dellamorte-82282 Reviews

The Marvels (2023)

Better than the first entry (6.5 ^)

[6/10 · 27 April 2024]

This film is more of an ensemble piece and not a Brie Larson vehicle. It highlights the supporting cast without being as reliant on the Disney+ show like Dr Strange 2 n WandaVison were. Those two pieces are practically synonymous this film thankfully didn't feel as inhibited. That being said it's a very truncated explanation for Ms. Marvel, with a ton of expository dialogue. The climax is well handled with the right amount of heart and comedy that sometimes is not distributed well. Like all Marvel films the villain is subpar. The performance/character is decent just very not fleshed out; you don't really get Dar'Bens motivations just that she is another "KREE" zealot feigning Accuser status. (Whom is not blue by the by. What's up with the KREE explain marvel that race isn't as unified in their artistic recreations as the SKRULLS despite being shapeshifter they all look similar in the end identifiable more so as the same race than the KREE. Why are some blue in the films while others aren't explain the discrepancy better Marvel)

Justice League vs the Fatal Five (2019)

Good!

[6/10 · 3 March 2024]

Full disclosure I am not a Legion of superheros fan; just was never one of my titles that I enjoyed. That being said up front I'm coming at this from a layman's perspective so other Legion of Superheroes choices would have been thought of for the roster before those chosen by the film. The concept of the team is still well articulated no matter whom was chosen to highlight. All that being said; this still surprised me. This genuinely feels like a "lost" 2-parter from the original and wonderful JLU cartoon. There is an unfortunate disconnect from the JLU continuity and this film; becoming a stellar homage but clearly defining itself as such simultaneously. The throwaway villains from the show are an added bonus because while they are recognizable to a certain demographic they're generic power sets have them separate enough to focus on the main characters/plot without feeling distracting or hampered by having to explain them greatly in order to enjoy the LoS's inclusion.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)

Fleetingly enjoyable

[2/10 · 23 February 2024]

This is probably the worst SPIDER-MAN to date. But making that statement requires further extrapolation. It's got decent performances; there is nothing truly that stands out unfortunately though either regarding casting. Everyone does an adequate job. The direction is the real stand out. Webb articulates this world brilliantly. The action is grand and sweeping; no one can deny this direction articulates a deft cinematic vision. The sense of scope and grandeur when it comes to Spider-Man is not only articulated well it is this film's defining characteristic. The writing in this screenplay is the real let down here coupled with atrocious dialogue. It's hard to believe that this film got the green light it seems like a half baked story thinking ahead rather than just focusing on telling a defining tale. There is an a+b plot as well as three subplots all clumsily handled. Get rid of Harry not knowing Peter is Spider-Man it is unnecessary. Make this franchise stand out; let Harry know Peter is Spidey. Give this franchise distinction right off, it gets rid of a completely unneeded subplot. Makes the story leaner and meaner already. Without the constant "talk to Spidey" angle to his and Peter's scenes. If Harry already knows it's Spidey the; plot, dialogue and sheer dynamic can focus solely on furthering the story. Otherwise it's meandering. Focus on bringing Green Goblin around in the next film don't put the cart before the horse. As is? The story/screenplay is just erratic.

Barbie (I) (2023)

Ok

[6/10 · 9 February 2024]

Not great but better than anyone expected. I mean the art direction is fun and definitely the most best part IM0 but there is also an ingenious existentialism brought to this Barbie centric venture. There are fun and clever moments throughout this creative story. Ultimately the performances are well articulated regardless of odd story beats. The place where this film falls apart is the 3rd act. The film becomes innately "preachy". Im all for equality and female empowerment and all the things this story bequeaths to the audience. Just becomes a little over sanctimonious for my personal liking. The direction is great and despite my personal criticisms/nitpicks the quality here is still very palpable and apparent.

The Holdovers (2023)

Ok; but this will give GIAMATTI his academy award finally!

[5/10 · 4 February 2024]

This is a decent film; a slow methodical character study of lonely people. The best thing about this film is the performances. This is def Giamatti's Oscar performance. As always the actor has been involved in better work but his work HERE will be rewarded by the academy, a la "career win" but not really a film win. The entire film is slow but enjoyable not the best which is why I'm sure Giamatti will win the only academy award this film will earn. This is reminiscent of "the Iron Lady" where the film is so-so but Streep the star was too engaging. It elevated the film. The direction is very standard; nothing truly defining or different. Nothing impressive or inherently memorable except for Giamatti that's why he will most certainly win. Other than that standout? The film is; nothing redefining or unique just blandly bittersweet.

