful story in a captivating manner that is sure to please. Films like this remind me why I love having an independent local theater. I simply never would have known this film existed without the guiding hand of some knowledgeable film buffs. A 9.0 out of 10.

So I just saw the new Quentin Tarantino movie Once Upon a Time in Hollywood at the theater. This was easily my most hyped movie of the year. I absolutely love Quentin Tarantino so my expectations were very high all around. I am happy to say this movie met my expectations and went beyond. It may actually be one of my favorite Tarantino films and easily a major Oscar contender.

In typical Quentin Tarantino fashion the plot of the movie is all over the place. The film juxtaposes a few real life actors into one leading man, Rick Dalton as he and his aging stunt man come to term with their less than Blockbuster status in Hollywood. Of course the meat of the film involves incredible character interactions mixing action, humor, drama and suspense to make a truly fascinating love letter to cinema. Plus the movie incorporated the Manson Murders into the background as a fun plot device that really added an interesting element to the film.

The movie had so many strong selling points as a film. In typical Quentin Tarantino fashion the dialogue was so sharp it is guaranteed to keep the viewer entertained. The movie really did have a perfect mix of comedy and drama, all while playing fast and loose with real life characters and events. I constantly found myself mesmerised at the screen with the dialogue and screenplay choices.

This really felt like Quentin Tarantino's most personal film. The movie was an absolute love letter to cinema and the people that crafted films that were so influential in his career. As a fan of Cinema the movie was an absolute blast to watch. Picking up all the little Easter eggs left just for all the cinephiles out there was half the fun of the film. This movie absolutely demands to be seen multiple times.

It would be impossible to talk about a Tarantino movie without mentioning the directing choices. The film was so expertly shot and directed it was almost hard to pay attention to the content because I wanted to pay attention to the technical aspects. The soundtrack as always was perfectly blended into the film acting almost as a driving character in itself. This easily was one of the best directed and shot films of the year.

In every way Tarantino captured the era of the film and utilized a really cool play-within-a-play concept that really paid tribute to the art of film making. The concept really made for some trully memorable moments and really showcased the range of talent that went into this film. The writing and screenplay did a great job setting up the initial conflict and playing with viewers expectations. Despite having a large cast and switching multiple perspectives throughout the film the movie never felt bloated. Everything felt so deliberate and tied into the larger themes of the film.

Speaking of talent Leonardo DiCaprio really made this role his own. Throughout the film he was forced to wear so many different hats as a character, but still kept his character grounded as a real human being struggling with life stressors. A lesser actor could not have played such a diverse and demanding role.

Brad Pitt absolutely oozed charisma throughout the film. His character seemed to pick up from Inglourious Basterds and turned into one of Brad Pitt's best performances in years. He and DiCaprio genuinely had an outstanding screen presence together. I really can't complain about a single actor in the entire film. It is always nice to see the Quentin Tarantino regulars appear in his films.

Of course like all Tarantino films this movie will not be for everyone. While I really enjoyed the dialogue-heavy sequences and multiple character perspectives, the film does have a way of rambling in a stream of thought kind of way. I could see people getting lost and wondering where the movie was heading. Plus the film plays very loose with historical facts. Both points feel a bit shallow criticizing in the film for however. It seemed Tarantino explicitly designed the film in such a manner.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood has been my favorite film of 2019. It is the kind of movie that reminds me how much I love Cinema. From the smart and witty dialogue to the intricate directing choices the film is sure to please all fans of well made film. Sure the plot can initially feel overwhelming, but this is one of those films where the experience is more important than the ending. A 9.75 out of 10.

So I just saw The Lion King at the theater. Honestly after the disappointment that was Dumbo and the mediocrity that was Aladdin my expectations were pretty low. How could Disney possibly make anything that could live up to the iconic animated classic? Overall I have to say I enjoyed the film. Sure it wasn't perfect and it was a shameless cash grab, but I still had fun watching the movie and it is sure to please a new generation of viewers.

Of course everyone knows the plot of The Lion King. It is one of the most iconic animated films of all time. Honestly very little is changed regarding the plot. Ninety-five per-cent of the film was a near shot-for-shot remake so don't expect anything original plot wise. The film hardly reinvented the wheel, but the original Lion King was a blatant copy of another film so that's not really a negative.

Where the film really shined however was the CGI and set design. This may have bene one of the most incredible lookingDisney films I've ever seen. The CGI was rich and layered and really captured all of the diverse characters. On top of that, the setting was simply beautiful and wonderfully designed. In every way the film was pure eye candy and absolutely captured the beauty of The Lion King.

I also have to mention the soundtrack. The original Lion King has so many incredible songs. I am happy to say the new cast really did a great job recording the classic songs. It was hard not to smile and burst out into song while at the theater. There really was not a bad performance song wise. The entire cast perfectly replicated the magic of the original songs in their entirety.

The film had an absolutely phenomenal cast, but John Oliver and Seth Rogen really stole the show. I was skeptical about Seth Rogen but he perfectly captured Pumbaa and made the character his own. John Oliver was absolutely perfect and easily delivered some of the best lines of the film. Of course as expected Donald Glover and Beyonce were all around great and James Earl Jones was iconic as ever.

That all being said the film was hardly perfect. With so much of the movie being a shot for shot remake the question has to be asked why even make the film? The new songs for the film were unmemorable and I was sad to see the film change a number of iconic scenes for no reason. The movie also toned down quite a bit of the comedy and whimsical factors that made the original so mesmerizing as a youth. While the CGI was beautiful the attempt to set the film in a realistic tone really hurt what made the original so special. The character design just seemed like it had a problem emoting with the line delivery.

I also really had a problem Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar. His voice never really matched the character and the changes to the song Be Prepared definitely were a step backwards. The same can be said for the entire cast of a hyenas. Some of the delivery of the lines were also a bit questionable from the young actors playing Simba and Nala.

Ultimately the biggest problem with the movie was not with the film itself but with just how iconic the original Lion King was. It would be near impossible for someone like myself who grew up on The Lion King to not unfavorably compare this to the animated film. That doesn't quite seem fair however to the film as a whole.

