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Reviews
Skyline (2010)
Fairly unique sci-fi alien film
It was a refreshing watch, no ex-military dad, no nurse mom, no asthmatic daughter. Just a bunch of partying adults getting lost and scared. No plan, no exit, no chance of survival.
Great alien special effects and cool concepts. The military effort seemed a bit weak but I supposed since all major city centres were under attack the military was probably spread thin.
Very little dialogue and no unnecessary expositions. The acting was fine, your average low budget sci-fi actors, with Bautista and OG Jarrod.
I thought the second film would be the continuation of the first but doesn't seem like it.
May December (2023)
The drama is within each characyed
So much tension between each characters and lust and surprisingly, motherly love. I can see why some people would find this movie uneventful, but I think each character is a story in itself, showing you all the conflicting parts of it.
Charles Melton (Joe) did a phenomenal job, playing someone who was a mature kid and a stunted adult, embodying both at the same time. Natalie Portman (Elizabeth) brings a narcissistic and condescending being into the spotlight. And Julienne (Gracie)!! The character was just so complex and conflicting, and sinister.
The soundtrack and the framing of characters add so much to this story.
Anatomie d'une chute (2023)
The dialogue was like music to my ears
I do not see this film as a courtroom drama, nor crime, nor psychological. It was an intimate examination of love, relationship, grief, depression, and an incredible child.
It was not just a film, rather it was soulful. It drew me in.
The truth was not hard to see. I could not see the film as a mystery, nor was the truth not important.
The acting was phenomenal. Every character was clever, insightful, and compassionate. The events were cold but you could feel a warmth throughout. One thing I wonder is the ending. Was the memory true or made up? It wouldn't have changed my belief about the truth but it would make the film that much interesting!
The Creator (2023)
It was truly a comedic viewing experience
We were laughing through the movie and did so on the way home.
It's a really bad great movie, maybe it's satire through and through.
First scene is okay, they love each other, all good. Then the US soldiers go to find the weapon, and the sit-com begins. The base is so high tech, housing one and only hope to save simulant-kind, and its brought down by lazy security guards not watching a black and white monitor??? Movement sensors what? AI detection what? Entrance guard what? None of these.
Then they show a room which looks like they are using it to torture a child. A cold and grey hall with no view of the blue sky, no warmth, no supervision, and a simulant child is watching TV. Great for kids.
All great. Remember when soldiers were flying in, one lady was in a big box Avatar piloted robot? Yeah she stepped out of it, forgot it was a military weapon, got shot, totally blanked when an enemy fired something at her back, and took her whole team out by the sticky note on her back.
It just gets sillier, with so many rice paddies and monks and snow capped mountaintops with monks and snow and rice and monks and religion.
A black man saves Asia. It has to be satire.
Riceboy Sleeps (2022)
It's like you are watching clips of someone's memory
Watched it at the Kingston Canadian Film Festival. The movie was made on film so there was a grainy texture, an aged feeling. At times it felt like clips from someone's home video.
There was a lot of subtle humour, beautiful imagery, and endearing cultural input that I was very familiar with.
However, I was disappointed that the movie didn't excite me. Not excitement like joy or thrill. I just felt the movie was one cliche after another. It used a lot of common things that happened to immigrant families that got played out in numerous films already. I wished it had more character exploration and development outside of typical events. When they were so jam packed in a short time period, they didn't seem natural.
However, the film moved away from that in the third act. The ending felt like a breath of fresh air after being stuck in the basement for years.
A Quiet Place Part II (2020)
Great acting, kids were the stars, storyline was weak
I was debating on giving it 6 or 7. Solid production and great acting, but the story line was weak. This movie seemed like a transition piece, connecting the first movie to eventually what will be the third film.
Some character development. Really liked the kids' taking more of a stage and not acting totally immature (appropriately immature for their age and circumstance). Great acting from the younger actors, even outshining adults!
Though the movie was too short for any characters to really have a moment. The ending was a bit disappointing because it mirrored the first one. Still liked it and you will not be disappointed by the movie. Looking forward to the third.
The King of Staten Island (2020)
Thoughtful movie I didn't expect it!
