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The Order (2024)
Why isn't any driving to Missouri?!!
Midway through the movie, I suddenly remembered Jude Law is British-he's so convincing in this role. His performance, along with the rest of the cast, was excellent. Nicholas Hoult, in particular, was a standout. I couldn't have imagined him as a cult leader, having mostly seen him in quirky or sci-fi roles, but this film showcased his range brilliantly. Tye Sheridan was fantastic as always, and it was great to see him in a bigger project again. I really liked when he was upset with the FBI's incompetence. Jurnee Smollett also delivered a strong performance.
One scene that really stuck with me was the discovery of the body. I think it's my "favorite" one; it felt disturbingly real and visceral, especially with the character using his hands to dig up the grave instead of a shovel. That detail made it feel grounded, almost like you were right there, literally watching dirty work.
The pacing is slow, but it builds towards a more gripping third act. The motel shootout was shock, and it's in the final act where everything comes together. I think you usually have it in the back of your head, absentmindedly even, that the main characters will make it so the theatre gasped. The film touches on themes of hate , and it's always ironic and unsettling to hear people using the guise of faith to spread such. It was pretty interesting to me that the book referenced in the story is connected to real-world events like January 6 as well.
While I wasn't blown away, the movie met my expectations-which were sorta high. It's well-made and believable, even if it leans on familiar archetypes and tropes: the hate-filled ideology, the cult dynamics, the people working to dismantle it. So while nothing in the movie really surprises or blows you away, it's that familiarity makes the story feel real because characters like these do exist.
In the end, while it didn't resonate with me on a deeper level or stick with me after the credits rolled, it's a solid film with strong performances and a compelling, relevant narrative.
Gladiator II (2024)
History repeating itself
This was one of the more surprising Mystery Movie screenings, given its scale and lack of need for extra promotion. When I saw the time stamp 2hrs30 I thought it would be "The end" or "Queer", I was excited when I realized it was Gladiator 2. However, my mixed feelings about Ridley Scott's previous film, Napoleon, left me cautiously optimistic.
Paul Mescal as Lucius was an amazing. I loved loved him in "Normal People", I couldn't picture him in an action-heavy role, but he delivered. It reminded me of Robert Pattinson's transformation into Batman-unexpected but brilliant. His performance stood out, even in the shadow of such a massive legacy.
Denzel Washington brought charisma and seemed to enjoy himself, while Pedro Pascal and Paul Mescal's fight was a highlight for me. The action was brutal, intense, and felt grounded-swords looked heavy, and battles felt more real because of it. That said, the baboon fight and sharks in the water felt a bit much. Most other sequences, though, were thrilling. The pacing was better than Napoleon, but a few moments in the first half flirted with being too slow.
Dialogue was a mixed bag-many conversations felt too brief for me, cutting away just as they were getting interesting. Left me wishing for more depth, especially when it came to the relationships and political intrigue. The predictable plot-revenge-driven, echoing the first film-also dampened the experience. It felt like history repeating itself, making the sequel feel unnecessary at times. However it's great to have a new Roman Empire movie. These feel sort of old, like a phase Hollywood had in the early 2000's. Same with movies about mythical titans and gods that came around the 2000's too.
Visually, the film was spectacular-costumes and sets captured the grandeur of ancient Rome beautifully. While the epic moments were visually stunning, they often lacked emotional weight. The film didn't always earn its big scenes, jumping too quickly without sufficient build-up. For example, Lucius leading men into battle felt unearned, and the emotional beats-like crying scenes-felt forced. None of the crying felt real.
The emotional moments in the film just didn't hit it for me. Many scenes felt unearned, lacking the depth needed to make them believable. The storyline closely mirrors that of the original movie like I said: a wife is killed, leading to a character who becomes a slave and then a gladiator, driven by revenge. Although this sequel takes place years after the first film, it fails to provide sufficient backstory about the events that transpired in between, leaving me indifferent to the characters, whether they were heroes or villains, and the political dynamics at play. The film merely skims over some critical plot points, almost as if it's dismissing them. For instance, Paul's swift acceptance of his mother's identity felt rushed and underdeveloped. Just like that he believed it?? While the film runs over two and a half hours, it still lacks the necessary depth in its narrative. The emperors too, are given little backstory, making them seem more like petulant children than true tyrants.
Despite that, I still think the film is kinda fun. The performances of the actors, the grand scale of the production, and the thrilling action sequences made it feel better, somewhat shadows the copycat storyline and occasional narrative clutter. Although I loved the actors' performances, I didn't feel a strong connection to the characters or find myself rooting for them. Kept it from reaching the heights of its predecessor. But I was still entertained.