This was easily the most entertaining and well-made adaptation Disney has produced so far. For a new generation I could easily see this becoming a classic. However for those of us who grew up singing Hakuna Matata this is sure to feel like shallow and unnecessary adaptation. A 7.25 out of 10.

So I saw the new Aladdin at the theater. Honestly my expectations were very high. Aladdin is my favorite Disney movie of all time. While I knew it couldn't live up to the animated classic, all I wanted was a fun ride out of the film. Overall it was a pretty average mixed bag of an experience.

I assume everyone knows the plot of Aladdin at this point. Largely the film remains untouched regarding the major plot points. Of course the film has altered a few small things and added around 30 minutes of content to the original script. Unfortunately I can't say those 30 minutes really added anything at all but length to the movie. There is a surprise fanservice story arc involving Jasmine that many will enjoy however.

The animation and production design of the movie were outstanding. In every way the film and its setting were gorgeous. The movie was bright and vibrant and sure to please children of all ages. The setting and costume design were also very well done and presented a diverse and fun look into a live-action Agrabah City and its inhabitants. The movie was pure eye candy from start to finish.

The musical elements of the film were mostly very well done. It's hard not to compare the song to their original counterparts, but the music was just as catchy as ever. I will say the original songs designed for the movie on the other hand were just very bland. There wasn't a single memorable new song in the film. That is a shame considering how many earworms the original Aladdin had.

Performance-wise I honestly have to say Will Smith stole the show. I was very hesitant initially about his casting. Robin Williams performance was just so memorable. Will Smith pays respect to Robin Williams performance, but definitely makes this his own interpretation of the genie. Most of the other performances were very okay. Nothing terrible, but no other performance really stood out. I will say Marwan Kenzari's interpretation of Jafar was just bad. It lacked any bit of menace and intrigue and just came across as whiny. It is also criminal to not have Gilbert Godfrey play the part of Iago.

Overall the biggest weakness of the film was finding a reason for it to exist. Sure it had its fun moments, but the best aspects of the film were direct copies of the cartoon. Why bother makeing a live action version if it's going to be a near shot-for-shot remake with extra unnecessary padding? I will add the 30 minutes of padding did nothing but slow down the film and add plot points just for fan service. The film was just far too long for the writing to carry. There is some also very cringe-worthy dialogue and humor throughout the movie. Of course kids will love those moments, but for a film based upon my childhood classic I expected more.

Aladdin was not a terrible movie. It wasn't a disaster like Dumbo. It was however a wasted opportunity. It just feels so bland and devoid of the classic Disney Magic. Sure the film had a few strengths, but there's nothing about this film that makes me want to re-watch it over and over again. The original content was bloated and slowed the film down, plus the new music was a bore. It held my entertainment and my two-year-old loved it, but it did not wow me at all. It did however make me want to watch the original Aladdin. A 6.75 out of 10.

So I just saw the new Hellboy at the theater. I really enjoyed the previous versions of the film, but I was willing to give the director Neil Marshall a shot. Unfortunately this movie was just all around bad on every possible level. It may be a contender for worst reboot and all around one of the worst films of 2019.

The plot of the movie saw Hellboy and his ragtag group of allies try to stop an evil witch from bringing on the apocalypse. Of course as the film progressed the world expanded in a number of not so interesting directions. It was a world filled with one dimensional characters, poor dialogue, subpar CGI, juvenile gore, and all around bad action scenes. It just wasn't a fun experience and the source material deserved better.

So of course the plot was terrible. It was a thrown together cliche ridden example of how to kill a reboot on film number one. I was so bored the entire time with this film. There was just absolutely nothing intriguing about the plot of the film on any level. There was a central conflict, but it was so shallow it just could not hold my attention. The sad attempt at humor and horror were also all around insulting. On top of all of that the pacing was terrible. Everything was just a mess.

So with a watered down plot you would expect there at least to be some great action and world building to keep the audience entertained on some level? Unfortunately the film made the odd choice of adding very little actual action to the film. The action sequences we did see were just not good and felt like something out of a TV movie. The additional gore just felt silly and really added nothing to the film of any merit. The same goes for the world building. With such a rich and interesting amount of lore this film really didn't care about making an interesting experience. Who exactly was this film made for? Who was even asking for it to be made?

I am genuinely confused with the directors choices for this film. It was as if Neil Marshall wanted to set out to burn the franchise into the ground. All of the interesting components that made Guillermo del Toro's version so fun have been stripped away and instead we were left with a sad and generic reboot. Hellboy deserved better.

The same goes for the poor CGI in this film that just further made the poor screenplay seem even worse. There was nothing unique about the visual choices, which is a shame considering the original Hellboy. Gone are the practical effects of the original and in their place we get some truly cheesey and generic set pieces. It all felt so heartless.

The acting in the movie really didn't work either. I'm a bit biased because Ron Perlman was perfect, but David Harbour just didn't have the screen presence required for this role. It certainly didn't help that near all of his dialogue was just bad. Not B movie fun bad, but simply bad. The same goes for all of the secondary characters. Everyone was just sleepwalking through the poor script particularly Milla Jovovich who just needs to stop acting at this point.

Overall Hellboy was a great example of how not to make a reboot. There just wasn't anything in the film that worked. It wasn't interesting or entertaining. In every way it was a step down from the original 2004 film. This is what happens when you have people make movie that just don't care about the core content. You make me sad Hollywood. A 2.27 out of 10.

So I rented Mortal Engines. I put off watching the movie just because the previews made the film look ridiculous in not the fun kind of way. After watching the film I have to agree. The fun premise and graphics just could not save this mess of a film.

The plot of the movie combined a number of ideas from better sci-fi films and threw them in a blender. In a steampunk apocalyptic world gone wrong giant cities are used as moving battle castles as everyone fights for scarce resources. The film followed two walking cliches as they attempt to stop a surprise big bad guy from conquering the world via long lost technology. It's a bit like Waterworld meets Star Wars with a bit of Steamboy for good measure.

