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slystanley
My favorite novel is Frankenstein.
My favorite movie is A Silent Voice.
My favorite tv show is Cowboy Bebop.
And my favorite video game is Red Dead Redemption 2.
And my main influences are Stephen King and Jim Butcher.
Lists
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Fallout (2024)
Crawl out into the Fallout.
Fallout (2024-) Season 1 Review
Jonathan Nolan and Todd Howard truly brought Fallout to life. Prior to any trailers, I saw set photos of the costumes, props, and sets. It looked like they were pulled straight out of the game. And with Bethesda's close relationship with Nolan, I didn't doubt it would be faithful to the visuals, at least. But what I didn't expect was how well written it was going to be.
Starting with our main character, Lucy MacLean (Ella Purnell), she's a vault dweller from Vault 33. Who is on a mission to rescue her father from the wasteland warlord Moldaver (Sarita Choudhury). Very much akin to the main questline of Bethesda's first Fallout game Fallout 3. Although there are far more dark secrets revealed about the history of Vault-Tec, which I won't spoil.
Maximus (Aaron Moten) is our second point of view character. He serves to give us insight into The Brotherhood of Steel. They are insular knights in power armor who search for pre-war artifact. Maximus is at the bottom of this totem pole. Only becoming a squire when his friend gets injured. Then he let's his knight die because he was blaming him for his injuries. Maximus then takes Knight Titus's power armor and steals his identity. Overall, he probably had the most character development, gaining courage and compassion from having to endure the wasteland.
Finally, there is my favorite character, The Ghoul (Walton Goggins). The Ghoul has been a wandering bounty hunter for over 200 hundred years. Placing his birth date before even the bombs fell. Originally, he was movie star Cooper Howard. A former soldier who spends his days galavanting in movies as a cowboy, while his wife Barb (Frances Turner) is a head scientist for the development of vaults. However, it's murky as to what happened to his family after the bombs fell. Now, he's an actual cowboy being a relic of a previous age on a desperate search to find his family.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
Two great scenes does not make a great movie.
Happy 25th anniversary to The Phantom Menace! I took my best friend and brother to Cinemark to see it in theaters. And it was an awesome experience. Especially because we all knew the movie so well we made jokes about it and we analyzed it.
Mainly, we were talking about how messed up it is that Qui Gon Jinn didn't even try to free Anakin's mother from slavery. If this was done intentionally to show the cult-like nature of the Jedi, then it was really well done. But George Lucas' writing usually isn't subtle, so I doubt it.
Ultimately, I think this movie is mostly dull with two fantastic scenes. Those are the lightsaber duel on Naboo and the podrace on Tattooine. Seeing the podrace on the big screen was a cool ass experience. But when Darth Maul ignited both ends of his lightsabers and Duel of the Fates started playing, it made the whole rewatch worth it. John Williams made the soundtrack of my childhood. For that alone, I'm eternally grateful.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
Rise of the Planet of the Apes: Review
This was a terrific start to a trilogy. It's been years since I've seen Rise, but it totally holds up. Especially the CGI for Caesar (Andy Serkis), which is fantastic. Serkis does a great job as he normally does with motion capture characters. Since his level of expressiveness is unmatched.
The plot is your standard science experiment gone awry. But I find it interesting that trying to cure Alzheimer's Will Rodman (James Franco) creates a virus that repairs brain tissue damage on apes. Explaining their massive increase in intelligence. While being a deadly plague to humans. Symbolically representating the death of one species and the birth of another.
My only complaint is that James Franco is an underwhelming lead. However, Andy Serkis' performance and character of Caesar more than made up for it. His coming of age story was great, and the San Francisco Bridge scene is absolutely iconic. I'll be watching and reviewing the other two before going to see Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes on Saturday.
Dune: Part Two (2024)
A Science-Fiction Epic From The Past For Today
WOW! JUST WOW! Dune Parts 1 & 2 are the sci-fi epics we need in the modern day. Denis Villeneuve brought us Dune by Frank Herbert with such brilliance that I'm convinced he actually visited Arrakis. And I must eat humble pie since one of my few criticisms of Part One was the lack of Paul's visions. But Part Two really dives head first into this. Bringing Herbert's story of a false messiah to life.
Speaking of bringing to life, here are my three favorite performances:
1. Lady Jessica played by Rebecca Ferguson. Rebecca perfectly captured my favorite character from Dune. Nailing the loving mother and the scheming religious leader. It's unsurprising since she also made a fantastic bad guy in Doctor Sleep.
