dzrosen13 Reviews

Poor Things (2023)

Degrading and Grotesque

[5/10 · 16 March 2024]

I really wanted to love this movie, everything about it seemed perfect. The cast, the premise, the technicolor sets...but the story is perverse and nonsensical. I don't understand why Hollywood makes these movies thinly disguised as art when they are just pure exploitation and perversion of women. I can't believe that Emma Stone would play a role were she is constantly having sex with all kinds of people just because she is a Frankenstein-like creation of a sadistic and insane scientist. The entire movie is about a child-like human creation that discovers her ability to orgasm. She then runs off with a nefarious gentleman who further exploits her naïveté and sexual prowess. We are to assume that Bella doesn't understand decency and self-control because she is, technically, a monster. So her superpower is... sex? And Lots of it, with all kinds of people. Every where. She is childlike, and has no moral compass because of her "doll parts". None of this makes any sense, because why would a movie focus on the only thing that has put Hollywood in flames? Bella ends up living in a brothel were she continues to have sex by more and more men, then women - basically anything to get her rocks off. What is the point of all this? That she is in charge of herself and owns her sexuality? She is an experiment unto herself? She wants to live life to the fullest? She is a demon from hell that seduces everyone around her? I have no clue. I don't know. I don't want to do any PhD analysis of the psychosocial components of this movie. It's all so perverse and crazy, it's actually sad to see the beautiful and talented Emma Stone getting rocked every 5 seconds by everything that walks in front of her. Then, in a fleeting moment of moral high ground, she is asked if she has been tested for STDs - to which she replies "I shall". Huh? It's all too much, and we don't need to see this BS to understand the madness of a man who wants to create an abomination because he can. I was very upset by this movie - it took a beautiful, pure actress and tarnished her in front of the whole world. I have to commend the gorgeous scenery which is why it got any stars from me at all, that and even though the movie is trash, the acting is still top notch. Such is Hollywood, it's one giant hypocrisy, which is why it deserves to go out of business.

Dubai Bling (2022– )

Awful, Vapid, Shallow, Misleading and Immature

[2/10 · 21 December 2023]

I have no idea how these terribly uninteresting people who seem to do absolutely nothing all day but walk a pretend runway everywhere they go, got the green light for this miserable series. The only reason I rated this a 2 and not a 1 is the beautiful scenery of one episode out of two that I unfortunately watched (time that I will never get back) - especially Saudi Arabia. Therefore I am writing this review to save others from lowering their IQ in the event they accidentally start to watch this show. I watched two episodes late night due to Insomnia - it happened to pop up on the homepage - and I figured it would be something to which I could doze off instead, it became a nightmare. The characters are so unintelligent and one-dimensional I have no words to describe these people. The episode I saw was a crisis surrounding a "push present" which is about as scandalous as these nitwits get. There is one shining character - the woman who runs Huda beauty. She has so much more to offer than hanging around with this group of ridiculous human beings, I really hope these are not her friends in real life because if so, she can not be successful and may be really is riding on the coattails of her sibling. No one worth their salt would sit around with these rich-wannabes that have absolutely nothing - and I mean nothing - to add to the world. I can't believe that Netflix thinks we are stupid enough to buy this fraudulent program as representative of Dubai and its people. The people have no real money which makes it even more deceptive. The Arabic "celebrity" is so made up, so much plastic surgery, fake hair, blue contacts - she honestly scared the living daylights out of me when her face popped up on screen. She is so busy, yet finds the time to sit around doing nothing. I would banish her from the country for misrepresenting Arabic women, and making the Dubai entertainment industry look like it is desperately trying to mirror western culture. I think not! Then there is the "radio star" named Chris who has some strange Australian/arabic accent, even stranger hair style (cross between Mad Max and Little Wayne), who thinks he is super famous and important. Huh? Another character named LJ is also some type of transplant from where I don't know - who clearly married an Arabic businessman for his money, and clearly received nothing from him - or spent it all on her shoe collection. The cast of characters is a testament to the sophistication of Dubai since no real person of status or wealth would be anywhere near this show. After I took a minute to research the net worth of these people, I am utterly shocked they can afford the shoes on their feet let alone the cars they drive. Only one of them is truly Dubai Bling - as in with a B - the other has a significant amount of money, but not what I would consider Dubai crazy money. So how do people valued at $4 million buy $1 million dollars in jewelry, own several Birkins, drive numerous sports cars worth well into the 6 figures, jet set in private planes, helicopters staying at insanely expensive resorts? I don't know. I also don't understand how the job titles of half of them include the words Social Media, Socialite, Business Person - since when does that make you a seriously wealthy person? I am more disturbed by the over-the-top display of wealth from people that are not wealthy by Dubai standards. It would still be a travesty to watch Billionaires in a show about billionaires, but at least it would be real! I guess most of the truly wealthy people in Dubai wouldn't be caught dead on this show. Overall it is DISTURBING and perverse that Netflix would showcase such wanton excess in the Arabic world when Palestine can not get water - not to bring politics into it - but to point out the disgusting hypocrisy and insensitivity of this blight on humanity of a show. It's just plain awful, the people are dreadful and the constant strange and over-the-top outfits are BIZARRE. I doubt any of them will add one dollar to their "fortunes" at this rate because sitting around pretending to be "business people" while launching silly businesses wouldn't even fly in Kansas City, Missouri. If I were Dubai I would SUE Netflix to remove my country's name from this toilet bowl of a show, boot these people from the country and never let them return for making a mockery of the Arabic world.

