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missivytyson
Reviews
The X Files: Musings of a Cigarette Smoking Man (1996)
Origins of the Smoking Man, and my favorite episode yet
I've been watching the X Files for the first time with my family. There are some episodes that are excellent, some that are average, a couple that weren't my favorite, but overall I've loved the series. This episode is maybe my favorite so far. The style, the acting, and the writing are top tier. You sympathize with Cancer Man even knowing he's not a good person. He's a great example of a shady morally grey character. He's all about business, not letting emotions distract him from getting the job done. However there are little hints throughout the episode that make you wonder if he really does care for some people and doesn't allow himself to show it, like him keeping a photograph of Mulder and his mother.
The second part of the episode is filmed in black and white and I love the feel of that section. The cinematography throughout the episode is wonderful as well. The man playing young Smoking Man strongly resembles his older counterpart, casting was very good. We get insight into his past, the people he works with, the scandals he was involved in and the deaths he was personally responsible for. The historical elements were entertaining and clever and added a lot to the story, reminding us that the government is far more involved in society than some may think.
This is probably my favorite episode so far, and it wouldn't have been possible without the rest of the show before it. The reason we care about this episode is because we're interested in Smoking Man as a character. We've seen him in the shadows, pulling strings behind the scenes and on screen. He often appears as an important but brief presence, reminding us that we're just as much in the dark about things as Mulder is. The moments of vulnerability in the episode, especially when Smoking man is writing his book, are perfect to show us that he is still human and deeper than we think- he's not always an emotionless robot.
One other interesting thing to note are his feelings towards Mulder. I believe he fancied his mother, the wife of his best friend and partner (Bill Mulder), and as a result was interested in their child. He probably saw potential in Mulder, Mulder reminding Smoking Man of his father. When Mulder started the X Files Smoking Man specifically stated that Mulder was under his supervision, making me wonder if he's subconsciously trying to protect Mulder as well as keep an eye on him. Even if he seems purely professional, he may feel some sort of attachment to Mulder, probably ignoring this, or trying to avoid these feelings. Maybe I'm wrong and he's just making sure Mulder stays in line, but I can't help but feel there may be some underlying feelings of protectiveness or personal interest rather than just professional interest. Either way, wonderful episode that explains some things and sets up possible future events. Smoking Man is a fantastic neutral character. The inclusion of the Lone Gunmen is always welcome. 10/10.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
More of this please!
I went into this movie completely blind. I have never seen the first Top Gun, nor had I known anything about the film before this one. I went with my boyfriend, who is attending flight school to become a pilot.
This movie was absolutely incredible. One of my new favorites. It's nothing but entertainment. It's sweet, suspenseful, emotional, enthralling. It pulls you in. The stunts are incredible- CGI will never beat stuff like this. Tom Cruise is fantastic, with this and the Mission Impossible movies I've grown to really respect him.
There's no underlying messages, no modern crap, just pure joy. Great acting, great score, great pacing. I love the fact that Maverick didn't sleep around with a bunch of women, and instead he stayed with the original one. It was delightful, a great change from the Bond-type player protagonist.
The characters were all likeable. The action was insane. It made me very emotional, I cried several times. THIS is what it means to be a patriot. To love and fight for your country. Without loyalty and bravery like the pilots displayed in the movie, there is no hope for the future of this nation. (Not meaning to get super political, it's just a nice switch from the hateful content that's been spewed out recently towards the United States and the military).
I'm going into brief SPOILERS for a moment to discuss:
As I said above, I have never seen the first Top Gun and I had no idea who Val Kilmer's character was before this one. I knew nothing about him yet I still teared up when he was talking to Mav, and at his funeral. It hit me hard despite not knowing the characters, and that's how you know it was well done. The emotion was strong even when I didn't know him. You could feel his impact and connection to the characters. Impressive, and great performance. Apparently Val Kilmer is actually sick in real life. God bless him I hope he heals.
This film was extremely intense. I was terrified during the entire mission sequence. It built up more suspense than most modern horror movies. I was so involved in the film that at the end when Rooster finds he can't eject and Maverick realizes they're going to die I started crying. I also cried once they landed safely and were embracing each other. A powerful, satisfying, fun movie. I watched it multiple times. Perfect for Summer.
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
One of my favorites
Artistic, beautiful, entertaining.
My mother and I have been watching many movies together as of late, most of them popular ones from her childhood. This means most of the newer films I've seen have been late 1990's-early 2000's. I was hesitant to watch this one, knowing very little about it besides it being a musical and from 2001. My mother kept insisting we watch it and assuring me it was great, so we finally sat down and watched it, and holy crap.
I love this movie. The acting, the music, the setting and outfits are perfect. It's genius storytelling.
It's characterized by its charming sets and unique take on modern day music. The Roxanne Tango is now one of my favorite songs, and favorite scenes of all time. Ewan McGreggor is fantastic- I had no idea he could sing! The editing is unique and fitting to the style. The story is simple yet complex enough to create real conflict. It's emotional, (yes I bawled at the end), telling a tragic love story between two young people in ancient France.
It's also surprisingly funny. The 'like a virgin' scene is absolutely hilarious. It's such a creative, clever film. I love it so much and I highly recommend it.
Kingdom Call (2016)
This was interesting.....
'Kingdom Call' was a great story. I loved the plot line, the ideas. Some of it didn't add up, but besides that, it was great! loved it! The cast was so amazing that I couldn't believe it wasn't really happening. The affects where cheesy, and the script was weak at parts, but the acting was perfect and on-point. This was good enough to be a child's movie, and that's saying something for such a low-budget film! It was great! Definitely check it out! Give it a good review! They deserve it!
Calypso (2017)
The best Mermaid movie I have ever seen!!
Most mermaid movies are all about love and defeating evil, and this movie has some of that. But most of it is totally different than you would've expected, in a good way. This series is great, I loved it. Even though they obviously were wearing fake tails, I was able to look past it and enjoy it. It was amazing: I've rewatched it twice every day! You'll love this, definitely check it out. Check out their other amazing films, too. You won't be disappointed!!👌🏻👏🏻😄