dngoldman Reviews

I Saw the TV Glow (2024)

Haunting and Genuinely Odd

[9/10 · 27 May 2024]

Explores the lives of two troubled teenagers, Owen and Maddy, whose reality begins to unravel with the cancellation of their favorite TV show, "The Pink Opaque". The film is set across different timelines, starting in 1996 when Owen, an isolated seventh grader, meets Maddy, a ninth-grade lesbian, over their shared interest in "The Pink Opaque". As they bond over the show, they face personal challenges; Owen's mother is terminally ill, and Maddy is ostracized at school due to a circulating rumor.

His narrative works on multiple levels, offering a poignant portrayal of growing up feeling like an outsider and the discomfort that comes with not feeling at ease in one's own skin. The film is steeped in '90s nostalgia, from its aesthetic to its cultural references, evoking a sense of longing for a past era. Yet, setting is used to et the tone. The film is a meditation on the existential feeling that the world we inhabit is not the one we were meant for. The haunting emotional core of the film lies in the choices we make and the realization that those choices may lead us to bury ourselves in a world where we don't belong. Yes, the film was written as an allegory of the Trans experience. And it works well on this level - given the sense of being trapped in people's expecations- perhaps even burryied alive by them. But the film has broader appeal drawing on intellectual traditions as far back as Plato and evoking more contemporary masters such as Philip K Dick's "Valis" trilogy.

I am writing this review a week after seeing it - and the a film has lingered with me, haunting in its emotional depth and the questions it raises about the paths we take in life.

American Fiction (2023)

Would have been hilarious in 2010

[5/10 · 2 May 2024]

**Film Review: American Fiction**

"American Fiction," directed by Cord Jefferson, is a moderately amusing satire that might have been cutting-edge in the early 2000s. However, in today's context, it comes across as lukewarm and predictable. The film attempts to add layers to its narrative by incorporating elements of family drama, but this too is fairly transparent and lacks the subtlety one might expect.

The saving grace of the film is the commendable performance by Jeffrey Wright. His acting prowess manages to transcend the limitations of the script, adding a touch of class to an otherwise average film. Despite his efforts, it's not enough to elevate the film to the heights it potentially could have reached. In conclusion, "American Fiction" is a passable satire that falls short of its promise, saved only by the fine performance of its lead actor.

Soft & Quiet (2022)

Strong start that can't quite deliver

[6/10 · 28 April 2024]

Soft and Quiet" kicks off with a fantastic start, introducing us to a group of local women in a support group. The director cleverly places hints that something is off, creating an intriguing atmosphere. The scene where a schoolteacher demands a young student to instruct the immigrant cleaning women to be more careful is particularly telling.

The film takes an unexpected turn when it reveals that this is a white nationalist ladies support group, meeting in a remote wooden location. The cherry pie with a swastika carved into it is a chilling symbol of their beliefs. The portrayal of seemingly normal women discussing everyday problems through the prism of white nationalism is initially effective, but it soon descends into parody.

The narrative escalates when the women engage in a shouting match with a local Asian woman and her daughter, deciding to take their actions up a notch. The escalating violence retains the film's visceral appeal, but it also leads the film into a realm of pointlessness. The latter half of the film fails to provide further insight into the women or the premise it sets up.

Perhaps the film attempts to comment on how white privilege, fueled by white grievance, can give people the sense that they can get away with anything. However, the last half of the film merely plays out this premise without adding depth or nuance.

Despite its shortcomings, "Soft and Quiet" is a visceral and effective film. The directors show promise and could be ones to watch in the future, even if this film isn't entirely successful. The film's initial intrigue and the directors' ability to create tension suggest potential for more successful future projects.

Civil War (2024)

Viceral, compelling study of life when the rules are off

[8/10 · 24 April 2024]

Alex Garland's "Civil War" emerges as a gripping narrative that delves into the depths of human response amidst societal collapse. Echoing the "28 Days Later" and t "Annihilation," Garland continues to showcase his adeptness in portraying intense human emotions under duress. The film's portrayal of troops and soldiers, caught between the throes of tension and the necessity of unity, reflects a poignant exploration of the human capacity for care and self preservation - nobility and egoism. The characters are intricately woven into the fabric of the narrative, offering a multifaceted view of humanity. The pacing of the film, with its heart-pounding slower scenes, accentuates the raw and visceral war sequences, rendering them as authentic as any depiction of future warfare could aspire to be. The film is not flawless. Like the other mentioned films, the plot is the basic "band gets together and goes on a road trip together, have some up and downs, resolution. And it was clear from scene one that either the older or younger photographer would get killed. Yet, "Civil War" stands as a testament to Garland's mastery in crafting a cinematic experience that is as thought-provoking as it is emotionally charged.

