Change Your Image
madelynmcfly-20274
Reviews
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023)
Was a really fun watch in theaters, but looking back on it, it's more flawed than I remember.
Was a really fun watch in theaters, but looking back on it, it's more flawed than I remember.
For reference sake, I haven't read the Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, but I have read the three other Hunger Games books, and watched the four other movies. I really enjoy this series, so a prequel about the villain, one of the worst people put to screen, doesn't sound so bad...
I think that the characters in this film are pretty good, and the actors portraying them definitely gave them their all. I think that the aesthetics of the film are great, and even some of the bits of dark humor went over really well.
But looking back in retrospect... Yeah, the pacing sucks. It feels like a genuine book-to-film adaptation, was the a prologue and three parts, but.... Some of that third act should've been re-wrottem, I think.
The things I also liked were overall the character of Lucy Gray, and I genuinely liked a lot of the music from the film. I'll probably re-watch it, but, yeah it's no better than the first two films of this franchise.
Don't Worry Darling (2022)
Yes, I did like the ending... Is this film over-hated? Sure!
Yes, I did like the ending... Is this film over-hated? Sure! I think the cinematography was some of the most stunning I've ever seen! The concept was also incredibly intriguing, like a modern 'Stepford Wives'. Tapping into the 1950s aesthetics was obviously amazing, and the costumes were great. The soundtrack was also quite notable. I found the acting to be pretty damn great, and I just felt like the plot moved at a very fair pace... You can tell something is wrong, but I found the twist to actually be quite intriguing - The unsettling feeling is actually handled quite well. I'll have to re-watch this film, and I hope it holds up!
Barbie (2023)
I identify as both Barbie and Ken...
I identify as both Barbie and Ken... This is one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen, and it even made me cry. This film is such a raw, yet humorous look at how hard life is, as well as gender and everything that falls under that... From how the patriarchy hurts both men and women, how hard it is to live and not be exceptional, and the ideas at play in life. I loved the costume and set design, it feels like everyone in this film really cared about the franchise of Barbie. I feel like all of imagination at play is gorgeous. The soundtrack is also an amazing piece here. I've seen this film twice, and it has truly affected my life... Incredible.
The Prestige (2006)
Three things I'll never trust again: Christopher Nolan, magicians, and twins.
Three things I'll never trust again: Christopher Nolan, magicians, and twins. An eloquently written film with a delectable slow-pace and slow-burn plot that utililizes great character writing. The rivalry written between High Jackman and Christian Bale's characters is very well-explired, thanks to the timeline... You can truly feel the hatred growing between the two men. The other characters are also so compelling. The love stories here in here feels so heartbreaking, everything from adultery, to loss and suicide were so heartbreaking to watch. I also feel like the set and costume design was so luxurious, and I feel I already have to rewatch this film... For every new detail.
Batman Begins (2005)
This is one of my favorite films ever, it's left such an impact on me. This is the film that got me back into Batman.
This is one of my favorite films ever, it's left such an impact on me. This is the film that got me back into Batman.
How did this film do so? Well, Christopher Nolan is a simply exquisite filmmaker, by writing his film out-of-order... And by doing a fascinating character study for Bruce Wayne. By pinpointing that Bruce Wayne is truly the mask, it's Batman... What an amazing idea, and a great way to dive into some psychology. The villains in this film are also amazing - Whilst the villains aren't the most theatrical, changing these villains to fit a more realistic world works amazingly. Falcone is a force to be reckoned with, Ra's Al Ghul is great for moral issues, but the stand-out here is Dr. Jonathan Crane, played masterfully by Cillian Murphy... Despite his limited screentime, he leaves such an impact. The rest of the supporting cast, from Rachel, who compliments Batman so well, Alfred, who is the emotional core of the film, Jim Gordon is played so well here, and Luscious Fox is a great addition here. The action scenes are fast-paced, and the commentary on fear is so good... It's truly made me think so much. My favorite of The Dark Knight Trilogy, and my favorite Batman movie. I love it so much, and I would love to re-watch it and only continue to get immersed in this world.
Batman: The Animated Series: Pretty Poison (1992)
One of my favorite episodes of the series - One that's always stuck out to me.
One of my favorite episodes of the series - One that's always stuck out to me. I love Poison Ivy, and Harvey Dent is a great character... Having a femme fatale do the classic trop of using her beauty to seduce the man into death. The poison lipstick is simply a great idea! Harvey and Bruce's friendship is also so amazingly explored here! To see Bruce and Harvey interact before Harvey's inevitable transform is also amazing to watch! Ivy's design is also relatively good in this episode... And the ending fight was pretty good. I'll look forward to re-watching this, and being the preface to more episodes to come... Exciting!
Batman: The Animated Series: Joker's Favor (1992)
A damn great episode!
A damn great episode! This was so nice to see The Joker debut in this episode! His presence was so creepy in this episode, his relentless stalking of Charles is unsettling, and just the way he talks - Yet the character is also quite funny, with genuinely good jokes. The character designs were also superb. Seeing Harley Quinn for the first time ever was also cool, her character was so dynamic.
I feel like the ending was also perfect - It really would be Joker's worst fear to die from noting significant, as well the twist that it wasn't a bomb at all, I'm so happy that the show explored this. One of the better episodes I've seen so far.