Exhibiting Forgiveness (2024)
It's alright
I liked how the opening title cards were seamlessly integrated into the movie. Right from the start, I was curious about where the story would go, it jumped around a bit in the beginning, which made me curious to see Homeless guy, the art, how everything was going to gel together. It was a mystery movie showing and I didn't even know of "Exhibiting forgiveness" at all.
I have to admit, I didn't personally like the art pieces. It bothered me because certain parts of the story and the main character's emotions were conveyed through the artwork. The director and writer, Titus Kaphar, is an artist himself, so I'm not sure if the art featured was his own work.
I recognized André Holland from season 2 of "The Leftovers," so I was excited to see him in a leading role, and the kid from "Let the Right One In" was also great. The film is deliberately paced, beautifully shot, and the lighting stood out-especially in a time where so many movies are visually dark. It was refreshing to see vibrant color on the screen.
That said, despite how bright and vibrant it is the movie tells a tragic story, and at times, it's tough to watch. It deals with themes of generational trauma and forgiveness within families. However, it's not the kind of film that leaves you emotionally wrecked-it avoids being overly sentimental or preachy. It's not as heavy handed as it could been. It presents characters that are compelling and make you genuinely interested in their stories. In the end I think it's a decent movie, not too memorable because it's not the type of movie that sticks with me. It wasn't super climactic and I think it's more "enjoyable" for people interested in the subject matter.
Hoard (2023)
They're just jealous of our love, Maria
This movie is undeniably weird man. It reminded me of the feeling I had watching "How to Talk to Girls at Parties", which was weird in its own way. I mention this comparison 'cause both films caught me off guard-I wasn't expecting anything unusual going in. I thought this movie would just be about hoarding.
For the most part, the film presents itself as normal, but it's sprinkled with random, odd scenes before hitting a huge "wtf" moment. It doesn't build up to its weirdness the way you'd expect. Instead, it plays out like a typical coming-of-age story for long stretches before suddenly hits you with its eccentricities. The movie covers a lot of ground, mostly exploring grief. Does it kinda well because it doesn't feel like it's the theme put at the forefront. Hoarding plays a major role too, and I liked how the mother, Cynthia, was portrayed. Her hoarding-she's not demonized, just shown as an unwell person. Still, you can see her kid's in a bad situation.
The main character, Maria, wasn't very relatable. She had moments of normalcy-just a teen graduating, partying-but that fades quickly. Her best friend was the character I liked the most, and the film felt more grounded when she was on screen. Once she's gone, things spiral into chaos. In contrast, Joseph Quinn's character, Michael, seemed to thrive in the madness. His relationship with Maria pushes the psychological tension to new extremes. When he's on screen things get weird, and when the best friends on screen things feel more normal.
The movie opens in a way that's both weird and sad-watching someone grow up in such an environment. But then they had so many moments of just pure simple joy, Maria and her mother. I was curious how the mother's hoarding would affect Maria as she grew up, but oddly, it feels like that thread gets dropped temporarily in the film, despite the time spent on her childhood. But it all comes full circle.
There are some truly shocking scenes-none more so than the bizarre "cereal-matador" eating scene. I went into the film knowing little, but it turned out to be much stranger than I expected. A lot happens off-screen, and the viewer is left to piece things together. Despite the chaos, I wasn't bored-it's like watching a car crash. It's messy and unsettling, but I can't look away.
The bond between Maria and her mother in her childhood is strange, and her relationship with Michael later on is even stranger. The randomness of it all adds to the film's peculiar charm. Some parts feel normal when taken out of context, but with context, they become even weirder. The film's portrayal of grief is particularly unconventional.
At over two hours, the toxic dynamics start to test your patience. The movie wraps up on a relatively normal note, almost as if nothing had ever happened. Hoard is a wild ride-simultaneously uncomfortable, romantic, and unhealthy in the same breath. It's not a masterpiece, but I enjoyed it. Though it felt like it dragged toward the end, it eventually gets there. Overall, it's packed with peculiar moments that perfectly suit its unusual story. People grieve in different ways, this is definitely the weirdest I've seen.
It Ends with Us (2024)
First steps
I went into this movie with no real expectations, I was just excited to catch a romcom in theaters. However, this turned out to be more of a romantic drama than a comedy. The story kicks off with a funeral, not the greatest vibes.
The movie, though, was pretty nice. It reminded me of the romances from a while ago. I liked the underlying message, especially the scene where the title is referenced. The film could easily have felt sappy or trite, especially at that moment, but it managed to avoid that. It had many charming moments, particularly in the first half, even as it delved into the characters' traumas.
The narrative feels like a journey of breaking family trauma, framed as a romance, particularly for the main character. The other two characters have their own issues to work through, but the focus remains on the protagonist. The movie provides just enough context to understand each character's background without overwhelming the story.
