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Reminiscence (2021)
More Talking Than Action, But Not In A Good Way
As a sci-fi filmmaker, you are limited to basically only two options for what to make; a big action adventure, or a philosophical journey, this film is neither. Hugh Jackman's should-be engaging is really the only redeeming quality of the movie, and I saw should-be because this film is not engaging in any sense of the word. The world of the movie is so disjointed, putting memory, crime, and post-climate change flooded cities together in a hammy mesh of ideas that feel pulled from somewhere else. The movie is focused on being a crime drama, but unfortunately there is neither witty storytelling, tense mystery solving, or thrilling action and the center of the story, but rather boring romance scenes that are so flimsily constructed and so out of context you quickly lose any care you could have. When there is action in the movie, it is some of the boring action ever conceived, one just simply being characters standing behind poles while bullet holes appear in said poles. The world building feels incomplete and for the parts of the world we do learn about (through some of the most monotonous exposition to ever come from a human mouth), sound either too cliche and too random and have virtually nothing to do with the story expect for to extend the runtime. The visuals are so plain, yet the film feels although it wants you to think they are sweeping, when literally the "dazzling" set pieces are nothing more than everyday objects surrounded by water. The crime story itself is so awful you could laugh at it by the time it becomes fully unraveled. Don't waste your money you won't be reminiscing on.
Don't Breathe 2 (2021)
Not Really A Sequel
When going into this film, I expected more of a continuation somewhat of the first film, however I wasn't surprised when this didn't really continue the story of the first movie, because the trailer had already set up something that looked nothing like the first movie. This film is not exactly what you would say is a horror movie and more of a thriller with just a few jump-scares sprinkled in. The main area in which this movie shines in is certainty atmosphere, most of the movie being set in a empty suburban purgatory filled with dilapidated buildings with their designs suffocated by graffiti. The lighting of the film uses coloring to it's advantage to express the moods of the different scenes. The actors in the movie do a good job of carrying the world of film and create complex characters that will have you changing sides the further we explore what's behind their masks. The story has twists that are intriguing and create great mystery and will have you on the edge of your seat wondering what's next. However, the story feels random when compared to the first movie. The protagonist being blind does not feel necessary in this action revenge story and extra time is wasted on watching the blind man being blind. The fact the movie follows the old man from Don't Breathe serves no point in terms of storytelling and feels like a corporate trick to get you to watch an original movie, which is probably what happened. It also doesn't make much sense a remorseless killer would become the hero/anti-hero of the story in the sequel with no transition. Nonetheless, the film is solid, and while it may not top the suspenseful original, it is certainly an enjoyable film that packs a gory action revenge story into a small runtime that gets straight to the point faster than most movies.
The Green Knight (2021)
One Of The Best Films In What Feels Like Too Long
After the string of mediocre summer movies I have had to endure, such as Old, Snake Eyes, and Space Jam 2, it's great finally get back to some true cinema. The Green Knight is one of the greatest fantasy adventure stories told within the past few years that really needs to be an influence for movies going forward. This film is not a medieval action movie playing off the King Arthur Legend, like most people will probably expect, it is rather a slow and philosophical journey through a man's search of honor within a strange, mystical world, which we ourselves become immersed in. The cinematography is amazing and nothing short of beautiful to behold, utilizing unique lighting to give it a dreamlike appearance. The movie has quality performances from every single actor in the film, especially Dev Patel, who plays the honor-seeking Sir Gawain, the main character, to perfection. The titular Green Knight is extremely intimidating, yet he also gives off a feeling of wisdom that contrasts with Sir Gawain's spirited personality. The music is fantastic, blending well with the scenes while also giving off the impression that it was made during the same time the movie is set. The imagery in this movie is surreal, fantastical, and overall beautiful, some shots looking like portraits. This movie will most certainly not be for everyone, but for those who go into this movie with an open mind and a little patience, you will be sure to have an experience you won't be forgetting any time soon.
