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Reviews
It Chapter Two (2019)
A Disappointing, Boring, Uninspired Sequel
Where do I even begin? This movie is literally terrible. I kid you not.
First off, the storyline structure is so messed up. The film is riddled with flashbacks of you Losers from the first film. The issue with that, is because those events took place in the first film, yet we never saw them - we don't care about those flashbacks! You cannot introduce something NEW in this film that supposedly already happened and expect us to care. A huge issue with these flashbacks is that it becomes formulaic. We get a flashback of one of the Losers, then we jump back to present day where they are in that location of the flashback. It's so boring and predictable to watch.
Because of this, Pennywiise becomes so overexposed. He is not scary. We see him so much in this film, we are comfortable with him, thus he has no threat anymore. Because a bulk of this film is flashbacks, the main story is incredibly short. Because of the flashbacks and emphasis on that, the Losers don't feel united until the end of the film. We follow them individually, and it isn't interesting.
Another issue for this "horror" film, is that is isn't scary. It's filled with cheap jumpscares and loud music. That isn't scary! There is creepy imagery, but that is entirely different from being scary.
There's so much ill placed comedy, that makes this film appear as if it was meant to be a comedy. It's...embarrassing. This film is tonally EVERYWHERE, and there are really weird, and disorienting editing choices as well.
I will praise that this film is beautifully shot, and Jessica Chastain literally carries this film. The ending following the climax is also very sweet.
Over all, this is a muddled and disappointing follow up. I don't recommend.
Halloween (2018)
On Par With The Original
After seeing this film, I realized how all the prior sequels missed the mark on everything. Those sequels missed dedication, passion and promise - three things that this film all included. Halloween (2018) isn't just a well made horror movie, it's a well made movie in every aspect. The cinematography is gorgeous, the lighting is eerie, the acting is phenomenal, the music is chilling...and it is scary!!!
In this film we follow Laurie (Jamie Lee Curtis) who has been suffering from PTSD for 40 years following her escape from Michael Myers back in 1978. This film does an impeccable job of portraying PTSD, and how Laurie's life has been derailed by it. The film follows Michael escaping after a bus crash, and in this film - Laurie is the one hunting him down. It is a unique twist that is well done.
This film is filled to the brim with incredible references to all prior films and is done so cleverly, they work! These allusions don't feel forced or like a gimmick. They are natural and work so well with the film. This film will keep you on the edge of your seat because for the first time in 40 years, we feel how scary and dangerous Michael is. From when we first see him in action., we know he isn't not here to mess around.
Aside from some necessary expositional dialogue, this film makes all its marks. It is a film done so well with such passion and dedication. David Gordon Green, Danny McBride and Jeff Fradley made an impossible to miss movie. Finally, a Halloween sequel that feels like a MOVIE. A true story you are invested in and can follow.
This is a MUST SEE film for all Halloween fans - and all horror fanatics, and anyone who just loves good movies! I viewed this film in a special screening, and the audience there screamed, laughed and cheered their way through it the entire thing. This will go down as one of the best horror films made, and even one of the best slashers too. This film is so well done, it doesn't only outdo all the sequels, it nearly outdoes the original. YES - it is that amazing of a film.
Hereditary (2018)
Well Made, Well Done - Not Scary
If you're going into this movie expecting a horror film, you'll be sadly mistaken. This film has moments that unnerve you, shock you and may even disturb you. These unsettling moments contribute to the uneasy atmosphere present throughout the film, but it is not a horror film. The "scares" are fare and few between and is spread so thin, you forget this is even supposed to be a scary movie.
Many times I found myself bored and questioning why anything is even happening in this film. It's a plot that reveals itself at the end and you have to wonder - why? What is the purpose of anything happening? You won't find that answer.
However, the film has incredible acting, amazing cinematography and well crafted score and screenplay. This film falls short on it's ridiculously laughable story and lack of actually being scary. You may jump here and there, but the scares are over in a snap and rarely carry over for you to actually be scared for more than a minute.
Orange Is the New Black (2013)
A Masterpiece
This show does everything right. It may seem shocking, but it's true. There is never a dull moment in this series, and you are constantly involved in the story and feel very connected to it.