Initially, I felt bad seeing two potential love interests, anticipating the usual heartbreak for one. However, the film subverted my expectations and shifted from a romantic comedy to a drama, avoiding typical clichés. The story ended up being more than just a love triangle, which I thought was nice.
While the story wasn't groundbreaking and had its surface-level moments, it was emotionally impactful at times. All the characters had unresolved issues from their pasts, and by the end, we see the main character finally starting to heal. It felt like we watched her journey for two hours, and only at the end did she actually begin to take the right steps forward.
Overall, it wasn't a must-see romance/drama, but it was still decent and worth watching if you have the time. My reaction at the end was more of a subdued "good for her" rather than being deeply moved. It's like being a cat person, watching a video of an injured dog taking its first steps; you feel happy for it and then just move on.
I also think I was the only guy at that screening, felt like I wasn't meant to be there lol. Usually, you at least see a few guys who were dragged there by their girlfriends.
(500) Days of Summer (2009)
It was almost like falling in love.
I loved Chloë Grace Moretz's character. It was funny and interesting how the main character kept going to his little sister for advice, and she was actually really insightful. Having just finished a human development class, which is basically a psychology class, I don't think I'd have understood the "organized anal girl" joke without it.
The movie is heartbreaking and tragic for a large part of it. I liked the narration, which explores expectations versus reality. The main character saw things the way he wanted to see them and ended up breaking his own heart. Despite how it ends, it was a bit of a downer for me. It's not a fairytale story; it could be considered a realistic portrayal of love and relationships, especially if you've ever been "delulu" in love lol.
The movie can be understood in different ways, which is why there are so many posts, articles, and videos titled something like "hey, you misunderstood the movie." I've seen a bunch of these posts over the years, showcasing different perspectives. I think it all depends on your own personal experiences. There are lessons everyone can take away, like not being blinded to reality by love or understanding that just because someone shares your interests doesn't mean they're your soulmate.
It's kind of weird because the movie left me emotionally drained, yet it felt upbeat. That could be due to the soundtrack, or the title being "500 days of summer." Also I do like the soundtrack, but I feel like my friends would say I only feel that way because I like "white people music." The movie shows how amazing love can be when it's good to you, but also how devastated it can have you. It was more depressing than I expected. I would say the ending is kind of happy, or at least hopeful. My thoughts were torn between the idea that things could go well or he might just repeat the cycle, given his hopeless romantic tendencies and all.
Mud (2012)
Had to google what duck butter means
The film had a strong Matthew McConaughey vibe, reminiscent of his character from "True Detective," but with his trademark charisma. It's easy to see why a couple of kids would be drawn to him. Having read the synopsis, I had a sense of the plot and was curious to see how it would unfold to get to that point. It took a while for me to get fully invested as the movie takes its time finding its footing. It's a film that requires patience; it won't captivate you in the first 20 minutes.
If I hadn't read the synopsis, I might have spent a good portion of the beginning wondering where the story was headed, maybe even disinterested. The acting was excellent across the board, not just from McConaughey. The parents' performances were notable as well. The cast is quite impressive, featuring McConaughey, Tye Sheridan, Reese Witherspoon, Sarah Paulson, and Michael Shannon. It was the start of the Matthew McConaughey renaissance.
Tye Sheridan stood out with an amazing performance, making it easy to forget he's just a kid. His character displayed more maturity than some of the adults around him, who weren't always the best role models. The setting and Mud's origin story reminded me of "Where the Crawdads Sing," with its swampy solitude, and also had echoes of "American Honey" atleast in my opioid. The kids in the film were tough and unafraid to fight.
This movie is one of the more unique coming-of-age stories I've seen. I liked how Ellis' story, especially his love interest, paralleled Mud and Jupiter's, almost serving as a warning. Ellis received a lot of lectures on love, and I loved how deeply he believed in it. Although the film is titled after McConaughey's character, Mud, it really focuses on Ellis. It's one of those movies where you start watching for Mud but stay for the boys.
You end up caring about the characters and what happens to them because they are well-written and developed, feeling like real people with real conflicts and emotions. It's a pretty decent indie film that takes its time to draw you in, but by the end, I found it pretty enjoyable.
The Instigators (2024)
Hell of a candidate!
The start of the movie reminded me of the typical therapist cliché where therapy is just someone asking, "So what happened next? How did that make you feel? Feel your feelings." However, there was a scene where the therapist showed she's more than just that.
I got really excited when I saw Michael Stuhlbarg. He always excels in gangster roles, whether it's a darker, serious character like in "Your Honor" or a more comedic setting like this movie. The humor was unexpected; I thought it would be purely an action film. It's funny in that way where seriousness becomes humorous, like Vince Staples in some interviews. I loved how the car chase songs were the actual song playing on the radio. There were plenty of genuine laughs from jokes and interactions, but one of the biggest laughs for me was simply the camera panning to Toby Jones on the couch.
