Change Your Image
truttplaywriting
Reviews
Spider-Man 2 (2023)
Absolutely perfect.
Insomniac's Spider-Man 2 is not only a technical masterpiece with NO loading screens, but a tour de force of storytelling in interactive media.
Inspired by and combining elements from Raimi's trilogy, Web of Shadows, various comics, and Into the Spider-Verse, the game manages never to feel bloated and never underwhelms. Switching between the two heroes (and other characters!) is seamless, and where Peter tackles more of the A plot, ultimately trying to find balance as a better Peter, Miles pulls a lot of emotional weight in the B plot and side quests as he works to become a better Spider-Man.
I cried multiple times, and the representation and care shown for Miles goes beyond performative and really hit home a few times, especially in his interactions with his mom. I highly recommend this for anyone, even those new to gaming, for one of the most tonally accurate and heartwarming Spider-Man stories put to screen.
This is what AAA gaming should look like! I'm so enamored with games that proves compelling storytelling is only possible in interactive media but can be dramatically enhanced by it. Indie games have done it several times over, but Sony's first-party exclusives (TLOU2 and God of War especially) are really pushing how studios should be developing AAA titles. (Well, narratively at least. Still need to fix the whole deadline crunch labor practices.)
10/10 no notes except to patch a few bugs out please.
Oppenheimer (2023)
IMAX 70mm is heaven.
Dear God, if you can see it in IMAX 70mm, do it. The ability of Nolan's team to recreate Trinity in a way that makes you feel the full force of its consequences in one beautiful and terrifying sequence is masterful.
I could say so much more, but honestly it doesn't need much prefacing. Nolan does a pretty solid job of not glorifying or vilifying Oppenheimer and presents the story with as much context as he can.
While diversity is never Nolan's strong suit, it makes sense in the context of a historical film where the story has to focus largely on *mostly white men constructing the gadget.
Murphy is excellent, but Downey's somewhat limited screen time is a tour de force and Oscar worthy as well.
The Boys (2019)
Perfection
To say much about this show would be a disservice - it's best watched with fresh eyes. An unflinching look at modern society through the lens of superheroes and biting satire, "The Boys" is not afraid to take on everything from sexual assault to neo-Nazis. A masterclass of a show where acting, directing, production, and editing all work in perfect harmony. The sound department alone is one of the finest in all television. The plot is anything but formulaic, and even when you can see where some threads might lead, you never know just how the show will get there. Each episode is more depraved than the next, and I can't wait for season 4. A must watch for any screenwriter.
Hacks (2021)
A true tour de force of television
The leads are incredible and deliver on every beat, creating an unforgettable dynamic, in no small part thanks to Einbinder, who more than holds her own with Smart. Sharp dialogue at every turn makes you laugh when you least expect it. Everything here works in perfect harmony, including diverse representation that is natural and three dimensional. This is a show I wish I were writing on. Two incredible seasons down, and hopefully more to come.
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
If "Sorry to Bother You" was actually smart.
I had seen STBY in an advance screening and was immensely disappointing. Having a "twist" came at the cost of its characters and plot being half-baked. Not so here. This film is hilarious and visceral from beginning to end. Its absurdism and sci-fi elements enhance the story rather than serve as a twist. The cast is stellar throughout and clearly had a blast making the film. This is a prime example of making a script that is truly designed for a visual medium - you could not tell this story outside film, and that's a good thing. Clever and fun action paired with sincere dialogue and stunning visuals, EEAaO is a tour de force of high concept filmmaking done without sacrificing humor or entertainment for the sake of being "art."
Castle (2009)
Rating ignores season 8
I'm considering "Hollander's Woods" and Marlowe's departure as the finale of the show, which is an extraordinary procedural for seasons 1-7. Hawley and Winter deliver an exceptionally ridiculous final season to a show that was already complete.
Yes, God, Yes (2019)
Better as a short
The short film gets the pacing right. Here, things just feel padded out. Fun concept that's done better in other films - including the short.