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Yorb-Davidson42
Reviews
Gerald's Game (2017)
Good, clever, and incredibly discomforting - payoff was unsatisfying though.
Without spoiling it, I watched this movie after seeing a particularly iconic scene, only to find out it happens at the very end and plays a relatively minor role in the film. There is a particularly unnerving character who could have been made more ominous and relevant, but it ended up feeling like something stitched on as an afterthought.
As it says in the title, I thought several elements were clever and well-crafted. The movie depicts the main character's experiences in an surreal yet relatable way.
A lot of people consider that a movie's ability to make you uncomfortable or on edge to be a mark of quality, and I can understand that perspective. This movie does it very well and deals with some true-to-life taboo subjects in a believable way. However, the build of tension similarly builds up my expectations for some sort of satisfying culmination, like the thrilling downward rush of a rollercoaster following a gradual and tense ascent. The movie fails to deliver satisfaction. The main plot is resolved, and then you are presented with a notable, yet low-impact exposition in the 5 or 10 minutes after the story has basically ended. It would have been better if the secondary plot was given more of an unseen presence rather than being referred to in ambiguous terms.
The Beekeeper (2024)
A theatre kid's impression of an action movie.
IMDB's rating system is broken. This movie was a big disappointment. At the time I watched this, it was rated 6.1. I would expect an above-average viewing, but sadly this was well below par.
My biggest gripe is the unbelievability, even by action standards. The dialogue and plot-progression was cringe and nonsensical.
The first smell of BS was when a character falls victim to a 'computer virus' scammer and instead of a spartan call center in India, we are treated to flashy white guys in a big office building in the states. I was willing to look past this as I figured it would be culturally insensitive, and morally dubious for Jason Statham to enact a revenge fantasy on them (at least without a bit of nuance).
The secondary protagonist (FBI agent lady) was a hamfisted attempt at a female lead embodying traits someone associates with a typical male lead which seem out of place, and poorly designed. Her acting is one-dimensional, and uninspired, but I attribute that to the character design rather than the actress' chops. She is unbelievably 'plus sized' for an FBI agent, however I guess her and her colleague could have been jaded desk-jockeys or something. Makes no sense when you see her charging into live-fire zones though. Ultimately she does nothing plot-wise but follow Jason Statham around and could have otherwise remained entirely off-screen for the duration of the film. Same for her male colleague, who was admittedly less of a main character.
Jason narrowly avoids being cringe by doing what he always does - the absolute minimum. He sticks to basics by saying little but with a cool voice, and punching bad guys. Not impressive by any standards, but besides the former director of the CIA, he is the least annoying.
Ridiculous outfit choices and dialogue abound. All intelligence/military personnel are mindless grunts who attempt to bumrush the armed beekeeper rather than shooting him. The action sequences are uninspired and unbelievable - typical 'wait until the guy in front of me dies before attacking, and then die' routine.
The only plot twist is that one of the characters connected to the bad guy didn't know that he was bad. Otherwise it's just a guy killing grunts in different locations in order to get to the big bad guy. The whole beekeeper motif was forced and mostly irrelevant.
Sex Pot (2009)
A sublime critique on contemporary lowbrow humor
This movie was a fantastic analysis of the developing male 'id'. The tumultuous plot is a beautiful reflection on the chaotic destruction and recreation of the self-perceived identity of an adolescent mind.
With stunning visuals and brilliant cinematography, this movie simultaneously pays homage to, and critiques classics such as 'American Pie', 'American Pie 2' and 'American Wedding'. It highlights the purity of mirth found in simple humour whilst deriding a director's desperate desire to cling to a plot.
Whilst this movie may not be for everyone, such as the pessimistic and pretentious like Harry Sorensen; those who seek pleasure in entertainment and life in general are sure to enjoy this art film.
The Combination (2009)
Poor Man's American History X
It's basically a re-used plot, featuring more detestable characters lacking any serious depth or development. They perpetrate some very negative stereotypes of cultures in Australia, and glorify violence and bad hairstyles. If Harry tells you otherwise, don't believe him. He is not a level-headed movie critic, and frankly represents the negative attributes displayed by the main protagonist.
The dichotomy of cultures portrayed in the movie is a farcical hyperbole of abuse and violence under the false veil of honour and 'street justice', when in reality it is all about greed and insecurity. The only redeeming element in the film is the accurate portrayal of the fashion sense adopted by the criminal counter-cultures, namely the terrible haircuts and sportswear.