Strange, but in an endearing way. A much needed departure from mega budget extravaganzas that forget the soul and humanity that comes with it. I was coaxed into accepting what was likely not possible just for a chance at a few more unexpected laughs. Just plain fun.
Reviews
12 Reviews
Crimes of the Future
(2022)
Great, but not for everyone.
8 June 2022
Very compelling angle to view social commentary through. We destroy and expose ourselves before onlookers who decide whether or not that destruction is valuable. Often at the cost of acceptance or even the persuit of our own evolution. The loss of natural human connection which has been subplanted by voyeurism. We become who we think we should be while we lose sight of who we are.
With all of that said, this film is not for the squeamish. There are two scenes that are particularly disturbing, no doubt by design, that no one would willingly sign up to see. But, the fallout directly after both scenes was adequate.
The entire cast delivered a marvelously unsettling performace that illustrates the tenuous nature of what society has become in this dystopian future. The fact that a lot is left to interpretation works greatly in this story's favor. Nothing is overstated. The last scene really drives everything home. I feel loss for those who left early and missed it.
With all of that said, this film is not for the squeamish. There are two scenes that are particularly disturbing, no doubt by design, that no one would willingly sign up to see. But, the fallout directly after both scenes was adequate.
The entire cast delivered a marvelously unsettling performace that illustrates the tenuous nature of what society has become in this dystopian future. The fact that a lot is left to interpretation works greatly in this story's favor. Nothing is overstated. The last scene really drives everything home. I feel loss for those who left early and missed it.
Top Gun: Maverick
(2022)
Surprisingly good.
1 June 2022
This is one of the rare cases that a sequel is better than the original. Maverick absolutely blows away the original. The story has much more depth. The acting is better overall. The flight scenes are insane. Great diversity in the cast. I did not expect to enjoy this movie as much as I did. Most of these nostalgia films have no business existing, but this one actually justifies itself well.
Men
(2022)
Two thirds of a great film.
28 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Great use of artistic shots and vibrant coloring along with a sense of dread and suspense really work to bring you into the world presented in this film initially. Jessie Buckley is immaculate. I don't think this film really works as well without her inspired performance. Unfortunately many of the elements that made most of the movie great seem to wither away at the end leaving you with a sort of jumbled and grotesque ending that features a lot of CGI that isn't particularly believable. With that said, this is definitely a thought provoking and artisitic piece with plenty of truth and open ended discussion points woven into it's fabric. I believe this movie could lead to something great whether it's a more successful iteration of itself, or some necessary realizations.
Ambulance
(2022)
Worthy addition to the action genre
14 May 2022
I wasn't expecting this to be as good as it is. It was the last option on my list. Michael Bay has become a master at pulling your emotional strings. The duality of the brother dynamic absolutely makes this film. Gylenhaal gave damn near a Denzel in Training day performance. Eiza Gonzalez has a bright future ahead of her. She was hard to miss and was the glue that held things together when it felt close to unravelling. Ambulance is a superb example of why intense action films still have a place in cinema.
Madness indeed...
14 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Sam Raimi was a great choice to direct a Doctor Strange film. He really stuck the landing as far as the tone this particular character needs. The story, however, was not great. I'm tired of seeing heroes turned to villains and basically ruined so early in their arc. Let's see more classic villains first. Cameos were cool. America Chavez was great. I think the movie was good for Doctor Strange's development as a character, but not necessarily for everyone else. Decent movie overall, but not outstanding.
The Northman
(2022)
He's ready for his close ups.
14 May 2022
The previews made it seem larger than it ended up being. I can't help thinking this is story could have taken place in Ragnar Lothbrok's universe as a larger budgeted outing with less engaging characters. There were some great elements working here like the cinematography, but the lead character was not able to carry the film throughout. That's very important in a revenge flick. There is definitely some enjoyment to be had here, but I don't think this movie commands a second watch. Wait for streaming.
Firestarter
(2022)
A glimpse at what could have been...
14 May 2022
I think this could have been a good adaptation if it had a bigger budget, and a longer run time. It has some successful moments throughout. Better writing and more time spent on character development could have changed quite a bit. I thought the fire effects were well done overall, and the tricks they used to show the other powers were executed well. Not the worst way to spend a small part of my night. Basically a free new release on Peacock. I'm always willing to give a visual Stephen King story a look. Puns intended.
An uexpectedly awesome journey.
21 April 2022
I had the urge to resist the movie at the beginning because it was hitting too close to reality. I forced myself to work through the inital dread and anxiety and found myself immersed in an exercise in finding acceptance. The overall theme of the film is an important one we need to face as people and as a society overall. Can we just be ok with being ordinary? Can we heal and let go of our regrets and past mistakes to live for now? I found this movie wildly thought provoking and emotionally exhausting. Great fight sequences are always a plus for me, and there was some good ones here. Even the multiverse aspect which is overused lately was used in an inventive way. I wasn't into some of the crude and juvenile humor though which is why it doesn't get higher marks from me. (And there is A LOT of that.) Still a great film that demands a watch even with the step down humor included.
Cheesy in the best way.
17 April 2022
Very cheesy, but self aware. It was good to laugh at the movies again. Pedro Pascal and Nick Cage somehow made magic together. An unlikely but very effective duo. Even the action scenes were well done. Awesome cast and stunning location. A hilarious and fun ride.
Morbius
(2022)
Fun and Action Packed
6 April 2022
As a fan of the character for many years I feel comfortable saying they did Morbius justice with this movie. It might not be what the general audience will love, but Spider-Man fans who know and love the rogues gallery with enjoy this movie. It's not perfect by any means, but it's as good as or better than low tier MCU films like Ant Man, Black Widow, and Eternals. Leto was great in this role. Looking forward to seeing him reprise the mantle of the living vampire soon.
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