That Dirty Black Bag (2022– )

WHAT A WESTERN!

[10/10 · 18 December 2023]

Modern, cool and bad to the BONE western! The characters are complex, fascinating and the dialog is outstanding. Beautifully filmed, and true to the time period. This is one of the best Western series I have seen. The storyline is brilliant. I hope there are seasons to come! A MUST WATCH if you love westerns, or next level Tarantino with an Italian twist. Travis Fimmel plays a brief but important role - another incredible actor! This one is binge-worthy. The show also throws in a touch of the supernatural which is a pleasant twist on traditional westerns. Every episode is a sit on the edge of your seat plot-twist, and this series isn't afraid to take characters down to enrich the story, a rarity. No one is safe, and everyone has their role to play in search of a better life. It's tough to figure out which bad guys are the good bad ones, and which are the really evil. It's a layered storyline with even deeper characters. Just keep watching, hopefully back to back as it should be watched.

The Fall of the House of Usher (2023)

Guilty Pleasure For The Horror Crowd

[8/10 · 22 October 2023]

I almost turned it off after the the first episode, it seemed too outrageous, but that is the fun part of this series! It is outrageous, yet enthralling. I am glad I stuck with it, because this re-telling of Edgar Allen Poe is really a cool, demented twist on many of the crazy stories (and people) in the news right now, woven into Poe's The Raven. The casting is sort of all over the place, but the two lead actors (The patriarch and US attorney) are really great. I don't want to give away too much of the series, but just know that you should stick with it should the first episode or two seem too outrageous.

Talk to Me (I) (2022)

Finally A Great Horror Film

[8/10 · 1 October 2023]

It has been a long time since a really great, cerebral and truly scary horror film has been made. This one is well worth the wait. The storyline has never been done before, it's so creative and laid out seamlessly, and quickly. No overblown, detailed backgrounds on each character - the object that brings terror into the lives of these kids is shrouded in mystery, which makes it terrifying. The movie is centered a group of teenagers who discover a mysterious object that allows them to communicate with the dead, and the plot is C's tested around the teens and their interaction with evil. This keeps the movie flowing, and makes it flow easy, the movie doesn't get bogged down in ridiculous background stories, unnecessary characters and silly CGI. It's just enough to scare the living pants off of you. The acting is fantastic - and shocking. Overall, this is a GREAT kickoff to the Season Of The Witch! A must see.

The Last Voyage of the Demeter (2023)

Just in Time For The Season

[7/10 · 11 September 2023]

Does the movie deserve an 8 after so many critic's panning? Yes. And here's why - there is nothing pretty about the Demeter, and it is a ripe backdrop for HRH Dracula to make his arrival into a greatly populated part of the world! This is not meant to be a one and done, it is the start of a very cool Dracula Hunting story. Dracula is horrid on appearance, he oozes a spawn of the devil, so the dark undertone of the ship is the perfect vessel for his introduction into the modern world. I was disappointed that too endearing characters were "offed" by Dracula, but it was a very effective way to show that he is truly, truly sent from hell. No playing games, his MO is to kill and feed on everything and anything - no mercy. This is in stark contrast to most of the Dracula movies made. There is no love for this Dracula, no romance, no start eyed glazes by women who fall under his spell. This creature is pure evil - and evil is what the Demeter brings to shore. It's not meant to be super complex, deeply scripted with interesting, complicated characters. The main character who ultimately survives is very simple: vampire Hunter. The film is very dark - literally - aboard a sprawling, somewhat broken down vessel that has seen its day. It's dark sprawling interiors add credibility to the notion that Dracula is difficult to find, hidden away. I think this movie is highly entertaining! It doesn't need to be super complex to give a good scare. The Dracula is truly a thing of evil. My only critique is that he better get some kind of a monster makeover if there is a second installment because his crazy-goblin like appearance stands out like a sore thumb. It's great entertainment and well filmed!