The story wasn't groundbreaking, but it was well-executed. It's a buddy movie centered around a naive ex-Marine and a cynical ex-con, both used to great comedic effect. The character interactions were perfect, and everyone's performance was great. Though you don't see much of the more recognizable supporting cast, they did well.
Some characters were over the top, but not excessively so. This is probably the funniest movie I've seen all year. It doesn't reinvent the wheel for heist, action, comedy, or buddy movies, but it's pure fun and entertainment. It's a comedy you can enjoy without overthinking, as it's not bogged down by a complex plot or dramatic storyline. There's a little of each, but just enough to maintain its comedic essence. It reminded me of "The Other Guys", probably because I watched that last week.
The movie has post-credit scenes. When I left the theater, it felt like the best movie I'd seen all year, until I remembered stuff like "Dune" also came out this year. I think it's been a pretty good year for action movies. It's a simple, fun movie-nothing over the top, but thoroughly enjoyable with lots of laughs from the audience.
It's puzzling to see some call it lousy and uninspired humor, while everyone in my theater seemed to enjoy it. Humor is subjective, I suppose. I remember how people described Wes Anderson's "Asteroid City" as hilarious and intellectual, yet no one at my screening of that laughed once. It's strange how a movie can be deemed funny without eliciting any laughter in the theater, and vice versa. It makes me think of how critics are often said to not enjoy fun movies. I don't see myself as that, even though I write reviews. I'm always conscious of that, I never want to lose the ability to enjoy a movie like this. This is nothing groundbreaking but it was pretty fun.
Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
Cameos galore
Listening to the "turn off your phone" Deadpool wolverine trailer before the actual movie felt great this time around. I had a smile on my face throughout the opening sequence and kept it for most of the film. The movie was packed with jokes and is definitely a comedy first and foremost. We also get to see Deadpool genuinely care about saving his world.
I was absolutely blindsided by the appearance of "Captain America." It's impressive how they managed to keep so many secrets and cameos from leaking, even though the story had been theorized by fans for a while. The movie is great and really funny, but the story itself isn't particularly groundbreaking. Despite the grand scale-Deadpool literally trying to save a universe-it didn't feel dense or carry much weight.
At the same time, I understand why. The MCU has faced criticism for making the multiverse phase too convoluted and confusing, especially for the average viewer who hasn't seen every movie and TV show. So, despite the scale of this movie, the story remains very easy and simple to follow. It felt like Marvel was playing it safe, which makes sense and worked out well for what Marvel maybe needed at this point.
I loved the movie; it was fun, funny, and simple. However, it didn't wow me. It didn't need to be a cinematic masterpiece or the best MCU movie ever made-it just had to be good and give hope for mcu's future. It delivered on that. Plus basically a perfect Deadpool trilogy. I have more thoughts, but they are quite spoiler-y. I also thought Cassandra Nova could have been a much more menacing villain. They showed her strength, but her character was quite underdeveloped. I hope she comes back in future movies.
Fly Me to the Moon (2024)
Romcom pretty much
There weren't any trailers or ads before the screening, which was a pleasant surprise-I got lucky showing up on time since everybody all enter the theatre after 20min. The movie starts off lighthearted and funny, albeit a bit cliché and typical for a 60s setting, with its portrayal of sexism and all. It's pretty easy to get into early on and has some heartfelt moments, like Cole's gardening. The actors are great and have good chemistry, making it a nice story overall.
The only issue I had, which is sort of a double-edged sword, is that I was more invested in the characters than the dream of the Apollo mission itself. The idea behind the Apollo mission is mentioned as something idolized, but when the characters talk about the significance of America landing on the moon first, it didn't hold much weight for me. Even considering I'm not American, I don't think the movie does a good job of selling that dream to you.
If you go into the movie with a layman's appreciation of a man landing on the moon, like you're indifferent to it, I don't think the movie will change that. For that reason, I wasn't blown away by how good the movie is, but it is good. I primarily liked it because the characters and actors playing them had a good dynamic and made it work. To me, it wasn't a story about how America put a man on the moon; it was more of an enemies-to-lovers romcom trope.
MILF of Norway (2024)
Slightly more serious than title would suggest.
The start was a bit chaotic, and the family dynamics weren't picture-perfect. The title and the interesting synopsis caught my attention. I didn't realize it was a foreign language show, but that didn't bother me much. The characters felt real, like average people with average jobs. There were some scenes that were mildly funny, but the show is more serious than the title suggests. As I said, it feels like real people. It's a nice little series. I don't think I'll think about it often after it's done, but I'm enjoying it enough to keep watching. It's an okay show; not mind-blowing or as funny as I expected, but a decent way to pass the time.
