Chipsneak Reviews

The Boy and the Heron (2023)

Honest review - it isn't good

[5/10 · 6 January 2024]

Why was this made? What was the story that was so great it had to be realised? This movie honestly feels like someone tried to improvise the story of a Ghibli film with nothing to base it off.

There are of course some great visuals (although classic Ghibli films still have a lot more beauty and quirkiness). Some excellent voice acting (although some of the voices just don't fit, seems weird to have distinct actors voicing). The score by Joe Hisaishi was nice (but not near his best work).

Miyazaki likes to take time in his films to give sense of real time, having the characters do normal things in silence. Happens quite a lot in this film though and it's not really happening between excitement, so chunks of the film are genuinely boring.

The main issue is the story. You could summarise it and establish a through line, but it's very basic and uninteresting. The movie just feels like scene after scene with very little substance carrying through. A lot of weirdness happens with zero explanation (pretty typical for Ghibli films) but then are forgotten just as quickly. The charm of Miyazaki's work is the quirkiness that goes with the stories and worlds built, but this just feels like quirks were added to try make a boring story feel like a Ghibli one.

This is an incredibly disappointing film, and again I just want to know what was the point of it? What story or idea was behind the motivation to create this?

Barbarian (2022)

This is genuinely brilliant

[9/10 · 7 February 2023]

Absolutely LOVE this film.

There is nothing that pleases me more than a movie I can't predict. So many these days that you can more or less tell where each act is going.

Firstly the direction is brilliant. There's real character with the movement of the camera, and it really accentuates each shot. Sometimes certain details are highlighted by a zoom, focus or pan. Other times they happen subtlety in the background. The score by Anna Drubich was understated and perfectly suited.

The performances are excellent bar none. We all know Justin Long can always deliver, and Bill Skarsgard has more than proven his ability, but Georgina Campbell was enthralling and a protagonist I want to watch more of! Huge props as well to Matthew Patrick Davis whose physical performance was full of emotion despite the extremely minimalistic dialogue.

The story was just awesome. I loved the tonal shifts that accompanied each storyline. Some people complain about the dramatic changes, and if you're one of these people please stick to 90-minute action or horror movies that do nothing to surprise you but jump scares.

The jarring juxtaposition really boosted my enjoyment.

This is a brilliant, scary, gruesome, hilarious film and I strongly recommend it. Can't wait to see more movies with Zach Cregger at the helm.

Supernatural: Death's Door (2011) Season 7, Episode 10

Great representation of the show

[10/10 · 8 November 2022]

"As fate would have it, I adopted two boys, and they grew up great. They grew up heroes. So you can go to hell!" Some people think this show is about supernatural beings, but it's actually about family, set in the context of a world with supernatural beings.

Sometimes Supernatural reaches the brink of feeling procedural, but it always reveals it's deep and powerful core. I adore this funny, profound, frightening and excellent show, and this episode is another in a long line of perfect examples of why it is such a fantastic series.

Farewell to Bobby, what a legacy to leave. Certain shows feel forced when they let an integral character go, but this is not one of them.

Everybody Loves Raymond: The Finale (2005) Season 9, Episode 16

Stormy602 is an idiot

[9/10 · 7 August 2022]

Genuinely a perfect ending for this show. There were no outlandish story arcs or character turns to establish a more exciting ending. It was just another episode that totally encapsulated the theme of the entire show. This is the most underrated show of all time.

Also, check out stormy602's review for the worst idea I've ever heard in my life.

Jurassic World Dominion (2022)

Won't win any Oscars but it's entertaining!

[7/10 · 16 June 2022]

Not nearly as bad as some people are making it out to be. There is too much action, and a lot of it is ridiculous. There are too many characters, and not all the performances are great. The story is somehow both simple and complex.

But this might is genuinely fun. There are some cool dinosaurs, new and old. While some callbacks are a bit heavy-handed, most are pretty light and enjoyable. Big improvement from Fallen Kingdom.

Here's the definitive ranking of the movies for reference: Jurassic Park Jurassic World Dominion JP3 Lost World Fallen Kingdom.

Crashing (2016)

Almost amazing, but not very good...

[6/10 · 5 June 2022]

Watched Crashing because I think Fleabag is a perfect series, and wanted to check out any of Phoebe Waller-Bridge's work.

My main problem with this show is that I hate every character. I don't think they're all bad people, I just hate the people they are. I have a similar problem with Shameless, although the group dynamic as a whole in that show is more endearing.

