kshirad

I didn't really expect anything going into this, just with the knowledge of the MCU going into more of the "horror" stuff that coincides with the Halloween season. To my surprise, they really committed in doing it, albeit maintaining the jovial tone of the MCU that fits with the whole aesthetic this movie has to offer, which is quite campy and over-the-top.

One thing I really like about the plot is how simple and straightforward while also offering some character insights with such a short running time, which Gael García Bernal and Laura Donnely perfectly conveys. So, even though some of the other characters are just as a means to further the plot, we care about what's going to happen to them, especially in the last 20 minutes which will come to viewers as a shock not knowing how violent things get.

Kudos to Michael Giacchino for his directorial eye since he knows how to place great shots that even some of the more experienced would envy, not to mention this is his debut! There are some really clever color grading and lighting that adds to the horror ambience this movie's going for. So, although it's mostly monochromatic, it's still pretty dynamic all around. Some CGI work in certain shots are pretty wonky, but overall adds to the campy nature of the story.

The only minor gripe I have is how some of the stuff could be fleshed out a little more, just to give the side characters a clearer motivation as to why they'd do all of this. Thankfully, it doesn't detract much from the main conflict.

I would say overall that this is a great homage to black-and-white, old-fashioned, Universal Monsters-type horror films of the last century, that doesn't feel gimmicky at the very least. I really appreciate the experimentation from the current MCU phase, and this installment just adds to the flavor, especially to what's in store for the future of this franchise. Hopefully we'll get more big swings like this and I'd happily put it up there with some of their best efforts.

I didn't have any expectations going into this and given Netflix's track record for putting out some lackluster stuff, also how this movie was a victim of the now-Disney-owned 20th Century Fox acquisition, I went in with a pretty low expectation. Well, turns out it's better than I thought.

The plot revolves an agoraphobic woman, Anna Fox, with a baggage from her past, who witnessed something she shouldn't have that has to do with her neighbor from across the street that leads her into a rabbit hole of investigation to uncover what really happened and the mystery it entails.

From the outset it seems just like a rip-off "Rear Window" or other Hitchcock's works, and it is quite similar to an extent. But the way it was executed is quite interesting to say the least, from its' disorienting flow that makes you question if the events that are unfolding is only in her head to the stage-y, almost play-like way it was shot and manipulated. Although some of the style was a bit overdone, but it's enough to keep my attention without taking me out of it.

It's not perfect and it takes a while to get going, but once it kicks I was fully on board with it, especially the final 15 minutes, which could make it or break it for you.

At this point, no one can deny Amy Adams' talent for acting as she is almost in every shot of this movie and she carried it all the way through. You could see the range from her sadness and desperation as she goes through her paranoia living alone in her apartment while trying to control her anxiety from the outside world. This could almost work as a one-woman play.

While the rest of the casts got overshadowed by her, Julianne Moore did a good job as her not-quite-alright neighbor in her brief screen time, also Wyatt Russell as one of her tenants that makes you doubt whether he's in on it or not. The only one weak link for me is (surprisingly) Gary Oldman, who overacted a bit in his role, but thankfully not to point of distraction.

In conclusion, it's a nice little solid thriller that could quench your thirst for some Hitchcock. Don't expect something spectacular and you'll enjoy it even more.

I'm actually one of those people who quite enjoyed the last two entries to the Snyder DCEU saga while still noticing its' flaws and understanding its' ambition. I respected the move behind the release of this version and initially, I wasn't really expecting much before watching this knowing it's the same plot as the 2017 one, which I kinda enjoy but thought it was mediocre and quite forgettable. But, man, how pleasantly surprised I was and honestly, shocked, to find out how different and amazing this turned out to be. It's not even the same movie anymore.

Right off the bat, the tone and atmosphere feels darker, unlike the moroseness of 'Batman v Superman' but more closer to 'Man of Steel'. There's something more at stake and tension is built up from the beginning. But, it's not all doom and gloom since we get to see our heroes living their lives before coming together to fight the big baddie Steppenwolf.

The thing that frustrated me the most with the older version is how nothing made much impact within the story going forward. This version on the other hand, puts emphasis on small moments throughout each scene and adds weight to its' proceedings. Two of the main characters, namely Cyborg and Flash, are given much more screen time than they were ever given before, fleshing them out more in the process. Intricate details within the story gets a few amount of spotlight, making the world feel grand, richer and much more immersive. Also something that stood out to me is how much more violent and adult this version comes off, and it's all the better for it.

Another real upgrade I'd like to mention is the villain of this story, Steppenwolf. This time around, he's given more to work with and has a better design to his character. You get a sense of what his motivations are and what drives him to do all the things he does, instead of just being a cartoonishly bad antagonist. There's a saying that a movie is only as good as its' conflict. Luckily, he stepped up to the plate (pun intended). And there's another looming presence (that I won't spoil for the sake of your enjoyment) that adds an extra sense of urgency and dread.

The only real gripe I have with this is some of the pacing issues and odd choices that were made and may seem unnecessary, which is ultimately nitpicky and doesn't deter my enjoyment of this movie that much, although for some people it might (you'll know it when you see it). I could argue it works better as a miniseries since it's divided in parts but as a whole it could still use some trimming down a bit.

Personally, I think it's up there with some of the best superhero movies. I would say it's one of the best iterations of the DCEU, after 'Wonder Woman' and 'Shazam' and I almost wished that I never watched the 2017 Justice League, now that I've witnessed the original intention for this story. It dwarves that version's worth in quality and only goes to show that you could never rush art for the sake of profit. I'd definitely recommend it even to casual fans who are not that invested in this franchise to give this one a try.

And there's gotta be a sequel after this.