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Village of the Damned (1995)
Village of the Bland, for fans of Carpenter
John Carpenter's 'Village of the Damned' is a very slow movie, even for Carpenter, that has little substance with lots of intrigue.
The premise was very strong, with the mystery surrounding what exactly the titular children are, serving as the driving force of the film. The score, although not memorable, set a consistently eerie tone throughout and supported the haunting atmosphere. Christopher Reeve was a strong lead, with some great dialogue and the child actors were pretty good in their own right as well. Speaking of, the special effects on the children's eyes were fantastic, able to add to their creep-factor rather than detract.
However, decisions made by most of the adults seem either irrational or downright stupid, with very clear signs of something not being right with the children, including several of the earlier deaths. Their ability to seemingly be oblivious to all signs saying the kids aren't right hindered on the point of frustration, but then their realisation felt like it came way to quickly. The final revelation of the film too felt like a poor X-Files twist, and it still didn't end up explaining that much. I personally think it would've been better off explaining more or nothing at all.
Overall, I found the movie to be a worthwhile experience with not much to offer, but worth watching nonetheless.
Boy Kills World (2023)
Deliriously deranged hyper-violent madness
Boy Kills World is a much more sombre film than I was anticipating, and much less of a comedy than the absurd bloodbath it actually is. A film that feels like the adaptation of a video game that doesn't exist, with characters able to sustain excruciating pain for extended amounts of time when in real life the first few hits would definitely do the trick.
The characters are great, with a well choreographed performance from Bill Skarsgård, able to match the dialogue delivered from H Jon Benjamin. June27 is an equally entertaining maniac, and each of the Van Der Koy's make for compelling villains in their own right. The costumes for the entire cast from Boy, to the cereal mascots effectively contrast and compliment each other well, like a fighter game roster, linking back to my previous statement. The gore and action scenes went hand in hand as very kinetic and equally bloody with entertainingly gruesome outcomes. Most of the humour comes from either the shock value of the action or from Boy's inner voice interpreting his surroundings/situations, and it lands way more often than it falls, but sometimes the jokes that aren't fuelled by gore end up feeling like the current trend of easy generic, humour.
The score is good, although at times there were a few moments that I think might have been better off without it or have it quieter to deliver some emotional moments more effectively. The action scenes, although very well choreographed and mostly filmed with impressive wide-shots and long takes, feature occasional uses of 'shakey-cam' that make it hard to tell what's going on and detract from the overall quality of the sequences.
Regardless, this film packs an awesome punch filled to the brim with emotionality, insane action, crazy jokes, and an awesome revenge plot with a 'video-game-like' structure to tie it all together.
Starman (1984)
Beautiful
John Carpenter's sci-fi romance is a funny and emotional exploration of love and loss. Starman offers great performances and a story that, although not ground-breaking, leaves you feeling swelled with emotion.
Jeff Bridges as the titular character is wonderfully weird, providing much of the situational humour as well as being able to anchor complex emotions with simplicity. Karen Allen portrays a grieving widower with amazing sincerity and convinced you of her journey in finding closure with her grief. The tonal shifts between drama and comedy are done really well, feeling like a seemless transition between each scene.
If I had any negatives, I'd say the movie ends a bit suddenly, and the government following Starman throughout the film didn't feel like as big of a threat as they should've. But these are really only minor nit-picks in an otherwise rewarding experience.
Overall, Starman is a beautiful road-trip, drama, romance that I found heart-warmingly mystifying.
The Avengers (2012)
Culmination
After the first few films introduced the main players with varying success, this movie sees the uniting of those characters, their arcs, and their world views come crashing at first, and then merging into a team of mighty heroes.
The performances, the music, the story, the effects, costumes, everything seems to be top-notch in this movie. Getting to see these wildly different people interact was amazing to watch, with each of the directions from each previous movie being able to blend so well with one another. The cast were all great, from Robert Downey Jr's endless abundance of wit and sarcasm to the return of Tom Hiddleston's Shakespearean and deceitful Loki as the villain. The score is nothing short of extraordinary, able to feel like the embodiment of culmination and wowing everyone who finds themselves enamoured.
Not many negatives besides a few pokes at the plot. I still chuckle at the fact they felt Hawkeye and Black Widow, were worthy members to be apart of the 'group of remarkable people' but I guess they're just really really good at shooting things.
The Avengers is perhaps the greatest accomplishment the superhero genre has ever made, providing rewatchable entertainment from start to finish with compelling characters and a really fun time overall.
The Wolverine (2013)
Great reaction to the aftermath
Set after "X-Men: The Last Stand", the movie follows Logan struggling to cope with the aftermath of that movie's final events. It features great action, a new setting to be explored in this world and a compelling story keeping it all together.