2. Chani played by Zendaya. While Chani was a good character from the novel. Villeneuve's version has far more agency. Zendaya gives what I believe to be a career defining performance. Especially after Paul drinks The Water Of Life. It was heart-wrenching stuff, man. Kudos all around. 👏
3. Paul Atreides by Timothée Chalamet. After seeing Part One, I read Herbert's genre redefining novel. And I couldn't help but picture Timothée as Paul. Since the character description perfectly fits the actor. However, I wasn't sure if he could pull off the charismatic leader that he ended the novel as. Because I only saw him as the young man burdened by the weight of prophecy. But Chalamet delivers, and I would throw myself at a horde of Sardaukar for him. Usul Muad'Dib!
In conclusion, Denis Villeneuve simultaneously honors the book and crafts an epic sci-fi action movie that anyone can enjoy. I also found it impressive how much I was still rooting for Paul, even when I knew where his story ended. There really is a power to film. Be well, fellow sci-fi guys. Long live the fighters!
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)
An Ode To High Fantasy
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves Review
This was a delightful watch. Chris Pine kills it as the aged bard Edgin. While Michelle Rodriguez plays the role of the barbarian Holga perfectly. Overall, I love how each cast member really embodies their D&D role.
From Forge (Hugh Grant), the conniving conman, Xenk (Regé-Jean Page), the benevolent paladin, Simon (Justice Smith), the insecure half-elf sorcerer, Doric (Sophia Lillis), the distrusting tiefling druid, and finally Sofina (Daisy Head), the villainous red wizard.
What makes this movie so fun is that to its core, it pays loving homage to the tropes of fantasy and D&D. However, the character writing is very solid. Particularly with Edgin feeling guilty over being imprisoned and missing out on raising his daughter Kira (Chloe Coleman). So he only wants to rob Forge to get his daughter back and bring his wife back to life.
While this isn't a complex or deep movie, it made me feel really good. I want to praise the director's John Francis Daley and Johnathan Goldstein for executing their creative vision excellently. And I hope they get the chance to do another D&D movie.
Since this is an IP with almost limitless potential. You could really feel the love and attention to detail with this movie. Regardless, I'll be going back to Baldur's Gate 3. Highest of recommendations to anyone who likes D&D or who just wants a feel-good movie.
Prey (2022)
"The Predator Will Soon Become The Prey." - I.N.K.
The original Predator is easily my favorite creature feature of all time. Not only because of the titular monster. That has an absolutely iconic monster design.
So this Hulu original had big shoes to fill. Thankfully they did, giving us easily the second best movie in the Predator franchise.
What makes this a very special adventure, is how they completely avoiding having a lazy rehash of the original. While also staying true to the spirit of the original. For instance in Predator the setting of Vietnam played a massive role. And in Prey they used the setting of the Northern Great Plains in the 1700s to serve the same purpose.
Tying back into the setting is the brilliant usage of Native Americans as our focal characters. Such as our protagonist Naru played excellently by the beautiful Amber Midthunder. The other main character of note is her brother Taabe (Dakota Beavers), who is a respectful older brother. But also acknowledges her failures, despite how much she wants to be a hunter.
The actor Dakota was also clearly having a great time in the role. That is reminiscent of how much fun the original cast was having. And that energy is incredibly infectious as a viewer.
We've waited long enough, the Predator in this film matched perfectly. Since not only did it feel intimidating and dangerous. But the creature had a slightly more unique skull shape. Along with an awesome bone mask, and some form of dart gun. As opposed to the plasma caster of Predator.
In conclusion, this film was a surprising success. And gives me a little more hope for future franchise revivals.
Hercules (1997)
Wonder Boy Went The Distance.
This may just be the most fun movie to rewatch in the Disney renaissance for me. Truthfully I'm a huge sucker for Greek mythology, but this movie also has my favorite "I Want" song, as well as my favorite Disney princess.
Let's begin with the "I Want" song Go The Distance. The reason this is my favorite "I Want" song, is because of its universality. Certain songs such as I Just Can't Wait to be King. While this is an excellent song objectively, subjectively I find it very hard to relate too.
And while Hercules is obviously the son of Zeus. His simple dream of wanting to be able to help others and be accepted is extremely relatable. Which is the main reason why the song is so uplifting.
While Herc maybe a little too naive, he's better half begins the film as jaded. Meg is a not only a great love interest, but also a great character. Since she starts off as extremely self-serving, due to be wronged by a former lover. And forced to be in a pact with Hades.
Meg exemplifies how the most interesting characters are often not the best people. However Hercules's honesty and purity was able to melt her heart of stone. And I'll never say to a listen of I Won't Say I'm In Love.
This movie works on pretty much every level for me, but there is one element that has made it a favorite of mine. The element being the depiction of heroism, since children's media should strive to teach something important. Hercules shows not only how to be a noble hero, but also is a reminder that even heroes aren't perfect.
