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Following (1998)
Meh - It's Fine
This is one of those movies it's hard to just pinpoint just a "good" and a "bad" for. There are some films one simply does not care for. That's not to say the film was bad, it just didn't leave much of an impression.
The performances from the three main leads are fine. I found the direction of the film intriguing. At the same time, I can't wasn't on the edge of my seat. And without giving away too much, the twist near the end did catch me by surprise. Yet, I wasn't gravitated by the film to instantly revisit it either like with some twist-endings.
I must admit when it comes to Christopher Nolan there has yet to be a film from him I have loved. In my opinion, he is actually gives too much substance without any style and I think this film fits into that category. I am aware I am in the minority on this, so do not take my opinion as full worth.
As for me, I found Following to be just okay. I has an interesting story with fine performances and characters, yet fails to leave any emotionally resonant or impactful.
Tumbleweeds (1999)
Tumbleweeds - Directed by Gavin O'conner?
Typically, a film like this wouldn't have appealed to me. However, seeing Gavin O'conner's name (director or Warrior and Miracle) I figured I should give it a watch.
Good -
The performances from daughter and mother Walkers I think are very solid. I like that they're both flawed, yet I buy they both have a soft spot for one another and I buy their chemistry.
Janet Mcteer is also very solid as a free-spirited mother. I like that she acts free-spirited yet throughout the film you learn that she clearly feels trapped and reliant on men to take care of herself.
There were certainly some funny moments and some decently effective dramatic moments.
In fact, I actually really enjoyed the scene where Paul explains how his wife passed away in a car accident.
Bad -
In my opinion, the story feels choppy. A lot of sequences seem like thier are parts that are missing. For instance, Ava says her best friend hated her for taking the part of Romeo; yet, at the end of the film there back together with almost no explanation. There are many plotholes/ missing pieces throughout the films like this.
I want to give some leeway to the film for budget constraints, however, their are also many sequences that the locations are hilariously off. At one point, the mother states that they are in Kentucky and yet their surrounded by desert.
Not to mention, the film has some very heavy cliches and can be a little predictable.
Some of the direction I felt was lackluster. Conner clearly hadn't found his style while making the film and honestly I feel like it could've been directed by anyone.
Conclusion -
Overall, I would say this film is fine. From the standpoint of Conner's career, I would certainly put this film lower on that list.
I would recommend this story still to watch the relationship between the mother and daughter. I'm certain there are people who would enjoy a film like this who just want a sweet, somewhat cheesy film.
I certainly enjoy parts of the movie, but in the end, not for me.
Knives Out (2019)
Still Great
Upon my second rewatch, I realized how much I really love this film. Despite my distaste for the Last Jedi and my mixed thoughts on Rian Johnson as a filmmaker I do believe this film is masturfully made.
Good -
I really like the small details in this film. Virtually everything line and detail that is set up is eventually paid off.
For example, Harlen discusses how him and Ransom where so similar when they were the same age stating that their egos were so high that eventually: "you can't tell the difference in a prop knife and a real one". Without giving too much away, Ransom literally falls for this mistake and goes to jail.
Daniel Craig is also a marvel in this film. Playing as over-the-top, mysterious, funny, and intellectual all at the same time. I could watch purely his scenes all day long as his character certainly gets the most laughs.
That's not to say the other performances in the film are not memorable - far from it. Micheal Shannon, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Chris Evans along with all the other cast members are all wonderful. They all have distinct personalities and feel like a real family in that they all have they're faults and quirks. They're all pretty terrible people, yet they're all so delightful at the same time.
The film is also very asetically pleasing. The cinematography really illuminates the New England feeling of autumn.
Not to mention, the set design of the house both warm and comforting while also being of reflection of the eccentric Harlan that once was.
I also love the complexities of the film and how it challenges our conventional interpretation of what a murder mystery is, while still following through on the formula in the end.
Bad -
The only real flaws I have are super nit-picky. Their are some lapses in logic I feel, but honestly even then it's pretty minor.
Conclusion -
Overall, this movie is so good it makes me jealous. As a wannabe screenwriter, it makes me so jealous.
Iron Man (2008)
The Film That Started It All
Upon my third re-watch, I still find Iron Man a solidly entertaining movie.
Positive:
One thing that really surprised me about this film was how efficient the storytelling is. Every scene feels like it demands the one that follows, which is insane considering how a great deal of the film was made up on the spot.
It also goes without saying, Robert Downey Junior totally sells Tony Stark in this film. He's kindove like that you hang out with that you're aware s a jerk, but somehow you're able to let them get away with it.
I also surprisingly enjoyed the humor of the film. Some later MCU humor I sometimes find to be annoying and unnecessary. Here, though, I believe it fits naturally as most of the funny moments are just simple gags, which I believe works in the film because it's a fun superhero, action movie.
I also really like the natural progression of Tony Stark. His moral compass totally shifts from when enters the cave to when he escapes. I believe this is what makes his character intriguing in the film. I love watching him create the Iron Man suit, yes, but watching him stand up to Obadiah, destroy his own weapons in Iraq, and take responsibility I find really effective.
Flaws/Nitpicks:
Unfortunately, the problem with this film is similar to many early MCU films within the villan. Jeff Bridges' performance is fine, however, Obadiah as a villian is not particularly compelling. Personally, I think I would've rather had fight Raza be the main villian and not Obadiah. That wouldn't have saved the film, but that would've been my preference from the film.
The final battle can also feel a little under welming. Not awful, just weaker than what previously came before it.
Another minor note is I feel like they should've spent more time in the cave. It only amounts to about twenty minutes in the film, and I kinda wish they'd spent more time there.
Still though, a solidly entertaining movie.