Change Your Image
nikkijoey
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
Irish Wish (2024)
Keep it up LiLo!
You'd think, in the year after the Barbie movie, people would lay off of women's choices to use or to not use Botox. But instead it's the actual headline for other reviews on here. It's time to move above shaming women for doing what they want to do with their skin. If you don't like LL or her face, why are you still so obsessed with her that you take the time to watch the movie and leave a mean girl review? You don't even go here.
Back to the movie, it's your typical Netflix romance! It gave a castle for Christmas vibes (but in Ireland). I couldn't stop gaping at the scenery or at the main two actors. It was sweet and comforting, tailored to the typical viewers of these movies. Nothing new or too surprising; but Jane Seymour's storyline was a fun little addition.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
What in the world
This was crazy! A masterpiece in action filmmaking. It was a feast for the eyes, and non stop in adrenaline. I love car chase movies, and I can't believe how long it took me to watch this one. I loved the plot and how strong women actually led the movie. I felt like I watched 5 movies in one sitting. The character development was phenomenal for a movie in this genre. It's gritty and wild. I think the electric guitar player is a symbol of the unhinged craziness of the entire movie. I enjoyed the juxtaposition of the wives; soft and feminine, against the sand in your teeth desert chase. War-clad or royal, the women in this movie are all furious and metal. Charlize Theron is a new action hero for women everywhere to admire. Tom Hardy never disappoints and was an incredible ally! I think the villains could have been more scary(aside from the impeccable makeup and costuming), but it was phenomenal for the amount of time they had.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
Excellent and violent
This movie seemed to be more serious than the other two; but it still has its clever moments; which is why guardians are my favorite from the MCU. The trailer had me filled with such anxiety that I was laser focused on the story line and perhaps missed some funny parts. But when they hit, they were perfectly timed. Toward the end of the movie, I realized I was feeling jostled around with ups and downs, visually and emotionally, similar to the ride at Disneyland. This is a great thing! It is solidly entertaining and visually stunning. The violence in it was triggering for me personally. If you are an animal lover or are triggered by aspca commercials, you'll find discomfort here. I'm a wimp but I do appreciate the message it was sending. It has people angry about the horrors treating animals poorly and that's important. At times the violence with all the characters was shocking; with more blood it would have been R, no question. But Gunn walked the line. I think it's too much for younger kids. It was very well done and I can't wait to see it again.
Shrinking (2023)
Endearing, too many effs
The show's plot is endearing, Harrison Ford is iconic and the break room scenes might be my favorite - I love how the 3 therapists complement each other. It makes me laugh out loud. I love the unique premise of breaking ethical rules to make therapy more effective. I only have one critique. This is coming from someone who cusses regularly: the amount of F words in each episode is unrealistic, and it feels like a cheap way to maintain an M rating. I can understand more than a few F words, but every character peppers them in at weird times, like while counseling people, or just because it been 30 seconds of regular dialogue. It's distracting from the main script. Other than that I would give it 10 stars!
Sense & Sensibility (2008)
Beautiful.. but doesn't make me forget the other
Jane Austen's humor is so subtle that often her works are understood as dramas instead of what they actually are.. comedies. At least, they are social satire.
In the novel, there are countless absurd characters and their personality defects are exaggerated. The Dashwood sisters endure so many social slights and awkward situations, you want to scream and facepalm. This adaptation dropped most of these essential moments. Lucy Steele is beyond passive aggressive and art-full in the books; yet here she is represented as more of a realistic character who nearly seems to deserve Edward. The same goes with Mr. John Dashwood. The amount of condescending, idiotic things he says to his sister Elinor are so prevalent and cringe worthy that you are in agony with her. In short, the awkward was lacking and the side characters were too sympathetic for Jane's style, and thus, the sisters' suffering was not as well portrayed as it was in the 1990s version.
That said, Dan Stevens had a hilarious moment where he was surprised by Lucy Steele being in the room and he jumps in terror and cries out, much like Dwight being frightened by Angela... iykyk. So thank you for this glorious moment of laughter! And Lucy's sister was incredible; she brought the much needed stifled weirdness that the novel is spilling with.
Marianne and Eleanor's performances were almost identical in both versions. I'm not sure if it was because Miss Austen wrote them so well that it was unmistakable how to act; or, if they were deliberately cast and directed to be so similar. Sadly, because of this , all of the actors are easily compared. The 90s actors win this one; except for little Margaret who was impeccable and has an amazing career now. Also, The I-am-dead-inside performance of Lady Middleton surrounded by her husband, 4 children, and servants, as if they were standing for a painting, was a delight.
At one point the sisters ask each other what men could possibly want from them. "Maybe we are just play things," wonders Marianne ..
She was almost right. Actually, according to Eleanor, women are wild animals to be tamed like house pets; like a wild horse, or a hawk. What a beautiful way to describe a horrible concept. 😄
Mission: Impossible (1996)
Repeat unoffender
This movie is in my top 10, maybe 5. I owned the vhs in the 90s, and I have watched it repeatedly. When you get to know a movie so well, you would think the twists and turns would get old. They somehow don't. I am captivated each time. The plot is unexpected in many ways. Ideal canon for the modern journey of Ethan hunt. Entertaining enough to stand on its own. Gritty enough to be believable but flashy enough to provoke wonder.