Performances all around were really good, with no surprise from Hugh Jackman and a pleasing experience with the new characters in the broadening of the 'X-Men' universe, with a personal highlight being Yukio. The Japan setting was a cool new direction able to make the story feel more fresh. Furthermore, the action was great, with some amazing close-combat fight choreography.
On the other hand, the character Viper tonally felt like she belonged in an earlier X-Men movie, coming off as a bit too comic accurate in an otherwise relatively grounded film, with the same going for the main villain introduced near the end of the film. The romance felt a bit suddenly forced and although it was kind of built up, it didn't feel entirely necessary. The scene at the end of the credits felt like it was taking a hit for the team with revealing something seemingly impossible just so 'Days Of Future Past' wouldn't have to explain it, making that movie a little bit more understandable.
Overall, this film was a compelling superhero movie with great action and performances. For fans of the X-Men franchise and more specifically the character of Logan, The Wolverine is entertaining as much as it is captivating.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
The tale worth telling, executed in a mild fashion
X-Men Origins: Wolverine explores what led Logan to the events of the original X-Men trilogy, with the story not always feeling tonally correct and making some wild decisions to favour the plot rather than fans of the comics.
Hugh Jackman is no surprise as a great lead, able to play as Logan without even trying at this point. Everyone else are pretty good too, mostly able to be grounded but not too serious in an overall not-so-serious movie, especially Liev Schreiber as Victor. In the larger franchise puzzle, the film aligns very well with what the previous films establish, aside from Victor seemingly not recognising who Logan is in the events of "X-Men (2000)".
This film is quick, really quick, with some points in the story feeling like they skipped being completely resolved in order to get to the next scene as quickly as possible, which works in some cases but more often feels like a cheap shortcut. Moreover, it flip-flops between fun and serious tones, but not always in a perfect fashion, with some moments better than others. The special effects range from really good to very iffy, and especially near the final fight of the film. Without giving too much away, fans of Deadpool will be very confused and some even disappointed, with the character so sidelined and nerfed he could've given James Marsden's Cyclops a run for his money. And Gambit felt like a fun inclusion yet in hindsight, wasted potential.
Overall, this film is able to offer enough fun for many people to find entertaining, yet misses many marks to be that little bit better. It could have been more, but it's fine as it is.
Moonfall (2022)
Honestly, like, what even... I mean what?
I went into Moonfall expecting another ridiculous end of the world movie. What I witnessed felt like watching two people saying increasingly absurd things, trying to outdo the other person's last comment.
With many, many, many sequences of large-scale tension, none was felt, because it's just such a dumb fun ride you know you're gonna be fine by the time it ends. The cast cannot save the stupidity (traded for actual dialogue) coming out of their mouths, with characters saying sci-fi jargon to explain the moon falling as well as how to stop it. Big special effects, huge natural disasters and by the end it's revelation after revelation of utter absurdity.
Whether any of this appeals to you will determine how you will end up enjoying the film, deciding if you'll laugh or cry at the logic that is so thinly stretched it rips like soft fabric. Highly entertaining, but goes a bit too overboard near the end.
Wish (2023)
A generic 100th anniversary adventure
Wish marks the 100th anniversary of Disney via attempts at referencing much of what came before, with all the problems found in their modern media. Strong headed characters who never learn to think, animal sidekick that serves no purpose, villain who isn't wrong until the writers rework them at the last minute and songs that don't evoke anything resembling an identifiable emotion, aside from confusion and shame.
The voice cast do what's asked of them, providing enough entertainment to please the average audience, with many laughs coming from the talking goat or the villain's over-the-top nature. The animation was, distracting, but clever, portraying the classic 2D animation in a 3D manner was a great choice for celebrating the anniversary. The overall message was good, teaching you to work hard and earn what you want rather than take shortcuts to get it, however I feel it got lost in translation in several sequences that are still baffling me.
The story feels so half-baked, with characters that feel more like cogs keeping the clock running rather than personalities driving the plot forward. The film's villain can best be described as an alcoholic put in charge of a liquor cabinet, constantly tempted by dark nature and resisting, until he eventually caves and prior to his all out villainous acts, you see he was trying. The logic behind a lot of what is said and done between some characters and scenes either feels contradictory or anticlimactic in their resolution, making an overall unrewarding experience.
Wish isn't all that great, but probably has an audience that will oversee its many negatives for its few positives.
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (2023)
Stunning, gorgeous and absolutely beautiful
Not a 'Swifty', was barely familiar with two of her 'eras', yet was absolutely blown away by the tight choreography, entrancing light show and dazzling costumes.
Taylor Swift had proven to me why she is the renowned pop star that her fans claim she always has been, with three and a half hours of songs throughout her career, equally showing what she has accomplished through the years as well as looking towards a very bright future for herself.
