Reviews

Lucifer is best experienced, as it was for me, as blind as possible. I went in with only exposure being my recollection of the first season's trailer from 2016, and having read Sandman. So I was very, very well satisfied, my heart achingly so, to see the focus of this show, a very special relationship, and receive vicarious therapy in the countless epiphanies (both incorrect and real), drink in the fantastic moments of one on one, and see the Devil receive, well, I'll let you find out.

What does it mean to be human? Pretty much all of created art, whether that be on-screen or on-page or on-pedestal narrative, is an exploration of this question. Why this phenomenon occurs is simple. We human beings have enough sentience and consciousness to have self-awareness and the ability to form our own thoughts.

In the film Ex Machina we see what happens when true artificial intelligence is born. The humanoid robot Ava is painfully aware of who she is, a created sentient being kept within a confined chamber, a fellow entity of consciousness being prevented from seeing the outside world. Like we humans, she tries to answer this question of identity.

It is only too natural what happens.

To be frank, Ex Machina gave me the chills. To think, to realize the possibility of our own sentient selves creating another sentient self -- the questions that arise! Now personally, I acknowledge the existence of a divine entity (God) that is our Creator. Given this to be true, as we are created from a perfect being, we by very nature cannot be perfect. Thus, the notion of humans creating living beings that can only be even less perfectly designed is... unimaginable.

The human being can be thought of as the perfect computer given bodily form. Our brains, beginning from inception, adapt to new situations and ideas and thus shift and change accordingly. Our memory banks grow gradually more dense over time. Our emotions are immensely complex. We have personalities. We continuously make decisions in the ongoing present, decisions that can be changed irrationally.

It is, I believe, a Universal Law that anything created cannot surpass its creator. Ergo, a robot -- even if it has true AI -- cannot be more cerebrally complex than the human being.

But what about Ava? Created by Man, given intelligence, tested by another Man for the supposed advancement of the human race's knowledge and technology. One glaring mistake I noticed in Nathan's execution of his Turing test was that he should treated Ava as a human being, although she isn't. If Ava were on par with humans, then like any normal human, she wouldn't like her situation -- being locked away from the outside world, being used as a mere test object for someone else's benefit.

Of course, this raises questions like that of an AI's morality. Would a created AI be able to recognize good from evil in the same manner that we can?

I give Ex Machina a 10 out of 10 for two reasons. One, for the superb handling of the intense Ava-human interactions. Two, for the myriad questions raised that are crucial, of the highest importance, for the sake of mankind. Looking at the "progress" we're making right now, I shudder to think what we will land ourselves into within the next fifty, hundred, two hundred years. Recall The Matrix. Robots with lesser intelligence are good, in that they facilitate necessary tasks like surgery and are especially useful because they are less prone to "human error." HOWEVER. Robots of higher intelligence, namely true AI, are not good. Why would they help us? If they become so advanced as to consider us, their creators, inferior beings -- just as we consider other animals lesser beings -- could they enslave us? (See the Legends of Dune prequel trilogy by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.) In fact, as we humans are tainted by something called sentiment, we cannot make the most rational decisions in every situation. We are not Vulcans. Therefore, the robots, who ostensibly do not have such emotions to cloud their thoughts, will see us as all the more unneeded.

Here is my plea to all you scientists, engineers, innovators of thought: For the good of mankind's future, DO NOT play God. Creation of non-living existence is perfectly fine. But creation of living, sentient, conscious existence is a faculty only allowed God. We will only reap the consequences.

Rewatching films is like rereading books -- only certain ones can be re-watched or reread, those that have a particular quality about them that may not necessarily be one of high caliber but is so resonant to the mind and heart that it just has to be experienced once more. For example, the Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini (high fantasy book series) has many flaws and emulations of other works (i.e. The Lord of the Rings), but has many aspects to it that I really enjoy and love and thus want to see with my own eyes again and again. I've read Eragon six times.

The Matrix is one of the handful of films that I've willingly taken the time to see again. I love how almost the entire film is overlaid with a green tinge. I love the high-octane soundtrack. I love the entire premise of the Matrix. It blows your mind. This is one of those realities that may very well be truth and not fiction. I love the fight sequences. I love the panache of the black getup and sunglasses. I love Keanu Reeves's bad acting.

If you haven't seen The Matrix, then where have you been. Do not be dormant and vegetative in a translucent chamber filled with some unknown life-supporting liquid. Do not be like the majority of the world, oblivious to what they are truly capable of. Do not limit yourself to your reality.