The show is very strong in its characterization. You really get to know all the characters inside and out. You understand their struggles and why they act the way they act. You really feel empathy and love for so many of these characters. The wonderful thing about this show is that there is no real main character. We jump back and forth between many complex characters and learn so much about their background and so on.
The show loses some steam during the third season and most of the fourth. It is not bad by any means, but the content does lack a bit. However, season five - which seems very outlandish - is very strong and propels the show upwards. The first two seasons also carry the show out highly. This show will undoubtedly be coming to an end soon, and it will go out on top.
This is such a great show that covers so many themes and ideas we can all relate to. It is strong, powerful and worth the watch. DO not miss out on this masterpiece!
The Collection (2012)
Great Concept, Horrible Film
Let me start off by saying this has a great concept. The mere idea of it is so chilling and terrifying. However, the nauseating editing and lack of character development really ruin this movie and make it unbearable to get through.
There is no reason to care about what is happening. None of the character's have any personality - literally zero. This film should have been thirty minutes longer so we could have had at least an ounce of character development. The characters who get killed are irrelevant and you don't care because you feel no attachment to them whatsoever.
The editing - oh man. There are parts where they use slow motion, shaky cam and quick cuts and it is a mess. It is understandable the hotel they are in is a "maze", but the way the film is edited gives off the idea of a labyrinth where the locations make no sense in relation to each other. You don't get an idea of where the characters are in relation to each other and which way is "the right way" to go, so to speak. It doesn't create a sense of isolation - it's frustrating. Characters appear and disappear and it makes NO sense. The quick cuts make it even more confusing on getting a bearing of your surroundings.
This is a fun movie that comes across more as a violent action movie than a horror. If you want some cheap thrills then this is a good movie for you. There is a really strong foundation here for a film, everything else is just piled on garbage that distracts from the good concept underneath.
About Last Night... (1986)
A Great Love Story, With A Greater Ending
Never have I ever watched a love story where the film doesn't end with a passionate kiss while cinematic music plays. This love story is one of the most raw and authentic portrayals I have seen. Demi Moore and Rob Lowe do an incredible job in this film. We go through their lows and their highs, their triumphs and downfalls. You get to see everything that is wonderful about a relationship, and everything that drives you crazy.
Aside from its authenticity, it ends in a great way. It isn't a cheesy ending with butterflies and fireworks, but it ends realistically. The couple fall apart, and the film ends with their effort to start off fresh. It's that chance of hope we see at the end that makes the film so great.
The film is incredibly predictable though with some very explicit sex scenes that do nothing but take away from the film. You can be sensual without being explicit. Aside from that and having to stare at Rob Lowe's butt, this is another worthy feature of the 80s.
The Breakfast Club (1985)
Nothing Will Ever Be This Good
This film is truly one of kind. There is nothing else out there like it, and nothing will ever be like this film. It is a movie that encapsulates being a teenager so perfectly, and truly pulls back the facade of teenage cynicism to reveal real people going through real problems.
Throughout the film, we follow five teens who are in Saturday detention. Why it may sound like the most mundane concept ever, it is one that ending becoming the most famous high school film of all time.
Each character is so diverse in their own way. We can connect with them and how they feel about other characters, and even themselves. This is a film that is primarily driven by dialogue in its single setting location, and none of it comes off cheesy, fake or scripted. Everything seems to genuine and authentic.
The only issue with this film is the ending. While a climax of a film doesn't require explosions or car chases, it needs to have some sort of closure. This film has a perfect closing narration done by one of the lead characters, but it just ends. There is no real resolution, and part of that might have to be due to the fact there is no overarching plot that is in most movies. The ending may be a bit dull and make you scratch your head, but for this type of film, it works perfectly.
This is THE high school movie you need to see. It will change your life. And Judd Nelson, is quite the stud.
Sixteen Candles (1984)
A Comedy That Falls Short
This film is one of the many iconic movies to star Molly Ringwald. In this film, you have a typical coming-of-age story with a female lead. The story follows her after her parents forget her 16th birthday. She has to deal with her sister getting married, and also having a huge crush on one of the most popular boys in school, Michael Schoeffling.