A Murder at the End of the World (2023)

A serious take

[7/10 · 13 April 2024]

A Murder at the End of the World" presents a stylish and effective twist on the classic whodunit formula. Gathering a group of individuals in a remote location, the series unfolds as a serious take on the genre, reminiscent of "Sharp Knives" but with a more earnest tone. It ambitiously tackles themes of conservative climate realism and the implications of artificial intelligence, delving into the existential quandary of what it means to detach oneself from humanity. While it strives to be insightful, it falls short of its own expectations, lacking the depth it aspires to achieve. Nonetheless, the series is bolstered by strong performances and maintains a serious tone that underscores its narrative, ensuring its effectiveness as a modern thriller. The show navigates through its paces with a keen eye on current socio-technological issues, making it a relevant piece despite its shortcomings in insight.

Monkey Man (2024)

fantastic debut

[8/10 · 13 April 2024]

Dev Patel's directorial debut is an ambitious, most winning fusion of genres that pays homage to the high-octane action of "John Wick" and Bollywood. Drawing inspiration from the epic Indian tale of the Ramayana, the film weaves a complex narrative that explores themes of revenge, class struggle, and the nuances of modern Indian nationalism. Despite its modest budget, the film does not shy away from delivering a visually stylish experience, complemented by well-choreographed action sequences that keep the adrenaline pumping. The humor is well-timed, providing a necessary counterbalance to the film's more serious undertones. Patel's film is a rollercoaster of emotions, at times poignant, at others exhilarating, and maintains a sense of fun throughout its runtime. While the narrative may occasionally feel scattered, it is this very messiness that adds to the film's charm, making it a standout debut that promises great potential for future endeavors in filmmaking. In summary, it's a cinematic experience that's as thought-provoking as it is entertaining, marking a noteworthy entry in the landscape of contemporary cinema.

The First Omen (2024)

A catholic horror masterpiece

[8/10 · 13 April 2024]

"The First Omen" emerges as a tour de force, masterfully recreating a 1970s film. It's not merely set in the era but feels as if it was crafted then, with meticulous attention to the atmospheric tone, pacing, and a certain enigmatic quality that defined the genre. The film delves into the rich tapestry of Catholic horror, a subgenre that naturally lends itself to a profound exploration of good versus evil, replete with rituals and iconography that resonate with authenticity. "The First Omen" transcends its predecessors, weaving together the best elements of classics like "The Exorcist" and "Rosemary's Baby," while innovating with an undercurrent of sexual tension and repression that elevates the narrative. This film is not just a homage to the golden age of horror but a redefinition, setting a new benchmark for the genre.

Talk to Me (I) (2022)

Highly effective intimate and scary

[8/10 · 6 April 2024]

"Talk to Me" is a highly effective horror film that seamlessly blends realism, intimacy, and spine-chilling scares. The movie delves into the lives of teenagers, portraying their vulnerabilities and fears with authenticity. These characters feel like real people, and their struggles resonate deeply. As they grapple with their own pasts, the film emphasizes the delicate threads that bind them. These bonds are tested as they confront their limits and face the haunting consequences of their actions. "Talk to Me" doesn't shy away from horror-it delivers spine-tingling moments without relying on gratuitous shock value. The scares are visceral, leaving an indelible mark on the audience. The horror and character dynamics are intertwined-the characters' personal demons manifest in terrifying ways, blurring the line between their inner struggles and external threats. Importantly, the film doesn't over-intellectualize; instead, it becomes a meditation on the darkness within us all-a darkness that never truly leaves. In summary, "Talk to Me" is a haunting journey that lingers long after the credits roll. It's a horror film that understands the power of genuine connections and the depths of our innermost fears.