True Detective (2014– )

So-so

[4/10 · 19 January 2024]

The cast are talented on this show; always. Regardless of season or plot since this is predominantly an anthology type show. There are no linear through lines here. The atmospheres are always executed well and articulate the tone of each and every story well. Just with so many seasons being "mediocre" they in turn ruin the stellar reputation this show began with. It's a shame because every season is ripe with potential they just very rarely do much if anything. Pick and choose seasons at your own subjective and personal discretion there is not much to expect and most seasons leave the audience in a veil of ambiguity.

What If...? (2021– )

Eh

[6/10 · 10 January 2024]

Not a fan. I admire the stylistic animation. The various choices of voice actors are good too; when MARVEL can't get the stars back to personalize their respective characters by the actors properly. The story telling however is not well done. Not that the stories themselves are bad even if some individual choices are nonsensical (why in the first season do you have the THOR throws a party episode?). This show essentially is serialized with its own continuity. This is a nice decision but inappropriate and inaccurate for the most part. Has anyone read the source? "What if?"were never linear published stories. They were anthologies basically. This program goes against that mentality combining every story to adhere to a larger season long story arc. Just "what if?" Loosely adapted; nothing more. If there are only a handful of characters MARVEL can use what is the point? What if? Minus x-men + f4! No thanks.

Tenet (2020)

Eh? But great performances regardless

[5/10 · 3 January 2024]

All those involved did fine work; no criticism there. That being said this is the dullest Nolan film. While not being a huge fan of his last few attempts they're all still quality pictures though specific enjoyment of such differs greatly. There is a fun idea here. But the concept within this story is iridescent of INCEPTION. Not greatly but enough to know both tales came from the same craftsman. Both stories are similar even; if as noted, they both deal with "shimmers" and/or "glistens" of previous explored notions. Tangentially related; echoes of one another. While INCEPTION feels ground breaking this however IMO feels very convoluted. Enough to heed the growing trend of "so-so yet visually stunning films" he has had of late.

Prey (I) (2022)

ok

[6/10 · 17 December 2023]

It's a decent enough entry into the franchise. Certainly better than the previous two attempts this franchise has mustered. I enjoyed the direction but can tell this production was problematic. Perhaps, orchestrating things was difficult due to the COVID wave going on during this film's production. This film wouldn't feel as solitary otherwise; which hampers the end result. Understandably those involved feel this worked to the film's advantage but IMO it doesn't; feeling more meanderingly disjointed. The script is even manipulated in a way to address this but in doing so feels less organic and more like "problem solving". It's admittedly admirable though that this film is as good as it is after the last odd attempt; that IRON-MAN/Predator is still the worst after all.

Clue (1985)

Great

[9/10 · 20 November 2023]

A truly underrated film full of creatively crafted humor. It is full of wonderful performances that articulate this interpretation. The script is both archetypal and offbeat; for a murder mystery/comedy. It begins standardly before veering into new territory which is practically meta. The audience is treated to a surrealistic look at how actually playing a game of clue can be. Various endings with different characters and motivations. It brings the game to life for the audience in a truly unique form. While not over complicating the basic premise. It is ahead of its time and does not get the credit that it dutifully deserves.

The Wolfman (2010)

Ok

[6/10 · 3 November 2023]

This film is a decent throwback to the "universal" era of monsters; a loving homage. The best thing that can be said is the team the director hired to help craft this tale truly idolized the material The cinematography is wonderful and the tale's gothic tone is achieved rather admirably. The film is truly a wonder to watch the love of those involved for this character and the inherent iconography of the material is apparent. That being said that's where the praise ends. The acting is very hit and miss. Blunt gives a great portrayal, Hopkins mediocre at best, and Weaving somewhere in between. While Benicio struggles to maintain the accent his character has parts of his performance are riveting, others; lackluster. Regardless this film is really let down by the third act; which is not only utterly predictable but kinda silly.

The Flash (I) (2023)

Ok

[7/10 · 25 September 2023]

Wasn't great. Shoddy special effects coupled with mundane action set pieces. The acting is decent and the story is well articulated for what it is. It's very apparent that story could and should have been reworked again. I understand the script went through several iterations both in; writers AND directors but regardless is subpar. The main villain is drab and predictable. This statement is not in reference to the maniacal Kryptonians either.

