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Reviews
In Bruges (2008)
Maybe the GREATEST dark comedy of all time
I just love this movie so much. It does everything so perfectly and iconically. The film is simply a masterpiece. The film centers around two hitmen hiding out in Bruges, Belgium following a crime gone wrong.
Negatives: None
Positives: The film is perfect in every way. The comedy is just hilarious and set up so well by the writing. The film will have you laughing at horrible things because of just how well written the scenes are. Martin McDonagh did such a great job with this movie as his direction of this movie as well as his writing of the movie are both perfect. The movie never seems to have a dull moment and the score of the movie does a great job of having silence along with a hauntingly beautiful accompaniment. The film has the entire feeling of a storybook in its shooting which is easily backdropped by the rustic feeling of Bruges. The acting in the film is also top notch as Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes all give wonderfully amazing performances. The cast as a whole give great performances. The film is also a Christmas movie as the whole of the film takes place at Christmastime.
The movie is simply a must-watch and a film that is easily one of my all time favorites. The movie is coming to Peacock TV soon, so go watch it there if you cannot watch it right now.
Mank (2020)
My Candidate for Best Picture of this Miserable Year
Did I wake up at 4 AM to watch this movie? Yes I did. Was it worth waking up for? Absolutely and I do not regret my decision. This movie is simply a masterwork. The movie centers around the writing of the screenplay for Citizen Kane by Herman Mankiewicz.
Negatives: My only problem with the movie is I simply wish there was more of it. By this I mean I feel like I could have watched 2 more hours of this movie easily without feeling tired and droopy and that's with me watching this movie on only 5 hours of sleep.
Positives: To begin with I want to discuss how perfectly the film is shot. The movie's cinematography is stunningly great. The film's use of black and white, a constant score in the background, the sound quality, and the use of cigarette burns in the right corner of the film give the film the quality of looking like it was filmed at the same time as Citizen Kane. The movie's acting is outstanding, but especially the performance of Gary Oldman who shines in this role as he has shined in many previous roles. Oldman truly captures the feeling of Mank and makes the character sympathetic and feel real. The costumes and sets also give the film the feeling of being made in the late 30s. The writing of the film by Jack Fincher is just top notch and flows so well. This is all aided by David Fincher's brilliant direction for which he should win Best Director. The film engrossed me throughout without ever leaving a feeling of dullness while watching it. The movie was simply stunning to me.
This movie is a must watch of the year and one I highly recommend to anyone. The film will not bore you especially if you have seen Citizen Kane. Watch this movie as soon as you get home from work or school.
I'm Thinking of Ending Things (2020)
Disturbing Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
I'm Thinking of Ending Things
10/10
Genre: Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Horror
This movie is simply amazing. I have no words to describe just how much this movie has sat with me. The movie centers around a girl going to her boyfriend's parents house where odd things begin to occur. The movie is extremely well-written and directed. The movie builds an amazingly bleak and dark atmosphere through the eerie and sad score to the cold bleak blizzard occurring in the background. The cinematography in the movie also helps add to the atmosphere as it feels extremely dark and bleak. The interactions between the family feel so unhinged as does many aspects of the movie. The movie feels like someone misremembering events in your past as stories are constantly changing as is time. The acting in the movie is also amazing with Jessie Buckley being outstanding. The movie is horrific and terrifying in the small ways as there is no real gore or jumpscares but just a complete feeling of foreboding eeriness throughout. The narration in the movie also really adds to the movie and the philosophical arguments within the movie really sit with the viewer. The camera in the movie is also amazing as it serves many purposes in the movie and feels like a character. The camera also adds isolation as it cuts everyone, but the girlfriend out of a lot of shots. The movie also has left me with a lot of questions and at least three different theories on what exactly it all means(I know it was a book and the author had his meaning) because I think Charlie Kaufman has made changes to the whole meaning of the book at least slightly. If you are interested in my theories either dm me or I might post the theories. The movie is just a must watch on Netflix and is for sure a must watch Psychological Thriller.
