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Reviews
The American Society of Magical Negroes (2024)
Almost There.
The movie, distributed jointly by Focus Features and Universal Pictures, examines the problematic "Magical Negro" stereotype prevalent in 20th-century American cinema. Coined by filmmaker Spike Lee, this trope portrays Black supporting characters whose only role is to advance the narratives of white protagonists. The movie investigates the symbolism behind this trope, challenging societal norms that prioritize white comfort over the autonomy and value of Black lives. He imaginatively depicts a world where being a Magical Negro is a profession, employing humor to foster dialogue on challenging topics. I do applaud the exploration of subject matter.
Poor Things (2023)
I'm Conflicted.
The movie had me conflicted. It's interesting in spurts and then it's rather not interesting in spurts. It's visually interesting and then not. It's entertaining and then not so entertaining. It's a long movie that has its highs and lows.
The score did not help the plot. It didn't complement the film at times and distracted from the acting. I noted several times when the music was slowing the film down. It didn't help push the movie forward, but rather it made it feel like it was dragging along behind the film. That could have been the point, but it could have been executed better.
As for the meaning. It's kinda not too well defined as to the point it was making. Which could be good or bad depending on if you like a clear plot or one that is rather ambiguous and left to the reader to decide.
This Is Me... Now: A Love Story (2024)
A must-see for Jennifer Lopez fans.
This is a fun thrill ride of (relationship) biopic! Set design, comedy, dancing, a ton of interesting actors make this movie really cool. It's a very entertaining for a sprawling music video!
The sets are very thoughtful and well designed. The sets are very unique and pairs well with the music. Some are very intricate and unique!
The actors are all great. They all have a point and purpose! The comedy is great! Some of the people who are not generally funny, come across very funny in this work of art. The council is very funny and pulls from many spaces, not just actors.
The dancing is on point! There is great technique and choreography. Lopez really brings back "Jenny from the block," and has chemistry with all her dance partners.
"This Is Me... Now" a must see for Jennifer Lopez fans.
Candy Cane Lane (2023)
Fun and Entertaining
This movie was fun and entertaining! There is a lot to like about this movie. The casting was great. The acting was great. There were some great one-liners. The characters with fewest lines had some of the best lines.
The animation was over the top in a few places, but it did not distract from the movie. The main animations were spectacular! I loved the interactions between the animated characters and the live action characters.
This is a great movie for the entire family. Kids will enjoy it, and adults like myself, will enjoy it. It's a movie made to entertain and it definitely had some great twists! This movie was fun and entertaining!
Leave the World Behind (2023)
If you don't want to think... don't watch the movie.
I read a lot of reviews on this movie before I finally had a chance to watch it. I'm glad I trusted my feelings and watched it, despite all the negative reviews.
Leave the World Behind is a good movie that makes you think and observe details. If you don't want to think... don't watch the movie. If you are thin-skinned, don't watch the movie. It's not an action movie and not everything is going to be given to you. If you want a shallow movie with thin plot, watch something else. I'm sure there is a new Fast and Furious movie you haven't seen. This is a heavy movie that ultimately deals with a lot of current subject matter. I enjoyed the acting. It was good to see some fresh faces too.
It's slow, but it builds. There are a ton of nuggets, if you open your eyes and think about some of the interactions and why the might be happening.
My Big Fat Fabulous Life (2015)
Funny and Challenging!
All of these reviews are filled with fat shaming and are less about the actual content of a very interesting reality show based around a person who struggles with their weight, but still lives life to the fullest.
Whitney is brash and is not afraid of speak her mind. Sometimes it gets her in trouble, but often it needs to be said and she is the only person who is brave enough to say it.
Now the other cast is as much of a hoot to watch as Whitney. Most have almost as much character as Whitney. Her relationships are very complicated. You can't watch it after the first season without missing some of the nuances in her relationships.
I give it an 8 because it's very entertaining.
One of my favorite quotes is from Lenny. "Who does he think he is? Too good for tacos? Not my kind of people."
Spirited (2022)
Spirited
This a masterful, musical, Christmas comedy featuring some really great actors. You will not be watching your watches and clock to see what time it is or how long you have left.
If you love musicals, Christmas, and great acting, this is your movie. I really appreciated the plot and the little nuances/Easter eggs that were placed throughout the movie as well. The music was fantastic, bright, and new! The main actors really did well, given that singing is not necessarily their forte!
Overall, the movie was highly entertaining and a spectacle. I loved the inclusion of all the Broadway elements in the numbers. The Reprise was excellent and the credit number were worth watching!
I loved this movie!
F9 (2021)
Fast Cars and Fistfights!
Loved the movie! It was great from beginning to the end. It's exactly what you expect from the series with a few twists. They were very unique twists too! As usual, you get fast cars and really good fight scenes. I like it when a move does exactly what it's supposed to do. This is pure entertainment and the viewers should expect that. The plot in each movie of the series has never been too deep, but the movies still deliver! It's kinda formulaic, but it still holds my attention. This movie delivers what you expect from a Fast and Furious movie. It has fast cars, fistfights, some twists, and is highly entertaining!
Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
Ooooh... Sweet Goat of Mine!
I loved this movie! It was the right blend of comedy and action. I appreciated the acting throughout. Most Marvel movies are thin on plot except Logan and a few others, but they are still entertaining. The plot is thin but the action, comedy and acting carry the movie. I did not watch the last movie in the Doctor Strange franchise all the way through. It was not simply not interesting and hard to follow. Thor Love and Thunder kept my attention through the entire movie. It did not feel long because it was very entertaining.
Don't believe all of the bad ratings. Enjoy this movie for the entertainment value which is very high! This was a great addition to the Thor franchise.
Ozark: A Hard Way to Go (2022)
Fumbled on the Goal Line
Loved the show up until the last 30 minutes. I can think of many ways to end this series, but this was ending that left me scratching my head. It simply was not what I was hoping for given the great characters they created.
Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021)
Entertaining Movie
The movie was entertaining! The plot was thin and predictable, but before watching, I knew that would be the case based on the first Space Jam. I appreciated and enjoyed the nods to athletes and coaches like Bobby Knight, Vince Carter, Bill Belichick, and so on. The CGI and visual effects were great. I respect the art. A lot of people are comparing LeBron and Jordan. They both are not actors so to expect either to be good is unrealistic. I enjoyed the movie for what it is and would suggest others do the same. Enjoy it. If you are looking for Academy Awards level acting, then this is not your movie. If you are looking for a fun and entertaining movie, this fits the bill.