Atlas (2024)
Peace to the fallen
I went into this with low expectations. I watched it because there's huge posters in several subway stations; so I thought if I didn't see it, all the time spent staring at those walls while waiting for my train would've been a waste lol.
The movie started off pretty cliché, both in premise and dialogue. It definitely doesn't break new ground or offer much inspiration. The visuals were nice, and the fight scenes were decent. One thing I noticed about many futuristic sci-fi movies is the lack of trees and vegetation. Where's the oxygen coming from? Lol.
The cast was solid: Mark Strong, Sterling K. Brown, Simu Liu, and Jennifer Lopez all delivered good performances. There wasn't much to criticize about their acting, none of the roles seemed particularly demanding of their talent.
Some plot points and decisions seemed contrived just to push the story in a certain direction, but I like how the plot kept moving. The story was decent, quite ambitious, but it didn't get lost in its scale. Focus on the main core of characters. I think I enjoyed the movie because it didn't try to be more than it was.
I was never bored. It felt like a low-budget sci-fi movie just got a bigger budget. And I think if you think of it that way you'll find it okay. Usually, this type of movie has one recognizable actor and a bunch of unknowns. Some people are giving it a 1/10, which is okay I guess. If you think this is bad, you probably haven't seen actual bad movies. Half star implies it's the worst thing out there lol. When there's stuff like Bruce Willis' "Cosmic Sin", "Vanquish" with Morgan Freeman, or the Dragon Ball Z evolution movie.
Ezra (2023)
The kid's good
I was pleasantly surprised to find actual comedians here. I actually watch Emma Willmann's stuff, and it seems like she even wrote her own material here. The movie convincingly portrays its themes, highlighting the struggles of parenting, especially in the context of divorce and a child with mental health issues. We also see the valid reasons behind the parents' disagreements. They both wanted what was best.
The film exceeded my expectations. The conflicts felt realistic, and the acting was good, particularly from William A. Fitzgerald in his first movie role. He was so good that I hope he doesn't get typecast like the dude from The Good Doctor. Overall, the cast did well. Robert De Niro's introduction was funny, and he had some great moments. He's excellent at playing father roles, as I noticed in Silver Linings Playbook.
The humor was well-balanced, with the best laughs coming from moments outside the stand-up comedy bits. I'm glad the movie didn't overdo the jokes, even though one of the main characters is a comedian. It balances out with the dramatic moments without overshadowing them.
While the movie didn't leave a lasting impact, I still think it's worth watching. It was a pleasant surprise since I expected it to be overly sentimental, but it turned out much better. One of the cool things about mystery movie screenings is discovering unexpectedly good films, even if they're not ones I was eagerly anticipating. I'm a bit conflicted about giving it 3 or 3½ stars.
Cold Comes the Night (2013)
Nothing special.
The performances were passable, but nothing particularly captivating or memorable. I didn't find myself caring much about Alice Eve or her daughter, and Bryan Cranston didn't come across as very scary. You can tell he's supposed to be a bad man, but it mostly comes down to his Russian accent. The stakes never felt high or personal, so they didn't really resonate. The film didn't build much tension or suspense atmosphere. The story was okay, with a few hints at deeper elements, like Topo's bosses or Chloe's relationship with the cop. I guess it's good that they didn't make topo completely blind. Also if the gunshot did glare her eyes, if so it would be a little poetic end. Ultimately, the movie is forgettable, but at least it's short, so it doesn't feel like a huge waste of time.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)
Makes fury road even better
Movie is done in chapters, which I usually enjoy, and I felt each chapter got better as the film progressed. I didn't think much about the word "saga" in the title at first, but it truly does tell a story spanning many years. I loved seeing how this dystopia functioned as a society. The whole movie is a blood-rushing epic spectacle that adds to the Mad Max lore while being a visual marvel with its stunning dystopian desert set pieces.
I liked that kidnapping the girl wasn't easy. It shows how much people and their morals have changed, with a girl willing to die to keep her home safe. The sound of the motorbikes, with the deep grunts of the engine reverberating through the theater and vibrating the seats, was a pretty cool feeling.
Chris Hemsworth looked like a biblical character when we first see him. He plays a character so insane and with such a major role in the movie that we get to see him fully explore his madness. It's one of my favorite performances from him, he's almost unrecognizable as Dementus. He seemed to have a blast playing the character. The chariot was cool. Anya Taylor-Joy, like Charlize Theron, felt like a contrast to the crazy wasteland and action, giving stoic performances and conveying emotion through her eyes.