While the plot wasn't exactly thought provoking the movie did have it's strengths. The CGI was very well done and the copy and paste world was actually quite interesting. Seeing a giant city attack something was just as ridiculous and satisfying as expected. Plus I was actually interested in the world building and the well designed and diverse settings. If the film embraced its absurd concept and tried to be an all out fun sci-fi ride this could have been an enjoyable experience.

Unfortunately Mortal Engine decided to go the Eragon and Golden Compass route for a book adaptation. Spend a lot of money on CGI, but burn any interesting aspects to the ground with a bad screenplay and lazy directing. The film's plot was quite simply boring and predictable. The special effects could not save the film from lazy plot devices and terrible dialogue. The ideas behind the film were simple and regurgitated, but they were also presented in a overly convoluted manner that really slowed the plots progression down. The rookie director definitely showed here as their were far too many examples of an inexperienced hand at the helm.

Every aspect of the movie felt so very generic and meaningless. The movie made this world, but populated it with walking set pieces that were completely unlikable. There was not an original character in the film in any way. If the acting was better this may have been forgivable, but unfortunately there was only one actor carying the entire film. Hugo Weaving could only do so much with his character. It was a tough sell asking the audience to care about the film when the screenplay hardly cared about its characters.

Despite a fun and silly concept the actual action was quite bland. A movie like this could drop the ball on plot progression and action if the action and pacing could make the ride enjoyable. Mindless fun is still fun at the end of the day. Mortal Engine dragged on at a snail's pace so when the action occurred I just didn't care. Even when the action happened it seemed sloppy and poorly done. How did the movie manage to make cyborgs, steampunk cities, flying ships, and laser cannons boring?

I really wanted to like Mortal Engine because of the CGI and the interesting setting. The movie did have quite a bit of potential, but its execution left too much to be desired for. I can't say I had fun while watching the movie at all. I was too busy wondering why the director made so many poor choices to enjoy the ride. Ultimately Mortal Engines was just another example of a failed literary adaptation when studios try to make style over substance. A 4.25 out of 10.

So I watched Dumbo at the theater. I can't say I was too excited for this adaptation. Dumbo was never one of my favorites and besides Big Eyes Tim Burton has let me down over the years. Overall the movie was just as mediocre as expected. It was easily the worst of the live action Disney films.

We all know the plot of Dumbo fairly well. A baby elephant with big ears is separated from his mother and learns to fly in the circus. Of course this version updated the content a bit with a substantially darker tone and a satirical look on multibillion-dollar corporations. Odd choice concerning Disney is a multibillion-dollar corporation, but I degress. I will say the movie thankfully omitted the racist caricatures the original film had.

The biggest positive for this movie was Dumbo. The character was amazingly cute. Like every time you looked at Dumbo you just had to smile level cute. The film really made a baby elephant flying come to life in an awe-inspiring manner. Plus there were some genuinely cute and funny moments between Dumbo and his surrogate family. When the movie tried to entertain the whole family it really did a good job. Surprisingly the movie doesn't utilize enough Dumbo though as he feels more like a secondary character compared to his human family.

Of course the animation was also outstanding. Dumbo had a hyper realistic look that just brought the character to life. The CGI elephant seamlessly interacted with his real-world counterparts in a way that really helped the immersion of the movie. The movie was certainly worth seeing just for Dumbo's special effects alone. Seeing Dumbo fly in the air was truly the highlight of the film.

So I liked the special effects and just how cute they made Dumbo. Unfortunately everything else was a mess. The film had a very strange and inconsistent tone that really felt out of place. The movie was surprisingly very dark at moments. There were a few scenes that could easily have made a small child cry. But the film still incorporated cotton candy kid content and a very poor script so I'm not sure who this movie was made for. It was also such an odd choice focusing on the human family and their struggles over Dumbo. I get the original movie was pretty short, but the added content only weighted the film down.

Speaking of the script, Dumbo really dropped the ball. The pacing of the film was not very good at all with an overly long introduction, a muddled second act, and a rushed conclusion. The script managed to take everything special out of a Disney film and turn the movie into a bore at times. The overly simplistic, yet dark script just never really managed to catch my attention. It was also a bit ironic that the film's main antagonist was a greedy and heartless individual who wanted to monetize childhood wonder at the expense of Dumbo. The film was almost self parody on Disney at this point.

It certainly didn't help the entertainment that all the characters were so dull. When a movie stars Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, and Colin Farrell that simply should not be a sentence in a review. The characters were walking one dimensional caricatures that added nothing to the movie. The over acting in the movie didn't come across as fun, but was simply a distraction. All of the actors seemed to be trying to sleepwalk through their lines in the most unrealistic way. Considering the poor script that makes sense though.

Tim Burton of course added his classic directing aesthetic to Dumbo which as a whole didn't work. The movie was dark and for the most part ugly besides the well done CGI. I appreciate a director having a distinct look, but at this point Tim Burton seems to be regurgitating the same tired ideas that made a film like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory so bad. Also Danny Elfman does not need to score everything. His score just didn't work for this movie and honestly was quite distracting.

Dumbo was my least favorite live-action Disney film. I was never a fan of the original, but this movie just didn't work. The CGI was great and Dumbo was cute, but taken as a whole I was bored through most of the movie. With an inconsistent tone, poor writing, and non-existent characters I really didn't enjoy the film. Tim Burton needs to stop making big Hollywood movies. A 4.75 out of 10.

So I rented the movie Can You Ever Forgive Me. Originally when I saw the trailer at the theater it wasn't even on my radar. Of course getting nominated for an Oscar will always change that. I'm a bit late to the show but I must say I really enjoyed the film for its acting and interesting story progression. It easily had some of the best performances of 2018.

Can You Ever Forgive me followed the true story of an artist turned con artist as she attemptd to make a living as a failed writer. The film opened with the struggling author Lee Israel as she experienced an existential crisis due to her financial failures. When she discoverd the market of celebrity personal letters she put her writing to use plagiarizing the intimate inner thoughts of those famous characters. From there the film evolved into a buddy crime drama that kept me entertained the whole way through.

