Amazing acting from veteran and new actors alike- Mason Thames held his own like a champ alongside Ethan Hawke (who shines in his unusual role of a villain). The story was unique and captivating, without utilizing cheap scares and cliches. Mixed coming of age, thriller, and bits of comedy to create an enticing story that captures you the entire ride. Also a wonderful representation of the complex highs and lows of a substance abusing father who still loves his children. If you enjoyed Sinister, Scott Derrickson creates a similarly unsettling and gripping atmosphere without quite as much gore and hopelessness. A movie with heart, terror, laughter, and tears. Definitely will be watching again and again!
Reviews
12 Reviews
One Of Us Is Lying
(2021–2022)
Different but excellent
3 November 2021
Completely different plot line than the book (though of course keeps the same gist), but honestly I found it just as enticing and complex. This version gives you more complexity and sympathy for Simon, more of maeve in her own spotlight, and still keeps you guessing til the end. Wonderful cast and production, plus room created to further another storyline!
Bo Burnham: Inside
(2021 TV Special)
Masterful self portrait of the human experience
1 June 2021
Bo has this magical way of capturing the human experience in a funny, uncomfortable, painfully honest beauty. It's a comedy, it's hilarious, and at the same time it's not at all. Much like life. Here we see his truly stunning brain trying to capture his human experience in the best way he knows how, and praying that perhaps one soul watching can feel seen and safe too. Thank you Mr Burnham- for making us laugh, making us think, reminding us how it feels to feel human and seen. From those of us on the other side of the screen that understood- never stop doing all you can to try and capture the human experience. It is seen, it is received, and it is appreciated.
The Babysitter
(I) (2017)
Pleasantly surprised by this one
28 April 2021
Honestly surprised by this one. I'd like to think I'm not a cheap laugh, and I had very low hopes seeing trailers with dumb cliche tropes galore. However, I ended up being pleasantly surprised by the laughs they provoked and the storyline that kept me enticed. The leading cast shone (Judah is coming to take over hollywood soon, just you wait), and while there were plenty of "dumb" jokes, overall it never felt like cheap or patronizing writing. Surprised myself by saying I would recommend giving this one a watch!
Behind Her Eyes
(2021)
Twists blinded us to the baffling storyline
28 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Watched because everyone promised a shocking twist at the end, and who doesn't love a good twist. Alas, the entire setup of the characters and the show led to a confusing and unbelievable conclusion with much to be desired.
Not for a second was Rob shown to be anything more than a jokester, protector, and friend to Adele, so the sudden murder in order to steal her husband after one longingly exchanged glance felt cheap and cruel. When he "is" Adele, there is not even a slight trace of the witty and lovable man we see 10 years prior. And the events leading to the final turn out- why is Lou going to project into the home right after she just busted an hand punching out the window? Fianlly, Adam can tell his mom isn't herself in two seconds. But David doesn't realize the woman he marries isn't the same one he fell for?
Overall started off so strongly with enticing story and well acted characters. But the ending left me angry for just about every character. Cheap shots for a thrill.
Not for a second was Rob shown to be anything more than a jokester, protector, and friend to Adele, so the sudden murder in order to steal her husband after one longingly exchanged glance felt cheap and cruel. When he "is" Adele, there is not even a slight trace of the witty and lovable man we see 10 years prior. And the events leading to the final turn out- why is Lou going to project into the home right after she just busted an hand punching out the window? Fianlly, Adam can tell his mom isn't herself in two seconds. But David doesn't realize the woman he marries isn't the same one he fell for?
Overall started off so strongly with enticing story and well acted characters. But the ending left me angry for just about every character. Cheap shots for a thrill.
Demolition
(2015)
How it feels to be human
14 April 2021
Brilliant, just brilliant. Watched it for the second time the other day and was reminded how much I adored it. A little bit happy, a little bit sad, a lot a bit human. Just a good reminder of what life feels like, the complexity of humans, and the beauty that is being alive.
Defending Jacob
(2020)
The ultimate parent's dilemma- uncertainty
18 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Beautiful ensemble, great directing, perfect slow burn. I've seen quite a few complaints about changing the ending of the book, but I think it brings something incredibly refreshing and thoughtful to the story. Which is worse- to know with certainty or try and survive with the uncertainty? Could you possibly live your life with the uncertainty of whether or not your child is a murderer and psychopath? I thought the show did a beautiful job of allowing us to see him as either innocent or guilty. Ambiguity pains many viewers, but isn't the only certainty in life that nothing is certain?
Normal People
(2020)
Love isn't always straightforward
2 May 2020
It can be hard to capture the words and feeling of a book into a visual and emotional piece of film, and this show does it. Sensual, tender, and intimate, it gently clutches your heart and makes you remember what it means to feel the complexities of love. Quiet, beautiful, and subtle, just a beautiful piece told perfectly by two absolute stars in the making.
The Goldfinch
(2019)
Sparknotes lite version
27 March 2020
Overall, well done film in terms of acting, cinematography, and ambiance. But if you walked into this film with no knowledge of the plot.. you'll walk out without knowing any more. It feels more like an extended trailer or light outline of the story rather than delving in to anything. Nothing is ever fully explained, silences brood with no answers, and overall just felt like it was completely missing a rich story line. Want to know the story? Read the book.
1917
(2019)
I mean wow
11 January 2020
Wildly impressive. A simple story that plays like a theatre drama, the intimacy and subsequent pressure of one take keeps you holding your breathe on the edge of your seat the entire duration. MacKay and Chapman shine as they carry the emotional weight of the film like champs. Visually stunning, emotionally wrenching, and overall groundbreaking technologically. Will leave you reeling, without a doubt.
How I Live Now
(2013)
Great cast, disappointing story
11 January 2020
The casting is splendid, showcasing some amazing actors before their time in the light. Sadly, the story does not hold its own. Not a ton of real depth, relational development, or riveting plot. The movie itself isn't so bad as to suggest no one should ever watch; but if you're watching for the sake of the cast, invest your time in one of their better pieces.
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