You get it. I think this and fallout are the two best of the franchise; although ghost is enthralling. At this point I'm just adding more characters to finish the review. This tape will self destruct in 5 seconds.
How Do You Know (2010)
What
This was weird, but I'll probably revisit it in the future. It made me smile, but it also had awkward and stilted dialogue that not even these amazing actors could fully save. I think it's downfall was trying too hard to be a classic. It had too much going on while having too little going on. I think dropping one of the side plots while adding more developed dialogue would've helped. I don't fault it for being understated, but it was weird. Poor Reese had to repeatedly use the same bewildered, searching expression over and over to remind the audience that this was the way they expected you to feel. Like what was that..? On the positive side Rudd and Wilson delivered the few clever lines amazingly. Nicholson's last scene in the movie was perfect- no dialogue, all facial expressions. Abrupt end.
Falling for Christmas (2022)
solid cheesefest
Look, as far as holiday romance comedy small town fish out of water meets single dad and there's a big event to help save the small business movies go, this one is not bad.
There is a lot of physical comedy, the fitted sheet scene was pretty great and there are many more. LL is all in.
The score showcases plenty of flutey tender piano music interspersed with the playful violin montage music to aid the rapid character development and plot progression.
I also came here to say that the blow dryer scene sent me. As she was finishing using the blow dryer absentmindedly, her hair lay in absurdly styled curls. (ITS NOT THAT SIMPLE!!) I love that they just left it in.
Please add this to your list. And yes this is a real place in the cutest small town - Park city, Utah, and yes the mountains, skiing, and lodges are that gorgeous, and the celebrities love to visit there.
Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)
A love letter to fans
They made this sequel as a thank you to all the love and fandom through the decades! It was full of wicked, funny and quirky moments that are similar to what we love from the first film. I smiled and laughed through all their muttering, physical comedy, walking, huddling and more. They looked amazing! It was so magical to experience more of the classic three in new situations (but so similar to the first in mood, lighting and tone)! I love to think about the work that went behind this: the public and the actresses lobbying for a sequel, years of planning, writing, shots, reshots, rehearsals, costume drafting, directing, casting, set and music design, and countless other areas I know little about. Thank you for the sequel, sisters! I loved the story, comedy and beauty of it. I REALLY hope there's a third one!
Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar (2021)
Palette cleanse
This is not a masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination, but here's why I love it: it is the most wacky, inane, colorful explosion of a movie made solely for the sake of entertainment since Austin Powers.
All I can think of, months after seeing this, is the color palette. The aqua blues, flamingo pinks, oranges and everything in between. It's a visual piña colada. It's intent? To make you smile and shake your head at its nonsense. It's the class clown that everyone is secretly thankful for. With the heaviness of the past couple of years, it's the palette cleanse we all need.
Reba would agree.
War of the Worlds (2005)
Ages well
17 years after its release, I saw this for the first time. The visual effects and audio were well done and still compelling. The aliens themselves were kind of adorable, but maybe that's just me. I felt like they had a backstory that wasn't all about harvesting humans.. they wanted to discover things. When they were exploring the basement, they made me laugh. But when I learned HG Wells intended this book as an allegory to colonization, it was suddenly not as funny.
It was darker than I expected with a few little twisted laughs (in Spielberg fashion). It features interesting coloring and lighting choices that make it feel retro and alien. I appreciated the contrast of mass hysteria against standout acts of individual heroism.
Tom Cruise shines in this, like always. Good popcorn movie.
Togo (2019)
from a pet movie wimp
I can't handle dog movies or anything with pets unless it's Beverly Hills chihuahua. But I stumbled upon an article about Togo on Wikipedia the other day and my mind was blown. I visited my favorite website for wimps like me ( does the dog die dot com) and verified it was a "safe" choice. Now since I knew the historical ending I felt confident, but this movie still was exhilarating and terrifying. The last scene was one of the most beautiful scenes. It happened to tear down all my walls and so I cried. Okay. I cried. Dang Disney. Making me feel things like emotions.
Don't Look Up (2021)
Glad I watched this
Satirical, entertaining, hopeful, and depressing all at once.
I enjoyed seeing many of my favorite actors all together in this facepalm rebuttal of real-world greed and stupidity.
Weird, very nude post credits scene that the movie could've done without x__x.
Standout acting.
Inception (2010)
Nothing like it
Original, gorgeous, cerebral, thrilling, disturbing, and sometimes downright scary; this is a movie I will never grow tired of. The score is as great as the visuals. The acting lacks nothing.
Knives Out (2019)
y e s
Each time I see it, I love it more. Expect a twisted and captivating mystery. Watch it with your full attention. It's a treat. Benoit Blanc is my new pretend boyfriend.
Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Make it pink!
