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natepauley
Reviews
Anyone But You (2023)
A Pretentious Rom-Com
Although the romance fails to captivate, you'd be even more disappointed in it's comedic relief.
A lot of what is up for offer is a hard pill to swallow, it feels almost as though they directed a film that played out better in imagination than in practice.
Needless to say, it's story goes as far as your standard romance comedy that has been interpreted countless times in glaringly obvious manners.
As for the characters, I may have had high hopes for Sweeney, however the ode to emotional depth that was interpreted in Euphoria is leaps and bounds behind. Not unexpected with such a lifeless film.
A lot of what this movie has to offer just feels pretentious, and overly confident. I'd only recommend this if you really, really need to watch it.
The Black Demon (2023)
Comedic Without The Comedy
I begrudge a lot of the reviews trying to warrant a redemption of this film by excusing it as a popcorn thriller. (Then proceeding to rate it a mediocre 5/10)
There is not even an argument here because there is very little reason to warrant you even going to make or buy popcorn for this, just don't watch it - it's terrible.
There is very little to take away from this aside from, perhaps a convincing oil rig - if that's your thing. The acting commemorates and is oftentimes surpassed by your traditional hallmark film and quite frankly if you're in this for a AAA monster shark fest you'd probably only enjoy this if you're big on Sharnado, but even then - Sharnado likely still has more screen time.
I can only recount why this film is here, while it's overarching theme of pollution is quite adamant - it's definitely poor marketing of it.
From (2022)
Less Should Be More
This show can quite arguably set apart its own unique story (setting aside silent hill) amongst other mainstream series out there and it certainly captures this essence in the beginning of the season - it becomes visibly bleak as it progresses.
This is a shame because you can't help but see all the potential that this series has, it foreshadows and executed it quite well in the beginning but it very quickly drops the ball in the second season.
A lot of what we see feels "consecutive" - there is no flow or development in its characters, in fact a lot of them would either be hallucinating, angry or content - complimented by over exaggerated scenarios and poor acting.
While it fails to maintain a good story and characters, it's nevertheless engaging enough to want to discover how this all pans out.
Halloween Kills (2021)
Slasher Friendly
While it arguably doesn't meet the heights set by its predecessor; it nevertheless is a welcome adaption to its Michael Myers anthology.
It serves a handful of gore and cinematic delight any fan would come to expect. However, the "boogeyman" emphasis is worn out, and I don't see how anyone would collectively make a decision to count the number of times "evil dies tonight" is dialogued, it's theme which is heavily overcompensated to which it, quite frankly, just becomes irritating.
Curtis is also basically absent from the film, and beyond being a titular character in its franchise - doesn't necessarily negate why she is listed as the main character.
However, it's still better than any of its retconned movies and sets the tone for what may be a third adaption all devotees will be excited for.
Old (2021)
Won't Age Well
What is probably the worst M. Night Shyamalan original debut to date.
While it may bench on some good ideas, it's execution is poor - and it oftentimes feels like a rehash of simultaneous events just happening in a consecutive order, with no consideration to even plaster a good story between these moments, or even have a heartfelt impact on them either.
Although you'd survive a single sit through, it's most likely not worth your time.
Candyman (2021)
Artistically Derivative
It dissects a lot of important issues worth consideration; and is backed up by noteworthy cinematography and stellar acting.
While it fundamentally does this; you can't help but consider if it's an interpretation of its originated material.
It's represents an artistic form of work that forces you to linger on its messages, while effective - anyone that is seeking original horror methodology may just be disappointed.
Euphoria (2019)
Unhinged
HBO has never held back its demeanor of portraying content that would make several, if not all viewers feel slightly uncomfortable. This one is no different.
Yet in light of this; it isn't a bad thing, Euphoria has given them a benchmark to work on all fundamental representations one could think of - in the most raw and organic way possible (as it should be.)
It has managed to conjure not just a compelling full circle of believable characters - but has given us riveting stories worth a revisit.
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
Lingering Ghosts
While it may have some tricks up it's sleeve, you can't help but see how it's franchise is aging.
This sequel unfortunately does not reach the heights to that of its predecessors. A lot of it feels forced and most of the film is unhinged at trying to sell on the thrills, while it may please devoted fans - there is nothing to write home about.