This film is one of the best comedies I have ever seen. It's quirky, tacky and over the top in every right way. The soundtrack to this film is also a highlight, and is truly one to be enjoyed.
But, a predictable ending and some goofs that go too far drag the film down a bit. It's a film that is meant to be over the top, but sometimes when a film goes too wild, your suspension of disbelief is broken and you have a hard time believing or even enjoying what you're seeing.
Pretty in Pink (1986)
Molly Ringwald's Best Film
Molly Ringwald was without a doubt an icon, queen and legend of 80s films. She was in so many notable and culturally significant films, and this one is without a doubt her best work.
You might expect this film to be of the comedic likes of Sixteen Candles, but it is anything but. With tinges of comedic aspects scattered throughout, the film takes a more dramatic and serious tone. Molly lives a poor life with her father who is unable to keep a job, and her mother left three years ago. We take a dive into her home life and her sweet relationship with her father, and the toll her mother's absence has taken on the family.
This story is truly about "for richer or for poorer" as Molly becomes entangled with Andrew McCarthy, a rich kid at school. The plot follows her being ashamed of her financial status, and Andrew's friends taunting him for stooping down to date a poor girl.
The story is truly one that will make your heart melt. However, we come to an ending that is as predictable as one could be. A cinematic kiss as the credits roll. Obviously this is to be expected for the ending of a film like THIS, but it's the exact same ending as Sixteen Candles. Save the ending, the film is truly a work of art.
St. Elmo's Fire (1985)
The Breakfast Club - but worse
Going into this film, I expected something just as witty, engaging and entertaining at the Breakfast Club, which nearly all the leading actors and actresses starred in. However, after watching this film, I was left feeling completely empty and a bit strange.
While this film has its flaws, it has many things that help it shine. We have realistic stories with real, fleshed out characters. We understand these characters' motives and what drives them. We can relate to the core messages of most of their plots which help us empathize with them.
However, this movie is like a sitcom without and punchlines. There is this aura of that this should have been a television series. This film sets up the story so well, but about half way through, it all falls a part. Everything ends up being wrapped into a nice little bow and everything seems to be perfect again. The struggles our characters face don't seem to really matter, because a big bandaid is placed over everything. The climax of the film is a huge letdown, with no major event really pushing the characters.
Emilo Estevez probably has the best storyline of the film, with Judd Nelson and Ally Sheedy coming in on a close second. Demi Moore's story line is a very strong one, but ends up falling apart with no real resolution. Everything else the characters go through doesn't seem to really matter. While we do become invested in the stories, they are shallow and lackluster.
Overall, it is a good film and it's great to see these actors work so well together. However, the back half of the film falling apart severely prevents this movie from standing up as tall as it should be able to.
Meari to majo no hana (2017)
An Alright Introduction into Studio Ponoc
This debut film by the newly formed Studio Ponoc delivers most of the magic and excitement of films from Studio Ghibli, but the film has several shortcomings that are impossible to look away from.
The central conflict of the film is not introduced until a good portion through the film. The films opening has lots of excitement and chaos, but once that brief five minutes is up, we are quickly shifted to a more mundane and uneventful first act. We're introduced to many characters in Mary's life who get little to no characterization, and are barely relevant. Mary is the only character who has a personality, so it's hard to connect with any of the other characters in the real world.
The antagonists of the film come across as run of the mill bad guys, with no special motivations to set them apart in any way. They essentially operate as one unit, despite being two different characters. Their "evil plan" (for lack of a better term), doesn't hold much weight to it, and doesn't seem to really end up being a horrible threat.
The story's first act concerns Mary and her everso boring life. And I mean boring! Nothing happens in the first act. It's hardly engaging, and the only real event is her finding the Witch's Flower. A good part of the second act is spent with Mary touring a magical college, which doesn't build up to anything. The final act has moments of intensity here and there, but the threat doesn't seem to be as imminent. This is likely due to the shallow characters not holding enough promise, or that the story was dragged out for so long, it became unenjoyable. Mary is also pitted against a task that has no real effect on her. The story isn't about her, and it isn't personal or emotionally effective. While her friend, Peter, is involved in the conflict, he is so unlikeable and bullies Mary in the first part of the film, so there is no reason to care about him!