On the other side of things, not being a huge fan made me feel isolated and I only truly came around once the 'Red' era started. From that point, I was convinced I had to listen to more of her music soon afterwards. Furthermore, some backup dancers came off as a bit distracting with their overacting but that's probably just me being picky.
The Eras Tour is for all fans of Taylor Swift. Excellent show and so great it was converted into a format for everyone to see.
Next Goal Wins (2023)
Funny sports drama based on a true story
This movie is a hilarious, heartfelt retelling that promotes kindness, passion and just being a good person in general. Coming from the same mind that brought us Boy, Hunt for the Wilderpeople and What We Do in the Shadows. Needless to say, I wasn't too surprised how good this was.
Knowing very little about the true story as well as the rules of soccer, I went in nervous thinking it was going to make me feel somewhat lost or isolated, and was happy to find out that wouldn't be the case, as it focuses much more on the characters' journeys than the sport itself. That said, the games played, especially near the end, are as tense as you'd expect from any sports film climax. Michael Fassbender proves he's a better actor than people think, even though people already think he's great. The inclusion within the film was handled very fairly and maturely as well.
Taika Waititi had me worried with his previous run with Marvel, being responsible for the much hated unfunny Thor: Love and Thunder, and there are some jokes that feel like they don't land nearly as well as they should or the writer thought they could. But as a whole the film is very funny.
Overall, a very wholesome, funny, emotionally driven sports film.
Migration (2023)
Borderline funny, generic, animated family road trip
This is the kind of movie you'd think of to distract your kids for 90 minutes with harmless, inoffensive content and teaching lessons about working together and loving your family.
The cast was the most surprising aspect of the film, with Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Danny DeVito, and Keegan-Michael Key are all provenly funny comedians, yet not one provided a genuine laugh for me, as the films humour is targeted almost exclusively for kids, which is fair but leaves much to be desired for parents.
The animation was absolutely incredible, with astonishing landscapes and detailed environments filled with detail, especially the impressive water effects.
It's a fine movie for who its targeted at and what it's aiming to accomplish, it's just not all that special or unique in hindsight.
Late Night with the Devil (2023)
Innovative direction paired with relatively basic twisty plot
This film had me captivated from the first second it started to its final millisecond. Taking a new approach within the found footage genre and able to deliver a chilling demonic possession story that comments on the dangers and cost of attaining fame.
The set design, narrative structure, and performances are able to make you feel like you're watching something from the 70s, with appropriate historical references made. Moreover, the colour palette of costumes and sets complement the decade it's representing nicely. David Dasmalchian has played the mentally troubled character in many movies prior to this one, but his performance as the internally struggling yet externally charismatic lead Jack Delroy still managed to stun me. The other actors were great too, playing a mix of varying guest stars on the fictional television program that ranged from entertaining to intimidating.
If I were to point out any negatives, they'd more be like minor issues. The movie paces itself patiently and feels like it takes a while until it really gets started, and the final act has some special effects that look a bit too clean and border on contrasting with the rest of the film.
Overall, this movie was devilishly delightful, a supernatural horror with a distinct style, which seems to be rare in its sub-genre.
Abigail (2024)
Bloody good time, eventually
Abigail was an incredibly fun horror film staring a diverse range of personalities up against a small but powerful enemy who is revealed to be the titular ballerina.
I'd list the stand-outs, but honestly I felt there were no two people in this movie who felt the same. Never previously heard of Dan Stevens, but him as Frank was my personal favourite performance as the calm, professional opportunist Frank. The real worry I went into this film was Alisha Weir as Abigail. Child actors can be a hit or miss and more often than not in modern entertainment there are misses. However, her turn to Abigail and the amount of layers she brings to the character was incredibly fun to watch, hats off to her.
My only real complaints are the first 30-40 minutes acts as a mystery as to who is responsible for the first death and you can tell the marketing didn't do the movie any favours revealing that it's Abigail, making it feel like a bit of a drag. And the third act goes on for some time, as if the movie doesn't want the fun to end, which is fair enough too.
Regardless, Abigail is a really fun time to be had with a deceptive slow opening act, an amazingly sickly second act and an overall fun third act, and I'd recommend this to any fans of its genre.
Oppenheimer (2023)
Brilliant Nolan historical drama
"Oppenheimer" is a grand movie, made up of many moving parts with no unnecessary elements thrown in that I could identify with performances that amazed, and even surprised me.
Cillian Murphy has proved to me the range he possesses that I previously hadn't believed he had, with his portrayal of Oppenheimer as closed off and distant whilst being open and (mostly) honest. Performances from Florence Pugh, Robert Downey Jr and several other cast members surprised me how much they stood out without having me drawing comparisons from previous performances of theirs as well.