Jungle Cruise (2021)
Incredibly Forgettable
I knew, or thought I knew, this movie would not be amazing, it would just be a fun, mindless action movie, with a few good pieces of fantastical eye candy here and there, something like Pirates Of The Caribbean. However this movie goes a step further and fails my expectations of any fun or action whatsoever. The first 10 minutes fly by so abrupt you have to try to focus, in an ACTION MOVIE, on what is happening story-wise. The cast of the movie have very wooden acting, even Emily Blunt, who was a great actor in other movies this year such as A Quiet Place Part II. The movie's plot is incredibly basic and after the hyper-fast first few minutes that it's not very hard to follow. I bet you could fall asleep for a while half of the movie and you would miss nothing because of how many plot points there are that contribute nothing at all. The four extra antagonists besides the main one just might not exist at all, as they serve only as jump scares (which by the way, I'm tired of seeing, Hollywood). The movie's visuals could not be any more bland, the movie is just wood and stone, and nothing else, and it hurts my eyes to look at because of how bored the film feels. The movie is unfunny because the majority of the humor is bad jokes, which the studio prays the audience will find ironically funny, which they ended up not finding funny because comedy does not rely on the irony of it being bad humor and therefore funny. There is a plot twist I shall no say, but it does come out of completely nowhere as an excuse for later events to work out, which gave me the impression the film was being made up as it went along. The one good thing about the movie is one action scene involving the main antagonist killing a handful of scientists in ways unexpectedly brutal for a Disney film. This is only, however, a brief moment of violent bliss before sinking back until a movie that is definition of mediocre. The main set pieces of the movie, you would expect, would probably be breathtaking or cool to look at, but all that it is is just unfortunately bored looking locations. The majority of the fight scenes are basic and obviously not hard to replicate, comprising of punching, punching, and I almost forgot to mention, punching. The film is so trope-filler I could predict every step the characters would take next, and watch them unravel unfortunately accurately. This is an awful movie I would never want to see again. It's not the worst, but if you wish to see it, make sure you buy popcorn, so at least you have a bribe to keep watching.
Old (2021)
So Bad It's A Masterpiece of Comedy
In the 2020's, I thought a movie like Tommy Wiseau's The Room or Birdemic was unlikely to happen again. Well, I was proven wrong. This has got to be the funniest movie I have seen this year in theaters so far. This movie has ridiculous plot points that will have you dying with laughter in theater. The acting in the movie is awful, the characters sound like lifeless shells trying to pretend they have a soul. I have heard two A. Is more expressive than them, and that is not a joke. The character interactions are extremely strange to the point where it seems like it's not even humans having conversations. The concept is interesting, but the execution is terrible. So many scenes in the movie are so laughable, and made even more so by the fact you can tell this is intended to be serious. The death scenes in the movie are so funny because of either how dumb the logic behind them is or just how sheerly spontaneous some of the bucket kicks are. The rules of the beach don't make sense and have several scientific errors in them. The cinematography is shot like a bad music video in some parts and it WILL hurt your eyes. The characters just let other characters, including children, run around on a beach even after making disturbing discoveries about the the beach. It is not hard to guess the plot twist accurately. Me and the audience were laughing nonstop, which certainly defused any attempt the movie made at generating good suspense. I enjoyed myself in the movie for all the wrong reasons, and I am not ashamed. This movie is not good, but if you see it, you will surely have a good time.
Land (2021)
The Line Between Artistic and Plain Boring
The only reason why I saw this in the first place was the fact it was one of the only new movies in 2021. I don't know what I was expecting from this movie. There are positives to this movie, some of the shots are beautiful and bring out the feeling of nature to the screen. However, its cons outweigh its pros. The plot is the most cliche thing I have seen in recent memory, starting out with the most cliche isolation/survival movie plot points, before introducing the what I guess is the romantic storyline to allow the movie to be more cliche. The movie is nearly plotless, and only anything happens in the first 2 minutes and never really again until very very very very later. If you want to watch a movie that stretches your perception of time into an infinite loop of movie tropes, go right ahead and watch this more than yawn worthy movie.
Mulan (2020)
Just When I Thought Disney Was Being Original...
I remember seeing the trailer for Mulan and thinking that was going to be a more original, serious, and gritty take on the tale of Mulan and Disney would not try to tell a fantasy story like the original did and succeeded at. I was wrong. It does everything the original does and only deviates away from the parts that made the original so good. The film tries to be gritty with muddy characters and scenes of murder more explicitly shown, but everyone acts like a cartoon with exaggerated personalities and reactions. Mulan doesn't have a struggle in the story, she is born Neo from the Matrix and doesn't need to train at all. The movie tries to rush this "the hero and villain are the same" complex into the story as well. There are a few things to like, such as the occasionally good filmography and the cool acrobatic and gravity defying fight scenes. But overall, this was a terrible movie that, while was cool sometimes, was awful. If you want a movie that will make you laugh in hysteria while your childhood gets brutally murdered by corporate greed, this is the "film" for you.
Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
Not Even Trying To Be Good
Ever since the 2017 Wonder Woman film proved to be decent, which was the best the DCEU could have for the time, people thought this was gonna be one of the best movies in the DCEU. I heard people say it was awesome before I saw it, however they were wrong. The movie is a jumbled bag of several different movies attempting to interconnect. The fight scene in the mall in the beginning is feels kiddish for an action movie meant for teens and adults. The main antagonist doesn't know what he wants to be or what his goal is and limits himself to a superpower stupidly dependent on other people. Chris Pine's character serves no purpose in the story other than an explanation for how characters are able to get from one place to another and to be a doofus for unfunny comedy scenes. However, Gal Gadot is a better actor this time and has great chemistry with Kristen Wigg, who is also pretty interesting as Cheetah, but in the second half, Kristen Wiig's character just turns emo for some reason. Pedro Pascal is vaguely interesting as the main antagonist, but I didn't know what he was trying to go for. This movie should have known what the heck it was trying to go for before just shipping a collection of recorded and CGI-ed half baked ideas to a television screen.
Unhinged (2020)
An Unexpected Heck of a Thrill Ride.
Unhinged has a basic appearance and looks like another bored entry into the stalker thriller genre, but appearances can be deceiving. Russel Crowe, whilst not in his greatest film, gives an unsettling performance as the mysterious man who is this film's antagonist, with a very unhealthy and unkempt appearance about his body. The character he portrays is carefree about police or the people around him while he is committing crimes, he doesn't care who is following him, he only cares about who he follows, making him a deadlier force for the protagonist. The main character is very well acted and adds to the movie a surprisingly good reason to care for her. The film has problems too, people do lots stupid stuff and Fortnite is written in the story, which it already deserves a star down for alone. But overall I think a fan of suspense/thriller/horror movies will enjoy this for the performances, especially Russel Crowe, who gives a good performance playing himself.
The New Mutants (2020)
A Wasted Concept
Whoever came up with this movie should deserve more than the actual movie. The idea of mixing superheroes and horror together is a good idea for a cinema redefining film, but the director must have had other plans. The film is the utter definition of cliche and shows every weakness of both genres, taking the "I can't control my powers" story and mixing it with "it takes the form of your greatest fear" story. The movie isn't scary because the scares it uses are ones I have already seen. The monsters and horror scenes are extremely inspired. Everything happens way too fast and nothing is fully developed or expanded upon. The villain is bland and unintimidating I was thinking of better uses of the scary scene setups throughout the movie. The actors try to be good, and mostly are, but the characters have boring superpowers you have seen a million times, and ones that have new powers have really weird and unexplained ones, excepting the main character. You may think you're seeing the last X Men movie ever, what you're actually going to see is a sad, more cliche than cliche, cash grab.
Tenet (2020)
Inventive New Take on The Spy Movie Formula
Christopher Nolan never fails to direct a groundbreaking, awesome movie, and Tenet is certainly no exception. The film explores some interesting ideas of flip flopping an objects or persons direction on time, and while reverse footage isn't anything new, it's still an interesting mechanic in the film to watch. The film is very reminiscent of old spy movies, John David Washington's nameless character only known as "The Protagonist" cracks lots of one-liners and wears a very contemporary suit. The other actors are good as well in their job of bringing life to the world and carrying it along through the runtime. Kenneth Branagh's villain is very reminiscent of old evil villains such as Goldfinger. The action scenes are entertaining, both backwards and forwards. There are a few confusing bits in the movie I couldn't follow and some characters have muffled speech due to the use of gas masks throughout the film, and some things felt unexplained but it draws me in to see it again. Overall, the film was very inventive and proves that even after 20 years, Christopher Nolan is still reinventing the living daylights out of cinema.
Clockstoppers (2002)
The Definition of "Criminally Underrated"
Outside of the effects department, Clockstoppers isn't a movie you would suspect to see enshrined among The Dark Knight, probably because it was made in 2002, it's not a sweeping masterpiece, but it's not lying anywhere near the bottom of the barrel. The performances are actually pretty good, beside most of the childish tantrums Micheal Biehn throws. A good majority of the jokes land and got a good chuckle out of me. The special effects, despite how early 2000's the film is, still hold up in most places, although it doesn't take all the advantages with the concept. This film is a guilty pleasure for me and proof of how wrong Rotten Tomatoes can be. This is a enjoyable action film kids should like that's relatively harmless, until you google the "teenage" actors' ages at the time.
