SanciR Reviews

Eternals (2021)

A better team than the Avengers?

[9/10 · 6 November 2021]

I don't understand the amount of hate this movie is getting... specially when I would consider it to be one of the best movies they've put out since Endgame. This movie feels different, yes, but is it a bad thing? It IS a superhero movie, with cool action and effects... but it also does something special by slowing the pace down a bit and focussing on the characters and their relationships. This is what I think the movie excels at, basically doing a beautiful job showcasing the humanity of each one of the characters. It is a movie about a family, something that the Avengers have been telling us they are for years, but unlike them, this group actually feels like they love each other; and so, when conflict arises between them, it feels complex and nuanced. Though the plot stakes are huge already, it's the emotional stakes that are given a chance to shine... and I was able to enjoy that a lot. The cast is large, and so it's unfortunate that a few characters didn't have a chance to be fully explored, but I wouldn't say it was a true downside. After all, the story is not about one character, but about them as a unit, and we do get to focus on those who drive the conflict.

There are many aspects I loved about this film. For once, the humor was an other aspect I enjoyed, specially the character of Karun (who I believe stole the show). The way they play into that easy family banter was great, and I felt like all the characters had great chemistry in that aspect. What can I say other than, all the jokes landed and had the entire cinema laughing. Of course, I also grew to care for most of the characters as well... because dammit, most of them are just wholesome and lovable. The big dilema and existencial questions tackled were very interesting too. By the end, you can understand all sides, and I find that to be very cool (it's not just good vs evil, it's way more complex than that). Even the characters who are supposed to be seen as "bad", have motivations that make sense, and could be considered righteous.. It's great stuff.

Overall, I am very disappointed to see all the hate directed towards this movie. Sadly, it was bound to happen that the most diverse movie marvel has ever put out would get the most backlash, but it's still hard to see. All I can do is wonder how anyone could look at a movie that celebrates humanity and think including as much humanity as posible is a downside.

Maybe this movie will not be beloved by all, but I liked it and I'll shout it from the rooftops.

Moxie (I) (2021)

A lot of thought and care went into this

[10/10 · 4 March 2021]

Most movies don't DARE talk about feminism, opting for more subtle approaches out of fear of triggering men with sensitive egos... and those who do, play into this whole "girls vs boys" mentality that further promotes inequality. Moxie on the other hand IS a true and carefully crafter feminist film. It touches upon so many issues and does it without villainizing men, but rather villainizing misogyny... it is conscious of the different intersectionalities within women issues (race and transness)... and it shows the IMPORTANCE this movement has and the ways in which it can empower women, which at the end of the day is the most important part.

Sadly, I am sure this movie is doomed to fail thanks to the men who are not willing to look inward, who continue to disregard the voices of teenage girls and who cover their ears as soon as they hear the word "feminism". So please don't look at the rating of this film to decide wether or not you should watch it, at least give it a chance and form your own opinion.

Grand Army (2020)

It felt real

[8/10 · 24 October 2020]

Grand Army does a great job at capturing reality, from the characters to the themes tackled. While watching, I felt like I had met the characters in my highschool years; they weren't stereotypes, but well-rounded, real and raw... nothing like the 30 year-old hotties we've become so used to. As for the themes tackled, the series does not shy away from serious topics and approaches them from a diverse point of view, without romanticizing them or using them for melodrama. It might not be for everyone, but I do appreciate the series' effort to give all teenagers something or someone to relate to.

Hollywood (2020)

It's not meant to be historically accurate

[8/10 · 9 May 2020]

I've seen some reviews damning this series for its lack of historical accuracy or extreme amount of "political correctness" and truly, I believe that these reviewers have missed the point. This is not a docu-series or a work of historical fiction, it is a re-write, a different take on an era that's glamourized despite its many flaws. And despite taking place in the 40s, it tackles current themes. People have not been paying attention if they don't realize that the lack of diversity and good representation in Hollywood is still a mayor problem today, and I believe that's what creator Ryan Murphy was trying to bring to light. Like using a fantasy or scifi setting to express themes that reflect our current reality, Murphy uses 1940s Hollywood as a glamourous and alluring capsule to do just that. Darren Criss' character makes this very clear in the second episode when he asks the head of production why he thinks a movie with a colored lead would not be a success despite a film like that not existing yet. The message is clear. What we're seeing on screen could've been a reality if someone would've been brave enough to make a change. But of course, that's not the way events played out and despite all advances we still find ourselves going through the same struggles. And I think that's why this series is so important, because it carries strong messages about the need for diversity, about sexual abuse in the industry, and most importantly about being brave enough to be in the front lines of a changing world. I repeat, who cares that it's not historically accurate when the themes it tackles are so accurate and important to our current times. That's the point. And I hope more people will be able to feel that after watching.