Tenet (2020)
Mind-bending action better than Inception
It has been almost 3 hours(as of writing this) since I saw this movie and I still cannot wrap my head around what I saw. The movie is just spectacular in every way imaginable and is 100% worth the long wait. The movie centers around the Protagonist as he makes his way through international espionage armed with only the word Tenet. The action in this movie is some of the best ever shot and I would argue is even better than Inception's. The use of time in this movie is in depth and logical, while also being extremely enjoyable to watch. The performances in this movie are all top notch with John David Washington being simply outstanding. I will admit that the movie does fall into a lot of common Christopher Nolanism, but this is not a bad thing. The cinematography in this movie is just beautiful and expansive. The score is also extremely powerful with it being used extremely well throughout the movie. The movie makes me want to watch more Nolan movies, but maybe after a day or two. The movie is also thrilling throughout its whole 2.5 hour run time. I was on the front of my seat the whole time and when the movie makes reveals about what was happening almost always blew me away. The reveals were all cinematically and pleasing story wise because Nolan gives the viewer just enough to know what is going to happen while also making it difficult to predict. The movie is one of the best this year and a movie I think everyone needs to see immediately. Also I think this movie might be top 3 Nolan for me and I think is better than Inception in a lot of ways.
Do the Right Thing (1989)
Spike Lee's masterpiece
Spike Lee directs a brilliant film about a sweltering day in a diverse Brooklyn Neighborhood. The film confronts racism head on. The film deals with the ideals of militant and passive ways of dealing with discrimination. The films use of a sweltering day to symbolize the rising racial tensions is simply brilliant and his use of hot colors is also great. The film does not truly center around one character but a community with all its diversity whether it be the Italians who own Sal's pizzeria(a main fixture in this movie as it introduces many of the characters, the group of Hispanic boys, the yuppy white man, the Korean owners of a shop, or the African-Americans who also live there. The film's use of both comedy and drama is brilliant as with each encounter you will not know whether it will leave you laughing or tense. You should do the right thing and watch this brilliant movie by Spike Lee.
1917 (2019)
One of the greatest war movies of all time
The film is brilliant cinematically but does not feel like it should win best picture at the Oscars. Don't get me wrong this movie is great and I really liked seeing it in theaters, but I do not feel it has Best Picture quality. The film is a must see in theaters as it's visual style is made for the big screen. The actors are really great and I feel the story is pretty good. The claustrophobic feel and the horrors of world war 1 depicted are amazing. The feeling of it being a single take is also really cool and I will say it is the most visually brilliant movie of the year and it's use of suspense is also great. However I feel there are many better films I have seen this year than this one such as Uncut Gems and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. This movie is a must watch film at the theaters but I feel is a tad bit overhyped.
The VVitch: A New-England Folktale (2015)
One of the most effective horrors of all time
Why did I make the decision to watch this movie on a dark, stormy night(that's a cliche I'm aware)? This movie is a slow burn horror movie with some disturbing visual and eerie feeling throughout. I am not going to list actors and how brilliant they were because every actor shone in this film even the child actors. The production of this films is one of my favorites as it was almost all done practically. The dialogue and it's use of Old English is amazing and proves Eggers is a master of his craft despite it being his first role directing. The use of sound in this film is my new favorite for a horror movie with its use of chants and silence. The light from candle and the darkness really add to the eeriness. I can not praise Eggers enough for this as it was his first movie he ever directed and makes me want to see his new movie The Lighthouse even more. The film is probably the scariest horror movie I have ever seen(it might have been where and when I watched it but I do not believe this is true). I highly recommend this film for a constant suspense and scares. It's well worth checking out on Netflix.
Also I love that the film does not rely on cheap jump scares which ruin films upon rewatch. I feel if I watched the film again then it would have the same eeriness.