I tell ya, this definitely hit my favorite movies of all time list. It's one of those flicks that is shockingly realistic at times but also replete with hope and joy. It won 8 Academy Awards, the most for its year, to no surprise.

The story takes place in three points in time: Jamal's childhood, his experience in the game show in the recent present, and the present with his interrogation. Somewhat reasonably enough, those involved with the millionaire show suspect Jamal of cheating; how else can an uneducated 18-year-old man from Mumbai answer all of the questions perfectly?

Slumdog Millionaire concerns Jamal's journey from a cheery boy of around 5 to the young man he has become, from his life in the slums to whatever future he will have. You see how he struggles to survive with his older brother, Selim, who sees life in quite a different way than he does; and how their relationship slowly withers as certain events occur.

What I took from this film? That life in the slums of India is terrible and something should be done about it; that with work, anyone can earn money to make a living; that hope never dies; that love is beautiful; that "it is written." I recommend Slumdog Millionaire for anyone and everybody. It's one of those films that just makes you feel all good inside, and perhaps tear up a bit, after seeing it.

Same guy who directed Birdman -- so the directing is superb, with great camera angles and shots. Very realistic film. I felt like I was watching an excerpt from this Hugh Glass's life, with nice sweeping orchestral music in the background.

Also a good look at the bad history between the white men and native Indians of the west back in the day in America.

But in terms of the plot -- this is one of those rare films whose plot isn't really the main aspect. Like I said earlier, it's more or less a cinematic version of presenting the legendary Hugh Glass's adventure and/or tale of revenge. Same feel like a documentary film or Animal Planet, just featuring a man.

Brilliant acting by Sean Penn and Tim Robbins, with supporting roles by Laurence Fishburne and Kevin Bacon. One of the most realistic portrayals of a father's emotional response to losing a child, and what irrational actions he will take in revenge.

It really is unfortunate how a single tragic event in one's childhood can impact the rest of one's life. That's how important our childhood is, our growing up and development of our brains and bodies.

One of those rare films that depicts what will realistically happen given the circumstances, rather than the Hollywood happy ending or the cinematic satisfying ending. Certainly recommended. Kudos to Clint Eastwood.

This was the first time I felt tears flow from my eyes while watching a film in response to a shocking revelation. Normally, you know, the tears come at a sad scene, or a particularly uplifting and gratifying scene; this film, by the stars above and fires below, ARRIVAL, completely blew me away. It puts even Interstellar to shame. I'm left with a vague feeling of astonishment that is strangely coupled with a sensation of enlightenment. For not only did ARRIVAL storm my mind like the tornado that whisked Dorothy away, but ARRIVAL also taught me some things about linguistics, temporality, international relations, and the importance of one's own child and the special moments that you, as a parent, spend with him or her.

The essence to all mediums of art - whether film, anime, literature, etc. - is to further our understanding of what makes us human. This is what defines us, what distinguishes us from the lesser animal. ARRIVAL is a story involving aliens. I've seen/read quite a few stories with aliens - but ARRIVAL trumps them all in terms of, simply, its call to humanity. It is a very realistic film; the chaos that ensues after the 12 UFOs suddenly appear throughout the globe is probably what will happen if a similar event occurs in our own world. What should happen if two sentient races of such disparity happen to meet? The first step is communication. ARRIVAL is a story of humans' attempt to communicate with, and ultimately understand, some aliens.

From the opening lyrics to the final shot, Moana was a fun glimpse into Polynesian life. Reminds me of Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron with its depiction of tribal peoples, people who depend on the land and environment to live. As one of the several catchy songs say, the island gives them everything they need. No need to go beyond the reef.

I'm glad that Moana and Zootopia, Disney's two most recent feature films, humorously refer to the archetypal Disney traits that appear in film after film -- i.e. an animal sidekick, the heroine bursting into song, following your dreams. Even if they do year after year, it never gets old. (... Well, maybe a little bit. I'm actually jaded by the happy ending trope in practically every work of film, literature, etc. out there. But that's beside the point.) Even if you can predict the ending of Moana, it's not quite what you expected. Disney has recently been changing things up a bit and having creative endings. Frozen, for example. Even if they weren't slightly creative, the story still enacts the Disney magic -- the ability to inspire, motivate, uplift, and ultimately enlighten further on mankind's communal desire to go beyond the norm. You don't have to do something amazing to make a name for yourself. It's not the hook that defines you, it's what you do that defines you and makes you who you are. Just don't follow hard tradition all the time. If someone says you can't achieve your dreams, he/she is most likely right. HOWEVER. That's only true if you don't give it your all. Those right now who are living their dreams gave it their all. If it's something you really want, after all, then naturally you'll give it the necessary effort and force of will. It won't be easy; life wasn't meant to be easy.

