HollywoodFlicks Reviews

Eisenstein in Guanajuato (2015)

This movie has balls

[7/10 · 21 March 2023]

A very touching story about a filmmakers trip to Mexico that touches on identity , sexuality, desires , truth, death and filmmaking.

The love story in this is really touching , seeing someone discover there own body and accept it in such a way was beautiful.

Feels like a companion pieces do 8 & 1/2 somehow.

A bold film that takes composition to new levels with passionate experimental shots and beautifully blocked and lit frames.

Greenaway has a way of saying so much in his films that make me ask myself so many questions or feel so many feelings.

If you enjoy art and being provoked in an artful way then this film is for you. Underrated and under appreciated in my humble opinion.

Tár (2022)

Pretentious in a boring way

[6/10 · 19 March 2023]

Blanchett has a great performance in this one I'll be it a touch over the top at points but I think that's what they're going for. I just didn't find myself liking the character enough to want to go on that journey with her. She's just one of those folks you really don't want to be around who is so consumed with self admiration and feels as if the drive they have is some how paramount to everything else other people included.

I'm sure this is a great flick if you're into orchestral music or scores and I can see it being an avenue into that if you're curious but just fell flat for me.

Great cinematography and tremendous acting but the subject is just not that interesting to me even tho it try's with all its might to be intellectual.

Heaven's Gate (1980)

Heavens Sake

[6/10 · 19 March 2023]

I just finished the Directors cut and this is a beautifully shot film filled with Easter eggs for cinafiles to comb through for days

But is it a good film ? No

Is it a bad film? No

You can see where most of the money was spent in every frame, with world class set & costume design. Very reminiscent of films like Barry Lyndon or Once Upon A Time In America/West.

This film also touts a world class cast , you have some absolute legends on this roster which makes it all the more odd that most of the acting or maybe directing comes off as very hollow or not engaging.

By all accounts the director was an absolute menace on this film and I think the vibe he created may have seeped into his film because a lot of it while beautiful is just unpleasant.

I'm torn on it because it has reached legendary status with its cinematography/set design and behind the scenes antics but its just simply not enough fun and lacks heart so if you're not an absolute film lover there's not much here for you unfortunately.

Triangle of Sadness (2022)

What would you do for a bag of pretzels?

[7/10 · 19 March 2023]

Triangle of sadness is one film I hope doesn't get overlooked this year as I tend to believe it's a better film than some of the best picture nominees from 2022.

A dark comedy with introspective themes and top notch cinematography that begs the question, what would you do for a bag of pretzels ?

A fun flick that mocks the rich and the vapid and brings us all down to the same level a la Lord Of The Flies

Not a whole lot to compare this one to as it feels very much like it's own thing. Like a film from 2022 should... hopefully.

Honestly probably a better watch than "Everything everywhere all at once"

RRR (2022)

That 3rd act tho..

[7/10 · 18 March 2023]

Honestly I enjoyed this film way more than "Everything Everywhere All At Once"

Acting is top notch

Cinematography is exceptional

Locations are lush and gorgeous wether interior or exterior

The use of CGI while jarring at times is tastefully done and not over used (Minus that wolf)

The music with its vibrancy and rowdy nature really amplifies the whole film and the dance sequences serve as both a great tension relief and entertaining rest from the fast paced action of the main story.

My only problem with this film is the 3rd act

I feel like it could've been cut down for time and I would have liked to linger on that ending a bit longer to soak in the adventure we just had.

A great film that overstays its welcome just a touch and doesn't quite deliver the goods in terms of overall emotional impact but it will transport you to a place you won't soon forget.

Possession (1981)

An absolute gem

[7/10 · 18 March 2023]

A mature Horror/Monster/Drama flick with theatrical over the top performances that works on many levels.

It feels like a flick for the horror fans who aged with the films or love the films of the 80's & 90's and are looking for something deeper thematically.

Cinematography is great, lighting and set design play a big role in telling the story and the special FX are master class. Only comparable would be The Thing (1982).

Horror fans or cinema fans in general will continue to visit this one for years to come. There's so much to unpack here and the film demands that you look inside for the answers.

Don't miss this.

Oldboy (2003)

Severely overrated

[6/10 · 18 March 2023]

I had heard about this film for years from friends , film lovers & critics and all I ever heard was how great this film was so naturally I was really excited to see what it had to offer.

I have watched a lot of films over the past few years and I could almost tell from the trailer that this film is more sensational than "good" (whatever that means).

It is in fact a sensationalized , supremely petty , intensely symbolic mess of a revenge flick.

Is a film good because it's cruel & shocking ? Does that empty feeling you get after watching such a mess count as an artful impact ?

You'll either love it or hate it. I in fact hate this film.

You be the judge.

The Hard Way (1991)

2 pros exchanging ideas?

[6/10 · 18 March 2023]

I have to wondering if I would have enjoyed this flick as much without being a massive fan of both Michael J Fox and James Woods but I am a sucker for any film about films. The angle of the actor teaming up with the cop to study for an upcoming role is great but ultimately for me doesn't quite deliver all the goods.

As far as buddy cop flicks go this would be further down my list but again also feels like a bit of a treasure due to the casting.

Ultimately I'm torn with this one because the overall story is meh but again the casting makes it bearable even great at times. Not a must watch but put it on the watch list for a cocktail and flicks night.

The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989)

Bone apple teeth

[10/10 · 18 March 2023]

A deliciously sinister film that plays out like a Shakespearean revenge story on broadway, Only enhanced by engaging world class cinematography, acting and lighting techniques.

A great blend of cruelty, passion, hilarity & food.

This film demands a rewatch as there are stylistic elements to the film that help to further inform the viewer and ultimately tell a deeper story, whatever the viewer may want that to be.

Tim Roth & Michael Gambon (The theif) absolutely soak up every single scene they're in and Helen Mirren gives probably my favourite performance of hers as the wife and provides the little spot of light this film needs.

Mean, Fun , Satisfying ... Must watch.

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

Don't bite into this bagel!

[5/10 · 18 March 2023]

Feels like an overly long music video, really hate the fast cuts during the fight sequences & I just don't care about what's happening on screen. Does not work on an emotional level whatsoever, classic case of "style" over substance.

Underutilizes Michelle Yeoh

Jamie Lee is goofy as hell

Force feeds you it's themes in a way that's both abrasive & flagrant while masquerading as a deep layered art house flick.

Feels like a weird stew of what the directors thought either "fans" would like or whatever appeals to your average Netflix/Tik Tok user.

This cinematic experience is Nothing Nowhere Never.

Ready or Not (I) (2019)

Not as bad as the 1&2s lead you to believe

[6/10 · 21 November 2019]

Anyone rating this movie a 1 or 2 probably only watches 5-10 movies a year. I've watched over 100 this year and can say that this one isn't bad. It's a fun Dark comedy Thriller. Easily a 6-8 depending on preference.

Stand by Me (1986)

Aged like a fine wine

[10/10 · 11 November 2019]

I returned to this film after 15 years and it is somehow better every time you view it. A true masterpiece