Heathers (1988)
JD is such an entertaining jerk.
So Heathers has two characters that the steal the show. First of which is of course Chandler (Kim Walker). Because she has such a captivating presence. That contrasts perfectly with our point of view character Veronica Sawyer (Winona Ryder).
Next up is a quick summary of the other two Heathers. There is Heather McNamara who is the most compassionate of that clique. And when her best friend Heather Chandler died she became suicidal.
However, Heather Duke had a polar opposite feeling. Due to being constantly steam-rolled by the charismatic and cruel Heather. So she was actually grateful that she died and tried to take her place. Once the power vacuum became far more apparent.
Finally there is JD (Christian Slater), who is the only character that can rival Heather Chandler's on screen presence. Making it very fitting that it was JD who killed Heather.
P. S. The musical is also awesome.
Frankenstein (1931)
The Most Iconic Adaptation Of My Favorite Novel.
Ever since I read Mary Shelley's classic in the eighth grade, I've been obsessed by the mad scientist archetype. Appropriately reflected by my favorite character in Arcane who's also named Viktor. As well as how much I enjoyed The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Now in regards to this film, I had a great time. Primarily due to its age, which gives the film a unique tone. That isn't even comparable to most modern movies. In fact I think this is the oldest movie I have ever seen.
Despite my praise I rated this as a seven out of ten. This is mostly because of the filmmakerd completely misunderstanding the text. Since in the novel, Victor Frankenstein was THE monster. Whereas his creation just became A monster.
Due to this simplification of the original meaning. Many people to this day still believe that the monster is the villain of the story. Rather than a victim in a gothic horror tragedy.
John Wick (2014)
John Wick: The Industrial Grim Reaper
Every generation of men had their own action hero archetype. In the 50s and 60s they had Western gunslingers like Clint Eastwood and John Wayne. As opposed to the jungle soldiers of Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
One facet of these films that I feel are not often brought up are the settings. In the Westerns of the past they were commonly set in barren deserts or the high plains of the United States. Whereas the aforementioned eighties by comparison, where often set in foreign jungles like Vietnam.
John Wick in many ways marches to the beat of it's own drum. Firstly by giving the retired assassin a incredibly emotional reason to return to his former life. As well as by utilizing a modern industrial environment to enhance the gun fights.
Besides just aiding the fight scenes, this setting is built up. By introducing to the audience already established world building elements. That really makes the world feel lived in. Such as the body disposal men, The Continental Hotel, and finally the implied existence of The High Table. And all of this is even further fleshed out in future entries.
There are a multitude of reasons why this film is phenomenal. But the final of which I have to mention is the cinematography. Which is brilliantly used to hide Wick in shadows until his efficient kills. Giving him an almost other worldly presence on screen. Like that of an urban grim reaper.
Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994)
The Two Show Stealers.
I've never been impressed by Tom Cruise's acting, since, prior to the viewing of this film. I knew him as the most famous actor who performs his own stunts. Even into his fifties!
However, I should never have doubted him. Since the handsome man hasn't seemed to age. Just like the immortal vampire he played as.
Prince Lestat de Lioncourt is a maniacal bad guy that loves his acts of cruelty. That contrasts the brooding Louis de Point du lac (Brad Pitt) perfectly. Because not only did they have a pseudo romantic and directly antagonistic relationship. Both become father figures to the final piece of the puzzle Claudia.
Played by the young Kirsten Dunst, Claudia is perpetually trapped in the body of a young girl. Which has her hating her exist similarly to Louis, while having the bloodthirst of Lestat. Ultimately this is the catalyst that leads to the final division between her fathers. Since Louis is forced to side with her, after her failed assassination of the prince.
All of these characters go on to inspire various vampiric archetypes. My favorite of which being the Eli from Let The Right One In. Given not only the influence, but, the quality of this film. It is a perfect example of the quality output of the 1990s.
The Iron Giant (1999)
One the most powerful anti-war films ever.
Rewatching this film brought back so many good memories. Thankfully, I not only appreciate it as much as I did back then, but there are new observations that have inspired me.
Specifically the fact that this film chooses to tackle the subjects of war and violence. With a maturity that beautifully captures the importance of discussing these issues. Which respects the younger viewers as well not minimizing the reality of these themes. What makes this so important, is that younger people will eventually be the one's making the decisions. Whether they are voters and lawmakers.
According to the reality of our species. Teaching them important life lessons is the primary reason why quality children's entertainment is so important. The Iron Giant embodies this perfectly.
With beautiful animation, a charming cast, and a remarkable maturity. The Iron Giant easily is one of the greatest animated films ever. Along with being one of the most powerful anti-war films as well. Truly this is one film that everyone should watch. Regardless of age, because this in every sense, is timeless.