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Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
Fair...you can see some inspiration.
This movie is for sure a bit outdated and cheesy, no doubt. And the ending was somewhat abrupt, plus the theme music was a bit redundant for the creature. Lastly, there was a death that occurred toward the final act that I saw coming a mile away.
However, there is no doubt that this movie inspired certain individuals who ended up being future filmmakers (such as Steven Spielberg and for his first big movie Jaws, which you can see some overlapping similarities with). In general as well, the directing and camera work was skillful and I can see how this could be entertaining for a theater audience back then, as this was one of the original scary monster movies that took this approach. There's no denying the impact and significance of old films that seem obscure and irrelevant to us, however they still affected future productions with their ideas and style!
The Acolyte (2024)
Every episode gets worse and worse....where is Yoda???
I'm one of those fans who actually thinks that not everything Disney has done with Star Wars is irredeemably bad or cringeworthy, but this is as bad as it has gotten so far besides the ungodly sequel trilogy movies, no doubt.
Where is Yoda??? "For 800 years have I trained Jedi!" He would've made the show at least a little better and more bearable but is nowhere to be found!
That ship crash that Osha survived on that tundra planet was ridiculous, she should've been dead!!
The opening fight scene in the first episode was so bad and looked like 2 rubber dummies fighting from the 2003 Matrix sequels (which is ironic considering Carrie Anne Moss is one of the characters, and she dies immediately). Way to go with character promotion and showing the badassery of the Jedi Disney.
Character motivations don't make much sense which makes the plot vapid and the rest of the Jedi are made to look horrible (however idea behind the show is interesting and it would be cool to see what the Jedi looked like and were like 100 years or even further back before the fall of the Republic, but the thing is this isn't cool, it's a spit in the face!)
Lastly, didn't the Jedi not face the Sith for 1,000+ years before the prequels anyways?? So yeah, literally wtf is Disney doing???
Anyways, looking forward to Andor season 2!!
Sophie's Choice (1982)
A sad and powerful adaptation.
This ended up being a sad movie, and to its demise had some unfocused and lengthy parts, but the performances were amazing. I really liked Meryl Streep's portrayal of Sophie as well as Kevin Kline's portrayal of Nathan. What interesting characters with real depth! By the end you truly feel Sophie's pain from her story which was shown rather than told, which on the flip side is Nathan's version of how his story is depicted through his brother! Yet both of their demises and deaths felt significant and hit you hard. Stingo played an important role in their friendship and his dynamic with both of them and how he's a third wheel in both good ways and bad ways was good writing!
The Ring (2002)
By the end it was a solid 8.
The main flaw that I could recognize with this film is that throughout the runtime it takes itself way too seriously and is so dark and depressing, slightly to its detriment. However more often than not it is directed well by a talented director and the story was original and creative, and most important of all, compelling with its mysterious nature. I liked how the main character was a detective that pieced various parts of the history together and each scene felt significant. The reveal and twist at the end was well-handled too and I wasn't really expecting it to happen the way it did. It surprised me in a good way and the son being advised by his mother to show a copy of the tape to someone else only to have himself live and someone innocent die demonstrates an interesting moral ultimatum, which was actually brought up brilliantly by the son. Not my favorite horror film but worthy of recognition!
The Emperor's New Groove (2000)
Good Disney movie, first time I ever saw it and I'm 27!
The movie's story is very simple and to the point, and actually sends a good and moral message. The voice acting was really good and while the main villain was portrayed well and entertaining, I couldn't entirely take her and her "right hand man" seriously and their threat toward Emperor Kuzco was mostly played as a joke. There are some slightly better Disney films where the villains were a lot more menacing and dark. However other than that, the film's animation was also well done and it's an easy/simple and quick Disney movie to watch. I should've watched it when I was younger, I might've appreciated it more but I still acknowledge it as good!
Gojira -1.0 (2023)
While flawed, still quality.
I don't know if this movie was an actual rip off imitation of Jaws or if it was an inspired imitation of it, it was hard to tell with how similar things went with plot devices and actual moments in the movie. It was also pretty far fetched that Noriko survived that shockwave blast from halfway through the film only to be revealed at the end with injuries in the hospital. Nevertheless, this movie had a good and in-depth human element to it and was compelling with its tension. Godzilla itself looked really good and the visuals overall in this movie are fantastic. I'm not that much of a fan of Godzilla generally but I'm mostly glad I checked this out since the hype seemed so real for it.