Another issue is that from the start, this weirdo with a ukelele shows up and it's made clear to the audience that Lulu and Anthony are in love. Any pacing for the development of this relationship doesn't really exist, it's just a short 'will they/won't they?' that ends with a conclusion but still not a satisfying one.

But yeah... these characters aren't just ones you love to hate, they're just awful.

Feels like a project from 2003.

Master of None: Religion (2017) Season 2, Episode 3

Interesting subject matter, bad acting

[6/10 · 11 May 2022]

The only real issue I've had with this brilliant show, besides that awful third season, is some of the acting. Sometimes there's some amazing characterisation, but often it's just people walking around very clearly reading lines. Aziz Ansari ended up using his real life parents to portray Dev's parents in the show, and while they're by no means accomplished thespians, there's something charming and authentic about their performances. Ironically, they look like Oscar-nominees when compared to the acting Harris Gani.

Very interesting episode exploring guilt and parental pressure. Acting just needs to be as consistently high-quality as the rest of the show. (Again, except Season 3, that was garbage. Style-over-substance always a bad idea.)

Moon Knight: The Tomb (2022) Season 1, Episode 4

Yeah, this show is incredible

[9/10 · 20 April 2022]

I am so scared that, like the other Disney Marvel shows, this finale is going to derail the show's tone, story and overall quality. However, after Episode 4 I absolutely love this show and it's my second favourite Marvel show after Daredevil and above Punisher. This episode is as unpredictable, exciting and high quality as the rest of the show. While Oscar Isaac is staggeringly exquisite in his performance, this episode really highlights the talents of the cast, particularly May Calamawy. Most of all it really makes it seem as though the creators are having a great time making the show... and if they're not, I certainly am.

Modern Family: New Kids on the Block (2019) Season 11, Episode 1

Acting MasterclAss

[4/10 · 7 April 2022]

If you wanna showcase some of the great acting on Modern Family, this show is NOT the one to choose. I would've watched the previous 10 seasons if they were just a Ty Burrell monologue, and while there have been peaks and troughs in the show previously, this episode seems to be a perfect t storm of disjointed and uninteresting storylines, dialogue with zero nuance, and again... the acting! It looks like a drunken table read. Hope the season improves from here.

Moon Knight: The Goldfish Problem (2022) Season 1, Episode 1

Enthralling, I'm on board!

[9/10 · 2 April 2022]

What an exciting first episode! Start to finish I was completely engrossed and I loved every second. At one point someone called me and after I berated whoever it was for interrupting me I made sure I went back because I couldn't stand to miss a second. Some of the shots are incredible, and the editing is expertly done. The dialogue is rich and somehow incredibly realistic (in the context). Such an enticing story that has already guaranteed my persisting return throughout the season. Finally, unsurprisingly, Oscar Isaac's performance(s) are absolutely brilliant, nuanced, hilarious and totally suited to the show. Yes please!

Turning Red (2022)

A lot of fun

[8/10 · 11 March 2022]

Look, there's not a great deal of innovation with the story, but this movie is undeniably a joy to watch. The style of animation, the music, the cast and obviously direction and editing are just top notch. Felt really genuine. Also was one of the best intros I've seen in a movie.

The Guardians of Justice (Will Save You!) (2022– )

Genuinely not good

[2/10 · 2 March 2022]

If you're thinking this might be one of those niche shows that not a lot of people enjoy but you might find a certain appreciation for, you're wrong. Clearly style was valued over substance in this mess... and the style is bad. There's clear influence from Into the Spider-Verse, Invincible, Sin City, Watchmen and more, not to mention it's lazy and charmless parallels between actual comic stories, but not a hint of the talent in its creation. What we see is closer to a combination of a fever dream and severe irritable bowel syndrome. The mess of styles, like chocolate/tuna blend of live action, animation and comic-esque onomatopoeia, screams a desperation for approval from what I assume were a group of kids who saw The Boys and thought they could do better. The one saving grace is the acting, in that it's so bad it destroyed any guilt I might've felt by not giving this show more of a chance. I only watched two and a half episodes, and while I usually persist, there wasn't an iota of quality that encouraged me to continue, so I didn't. Funny how a 'different take of the superhero trope' is now it's own trope. I love The Boys. I adore Invincible. I loathe this.

Modern Family: In Your Head (2018) Season 9, Episode 13

The professor is awful

[6/10 · 17 January 2022]

The professor is the worst character yet in the series, including Manny. I cringed so hard with every line, really detracts from any interest in the Haley/Alex storyline.

