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Reviews
The American Society of Magical Negroes (2024)
Exactly what you'd expect
From the trailer it was pretty clear what this movie was about and how it would unfold. I found it quite funny, understandable and in many instances (as a white woman) relatable. What I don't get is anyone who watched this show and expected it to be anything else. It was pretty clear from the trailer what they were doing. Did they miss the 22.3 year rule of when things get to be funny? (Yes, I'm making a South Park reference). My husband and I laughed our ass off and afterwards sat there confused as to why everyone else seemed bothered by it. Like, you knew what it was, so why even bother watching it if you knew you weren't going to like it? I've read some reviews say that it was cringe, but I didn't feel that. But maybe that's because I grew up in the 80s and that whole decade was pretty cringe so we all got pretty used to the feeling and formed a personality around it. At any rate, I think if you watched the trailer and thought it looked relatable and funny then you're gonna like the movie. If not, then don't watch it. Not everything has to be geared towards your tastes.
Ibiza (2018)
It's good
Not the formulaic rom-com you're used to. Thank god. I've been watching so many of them lately I've started calling them "paint by numbers rom com." However, in my quest to find the more unique ones I've found that they try and make it more complex (or dramatic) then it needs to be to make you feel like they are giving you something different when they aren't. Ibiza didn't do any of those things and that's why I enjoyed it. The story is basically about a work trip that turns into a girls trip that turns into romance. That's it. Watching it reminded me of the fun I've had on my own girls trips. The romance part was simple, sweet and pure. It's exactly what I needed.
Damsel (2018)
Comedy Gold. Laugh out loud funny.
I am a historical fiction writer that studies this time period a lot. I love the history and the stories I discover, but dislike most westerns films. I find them to be, well, not accurate for one. Also, a bit pretentious and romanticized, and full of male bravado. I read everyday about women who were tough as nails and equal to men, but also seen as frail and in need of a man's saving graces. That's why I've never really liked the western stereotypes that have been so popular. I also have a very dry sense of humor and I love good writing. And I am also a woman who keenly feels the absurdity of it all. That's why I loved this movie. So if you're thinking of watching it I'd take all that into consideration. It's not your average show. That's why it's better than most.
The Midnight Club (2022)
Strong themes with a beautiful human element
Mike Flanagan's Netflix shows have always been well done. Now doubt. He's very good at creating not only an engaging story, but also bringing in a real human element. His scares are always done in a way that's unique to the story he's telling and to the characters personal journey. The Midnight Club is no different in that regard. The last one he made, Midnight Mass, Mike began really bringing in strong themes regarding human nature and of how we make sense of the paranormal. He really dove into faith versus morality. In The Midnight Club his strong themes exploring human nature are also a prominent part of the story. I would say they are stronger than his desire to tell a paranormal story. That's what I liked about it. He still pulls you in, scares you, intrigues you, and makes you think. You fall in love with the characters and you feel their pain with them too. That's why, even though this is not anything like The Haunting of Hill House or Bly Manor, it's still an absolute triumph in my eyes.
Crimson Peak (2015)
Beautiful gothic horror
It's what everyone else is saying. Beautiful imagery, great acting, original story. He drew heavily on Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and The original Changeling movie from the 1980s, which are all books and movies I love. My only complaint is that in his homage to these movies he took a famous line from Jane Eyre, rewrote it, and used it in a way that ruined that line. Everything else was awesome though.
It does have a few jump scares and it is Guillermo Del Toro so there is violent imagery. The story is predictable but not in a way that made me want to stop watching. I'm a novelist so I usually can predict stuff anyway so I've learned to just enjoy the journey. This movie shows you its cards though. But that's fine with me because the story isn't about the twist.
It took me a minute to get into it because it vacillated between a Jane Austin movie and something much darker. Those two elements coming together was new for me but once I got used to it I didn't want to look away. Normally when I watch movies I have a bad habit of doing other things. With this movie I saw straight away that I would want to give it my full attention. The imagery is so perfectly done that I wished I had a bigger TV screen to take it all in. Would definitely recommend to anyone wishing to enjoy a beautiful gothic Victorian horror story.
Cinderella (2021)
It is actually good
So when I heard it had a low rating before my kids and I watched it I thought either the movie is inclusive or they did a horrible job. It's the former. The movie is inclusive and from a feminist standpoint, which was refreshing. My children loved it. Not saying you can't dislike it and be a feminist I just find that people who have a strong hate reaction to something and point out some minor flaws to justify this is maybe not looking deeper into their soul??
Miracle Workers (2019)
Gets better every season
I loved the first season. The second season took me by surprise because I wasn't sure what was happening, but once I figured it out I loved it. I'm now binge watching the third season and am sad that it will be over too soon. There aren't many shows that consistently make me laugh out loud for days but Miracle Workers is one of them. Highly recommend!
Killers (2010)
Actually good
Never watched this movie until quarantine because it didn't seem like a movie I'd like, but it's actually not that bad. It's not making my top ten list or anything but it's worth a watch.
An American Pickle (2020)
Love it.
This movie has very dry humor, which I love. I also found it relevant, thought-provoking and heart warming. I'm not religious but wasn't opposed to that aspect of it. I feel bad that people didn't get it. Perhaps the Seth Rogan casting through them off and they were expecting something else? I don't know. Anyway, I loved it.
Saved by the Bell (2020)
In Love
It's silly, relevant and laugh out loud funny. It also pokes fun at itself and the old series in all the right ways which makes me love it even more. Don't get me wrong, I loved the old series, but I was also ten. I'm an adult now and I want something relevant to this decade that can also laugh at the old episodes that didn't age well (I.e Spano's very dramatic caffeine addiction). Definitely would recommend, but not for people who can't laugh at themselves, have unchecked prejudices or are struggling with white fragility.