**SPOILERS**

The dark flash? Hasn't the television program iodated this particular grouping of Flash's rogues already? Any other of the Flash's stellar rogues would have sufficed. There is a plethora to choose from after all. How many (essentially) speedsters is the guy going up against? It's the same tired villain this contemporary culture knows best for Flash! Do something different. Be different! The Mirror master for example; a unique and can still articulate the story being addressed in the sense that the Flash is in a negative/dark world unlike his own reality it parallels his own divergent at times because reflections are visually opposite depending on the individuals subjectivity. There is a unique, cool story to be told using THE THEMES IN THIS FILM coupled with Mirror Master. The duality of reflections for example; there's a fun notion in that kernel of an idea to be explored there.

Village of the Damned (1995)

Decent for a reboot

[5/10 · 24 September 2023]

Beautifully directed. A wonderful emphasis is placed upon the town itself. Like many King adaptations; you can feel the isolation being set up. The plot makes little sense though. The story is filled with extrapolation; trying to update a short story with more fleshed out content since the 60's original. By trying to explain and update the material something is inherently lost however. Reeves does a good job here and while not his best work as an actor (personally) he shines in a very uneventful story. Surely; Reeves casting was crucial because it's seen as a critique of his work as "Superman." The story was abruptly cut short though. Cutting to the credits instantly after the climax. I would have appreciated a half hour more of story. I understand that not everything about this plot/story needs to be explained. It is a horror movie after all but without a clearer definition of the children's heinous plot it feels rushed. What was their endgame? It's not revealed; the film just ends rather unceremoniously! If Reeves was given center stage more instead of just costarring coupled with a higher body count the film would have been ultimately better than what it became. As of now this feels like a pilot or a "Netflix" episodic series; a one and done entry into a much longer story needing further elaboration. An odd cliffhanger of sorts for more of a story that is never coming.

Joker (I) (2019)

Adequate

[6/10 · 18 September 2023]

There are aspects of this film that are good; several things contained within to admire. This is the director's best outing. Without question this is stellar production. The color grading is well used and truly harkens back to the era of film (70s) that Phillip's is emulating. The acting is crafted well. The hype surrounding Phoenix's performance is just that imo. Because The actor's talent has been utilized better elsewhere (agin; imo) but regardless the physicality and sheer craft within are undeniable. Truly deserving of recognition. The story unfortunately is not very creative; basically a Dc flourished version of a MUCH more original and creative story. Was that the intention? To in a sense: make a "joke" of this medium of cinema as a whole? It's only metaphorical mocking of contemporary pop culture as a whole. Nothing of quality.

Dunkirk (2017)

Ok

[6/10 · 17 September 2023]

A good film; not the auteur's best but still decent. This is a very slow; bleak, "picture". There are wonderful set pieces and moments sprinkled throughout DUNKIRK. With no clear through line. Giving the audience several characters overall to follow but not a clearly defined protagonist. Which is realistic to the skirmish in and of itself and I understand the message that in war there is no main character instead it is metaphorical. The battle of Dunkirk as a whole itself is the "main" through line/character .it's still a slow, bleak, film. There are several things about this movie to enjoy however. The sound design and sound mixing are wonderful they heighten the tension felt by the score. A methodically crafted atmosphere is truly felt. The acting is decent but not anything truly stand out. Due to the nature of the tale told surely. That must have been the filmmakers intention. In a battle there is NO "star". The shot composition is wonderful. The scope and breadth of Dunkirk are well shown with each vista setting well articulated. This is without a doubt the most beautifully "shot" of any Nolan film combined with a score filled with stopwatch ticks highlighting the battles immediacy at times. With the intention I'm sure to give this film's audience a sense of unease and nervously frustrated excitement. Not the best war film made but still a solid film nonetheless just not the best of NOLANs directorial filmography.

Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)

Ok; better than anticipated but still mediocre

[5/10 · 26 July 2023]

Not terrible with some enjoying moments. A lot of the criticisms against this movie are unfortunately semi justifiable. Those in charge waited too long to make this sequel a reality. The actors are older yet their superhero transformations act JUST as young and immature as previously. This is to the detriment of any semblance to the character's growth, which is not much unfortunately. Regardless of the weak story. The intriguing post credits scene from the first installment of Shazam that was alluded to was vacant from this film; only to be revisited in this film's post credits scene. Frustrating! This franchise waited too long to capitalize on the first picture's success. We as the audience are left with a luke warm story for this sequel. That is unfortunately combined with the aging/aged out human counterparts to the Marvel Family.