Something I hate is when a character tries to save someone by sacrificing themselves, only for the person they're trying to save to come back and make their sacrifice pointless. It pisses me off so much.
The scenery was epic, with a desert that never ends. Gastown and Bullet Farm looked like pretty cool dystopian cities. There was a lot of warfare, and I loved how creative it was. It's reminiscent of Fury Road in its imaginative approach to combat, car chases, and war. They came up with some pretty inventive contraptions, and it was amazing to watch these machines at work.
All the actors playing Furiosa were great. Although Anya was the most talked about, the others were amazing too. I was genuinely impressed by Alyla Browne. She was in "Sting" (2024), which I thought was horrendous, but she did so well here. It took longer than I expected to see Anya Taylor-Joy, but she was great too. I wasn't too sure about the casting at first, even though I think she's phenomenal, because I don't usually think of her as an action star.
This movie had more story and character arcs than Mad Max: Fury Road. I loved the way Furiosa loses her hand; it was always going to be a pivotal moment in her life, so it had to be done well. Some scenes felt visually reminiscent of Fury Road. It's been a while since I've seen quicksand. I like that the movie is vibrant, a trait from Fury Road, because most dystopics are usually dark and gritty.
I love that all the leaders were as smart as they were cruel in terms of warfare. They could have easily been depicted as generic villains, not so smart. But we saw that they were all worthy foes.
The story made sense, explaining how Furiosa ended up working for Immortan Joe and her revenge story. It makes Mad Max's depiction of Furiosa seem even more painful; after everything she went through, to then find out the Green Place doesn't exist. That's what I love about this movie-it adds so much to the already near perfect Fury Road. That's what prequels should do.
It's different from Mad Max because it has a more developed storyline and character arc. Mad Max was just straight-up action: drive into the desert, take a U-turn, and come back. There isn't much talking; Furiosa isn't much of a talker, but towards the end, she and Dementus have a back-and-forth, and I thought it'd be better with less talking. Some of the dialogue worked; some of it felt meh.
My favorite characters were young Furiosa and Dementus. Dementus because he's insane and fun, and young Furiosa because you learn about what she's lost, what she's done to survive, and what motivates her.
This is my second favorite movie of the year after Dune: Part Two. I love it because it makes Mad Max: Fury Road even better. Furiosa is an example of epic filmmaking, a character-driven epic that builds on Fury Road's wondrous insanity. This year has been great for action and sci-fi movies with Dune: Part Two, Boy Kills World, The Fall Guy, Civil War, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Monkey Man, The Beekeeper. We'll be getting Deadpool & Wolverine soon. Unfortunately, we still got Lift and Rebel Moon Part 2, but we can ignore Netflix lol.
Mad Max (1979)
Thought it'd be more mental.
I immediately had a feeling I wouldn't like it. Should mention that I usually avoid old movies, especially sci-fi or action, because I don't like the sound and special effects. That was definitely the case here-everything looked so fake, from the car crashes to the explosions. I also didn't like the score. I gave this a chance because I absolutely love Fury Road and wanted to see the original three movies, but I won't be checking out the others. I expected it to be more chaotic and dystopian, but it seems set not long after the nuclear war. You might enjoy it more if you don't mind watching old movies, but for me, that's the big issue-I just find old movies really old.
Under the Bridge (2024)
It's okay
It's a decent murder mystery. I just watched Natalie Dormer's "White Lies," another new murder mystery, and the difference in production value is big, with "Under the Bridge" being much better. One theme that's similar is the characters lie a lot so you never know what's what
The acting is alright. The "gang" of girls are convincingly annoying teenagers, and you can easily tell who's the good kid, who's the psycho, who's trying to fit in, etc. Lily Gladstone is the standout for me. I like Riley Keough, but her performance here is similar to her usual ones, so if you didn't like her before, this won't change your mind.
The murder mystery is okay, but aside from being based on a true story, there isn't much to suck you in make the series feel special. It feels like a surface-level dive into the tragic events and characters. Especially if you compared it to true detective for instance.
A kid is found dead, which is a sad story. The children are mostly troubled, but the show depicts most of them as misfits who cause a lot of trouble, and not in a fun or endearing way. Even Reena herself. So in the end I found it hard to be invested enough in the characters care for them. It's an okay watch but not something that will stick with you.
White Lies (2024)
Pretty good pastime
I decided to watch this show mainly because there's a gif of Natalie Dormer that I use a lot when texting, plus I've liked her in a few other shows. Honestly wasn't expecting this to be South African.
It started off alright, but I began to lose interest during the traffic road rage scene. However, I did enjoy the part where Natalie Dormer gets arrested but the cop doesn't have a car, so they have to use hers to get to the police station. That made me laugh, a lot.
