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Rocko's Modern Life: Static Cling (2019)
Fun, enjoyable special with some important messages throughout
Static Cling is a funny and cute adventure which along the way makes some brilliant statements on the modern day, specifically in comparing the world now to the world of 20 years ago. The messages concerning change are important ones that obviously reflect the creator's beliefs and I think the length the show went to show just how different the world is now was great to see. Minor spoilers here, but I never expected the show to introduce a trans subplot, but I think it's important considering what this special is trying to say.
Many may not like this element of the story, but remember, this is Rocko's 'Modern' Life. Not Rocko's '90's' Life. It's focusing on the current world, and trans people are a part of that. It's not pushing an agenda, it's reflecting the real world by showing that this is something people go through now. Just like how they also make jokes about nostalgia culture and modern technology.
Because ultimately, the episode is about change. People act as if change and new things are bad, when really, it's just something new to enjoy. Nostalgia culture is a large theme here (and a meta one of course), and everything said in the episode is true. People don't want things from their childhood to be different and so they hate it when it does change. Instead of embracing the new or simply ignoring it, they spew hatred towards it. This episode won't change that of course, it's just the culture we live in; but it's true, and I think it's an important piece of reflection on current media trends if nothing else.
Ignoring a few out of date jokes (the 'zack snyder' joke for example) and a runtime that could maybe have been slightly shorter, Static Cling is a faithful continuation of the series that is a joy to watch. If what you wanted was the same as before however, maybe you should steer clear, otherwise you might find yourself being the butt of the joke.
Climax (2018)
A terrifyingly mesmerising experience
This film is not for the faint of heart. A truely terrifying glance into a party gone wrong, Gaspar Noe's Climax is as beautiful as it is disturbing. The interlocking storylines flow from one another with ease, the smooth camera work guiding it slowly down a darkly disorienting path. Every change of angle and every movement seemed to have purpose to the visuals and characters, and created a nightmareish sense of dread that continued until the end. Similar to Enter the Void, the drawn out sequences of people dancing around and screaming added to the feeling that the film would never stop, which only but added to the horror of the events unfolding on screen.
A truely anxiety-inducing film, it's an experience that I expect most fans of Gaspar Noe will highly enjoy. As well as this, I feel it is his most accessable film yet. For anyone wanting to get into arthouse film or the films of Gaspar Noe specifically, this would be a good place to start.
Black Mirror: Bandersnatch (2018)
Almost great
Bandersnatch offers up an interesting concept and execution but the story feels lacking in ambition and true mind bending conclusions about reality and freedom of choice.
The episode acts like a deconstruction of the concept of free will but offers little to no true existential horror based around it. Whilst some may come away from the episode being introduced to a new set of concepts about freedom, I personally feel like the concept has been done before and this new version of the story isn't offering anything that is particularly better.
Acting however was great (especially from the lead) and the script was well written. Lots of smaller moments within it helped to add a sense of true realism. The character of colin was interesting and he remained intriguing in each plot line, which is why he was probably my favourite part of the episode.
Overall, my largest critisism is that the episode doesn't go far enough. It could have offered some truely existential concepts but felt lacking in this area. Still, the episode was an achievement in its own right, and I'd still reccomend playing through it.
Suspiria (2018)
Incredible Horror Epic
This film is a true horror triumph. The acting, the cinematography, the writing, the sound design, the genuinely amazing horror set pieces, everything within the film is created so beautifully.
The cinematography seems to have torn people and this I don't understand. Just because it isn't colourful doesn't mean it isn't well done. Cinematography doesn't have to be 'pretty' it just has to fit the narrative, themes and setting, which the cinematography does in the case of this film.
The acting similarly is wonderfully layered and complex. Tilda Swinton's performance as the therapist is incredible and the same goes for her performance as Madame Blanc. Not one actress in the film did a bad job.
The sound design for the film was incredible and enhanced many of the scenes, especially those including dance sequences such as the 'Volk' performance.
There was seemingly an element of self-awareness and humour, especially towards the end. I think this helps to make the absurd situations seem more enjoyable, and overall felt it was worthwhile.
The holocaust side-story was somewhat vague and I can see some people not fully understanding it, and I didn't until my second viewing of the film. It works, but it isn't completely defined enough for me to say it's perfect. However, I still enjoy its inclusion as it nicely mirrors the conflict within the main storyline.
And by the way, it is NOTHING like the original, but that's okay. the fact that people are complaining because it doesn't do what the old one did are genuinely sad. It's a remake for a reason; it's a new fresh vision of the film that builds on the first in a way that is compelling and much tighter filmmaking wise. Would you rather the director copied the old one? What would you say then? That it's a pointless remake? All I'm saying is that the vision of the director is clearly his own. Don't be angry that he didn't take the easy route of copying what was already done before and actually tried to make into his interpretation of the story.
Overall, if you hear someone complain that it isn't like the original, then their opinion is likely too covered in nostalgia for the original to be taken even slightly seriously.
Hilda (2018)
Delightful
The animation, the writing, the voice acting, the character designs, the cosy, cute world... All of it adds up to a gorgeous little show that emits an attitude and tone that every child should look up to. It's the perfect blend of story and morals, without the morals ever seeming over bearing or forceful. It is slow in some parts which may put off some kids, but theses moments are minor, and I'd expect the cutesy world and characters would only make up for it. Kids asside, I believe many adults will also enjoy this show for its adorable nature and genuinely amusing comedic moments. There are no adult jokes, but the jokes seem mature in a way many other kids shows seem to lack. Overall, I just think it's great.
Watch it, support it, spread the word, because shows like this are the ones people should be pushing to get another season.
The Gallows (2015)
Tragic.
If I could give this film a lower rating I would. This has got to be the most transparently predictable and dull film I have ever seen. The writing, the performances, the camera work, everything, is terrible.
The writing is so stilted and obvious its as if the writers think the audience is a bunch of idiots. Lines that are set-ups for future events are so blatant, and the writing overall is just irritating, especially anything coming out of the mouth of the cameraman, who is possibly the worst character in any film I have seen.
The acting is over the top and makes the film feel stupid, which makes the already bad plot seem even worse. To tell you the plot would be a waste of time as it has no sort of worth to anyone in any way. It's that bad.
Finally, the fact this is a found footage style film adds nothing to the plot, and if anything only seems to be done to keep the budget down. Again, the nonsensical plot makes it seem even more idiotic. Found footage is meant to add a layer of realism to a story and so when the story, dialogue and characters seem unnatural, it completely goes against the purpose of the filming style. It's literally just so that they can save some money and make a ton more profit than they otherwise would off this piece of crap.
Overall, don't watch it, it's bad. If you want to get a better idea of how painful the film is, I suggest watching the first 5 minutes and listening closely to that stilted dialogue. It's the same throughout the entire movie, and it doesn't get better. It's awful. Don't watch.