Extraction (2015)
Not that special of an action movie.
This movie wasn't all bad (good fight scenes in the night club, especially in the bathroom with the assassin, and Gina Carano is nice to look at as well as her friend). However, her friend was also annoying and followed the antagonists' SUV way too close. You think they would've known they were being tailed! This movie also does a wink to the camera with Harry saying "that's how it works in the movies" which came off as cringe and overall the movie feels pointless, unfocused, and bland with its plot. Bruce Willis did not stand out in this and actually was a disappointment with his character and how much screen time he was given. Although, no one was given ample screen time since the movie is so short! Pretty much a throwaway action movie.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
A beautiful creation.
Wow, I loved the writing and dialogue in this, plus the characters and the acting. This is a real gem and I'm very glad I watched it. This is one of the best romantic comedies that I have ever seen (and I'm sure that it can even be classified as another genre as well). The end fight felt a little less special and cool than the other battles that Pilgrim fought, however other than that this movie is pretty much perfect. The hilarious appearances and scenes with Aubrey Plaza and Chris Evans (shockingly just a year before he played the beloved Captain America/Steve Rogers) were icing on the cake. The entire movie from the very beginning felt quirky, original, and genius with its directing, style, and production. I was in awe the entire time from how good this was and I would definitely recommend it for a younger viewer!
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
A fair romantic comedy for young people!
It's quite something to see how young these actors looked back in 1998/1999 who were just getting started with their (mostly) extensive careers. While most of the movie was predictable (like other romantic comedies) and while some stuff may not hold up entirely anymore in 2024, it was good enough for what it was meant to be. Julia Stiles did good in her role and was a talented actress for her age, and Heath Ledger did well too (died tragically way too young, RIP to him and his unique talent). I even liked the teacher played by Daryl Mitchell who is hilarious and Joseph Gordon-Levitt's friend/partner in crime.
Scary Movie 4 (2006)
I didn't mind it! Just as good as the first and the third!
The jokes in this movie worked for me and at this point, you really know what to expect with this parody stupid franchise (ridiculous, over the top, and completely out of this world but nevertheless entertaining and that's the point). I enjoyed the surprise appearances in it and found myself laughing quite a few times. I can't call it "good" necessarily but if you like the first 3 you'll most likely have a good time (and in my opinion 2 is the worst). I liked the president, the Saw clown dolls, Cindy's friend coming back, and even how it made fun of the Village which I thought was unexpected (however at the time I guess that movie was easy to make fun of in some ways). I have still yet to watch The Grudge but now I probably can't take it seriously, oh well! Good laughs!
Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV (2024)
Shocking and much-needed
It's amazing how elite and powerful people manage to make themselves victims and are in constant denial after they've brutalized children and take away their innocence with inexcusable immoral annd disgusting acts. While I am a fan of some Nick shows and was as a kid, I am appalled by what was revealed to be happening behind the scenes and I had no idea that crap happened to Drake Bell before he did Drake and Josh. Quite a story that he told. I am happy that I was never a famous child actor after watching this and if my parents saw some of the suggestive material that came out with Nick shows in the 1990s (before my time), they likely would've never let me watch that channel. Unbelievable to say the least!
Don't Breathe (2016)
Well-done expectation-defying material.
There are a few flaws, sure (the beginning partially spoiling how events proceed, Money with the gun letting the blind man get that close to him and disarm him without shooting him after warning him repeatedly, and probably the twist of Money's body getting stabbed with the shears instead of Alex which came across as not making much sense). Other than that this movie is great. Stephen Lang and Jane Levy performed well and literally the entire time you're on the edge of your seat with suspense and anticipation with what might happen next. The movie is disturbing but that's how you know it does well since it makes you really pay attention. It's unclear who's side you should be on too, you want these thieves to get at least some justice since they're the ones who are committing the crime but you also want them to get away since the blind man is for sure doing even more messed up stuff! THIS is how scary is done; unsettling, uncomfortable, but an unforgettable rush!
Scary Movie 3 (2003)
About as funny as the first movie!