Lovecraft Country (2020)

Don't be fooled by Emmy nominations

[6/10 · 21 September 2021]

Just here to check if anyone's had their mind changed about coming back to this after a bunch of Emmy nominations... Other than Jonathan Majors and Michael K Williams, no they were not deserved. This show is not good. Starts out as an interesting concept, a thrilling mix of racist persecution and otherworldly monsters, but this quickly is revealed to be far too much for the writers to handle. The core narrative, that our lead is trekking across the hellish landscape to find his father (which he does in like episode 2) loses traction and the storyline falls into disarray. The direction is all over the place, the variety of mysticism is unimaginative and the ending is disappointing. I'm glad it was cancelled, and I don't know how it was nominated for so many awards... ridiculous.

The White Lotus (2021–2025)

Overrated, trust me

[6/10 · 4 September 2021]

Started out as an interesting and tense take on a dark comedy, and then it soon became clear that the creators weren't entirely sure of the tone they were going for. Odd juxtaposition of establishing shots, building score and often mundane dialogue. Different is good, but not at the detriment of substance. Would've been a better film if it leaned into the thriller aspects or the black comedy, but struggles to balance both, and the disappointing finale shoehorns the character development that was missing from the the rest of the season. I think it's worth a watch, but if you start to feel like your attention is waning, it's a good point to stop. There's no unfurling mystery with a nice payoff... I actually forgot about what's hinted in the first scene.

Rostered On (2016– )

Genuinely awful

[1/10 · 12 August 2021]

I'm Australian. I worked years in retail. I'm a fan of comedy. This isn't it.

This is just one of the worst shows... it's the most ham-fisted attempt at mirroring reality I've ever seen. No one acts like anyone, they've tried to make The Office style of character comedy with each character having their own comedic genre, but it's just so blatant, and let me repeat, not funny. The creators have obviously watched comedies and thought 'I could do that' without thinking it through. At some points the fourth wall is broken, but it's inconsistent and it's horrible. And the attempt at pretending the show has a basis of heart is just depressing. This show isn't The Office, it's not Friends, it's not Parks and Rec, it's not even The Big Bang Theory. It is, however, scum. I actually feel sick thinking how many episodes I suffered through. I'm worried that on my deathbed when all I want is more time I'll remember watching this absolute garbage. Please... PLEASE! Don't even watch it to see if it's as bad as I say it is, I promise you it is. There's nothing funny. I hate this show so much.

Superstore (2015–2021)

Low quality

[2/10 · 12 August 2021]

Nothing new, nothing original. Just a bad version of 100 comedies we've seen before. Nothing encouraged me to laugh. Even if it was abysmal with 1 or 2 moments to make me laugh in a season I'd give it a higher rating because I would've laughed... but I got nothing. Not a smirk, not a grin. Low quality show, if it wasn't marketed as a comedy no one would find it funny.

Logan (2017)

Just so good

[10/10 · 11 August 2021]

This is just brilliance. I absolutely love every second of this movie. If you make it through this I'll rank every X-Men movie at the end, but spoiler alert: This is #1!

Hugh Jackman, despite the varying quality of the movies featuring this character, has been consistently great, and that is exemplified best in Logan. That damaged sense that we always feel due to his tragic past is now being represented physically, and I think 'Old Man Logan' is the pinnacle of how this character can be summarised. Sad and worn down after so many years of torture, but seemingly more dangerous than ever. Patrick Stewart also gives easily his best stint as Xavier. And holy s**t how good is Dafne Keen?! Insanely good young actor and can't wait to see more of her work!

There's an air of heartbreak throughout that's easy enough to understand but is in no way blatantly spelled out for us. Anyone complaining about exposition... we've clearly had a time jump not to mention the complete shamozzle of a timeline that we're supposed to have followed in the series so far.

I've seen a lot of reviews from people criticising us for believing it's Jackman's last stint as this character... but I couldn't care less whether it is or not because I love him in this role but what a sendoff/love letter this is.

The action in this is brutally fantastic. It's as if the previous Wolverine movies were a trial-and-error to find the perfect balance, and Mangold has somehow made this most depressing and darkly violent movie also the one most full of heart.

I recommend this to anyone, X-Men fan or not.

Here's my ranking: 1. Logan 2. Days of Future Past 3. Deadpool 4. X2 5. First Class 6. X-Men 7. Wolverine 8. Deadpool 2 9. New Mutants 10. Last Stand 11. Origins 12. Dark Phoenix 13. Apocalypse.