However, the film has beautiful scenery and animation. It's a spectacle to look out and has some of the most wonderful sound design and music. Being a debut film, the shortcomings are alright, but I hope the studio improves as time goes on.
Happy Death Day (2017)
A Perfect Blend of Horror / Comedy
This film is really one of a kind. It does a terrific job of evoking fear, as well as making you laugh out loud. The film itself is satirical in nature. It truly is a film everyone should go see, and is enjoyable for all ages. The film builds up well, and continues to succeed up until the end. The ending is very outrageous in nature, and seems to be a forced plot twist filled with ridiculous exposition. The ending will either leave you amused, or just disappointed. This film is worth it though!
Kaze no tani no Naushika (1984)
Relevant, Beautiful and Legendary
This is a film that has stood the test of time. It is nearly perfect. The story is one that is truly relevant, detailing the fight man faces against mother nature, and the drawbacks of the longevity of the fighting. The story is one we can all learn from, and is truly thought provoking. The score is incredible, truly fits the film and is such a pleasure to listen to. It is a beautiful film to look at and it's hard to believe that it was made in '84. This is another one in the basket for Ghibli. Truly remarkable.
Mother! (2017)
A True Work Of Art
Mother! is a film that has been subject to a lot of criticism. Films that are a big metaphor or carry over an allegory are always subject to polarizing reviews. I believe this to be in part by many lazy people passing off half witted ideas as "art", which in turn leads to true art being dumped on. Mother! is not a film for everyone, it really isn't. You will either love the film, or leave confused and resentful towards it. This film is a metaphor for the bible, and the destruction of Mother Earth. Jennifer Lawrence is Mother Earth, her husband is God, Harris is Adam and Pfeiffer is Eve, while their children are Cain and Abel. The glass piece Bardem holds in his office is symbolic of the "forbidden fruit", which 'Eve' ultimately is tempted by. More people flock at the home until a party goer destroys a sink causing a leakage, indicated the flood that wiped out civilization. But after 'God' writes his new work, symbolic of the New Testament, more people retreat to the home. After a very disturbing and gruesome ending, the home is destroyed, just to be rebuilt again, showing the never ending cycle of the destruction of Earth. The ending is a doozy and as someone who enjoys horror, blood and guts - this will leave you emotionally shaken. I was borderline in tears by how utterly shocking it is. This is mainly a story about how we take and take from Earth, using up all its resources and hardly, or in some cases never, giving back to it. This film does a spectacular job of displaying not only the story of the Bible, but how we as a society are selfish, destructive and sometimes undeserving. This is without a doubt a masterpiece.
Suicide Squad (2016)
A Turn Around For The DCEU
I was pretty anxious about this film at first. Man of Steel and Batman V Superman weren't all that greatly received, and weren't that good in my personal opinion. I was worried for the future of the DC Extended Universe. I thought it could only get worse or stay the same, but I was wrong!
DC has extremely strong villains, that's why this was the perfect story to show and tell. The premise is something innovative and new, not been done before in a theatrical release. Harley Quinn was incredible, and a highlight of this movie. Margot Robbie portrayed her so well, and couldn't have done better, aside from the costume. A solo movie will be amazing! Her relationship with the Joker was perfect.
Deadshot was great as well, giving him motivation to care for his daughter, and just wanting what's best for her. Similarly with El Diablo and his deceased family. Many of the villains were shown in a lighter side, and gave them humanity instead of being seen as cold blooded monsters.
The story was executed so well and so close to the original material. This is such a high note for the DCEU, despite what critics say. This is a turn around, and with Wonder Woman coming up next, this film series is headed straight for the gold.
The Avengers (2012)
A Waste of Time
This movie is just another one of Marvel's ploys to get money. After pushing out a mess of films forced to tie in with this once, you get a 2 hour, generic plot with characters who have generic back stories and abilities and are forced to work together and undoubtedly come together as one. It is NOT an original plot or even creative. I fail to see how long scenes of fighting, with the camera cutting back and forth is entertaining. If you actually truly LIKE this movie, please go see a doctor.
I can't wait to see how the second film turns out. Marvel makes money purely being MARVEL, not because their films are outstanding and groundbreaking. They all have a generic plot and generic heroes. We need God to save us