The show definitely lives up to its name, as there's always someone lying. Whenever a new piece of information is revealed, you can't always trust it, not just about the murder case but also the general family issues. The longer you watch, the more it feels like everyone is lying.
Some scenes are overly dramatic but seem lazily written, like the writers took the easiest route possible to elevate the moment, such as the car crash in episode 5. The acting isn't that great, and the flashbacks aren't either. The actress playing the younger Natalie Dormer doesn't look like her; they just cast a girl with distinctive big eyes lol.
The last episode had several revelations. There's a lot of twists. I had suspicions about Daniel and Jamie, as well as what happened with the family mid-season, but I didn't think the show would actually go that route. All in all the shows a decent pastime, and if you watch it with that in mind it's enjoyable enough, just a little forgettable.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
What a lovely day!
The opening is wild, kicking off with a captivating start. I think everything about this movie is perfect: the visuals, the action, the dialogue, the costumes, the acting... it was both beautiful and apocalyptic. I loved how everything felt like a rock 'n' roll fest.
I love dystopian movies, but you don't have to be a fan to recognize how amazing this was. It's a story of survival in a savage wasteland, every scene felt epic. I liked the cult-like nature and how they glorified their deaths like they were Vikings. Everything was eccentric and crazy, with non-stop action for nearly the whole movie.
It's really dystopian and wild, so it's surprising that this was actually a mainstream hit. "Do not become addicted to water" was such a wild statement, lol.
The premise is very simple; I don't think I can think of a more simplistic movie that worked so well. They drive out into the desert, then make a U-turn back to where they came from. That's it. And it's a blast. This is my favorite action movie, jam-packed with crazy sequences.
The movie is really just one huge dystopian action sequence, so I guess the drawback could be that it's all action. If you're looking for something more, you won't find much. Apparently, Mad Max lore has some complex and darker elements, and maybe the upcoming Furiosa will delve deeper into that.
Furiosa was probably the main character; it felt like Mad Max himself was just tagging along. The villain, Immortan Joe, was great. All the characters are memorable. And because the premise is so simple and the movie is so action-packed, it feels shorter than it actually is. It's just great fun and keeps me glued to the screen. Looking forward to Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.
IF (2024)
The ending is its saving grace.
I was watching a horror movie before walking into this and I found it funny that the same kind of scene, where a character or a shadow runs in the background stealthily is scary in a horror movie, while here it's like a fun little cute thing. Also, here's a random horror fact the movie reminded me of: 12% of children report actually hearing voices, adults just tell them nah it's their imaginary friends lol.
Anyway my favorite moments were the ones with the father but there weren't too many of those though. I thought most of the movie was lackluster and I was almost disappointed, but the ending was great and heart felt. It made me like it a little. There were some funny scenes but not funny or often enough to get me invested into the movie. I think the ending of the story is what made the movie feel special, otherwise it's forgettable. I expected more.
Babes (2024)
"Let's go ruin a towel"
The first few jokes were predictable, like the wet seat gag, which was sooo obvious. It felt like it dragged on too long. However, after that the humor was better, great even. It's a movie that rewards you the longer you watch.
Despite the rough start, the funny scenes made the movie for me. I especially liked the twins, the omen bedroom scene, and the big needle scene-my favorite part. There's some profanity and raunchy comedy, which might bother some, but I actually enjoyed it. I say that 'cause the movie deals with themes of pregnancy, sisterhood, and family-the beautiful and difficult aspects, and their impact on mental health. I think some people might watch it for those themes and not like the humor, but I felt the two elements worked well together, making it appealing to different audiences. It reminded me of "Scrambled" from earlier this year, which more people should have seen.
The movie is quite messy and chaotic, which led to some unexpected good scenes like the random plumbing issues. So I liked that chaos. It was strange there wasn't a nurse to help her to the 4th floor, though. I liked seeing Stephan James from "Beacon 23" and the doctor provided great comedic relief.
The chemistry didn't pull you in like the greatest girl-mance or romance ever, but the conversations felt real. The characters felt like actual friends. It didn't have the strongest start, but the movie gets better as it goes, and I'd recommend it. If you like this, you should check out "Scrambled" too.
The Strangers: Chapter 1 (2024)
Nothing special.
Didn't like the start, immediately shied away from gore and kept it offscreen. I already didn't have high expectations so that didn't help. Few jump scares but none of them scary. I was curious about how it was gonna go because there weren't too many people to kill off, it was just one couple. The guy had asthma and the girl seemed lovely and naive. Very easy targets. And because it was just two people it felt like it was dragging along trying to stretch the plot.