As a four year old, I watched this every Wednesday and it became my favorite. It's a beautiful combination of characters, music and mid century art. Aurora is enchanting.. she is a classic Disney Princess. If you watch how they created the animation, how they zoomed in with layers and layers of hand drawn art; you'll be amazed. Maleficent is magnificent.. so well-drawn, well-voiced and frightening! Out of it all, I might say the "birthday party planning" scene is my favorite. It's almost Griswold in its effect .. and the mishaps of the 3 good fairies make the whole movie work! Love it.
Tangled (2010)
Everything
It's a masterpiece. It shows why Disney is so beloved. It's stunning. The colors, the lanterns against the night sky, the facial expressions, the music, the acting... It makes me tear up many times; but with happiness! My favorite is when her feet touch the earth for the first time, there is nothing but magic in that scene. The floating lanterns is, again, a masterpiece. I also adore the king and queen, their responses when she returns. A village of talented artists with heart, vision and genius came together to make this gem, and it shows. I love that in this movie at the climax, Rapunzel is the hero, Flynn is the hero, Maximus is the hero, the ruffians are heroes, and even Pascal is the hero. They all come together to save the lost Princess (especially the lost princess herself). This film is ultimately the result of collaboration of good and lovely people and ideas. So well done!
The Skeleton Key (2005)
Interesting
... it was unique. I would describe it as historical fiction/ ghost or hoodoo story. It is atmospheric with a beautiful set design, creepy, creaky home, and explosive thunderstorms. This movie is relatively tame as far as horror scares go, but it contains dark material that is not for everyone. It's more of a mystery and suspense rather than horror; with moments of creepiness. I was kind of drained by the ending. There were plot holes, and I feel that the black actors should have had more lines, central roles and better fleshed out backstories. Finally, Kate Hudson is flawless, holy crap. How did she get such round brushed perfection hair with no mirrors? We saw your natural curls in the rain, Kate, ain't no way I find that believable. 😂
Bluey (2018)
Perfection
Makes me laugh and occasionally tear up. We watch it daily.
"Look honey, we are teaching the kids a lesson AND we are getting the house clean!" -Dad
"None of those things are happening." - Mum
Love the countless, hilarious nods to parents. Fun ideas for quality time games with your kids.
The Happening (2008)
What?!? No!!!
Jaime French (YouTube personality) brought me here. Search for her movie review on The Happening for a lovely and in-depth perspective. 😂
I watched it, knowing this movie is supposed to be a B movie. It was his intent... but Shyamalan is a movie making genius. So when he tries to go below his natural gifts and make a B movie... I think it becomes confusing. How do you stifle genius and make it lower quality and dumber? People don't know if it's supposed to be frightening, or ridiculously hilarious. Some people think it doesn't need an R rating, but I think it does. There's plenty of disturbing violence and an overall dark mood.
The terrible writing and one-liners are now cherished phrases I use...
You know, hot dogs get a bad rap....
Why are we just standing here as uninvolved observers?!
You know why??? Because your face is perfect.
And the best one of all...
Whaaaaat!!? No!
Thank you Mark and Zooey, truly. 😂
A Quiet Place Part II (2020)
Niiiiice
I just have a few thoughts that hopefully won't spoil too much.
Love the continued parallels to parenting. Will mom ever get a chance to relax???
The stillness in the theater was great. We could sometimes hear the movies in neighboring theaters and we could hear people chatting in the hallways. I was afraid to eat my popcorn.
I sense a 3rd quiet place based on the boat scene.
The pacing was done well. It was a well written sequel- not over the top, but transfixing.
"Day 1" was awesome.
The casting was exceptional. Blown away at the acting.
Not an overly disturbing, dark, horror, but just the kind of suspense and jumps that I appreciate!!!
John and Emily, if you read this, can we please be friends? K thanks.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Everything
I love how the music tells the story as much as the animation and script. Used as beautiful punctuations throughout, it creates a visual and auditory feast, capturing the attention of even distractible little ones. I love the innocence of not only Snow White, but of "The Prince". I can't decide what my favorite part is.. when she sends the Prince a kiss via a dove.. it blushes, kisses him, then shows Snow White beaming as she shuts the curtains...I laugh every time. Or when she shrieks "oh!!!" in the cottage, scaring away all her woodland creature friends; then continues; "what a cute little chair!" as she settles down into it. Of course, not all of it ages well, but it is delightful every time I've watched it. Beloved classic. What a gift from Mr. Disney.
Little Women (2019)
Lovely
Wonderful compliment to the 1994 version. The acting was beautiful. The music and visuals were lovely. Can't wait to see it again.
Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
W o n d e r f u l
I loved it. It has all of the aspects of what I seek in a movie. My family loved it. The acting was sincere and heartfelt. The visuals were breathtaking. Not only money, but heart was put into this movie. It will be highly criticized because it's held at an epically high standard, and still it delivered!! 💜
Frozen II (2019)
Wonderful
Wonderful character development of the main 5 characters. I fell in love more with each one. Captivating new characters introduced. Excellent bridging from the first movie to a possible 3rd movie (see what I did there). The music was great. The first frozen can stand alone, but I am so glad they made this sequel. I didn't ever know what to expect, it was full of surprises and original material. We were all captivated the entire time. What more can you ask for?