Interstellar (2014)

Best Movie Ever Made, Best Nolan Movie

[10/10 · 24 July 2023]

There is so much to write about this movie! Interstellar could be a science degree at an Ivy League University, a book about of the future of humankind, a course on cinematic genius, an entire symphony of the best movie score ever conceived (Hans Zimmer at his best), acting classes at every liberal arts school, writing PhD work at Oxford - and so on. This truly is the greatest role Matthew McConaughy has ever played, and ONLY he could play it. Once again, Nolan doesn't play around when it comes to casting talent. It is incredible. This is a movie you watch more than once - and each time more understand and storylines/answers pop out. I can't and won't name them, you'll have to see for yourself! If possible, try to watch this on a giant screen with the volume on 10 for the purest cinematic experience in history.

I didn't think Nolan could outdo himself after the most amazing superhero movie ever made - Batman - but along comes Interstellar: and original masterpiece, and I would argue, the best movie EVER made.

Let the Right One In (2022)

Absolute Madness and Twisted But Not In A Good Way

[1/10 · 21 December 2022]

I have never seen this level of violence, and absolute macabre storyline, such as this series. The writers don't push limits with original material, the peddle the morose and perverse. The person or persons that wrote this are seriously disturbed, perverse weirdos; but such is Hollywood. It is full of "cross the line" topics. Animal and human experimentation as a storyline? Check. Suicide? Check. Martyrdom? Check. Children cast in violent movie roles probably by fame seeking parents? Check. Bad acting? Check. Addicts and Child Molesters? Check. Gruesome murder? Check. And that doesn't even cover it. Not even close. For starters, two of the lead roles are so grossly miscast that it is difficult to watch. Grace Gummer who walks around with a permanent scowl and droning, monotonous, scratchy voice is number one. At one point I was praying for her to be taken out by her "vampire" brother. The idea that she would be morally okay with sacrificing people so that her brother "could feed" is pure insanity. And we are supposed to empathize with these two strangers who have a semi-incestuous relationship? The other is Demiam Bichir who is the least appealing male lead on the small screen today. His performance is wooden with zero sex appeal, which is too bad since the director was banking on his sultry good looks appealing to the middle-aged divorce' demographic. At one point in the series he attempts to sweep a woman off of her feet on the dance floor, and it comes across as awkward as his two left feet. The religious overtones are also completely out of place - (Eleanor's mother praying to Jesus in hope's of curing her daughter who is now a murderous vampire?) But the most insidious, gruesome and just plain BIZARRE side plot is the research on live animals and people. Who thought this would be an interesting idea? Experimental, stereotactic, fully awake brain surgery? What?? This alone should have earned it an X rating. So sawing off the top of someone's skull in the basement of a mansion is okay if it's in the name of some insane science? Jeffrey Dahmer would be so proud. The idea that curing the "vampire virus" is an amicable research is a joke and a stolen plot line from other cheap horror films. Even Peter, the other vampire lead, is upset to learn he will now age, have to get a regular job, and join the rest of the proletariat on the 9-5 shift again. I can't understand the people that are giving this sick and twisted series a good rating. It just shows how dark and twisted people can be if desperate for good entertainment. The ONLY, and unfortunate light, at the end of this horrifying train wreck is Madison Tayler Baez (whose parents are out of their minds for letting their incredibly talented daughter star in such trash.) If this doesn't railroad her career, she will be lucky. I can't even tell you to skip this because the message is really who should be fired and banned from writing, and sent to an insane asylum. This is a total disgrace; and I am disgusted with Showtime for turning out such garbage.

The Weeknd x the Dawn FM Experience (2022)

The Weeknd Has Come To Save Us!