The first hour of the movie focuses almost entirely on set up, introducing characters and works views very efficiently. The second hour is by far the strongest portion of the movie, showing each characters' reactions to the potential of a nuclear 'gadget' and what it would mean for the world's past, present and future with a constantly tense atmosphere. The third and final hour of the movie systematically showcases the repercussions faced by Oppenheimer and those around him after the bombing and wraps up the movie (although takes its time getting there).
Nolan's quirk to telling his stories out of order, depending on who you are, feels somewhat unwelcome here. With the large cast and multiple plot lines difficult to keep track of, I found myself feeling alienated at times. Faces are easier to remember than names, yet we're relied on to remember many people by their names alone, and there are an abundance of characters from scientists to politicians making it easy to get lost.
Regardless, "Oppenheimer" is a great movie with great performances and an effective retelling of one of the most infamous people to ever live.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)
Bloated, rushed and ultimately harmless fun
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is a greatly unfocused yet overall entertaining movie.
The film follows Pheobe... and Ray... and Gary... and Callie... and Winston... and Nadeem... and Podcast... and Lars... and Trevor... and Peter... and even to an extent Janine. The team once again navigate a dangerous new threat linked with an ancient prophecy promising to bring about the end of days.
The best parts come from the tense sequences present throughout, with an ever increasing threat lurking beneath the mysterious orb encasing it. The change of scenery back to New York and the HQ was a great choice, making it look more consistent with the first 2 movies and linking them better with 'Ghostbusters: Afterlife'. The aesthetic and soundtrack make it feel like a Ghostbusters movie, but it's shortcomings detract from it fully realising itself.
Some funny jokes sprinkled in as you would hope for a Ghostbusters movie, but unfortunately it's unable to attain the tone of the first movie. The cast is way too big, with too many moving parts to keep in a less than 2 hour runtime. There isn't really a main character, and many characters I briefly forgot whilst others seemed to have their b-plots cut short. Pheobe had something interesting going but I believe didn't pay off all that well, Gary had maybe the second most intriguing arc yet had it resolved very suddenly, and Ray serves as the most interesting perspective yet isn't given the time required to flesh out his story in the best way possible. References are not a bad thing, but the ones here either came off as unnecessary or simply an afterthought.
The villain had the benefit as well as the loss of being an original idea and not just Gozer (or Vigo, for that matter) again. He's built up throughout the movie very well, but his arrival seemingly happens only 2 minutes before his anticlimactic departure.
Ghostbusters could be going in the right direction, but needs to learn to be a bit more minimalistic in future (if there is one).
Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey 2 (2024)
Hadn't seen the first one going in...
Starring dollar store 80s slashers and co-starring a protagonist who doesn't really do anything until the final moment of the movie.
Christopher Robin undergoes much character development, but the eventual pay off doesn't amount to much in the end.
As previously aforementioned, Pooh and friends are each essentially dollar store slashers. Pooh is basically Jason Voorhees, with the use of tools as weapons. Tigger is pretty much Freddy Krueger from the later Elm Street's, with puns that aren't puns and only work depending on who you are. Piglet is basically Leatherface, although he offers less in the long run. Owl is probably the most like his TV show counterpart, although that's not saying much.
That nightclub scene was very entertaining and definitely the highlight of the film. It takes itself too seriously alot of the time but it's pretty okay overall.
Thanksgiving (2023)
The table is set... with barely any leftovers...
'Thanksgiving' is an astonishingly enjoyable slasher and possibly the best in years, opting out of taking the subversive, self-aware trend seen in countless other modern slashers started by 'Scream' and 'I Know What You Did Last Summer'. I am aware of the Grindhouse fake trailer this movie had, and am very pleased with its 'adaptation'.
This film benefits greatly from modernising itself enough to provide a fresh new approach for the slasher villain to take, yet it's still able to be as straightforward as any slasher fan could hope for. John Carver is a fantastic original creation, on par with (and perhaps surpassing) many other holiday slashers such as the Miner from 'My Bloody Valentine' and Billy from 'Silent Night Deadly Night'.
The whodunit approach was the weakest part for me personally. I felt just knowing the killer could've been anyone in town who seemed capable would have been thrilling enough on its own. The eventual reveal made the movie just okay onwards.
Regardless, 'Thanksgiving' was a brutal, bloody and darkly funny good time that entertained the living daylights out of me, providing some of the most creative thanksgiving themed kills whilst managing to remain simple.
Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
Action-packed perfection starring Tom Cruise
One of the few perfectly constructed and rewatchable movies I have ever and will ever see.
From start to finish you're treated to entertainment from an assortment of variations. Injected moments of levity are all top notch, the character transition of Bill Cage from a charming coward to essentially a jaded veteran is amazing, and of course the repeated action is kept fresh and thrilling with support of the thunderous score.
You can watch it again and again and still find new details that relate to past and future events.
Even for those who don't watch sci-fi or action, I will recommend Edge of Tomorrow to anyone and everyone.