MattyRich92 Reviews

Ghost World (2001)

A decent teen flick

[5/10 · 13 August 2022]

Unfortunately, the filmmakers force a unconventional, quirky main character into an ill-fitting conventional plot. Overall, it delivers the witty banter but not much else.

Days of Thunder (1990)

A last place finish

[4/10 · 30 May 2022]

It's basically Top Gun, but with race cars. Robert Duvall's performance and the racing scenes are the only entertaining parts. Overall, it's predictable, filled with flat characters, and vapid.

The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)

Vroom vroom

[5/10 · 30 May 2022]

It's overly indulgent from beginning to end, which makes the whole thing seem one-note. A shorter runtime and more restraint from the filmmakers would have greatly benefited this movie.

The Batman (2022)

Welcome to the Batman parade

[7/10 · 15 May 2022]

I liked the scenes where Batman is sleuthing and kicking butt. However, I disliked the scenes where Bruce Wayne is being an angsty edgelord. Overall, a good film that has moments of greatness.

In the Mood for Love (2000)

De toute beauté

[9/10 · 7 March 2022]

The entire film shows great tenderness and restraint. The infidelity builds slowly and poetically, which is a refreshing take on the subject matter. A rare films that has a near perfect blend of substance and style: dazzling visuals and a captivating story.

American Gigolo (1980)

Stylish but Vapid

[5/10 · 5 March 2022]

The shots of 1980s L. A. are evocative. And Richard Gere has effortless style and looks immaculate. However, the story wants to be a character study, and a murder mystery, and also a romance. Therefore, the runtime is excessive. And, at the end, the one big question answered is the least interesting of the entire film.

Breathless (1960)

Indie classic

[8/10 · 28 February 2022]

The small budget is obvious, from the beginning. However, possibly because of the lack of resources, À bout de souffle is inventive, breaks the rules, and has an unmistakable rawness to filmmaking. Whether intentional or not, it has a "DIY" and "rough around the edges" aesthetic.

Promising Young Woman (2020)

Don't be a creep, just don't

[8/10 · 28 February 2022]

The tonal shifts, which some criticize, enhances the roller coaster ride feel of the movie. Overall, a really good directorial debut. However, the thing holding it back from being a masterpiece is the contrived script.

Reservoir Dogs (1992)

A dazzling debut

[8/10 · 21 February 2022]

At times it almost feels like a stage play, which strangely kinda works. And despite all the action and witty dialogue, the most interesting parts are the blood and the violence. It's messy, emotional, and traumatic, and I wish this was explored further in the film. Regardless, an artful and dazzling film.

Drive (I) (2011)

A coup de maître

[9/10 · 21 February 2022]

A film that stylishly defies the action genre conventions and successfully breaks all the rules. Ryan Gosling has just enough grit to make a convincing killer. And Nicholas Winding Refn intensifies the loneliness of the characters with his framing of shots.

WALL·E (2008)

Top Tier Pixar

[9/10 · 14 February 2022]

A film that deftly balances entertainment and politics. The lack of dialogue is refreshing since most modern comedies rely heavily on witty banter. The second half follows more typical Pixar beats, and the villain is predictable. Regardless, this is definitely top tier Pixar.

Comedian (2002)

What's the deal with... comedians??

[5/10 · 14 February 2022]

It feels like the filmmakers wanted to tell us how a "nobody" comedian and a "superstar" comedian are fairly similar. However, it seemed like Jerry Seinfeld wanted to tell us about the process and hard work of being a standup comedian. So, what we get is two half baked ideas, which only makes things interesting in spurts.

Bo Burnham: Inside (2021 TV Special)

A little bit of everything....

[8/10 · 30 January 2022]

At its best, Inside is funny and thought provoking. However, at its worst, Inside is overly serious and depressing. The first hour balances its humor and tragedy fantastically. But the final 30 minutes is joyless and basically a rehash of everything before it. Love or hate it, Bo Burnham should be applauded for his efforts.

I Love You, Man (2009)

Bro Code

[8/10 · 30 January 2022]

On the surface I Love You, Man seems like a formulaic buddy comedy (and it sorta is), but it actually subverts the romcom formula by having two men form a platonic relationship. Also, Paul Rudd and Jason Segel have great onscreen chemistry. I Love You, Man is an above average mainstream comedy.

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

Career Defining Best

[9/10 · 17 January 2022]

Only Wes Anderson could make this film: eccentric, visually appealing, and funny. He uses every trick up his sleeve. A culmination of his entire career. The Grand Budapest Hotel is his magnum opus.

Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

Thrift store aesthetics

[7/10 · 10 January 2022]

The quotable lines and the climatic dance scene easily makes this a 2000s classic comedy. But some of the jokes are just lazy, and a few haven't aged-well. Regardless, Napoleon Dynamite is absurd, charming, and (most importantly) funny.

Kung Pow: Enter the Fist (2002)

I'm bleeding, making me the victor

[7/10 · 1 January 2022]

The amateurish filmmaking is part of the joke as a whole. The editing and voiceover is bad, which enhances the gags. Overall, it's a comedic bit that is stretched to its absolute limits. But the shear absurdity of certain scenes is astounding.

A Goofy Movie (1995)

Yo Stacy! Talk to me, talk to me, talk to me, baybee!

[8/10 · 1 January 2022]

It's quotable, it's heartwarming, and it's ah-hyuck funny. The songs are catchy, and there's a nice mix of traditional Disney tunes (e.g., Nobody Else but You) and pop songs (e.g., Stand Out). Overall, a hidden gem of the 90s Disney Renaissance.

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

It's a Marvel movie

[7/10 · 27 December 2021]

For optimal viewing experiences, it's best to shutdown all critical thinking and just lose oneself in the escapism, fan service, and nostalgia. Because, otherwise, this thing could be nitpicked to death.

Rush Hour (1998)

Buddy Cop Movie

[6/10 · 20 December 2021]

Most of the jokes aren't funny, but Chris Tucker's comedic timing is impeccable, and Jackie Chan's physical comedy is delightful. Overall, besides the charismatic duo, everything else in Rush Hour is passable.

Coraline (2009)

The edgy kids favorite movie

[7/10 · 1 November 2021]

A beautiful looking film. The character and set designs are whacky and strange in such a fantastical way. However, this isn't suitable for most children, especially children under age 7, which is the films biggest flaw.

Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010)

The legend of Banksy

[9/10 · 18 October 2021]

A documentary, possibly mockumentary(?), that is as intriguing as it is funny. Whether fact or fiction, it is nonetheless a sharp tongued, witty commentary on the art world, the creative process, and fame.

Batman Forever (1995)

A Flamboyant Batman

[7/10 · 4 October 2021]

It isn't really a "good" film, but nonetheless the presentation is lively and vibrant and over-the-top. Jim Carrey stands out, although the whole cast is serviceable. Batman Forever is the epitome of a "so bad it is good" type films.

Batman (1989)

The originator

[8/10 · 4 October 2021]

It might not be the "best" superhero film ever, but it might be the most consequential. The filmmakers created an excellent blueprint for the genre.

Do the Right Thing (1989)

This should be shown in schools

[9/10 · 13 September 2021]

A genius concept: the heat rises and so does the tensions in the neighborhood. Spike Lee and company execute the sense of heat and anger perfectly. The climax is explosive and still resonates today.