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Reviews
Sound of Metal (2019)
Solid film with a beautiful use of sound
This movie really breaks ground sonically. I kept myself completely in the dark beforehand with the intention of experiencing everything as a virgin. The movie is very powerful and the sonic POV is phenomenal. That was my first exposure to something to this level of creativity. I loved the casting and would even go out of my way to say how much I even enjoyed the music the band plays. (Not hard to impress me though because I'm a metal head-even the abstract, atmospheric kind)
My biggest issue with the film, despite its impeccable approach to sound, is some of the filming. The cinematography is great but it comes across as a blatant rip off Aronofsky's films. It's being done into the ground these days-cough, cough, Nomadland, the unfortunate Oscar winner. "Quick cuts" isn't a new element to cinema but the way it is portrayed in the film has been done by Darren Aronofsky, to the "T". The Wrestler particularly comes to mind when comparing films side-by-side.
Overall, this film is a solid one that will outlast the test of time. It's worth seeing and re-visiting.
Ps: if you have the chance, watch this film with surround sound or with quality headphones. You won't regret it.
The Wrestler (2008)
Phenomenal film about realistic pain...
This is one of my favorite films of all time. Nomadland (the recent Oscars winner) tries too hard to bring audiences to the same realness and rawness that The Wrestler portrays but miss the mark, in my opinion. This is a stand alone masterpiece and will be a film I will continue to reference again, and again, throughout years to come.
Mickey Rourke couldn't have been a better fit for this role. There's no coincidence that He was chosen. With his own candidness, teamed up with a personal rollercoaster-like career, and personal veteran-like experience behind the camera, Rourke pulls no punches in this film and lays it all out there entirely.
The way he playfully engages with the kids in the trailer park at the beginning, on an obviously emotional empty tank, causes me to tear up every time. It's a short scene but it stands out strongly to me, as it accurately confirms the kind if man inside that he is.
He's a man who continues grinding through it all. With a full plate of health issues, drug/alcohol abuse, regret, family neglect, and loneliness, you see a good person underneath in such a intimate way as he strives for inner peace with himself and the people he loves. If you are going through some personal pain or have been in that state at one time or another-if you can relate at all, this is the movie for you!
Bill Burr: I'm Sorry You Feel That Way (2014)
In my top 2 favorite stand up specials I have ever seen
This is classic Burr. He's predictable as does he surprise you with how fresh his approach is on what I call "world war 2 vet" rant humor. What puts this at the top is how well his commitment to his stories are. He shows he has incredible voice Imitation talent that he gives 100 percent to. I felt like I was watching a really aggressive Broadway play hahaha. Top notch! "Son you sew. This guy kills people"
Knives Out (2019)
So Close!
First off, this movie has one of the best casting line-ups I've come across since The Departed. It's got such talent. Michael Shannon is one of my favorite actors of all time and to see him pull off yet another convincing role blew my mind. Anyways I leave it with 7 stars. I thought it was creative and witty but I felt the movie didn't quite have a defined identity for what it wanted to be. I think it might have been a little falsely advertised in the trailers, mistaken to be more of a dramedy, but when you watch it, the humor is either restrained or frankly not funny-I can't tell. Other than that, great film, great cast, great music, etc
The Wire (2002)
1 single Critique....it came out too early
I'm 26 and just 2 years ago, I was encouraged to watch The Wire. I had no idea it even existed. I'm sad I didn't get the opportunity to watch it while it was coming out but wow, what an incredible show. The way they are able to focus on so many different characters at once, and then somehow connect them into all of the police work/crimes ins beyond me. I was blown away through the first run. I just finished this gem for the 3rd time. Every time I watch it, I get something out of it completely new from the show. Only good TV can do that. Bravo. My favorite show of all time.
Any Given Sunday (1999)
Great story, terrible cinematography...
The acting is really great during the first 20-30 minutes of the film. I really liked how Jamie Fox accurately portrayed how nervous a 3rd string qb would feel being thrown into a high stake game. That happened to me in high school. It's very relatable. I didn't vomit but I just about did. The movie begins to drag as it goes on and I feel like the acting, even by Pacino, was a little forced (not his epic speech though) but overall, I feel it was a well casted performance.
The biggest issue with this film is the cinematography. I know it's the 90s but it was really rough and sketchy throughout the entire thing. The good shots by the camera are found to be the close and magnified hits through out the film. That was awesome. However, the editing and film crews seemed to miss the mark when it came to transitioning, far side shots, etc. I caught the camera being pretty shaky at times. It wasn't the worst camera work I've ever seen by a long shot, but it definitely didn't deliver. A movie that landed the sport cinematography a lot better would Miracle, with Kurt Russell.
All in all decent film filled with heart and grit-very inspiring.
The Cabin with Bert Kreischer (2020)
Bert is an amazing human soul...
Wow, I started watching this late last night finally when I felt high and drunk enough, expecting the worst but I ended up LOVING it. The balance that Bert and the director found between comedy and philosophy was done so well. Of course I laughed until I cried at times but there were moments that really reached me. Everyone harps on episode 4 for having an agenda and I have the opposite opinion. I feel like Bert handles the clash between a natural argument formed between ms pat and kaley very well. It gave authenticity to the series and it confirms that Bert is amazing and balsy enough to pull off such a difficult task--be real and vulnerable with other comedians as a comedian. I personally felt like the episode with Tom and Joey (the first one) was by far the most hilarious highlight of the show but every episode finds a way to make me laugh until I cry. Love it. Much needed while getting through such a difficult year.