The film checked all the boxes required for an interesting and compelling biographical film. The movie introduced its main characters and their central conflict in a very human manner. It also established a realistic setting reflecting the time period. It certainly helped that the film was anchored by some phenomenal performances that really elevated the film to one of the best from 2018.

The movie had a perfect mix of dry humor and interesting drama. The script felt perfectly believable largely because of the cast and their performances. I found myself laughing out loud a number of times at the dark biting humor. Despite the characters many transgressions it was impossible not to grin with joy at their well delivered lines. On top of that the plot really made me care about the characters and their unique experiences.

I was also very impressed with the screenplay and the overall writing of the film. The movie didn't really have a wasted moment. Every scene seemed to further flush out the characters emotions and expand upon the film's central themes. The dialogue was sharp and witty and really kept me entertained the whole way through.

Of course the acting was what really made this movie. The writing and dialogue were good, but the actors that delivered the lines really crafted two special performances. This was a career-best for Melissa McCarthy. She completely became Lee Israel in ever way. Her performance transformed her into a bitter, yet endearing woman who had the tongue of a viper. Her mannerisms and expressions were perfect as she delivered her smart dialogue. I had to constantly remind myself that this was the same raunchy comedian from Bridesmaid. Melissa McCarthy truly has an impressive range and she showed it for this film.

I was also very happy to see Richard E. Grant get some much-needed recognition. In a performance that could have picked up from Withnail and I he played a flamboyant drunk who moonlighted as a drug dealer turned con artist. His performance was both funny and endearing. He absolutely stole the show with his delivery. He and Melissa McCarthy seemed to have a genuine level of chemistry as they verbally through barbs at each other throughout the film.

I really enjoyed the movie for the acting and he well delivered dialogue. While the script was sharp and tight there were a few places that could have been added on to strengthen the movie. The police investigation near the end of the film seemed rushed and could have been expanded. I wish they had gone deeper into the characters sexual orientation as that plot line never really went anywhere. Finally while I found the movie hilarious it is quite British. Viewers expecting the normal kinetic energy of Melissa McCarthy will not get the dark humor.

So I really liked Can You Ever Forgive Me. It had an interesting story and two award-worthy performances. Melissa McCarthy was at her best and Richard E. Grant reminded everyone how great he could play the loveable rogue. The on-screen chemistry really was something special. While the film had a new small hiccups it was one of the best from 2018. A 9.25 out of 10.

So I saw Alita Battle Angel at the theater. To be honest I was a bit apprehensive about seeing this movie. Hollywood has just not figured out how to make a great anime/manga adaptation. Overall Alita probably is the best adaptation I've seen. While that bar is pretty low, Alita is still a very entertaining action-packed film that is sure to entertain with its nonsensical action and graphics. Unfortunately it also suffers from a number of glaring flaws that will make this a highly polarizing film.

The plot of Alita actually does a good job of following the manga. Alita begins the story as a seemingly frail amnesiac cyborg in a dystopian future gone wrong. As the story progresses however you are introduced to a myriad of badass action scenes that demonstrate Alita is not all that she seems. As Alita's past and present intertwine she must come to terms with her existence as she tries to find her place in this new world order.

From there the plot progresses in a fairly typical anime/manga fashion. Realistically most of the plot points are an excuse to see cyborgs fight each other and to further explore the intricate cyberpunk world the film introduces. It may not be the most complex of plots, but I genuinely had fun watching the film.

The action in this film will have you smiling the entire time. Of course all of the action scenes were ridiculous and over-the-top in the best way. I have never seen a film capture the action sequences and choreography of a manga so well before. Every few minutes you're introduced to another absurd villain for Alita to destroy and man is it satisfying to watch.

On top of the nonstop action, I really enjoyed the setting and the overall atmosphere of the film. The dystopian cyberpunk setting was just really well done and intricate. The characters may have been one dimensional, but I was constantly entertained by the dark and gritty underbelly of the cyber city. Plus seeing a bunch of cyborgs destroy each other in roller derby is just as fun and insane as you would expect.

Again, the movie just did a great job capturing the essence of the manga. It also certainly helps that Alita is visually stunning. It really is a very pretty film. You can definitely feel James Cameron's influence with the amazing and unique graphics. To give credit though Robert Rodriguez did something that I just have not seen done before in an adaptation. He made a film that aesthetically perfectly captures the insane world of anime in a seemingly believable and fun manner.

So I had a blast watching Alita Battle Angel. If I rated movies purely on my personal enjoyment this would easily be a 9. However this film had multiple flaws that hurt the overall rating. While Robert Rodriguez captured all of the strengths of anime/manga he also left a lot of the weaknesses of the genre.

The film had a superficial and bland group of villains that existed only to be destroyed. It was simply hard to care about the conflict in any real way. The overall conflict and the plot progression came second to the action and everything felt like an excuse to see more violence. Alita of course follows every anime cliche you can think of as a character and really is quite one-dimensional. It takes a lot of suspense away when you have such a overpowered character simply for the sake of being overpowered.

I don't think there was a single character in the film that was well-developed either. Literally every character was a walking cliche. All of the relationships felt so weak and superficial. Particularly the romance which was terrible all around. Plus there were a few cringe-worthy scenes due to the very anime like dialogue that will have you rolling your eyes. The same goes for the predictable plot and the weak twists and thrills. This just wasn't a movie that had any level of innovation beyond aesthetics. These are all constant criticisms for anime and unfortunately none of these weaknesses were addressed for the adaptation.

Alita is a difficult film to review. I really enjoyed the movie for a number of reasons. It is non-stop in-your-face action that really did an amazing job capturing the source material. It easily is the best example of Hollywood adapting a manga. Unfortunately the film also had a number of glaring weaknesses that hold the movie back. If you are a fan of anime or mindless action you are sure to enjoy Alita Battle Angel. If not however you are going to become bored quite quickly with a lack of a coherent plot or any kind of real character development. A 6.5 out of 10.

