Change Your Image
alicej-75371
Reviews
Shirley (2020)
Thrilling, Disturbing
The movie is disturbing and disorienting, directed in a masterful way. It's not your run-of-the-mill, candy-wrapped biopic. The director dives into messy relationship dynamics, which is refreshing--it's frustrating and annoying but fascinating at the same time. The director made use of handheld cameras, tense dialogue, and hazy visuals to keep you on edge.
The movie feels like one of Temple's short stories, and it seems there were references to the canonical short story "Yellow Wallpaper" (another writer, Gilman). Elizabeth Moss is a terrifying genius.
Lovesong (2016)
Gorgeous and heartrending
This is one my my favorite movies because it showcases cinema's advantage over other art forms: the ability to convey so much emotion through few words. Absolutely incredible. Riley Keough and Jena Malone are in top form. Director Kim did a phenomenal job guiding them and capturing them on film.
People I know have been in similar situations, so I could imagine what was left unsaid. For those of you who were left scratching your heads, I encourage you to reach out or dig further into queer cinema (eg I Can' Think Straight, Fingersmith, Carol, Call Me By Your Name).
The Invitation (2015)
Buildup is incredible
The buildup is incredible. Director Kusama is obviously in control behind the camera. The actors and soundtrack all work together to create this eerie, bizarre sense of foreboding. Is something really wrong, or am I overreacting? The tension builds with expert precision, keeping me squirming in my seat with anxiety.
Midsommar (2019)
Incredibly stimulating if you prefer not to be spoon-fed
The entire thing felt like an acid trip, teetering between lyrically dreamy and utterly horrifying.
I don't think I've ever been so disturbed in movie that looks like a Renoir painting--pastel-colored rustic scenes with pops of highly saturated elements (mostly flowers). Breathtaking visuals, stunning cinematography. The acting was tense and understated, yet filled with appropriately cathartic freak-out moments. The audio played along with the pacing, keeping us on edge the entire time, unsure of when the nightmare will turn worse, hopeful we'll wake from the dream.
The writing was incredibly tight--leaving just enough to draw us in while inviting us to read between the lines. It's incredibly stimulating if you prefer not to be spoon-fed.
I needed inspiration and I found it. This movie is brilliant.
Ghostbusters (2016)
Hilarious
One thing that was really refreshing and wel-crafted story-wise was that we got to see the Ghostbusters learn as they go, something we don't get that enough in a lot of action thrillers where people get pushed into roles they magically seem extremely gifted to handle. Late McKinnon was hilarious as Holtz, and Chris Hemsworth provided a jaw-dropping comedic performance. Try watching it before you hate it ;)
Charlie's Angels (2019)
Fun and funny
It was fun and funny with plenty of good plot twists. The hate is overrated. It was always meant to be a fun movie and it is. Some of the scenes in the beginning are a bit too tacky for me but then it picks up. I for one was happy to see Kristen Stewart take on a completely different role.