The Suicide Squad (2021)

Ok

[6/10 · 29 May 2023]

Smattered with decent choices and even better casting/character decisions this film feels like an ACTUAL suicide squad movie. The main villain is an inspired choice even though it feels a little wasted here instead of a JLA centric film. I admit the soundtrack is not as catchy but that's a clear stylistic choice. Make it less "poppy" than prior. The previous attempt that bares the moniker Suicide Squad. Obviously this is the better overall film and design however. The characters actually feel more defined and understandable for the most part. Although the recycled plot aspect of Smith/Elba feels disingenuous in a way because this trope was already explored feels very repetitive although this interpretation is more enjoyable and doesn't erase it's unoriginal manner.

Suicide Squad (2016)

Horrible

[1/10 · 29 May 2023]

No offense to any who genuinely like this film it's just atrocious. It's an excuse to take DC characters kicking and screaming into the modern age; giving a sense of contemporary relevancy. But is quite the opposite the audience was there just too much of an emphasis on pop music. It felt akin to a music video at times. This was the film's ultimate detriment IM0. Ayer isn't untalented and neither are the cast something just got fouled up along the way. No idea why. The ending is also the quintessential trope of stopping the big blue energy beam shooting out of the planets core which is very underwhelming and not even eradicated in a creative fashion.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

Enjoyable for what it is

[6/10 · 28 May 2023]

There's a lot to appreciate and like here. The casting is great! Star making performance elevating a boring old niche 70s Marvel character into something worthy of a franchise. Honestly the best part of the film is that. The studio knew this dude could carry THIS character contemporarily. I don't like several other aspects of this film so unfortunately that drops it down some. The world building is great, the fight scenes/choreography stellar. It's just hard to see the Mandarin character shoehorned into this property. It feels very apologetically safe. Or it's a veiled attempt at political correctness while trying to excuse story attempts made by Marvel prior that were never really embraced by the fan base. We were told to like it in mass, after all that was it for Mandarin. Marvel was not trying again that's their explanation this is their story the path; chosen.

Black Panther (2018)

Enjoyable

[6/10 · 28 May 2023]

I enjoyed several aspects of this film. The cast is great the direction stellar and the Oscar winning production design (I. E costume design) is apparent. The story however is very formulaic. To the detriment of the picture itself imo. The whole "nega" black panther but with yellow highlights/spots (video game term - negative version of the character) was a letdown. It takes a very unique film and condenses it to boiler plate MCU popcorn fare. Seeing a screen accurate Kilmonger for the final confrontation would have been ideal imo. It would not only separate the characters differently visually making the final battle more memorable but it would articulate the variance of the character's perspectives better as well. Instead it's "panther without spots vs panther with a dollop of spots" Boring!

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)

Ok

[6/10 · 28 May 2023]

This is a unique third entry for the ANTMAN franchise. The cast does fine. The story is decent; it has a very Return of the Jedi "feel" however intentional or not. Not a fan of the recasting of the character; Casey from Endgame, and this film, Quantumania. I think the main detractor for this film imo is the color grading. This Quantum realm is kinda blah. The visuals are a cacophony of brown shades, the color grading seems "off". This was the opportunity to go visually stunning but didn't. I know Luis has no place from a character perspective in the Quantum realm but without the inclusion of his character (maybe playing the earth bound character idk aligning the same machine that sucked the characters up in the first place so they can be sucked through the same entry point to bring them home) a cool aspect of the story could be that when they leave the quantum realm they don't really leave per say. Since they didn't have Luis telling them go through "insert nomenclature here" the characters propel themselves further down in the quantum realm. Instead of exiting they inadvertently go deeper bc they have no one guiding their team from earth. Idk this film is good but it feels very much independent and of itself it barely feels like AntMan more of a Rudd picture. But it follows similar MCU tropes where the third entry in the franchise is usually used to reinterpret the character defining them as individualistic and more than a "moniker".