Exhuma (2024)

Korean Horror Delves into the history of the Japanese occupation

[8/10 · 31 March 2024]

"Exhuma" emerges as a bold tapestry of horror, weaving together an array of tropes that challenge the boundaries of the genre. Its narrative is a complex interplay of classic horror elements, grave digging, psychological twists, demon hunting, and unexpected comedy, creating a cinematic experience that is as unsettling as it is innovative. The overlay of the history of the Japanese occupation adds a layer of moral complexity. While some cultural symbolism may be lost on international audiences, the film's deliberate pacing cultivates a tension that transcends cultural barriers, culminating in a climax that is both disorienting and impactful. "Exhuma" may not prioritize narrative clarity, but it compensates with a visceral journey through the macabre, leaving viewers with a lingering sense of unease and contemplation long after the credits roll. The film's commitment to a slow-burn approach rewards patient viewers with a thought-provoking exploration of horror that refuses to be confined by conventional expectations.

The Creator (2023)

An incredible strong start to a new take on AI.

[7/10 · 11 March 2024]

This film explores the theme of artificial intelligence and its implications for humanity. It presents a dystopian scenario where a rogue AI has caused a global catastrophe and the survivors are divided into factions. The film follows a group of rebels who discover a hidden community of androids that have developed their own culture and identity. The film raises interesting questions about what it means to be human and how we treat those who are different from us. The film has a strong visual style and some impressive action scenes. It starts out incredibly strong with its alternative history and political differences in the response to AI disaster. But it also suffers from some flaws. The plot becomes predictable and the characters are not very well developed. And the political element that was so intriguing and integral at first isn't followed through The film tries to emulate the success of other works that have tackled this topic, such as Blade Runner, Battlestar Galactica, or Westworld, but it falls short of reaching their level of depth and complexity. The film is still worth watching for its original premise and its emotional impact, but it is not a masterpiece.

Perfect Days (2023)

A complex and subtle masterpiece

[9/10 · 3 March 2024]

Wim Wenders' film "Perfect Days" is nearly as perfect as its title implies. The film is deceptively complex, much like the classic Lou Reed song from which it derives its name. The strength of the film lies in what Wenders chooses not to do. In the hands of any other director, the film would have followed a standard set of tropes that include the recluse and his zany co-worker, the recluse finding love with his long-time female friend, the lovable street urchin befriending him, and a tragedy unfolding with a rebound. However, Wenders avoids all these tropes.

Instead, Wenders provides a touching and enigmatic character study that works because it reveals so little. We never get to know the backstory of how Hirayama became the studious, routine-driven toilet cleaner. We only see him over a two-week period as he folds events into nearly identical sets of routines, one for workdays and one for weekends. The first two scenes are almost identical. When his niece shows up, she accompanies Hirayama to his work and bathhouse, among other places. His routine is his world. The film's gentleness and lack of shocking events allows emotional and thematic complexity to come to the forefront without being overbearing. The film poses important questions about how we use routine to ensure we have space to notice the world around us, but how that same routine can be a shield. It also explores how physical objects ground us in the world and how assumptions about change and class can affect us. For anyone who's read the contemporary Korean philosopher Byung-Chul Han, Perfect Days feels like the story version of these essays. And intentionally or not, has something important to say about living a flourishing life with less new stuff (read climate change).

In the final scene (which is not a spoiler), the sublime Japanese actor Koji Yakusho shows Hirayama's full range of emotions, from joy to suffering, with only the slightest movements. This exemplifies the film's approach. On the surface, the Reed song seems like a simple love story of a perfect NYC outing. However, on closer inspection, the song betrays a wrenching sadness and emotional depth. With barely a whiff of sentimentality, the film "Perfect Days" achieves the same.

Origin (2023)

startling original if not a sophisticated as it would like

[8/10 · 22 January 2024]

Origin" is a remarkable film that blends elements of a biography, documentary, and fiction to create a unique cinematic experience. The film is based on the non-fiction book "Caste," and it elaborates on the author's journey to writing it. The director aims to make the film's main thesis, that caste rather than racism motivates some of the worst crimes in Germany, the US, and India, more compelling.

The film creates a new type of cinematic experience that is neither a biography, documentary, or fiction. Instead, it contains elements of all three, making it a unique and captivating piece of art. While the film's main thesis is clear, the presentation may come across as too simplistic, given the weight of the subject. Nonetheless, the film excels in portraying the emotional aspects and personal stories of the individuals affected by the caste system.

