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chriskeizur
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Prey (2022)
Breath of fresh air
A breath of fresh air among the many sequels and reimaginings. Every shot lit solely by torchlight was a delight, as was the minimalist approach that let the visuals speak for themselves. If this is the direction we are headed for future Predator installments, we are in for a good time.
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)
Six vignette take on a Western
This is the movie that A Million Ways to Die in the West wanted to be.
Great series of stories by the Coen brothers, and with the format if one doesn't work for you another will be coming along. Each of the six pieces were linked thematically, but all have unique hooks. The first is a comic musical, while a later one tells a dark tale with almost no dialogue.
The standouts were All Gold Canyon, Meal Ticket, and The Gal Who Got Rattled.
Magic for Humans (2018)
Breezy Watch
Magic for Humans is the perfect show to have on while you go about your business. Justin Willman is charming, the magic is entertaining, and the set pieces bounce around, so if there is a part you find obnoxious it never sticks around for too long.
The show reminds me a little of Nathan for You, and I think it could continue to grow in the future. The best parts are any time he interacts with children, as its fun to see their wonderment. If you enjoy the first episode's marshmallow test, then you will enjoy the show.
Miss Sherlock (2018)
Love letter to the detective and Japan
Miss Sherlock is an interesting take on the classic tales we all know. The series moves along at a brisk pace, the mysteries are fun to unravel alongside the lead detective and everything is well-shot.
It may not be a perfect show, but anyone who is a fan of the BBC Sherlock or the novels should be engrossed. And there are some unique camera techniques throughout the episodes that lend a dynamism to the whole proceedings.
Definitely give the series a shot
Hereditary (2018)
Captivating take on grief
During the inciting incident in "Hereditary" (no spoilers, but anyone who has seen the film will know what I am talking about) I drooled on myself. I was so captivated and stunned by what I was seeing, that my jaw literally dropped.
Ari Aster's debut feature length film gets its hooks into you early, and keeps you engrossed throughout. It's a moody flick, that follows some of the tried and true practices of horror-greats without ever feeling like a retread. In fact, if you are looking for a popcorn scary movie that will have you shouting with fright at jump scares and gratuitous gore, then stay away. But nonetheless those patient enough will find this movie will have you squirming in your seat.
The cinematography is inventive, with lots of dynamic shots and clever incorporation of the main character's profession of designing dioramas. At times, it becomes difficult to tell if what you are looking at is real or not - something the characters struggle with themselves.
And the acting is a shining triumph in this film, and one that should be recognized come award season. Gabriel Byrne and Milly Shapiro are both delightful, with the later shaking off the narrative that child actors can bring a performance down, while Alex Wolff does a decent job (despite some strange crying). But the standout star is Toni Collette, who portrays the mother Annie. She is so visceral in this movie, and whenever she is on set the film elevates into a whole other level. Her performance during a scene around the dinner table is one of the best moments in acting I have ever watched.
"Hereditary" is a strong movie that continues the recent trend of horror films breaking into prestige territory - much to my chagrin, a self-professed coward. It shows how grief can seep into a home and infect and warp those touched by it.