Overall good and better than AMatW but still not the better than the first. Love the surreal ending; and the questionable nature of it. Is the dude from baskin and robins just outta practice making cakes since he has not since 1997; OR is it an actual cake from 1997! The character could be pranked, being that this stories crux is time travel. Say Tony Stark from Earth 838/DSatMoM or even "Kang" himself is trying to let AntMans Scott Lang know subconsciously he never emerged from the quantum realm) taunting Lang ever so slightly. Subconsciously; your world isnt right, the cake may be the illustration for comic fans in a sense to let them know the story is just beginning. This is the beyonder IMO; Kang got sucked deeper in became the beyonder now can and does pull the metaphorical seams as he sees fit. It's a really thought provoking ending.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

Better than anticipated

[6/10 · 9 May 2023]

The cast is serviceable; let's just get that out of the way. Not bad just not stand out either. The world building is great and truly the best aspect of this story. This sequel became everything Thor the dark world should have been. Regardless of a groundbreaking story or not. Neither story is perfect or without flaw. This film just succeeds in fleshing out Wakanda in a way Asgard never unfortunately was. You feel the sense of community in both "Atlantis" and Wakanda. There was a true disconnect however in Thor the Dark World Earth and Asgard a+b plot. Something; somewhere, should have been articulated on better. Perhaps the script needed one more pass?

Black Panther 1 isn't the perfect Marvel film (being a little overly sanctimonious at times) but this series is shaping up to be decent and one of the better IPs. The a+b subplot was used well to mirror Shuri's character with Namor's (who seemed to suffer from a "Cesar Romero-esque" sensibility which could have been waved away as five o'clock shadow. Heck; go full beard, since Namor sported one when loosing his memory decades ago but this actor's look is clearly mustache sentric which just seems odd you'd think the studio would have mandated clean shaven to draw less parallels between the DCEU and Wan/Mamoa's AQUAMAN. Either way it's a quality sequel and one of Marvel's better attempts despite its oddities.

Under the Rainbow (1981)

Ok

[4/10 · 26 April 2023]

The film is moderately enjoyable. A lot of the humor doesn't translate well. This film seems mean spirited almost by today's contemporary moral/social barometer. It's a weird premise but entirely original. One of the most original films imo of this or any era. The production value is undeniably wonderful it's the best aspect to the film's period setting; offering a unique interpretation. The film is not the best but it's definitely original! The performances are muted. It's a very physical comedy as well. Not to the detriment of the story just the kind of humor mainly expressed. Surprisingly a lot of the physical comedy does not come from the male lead which would immediately be the basis for casting said individual I would imagine. I'm sure the casting decision in theory was for Chevy to work AGAINST type which just does not come across adequately.

Creed II (2018)

Ok

[6/10 · 20 March 2023]

It is a descent sequel. The acting is good and the shot composition is quality (maybe one of the films highlights personally). There are just tiny character flaws that hold this film back from being better realized. As is? It feels a tad muddled. So much of the story could have been dissected if Rocky just told Adonis the truth from the start. Rocky wanted to throw in the towel during the fight between Apollo and Drago but did not. Ultimately because Apollo asked him not to. Rocky's fault was listening to his friend not his judgement of the situation. Instead of just being honest from the start Rocky does his false bravado thing acting like the martyr only to come back with the truth in the third act to give Adonis the confidence he needed to fight again and win the title back for himself. It's a veiled gnawing subplot that does not need to exist. It feels like it's only there to pad the runtime out giving the audience the tried and true formula expected from most boxing films. It does nothing new or different with the material either. It's more of a Coda to Rocky IV and that series as a whole instead of a sequel to Creed this is not. This is a different franchise not wholly a Rocky or Creed film but not enough runtime with each character to bill the story such! It should be treated as such and most of the time it doesn't feel that way. Director's cut is needed; badly, to flesh out the true potential this story holds at it's core.

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

Good

[6/10 · 12 March 2023]

I enjoyed several aspects of this film. Obviously Yeoh is the standout performance here and deserves every accolade she receives. The performance she delivers is a delightful mixture that truly highlights her personal skills as an actress. The combination of heavy action and emotion she illustrates are supremely unique. No one could have done better it's definitely a career defining performance. Quan is phenomenal. The direction is truly incredible elaborating on each tone better than any material that has broached this subject matter (No offense Raimi and DS+MoM).

Despite these incredible piques this film is able to achieve behind and in front of the camera the movie itself is; complicated, but well crafted and articulated. My personal favorite of the year? No. It's quality none the less though. Curtis I expected more from!