Primer (2004)
A Brainy Challenge for Time Travel Lovers
This film is not what I consider the greatest time travel story, but definitely the most intellectual and smartly crafted one. This film gives something like a Steve Jobs story, if Steve Jobs accidentally invented an, albeit limited, time machine. The film has Saw-like lighting and is shot with an old camera, which enhances the cerebral feel of the story. The characters don't shout "88 MILES PER HOUR!" or do whatever they want, they take a civilized, rational approach, aware of the danger of their invention's consequences. The performances aren't meant to be Oscar-worthy and seem more realistic and grounded in logic. The film isn't easy to grasp the first time you watch it. But the more you re-watch it, details mute at first will speak. But even without knowing exactly what is going on, but the film's atmosphere and demonstration of what would happen if someone ACTUALLY invented a machine with such power is still interesting. Primer is an mind-blowing, amazing, and underrated headache of a movie.
The Hunger Games (2012)
Bleakly Bright
Back in the 2010's, this movie was among one of those "Twilight" or "Harry Potter" type movies. I watched this movie years after it came out, but is surprisingly well made. The world that is set is gritty and well-crafted. The post apocalyptic landscape is very open, with most of the world either in rubble with scarce lives within or belonging to nature. The aristocratic and colorful but brutal rulers take what seems like divine pleasure with technologies and the most synthetic and leisurely clothing and appearances. The film also something of a twisted adventure feel when the action begins, with characters trying to survive, kill, and hide from other competitors in different parts of the forest used as a battlefield. Jennifer Lawrence gives a smart and subtle performance as Katniss Everdeen and provides easily watchable sequences even when no action is going on. If you're looking for another young adult/ teen adventure/drama series, this review has got you covered.
Planet of the Apes (1968)
Weirdly Haunting
This film was not at all what I expected. I thought it would be a story that was more like most other movies around the time, something that was good based on acting on action. But this film is based on something else. The film contains many off putting surreal moments, such as Charlton Heston bursting into laughter over a miniature American flag, which also reflects what many people thought of America during the time. Surprisingly, a world where humans and apes reverse roles is actually unsettling to watch, it is an brutal and crudely unforgiving but well-painted portrait of society around the time.
The apes and Charlton Heston's character Taylor using slurs against each other, not just in role reversals, but also those that reflect racism and classism. The film's main message is how we react when we find something that destroys our beliefs. The apes in the story actually represent us, how when we find something that throws away everything we know, and try to suppress it, so as to make seem it doesn't exist. our lives, those of people around us, government, and religion are unknowingly built on terrible, painful lies.
I won't spoil the plot twist, so as to make this public, but if you know it beforehand, it will still get to you, no matter how well you know it.
Singin' in the Rain (1952)
A Post-modernly Funny Musical.
When most people think of a colorful 50's Musical Comedy, most suspect the comedy sourcing from characters yelling and laughing loudly while slapping someone. But this film is smarter than that. Some jokes go like the fore-mentioned physical comedy, the jokes still make me laugh, it's like the director saw the future and new what would still be funny. The spectacle of the Hollywood of the 20's is in every single object and room within the movie. The acting is very upbeat and colorful throughout the film. The musical bits are beautifully sung by each and every actor with smooth voices and have flawlessly choreographed dance sequences with some of the creative movements in dance musicals I have seen, although I have a minor complaint of them going on for too long. If you're looking for a time machine to the early days of Hollywood, watch Singin' in The Rain.
The Polar Express (2004)
Captures The Christmas Spirit
Some people argue this movie has problems because of the uncanny valley. Some facial movements are slightly unnatural, but that did not take away anything from my experience. The movie has a wintery mysticism with dazzling, icy and festive visuals. The movie has also something of a supernatural feeling similar to a ghost story. that in the titular train not being a bright "choo choo" train, but rather a powerful, towering, steam train. The acting is very good, not just because 70% of people in this world are Tom Hanks, but the child actors are good at acting. The movie also has some thrilling action scenes bolstered by the movie's visual marvel. You know this is a good Christmas movie when the soundtrack makes you cry.
Groundhog Day (1993)
A Classic To Be Re-Lived
Bill Murray nails it as a self obsessed reporter who finds himself in a time loop. His deadpan acting style shines, especially when he plays a glum yet carefree victim to this strange situation. He shines with an odd comedic charisma as he seeming shares, but is actually directly copying without them knowing, interests with people he meets, speaking in a very over the top soft voice. He drives in into maximum overdrive, doing the most outrageous things in peace of mind. The movie also has other things to it, such as Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell's chemistry, making it an experience, where if I was stuck in a time loop watching this, it wouldn't be so bad.
