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Reviews
Somebody I Used to Know (2023)
Just fine
In terms of a rom-com, it's actually enjoyable. Many of the actors do a good performance, and the story is good, but good is all I can say. Alison Brie's character is someone people can understand, but not really relate with. She does come across as selfish and almost sabotaging the wedding just to get back with the guy she loved, and even he acts a bit selfish almost ruining the weekend trying to rekindle his relationship with Ali. One thing I like to see is to stop giving selfish characters the spotlight and where they still come out on top, this is not something that needs to be shown in a positive spin. But Dave Franco is doing a good shop directing movies and I hope more from him and Alison Brie (his spouse) in the future.
On a side note, I do like how the main character (Ali) is open with her interests with nudism. As one myself, is nice with the lifestyle in a positive spin instead of always being made for jokes.
Velma (2023)
Not worth watching!
Went into this willing to give it a chance, as part of a set of New Year's resolutions to watch media before reserving judgment, but it managed be as bad as the they were saying based on the teaser and trailer they released. For the first two episodes, I decided to make a tally list of the times laughed, unimpressed, or cringed at the jokes they made. In summation, I cringed more times then I care to count.
I figured I'd be cringing a lot based on the first few minutes which involved the characters making commentary about the high amount of nudity and violence in pilot episodes but not so much after, only for them to do it themselves so I fail to see what the point was. This felt like dialogue written by TV writers for TV writers, talking down to its audience especially in a bit where they said 420 is code for adults who watch cartoons (really?!!!).
Instead of going on about how bad the show was, I thought about how the show could been better had it committed to bashing the tropes you see in teen angst shows, like a parody of Riverdale. Would have been a better approach then using well-established characters and twisting them up into some awful people. All in all, another bad showcase from HBO MAX that should've not got greenlit and some executives need to be fired. Do want to say that people are bashing Mindy Kaling here, but she did not write or create the series. She's only guilty of bad voice acting, and portraying Velma like everyone of her other characters.
Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
Eh, pretty good
At times, you get very curious about some of the additional world building and hope they expand on that. But then they just forget about it and move in to the next thing. The film feels a bit rushed, and there is a higher amount of humor to this film that it feels forced at times. None of the actors do a bad job, in fact Bale's performance was amazing, and the plot is done well, it's more that the tone keeps flipping around and that what kills it for me. Overall, still a good addition to the MCU.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
The sequel that was needed.
I had little interests in seeing this movie at first. Given the trailer, what I thought was going to happen, and the over-saturation of sequels/remakes, it seemed like a recipe for disaster. I am so glad to say that I was wrong. Tom Cruise still has the same charm as Maverick along with all the other actors, the story was engaging and flowed smoothly, and the movie had the right amount of tension that never broke and maintained it to the end. Few things did keep me from giving the movie a 10, but I'll let you see it to figure out why. All in all, a very good movie that gives a refreshing sense of pride in the USA and it's military (which can be good from time to time).
Top Gun (1986)
Fun 80's movie
Grew up watching it and after awhile, it became very corny for me depending the scene. However, it's very quotable, the characters are likable, and a romping good time. Any movie buff should watch this.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
A Masterpiece!!!
I still get goosebumps every time I watch this movie. I still at awe with how engaging the story is on screen, how good the visuals have held up even after all this time, and still get emotional with everything going on. It's a wonderful conclusion to an amazing trilogy directed by Peter Jackson, and I wish for this movie to be cherished for years to come!
Justice League (2017)
Fun, awkward, and pretty bad
This film had two directors and my god does it show! The tone for this movie is inconsistent because of this and makes you feel like you're watching two movies at once. Whedon's involvement did not help in anyway and the jokes he added just don't work here, especially with how awkward and cheesy they were. Moreover, I expected the final battle to be in a major metro area like Metropolis or somewhere more grand, not a random village somewhere in Eastern Europe.
What else to say: the plot is loosely constructed, CGI was amateur looking, and the antagonist was weak, it's just a bad movie everyone!
The Batman (2022)
A very gritty Batman...and it really works
It was nice to get back to a Batman film that goes into exploring what makes Batman tick. With that in mind, I can't believe I am saying it but Robert Pattinson plays a great version of the character. From the way he speaks and how he carries himself without speaking, he embodies Batman/Bruce Wayne phenomenally!
Aside from that, the dark tone fits well with this character and his world, the aesthetics to depict Gotham City was done perfectly, and the cast for this film were chosen well. This movie really impressed me and I would advise any Batman fan to go see it (even if it's 3 hours long)!
The Emoji Movie (2017)
3.5 years later...still bad!
There's not much to say past the title I have for this. It's a copy of better films, it takes time to go over how to play games on your phone at the time, the human characters are blank slates, and the jokes are easily seen from a mile away. I do believe there is a better version of the film that could've been made if the people were given the time to flesh out the story better and if the studio wasn't constantly interfering with development. Otherwise, just avoid having your kids watch this in favor of something better, they deserve it.
Soul (2020)
Thought provoking to say the least
Granted you see the cliches coming, but this film will make you forget those right away. The central theme is relatable to everyone as we have all gone through thee struggles and fears that the main character goes through, particularly myself as of late. Like Joe, it sometimes takes a difficult journey for you to realize some of the great things in your life is right in front of you, not what you're trying to see on the horizon. Definitely give this film a watch, it will make you think about the importance of living.