minifiecw Reviews

Love Lies Bleeding (2024)

Great cinematography, unrealistic writing

[6/10 · 24 March 2024]

A24 strikes again!

The cinematography is very good. Great use of lighting and color, and even the editing is excellent. Plus, of course, Ed Harris delivers another fantastic performance.

In spite of these things, the people behind me are chatting and I'm sitting here in the theater writing this. Bottom line is: the writing is bad. Even though it's a cool story, a lot of the characters' behaviors are nonsensical, and the dialogue is just weird, which really takes the audience out of it.

Plus the romantic story arc I think undermines some of the other cool elements of the film-like the world building and strong female leads. In spite of the action and strength the characters portray, it is the love arc that seems very unbelievable and forced, and I feel like I'm watching fan fiction.

Good music tho.

Beau Is Afraid (2023)

Too much trauma, not enough story

[7/10 · 30 April 2023]

"Beau is Afraid" is a visually stunning masterpeice, but as for Ari Aster movies that is to be expected. Ultimately, Aster excels in portraying child-guilt and anxiety, but at the cost of tangible narrative.

Where I think his earlier films, especially "Midsommar," did very well is the portrayal of trauma through an unreliable narrator. However, in "Beau is Afraid," it is at the cost of actual story. In truth, I am still confused about where the character actually is-physically, psychologically, and even temproally-throughout most of not all of the movie.

Beau's (Joaquin Phoenix) story-arc in terms of growth leaves much to be desired. Aster shows how his titular, pathetic heroine came into being, but does little to show what his life is actually like, who he actually is, or even what he really does. A more apt name for this plotless movie may be 2 hours and 59 minutes of Joaquin Phoenix crying.

The film was interesting but, for my taste, incomplete. Certainly within a 3-hour timeframe a writer has more than enough time to close the loop for a case study on a single character's psyche.

I'll admit, though, that I struggle to give it less than 7-stars because (a) Aster sets the benchmark for show-don't-tell writing (his reveal of Beau's past), (b) the cast's incredible performances (led by Phoenix), and (c) visual successes. Plus it was altogether still an interesting movie that I'm sure I will contribute to think about.

How could you not? It's an Aster film.

Elvis (2022)

Misdirected story

[5/10 · 21 September 2022]

First off and undeniably, Austin Butler had an incredible performance, and Tom Hanks did not disappoint.

The issue with this film is directing. It is far too long and tells the wrong story - rather than focusing on the titular character, director Baz Luhrman centers on his manager, the whimsical Colonel (Hanks), who financially abused Presley (Butler).

In a movie called "Elvis," I'd expect to learn more about Elvis Presley's actual journey through the industry and stardom rather than a tunnel-vision perspective from the man who manipulates the protégée over the course of his career.

Moreover, Luhrman's production is simultaneously thematically lacking and too on the nose. The well-accepted storytelling "show, don't tell" is not represented in this movie. Because Luhrman lacks the substance to support his ideas about Elvis's desire to be desired, he must repeatedly and explicitly state the idea through the narrator, the Colonel.

A more accurate depiction of Elvis's life may feature his submission to drugs (something practically mentioned twice throughout the movie) or the set of performance and how Elvis changed the industry. Instead, Luhrman takes the cop-out of "love" from an entirely unlikeable narrator. Elvis is one of the most successful artists of all time-that's the story. Luhrman tries to be artistic by looking an unknown member of Elvis's life, but his attempt comes across as pretentious and superficial.

Would not recommend, and one of the few movies I wasn't sure if I'd be able to finish.

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

A feat of cinematography and storytelling

[9/10 · 7 August 2022]

Great family-centered sci-fi with cool action sequences! Should watch if you like somewhat whimsical movies with positive undertones.

Also great for angsty young people who love, but struggle with, their parents.

In "Everything, Everywhere, All At Once" the Daniels accomplish an achievement akin to "Cloud Atlas" and the works of Christopher Nolan. Their film dauntlessly travels where few have gone before tackling life's hard what-ifs through manifesting different versions of self across an infinite multiverse in this reality-bending opus.

Michelle Yeoh's dynamic acting brilliantly captures the choice to face life's many questions with turmoil and love rather than frustration at lack of answers. Alongside Ke Hay Quan and Stephanie Hsu, the trio of lead actors provide inspiration for any family member faces growing pains.