The caste system is a complex and deeply ingrained social hierarchy that has existed in India for centuries. It is a system that categorizes people based on their birth, occupation, and social status. Caste has been a subject of much debate and criticism, as it is often used to justify discrimination and violence against marginalized groups.

The film "Origin" challenges the notion that racism is the primary cause of discrimination and violence in society. Instead, it argues that caste is the root cause of these issues. The film provides a compelling and emotional account of the impact of caste on individuals and society as a whole.

Unlike the caste system, which creates blanket arguments, the film highlights the individual nuances ignored by the caste system. It shows the complexity of the issue, and how it affects individuals in different ways. The film's strength lies in its ability to bring a deeply personal perspective to a subject that is often discussed in abstract terms.

"Origin" is a thought-provoking and emotional film that challenges our understanding of caste and its impact on individuals and society. While the film's presentation may be simplistic at times, it succeeds in creating a new type of cinematic experience that blends elements of biography, documentary, and fiction. Ultimately, the film highlights the importance of recognizing the individual nuances of a complex issue like caste, and the impact it has on individuals and society as a whole.

The Talented Mr. Ripley: Making the Soundtrack (1999 Video)

Still great - better than Saltburn without the Botched Ending

[9/10 · 19 January 2024]

Upon finishing the recent film Saltburn, my wife and I made the exact same comment at the same time - "that was a lot like The Talented Mr Ripley." So we watched that earlier film the next day. We'll leave the Saltburn comparisons for another review, but the Talented Mr Ripley is the better film - more nuanced, more logically developed, better acted, and by the end more devastating. The Talented Mr R realizes the novel's vision, even as it makes several plot/character changes. Anthony Minghella, the director of the film of The Talented Mr Ripley, stressed the same thing when he wrote about the book in the Guardian:

"His actions are an extreme response to emotions all of us recognise: the sense that there is a better life being lived by somebody else, somewhere else, someone not trapped inside the hollow existence in which we find ourselves. It's one of the things which makes us human. We've all been Tom Ripley, just as we've all known a Dickie Greenleaf, the man who has everything, whose attention makes us feel special. We've all basked in the sunshine of that attention and felt the chill of losing it." The books don't just make us like a killer, they make us like his crimes. Writing in the Paris Review, her biographer Joan Schenkar says that Highsmith's novels "suck the reader into their bottomless vortex of moral relativities, transferable guilts and unstable identities".

The film is extremely well acted with a very young Jude Law, Gweneth Paltrow, Cate Blanchett and Phylip Seymour Hoffman play their parts exquisitely, making us wince with every gesture. But Matt Damian steals the show needed to play two characters, evolving with the circumstances.

Poor Things (2023)

Not a Lanthimos fan but this film turned me around

[9/10 · 9 January 2024]

Yorgos Lanthimos' film "Poor Things" is a minor masterpiece. It is perhaps the most faithful adaptation of Mary Shelley's original "Frankenstein". Lanthimos tells a complex and very unusual coming-of-age story. The film explores a range of themes, including control versus independence, the individual versus society, nature versus what we create, hope versus resignation, the intellect versus instinct, and ego versus id. However, the film never becomes didactic or settles on a narrow point of view. Instead, it is funny, poignant, and, yes, very strange. All the actors are superb, particularly Ms. Stone, who portrays a literal women-child, slowly and subtly maturing into her own very unique being. The sets, cinematography, and costumes are also stars in the film and support the themes of exploring both the beauty and artificiality of what humans create.

Good Night Oppy (2022)

Humans invest humanity in everything

[8/10 · 5 January 2024]

The film is a heartwarming and engaging documentary about the mission to explore the surface of Mars with remote-controlled, unmanned robots named Spirit and Opportunity . The documentary does an excellent job of exploring the human side of science, particularly the dedication and creativity of the engineers who worked on the project that spanned several generations. So many folks who were inspired by the project as kids ended up working at NASA later.

Oppy reminded recently passed away dog. It's understandable that the film would evoke such emotions, as it leans more heavily into the human element than the science. The routines and rituals associated with Spirit and Opportunity contribute to the sense that these long-necked metal things roving the ochre surface of Mars have personalities and feelings. The film does an excellent job of showing how the act of investing oneself in mission-specific machines can lead people to think of them as friends, and become upset when challenges or misfortunes befall them . Humans just can't help investing humanity into everything we do!

