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Reviews
The Whale (2022)
"The most depressing S*#T I've ever seen in my life"
Okay so my wife and I knew this was going to be an emotional movie and it is,
At the end of the movie, 2 young teens walked down past us, slowly, like they had just recovered from a disorienting gut punch. They were shaking, holding their popcorn close to their chests. They had this genuine look of total shock in their faces. As they passed us, the one leaned towards her friend and whispered with a shaky voice "that was the most depressing S*#T I've ever seen in my life!" Those poor girls didn't know what they were going into with this movie. I think they were in shock. It's an emotional gut-punch so I don't blame them. My wife and I couldn't help but laugh at their remark. It's sincere and honest. This is an emotional movie but it's a story that we all NEED to see.
It's fascinating how there are scenes that are clearly intended to make you completely grossed out with how incredibly obese and unhealthy this individual is... yet instead of being repulsed, you can't help but genuinely fall in love with Charlie regardless of how morbidly obese he is. It's a fascinating juxtaposition and that aspect, coupled with an incredibly visceral storyline and heartfelt performances, makes this a must-see cinematic masterpiece.
It's great, enjoy!
Captain Marvel (2019)
I don't get the hate.
This was an enjoyable movie.
Seems like a lot of people hate this film claiming that it's too "social justice warrior". Honestly people are overthinking it and it's clear some people have issues they need to work out. I went to see this with my wife begrudgingly because of the low reviews. I was expecting something quite bad honestly. But I was pleasantly surprised. This movie was quite entertaining. Lots of variety, lots of laughs. Our theatre clapped at the end. Lots to like about this film.
That said, if you go into this film with the wrong frame of mind and a pre-determined bias against it, you'll probably find things to hate about it. But why do that to yourself?
I recommend doing what I did. Just go with the flow and watch it with a blank canvas. You'll discover that there is a lot to enjoy about this film. Very nostalgic 90's music and the nodd to Stan Lee was quite good, sad but also very respectful. Go have fun, don't overthink it. And remember to stay for the TWO end credit scenes. One in the middle of the credits and one at the very end. Enjoy!
Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
A movie made for the big screen
This is a movie you're going to want to see on the big screen. It's a big film. It's going to lose steam on the small screen for sure. My 8 year old daughter loved this movie. She's very inspired by Alita. Some excellent 3D shots.
I'll keep this brief. I enjoyed it very much. I strongly encourage checking this out in the theatre, for sure. Enjoy.
Better Call Saul (2015)
These writers are beyond incredible.
Don't waste your time reading these reviews, and go watch the show. Starts off slow with season 1, but the characters and compelling storytelling keeps you coming back. It picks up steam BIG TIME as the season progresses and doesn't look back. Season 2 and 3, it just keeps getting better. I'm 3-4 episodes into season 4, and I am loving it more than ever. The show fills that void left behind when Breaking Bad wrapped up. Same tone, and energy. Perhaps a little less stressful because you already know the beloved main characters are going to be fine, but there are many other characters unique to this show that you are worried about, so the anxiety undertones are still ever present. I am not a film critic, just an average guy, but the show is just that good that I feel I need to do my part in supporting it.
Please check it out. You may find yourself powering through the early part of season 1, but it picks up, and keeps getting better. Enjoy!
The Fate of the Furious (2017)
Faaantastic!
Quick, honest review here - saw the film last night, it premieres tomorrow. Here's what I think:
Real Fans of the Furious franchise will absolutely love it, it delivers! If you're a fan, you know exactly what to do going into this feature, just sit back and enjoy the ride. It's a good one, enjoy! This movie is so very clearly made for the fans.
If you're not a furious fan, maybe haven't seen the ones before, don't watch this movie, go watch the other ones first and then see this movie, you'll have a more enjoyable time. If you don't like the previous films, you won't like this one.
P.S. - If you don't like this film because of the plot holes or bad acting or cheesy moments, then you are watching it wrong! :-)
Have fun!
Blind Spot (2011)
Inspirational Short
I saw this short at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival in 2011.