So I watched the new movie Triple Threat at Central Cinema. I was actually pretty excited about the movie. It is filled with talented martial artists from different franchises. Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, Tiger Chen, and Scott Adkins are all amazing at what they do so I expected a non-stop barrage of action. Unfortunately while the action was there, the rest of the movie was a complete mess.

The plot of the movie was very typical 80s action flick nonsense. A team of mercenaries were betrayed so they want revenge on another team of mercenaries. Of course the sole survivor of said mercenaries attack also wants revenge for his wife's death. From there the film goes into an overly complicated and generic set up that will constantly have you asking why.

I know what you are going to say. This is an action film I care about the action. Well the action was easily the only redeeming feature. The movie did have some solid choreography. I can honestly say each actor distinctly expressed a different style of martial arts in an entertaining way. The same goes for the gun fights. This isn't a John Woo film, but the gunfights were well done and sure to please all fans of over the top action. Still, I can't say I was blown away by the action. Considering the pedigree of the staff I expected far more.

Unfortunate despite having well choreographed and entertaining action the movie was slowed down to a snail's pace by terrible writing and ridiculous plot holes. If you want to make an action movie with a simplistic plot that is one thing. John Wick used its plot as a device to showcase outstanding action. Nothing wrong with mindless fun as long as it's well done and keeps the audience entertained. Triple Threat fails in that regard.

The movies plot kept getting in the way of the action entirely. Not only was the script filled with every action cliche imaginable, but it also made the plot progression overly complicated for no reason. This wasn't a sleek non-stop action ride like The Raid, but a silly and contrived mess. The film had entirely too many moments where internal logic was ignored and plot holes ran rampant. It hurts thinking about how many plot holes this movie had. It feels insulting as a viewer when a screenplay thinks you are so dumb as to not catch the blatant and lazy errors in a film.

Every character in the film was a walking caricature. Characters continuously made stupid choices purely for the sake of the terrible plots progression. The group of elite bad guy mercenaries were a cartoon joke and just made you wonder how they had managed to not kill them self before with all of their bonehead decisions. Michael Jai White deserves better as an actor than roles like this.

The same goes for the group of good buys in the film. They were all very stereotypical good guys out to stop the big bad guys. No real motivation or character development. It was all so black and white that it was impossible to care about what happend to the characters. Plus just like the bad guys the good characters just kept saying and doing stupid things for no reason.

Despite having some very talented martial artists these guys were working with some terrible dialogue right out of the 80s. It was cringe-worthy at times hearing the lines get delivered. It's as if the screenplay was stuck in the 1980s were bad writing was acceptable. I love an entertaining cheese ball film, but cheesy dialogue only works if the film is fun. Triple Threat was not fun.

Speaking of line delivery I have to mention a huge pet peeve of mine for these kinds of films. Why would the characters randomly burst out into English when speaking to each other in their native tongue? Why would they speak English to each other when there was no reason to do so? It was silly and really got on my nerves. Plus it destroyd a lot of internal believability in the characters interactions.

Again, it was ridiculous to make a screenplay were characters are so mindless and idiotic. Does the writer assume the audience is also equally idiotic? Or do they just not care about making coherent writing? Either way, the film was an absolute failure for its writing which really made the action less enjoyable when it finally occurred.

So despite enjoying the action I did not like Triple Treat. I found myself bored through most of the movie. The plot and characters were cliche filled and just slowed the film down. Plus every character continuously made stupid decisions just because. From the martial artists that brought us The Raid, The Protector, and the Man of Tai Chi I expected far more. Even if the director didn't care about the plot, they could have at least made the film fun. It just wasn't fun or entertaining. A 4.5 out of 10.

So I saw Dragged Across Concrete at the theater. I was actually really looking forward to this movie. I know Steven Zahler's films are not to everyone's taste, but I enjoy his directing style. Overall it was a really solid slow burn exploitation film that had a nice mix of good acting and interesting story telling, but lacked a certain depth considering the subject matter.

The plot of Dragged Across Concrete starts out simple enough. Two slightly jaded rough around the edges cop are suspended for police brutality. From there they plan to make a living for their family by robbing what they believed to be a drug deal. Of course not is all as it seems and the film descends into a exploitive slow burn thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Dragged Across Concrete took a simple premise and made a truly fascinating film. The movie was a tight slow burn that played with expectations as it buit suspense. Finally when the action starts the movie pushes the viewers to the edge with its bleak and dark content. Nothing was quite as it seemd and I was honestly thrown off a number of times with the plots progression. If you expect a conventual heist thriller, you will be dissapointed, but the film never promised to be conventional.

This was a dark and at times brutal film. It certainly earned the title of an exploitation film as it explored ideas like police brutality, digital age media, racism, and social, class. This was not a feel good action thriller, but a methodical and tension packed film that will play with your emotions and break your heart. It was bleak and at times ugly, but that seemed to be the point. It was a stark and nihilistic look at the extremes humans will go to for financial gain, not a feel good people pleaser.

Directing wise Steven Zahler's distinct voice definitely came through. His movies are exploitation films that are designed to push boundaries. They are the kind of films that Hollywood really doesn't make any more, maybe for good reason. Zahler certainly has no problem trying to offend and specifically play with political correctness.

Still I respect his choices from a technical point. The movie may have been slow, but I thoroughly enjoyed the pacing. Every scene and bit of dialogue seemed to add to the overall narrative. Despite the two-and-a-half-hour length of the movie I can't say I was bored at any time. Plus when the action finally starts man is it brutal and soul crushing. All of the gunfights were in your face and sure to get your blood pumping. Zahler definitely has an eye for violence.

I have to talk about the acting aswell. Mel Gibson and Vince Vaughn are perfect in this film. They really delivered the dialogue well and seem to have genuine chemistry. Their buddy cop routine actual added some much-needed levity to the film. I won't get into the politics of Mel Gibson, but the man is a great actor. He perfectly played the role of a seasoned and borderline racist cop out to provide for his family. Vince Vaughn really did a good job aswell. I often forget that he knows how to act because of his past career choices.

