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ankaron
Reviews
The Batman (2022)
Set piece brilliance, a phenomenal Bat, and a fudge
I am coming out strong here - this film is Batnanas good.
There are some set piece moments that had me fist bumping in my seat, and 'the car chase' surely sets a new standard for what is possible with the medium. The film drips with atmosphere, every scene profoundly intentional, and as abrasive as it needs to be to keep you on edge but not uncomfortable.
Pattinson conveys a fearlessness, almost an insanity, in his portrayal. In him, Batman is the vehicle in which he can comfortably carry his grief, his loss, and his vengeance, and Bruce Wayne is the character that feels adrift, lost and unable to come to terms with his lot.
So, with these bar raising atmospherics, and the most square jawed cowl wearing you've ever seen - why not perfect?
Well - a superb villain, and dastardly plot, sort of get scuppered, sort of dont, and it's not really clear whether the three hours gave us a victory or a loss or, worst of all, nothing of consequence at all. I just don't know whether, after all that, the hero did much better at all than play what was in front of him, and that just felt a bit of a waste.
Bless This Mess (2019)
If you only gave it five minutes, you missed out
Lots of 1 star "five minutes is all it took," reviews... Prejudicial preemies! The writing is smart and the veteran cast carry all the nods and winks beautifully. A really knowing, comfortable confidence with the setting and roles means its very easy to get settled in with the show. The sort of familiarity you might have felt with the Office or Brooklyn Nine Nine. Just really good.
Booksmart (2019)
Just Very Funny
The coming of age high school party movie is not novel. The outsiders feel the pamg of regret the day before graduation and try to shovel a childhood's worth of rebellion into one night So far, so normal.
But this film, and this cast, are just so flipping likeable. Three dimensional characters galore, no film tropes, and everyone just seems to be having such a good time doing it.
Laugh out loud moments in abundance.
Avenue 5 (2020)
Character comedy
This is a pretty wonderful, colourful character comedy that makes the most of its setting for "situation" specific gags. It deserves to have a high 7 rating at least, and I really cannot understand all the negative ratings, except that there seems to be a preoccupation with 'liberals.'
No laugh track. No slap stick. No, "Did Iiiii dooooo thaaaaat?"
Yes great cast. Yes characters you get to know. Yes poop jokes.
Mr. Sloane (2014)
It is a travesty this was not picked up for S2
All the parts are here; a lovely varied set of characters with room to grow, a solid comedic premise, and an "out of time" satirical wink and nod. 6 episodes of pure whimsy with touches of guffaw and the occasional heart string tug. That this was not taken out for a second spin is madness.
Stardust (2007)
Stardust Surefire Sleeper Hit
So it's lurking way down the chart at the box office... So it's not flying at you from every angle in the form of trailers, TV spots, pop-up ads or street posters... So it's not one of the worlds most famous fantasy novels... But blimey it's a good film! Fast paced, snappy dialogue, exquisite setting, tongue in cheek humour, solid acting and, of course, the ever radiant Claire Danes. Layer all of that icing on top of the cake that is an uncommonly original story and it truly is amazing that more people aren't turning up in droves.
I'm assuming that everybody has seen Superbad and the Bourne Ultimatum by now. Assuming that, I strongly suggest skipping spots 3-7 on the top ten list and heading straight for this "diamond in the rough" at number 8. Take your girlfriend, go with your mates, see it with your family; I doubt there is a man alive out there who would not find something to love in this movie.
Tenkû no shiro Rapyuta (1986)
The old version was way better
Am I making this up? When I was just a kid I saw this on TV, and it was just so much better. The music was more dramatic, the voice acting was less-kiddified, and the whole movie had a more intense feel to it.
I was so disappointed when I turned it on, that I promptly turned it off again. I wasn't going to let James Van Der Whatzit ruin one of my favorite childhood characters. Did they even watch the old one? Chances are, no, they didn't.
Basically I'm frustrated. I was looking forward to reminiscing for a couple of hours, but I ended up doing laundry because I couldn't watch it. The excitement and maturity of the first English-version is lost to a bunch of silly ad-libs, squeaky voices, and muted music.
Blech. Where can I find an old copy on DVD?