It's not as amazing as Zootopia, but Moana is still a genuinely good Disney movie. It has a superb single, a nice accompanying soundtrack, great characters, sublime animation with crystal- clear attention to detail, and wonderful themes and messages. I admit, I was expecting too much from Moana after seeing Zootopia, which is probably why I give Moana a 9. Zootopia hits the 10. If you haven't seen either one, I recommend seeing Moana first.

In terms of the quality of the film as a whole, I would give Doctor Strange a 7, but because of its visual effects and implications for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I am totally giving it an 8. Let me explain.

Watching this in theaters with the sometimes too-loud sound, seeing the buildings and streets give way and rotate and otherwise bend themselves completely to a person's whim, immediately made me think of Inception. But this was even more hectic. This wasn't imaginary, this was real.

Another thing. Finally in the MCU we have some sorcery, direct utilization of magical energy for combat. Discussion of other dimensions; even traveling between them at will. Doctor Strange's final outfit is just wicked cool. If you know the character from the Marvel comics, then you'll know that he's pretty damn powerful. Unfortunately this is an origins film, that is, it reveals how Doctor Strange became Doctor Strange the Sorcerer Supreme; the real deal will come in the third Avengers film hopefully.

As a follower of the MCU who's seen basically all of the released films to date, I was eagerly awaiting this one, and I was not dissatisfied. The music was riveting as usual per a Marvel film (Giacchino), the fight sequences intense, the otherworldly conflicts enormous. I'm so glad this guy's joining the Avengers in their imminent battle with Thanos, or at least I'm pretty sure he is. Now all that being said, Doctor Strange wouldn't fall in my top 5 MCU films; Captain America, Avengers 2, for example were much better, but it's part of the MCU, and therefore is a must-see for any MCU fan.

I also noticed a lot more wit and almost off-character humor in this film than in other MCU films. And of course, as all the MCU films are taking place chronologically within the same universe (or multiverse?), there are several references to the bigger pictures, i.e. the Avengers.

If you're into STEM and designing cool stuff and becoming the next Tony Stark, then you'll like Big Hero 6. The technology these guys have, and the brains to use it, is insane. A telling foreshadowing of what future San Francisco/Tokyo might look like, a microcosm of a society run by technology and its continual advancement.

Soundtrack by Henry Jackman, the same guy who did X-Men and Captain America. Suits the setting well, and you'll love the main single "Immortals" by Fall Out Boy.

The animation is crazy; as I saw with Zootopia, I could see how much Disney has improved since Snow White back in 1937. Some pretty nice fight sequences with the heroes' upgrades, and damn! the attention to detail is exquisite. Every scene and shot is SO detailed, down to the last sprocket.

Unlike most modern Disney films, this one didn't really feature the theme(s) of following your dreams and/or forging your own identity. It's a hero story, and this is indeed Disney's first time adapting Marvel Comics material. (Disney bought Marvel, after all.) I liked the message of helping others and doing what is right, as exemplified by the robot Baymax. The theme of friendship and sticking together. Of revenge. (Just kidding.) Anyways, I certainly didn't regret watching this past midnight. I can always expect the best from Disney.

Personally, I like movies featuring insanely smart characters. This one has an autistic savant who uses his mind for accounting, but for shady organizations. On top of that, he's a wicked sharpshooter and hand-to-hand fighter, so he's basically a genius Jason Bourne.

There were quite a few unconnected and unresolved plot threads, so the movie didn't feel too cohesive, but it was entertaining enough, and certain events towards the end almost made me tear up. Did not expect that. Some threads, though, are connected by the end and you finally understand everything.

Some themes: the morality of killing, the "proper" way to raise a child, especially an autistic one.

I do recommend if you're into action flicks with an unstoppable lead character. Like the Bourne trilogy.

I was planning on heading to bed when I heard some friends going to see this flick. It was nearing midnight, but finals were over so I thought heck I'll give it a shot even though it's from 1952 and the TV quality was pretty bad.

Well, I managed to watch all the way through. I haven't seen too many movies from this era so my rating of 9/10 is not qualified, but I'll do my best.

But man, Gene Kelly can dance! He and O'Connor often break out into a quick-step, arm-swinging dance routine while swinging (this is a musical film, after all). It's quite impressive, and it was enough to keep me awake past midnight and up to almost 2 am. There's a romance element to it too, and it's very romantic and pleasing to watch and gives you that nice, warm feeling in your heart.

Interesting, watching this and how they just got sound incorporated into films back then and comparing this flick to a movie like, say, any Michael Bay film and the contrast is galactic.