American Beauty (1999)
Kevin Spacey gives one of the best performances ever
Why are all movies from the year 1999 about average people escaping their average life to accomplish their desires? That is a question I will probably review later but American Beauty is a prime example of this. Kevin Spacey plays Lester your average man in the late 90s who begins to tire of his day to day life and after seeing one of his daughter's friends he begins to try and make sexual advances towards her. The film centers around the ideas of identity and beauty as characters seek to find themselves such as discovering that times have past them by. Beauty is a common thread in this movie as the title suggests even if it is a small things like a bag blowing in the wind. The use of music in this film is one of the best I have ever heard as every song reveals emotion or how a character is thinking. Kevin Spacey is great in this movie and I still respect him as an actor(maybe not off screen though). Kevin Spacey is great at playing the pathetic character looking for more out of life. The use of the rose in this movie is very important as it symbolizes desire whether it be the desire for sexual relations or to be through with an average suburban life. The movie is a borderline watch on Netflix as many will probably not enjoy the film as it does not offer too much in terms of action but does in terms of message and cinematic merit.
Also I forgot to mention just how brilliantly directed this film is by Sam Mendes and I am glad he has made a comeback in recent years with 1917 and Skyfall.
The Natural (1984)
Maybe the greatest baseball movie of all time
The quintessential baseball epic. Robert Redford brilliantly play Roy Hobbes a natural(funny how they got the title) baseball star who gets shot by a serial killer targeting sports stars when he is just starting out. Years later when he is in his late 30s, Roy rises to the major league where re shines as a star. Roy Hobbes is a humble character but is flawed in love. The movie centers around turning your life around and second chances in life as Roy gets a shot in the big leagues when most people at his age would be retiring from the sport. The ending I feel is almost too happy for the movie. It seems to give a fairy tale ending where it is not deserved. However, this film is probably one of my favorite sports movies of all time. The Natural's use of clouds and dark settings sets its other message of corruption whether it be a girlfriend wishing the worst, a serial killer, or a bribery scheme. The Natural is well worth a watch on Netflix if you enjoy the sport of baseball or just sports movies in general.
Dracula (2020)
Better than I expected and great action
While I usually do movie reviews, I couldn't help but review this Netflix series as it only 270 minutes long. Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat have created one of my favorite series of the year(yes I know the year just started). The series greatly reminds me of Sherlock which was produced by, you guessed it, the creators of this show. The twist on the original novel by Bram Stoker I find to be brilliant. It had been a while since I read the novel but I really enjoyed the show for its twists on the story. Minor spoiler*** I also really enjoyed the twist of the Lucy storyline being set in the modern day and I found a Dracula using modern technology to be great.**** The show's use of gore can be hard to watch sometimes but how could you have a Dracula story without it. Claes Bang is amazing as Dracula and I would love to see him continue as the character if they have more seasons. Claes is charming, creepy, and witty as all Dracula's should be. The show balances taking his character seriously while avoiding common tropes with vampires. The use of effects is amazing for a Netflix show and is honestly impressive to watch. What is cgi is hardly noticeable and the use of practical effects and costumes is great. I could talk forever on my love for this series but I'm getting tired of typing. This is a great show to watch on Netflix and I highly recommend it if you can stand the scares and gore.
Bad Boys (1995)
Pure 90s Action
Pure 90's action movie with bullets, babes, and bad dialogue. This movie is a thrill to watch if you throw out every ounce of logic while watching it. The film makes you want more movies to watch with these characters. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence play two partner cops as they try to stop a giant drug deal. Martin Lawrence and Will Smith are greatly comedic and give some easily quotable lines. The movie is full of gun fights and explosions and is a fun time to watch. A great film to watch when you just want something fun and action-packed.