The concept is very simple so it's difficult to describe this short without ruining the punchline so heads up - contains spoilers:
The story follows a male character who's driving in his car and on the phone with a travel agency trying to switch his flight. Of course he's getting the run-around from customer service and the whole time this is happening chaos quietly unfolds in the background.
His performance is quite enjoyable as most of us can easily relate to his customer service woes. He plays off the frustration very naturally and believably yet in a humorous and likable way. The urban chaos unfolding behind him is well animated with sufficient variety to keep me amused and engaged.
The reaction at the end when the man realizes what has been happening seems somewhat mild to me... his reaction is arguably not dramatic enough to merit the mammoth destruction that he is witnessing. I feel he should be more surprised considering all that has been happening without him even noticing. Anyway that said, I'm sure others would disagree with me and that's fine... in fact this film did win Silver in the audience choice award at this festival which says a lot since there were many likable shorts at this event.
Finally - The thing I particularly enjoyed the most about this short is the fact that it consists of only ONE shot. The whole story unfolds in ONE shot composition which I think really makes this short so memorable and inspiring. The script is entertaining and well balanced with the destruction happening in the back. It's a nicely paced short and if you can get your hands on it, it's a must see!
Enjoy!
Father's Day (2011)
Father's Day is perfect for you but don't let your father watch it! :-)
Father's Day has a grind-house feel to it. Scratchy film, degraded footage, etc. The cast is hilarious and their dialogue moves the movie forward. Visuals are also interesting, memorable venues and scenes. It is well shot and edited with a fast pace that keeps the viewer engaged and the story moving forward at a good pace. It feels a bit like a roller coaster ride with ups and downs. When I describe this film to friends I tell them that it feels like the writers jotted down all of the most taboo things they could think of and structured a story around it.
Don't go in expecting a Michael Bay style multi-million dollar CG packed extravaganza of a film. The SFX is all real. Stop-go or costumes and the blood is often real animal blood.
Anyway, if you're prepared to watch a crazy horror story with a fast momentum, funny dialogue, and many awkward moments that'll have you squirming yet laughing at the same time - Father's Day is for you!
Seriously, check it out - It's inspiring to see how far Astron-6 pushed their incredibly limited budget to make this film.
Enjoy!
Josie and the Pussycats (2001)
Josie and the Pussycats is the Best Movie Ever!
This movie will target a teen demographic w/ enough subtle adult humor to keep the adults entertained. The film is very easy to relate to and generally moves along quickly.
It is easy to like the many colorful and distinct characters in this film.
It is the subtext and hilarious social commentary that keeps me coming back.
This is a movie that you can watch again and again with humor and subtle elements that are easy to miss the first time around so I'd go so far as to suggest buying this movie over renting it if you can find it for a reasonable price.
I noticed that it's getting a 5/10 rating (so far) on IMDb. The movie has some weak areas but they're not overwhelmingly glaring as to truly merit this low a rating. You have to take it for what it is.
I'd say ask yourself the following questions before watching this movie:
1) Do you find the boy bands like Backstreet Boys or N'Sync to be somewhat funny? If YES, see this movie. 2) Do you think that contemporary music has become over commercialized? If YES, see this movie. 3) Are you prepared to watch a movie w/ a somewhat predictable storyline but is FUNNY? If YES, see this movie. 4) Are you around 15-30 yrs and are SOMEWHAT familiar w/ contemporary music scene? If YES, see this movie.
The BAD - Here's why it's not a 10/10 in my books: 1) goes a little overboard at the end 2) Josie's love interest is not as well developed as it could have been - but not terrible, just not as good as it could and should have been. 3) the movie briefly slows down at a point in the movie, but then it picks up at the end. Again, not terrible at all but it does. 4) the script, although underlined with excellent social commentary on the contemporary pop-culture music scene, is Hollywood formulaic and the outcome is somewhat predictable - but the hilarious characters and humor drive it forward so it's not terribly glaring.
Great cast, great direction. A Josie & the Pussycats fan would be pleased with the adaption.
Enjoy!