Disney does it again. Another follow-your-dreams story featuring a protagonist resisting the voice of society, discovering who she is, and otherwise inspiring young audiences to do the same: to follow their dreams, to go after their ideals and desires, no matter the obstacle. For if you don't give up, and trust in your friends, you will surely succeed.

Judy Hopps is a rabbit who aspires to be a policewoman, despite her parents' fear of the bigger, more predator-filled world out there in Zootopia and the absence of rabbit policemen. Unlike other Disney films, however, rather than end with the dream/identity being fulfilled, Zootopia goes beyond that and thrusts Judy into reality. Of course, being Disney, you know the good guys will triumph and everyone will be happy in the end and the bad guy turns out to be someone you've already met, you know, the usual stuff, BUT STILL, I like how Judy's dream of becoming a policewoman doesn't end there, and the plot entails a touching friendship and a message of social equality rather than the mere dream archetype. The utopia of Zootopia turns out to be darker in hue than Judy ever imagined.

Zootopia is a land of mammals, predator and prey, who coexist and live as civilized beings. They're basically human but in animal form, and Disney brilliantly illustrates such a setting according to each animal's natural characteristics -- like how the streets run with multiple sizes of cars for, say, lemmings and tigers, or how the city is made up of districts for each habitat, etc. Another significant difference between Zootopia and previous Disney films is the incorporation of modern technology, such as smartphones. Watching Zootopia, you really feel like you're watching humans, just humans who look like animals on the outside. But they're human. Long ago, when the docile denizens of Zootopia were like the animals of our world -- that is, members of a natural food chain -- they decided to unite, and become civilized. In the same way, we humans have advanced in civilization and our ideals of toleration. As time passes, more and more do we see unyielding support for civil rights, first blacks, then women, now LGBT. As fellow human beings and fellow social animals, it is in our innate capacity to love and tolerate.

And being Disney, the soundtrack and songs are amazing and catchy; the puns and references to popular culture are prevalent and hilarious; and the characters are well-developed and memorable. In addition, Zootopia astounded me with the quality of its animation. The studio has certainly improved since the days of Snow White.

Like the featured song, "Try Everything," when you fall, you can get up and try again. Our world may not be a utopia. In fact, it is far from one. But there is beauty and wonder still, and hope, and friendship, and love. Why not give it your all?

Another animated film with the theme of resisting tradition and the norm, finding out who you really are, and pursuing your dream. Interesting to see the garden snail's view on life, and the opposition from the snails is completely understandable -- snails are born, they are inherently made, very slow. Many times we are bound to harsh reality, and thus cannot go beyond. The Mexican guy's pretty cool, the music (kudos to Henry Jackman) is invigorating, and the electric blue trail left by Turbo is just sweet.

I love how Disney, DreamWorks, and the like depict the worlds of those we cannot understand -- Wreck-It Ralph brought us the world behind arcade games, The Lego Movie showed us the world of LEGO, Toy Story that of toys, etc. Turbo shows you the world of garden snails.

For a film that came out in 1979, the visual quality was amazing. I was tense literally the ENTIRE time I was watching the movie, from the moment the letters of ALIEN coalesced onto the backdrop of that planet to the very end. Google "Alien" and you'll see the basic plot summary, that of a And Then There Were None device of characters being killed off one by one. Knowing that, you know, you already know and are put in suspense before the movie even starts, that characters are going to die, that people will be killed by an alien. Thus the title Alien.

The soundtrack matches perfectly with the tension. The orchestra plays sharp notes suddenly at the right moments. When the music begins to keen that recurring motif, you know someone's gonna die. You keep telling certain characters to not do certain things. How stupid we are, humans. How weak we are, humans. We can do essentially nothing with our bodies against unknown species from different worlds, with physiques and adaptive capabilities we can never hope to have.

The acting? Oh it's perfect as well. Like Star Wars did for Harrison Ford, this film made Sigourney Weaver famous. How she reacts to the increasingly horrific situation is masterful, very human. Do we endanger the lives of our fellow crew to save another, or lose that one person to save the crew? What can we do, really, against something unknown? It is the unknown that scares us most, for the known can be analyzed, evaluated, and at least gauged in terms of danger. But for the unknown, the possibilities are endless.

I found myself imagining myself in one of those crew member's shoes, but with a super power so that I could better tackle the alien. But sadly we humans don't have super powers. And that's what precisely makes Alien such a superb flick, for it depicts a struggle for survival between weak humans and an alien that's scary as hell. Watching Alien is like watching Jaws -- you never know when it will strike again.