Jojo Rabbit (2019)

I loved this movie.

[10/10 · 21 July 2021]

Comedic but knows when to be serious. Beautiful imagery portrays the young protagonist's naïveté about Naziism which makes for a visually stunning and profound film that takes hold of your heart.

I think this film is important. It's both a wonderful essay as well as simply a highly enjoyable piece of cinema. Would definitely recommend to all casual moviegoers, history buffs, artists, and cinema snobs.

Taika Waititi has taken the age-old question "can there be good without evil?" and flipped the script. His film focuses on slightly different question: Is it always worth searching for the good?

The Jungle Book (2016)

Filmmaking does justice by Story

[10/10 · 30 June 2021]

I am a big fan of the original "Jungle Book," but I love this movie. I'll admit it brought me to tears (the good kind) at one point.

The animals actually have facial expressions, contrary to many criticism of the live action "Lion King."

Anyway I recommend this movie for all ages. Jon Favreau back at it again, awesome performances by the kid, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, and Bill Murray.

Arrival (II) (2016)

Great Sci-Fi and outstanding production!

[10/10 · 12 January 2021]

I love and appreciate this movie much more than one can for a cult-classic.

"Arrival" is a hard Science Fiction film that takes a unique look on mankind's first interactions with humans and discusses communication, culture, and - most importantly - compassion.

Brilliant writing and outstanding performances from both Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner.

Fair warning that while the story is beautiful, and I personally believe an optimistic narrative, it does deal with some heavy overtones.

If you're looking for a fun party movie, this is not your flick. If you are a connoisseur of direction, a wannabe writer, a young actor, a cinephile, or just a plain-out fan of altogether awesome production, look no further!

Stranger Than Fiction (2006)

Pretty good, not typical Ferrell movie

[7/10 · 12 January 2021]

For the English Major, amateur filmmaker, and any lover of stories, this movie is for you.

For everyone else, I encourage watching this movie if you are looking for a nice, somewhat understated love-story despite some dark underlying themes.

While it is not as humorous as many of Will Ferrell's films (and could've used a little bit more Maggie Gyllenhaal), he led an excellent cast with a heartfelt performance. Additionally, the writing kept me guessing the whole time and involved an interesting and unique thought-experiment: What if you heard someone narrating your life?

There's Something About Mary (1998)

Easy, fun movie. Would recommend, but just a tad creepy

[7/10 · 12 January 2021]

Bottom-line up-front: I enjoyed this movie. I laughed a lot and felt good while watching it.

If you're on the search of a classic, easy Ben Stiller flick, look no further!

While at times, the mood does seem just a little bit creepy, I find the film to be an overall enjoyable watch. It's fun, it's cute, it's funny, and it's unforgettable.

Also, I would like to say that a unique musical device used throughout the movie is pretty entertaining, and one aspect of the film that I loved. Additionally, getting to see Cameron Diaz and Ben Stiller play teenage versions of themselves is unforgettable.

Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005–2008)

Accessible and wise narrative in a stunning setting

[10/10 · 2 June 2020]

An all-time favorite show and must-watch.

I fell in love with this show when I was a kid, and now an adult I feel the same love, but with more appreciation.

When we're children we get to live in a world that is somehow only made up of people our age-we act like the only other people we need are our friends. Of course, this isn't true, but it's a beautiful sentiment, and one that is extrapolated excellently by the creators and writer of The Last Airbender.

Continuing on with this theme, the show makes approachable many different problems that touch on both coming of age in general, as well as growing up in a world at war. The gang of protagonist characters deal with crushes as well as refugee camps and are faced not only with the need to make decisions, but also the consequences of their actions.

At the very beginning of Season 1, we meet protagonist Aang who must confront the consequences of his actions, and the antagonist, Zuko, who believes that he must achieve his destiny. These two serve as character foils throughout the series, serving as another great mechanism to approach the pains of growing up.

On a different note, the animation and world-building are incredible. The planet that the show is set on, and the natural rules governing it, largely differ from our own, but are quite recognizable. Moreover, the show and its fantastic creatures are beautiful, creative, and stay with the audience even after turning off the TV.