Dragged Across Concrete is a brutal and bleak exploitation film that is sure to polarize its audience. Being an exploitation film the movie will certainly make you feel uncomfortable. I can't help but think a few scenes and characters were included just for shock and awe. It is already a dark concept without emotionally manipulating the viewers. That also added on to the film's overall length which could have been cut down a bit. I can't say I also agree with a few of the directors choices regarding social commentary. It seems like the film introduced a number of social issues but never really tried to address them in any meaningful way.

Dragged Across Concrete is sure to leave an impact. It is a well-made and directed morality tale on the darker side of humanity. It's exploitive themes and content will not make everyone happy, but it's hard to argue with a suspense driven thriller that delivered. I expected a bit more debth, but the film is an exploitation film so that could have been my own fault. A 7.75 out of 10.

So I just saw US at the theater. Honestly this was one of my most anticipated films of 2019. Get out was amazing and Jordan Peele has such a promising future for horror. Thankfully, all of my expectations were met. Overall I would highly recommend US to all fans of suspense and horror.

The plot of US was incredibly interesting. The movie was based upon an old Twilight Zone episode, but of course Jordan Peele added a fresh sense of originality that made US a modern horror classic. A seemingly normal family on vacation is confronted by a group of doppelgangers that are out for blood. From there the film spirals into a suspense-filled, blood soaked narrative that will play with your expectations and leave you on the edge of your seat.

The movie is an absolute master class is crafting an interesting and innovative suspense driven horror film. The plot goes in multiple directions, but was still grounded in suspense and classical elements of horror. I genuinely was interested in the characters and the plots progression throughout the entire film. Plus the movie has just enough gore without coming across as unnecessary. I also have to say the movie had some genuinely funny dark humor moments.

The movie did an incredible job crafting a thick and eerie atmosphere that will constantly give you chills. Everything from the timing, lighting, to the exceptional use of sound was incorporated to add to the film's overall suspense. The sound and soundtrack really felt like a central part of the film. The use of sound really added a nice chilling factor to a number of scenes. I love seeing a horror movie put suspense and atmosphere as a top priority.

Directing wise Jordan Peele really did an outstanding job. His love for horror and music really came through in this movie. He incorporated a number of horror references and techniques without feeling cliche. There were so many small choices throughout the film he made as a director that really made US a special film. With US Jordan Peele proves he is not a fluke of a director. He genuinely cares about crafting smart suspence driven films that elevate horror films into legitimately great movies.

As I already mentioned the plot was very interesting, but the excellent dialogue certainly added quite a bit to the film. The screenplay of the movie incorporated a nice mix of suspense, gore, dark humor, and plot twists to keep pretty much anyone entertained. The entire concept of the movie could easily come across as silly if not for the intricate screenplay. I really enjoyed the twists as well and in no way thought it was out of place. It remind me of when M Night Shyamalan actually cared about writing.

Of course I have to mention the acting. There was not a bad performance in the movie. It is so refreshing to see a horror movie taken seriously by incorporating great actors and smart well delivered dialogue. Lupita Nyong'o was so great. It was fun seeing her play two completely different roles, but throw herself at both performances. The doppelganger concept of the movie could have easily come across as a cheap plot device if not for such strong performances.

Now I really liked US, but it did have a few points that hold it back as a film. While I did laugh at the humor, a lot of it felt out of place. The character's reaction to events at times completely destroyed elements of internal believability. Plus the movie does have its share of characters making dumb choices for cheap thrills. With such smart writing these just seem like odd choices to make. I will add that the overall explanation for the backstory of film and some plot points had gaping plot holes. Nothing that really hurt my overall enjoyment, but plot holes are irritating.

US was one of my most anticipated movies for 2019 and it did not disappoint. As expected from Jordan Peele the movie was smart, scary, and all around well-directed. The acting and dialogue really put the movie over the top for the genre. While it did have a few plot holes and cheap thrills, I enjoyed every minute of the movie. I highly recommend US to all fans of the genre as this is just a great example of how awesome a well made horror film can be. A 8.5 out of 10.

So I saw Climax a few days ago at the theater. I literally have not stopped thinking about the movie and the overall experience the film provided. Casper Noe is a master provocateur and he certainly made a film that will stay with you for days. I can't say it was an enjoyable experience, but I don't think it was supposed to be. It was an incredibly unique and jarring film that should be experienced though.

The plot of the movie can be summed up easy enough without spoiling anything. "Drugs are bad M'Kay". The film follows a diverse group of dancers as they finish up an intricate and well choreographed dance routine. After a long and tedious introduction the film descends into a nightmare fever dream that is designed to provoke emotions and make you as uncomfortable as possible. The film certainly was a success in that regard.

The movie was populated with acts of violence and depravity that will leave many in shock. One of the most terrifying aspects of the film being it was grounded in reality. All these depraved and shocking moments on screen were not exaggerated, but gritty and raw. This only further added to the experience the film provided.

I'm having a hard time really classifying this film under any given genre. It certainly had elements of psychological terror and put forward a number of disturbing scenes, but it's not quite horror. Hell it's almost hard to classify this as a film in the first place in the traditional sense. This feels more like an interactive art project than a coherent story.

Like the best abstract art this movie acts as a Rorschach test designed to push viewers experiences. I normally don't read other reviews before writing my own, but I had to see how other people interpreted the film. Is it a philosophical meditation on human nature? An allegorical masterpiece? A product of insanity or genius? Is it pretentious nonsense? Or is it simply exploitive trash? It can be all those things and much more. It was an experience that demands to be felt. I can't say I enjoyed the film, but it was one of the most immersive experiences I've had from a film.

Climax asks the audience a complex question. Is art designed to be enjoyed or experienced? In the case of Climax the movie is designed specifically to provoke an emotion. Climax wants you to feel something as a viewer. Something primal, uncomfortable, and anxiety inducing. It's the kind of jarring experience that will leave you in shock for day. It was the kind of experience that will really make you think about the movie. Climax demands that you are an active viewer. It really pushes the boundaries of what it means to be a film.