The Half of It (I) (2020)

Oh so wholesome

[8/10 · 2 May 2020]

The Half of It is solid. Yeah, it's not perfect but it takes a trope that has become repetitive over the years and puts its own spin on it. I'm talking about that trope where a person who's probably popular likes someone, but has nothing in common with them or is just plain dumb, and so they have to ask the less popular character for help... and the plot usually progresses in the same way too; the love interest realizes that the popular character is not who they have been falling for all along and then chooses the less popular one in the end. It's pretty basic stuff that has been seen over and over and over again. And movies have tried to take a spin on it before; Sierra Burgess Is A Loser being one of the latests examples. But while Sierra Burgess failed, The Half of It succeeds at making that spin compelling, insightful and just straight up wholesome. Honestly it's a very difficult trope to fix, especially with the changing times, a lot of people are sick of the manipulation that can take place in these types of stories, not to mention the lying and scheming. And what I think The Half of It gets right is the understanding that what can make or break this trope are the characters, their dynamics and their motivations. And oh my goodness the two main characters in this movie are a delight. Yeah they make mistakes, but it's usually never out of a place of malice or selfishness. And I believe that the development of their friendship is what makes this story worth watching. This is not just a cliché teen romance. It's a movie that tries its best to capture the essence of being a teenager navigating friendship, love and life in general; and honestly, I think it does a pretty good job at it.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (2019–2023)

It's not High School Musical

[7/10 · 31 December 2019]

It's not High School Musical, but it's not meant to be. Honestly, this show is exactly what it's supposed to be: an homage to a classic series that tries to do its their own thing. It's a cute Disney show with teen drama, talented kids and decent humor. With most Disney shows you usually can't expect a lot but this show actually adds in decent LGBT representation, a diverse cast (speaking both of body types and races), and the original music is not bad either.

This is a must watch for teenagers and people who like encouraging young talent!

Black Mirror: Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too (2019) Season 5, Episode 3

Expected more

[6/10 · 8 June 2019]

Honestly, I love Miley Cyrus and Black Mirror and was excited to see this episode... but after watching it I am a tad disappointed. First of all, the episode felt out of place in the black mirror aesthetic... meaning it wasn't as dark as it could've been. And no, cursing does not make something darker, even though the episode will want you to believe this. It honestly felt like a disney channel movie... with barely any depth and a lack of focus on what really matters. I actually felt like this episode was trying to be two things at once... a sort of social commentary with a dark point of view on the life of a pop star and a cheesy teen movie. There was no exciting twist, nothing to take in the end and think about... honestly I expected at least a bit more from Black Mirror.

The Society (2019)

That was actually okay

[7/10 · 24 May 2019]

So, I had no actual motivation to watch this series at first until I saw some really cute ship edits on instagram. (I'm weak for some good ship edit okay?) And so I decided to give the story a chance.

I was pleasantly surprised by the intrigue and suspense this series made me feel. Honestly, I was screaming by the end because of my investment in the character's lives. I found the premise to be very interesting and very well executed as well. I must admit, there is a LOT of teenage angst, and even though it got kind of annoying sometimes, I found it to be appropriate given the circumstances. Honestly, what can one expect from a town suddenly run by immature and hormonal teenagers?

The biggest fault I found with the series was Sam and Grizz's romance. Yes, this was the ship that reeled me in in the first place, and because I was conscious of it since the beginning, I was disappointed to see them get together in episode 7, basically out of nowhere. It's specially disappointing considering how much development other couples got in the show. I cannot deny their scenes together were extremely adorable and great ship edit material, but I would've hoped they would been given more time to tease their upcoming romance; perhaps a long glance from across the room or a couple of conversations where their true intentions could be subtly seen... would've been nice.

But truly, I did enjoy this series and am eager for a new season.

Burlesque (I) (2010)

Pathetic

[6/10 · 9 March 2019]

Though I found this movie to be stunning superficially, with beautiful costumes and great shows, I can't help but feel like the story fell flat. The plot was barely decent and the character development was nowhere to be seen. This movie's characters were pathetic, especially the main character who carried this "I'm so perfect" act for so long. I watched. I cringed.

A Ghost Story (2017)

Could've been good

[4/10 · 27 August 2018]

I was attracted to this movie because of it's interesting premise... but was disappointed to see it being wasted for an hour and a half. I feel like so much could've been done with this idea... but for some reason the director decided to apply it to a movie with no plot, no interesting characters and painfully dragged out scenes... so many dragged out scenes. I had to fight through some of them... willing myself to go on. Usually I try to look for what the director was trying to say with each creative decision they make, but I couldn't really find a logical explanation for why someone would make a static scene of someone eating pie 4 MINUTES LONG! I'm sorry, but I think this movie was trying really hard to be different and deep, but could only really repeat something that has been said a thousand times before in the least interesting way possible.