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Challengers (2024)
Sexy, Thrilling, & Heartbreaking
Challengers is like a puzzle with an amazing backdrop. Once you start putting the pieces together, you're rewarded with a beautiful picture. A beautiful picture that illuminates the cruelty of love and commitment. All the characters in this film were captivating. Zendaya especially. Her role as Tashi Duncan was a performance she really sunk her soul into. Every detail about her, from the way she talks down her partners to her life altering scar, was believable. The cinematography and editing kept up with the films energetic feeling. All the camera trick you can think of while filming a tennis film appear, and it never gets stale. The film finds new ways to convey its emotions with all the technical aspects of film, keeping it fresh and full of life throughout. A sequence at the end especially stands out to me, and those who've seen it know what I'm talking about. And the music is the cherry on top of it all. Every single track is a banger that is compelling me to keep my eyes on the screen. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross lit the studio on fire with this soundtrack, and I can't wait for it to release. If there's any issue I had, is that at times the film can feel a bit cheesy. But none of it took me out of the experience I had watching this film. Challengers is easily one of the best movies I've seen this year and it only gets me more pumped the more i think about it. I give it a high recommendation and if you can see it in any premium format, take that opportunity.
Late Night with the Devil (2023)
An amazing concept that doesn't fully land its execution.
Late Night with the Devil commits to its unique style and presentation but often stumbles along the way with its smaller details. I absolutely love the way this film tries to replicate old lost media with its camera work and production design. Even when the audio was crystal clear and could've been put through a filter to replicate an older sound, it didn't distract me too much since most of the performances had me completely sold. What really leaves me unsatisfied is the overall pace. In between each segment is "behind the scenes footage" that just reiterates what had happened earlier. However, there are moments where it works in delivering information to the audience. Maybe I would've liked to see some cursed commercials in between all the footage. The film also stretches out some of its horror concepts while also not committing more to some. Just as things are about to get interesting, the film moves on to the next idea without fully developing the previous one. I know I sound harsh but I still had a great time overall. It's one of the better horror movies to come out recently and is worth the watch.
Hundreds of Beavers (2022)
An Achievement in Comedic Filmmaking
Hundreds of Beavers is by far the funniest film I've seen in a very long time. I know I'm not gonna be the first or last person to say this but that's how amazing this film is. It's impossible not laugh at its sheer absurdity. Every idea is thrown into the basket, from video game references to looney tune-esque scenarios. It's energy never falters and only gets more intense as the film progresses. But what really sells the movie is that it's not to be taken seriously. The whole thing is one big joke and the filmmakers are in on it. I don't like using the "turn off your brain" quote but its fitting for a movie like Hundreds of Beavers.
The Zone of Interest (2023)
Evil in its most blatant form.
Can you recognize evil when it's right in front of you? Or must you witness horrible atrocities beyond your understanding in order to get the point across? The Zone of Interest challenges the latter by skipping out on what other war movies wouldn't dare to. Instead of recreating what unspeakable actions occurred, you rely on you're own imagination filling your brain with nightmarish visions only going off of what you can hear. The egregious sounds are the visuals and they never hold back. While it may seem that your watching a family live their daily lives, your disdain for them only grows the more you observe them. The cinematography grants you access into their estate, allowing you to view every little detail. So much so that its familiarity will imprint on you. It's unsettling to be in their house and be completely compliant to what's going on which seems wrong at first but it's the many ways the film doesn't hold your hand. Forcing you to take a perspective you would never think of hammers down the idea of how we can completely neglect the things going on in our world. And while we can create and remain in a bubble of our own interests, sooner or later it'll pop, exposing us to the horrors we ignore.
