zacharyhamstra Reviews

Babel (I) (2006)

This was...interesting

[6/10 · 25 August 2023]

Babel was a very unique movie. And I was engaged mostly throughout. It does run a tad long but because there are multiple intertwined stories none of them feel too long individually. However, as the stories come together and you start to fill in the gaps you also start to ask why? What is the point? I definitely enjoyed this movie as a whole, but I will probably not watch it again. It was worth a try but to me falls a bit flat.

Each individual story deserves its own screen time and I applaud the movie makers for their abilities in such, but the sum of the parts feel like they don't add up to the value of the individual pieces.

Ghosts (2019–2023)

Simply beautiful

[10/10 · 18 July 2023]

I love this show so much. I honestly think it crushes every aspect of what makes a comedy funny and what makes a show worthwhile. Every character is great, especially every main one. Mike and Alison are both super likable and play off each other perfectly. The show is able to achieve humor without having to delve into dirty or raunchy jokes, although there's a level of maturity within the show still. It is beautifully shot, doesn't take itself too seriously, and makes for such an enjoyable watch. Most sitcoms I like to be on my phone or cook or multitask while watching, not this one. This one I like to sit and watch because every scene is so heartfelt and fun.

Black Mirror: Beyond the Sea (2023) Season 6, Episode 3

We're back baby

[8/10 · 11 July 2023]

This episode was one of the most vintage "black mirror" episodes in years. It returned to its roots of looking at technology and its potential downsides and how going too far can have unintended consequences blah blah blah. Very much would fit in seasons 1-4.

Most bad reviews complain about one massive plot hole. We can argue about whether it's logical or not, but if you suspend your logic on that point alone you'll get a very enjoyable and inquisitive episode in return. The eerie writing on the wall moments I could often see coming a mile away, but the biggest and final turns were not what I expected. This is one of the good episodes this season and one I think deserves applause overall, despite there being some level of illogicality. These types of episodes made us all fall in love with the show at first.

Black Mirror: Loch Henry (2023) Season 6, Episode 2

Legitimately terrifying, wholly captivating.

[8/10 · 7 July 2023]

This is an episode that makes me wonder what black mirror/Charlie brooker could do if they were to focus solely on horror. Because my goodness I was scared. This had me on the edge of my seat and it did so quickly and meaningfully! Very impressive. In my opinion this did lack the sort of classic black mirror punch/condemnation of technology we all fell in love with, but boy do they still know how to tell a story.

This was an episode I will fondly look back at and recommend to others, but it is not one I will stamp as the show's most potent or important viewings. So, if that's enough for you, check this one out. Better strap in first though.

Black Mirror: Mazey Day (2023) Season 6, Episode 4

Not great. Hardly "black mirror." But still entertaining

[5/10 · 20 June 2023]

This one is...different. Extremely different. If you love black mirror to the core, this is not going to scratch that itch. If you think black mirror is interesting, this is not going to be the same. But if you just like some thrills and twists then this has SOME level of potential. I still find it pretty eh overall but I will not say that I did not find it entertaining. Because I honestly did. I don't really regret watching it either. Although it's one of my least favorite black mirror episodes, it's not my least favorite nor is it one I wish I could take the 45ish minutes back. It was fine. It was different. And decidedly not black mirror-esque.

Black Mirror: Joan Is Awful (2023) Season 6, Episode 1

Not quite vintage black mirror, but close!

[8/10 · 20 June 2023]

This was very entertaining and extremely relevant to today's technological concerns. Is it a bit on the nose at points? Sure. Is it exactly how I think a person would act/react in this scenario? Eh, maybe not. But it really makes you think and consider some potentially problematic areas of our world. Just like black mirror set out to do. After the last season's disappointment and an absence of black mirror for a few years now, this was a welcome return for me. Is it perfect or the best the show has produced? Probably not. But is it reminiscent and does it contain remnants of what makes black mirror so powerful. Yes. It certainly does.

The Invitation (II) (2022)

Maybe the dumbest (didn't say worst said dumbest) movie I've ever seen

[3/10 · 4 April 2023]

Don't watch this movie unless you really just don't care about it making any sense. It is a pretty stupid concept tbh and I'm surprised someone even greenlighted it but this is the world we live in. I know I sound like I'm old but I'm not, I'm gen Z. It just was very far-fetched, various and conflicting horror plots, and probably won't scare a single person other than a couple jumps. It won't scare you because it's too stupid to scare anyone.

Only positives are that the show does contain lots of beautiful shots and locations, some humor, and attractive actors. I was intrigued for awhile but then it just became dumb as hell.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Overrated without a doubt, but nevertheless well made

[6/10 · 24 September 2022]

This movie may be the most overrated film of all time, in my opinion. There is no point. It is not particularly funny. It is not particularly thought provoking. It is not some kind of masterpiece. It is, however, well made. Has good acting with a great cast. Is a fun way to divide up the scenes and plots.

I was ready for this movie to end far before it did, because I learned about halfway through that there is just no purpose to it! No meaning! I definitely enjoyed aspects of it and there was some legitimate tension, without question. It all just felt messy. Truly my favorite part of watching pulp fiction were two scenes that I had seen from different memes 100 times before, and never knew where they came from. It was a, "oh, hey, I recognize this image!" That was the most joy I got out of this.

By no means is it a trainwreck, but to be considered such a timeless masterpiece of cinematic glory? Not a chance. I would like to speak to every single person who gives this a 10 and have them explain to me what exactly this film does well, because I feel pretty confident everyone just gets in line and calls it amazing because that is the 'cool' thing to do.