The humor in this installment was much funnier than Scary Movie 2 and in my opinion is comparable with Scary Movie 1. Them making fun of Signs, 8 Mile, and the Matrix Reloaded was on point and it even made me curious to watch the Ring which I added to my watchlist. Plus, the introduction and use of Anthony Anderson and Kevin Hart was awesome, they go great together on screen and I can't wait to see more of them together! Sure some of the humor went pretty far and of course this is a ridiculous parody movie but I still enjoyed myself and you for sure don't find yourself bored watching these! The funniest scenes might've been the one with the news teleprompter or the one with the rap battle toward the beginning, plus the wake.
Serenity (2005)
Almost as good as the show...
This movie felt very special since it was the end of a series that was way too short. I really did want more of this team and their adventures and while it is a let down that it had to end overall, the rest of the movie largely isn't a let down. There are some minor transitions that felt awkward and I would've liked to see some things happen (like a romance between Captain Reynolds and Inara be finally fully realized), however besides those very small things, this is an awesome movie for many reasons. Summer Glau as River is an awesome badass and you really get to lean into/explore her character more, and her in action on screen was great. The fights in general were super cool, even the ones between Reynolds and the Alliance assassin. The CGI (mostly) looks fantastic and Chiwetel Ejiofor as the operative was an awesome villain that felt real and intimidating with every line. I literally gasped so loud in shock when Wash died too. I would highly recommend watching the entire show Firefly and then watching this movie. It's a sci fi universe that is crafted beautifully by Joss Whedon!
The Fall Guy (2024)
Started off a little dull but ended up being quite a blast!
I really liked how many pop culture references worked in this film and how much it made fun of itself. While their romantic story felt a bit abruptly and needlessly complicated in the beginning, Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling did well together and surprisingly Hannah Waddingham performed well in her role too and I haven't seen her in a lot of stuff (eventually being a bad character you can't help but dislike and want to get even with). I had a minor problem with how unfocused the story got at a certain point with the plot focusing on the filmmaking aspect, the romance was aspect, and the crime aspect but eventually as the movie went on I didn't care and had enough fun to enjoy myself! As an experienced stuntman, David Leitch directed this movie very well and the action sequences were impressive and felt original. The humor worked as well, especially for those in the audience who are film buffs and into the science and art behind filmmaking. This film proves you haven't seen it all yet!
Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988)
Way worse than the first...
While some of the ideas that took the story in new directions were promising and while it was a special time in film history when practical effects were used very well, this movie got dumber and dumber as it went on. Toward the end it just got unbearably ridiculous with Kirsty putting on Julia's skin and the new doctor cenobite trusting her, plus Tiffany talking again out of nowhere and it not feeling special or significant enough at all. Plus, the dialogue/lines were terrible and also while it was disturbing it failed to actually be SCARY! I've seen the other sequels are rated even worse so I will very likely not even bother.
The Road (2009)
A slow-moving gruesome journey.
Viggo Mortensen gave a good performance, as well as the boy who played his son. The film also really looks like and convinces you that an apocalyptic event took place which stood out to me. A very dirty and cruel/harsh world with little room to trust other people and little opportunity to get comfortable. However, I wish I saw a little bit more of what happened after the event started and what made it get as bad as it ended up being. The plot got slightly distracted a couple of times and there was an odd edit where the son had just taken a bath and had his face cleaned but in the very next shot his face was dirty (and in the shot after that it was back to clean again just seconds later). It was an emotional story too though and the father dying actually made it a better ending that felt like an appropriate conclusion for his character.
Firefly (2002)
It's good sci fi!
It took me a little bit to get into this show and it's just a little overrated, but it still ended up being a captivating world with really good characters. Every member of the crew feels so different yet they all have really good chemistry together. Captain Reynolds mainly is like another version of Han Solo, and the adventures that the crew embark on end up being very thrilling and get you invested. Jayne is probably my favorite (played by Adam Baldwin who does fantastic), and with that, the humor in the show is also good. Joss Whedon has quite the creative mind and ambition and it makes sense why he was put in charge of later projects after leading the production and writing of this show! I'm glad my friend recommended this to me!
Barton Fink (1991)
It was good until the 3rd act...