Licorice Pizza (2021)
PTA's Groovy Nostalgic Ride
Licorice Pizza is another film in PTA's library where there's no real plot but a series of events that revolve around a certain theme or time period. Think Boogie Nights but with the themes of a coming of age story. It shows Alana and Gary, played by Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman respectively, going through the trials of 70's California and doesn't shy away from how different the times were. It's almost like Animal House, a movie that takes place in the 60's and instead of being nostalgic it shows the absolute worse parts of that time. That's sorta what Licorice Pizza does but it doesn't commit all the way with that premise. In fact it kinda relies on using the same jokes twice in some scenes. This didn't sour my experience but there could've been so much more going on with what they were trying to go for. Another thing I feel I gotta mention is how nice everything just looks with both cinematography and production value. There's alot of tracking shots, so if your into those this movie is for you. The sound track is fitting and even adds alot to most scenes in the movie. It's kinda hard coming up with some real criticism, but the movie does everything so well that I would just be pulling out nitpick. If anything I really didn't like the ending, it was just a little too clean cut and perfect. It's almost as if PTA was afraid to get a little controversial with the ending. Literally the last lines of the movie are "I love you, Gary". I cringed in my seat when I heard that. Overall, the goods outweigh the bad for Licorice Pizza. I had excellent time watching it and I can probably get a few more watches out of it before I get tired of it.
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
The Best Spider-Man fan fiction ever.
Spider-Man No Way Home is a pandering, fan service epic made for the lowest common denominator of Marvel Fans. But yet its so entertaining that I can look over all these problems. Fan service can work if the people who make the movie actually put care and respect to what they make. The references go beyond what they're supposed and actually integrate well into the story. Even without the references, the movie brings alot of great acting to the table with the biggest showstopper being Willem Dafoe reprising his role as the Green Goblin. Yes all the original villains and hero's came back and gave great performances for the most part, but Dafoe comes out on top. Another amazing aspect to this movie were all the action sequences. Out of all the MCU Spider-Man movies, this one stands out at having the best. They remain so engaging and thrilling that it's bound to keep you at the edge of your seat. At the end of the day, Spider-Man No Way Home delivers at keeping me and it's audience entertained. The fact they were able to put so much into this movie and make it good in the end shows how much respect the filmmakers have for their fans even if it's at the expense of their wallets.
Host (2020)
Jumpscares doesn't mean its scary.
Jumpscares get everyone. That's what they're supposed to do. But does that mean it makes the movie scary. It makes it more annoying than anything.
The Lighthouse (2019)
Otherwordly
The Lighthouse is nothing short of a masterpiece. From its grim setting to its two main leads, this movie never holds back on its insanity. The Lighthouse never ceases the opportunity to ease its tension but instead makes itself more uncomfortable. Even when things seem to be joyous, it never really is due to the tense nature between Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe, who really seem to be at each other's throats. The whole movie is based around these two being stuck with each other on this hell like landscape, where escape is improbable. All they have is each other and enough liquor to last their entire scourge. Not only is the setting fit for the most uncomfortable vacation, but the ominous score also heightens the fear of being trapped on the rock. Other sounds such as the foghorn that constantly bellows throughout the film's run and seagulls screeching in the air really furthers the experience of being trapped on an island. The entire movie is shot in black and white 1.19:1 aspect ratio which enhances the claustrophobia the movie aims for. Certain shots from the movie range from beautiful to terrifying or even both in some occasions. Just like Waves, keeping this movie vague only enhances it. For a real trippy ride filled with farts and ocean water, this film will certainly appeal for those who appreciate its qualities.
Waves (2019)
Mellow
I could end this whole review by calling the entire movie great, but its way more than just that. Waves is heartbreaking, mesmerizing, and downright brutal at some moments. What Trey Edward Shults put in this film came from the deepest parts of his mind that no other modern director would be willing to put in at all. It may seem to be an average coming of age story but one that is further enhanced by Shults' direction, alongside its use of music and cinematography. The movie follows the two young protagonists, Tyler and Emily, growing up in South Florida and living with the choices they make in life. It's very cliché at first (trust me, it is) but it fully commits to this idea of love and hatred fueling all the choices our characters make. Just when everything seems calm, another huge hurdle gets in the way, making it feel as if hope is unobtainable. It happens so often that I kept thinking that this whole family would fall apart by the end of the movie. Its easily one of the best movies to handle family drama at this caliber, especially when it feels it hit the point of no return. Every member of the Williams family felt genuine, I even thought this was an actual family given their chemistry with each other felt relatable. The music is a combination of a score performed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross mixed with contemporary songs from artists such as Frank Ocean, Animal Collective, and even Kanye West. Usually I hate it when a movie tries to fit in modern music with its story, but Waves accomplishes it by having the music lead the scene rather than inserting it for marketing. The cinematography ranges from great to dream like that it seems almost impossible on how certain scenes were shot. I want to keep this review as vague as possible just due to it being such a powerhouse of a film, that talking about any detail in the slightest might ruin the experience. Just be prepared to witness something truly different.
