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Reviews
The Exorcist: Believer (2023)
Solid movie!
The Exorcist: Believer is just that. It's about belief. In order to enjoy the movie you have to believe in the film. Firstly, do not even remotely expect for this film to live up to its' iconic predecessor. The Exorcist was unique in its kind when it first hit the screens 50 years ago. And it still holds its' head, high above the rest. There are too many pale intimations from Hollywood trying to recreate the magic for the past 50 years. This is where audience expectations will fall flat. Nothing can recapture The Exorcist.
Secondly, this film isn't trying to live up to The Exorcist. Whatever expectations there are, there is no outright showcasing of attempting to be better. Instead this film draws from modern understandings of exorcism and religion. This, will not sit well with certain audiences. Too many want impossible feats of nostalgia while being scared by something new. As if somehow Hollywood cracked open a secret vault 50 years later that no other 500+ exorcism films have tried before.
No, in order to enjoy this film, you must find belief in the story, in the modern realities of it, and enjoy the pangs of nostalgia here and there. Believe in the film, and it will deliver.
The Little Mermaid (2023)
Enchanting!
Ignore any criticisms because this movie is just plain enchanting! Halle Bailey captures all that it means to be Ariel plus more, her voice is a gorgeous siren song that we are blessed to hear, Melissa McCarthy is an amazing and fearsome Ursula. Many comedic beats that hit just right and are fun for kids and adults alike, amazing voice talent Daveed Diggs playing the fun, hilarious and neurotic Sebastian which is reminiscent of the original. The story is rich and has depth and warmth that will enchant children and parents for years to come. This is the next generation's Ariel and her legacy will be known.
The 355 (2022)
Pretty Good!
So I have yet to understand why this movie got so much hate? It holds about the same weight as any other "spy" movie, relative same story of preventing WWIII via some powerful technology. What really hits home is that this film is a nice shout-out to female CIA agents across the world and that they exist too. The five main actresses are amazing to watch, and fun to see them kick a**. The camera work is shaky but that's a lot of films nowadays. The plot moves at a fairly decent pace. The marketing may have been a little too overly feminist-centric, as it does tend to upset your typical fragile male moviegoers but the film saves itself from the marketing and makes it a decent watch.
Ojing-eo geim (2021)
What's the hype?
I heard nothing but hype around this tv show and had seen all the memes and had been told repeatedly to watch this show. What I got is a gory and bleak adult version of The Hunger Games. I connected with none of the characters, couldn't possibly root for any of them to win, each episode was dragged out for way too long and felt very over the top. I may have missed the hype or even felt the hype was heavily inappropriate considering the problems the characters are facing are happening to so many in the world that it feels wrong to celebrate a glorified gory version of it. If this blood spattering version of Hunger Games/Battle Royale is your cup of tea...have at it.
Cinderella (2021)
Cinderella for a new generation
This is classically adorable with wit, charm and humor. I love the diversity of characters, the songs and the charm of the film. This feels like Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella (Brandy version) for the newest generation. The timeless message hits again on female empowerment...especially during these trying days. It is precious and wonderful. Billy Porter as the Godmother is perfect casting. Don't listen to the hate. Old minds, new movie. Give it a chance and be dazzled by this new take on a timeless story!
Unfriended (2014)
Decent 21st century horror/drama
Not a bad film. Unique idea and serves its purpose for psychological horror. It can lose its audience in the drama and obvious technical flaws. Overall the film is rathering menacing, focusing on real themes such as cyberbullying and suicide, and dealing with consequences of horrific actions. At the end of the film, you find yourself rooting for the antagonist, a ghost of all characters, rather than protagonist at the beginning. Teen drama is in to bolster the plot, where backstabbing is the true horror of the film as everyone's secrets are exposed in a cruel manner. Decent acting and creative way to film. Not a bad movie.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
A Classic!
This is one of the few Disney "renaissance" movies that is completely underrated by the public. It's a hidden treasure within the Disney archives. Its no secret this movie is by far, the darkest and most "adult" of the disney films; subtle themes of lust, power, corruption, religion, and social justice. Like most 90s kids, all of these went over my head. I enjoyed the comedic relief and the music. Now as an adult, im extremely impressed how Disney got away with this film. If this was released in 2019, it would easily get a PG-13 rating for its darkness. The character Frollo is the most human, disney villain to be created. And by far, the most scary and realistic. A classic by far for many reasons. Thank you Disney for creating this one!
Hereditary (2018)
Seriously intense!
I heard a lot of hype about the movie, saying it was one of the scariest in years. Heard that before. Saw the trailer play over and over on youtube, looked kinda bland horror... Then finally decided to watch it one evening...I had to pause the movie three times to get a grip on my emotions. Toni's performance was nothing short of miraculous.
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
Her screams and wails after Charlie dies is absolutely heart-wrenching. You can hear her sorrow and pain and suffering. The acting was all very superb and amazing. At times I truly wondered if Annie was just losing her mind or if things were really happening. The climax of the movie felt so horrifying on psychological level.
This is one of the few movies I dont want to ever watch again.