Metropolis (1927)
Old but Never Ages
Silent films may not appeal to everyone, but when I watched it, I forgot there was no talking audio at all. The movie has slightly outdated but still strong warnings against classism. The imagery shows titanic nearly fantastical skyscrapers in a world where the rich in ignorant bliss, and then contrasts with the grimy, steamy, machine filled, inhuman labor of the poor as they struggle to uphold the wealthy's world upon their shoulders. The story, thought strange, is compelling and doesn't seem unusual when watched. This movie is a good example of when images speak louder than words
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
It's True What Critics Say About This
Don't judge this movie based on the first scenes, the whole movie makes more sense the more you go along. It seems one scene depends on the next scene. In more basic terms that define good movies from bad, the acting is not exactly connected to romance or sadness, but is more intelligent, dramatic, and intense. HAL 9000's monotone voice and calibrated actions are ones that will find it's way into every crack of your mind. Also, just a warning, if you don't like breathing noises, get as far away as you can from this movie and anyone who likes it, or just skip it. The movie has long sequences lingering on the same object or area for long periods, never ending scenes in both a meditative and annoying way. The ending is absolutely head scratching. You could probably guess what it means, but no one nows what really happens. If you want a psychological venture into the ambiguity of our nature from the comfort of your home, trace the signals emitted from this amazing sci-fi venture.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Standard 80's Fare
Maybe you could enjoy this movie like I haven't. I heard this was a heartwarming sci-fi family movie, and that seemed partially true to me. If you saw movies like The Goonies or Gremlins before watching this, you probably won't like this. The positives: the cast has good chemistry with each other and the alien. The score is uplifting, and there are a few scenes that made me smile because of their near fantastical feelings. What weighs this this down? Well, it's unpopular opinion time because I think E.T looks kind of ugly, with this wide, wrinkled face and the lump that's supposed to be his chest, he looks like Brundlefly mid-transformation. Also the movie has a lot of family cliches. But in the end, I have to gives props to the movie that was almost one of my favorites from the 80's
Back to the Future (1985)
A Fast Moving Time Travel Vehicle
Micheal J Fox is the perfect choice for Marty McFly, if there are alternate universes I feel bad for the ones where Marty is played anyone else. He, and the rest of the movie, has a quirky, nerdy charisma to it. The movie has a very light pace and script that doesn't particularly harden the movie into a particular genre. The movie has extremely funny moments that show the contrast between a retro schoolhouse past and the eccentric and advanced present and the advantages taken because of it. There is no other movie with such a big ego like Back to the Future.
Ghostbusters (1984)
A Retro Experience Without Age
I saw this way too many times, but when I was little that was enough to spin me into a craze, the sequel, the show, the video games, the toys. The movie has not too grotesque practical effects that are cartoonishly constructed but hold up really well. The "scary" aren't exactly scary, they're like when on Halloween, one your neighbors you didn't know existed put up an animatronic that goes "BOO". Bill Murray's deadpan, carefree performance walks through the rolls of film like it's his town, even under conflict his eternal confidence shines through. All the other characters are good too with unique personalities. And everyone speaks in iconic one liners. Ghostbusters will serve as a colorful, spooky movie for a mature audience.
Silent Running (1972)
Campy or Compelling?
Before I talk about the performances in the film, I must note the special effects, the spaceship, dome, and robots are very well designed with a retro colorful design, like something you would see in Disney's Epcot. The performances from the background actors are mediocre, but the real star is Bruce Dern as a defensive astronaut. Despite the fact he's one of the best parts of the film, he has a very alien-like personality and is often remorseless in some of his actions, disregarding his philosophy during his said actions, but at least he feels bad later, the script and story are basic and boring for a sci-fi movie. The second half of the movie is very anticlimactic, and we're accompanied by a cheesy environmentalist song with basic isolation movie endeavors, while you sit there coming up with better ideas for the movie. But if you want a sci-fi movie to suck your green thumb a little darker than Wall-E, Silent Running is your best bet.
A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)
Where Do You Put This Movie?
A family drama, a dystopian thriller, a philosophical adventure, A.I excels at all of them, but the transitions are unfortunately rough. The first near-half is set in a secluded corner of it's world, which backfires when we're taken in to the imaginative yet grim center of it. I do like the futuristic landscape and logic of this world, it's great in scale and reminds me of Blade Runner. Haley Joel Osmond gives a unique performance, something not quite human, but something that has desires and feelings of it's own. Jude Law is also good, but his abrupt switch in character is a bit hard to believe. But of course, I have bring the ending up somewhere, there's so many camera shots I thought would be the last but the camera feels the need to keep rolling, and sure some stuff happens after that, but it's painful. I'm not going to say what happens, but I like some of the aspects of the ending, but they should be in a different movie. The movie's transitions aren't particularly sensical, but when the movie knows what it wants, those few minutes are enjoyable.