Homeland (2011–2020)

Incredibly relevant

[9/10 · 26 February 2022]

The show starts off with one of the most suspenseful couple seasons of television. I loved it. And then that plot passes. But homeland never slowed down. By season 6-7, I could not believe the accuracy and relevancy that the homeland producers could have predicted when filming this show years ago. It is compelling on face value, but evolves into something so incredibly poignant on our political/intelligence landscape. Fantastic television, and important portrayal of the dangerous path our country has hurtled into the last few years.

Ozark (2017–2022)

Best show on television

[10/10 · 25 January 2022]

Ozark is hands down a top 5 show I've ever seen. I usually don't finish shows, especially when I have to wait around a year for another season to finally come out, but Ozark always delivers. At least twice I finished the show before the newest season dropped, and as soon as I watched the recap I was hooked and show picked up even faster. Jason Bateman is phenomenal, the twists and turns are nerve wracking. It just doesn't get any better.

Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin (2021)

Pretty good overall, few miscues

[7/10 · 15 November 2021]

Overall, it's a solid horror movie. Felt like a lot of Midsommar, lot of As Above So Below, and a little bit of The Visit. It's creepy, has a couple jump scares, builds rising tension throughout, and, of course, has moments where you're screaming at the main character to not do whatever it is they are about to do. Some moments felt a little forced like why would a sane person do that. I also didn't love the way it ended (but that's how I feel about many horror films) because it never feels satisfying after an entire film of suspenseful scenes most Horror films crash rapidly at the end imo. If you like scary movies then this will satisfy you more than most I think, but it is not very reminiscent of other PA films.

Train to Busan (2016)

Terrific quality film

[8/10 · 22 February 2021]

Definitely the best zombie movie I've ever seen. Get over the subtitles, just watch it if you like zombie flicks. It was a thrilling 2 hour ride and I loved it. Only downsides were same downsides of any scary/horror movie, characters make infuriatingly stupid decisions sometimes that drive the viewer insane. Overall really good and I enjoyed it a lot

Vacation (I) (2015)

Super funny light movie

[9/10 · 13 February 2021]

I love this movie. It's just funny. That's all! I don't even like the first vacation movie but if you do don't compare it, don't take it to be something it isn't. It's just a really funny, light movie that makes me laugh my ass off every 10 min

A Clockwork Orange (1971)

Am I missing something?

[5/10 · 8 November 2020]

I loved this book, but the movie? I'm not sure where these high stars are coming from. Maybe, maybe if I watched this when it came out I would think it's better, I certainly have to admit that I'm used to newer movies/graphics/effects(I'm 23 now in 2020), but much live every book turned movie, this didn't live up to the hype. It was more weird than anything. I felt like the heart of the novel didn't shine through enough and I'm not sure it really could, bc of how violent the plot is and the way that dystopian England is presented in the readers mind can't be captured perfectly by Kubrick. Valiant effort, and it's very hard to pull off, but nevertheless that doesn't give this movie a pass for being good. If you're a normal person without reading the book, don't watch it, and if you like the book maybe try it, but don't kid yourself. Despite high reviews it can't match the book

Ted Lasso (2020–2023)

Incredibly wholesome

[10/10 · 27 August 2020]

This is just genuinely one of the most feel-good shows I've ever seen. Ted Lasso, the character, is the most likable character I've ever seen. It's a comedy, but that isn't what makes it so good. It's the genuineness and exploration of what it means to be a good human that makes this show so great. I can't say anything else except I just feel good watching this. Humorous premise, but absolutely stellar portrayal. I love this show and it's only been 4 episodes. Try not liking this show. I dare you.

1984 (1984)

Pales in comparison to novel

[6/10 · 4 July 2020]

1984 the novel is probably, in my opinion, the best book I have ever read. I really enjoy George Orwell and Animal Farm is stellar but 1984 is just phenomenal. As for the movie, I just felt like it was so underwhelming. Now, to be fair. This was filmed in 1984. I'm 22. I'm used to better graphics and CGI, etc. and this was obviously lacking in that area. So, perhaps a newer version would provide better aesthetics and simply match what I imagined the book's setting and machinery to be. Secondly, the movie was simply too short to ever be anywhere near as powerful as the book. Winston is underdeveloped, his relationships are underdeveloped, everything moves too quickly. Additionally, I think for someone who maybe hasn't read the book, they miss a lot of subtleties that the movie merely references but doesn't explicitly say or attract attention to. This movie really needs more like 3 hours in my opinion. They did do a good job at sticking to the plot and trying to stay on course, but the inevitable croppings were just too detrimental. If you're part of the older crowd maybe this can do it for you because of the movie quality, otherwise, I think stick to the book. This left a rather underwhelming taste in my mouth despite its positives. It simply pales in comparison.

Uncut Gems (2019)

Entertaining and compelling, but I didn't want to be.

[7/10 · 26 May 2020]

This movie was super compelling. Adam Sandler was incredible, Julia Fox was phenomenal, I loved seeing KG too. But man there was so much yelling and screaming and arguing and my goodness it just made me dislike everyone! I think it was realistic in this way but Adam Sandler's character was so unlikable as a person, father, husband, etc that it just made me discontent. The last 30 minutes were easily some of the most captivating minutes of my life though and were a masterpiece. It made me root for him even though I really didn't like him. The movie is slightly overrated imo but I also have to concede I may be letting my personal dislike of some of the (realistically portrayed) characters ding the rating. It's worth seeing, but I think the 11/10 finale boosts the movies overall rating. Pretty good, with incredible moments, but plenty of disinterest and annoying moments as well