The subject matter of this movie actually interested me more than I thought it would and the Coen brothers normally make awesome movies. John Turturro acts great, along with the supporting cast members who are the big Hollywood producers and writers. The film gets really interesting at a certain point when Mr. Fink wakes up next to a big surprise dead female body in his bed, which almost convinces you is a dream. John Goodman did well with his role too and his ability to make facial expressions that stand out, however I didn't like how they handled the closure of his character. I felt like they could've provided him with a better ending and one that was less ambiguous/made more sense. The very end of the movie with him on the beach though was a beautiful scene. I might rewatch it one day and I like and love other Coen brothers movies a lot better, but this works well enough!
Kingpin (1996)
Actually funny!
I ended up enjoying this and also wanting to go out and bowl myself! While some of the humor is subtle and quick, it really does work. Everyone in the film did great with their roles and performed wonderfully (Bill Murray, Randy Quaid, Woody Harrelson, and Vanessa Angel). This film may have nothing on the Big Lebowski (one of my all time favorite comedies that also had bowling in it) but it still largely felt original and clever. The story took unexpected turns and twists, especially at the end. Movies like this aren't made anymore and maybe they shouldn't be, they should be cherished for what/when they are!
Frozen II (2019)
I didn't like it as much as the first one.
While this movie had emotional scenes and good animation with some creative spins and significant revelations, it was ultimately a sub par movie for me. There was no real villain in it (since Elsa's grandfather had died many years ago and wasn't a big part of the movie except brief abstract illustrations) and the threatening presence of certain forest creatures/phenomena that were meant to be intimidating and pose a challenge then got saved in the background for a later part too many times. They could've done more with the enchanted forest I think and there was also an overload of exposition earlier in the film. Other than that it was fair I suppose, but I'd much rather watch the first one which felt more human-centered and therefore relatable and more emotionally compelling.
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
My second, revised review after a rewatch.
While it ended up having some problems (rushed at the beginning, not as good as the first one, lack of clear motivations from the villain, too much needless CGI, and less dark than anticipated) the Avengers team never disappoints. James Spader as Ultron was awesome, Elizabeth Olsen was and still remains interesting and beautiful, and the action/stakes were solid throughout the film (especially at the end with the Sokovia turning into a meteor and that big final battle, lots of badass moments)! This movie had important moments of character and relationship development for our main heroes as well, and the introduction of Vision and how his scene of exposition was handled was absolutely brilliant. What a neat new character! Yes, it's not perfect and probably the worst of the 4 Avengers movies even, but still very good and a noteworthy/significant MCU movie!
[Rec] (2007)
Very good, THIS is scary horror.
There's one major inconsistency which is mainly how long the infection/possession goes into affect, and I found it a little strange that throughout the movie there would be different time windows for different characters who got bit. Other than that, this is the scariest movie that I've seen in quite some time and I admire it. It reminded me a little bit of Alien (1979) and Barbarian (2022) which are two of my many favorite horror movies. I even liked this one better than Cloverfield (2008) and I loved the directing/shots throughout the movie that were reflective of the awesome capabilities of the found footage style. The great things about this movie are it's short, to the point, easy to follow, keeps you engaged, and even has some mystery behind it toward the end that makes you hypothesize various things! I really liked the jump scares as well! They didn't feel cheap one bit!!
The Defenders (2017)
Not too bad.
My main complaints: Sigourney Weaver plays a very stale and boring villain and many of the side characters and their motivations/backstories lack emotional investment (from me anyways). Matt Murdock/Daredevil was the main hero who I was invested in (being the main reason I watched the show) and was probably the best thing about it. Some of the fight sequences were really good and it was cool seeing Stick one more time too, who's a real badass. Some of the dynamics between the characters I liked and there were some smart choices made. Overall, while it's a bit of a throwaway show that should've felt slightly more special, I also like how they ended it for Matt Murdock and Karen and Foggy which felt gripping and cut deep emotionally.
Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)
It's mostly pretty good.
While this is one of the less impressive and less favorite Scorsese movies of mine that I've seen and while the plot sometimes gets a little too distracted with its story-telling for its own good (mainly with the crimes and characters), there are several good things. I always love Leonardo DiCaprio's acting plus Scorsese's directing and quality production behind the scenes, and the dramatic moments that aren't easy to forget. Lily Gladstone gave a pretty good performance as well. While the film goes on for quite some time, you become invested enough and I did not know much about this story and what happened with this event and so I was more surprised when it ended the way it did.