The Ritual (I) (2017)

Deserves a lot better

[8/10 · 11 August 2021]

I really don't understand the negatives reviews. It genuinely saddens me, because when a movie like this is interesting and fun yet gets shot down, all it does is encourage filmmakers to either appeal to the general public (which I get but also results in rubbish like the Furious franchise) or focus too much on style over substance.

This movie is honestly great. You get completely lost in the environment with them. We're there for all the struggles and progress of the protagonist. People are actually complaining about the monster?? Just such an awesome and original design, so suited to the movie and the setting. The mythology just absolutely fits and adds to the story.

The best part is the balance between metaphor and literalism. Most movies either imply supernatural themes as a reflection of the characters' story, or exist as purely literal representations (and sound have very blatantly parallels that allows for zero interpretation). While there is real horror in this, the contours of the story are affected by the main character's development.

Obviously like most horror movies there are elements we've seen before, but this feels original and really demonstrates some spookiness that makes it so much fun to watch.

The Cabin in the Woods (2011)

This movie is so good

[9/10 · 11 August 2021]

As someone who is at least a big fan of the concept of horror movies (since so many of them really suck) I love this satirical take. So self-aware and funny yet still absolutely consistent and totally believable. Every turn I just wanted to tell everyone how much I was enjoying the movie. Just such a fun movie, and can be enjoyed in so many layers; as a critique or pulp horror movies, as a dark comedy and just as a straight up horror with a twist. Can't recommend this enough, will be a classic for years to come!

Argo (2012)

Surely bribed to win

[4/10 · 28 July 2021]

I'm historically a big fan of Affleck's direction. I really enjoy him as an actor, as I do for just about the entirety of the cast. Let's forget the historical 'accuracy' of the movie, because I couldn't care less. When I see a movie, I'm there to watch the movie. Im not checking off aspects of the story it's based on. Unless it's part of a series of movies I shouldn't need any background information to understand or enjoy. My problem is how boring this is. It's cliched, overdramatic and self-obsessed to the point of just being dull. I wanted to like it, and now I want to erase it from my memory.

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)

Intensely overrated

[6/10 · 28 July 2021]

Obviously an absolutely stellar cast with performances to match. Some really interesting direction, and a decent script. Unfortunately the creators were so caught up with the style they ignored the 11th commandment; Thou shalt not make a boring film. That's the only problem. Literally everything else is good, but when a movie is boring, the rest goes out the window. A big problem I'm noticing in recent years. Movies like Pacific Rim for example are condemned for a basic storyline and reliance on action, which I totally agree with, but out of the two, I'd rather watch the action, because movies are about escapism. We watch them to get lost in another world, to empathise or collide with the characters. I've tried to watch this multiple times and I find myself appreciating little aspects before quickly losing interest. I feel like I could watch Michael Keaton criticise his least favourite toothpaste at length, but this movie just saps any momentum and it's difficult to get through. I think it's worth a watch for the sake of the great performances and the continuous concept. I'd suggest splitting it into sections, but that kind of defeats the purpose of the direction, which seems to be the greatest ambition of Iñárritu yet its priority is what causes the film to fall flat.

The Monuments Men (2014)

Uuurrgghhhh

[2/10 · 28 July 2021]

What a phenomenal cast.

What a boring movie.

Honestly I could go on about specifics like the pseudo-comedic tone, the forced characterisation... but it would be a waste of everyone's time. People need to remember the single most important aspect of cinema; make it interesting! Some people watch for experience, some for escapism, but if a movie is boring, it's for no one (except occasionally the Oscars). Don't watch it, don't even bother reading about it.

Let's move on.

The Office (2001–2003)

Perfection

[10/10 · 22 July 2021]

This is the comedic equivalent of True Detective's first season; a perfect show. I'm a big fan of most of the Gervais and Merchant collaboration (a lot more than their separate work) but this is just magic. The absolute pinnacle of comedy. Incredibly funny, terrific and unmatched cast and built on a real foundation of heart. The best show you'll find.

Game Night (I) (2018)

Enjoyable!

[8/10 · 19 July 2021]

Honestly a really fun watch. Great cast, layered enough to be more than a standard comedy we've seen 100 times before, and most refreshingly of all; it's actually funny. Most of the jokes land which is seemingly a rarity. Jason Bateman as usual elevates most comedic settings, and Rachel McAdams is just completely believable in any role. She could play an espresso machine and I'd accept it. Really worth a watch, entertaining cinema, not trying too hard in any aspect... we need more of these.