From a purely technical point this movie should be seen anyway. The cinematography and choreography were outstanding. Of course all of the dance numbers were intricate and well done, but the most impressive aspect being how they were shot. The film utilizes single takes for long stretches of time all the while the camera seamlessly floats around capturing some truly wonderful scenes. There's almost a 20 minute stretch without a single cut all the while the camera acts as an omnipresent viewer following different characters and their drug-induced stupor. Plus the color and lighting of the film were perfect to push the changes that occurred in the narrative of the film. It's not my genre of music, but the techno dance soundtrack was also perfectly incorporated. The technical aspects were the best part of the film and really stand out.

That all being said Climax was not what I would call a good movie in any traditional way. While the film is relatively short, around 40 minutes of the movie was literally nothing but mindless dialogue and dancing. This wasn't a case of a slow burn start to build suspense. It was a tedious and mind-numbing experience just to make you feel uncomfortable. There simply was no driving plot for the bulk of the film. All of your expectations as a viewer ultimately fall flat as the movie never really delivers on its promise providing terror. I will also add that while yes, the scenes were designed to be provocative, I have certainly seen worse in film. The content didn't make me feel uncomfortable as much as the movie itself did.

I also have to mention how utterly terrible the acting and dialogue was. All of the dialogue felt utterly pointless and added nothing to the film. It would be one thing if the actors delivered their lines in a believable manner, but they all failed to do so. The whole thing felt far more like a College term project instead of a major film. I will also mention that the abstract and allegorical aspects of the film were purely unintentional on the directors behalf. He has gone on record saying the film is not a allegory and ultimately he wasn't making a social or political statement. Sometimes viewers read into things that simply aren't there.

So Climax was one of the most disturbing experiences I've had since Salo. In both cases the films weren't truly scary, but they were uncomfortable and anxiety inducing. Climax is less of a coherent film and more of an art project. It is the kind of ultimately pretentious content that will have critics raving. I did not enjoy Climax as a movie. I enjoyed the technical aspects of the film and I liked that they tried to make an immersive and powerful experience. The film was very successful in that regard. As far as crafting an intricate psychological thriller this movie falls flat and will leave many bored and scratching their head wondering what the hype was about.

This is an incredibly difficult film to try and rank numerically. It succeeded in everything it was trying to accomplish, still it had too many glaring issues for me to call it a good movie. I would still highly recommend everyone watch it though for a unique and powerful experience. Climax will certainly make you feel something as a viewer and if that is enough for you the film is sure to wow. For me it was just a muddled nightmare that tried way too hard to be cool. 6 out of 10.

So I just saw Captain Marvel at the theater. I did my best to ignore the insane amount of false moral rage surrounding the movie on the internet so I could walk in with a less biased perception. Overall I'm glad I gave this movie the chance it deserved. It wasn't a perfect movie, but it certainly was an entertaining origin story that further added to the Marvel cinematic universe.

The basic plot of the movie acts both as an origin story for Captain Marvel and also a tie-in for the upcoming Avengers film. Acting as an origin film the movie checks all of the necessary boxes. It mixed elements of an intergalactic space drama, traditional super hero fare, and provided some great throwback references to the comics. I won't go into any details because I don't want spoil the plot, but overall it was a fun and action packed origin story.

Of course at this point Disney has these films down to a science. As expected the movie seamlessly blends drama, action, comedy, and references to the larger Marvel Universe. It's a fun formula that really doesn't disappoint on a superficial blockbuster level. Once the film finds its groove it is hard not to smile at the mix of action and humor.

I also have to mention how well the film captured the time period. Any 90s baby will get a kick out of the many cultural artifacts from that era. I literally want to watch the movie again just to catch so many of the references. Plus the movie loving paid tribute to Stan Lee. It may have brought a tear to my eye seeing him on the big screen again.

The movie was pure eye candy. The graphics were absolutely phenomenal and brought Captain Marvel's cosmic level powers to life. Seeing her at full power really should remind the audience why she is one of the most powerful Avengers. All of the action is sure to entertain pretty much everyone.

I didn't see any problems with the acting at all. Brie Larson is a phenomenal actress and she brought a nice combination of levity and badass attitude to the role. Of course what is not to love about seeing Samuel Jackson as a young Nick Fury?

If you went simply off the online user metrics your would think this was a terrible film. It was far from bad, but it certainly had its issues. Pacing was a major issue as the second arc of the film really slowed down the progression of the film. I also felt like the movie never provided a big enough conflict to showcase Captain Marvel's power scale and artificially blunted her powers through most of the movie with a plot device. Of course that's the issue with introducing an overpowered character by Captain Marvel just to tie into fighting Thanos for a future film. Plot wise there were also a few events that were a tad bit too convenient and really weakened the overarching story.

Captain Marvel hardly reinvents the wheel as a superhero film. It firmly follows the establish Disney formula and acts largely as an excuse to have Captain Marvel act as a MacGuffin for the Infinity War conflict. Still Captain Marvel was a very fun film. Ignore the hate online from internet trolls who love to play their false moral outrage at every turn. The movie wasn't perfect, but it delivered exactly what I expect from a Disney Marvel film at this point. A 8.25 out of 10.

So I watched Polar on Netflix. I haven't heard great things about the movie, but I love Mads Mikkelsen as an actor. Plus how could a gory action comedy about an aging hitman be bad? It turns out pretty easily because this was not a good movie in any regard.

The movies plot follows the soon-to-retire hitman black Kaiser as he attempts to separate himself from the world of killing. He meets a nice girl at a small town volunteers at a local library. Of course the organization that employed him wants him dead so the movie explodes into a violent and sex filled murder rampage. Sounds familiar right?