[10/10 · 14 March 2022]

This is exactly what our flatlined, dull brains needed after being in lockdown for two years! This short film is an audiovisual masterpiece, a sensory delight. The solemn, post-apocalyptic discotheque is complete with supernatural night-club goers who sway to the rhythm of this techno/pop epic dance album. The technical perfection, along with The Weeknd's pure, melodic vocals will leave you in a trance (and dancing in your living room). This is exactly what our dull senses needed, especially among the out of control rap music videos, and repetitive themes in today's music. The concept of an "album experience" transports you back (for those old enough) to Michael Jackson's Thriller era; although much more sophisticated and modern. The Weeknd doesn't need to do any speaking since the amazing expression he emotes through his eyes is all that we need to see. This is a defining moment in the future of music, and the paired down but incredibly Modern and futuristic presentation of his music is genius. No crazy over the top theatrics. The music in itself will make your brain dance. It awoke my feel good, dance and have fun brain center - which has been in lockdown along with everyone else. If you are feeling at all melancholy, this dance numbers will pull You out of your funk. I was surprised to see that Calvin Harris produced since a lot of music tends be very pop. The sounds are reminiscent of something Pharrell Williams would produce, accompanied by the great Quincy Jones himself. I am not sure how anyone can critique something so creative and original, especially coming out of our own Covid, creative apocalypse. The WEEKND HAS BROUGHT US BACK from the brink of creative disaster - here's to the reigning King of Music. It's amazing.

Dune (2021)

It takes a minute but this is one of the most beautifully

[8/10 · 17 November 2021]

Filmed movies you will see on the big screen. I had to watch it twice to get into it, and the best way to see it is in 4k because the colors and sound are sensory nirvana. It's difficult to follow which is why I then watched it a 3rd time! I think Timothee Chalamet is miscast - he isn't credible as the protagonist but probably makes good economic sense as a box office draw for the younger set. Overall, if you don't quite understand all of the groups etc. You can read the book, or just follow the gorgeous imagery and sound engineering , soundtrack and amazing set design. Dead Can Dance was the perfect match for the soundtrack of this movie! Can't wait to see 2.

Nocturnal Animals (2016)

One of The Best Movies Ever Made

[10/10 · 17 November 2021]

Took Tom Ford to make JG a real movie star and show that he CAN really, really act. Gorgeous film, Tom weaves an amazingly difficult plot line throughout this incredible film so smoothly in and out of flashbacks you don't even realize they are happening. It's a mind trip, and it is a POWERFUL tale of regret. One of the best movies I have ever seen. Tom Ford is one of the greatest creative minds of our time.

Old Henry (2021)

One of The Best Movies Ever Made

[10/10 · 17 November 2021]

This movie is Hollywood's redemption for every poor, ridiculous, awful and incredulous movie we have had to endure over the last 5-7 years. From the sequel, to the sequel to the sequel' sequel Marvel movies, and the ridiculous, awful, unbearable recent slew of Ryan Reynold movies, the Phoenix arises in the for of Old Henry. Everything is beautiful filmed on the wide, sweeping plains of the Midwest and its technicolor golden landscapes. The Director creates a true period peace, transporting you back to the turn of the century when the west was still wild. The story takes place over a few days, but hang on for a hell of a ride in this action, packed brilliantly written, and directed masterpiece. The storyline is smart to stick to a few hours since movies these days can't compete with the stories that most Netflix/Amazon series have become so proficient at creating.

There are two significant variables that make this movie an incredible experience: the plot twist which I will NOT reveal because I want everyone to be as surprised and shocked as I was (it actually has me fist-pumping like I was watching the darn Super Bowl), and the unbelievable performance by Tim Blake Nelson, who is unrecognizable in this role. He is so brilliant, credible and authentic that it literally made me want to cry and utter a "hurray for Hollywood" since FINALLY the lead is a rough and tumble protagonist, as opposed to a ridiculous, brooding, young overrated actor trying to please the twenty-something crowd.

This is an intelligent person's movie. It's a movie for those who love Westerns and period pieces. It's a brilliant twist on history and the infamous characters of the Old West. It's also a beautifully filmed movie that puts to great uses wide sweeping camera angles in single frames (which is great, no dizzying multiple cameras). It doesn't glorify violence, and it's realism where that is concerned may be a bit much for those who watch ridiculous movies where actors never get hurt in the middle of guns, SWAT and whatever else. It shows the grit, grime and true violence of the times, and the difficulty in trying to make a life along the frontier. It's every man for himself, which was a hard, cold fact of life in the west.

Do yourself a HUGE favor and see this movie!!! Blake should be a front runner for best actor hands down - although Hollywood and it's pseudo-voting will go for some one-off nonsense. Nonetheless - this and Nocturnal Animals have put Hollywood back on the map in 2021, and finally catapulted us back into GREAT filmmaking!! I will probably watch this too many times to count. Sorry for the grammar and typos - too tired to fix.