While the film may have leaned more heavily into the human element than the science, it still provides a fascinating look into the mission to explore Mars with Spirit and Opportunity. The film uses state-of-the-art effects, interviews, and music to evoke the emotion and drama of the human-robot relationship and the challenges of the scientific and technical challenges of the mission. That said, I could used More science. And the focus on finding life seems human centricity going too far. Overall, "Good Night Oppy" is a touching and inspiring documentary that is well worth watching ¹..

Stoker (2013)

Eery and haunting

[7/10 · 2 January 2024]

Toker is a film by Park Chan-wook, his debut in the U. S. market. It is a subtle and elegant twist on the vampire genre, with a dark and mysterious plot. The story revolves around a young girl who loses her father in a car accident, and meets her uncle for the first time. He moves in with her and her mother, and soon she begins to suspect that he is hiding something sinister. The film is a visual feast, with stunning cinematography and careful attention to detail. Park Chan-wook creates a tense and captivating atmosphere, where nothing is what it seems. The film also explores the themes of identity, family, and sexuality, as the girl unravels the secrets of her past and discovers her true nature. Yet, this film doesn't rank as one of Chan-wook's best works although it's better than some others of this period, for example Thirst.

May December (2023)

Provocative without sensentializing

[9/10 · 2 January 2024]

This is a movie review of "May/December," directed by Todd Hayes. Hayes does an excellent job of creating a thoughtful and provocative film based on a sensational event. Although Hayes loves melodrama, he takes a non-fiction story and parallels it with a fictional story of making a film about it. The characters played by Portman and Moore are both observed objects who create a self-narrative where they are the heroes. However, in the end, they both turn out to be delusional. The scene where Moore's character makes up Portman expresses the connection. Hayes direction combines naturalist and expressionistic overtones adding the right element of distance from its outherwise sensation subject.

The Boy and the Heron (2023)

Complex and mesmorizing, if a bit too rambling

[7/10 · 28 December 2023]

"The Boy and the Heron" (also known as "How Do You Live?") is a Japanese animated fantasy film directed and written by Hayao Miyazaki, set to release in 2023e. Produced by Studio Ghibli, the film's title references the 1937 novel of the same name. It is a mature work that blends creativity, poignancy, and weirdness. Miyazaki's dream worlds have a physicality that makes them feel as real as the "real world." The film explores themes of grief, relationships, and the beauty of the world that comes with pain. The film elaborates on Miyazaki's frequent theme that a reality exists parallel to our world, but one has to be closed off to become a fully-fledged adult. Miyazaki's liminal world is meant for the young, the very old, or the crazy. The protagonist goes on a classic hero's journey, but the impact of his actions remains ambiguous. The film also touches on the theme that modernized Japan is losing access to this world. One of Miyazaki's strengths is that the many metaphors in the film are not literal and can't be grasped easily. While

Yet, the Boy and the Heron is not his best work. The Guardian notes that the film is "overplotted" and "sometimes unwieldy." The film is still enjoyable and a credit to Miysakai's and Studio Ghibli's ability to mesmerize, even though I found myself looking at my watch more than once.

Shin Godzilla (2016)

The office meets Godzilla

[9/10 · 26 December 2023]

Movie Review of Shin Godzilla

The film Shin Godzilla was a huge box office and crticial hit in Japan, and it's easy to see why. However, it is just as easy to see how it mystifies audiences outside of Japan due to the very Japanese cultural and political references. The film pays tribute to the original Godzilla and is the realization of the unique vision of Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi, who were responsible for the popular, but quite insane, anime series Evangelion and Attack on Titan.

Although the movie explores the Japanese psyche, it can still be enjoyed by audiences who are willing to drop their expectations of what a modern monster movie should be. Like the Star Wars seires Andor, The film reads like a bureaucratic procedural, with the early human scenes consisting of one conference room and one meeting room after another. The film highlights how systems can trap us, but they also allow us to work together.

While the nationalist elements in the movie may be a little hard to take, the film is overall a weird, poignant, and effective exploration of humanity's relationship with the natural world.