It's a very simple plot that we have seen a hundred times before. Of course that is just one of the many problems with the film. The film is a complete and utter lack of originality in any regard. The film is as predictable as humanly possible and filled with regurgitated tropes and cliches. Every single character had zero development and were nothing but cardboard cutout villains. Every major plot point seemed to be stolen from better genre films. A lack of originality doesn't mean a movie can't be fun however. Unfortunately there was still nothing fun about the execution or characterizations in the film.

The execution of the film was laughably bad. Not in a fun way, but in a bad what were they thinking kind of way. The movie tried to be hyper violent and hyper-sexualized in a cool and edgy way that I'm sure a twelve year old would appreciate. Unfortunately anyone with a developed brain will quickly get bored of the the uninteresting and unnecessarily stylized aspects of the film.

The movie just wanted to be so edgy and cool. The director threw every provocative scene at the audience just because, but it still was absolutely boring. It was like a terrible music video directed by a middle schooler with ADHD. Nothing really happened for a reason, it was just because everything tried to be so stylized. Of course it was all so forced it just came across as juvenile and boring.

That being the films biggest sin. I can look past a lot of things as long as I'm being entertained, but Polar is boring, very very boring. It almost makes me mad that a film with such a fun premise would be so uninspired. How can you make an action movie with such poorly designed action scenes? How can you try to be funny when the jokes were juvenile and lowbrow? How can you try and be interesting when everything was predictable? It was all just so poorly done and boring.

Speaking of uninspired the film doesn't have actors beside Mads Mikkelsen, it has stand-ins with terrible dialogue just waiting to be killed. Mikkelsen does his best with some absolutely terrible writing, but there is nothing he can do to save this movie. Also it makes me sad that Richard Dreyfuss had to be in this movie. Someone please hire that man for some actual work again.

So was there anything I liked about Polar you may ask? I normally write a films strengths first, but Polar just didn't have any. This was just not a good movie. It was boring, predictable, cliche, and all around poorly made. Sure I can see a child liking this kind of uninspired drivel, but hey they should not be watching this kind of film in the first place. I don't care how old you are a bad movie is a bad movie.

As you can tell I didn't like Polar. It failed pretty much every objective measurement of a well-made film. Hell I love fun poorly made films and this wasn't that either. It was uninspired and boring on every level. Bad Netflix, a 2.5 out of 10.

So I watched Roma for the second time on Netflix. I really wanted to watch the movie more than once before I tried to write a review. The movie really is a poetic cinematic achievement that reminds me exactly why I love film. It truly is one of the best films of 2018 and a new marker for what to expect from Netflix.

The central plot of the film follows a maid and the family she works for as they navigate their seemingly ordinary life in 1970s Mexico. All the while the family and its security is put to the test as life happens and conflict occurs around every corner. The simple, yet poignant narrative tells a deeply human story about the struggles of the human condition and coping with loss and tragedy while keeping a family together. It's the kind of story you just don't see being made in Hollywood any longer. It's not a flashy story, but it is one of the most emotionally moving films I've ever seen.

The beauty of the film also comes from its depth and complexity. The film acts as a slice of life case study regarding the existential insecurities of blue collar life and just how easy our world can collapse. The film in a lot of ways is a time capsule of 1970s Mexico. The setting acting almost as a driving character that constantly pushes the film and its conflicts forward. The meticulously well-chosen settings all paint a vivid picture of the deeply divided social landscape of the era and the difficulties of a working poor lifestyle.

Through the use of its detailed characters the film examines issues like social class, political violence, sexism, oppression, and ethnicity. The film and it's underlining subtext reminded me of great classic naturalist authors and how they crafted intricate stories and characters that acted as social commentary on the conflicts of their time. The movie does not pull any punches when addressing socio-economic conflict, but at the same time never comes across as preachy or manipulative.

All around the screenwriting of the film was excellent. Not only did Roma tell a poetic narrative about both the beauty and tragedy in life, it also acted as a complex examination of a number of social conflicts. On top of the rich narrative all of the characters and their dialogue felt so real and perfect for the film. Even the structure of the story arcs played with viewer expectations as this is not the kind of film that tells a traditional Hollywood morality tale. Some moments will remind you of the simple beauty of life, while others the stark reality of loss and tragedy.

Of course it would be impossible to not talk about the technical achievement that is Roma. Alfonso Cuaron is certainly known for his directorial style. I can't say I loved his last film Gravity, which I found to be a case of style over substance. I really walked into Roma expecting an overrated art house film that critics were too afraid to criticize. Fortunately I was absolutely incorrect. Roma is a film of technical filmmaking at its finest.

This isn't a movie that relies on special effects or gimmicky camera techniques, but uses meticulously well-thought-out shots that push the story forward. There doesn't seem to be a wasted shot in this entire film. Every scene has some meaning and conveys quite a bit of subtext. Of course the choice to shoot in a stark hyper realistic black and white paid off perfectly. In everyway the directorial decisions of this movie only served to enhance and further bring life to the stark and human narrative of the film.

Acting wise the cast was perfect for the film. This isn't the kind of movie where a single actor dominates the film. I'm amazed at Yalitiza Martinez who absolutely deserves praise considering she has no formal training. She brought a genuine sense of vulnerability and realism to the role that would be hard to replicate.

I loved Roma for a number of reasons. That being said this is a slow burn slice-of-life film that isn't simply trying to entertain. The movie is full of rich dialogue, but it's also full of the ordinary monotony in life. Just like in life some times it's boring and slow, but it's also unpredictable and can swing in an instance. Yes, the film has a slow start, but that was by design. I'm really having a hard time thinking of a genuine criticism for the film. No film is perfect, but Roma has all the makings of a film classic that could impact the very core of modern filmmaking.

If you walk into Roma expecting the kind of film put out by most studios nowadays you will be disappointed. Roma requires patience and an ability to recognize the beauty and tragedy in our human existence. The movie appears simple on the surface, but ultimately tells a complex story that deals with a number of important social conflicts. It's at times painful to watch, while also providing a very human experience that will leave you moved. I highly recommend everyone to see this film as it certainly is not only one of the best of 2018, but also one of the best films I've seen in years. A 10 out of 10.