Vera and Patrick are amazing together, however one can't help but ask when it's time for this franchise to kick the bucket.
Call Me by Your Name (2017)
Is it better to speak, or to die?
While it may whisk through the dialogue and cues set up by its novel, arguably some devotees of its written counterpart might find it a bit disappointing.
It deviates somewhat as much as it's almost replicating it's originated material, yet in light of this - it has managed to set apart its own metaphor.
This is an organic, raw and unhinged representation at love, self identity and speaking boldly. It left me with nothing but wanting more of the two central characters.
Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)
Hollow Earth
At its core many fans alike would find its monster rampage sufficient enough for a nearly-two-hour sitting.
Yet what it makes up for fan service, lacks in several other things that make it worth remembering. There is a total neglect of any human element or emotion, and many of its attempts - while valiant, feels very scripted and forgetful.
Yet on the surface it's still a fun, and eye-catching film that would just about quench your hunger for an iconic monster vs monster mashup.
The Woman in the Window (2021)
Drawn Out
The premise and the lead lady makes this engaging enough to sit through, yet a lot of its emotional play can only do so much.
Too much of the film feels disjointed, and what the film supposedly portrays is a story with depth, yet it's conclusion is particularly underwhelming and guessable.
In contrast it's endearing enough to finish - yet it's just another movie you would completely forget about not long after.
Mortal Kombat (2021)
Cumbersome
Although it may appease some fans of its ongoing video game franchise, surpassing its previous attempts at the big screen - it's in fact, just a boredom riddled, staged and unromantic attempt at it.
It lacks the coherence of its actual story, and it's robotic beyond comprehension.
It's a valiant attempt, yet perhaps it shows why this franchise should never reach the realm of live action. It should just stick to the immersive gaming.
Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)
A lifeline
It shows the importance of writing, and its endeavors have banked a movie that sets itself apart from the original.
It feels like a different movie, and that's the best part. You can't help but argue it's runtime, a lot of it feels as though it could of got away and shaved at least 30-40 minutes at the expense of removing drawn out scenes.
Yet all this time feels fleeting, it's an entertaining justifiable romp that should appeal to many fans alike.
Swallow (2019)
Less than desired
The cinematography is great, but it doesn't really save the film from its pitfalls. What would seem as an otherwise promising premise; it lacks in imagination.
The lead plays the part perfectly, but the story is incredibly bland and it wasn't as intense as anticipated.
By the time the credits rolled, it felt as though it was two steps ahead but lagged in execution. Whichever message they wanted to convey does not smoothly translate on screen.
Needless to say, it's watchable and oftentimes engaging enough to stick through, even if it gets lost in its own ambitions.
Hereditary (2018)
Impeccable Crafting
Thematically, any person might excuse this for just another horror movie trope - yet under the surface it has managed to comfortably sit within the realm of a poetic justice.
It's premise, although simple - has so much to digest. It's a metaphorical, compelling ride that knows it's identity - and knows how to string the emotional fear of others.
Toni Collette carries the narrative beautifully, and has proven herself to be one of the most compelling, sincere actresses to date.
Shadow in the Cloud (2020)
Wasted Potential
Chloë Moretz absolutely nails this, and I can say for certain that it's probably one of my favorite characters where she has a starring role.
Her potential is wasted, even that of Nick Robinson - and she generally tries to carry a lot of the weight in the story. Yet, beyond some intense scenes, it's a lackluster over-the-top film with no sense of direction.
Even to the point where; perhaps intentional - it's comedic, and poorly executed. At first it gives a sense that the story in itself would have some heartfelt impact - yet it's dragged down by a lack of taking itself seriously: both visually and narratively.
Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
Cliché at best
This movie had a lot of ground to cover to match its predecessor, which I admittedly enjoyed considering it was a DC movie.
The sequel doesn't even cover a portion of this ground, and it unfortunately pursues the subpar standards set by its DC affiliates.
To put it plainly, the execution is bad as far as the writing goes. It's plagued by over-the-top moments which just isn't justified, a lot of the story tries to cover temperamental ground, and it would of had a heart at its core shouldn't it had felt so forced.
In summary, it falls short of anything but cliché. Which is disappointing because it had a lot of potential. However, this doesn't mean it isn't entertaining, and although it's faults are very present - you might just get by on a single sitting.