Speed (1994)

Yes- speed

[9/10 · 24 November 2023]

I recently watched the movie "Speed" on Thanksgiving Day in 2023. It was my first time watching it since its release, and I was reminded of how powerful and majestic an action film it is, despite its stripped-down nature. The plot of the movie is like a first-of-its-kind video game, and the thrills are just as intense as they were in the 90s. Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock still have a goofy charm that adds to the movie's appeal. Moreover, the film serves as a harbinger of how social media and instant communication have impacted our lives, even before the internet, social media, or Wi-Fi existed.

Sisu (2022)

Glorious Nazi Killing Fun

[8/10 · 24 November 2023]

Think of it as an Inglorious Basterds-style plot, but with less dialogue and more graphic Nazi killings. Sisu is a neo-western film that revolves around a vigilante who targets Nazi war criminals in post-war Europe. The film is an homage to the spaghetti western genre and features a violent and stylized depiction of the protagonist's mission. It has minimal dialogue and emphasizes action-packed scenes.

The film follows the journey of Sisu, an enigmatic loner, who eventually forms a bond with a group of female resistance fighters who share his mission. Fans of Tarantino-esque cinema will enjoy the gore-filled and satisfying action sequences in Sisu, without the typical Tarantino baggage.

La Jetée (1962)

A masterpiece - artistic and compelling

[10/10 · 21 November 2023]

La Jetée by Chris Marker is a masterpiece of short film making that explores the themes of time, memory and fate. The film is composed of still images, except for one brief moment of motion, that create a haunting and poetic narrative. The film follows a man who is sent back in time by scientists after a nuclear war has devastated the world. He is drawn to a woman he saw as a child at the Orly Airport, where he also witnessed a man being killed. He falls in love with her, but he also learns that the man he saw dying was himself. The film is not a conventional sci-fi story, but rather a philosophical and artistic reflection on the nature of human existence. The film is influenced by Proust's concept of involuntary memory, where a sensory trigger can evoke a past experience. The film also inspired many other films that deal with time travel, such as 12 Monkeys, Terminator and Looper, but none of them can match the originality and depth of La Jetée.

Anatomy of a Fall (2023)

A deep yet entertaining take on the courtroom drama

[8/10 · 29 October 2023]

Anatomy of a Fall is a French film that explores the ambiguity of how we create notions of the truth through complexity of a criminal case. The film refuses to answer the question of guilt or innocence, but rather examines how people construct their own narratives based on partial and biased information. The film shows how gender, media, and personal motives influence the interpretation of the facts. The son of the accused, who is the only witness, admits that he does not know what really happened, and that he has to make a choice about what to believe. The prosecutor, who seems to have a personal vendetta against the accused, also relies on assumptions and speculations rather than solid evidence. The film is a compelling and nuanced study of human psychology and social dynamics. The film is well-acted and directed, but it could have been shorter. Some scenes in the courtroom are repetitive and drag on for too long.

Dawn of the Dead (1978)

Campy and effective cultural criticism - and still gross

[7/10 · 23 October 2023]

George Romaro's Dawn of the Living Dead is a sequel to his groundbreaking Night of the Living Dead, but it takes a different approach to the zombie genre. Instead of a claustrophobic horror, it is a satirical comedy that mocks the consumerist society of the 1980s. The film follows a group of survivors who take refuge in a shopping mall, where they enjoy the comforts and luxuries of modern life, while the undead horde roams outside. The film is deliberately campy and over-the-top, with exaggerated gore and violence, but it also has a sharp social commentary on the mindless and materialistic culture that the zombies represent. The film is a cult classic that influenced many later zombie comedies, such as Shaun of the Dead, but none of them matched the originality and effectiveness of Romaro's vision.

Lola (2022)

Indi time loop at its touching best.

[8/10 · 23 October 2023]

Lola is a arresting indie film that combines the genres of time loop and found footage to create a dual-layered story. The film follows Thom and Mars, two inventors who have created LOLA, a device that can receive radio and TV signals from the future. However, they are unaware of the dire consequences that their actions will have on the world and themselves, as they share these broadcasts with others. Lola is a compelling alternative history drama that explores the impact of our choices and the moral responsibility that comes with them. The film does not rely on flashy effects or gimmicks, but rather on the emotional resonance of the characters and the intriguing plot twists. The film it most reminded me of was Chris Marker's masterpiece, La Jetée. With winning performances and use of found footage, Lola is a film that will make you think and feel, as you witness the ripple effects of time manipulation.