Rosemary's Baby (1968)
One of the best horror movies of all time
Roman Polanski directs a slow-burn horror movie with chills throughout. Mia Farrow plays the titular Rosemary in this horror movie. The movie does not get you with jump scares or gore but relies on the psychological and use of sound. The use of the theme is eerie and reminds you of a lullaby. The movie was the utmost eerie and despite knowing the ending, it still was just as creepy. Mia Farrow is brilliant as she goes through the pregnancy and birth in the film. The use of music and silence in this film is one of the best in horror. The use of shots making Rosemary seem small further adds to the horror which can also be said for its use of shadows and lighting in the scenes. This film is a must watch horror movie on Netflix.
Kingpin (1996)
Hilarious sports film with amazingly ridiculous performances
A movie very similar to Major League or Dodgeball, this movie is the definition of your immature sports comedy. The film is great for late night viewings and brought more laughs from me than a lot of comedies I've watched recently. Why watch Oscar-worthy Woody Harrelson, when you can watch this gem? That's not even being sarcastic. Woody Harrelson shines as his usual sleaze-bag who changes his way by the end of the movie. He plays a bowling master who has his arm cut off after a bet gone wrong. Woody helps train an Amish bowler and takes him to a Reno bowling tournament to win a million dollars to save his farm. They meet all sorts of crazy characters on the way to Reno including Woody's old rival Ernie McCracken. The film does not have much in terms of great shots nor should it. The film is a good late night comedy that I highly recommend watching on Netflix.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)
Tom Hanks is perfect casting for Fred Rogers
Everyone has a soft spot for Fred Rogers, and this movie brings back all of those childhood memories of you watching him in the living room. The movie follows Lloyd Vogel, a emotional troubled man due to his parent's divorce as a young child. His work led to him meeting Fred Rogers. His kindness and persistence to help him turns Lloyd from a desensitized person into a lovely one. The cinematography is excellent due to the beginning of the movie replicating how the show was originally shot. Low-light shots add onto the dramatic scenes of sadness and vulnerability of the character. Just like Fred Rogers, this movie gives you a sense of nostalgia and happiness, and it also teaches you important life lessons. This movie is quintessentially Fred Rogers himself.
A Night at the Roxbury (1998)
Just dumb fun
Proof of why SNL movies are no longer a thing. The movie is a late night comedy with some laughs but a decent amount of jokes don't quite hit. The film knows what it is and the constant flashing lights and music give a club like atmosphere while watching. Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan play two dim witted, club-hopping brothers as they try to get into the Roxbury Club and have an adventure after getting in. The film screams '90s with Jerry Maguire references and other references of the like. The film is a film to watch when it's getting late and you need an average comedy movie and feel like bobbing your head from side to side.
Marriage Story (2019)
Noah Baumbach is so great at making movies on life
Why does Netflix have 3 contenders for best picture? I cannot answer this question but the streaming service proves with this movie why. Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson shine in this film of a married couple divorcing. The film starts off with a bang and continues to get better as it goes along. The use of white colors in the background to contrast the dark feelings of the divorce is brilliant. The actors show real emotions and the drama is brilliant. The film's jokes almost all landed with me and I found myself laughing many times during this movie. The divorce lawyers are played in the cliche but in this film it seems to really work. The divorce plays out quite realistically and the ending is quite fitting. Also Adam Driver can kinda sing, who would've thought. This film, like many other from Netflix, is great.
Dolemite Is My Name (2019)
An amazing biopic and performance by Murray
Once again, Netflix proves it can contend with those movies on the big screen with this biopic of Rudy Ray Moore. Rudy's journey to stardom leads him to meet friends and seek new heights. Whether trying to make a movie or produce a comedy record, Rudy strives to get better while remaining humble and working hard throughout the journey. The colorful costumes and sets match the real Rudy Ray Moore. The film deals with African-American entertainment as Rudy Ray Moore rises. Eddie Murphy plays the part perfectly and got quite a few laughs out of me in this role. Eddie Murphy and this film is a serious contender for Oscars and other awards of the like. The film is worth a watch if you are looking for a comedic biopic.
Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)
Great family movie, but not much else
Your typical Christmas family movie. The movie knows what it it is and is difficult to watch if you come in with high expectations. The writing is subpar and many jokes don't have the punch they think they have, but there are a few moments that are quite hilarious. The acting teens leaves much to be desired but the Rock, Jack Black, Danny Devito, Danny Glover and Kevin Hart steak the show with the best comedy. This movie is fun but tries too hard to push its message of friendship and growing older. The message does not seem to flow naturally. The scenery is brilliant and truly reminds me of playing a video game with its bright colors and ginormous animals and locations. I recommend going to a good theater as during the desert scenes it was so bright you could see through the screen and see the curtains behind them. It is a good movie to see with friends and have a good time at.
Richard Jewell (2019)
Criminally underrated biopic
Despite Clint Eastwood's high age, he is still able to churn out masterful cinema as this film shows. The film centers in the 1996 Centennial Park Bombing and the man who discovered the bomb and saved thousands, Richard Jewell. Paul Walter Hauser shines in the role as the slightly mentally handicapped security guard, Richard Jewell. Kathy Bates speech late in the movie drives audiences to tears and makes you truly feel sadness. The dark lighting and apartment where the movie takes place makes you truly feel sorry for Richard. The darkness is used primarily where the FBI or cops are in the scene as they mistreat Richard. Before walking into the film with my dad, I asked him about the actual bombing and he told me how he thought Richard Jewell was the bomber before he saw the trailer as the media spun it as him being the bomber in the late '90s. The film focuses on media attention and how it can cast those as heroes and villains and can ruin a persons life in unimaginable ways.
Knives Out (2019)
Cannot wait to see more like this from Rian Johnson
Another brilliant piece of cinematography from Rian Johnson. The film is great as it twists through the murder of mystery writer Harlan Thrombey. Chris Evans, Daniel Craig, and Ana de Armas shine in this film as they bring this film to comedic peaks. The film leaves some to be desired as the ending can be predicted quite easily, but is still a charming movie that's still pretty funny. I first thought it would be bad as it appeared that James Bond was playing Colonel Sanders as Sherlock Holmes, but as I watched it Daniel Craig stands out as a comedic character and probably my favorite character overall. The movie taking place in Thrombey's dark mansion helps set a tone and mood for the film as a whole. The creepiness of the mansion gives an uneasy tone for the audience and is used to great effect from the use of knives everywhere to the foreign-appearing furniture and decorations. The film is one of the best whodunits I've seen.
Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Maybe the worst Star Wars movie I've watched
This film is nothing but a cheap imitation of what make the other films great. JJ Abrams seeks to save the film from what the fans hated about The Last Jedi to cater to fans. The critical hate of this film is well deserved as it has nothing new to say in the Star Wars universe. If you want lightsaber battles and starship battles, it might be the film for you. This film caters to fans is highly predictable and blatantly rips off famous scenes and set pieces from previous Star Wars films and it is all I could think about while watching the movie. However, the acting done by Adam Driver and Daisy Ridley are quite good in this film and do deserve some praise for their efforts. The cinematography is good as usual with the creation of new worlds to explore and new backdrops for scenes. The scenery is great and could give the movie an Oscar in best special effects but is that really a surprise? It is not a fitting conclusion to the new trilogy and leaves much to be desired.
Uncut Gems (2019)
How did this movie not get any Oscar nominations?
Uncut Gems: A masterwork by the Safdie Brothers at its finest. It is a constant thrill ride that will leave you on the edge of your seats the whole movie. There is never a dull moment as Adam Sandler plays a diamond dealer and gambler who's casting gives an endearing side to his consistent poor choices. The film reminds me of a Scorsese film much like Joker did. The cast has much depth and is made up of many new faces to acting and an all star athlete in Kevin Garnett. The film is shot with a smooth camera and is dark in lighting in scenes of badness for Sandler's character and contrasted by bright colors and settings in times of good. The films takes place in the diamond district of New York and shows the quick and rough life lead by Sandler's character. This film is a brilliant work of cinema but will likely see little love by the Academy.