The Irishman (2019)
Depressing
Martin Scorsese and epic mobster movies pretty much go hand in hand with each other. It's not like Scorsese's only good with mob movies; but when its been a while since his last gangster film, it's almost euphoric seeing this movie come out. The Irishman is almost similar to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, where the director puts the same amount of love in his movie but instead of paying a tribute, it's more of what I love about his storytelling. Similar to Scorsese's other mob movies, it's extremely long and filled to the brim with history and details about the characters' lives. The long running time can easily deter people from watching it, so releasing it on Netflix can be both a positive and a negative. I wish I could've caught a screening to this film, I feel as if being trapped in the theater would've tempted me from not using my phone, even though I rarely used it either way. What kept me from being bored was all the history about Frank Sheeran's mob involvement, which is captured beautifully by Robert De Niro. It's amazing seeing his life being invaded with other mafiosos such as Russell Bufalino played excellently by Joe Pesci, who essentially came out of retirement for one last gig. The story takes its dramatic turn once Jimmy Hoffa, played by Al Pacino, is introduced to Frank. After that it becomes everything I love about Scorsese's mob films. Old School Music, dinosaur aged actors, and an overall meaning behind all the madness. Seeing the rise and fall of Frank Sheeran is extremely bleak compared to Henry Hill's in Goodfellas which almost lavishes itself with mobster lifestyle. The Irishman never glorifies the mob but instead shows its dirtier side, especially when its revealed what Frank did in his mob life. The movie left me in a pretty depressed state after seeing it all unfold but it nonetheless left an impression I won't forget.
Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood (2019)
Charming
What makes this movie special is all the love and care that was put into it, especially at this caliber where Hollywood is literally transformed to its "Golden Age". Every reference to the past is glossed over by the next, until they appear so rapidly that they can be easily missed. The characters seem as if they're plucked right out of the 60's, and in some cases they are. Leonardo DiCaprio as Rick Dalton felt like a real actor struggling to make an impression during this time in his career, especially after leaving his television stardom. His face always shows him being concerned about his future when it's not being filled with booze instead. I thought he would be a real mad in the film, but instead I sympathized with the character and felt relived near the end of his arc. The real shine belongs to Brad Pitt as Cliff Booth, who feels as if he's another persona of Pitt alongside Tyler Durden or Floyd from True Romance. He's pretty much cool personified for lack of a better term. Quentin Tarantino created two lovable characters and gave them a bromance that'll surely be remembered in pop culture history. Alongside the two are real life Hollywood figures who share the same amount of talent as the 2 leads. Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate is nothing more than respectable but still charming. She wasn't trying to make the character complex but instead opts to be more grounded in reality. The overall plot, however, is different because there isn't one. Really...there isn't a plot to the movies. It's just characters going through the trials of 60's Hollywood all set in relations with the murder of Sharon Tate. This, in my opinion, is both a flaw and a compliment. It can be easily viewed as boring, even I thought that at first, especially with a run time of almost three hours. But when the movie is viewed for a second or even third time, it shows its true form and stays thoroughly entertaining until the epic conclusion. Personally, I feel as if Tarantino released this movie near the end of the decade similar to it being set near the end of its decade. While being a moderate success, it looks like peanuts compared to The Lion King's 1-billion-dollar box office income due to it opening on the same weekend. It made me reflect on how movies themselves have changed during the years and what new ideas can either make or break. A movie like this will always have a special place in my heart, not only for its love on cinema but for it charm.
Stranger Things (2016)
Flawless 1st season. 2nd season misses but still hits hard
First season obvious 10/10.
Honestly. This is the best Netflix has to offer.
Second season 8/10.
Still great but it did drop in quality. Ends VERY similar to season one.
Climax (2018)
This movie will leave you dumbfounded
I loved every single bit of this movie. Even though it was very extreme and at some points very unsettling. Every performance felt real with every actor giving a very uncomfortable yet amazing performance. It holds no boundaries on how far to take the next scene. Every bit of emotion can be felt while watching this film. There are a few problems as far as character choices but it in no way affects the film negatively. This is definitely a movie that will appeal to most of you horror junkies out there.