The movie failed to create a scary, tense, or suspenseful atmosphere. Spending time with the couple didn't make me care or root for them; their love story felt cookie cutter and commercial-like. There was a guy who seeemed to be having a blast in the theatre though, he wasn't scared he was just laughing his ass off, especially at the creepy kids. Everybody walked out during the post credit scene, like they saw it start playing but didn't care lol.
Some things didn't make sense - people appeared and disappeared quickly and randomly, and while the wood was creaky, the masked attackers moved in complete silence. It was unclear if it was just a town slasher or if something supernatural was happening too. It was pretty silly, like the characters should've had better decision making And it shouldn't have taken that long to actually catch them. The deaths were so disappointing, and so was the whole movie. If they plan to make a franchise out of this, the next one needs to be bloodier, with more convincing characters, truly frightening strangers, and better fight or flight scenes.
I was also confused about the identity of the 'strangers.' Were they the couple from out of town or the people in masks? The couple was being hunted by strangers, so was the movie about "we kill strangers" or "we got killed by strangers"?
I Saw the TV Glow (2024)
"I think I like tv shows"
I wasn't really hyped about this but saw people talking about it and getting excited. I liked that the kid from 'let the right one in' series is in here. The movie's visually striking, with vibrant neon colors, a hallmark of A24 I think. However, I didn't find it particularly captivating; it seems like something you need a prior interest in to engage with early on. The plot revolves around two outcast kids with an unusual interest, and while the visuals were compelling, the story itself didn't hold my attention. It has a creepy ambience to it. I liked when they met up later, things get more interesting from there. But ultimately though, it felt like an artsy project without enough substance. The movie dragged, and the characters didn't have much to them and lacked a compelling storyline. Although it became more interesting in the final third and is undeniably unique, it just wasn't memorable for me. The movie felt like it had more to offer visually than anything else. I'm sure some will like it but to me Justice Smith's taken two L's this year; it was better than "The American Society of Magical Negroes" though.
Talk to Me (2022)
I let you in.
Mia breaking black people stereotypes in horror movies by basically running towards the danger. This was a really fun horror movie; not a comedy, just fun to watch with friends. It's still horror, but without a lot of jump scares or attempts to catch you by surprise. Some parts were predictable, like things you've seen before, but it still felt newt. It makes use of the R rating, though inconsistently, so it's not always gory.
It felt real, except for the weirdness of how much screaming there was without other people hearing it, even in places like hospitals. It also felt realistic in how kids would probably react if they found an artifact like this and learned how to use it safely, they'd have fun with it. The characters had good emotional connection, especially between Jade, Riley, and Mia; they felt like an actual family. I liked how the mom knew the kids so well.
It's a pretty good story, not just for a horror movie. It's a genuinely good movie overall. As I said, there aren't too many jump scares, but it builds its atmosphere perfectly, giving you goosebumps at times. Watching this after Tarot made me appreciate it even more. The ending was pure chef's kiss.
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Not what I expected
I didn't like this as much as I thought I would. My expectations were pretty high because aside from the fact it's highly praised, a friend of mine also went out of their way to recommend it to me. So I was like damn, it must be something. I think I might have enjoyed better without all the recommendations.
I didn't find many of the male characters likable or as laughable as some seemed to be portrayed. This meant that for a large part of the movie, I wasn't really rooting for any companionship. However, I loved the scene where the mother chases Elizabeth down; I thought it was funny.
In general, I wasn't very invested in any of the characters. They were pretty typical, which made the movie predictable. You could easily tell which characters were going to end up together. Even though I hadn't read the book, I found it all pretty predictable. Rosamund Pike is usually praised for playing intimidating characters like in "Gone Girl" or "I Care a Lot" or less famously in "Wheel of Time", and there's always someone talking about how we just haven't seen enough of her movies because she also plays really wholesome characters, with Pride & Prejudice often mentioned. So, I was expecting her character to be radiant and scene-stealing, like a beam of sunshine, but that wasn't the case. I thought all the characters were just alright.
The premise is similar to other period pieces of the time: lots of talk about who's going to marry whom and inherit what, whether to marry for love or out of need, and the limited prospects for women if they remained unmarried.
I liked that the title made sense, Pride and Prejudice. The movie explores the themes you'd expect from any movie or series set in that time-society governed by class structures and social laws. Like, I liked the movie, but I thought I was going to see something special and different.
I probably would've liked it better if I hadn't watched several period dramas beforehand, especially those made after Pride & Prejudice. Maybe it's similar to watching a really old sci-fi movie or drug lord movie from the 80s and not seeing what's so special about it because I've watched more modern movies that took inspiration from them, so the originals don't feel as special/unique.
I'm guessing this is going to be a really unpopular opinion. I really thought I'd like it better and that it would feel special. It was alright, but it didn't live up to the praise I'd heard. It just felt like another period romance drama.