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stuckeysherry
Reviews
American Fiction (2023)
Reminded me of The Graduate
This is a true, well-crafted American movie with delightful actors, wonderful direction, just enough humor, plenty of appropriate irony, and a perfect story. Though the social subject differs, it reminded me of the movie The Graduate, which was also a comedy, with an ambiguous ending that addressed social issues. This was a brilliant film that should weather at least three to five more decades. One comment that was brought up in the film mentioned "white guilt." I would like to say that this phrase may be inaccurate to define the sensibility of white people with respect to black people. I would rather call it white curiosity. White people are often isolated from black culture, and don't know anything about it simply because they live in areas with very few black people. They may fawn and seem overbearing around black acquaintances, because they are merely interested in them as people. I would like to see more from this team. Thank you for producing a film that shows our spirit and our hope.
Marie Antoinette (2006)
One of the Best Movies of All Time
This was a masterpiece for those of us who know little about French History, except for that everything French was poignant and beautiful before contemporary times. The actors, especially Ms. Dunst, are engaging, and I felt like I was running through the halls of Versailles with them. Those nights, you could hear it -- the crickets, the rain, the quiet instrumental music, the loud chatter -- organic. It is difficult to express just how life, art, fashion, and pleasure can be more intriguing than politics and governance, where one is the impetuousness of nature, and the other is the stodginess of man. In those moments, at the pinnacle of delight and pleasure, she cares about her own loves, and not the care taking of others. Ahhh, it reminds me of the 80's when we had no cell phone and no distractions from human desire and living with others in connection. Well, enough romanticizing, but if you love visual splendor, great music, perfect production and direction, then watch this film orchestrated by the exquisite Sophia Coppola. You won't be disappointed.
Big Little Lies (2017)
Very Boring
I have to say that I sought this out because of Reece Witherspoon, who is an excellent actor. Being set in Monterey, I was excited to see something interesting, as the area its laden with artists, and very cool people. Well, this was a very boring first two episodes about women preoccupied with the most mundane existence possible. This isn't what it is like. People in this area are creative, intellectual, genuinely friendly, and lovely. I was just unimpressed with the story line, because I found it to be, inauthentic. Additionally, everyone was white. There were no latin people, which is very uncharacteristic of the area. The place is an old garrison that was built by the Spanish Guard, so it has a strong Spanish and Native influence. Well the most disappointing aspect of this "series" was watching 57 year old Nicole Kidman raising two seven year olds, and having rough sex with her looser husband. No one wants sex that badly at 57. Sorry. Additionally, I had to sit through seeing her body shots, which made me think of the ad that she made eating worms and acting like they were jizz. It was just disgusting. Combining this "sexual" content with little kids seemed incongruent, particularly since the little kids will want to watch themselves in the episodes, and this content is not appropriate for kids. Anyway, I had to stop watching it because it had absolutely zero redeeming value. Another major disappointment where the director and the story writer have no clue about passion and poignancy. Go watch some Luc Besson before you write and shoot people!
Muzzle (2023)
Nice to See...
I give this move ten stars because it was well shot, interesting, had excellent acting, and sensitive to current social issues. It made me cry. I loved the way that it ended. The animal actor, Socks, was sure a beautiful dog. Though laden with dystopian, but true, scenery, it was a traditional Hollywood movie model with a very happy ending. I wish that I had more to say, but it was pretty simple, but also engaging. I liked that the police stuck together. The best part was that the movie didn't hold your hand too much. Also it wasn't too mushy. I feel like I would watch more movies from this director. There were no cheap shots.
Dark Crimes (2016)
Can I give zero stars?
I am writing this here to see if I can actually give zero stars for this insult of a film. If you see one star, then you know that it is not possible to give zero stars on the platform. If you see zero stars then you know that it is possible to give zero stars on the platform. The first 60 seconds of this film include bondage, and an orgy. Oh joy! That is exactly want I want to watch after a beautiful day of being in nature. The movie industry has degenerated to the point that it is better to watch absolutely nothing and just go to sleep. My dreams are better than most off the movies out there, these days, this one included. I shut this one down within the first 180 seconds. It is a true fill in the blank.
Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)
Long Overdue...
I just had the pleasure of watching "Killers of the Flower Moon. I found this film to be very engaging, and I am glad to see the truth coming out in more recent years. In California we have some literature about the genocide of the indigenous people here, but very little was written down. I have heard old stories and make up thoughts to flesh out those stories. I appreciate that this story was both written down, and also interpreted with the Osage Nation Members. The costume was just beautiful, as were the indigenous actors. I always delight in their way. I was very glad that I rented this movie in support of this type of media. What strikes me the most is that everyone was intertwined, almost as if they seemed to have no way to stop the madness while living out a grotesque version of life. I guess that this rings true, even today, as we all know where the tax dollars go, and for what purpose, yet we live on in the inevitable denial of natural law. Hopefully, we can get to a point where we actually account for all lives. All of them. Films like this are a good first step to that point in the future.
Arctic Void (2022)
It had everything except for cohesion
I liked the quality of the actors, the cinematography, and the general idea of the story. I didn't understand it one bit, though, and this was not my fault. If it tied anything together, it could have been a great film. Why did the dice go into a bad and then also on a man? Why were eyes bleeding? Who was calling?
I liked the quality of the actors, the cinematography, and the general idea of the story. I didn't understand it one bit, though, and this was not my fault. If it tied anything together, it could have been a great film. Why did the dice go into a bad and then also on a man? Why were eyes bleeding? Who was calling?
Surrounded (2023)
Just Wow
This is a real review from a very picky film buff... I really don't understand the other reviews. This began as an excellent movie, and ended as one. It was well-acted, beautifully shot, had a great story, and the director knew how to blend it together. The cinematography was especially wonderful. For people who didn't "get" this film, they probably have lived a very sheltered life without struggle. I hope to see a follow on to the story.
This is a real review from a very picky film buff... I really don't understand the other reviews. This began as an excellent movie, and ended as one. It was well-acted, beautifully shot, had a great story, and the director knew how to blend it together. The cinematography was especially wonderful. For people who didn't "get" this film, they probably have lived a very sheltered life without struggle. I hope to see a follow on to the story.
Tár (2022)
3 Stars for Ms. Blanchett
OK, the idea of this movie is good, but its direction... I didn't like at all. The script... wasn't that great either. Trite is the word that comes to mind. In your face. Not subtle. Just... an exercise that missed its mark. I am so glad that I didn't pay for it. It is shot very darkly. The story, difficult to follow. It is like one of those European art films from the 90's that never ends. At least this one had an ending that was understandable, but, again, not subtle. Also, not true. The East has, is, and always will be, its own, and there is little that we can do to stop it. I challenge the notion that the West will subvert it. It is likely going to be the other way around.
Passing (2021)
Perfect
I loved the pace of the movie, because it brought us back to the time period. The background was generally silent as it would have been in the city during that period, riddled with beautiful tones from neighbors. The golden air, the beautiful people, the clothes, the scenes were perfect. The acting was excellent. The story was fresh to those of us who don't know much about black history. I really enjoyed this movie.
Boogie Nights (1997)
I'll say two things: Don Cheadle
With an older and more seasoned eye, this really is a very well-put together film. It has just enough entertainment, just enough great acting, just enough of everything. As a younger person, in the 1990's it was shocking, now it is mild in subject matter, but the subject matter is why I took off one star -- there were too many nude scenes. The other star is taken off, because, for all of its grit, the movie was a happy one, with a happy ending. That's not how it usually goes in life. The most wonderful aspect of the movie was the performance by Don Cheadle. His character was just sweet. I loved the scene where he changed his look, and met his new love. I wish that he had more starring roles with comedic value. He is a human heart!