I thought it was going to be a comedy but ... the characters were well thought out and the movie gave us a glimpse of a young man's struggle with life, ADD, and trauma.
Stay Close (2021)
Tolerable; binge-worthy because of sunk cost
It was not entertaining but watched in one sitting because you wondered this whole time whether this mess would amount to something...it didn't.
Useless characters that were bizarre, which would have worked if the whole film was quirky, but this wasn't it.
The murderer had very little foot in the game. The lead's life was overturned for nothing. Nothing to be learned from this story. Misleading flashbacks and perspectives carried the whole show.
You can watch it if you've got nothing else.
Angel of Mine (2019)
This is film of a different kind
The story pacing felt like a short film to me, and length was all for the thrill, and to give ample time for breath-taking acting from the two leads.
I rewatched Yvonne and Noomi's final confrontation right after I finished the film.
There were little things throughout the film that made you question everything just a bit.
A must watch for when you are in the mood. I had to pause in the beginning and come back.
Free Guy (2021)
Avg acting, humour, but I did cry a lot at the end
Not a bad movie but a bit disappointed that it wasn't as humorous id expect from Ryan Reynolds.
Acting was so so from the real life characters. Characters were flat. There was no suspense. But a lot of emotions though.
I think it is a great film for any gamers. A lot of Easter eggs and references. Even a non-gamer like myself picked up on some stuff.
Jiok (2021)
A profound message behind the show: what is goodness?
Wow. At first I thought the show was trying to use monsters and religious gimmicks.to comment on the gullibility of humans.
Amazingly, this show posed a series of questions that we don't have answers for in real life.
Is goodness still good if it was motivated by a fear of punishment/desire for rewards? Is the justice system providing justice or just judgement?
The characters were rather flat, but it didn't matter to me. The philosophical dilemma behind the storyline outshined everything. I highly recommend you to watch it but based on reviews I understand that it is not for everyone.
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Surprisingly great, but ruined by the story catalyst
The whole shabang started because Parker wanted his friends get into MIT.
Compared to Batman or superman, who had been alienated by their city due to conflicting character flaws, harsh life stories, and human greed, Spider-Man was hated because of some drones that I could barely remember from the last movie.
Great acting from Tom, Dr. Strange's own conviction, and a great plot connecting different cinematic universes. All shadowed by the dumb reason why they were in this mess.
The Gentlemen (2019)
Very entertaining but nothing more
Highly recommend that you watch it. I laughed throughout even though I often have a hard time with British jokes.
Great acting, especially from Henry Golding. It was refreshing to see him in a role like that.
Story is well-paced. Witty dialogue and satisfying plots. Very entertaining. But nothing more.
Yara (2021)
Great acting, the emotions shown by actors
I watched it dubbed, somehow I paid more attention to the actors micro expressions more because of it.
The confusion of the sister when she was watching the police bagging her laptop turned to fear and sadness as soon as she entered her dad's arms.
The mother 's look to the prosecutor at the end. The emotions that were communicated through that look.
A solid film. Nothing too crazy or dramatic.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
Leung's acting overshadowed everything
Leung's acting was superb. So good that others were pale in comparison. Simu Liu's acting lacked range, Aquafina was just being herself (though she was good during the final battle), the sister was not bad, and others were dismal at best (but the jester guy was also good).
Great action sequences, Leung's storyline was good but simplified, Shang-Chi lacked real struggles (he didnt seem bothered by the abandonment of his sister, his ability to fight improved in one day, he sat on the dragon for a good 15min without doing anything, ... the list goes on), the soundtrack was not that great, the portrayal of simple colorful villagers were ... hm...
Solid action, Leung was the highlight, meh about other stuff.
Wrath of Man (2021)
Jason was indifferent to everything and it was beautiful
However, the ending was somehow anticlimactic...
This movie knew what it was and it was upfront since the title to 10min before the ending. Jason was angry, too cool for school, and magical.
I would have liked it more if the security personnel in the end didn't die so nonchalantly. The woman and the guy hiding in the truck looked smart. Elvis also had his moment. But to kill all three because of the rat? I'd say the death in the end were just lacking something.
Great soundtrack. Good action. Meh ending.
Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
Was not expecting it but a great watch
What an entertaining movie. I was desperate for a sci-fi film after I nearly poked out my eyes from seeing Cosmic Sin. Did not expect much just because the character design and her appeared age on the poster.
I'm glad that I watched it! It was a bit weird as it read like a cross over among cyberpunk, teenage heartthrob, dystopian wasteland, and arcade gaming?
Nonetheless, Alita was an unique character. Innocent, ruthless, naive, but driven. A lot of things happened in a short amount of time, but I'm looking forward to the second segment if it ever comes out.
I would say the acting was not the best and Hugo's action in the end did not have enough build up leading up to it. It might have made sense for the character if there was some more context.
Also, the scores were alright. Would not say it was outstanding.
Cosmic Sin (2021)
I am an hour in and I hopped on here because I can't believe this is real
I am so lost. Who am I and what is this???
I am very tolerable of "bad movies" because usually there is something to take away from. Costume, acting, dialogue, jokes, concept, action, storyline, a twist, suspension, soundtrack, vibe ... like literally anything can make me think "oh sure, yeah it was alright".
The clunking sound of their armour made me laugh. I am an hour in and I still believe this film is a prank.
The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)
Good pacing, acting, humour, dialogue; history repeats itself
The movie's actor ensemble caught my attention and I'm glad that I picked it. The pacing of the movie was phenomenal. There was never a dull moment, even during down times.
Dialogue delivery was powerful and strategic. It really highlighted the characters and their depth.
I actually laughed quite a few times during this movie. Subtle and satirical humour.
In the end it made me sad. History just repeats itself. I don't think I learned too much about the Chicago riot (?) and seeing how the events are so similar to what has been happening now is gut-wrenching.
I Care a Lot (2020)
Reminds me of nightcrawler but...bad
I wanted to go with the flow of the movie but the turns and childish ending ruined it. Meh acting from both great actors because the movie had no substance. Could have been a lot better if the ending was more creative. Marla had her bad bxtch moments which I liked but they were watered down with nonsense. Events were choppy and there were no moments where we had the chance to reflect on the character or the plot (especially with no character nor plot to reflect upon).
Reminds me of the nightcrawler with Jake Gyllenhaal. That movie is what this movie wished it were. The Nightcrawler movie had a soul and this movie felt like it was one of those games where people each say a word one after another to create a story.
Gisaengchung (2019)
It was very unsettling for me, but go watch it
I really appreciated the film. The director was subtle but his end result was strong and intense. It made me very uncomfortable. I probably would not watch it again, but it is worth watching. Acting was without a doubt great.
Rupture (2016)
I guess it's not about the story?
Good acting from the lead (which was the reason I clicked on the title) the mom was a strong character who didn't have some special skills but stayed focused to escape and to be with her son. I loved the scene where after she saw another victim (that talked to her) drowned (not to death*) she broke down and had to stop for a while. The movie communicated her emotions and her will really nicely. The ending was okay; some disliked the ending but I felt her lingering love for her son tied the whole movie together. I was SO UNCOMFORTABLE throughout the movie because I shared the anxiety the character had. I feel like the movie wanted to showcase something beyond the plot.
Gravity (2013)
I probably will never watch this again, not because it is bad, it is too good.
This film can easily be said as one of the best this year. You see movies like Avatar with stunning visuals, you see movies like Inception with intriguing plots. And there's Gravity, a movie truly live up to the title of Art. The settings are a few, actors you could count with one hand, three outfits for the lead all together, and not even any weather change to complement the mood. To make a movie with only these, how good would the actors, the settings must be to make a good movie?
"movie is about director and actor expressing their feelings and you relate it to your own", it always sounded cliché until i watched this movie. The reason i will never watch it again is because i felt every single feelings Ryan (Sandra) did in the movie. The shock, the fear, the despair, the hopelessness, the courage, the craziness and at last the happiness. That was what happened in the movie. I think i developed spacephobia just from this movie.
Never noticed Sandra as an actress, but in this movie, to move on Earth like she's moving in space was stunning. I suggest people to watch "behind the scene" on youtube (spoiler at end of the video), to see how Sandra had to act to create the effect.