mariosbenjamin

It felt unique to watch a biographical movie about someone who is still an active figure today. The film's first half drew me in with its immersive portrayal of Trump's early years, offering a sense of discovery. What particularly stood out were the dated visual textures used throughout the film, giving it an authentic feel-almost like a documentary or a movie straight out of the '70s or '80s. It was a creative decision!

Jeremy Strong and Sebastian Stan delivered compelling performances. Strong's portrayal of Roy Cohn felt intense and layered, while Stan captured a more vulnerable, ambitious side of young Trump. However, as the movie progressed, my admiration for Stan's acting shifted to confusion. His performance started to lean heavily into mocking Trump's current public persona, mimicking his speech patterns and mannerisms in a way that felt more like a caricature than a portrayal. While this approach could be interpreted as a creative acting choice, it also made me question whether it undermined the depth of his character. The line between acting and imitation blurred, which made the later parts feel less grounded.

This shift also highlighted broader issues with the movie. The tone wavered between a serious biopic and biting satire, leaving the narrative feeling disjointed. Director Ali Abbasi and screenwriter Gabriel Sherman seemed unsure whether to present Trump as a tragic figure shaped by his environment or as a cartoonish villain. This tonal inconsistency became most apparent during the surgery scene, where the satire felt forced and out of place. The result is a film that risks alienating audiences on both sides of the political spectrum: Trump supporters might reject the critical lens, while detractors might find it lacking in depth or new insight.

The Apprentice left me feeling conflicted, was Trump portrayed as evil from start to finish? Or was there a missed opportunity to explore his transformation in a more meaningful way? The movie raises these questions but doesn't provide clear answers, leaving me both intrigued and frustrated.

Hillbilly Elegy is an inspiring film that tugs at the heart, driven by raw emotion and some of the most moving performances of recent years.

The standout aspect of the film is undoubtedly the acting. Glenn Close, as the tough and unbreakable grandma, brings grit and resilience to her role. Her portrayal is powerful-she's tough, loving, and protective, embodying the spirit of a true fighter. Amy Adams, also gives a deeply emotional performance, making us feel her pain and struggle with addiction. Both actresses deliver some of their finest work here, bringing layers of complexity to their characters.

Although Hillbilly Elegy has received mixed reviews, I wonder if some of this criticism comes from the political conversations surrounding J. D. Vance and his views. Setting that aside, from a purely subjective perspective, the film offers a deeply moving story. It unfolds slowly, allowing the audience to connect with the characters and understand the challenges they face. Knowing it's a true story adds to its emotional weight, and Glenn Close truly shines in the role of the grandma-a warrior who fights for her family.

However, the movie does fall short in a few areas, mostly due to the direction and writing. While Ron Howard's direction is polished, it lacks the narrative depth that might have better captured the complex themes in Vance's memoir.

Overall, Hillbilly Elegy is a decent film that resonates emotionally, even if it lacks the depth some may expect. It's a story about resilience, family, and survival, with performances that make it well worth watching.

When I started watching Tatami, I thought I knew what to expect. It felt like it might be a documentary, straightforward and predictable. But soon, the film surprised me, and its tone shifted to something intense and powerful. I quickly felt the characters' restrictions, especially how trapped the main character, Leila, was. The square aspect ratio-which I found odd at first-ended up being the perfect choice. It made the story feel tight and confined, letting me feel every bit of tension. I started noticing every shot and angle, each one adding to the atmosphere.

The movie gave me a new perspective on the struggles these athletes face. It's sad to think about, and it's even sadder to know that, whether it's just as we see in the film or what we sometimes see on the news, people actually live like this. It's heartbreaking how communities can be torn apart by politics and control. The film touched me deeply, exposing the sickness of a system that can manipulate and break people for its own ends.

It's a shame Tatami hasn't gotten more attention. With its unique style and powerful story, it deserves to be seen by more people. It isn't just a movie; it's a look into the lives of people whose stories often go unheard.