Batman: The Animated Series: It's Never Too Late (1992)
Good character building - But not a stand-out
Good character building - But not a stand-out. I like Batman's character here, I feel like he's caring, and he really does want to help people... I enjoyed this as a character study, but we've never heard of Armstrong until this episode, so it falls slightly flat. The characters here are just fine, and while I know that Gotham always has the backdrop of mob violence, focusing and entire episode on such a thing, feels like it's a filler storyline. This animated series is so good at writing villains, especially Batman's well-known rogues gallery, so this episode is not a good one to compare it to at all... Decent enough, I suppose.
Batman: The Animated Series: Feat of Clay: Part II (1992)
Clayface is truly an over-powered and compelling character!
Clayface is truly an over-powered and compelling character! This amazing episode of the show gives us a great close-up to Clayface's tragic backstory. It's nice to see this conclude, even though the ending of this episode is very trippy. Matt Hagen is a great character, and the idea of an actor becoming someone like Clayface, and you can even feel a little bad for him, he even states he's no longer a man. The animation here was also amazing, Clayface's fluid character movements are represented here so well, and I'm quite happy that I got so invested in this episode. This two-parter was great, filled with suspense and tragedy, which is what this series is best at.
Batman: The Animated Series: Feat of Clay: Part I (1992)
This episode gives a great backstory for a character I've never been warm or familiar with.
This episode gives a great backstory for a character I've never been warm or familiar with. Clayface is a very interesting character, but also a more abstract, difficult and less-used character in Batman's rouge gallery. This is a great episode for anyone not familiar with the character's backstory, it makes you sympathize with Matt. Also, it introduces the new villain Daggot - Which reminded me of The Dark Knight Rises, as well as the hospital scene in the end. It's also really cool to see Luscious Fox being introduced in this episode, it only adds more to the suspense of what the overall mystery of the episode is. Can't wait to watch the second-part.
Batman: The Animated Series: Heart of Ice (1992)
For a character who's 'beyond emotions', this is one of the most emotional episodes I've ever seen.
For a character who's 'beyond emotions', this is one of the most emotional episodes I've ever seen. I don't care much for the Mr. Freeze character, but this episode has made me realize the depth that this character can be used for. Under less talented writers, a character that revolves around just ice could be quite boring. But even I found myself saying, 'Oh, that's a creative use of his power'. I also loved how whist he said he's beyond tears and emotions, and the last scene of the episode shows Freeze crying and relenting his emotions about his wife. I also liked how eloquent the character was. Batman having so much sympathy was great to see, and the real villain being a man who hides behind his own ego and reputation of a humanitarian... What a great parallel to Bruce Wayne. This episode was quite great, and I totally understand why people love this episode and say it's one of the best of the show.
Batman: The Animated Series: On Leather Wings (1992)
I certainly liked this one more, the show's strengoare becoming more and more evident.
I certainly liked this one more, the show's strengs are becoming more and more evident. Man-Bat has never been my favorite Batman villain, but this episode showed that he's not a bad villain... Alluding to the story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, that adds a ton of nuance. I also like how how Batman seems to be at odds with Gotham City in this episode, and that's incredibly interesting. This is a better pilot than the actual pilot, the characters seem to be on a better level than in the first two-parter. I also like how this episode shows that Batman is a caring hero, he actually wants these villains to get better... This show also continues to get greater and greater, and I can't wait for more.
Batman: The Animated Series: The Cat and the Claw: Part II (1992)
A fine enough finisher to a two-parter.
A fine enough finisher to a two-parter. I, again, don't think this episode is anywhere near the best stuff of this series, but for the first few episodes, it shows remarkable promise. The atmosphere presented in this show is delectable, hooking the viewer into a dark city, with hints of art deco in the architecture. It's nice to see the layers of Batman in this episode, as he tries to understand his feelings, and the balance that comes from being a vigilante. Admittedly, Red Claw is not a very intriguing villain to me, so that sows drag the episode down a bit. I think the character dynamics will continue to flourish as the show goes on, and so will the animation, but for now... I can't wait to see it only get better.
Batman: The Animated Series: The Cat and the Claw: Part I (1992)
Not a bad way to start off one of the most iconic pieces of Batman media!
Not a bad way to start off one of the most iconic pieces of Batman media! I made the decision to re-watch the show, and was greeted with this episode I've never seen before. I think the Batman and Catwoman dynamic here is quite interesting, and this portrayal of Catwoman is very definitive. I think portraying Selina Kyle as a woman who is an environmentalist, as well as referencing the fact that she's a 'cat burgaler', was neat. Red Claw is also set-up as an interesting villain. I don't think this is a flawless episode - Some of the animation is a little rough, the plot not the most engaging... But it gets the job done for a first episode, and I can't wait for more.
Taylor Swift: All Too Well (2021)
A beautiful short film, perfect for me, as I love the music and the aesthetics.
A beautiful short film, perfect for me, as I love the music and the aesthetics. I've been a fan of Taylor Swift, so obviously this is something I would enjoy. I'm not entirely sure if this is a piece of cinema or a music video, it's kinda in the middle... It does work as both, it represents the song well, but is also shot really creatively, making it an enjoyable watch... I love the acting performances here, I felt like the pair of actors not only acted really well against each other, but really brought to life these characters and everything that is represented in the song. The ending is also a very nice twist, and the whole thing feels lovely and cohesive. Excellent.
Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions (2020)
Wow, this was a lovely little watch, especially as a huge fan of Taylor Swift... And I've come to adore folklore.
Wow, this was a lovely little watch, especially as a huge fan of Taylor Swift... And I've come to adore folklore. I love, love to watch artists talk about their work, especially music. Folklore has slowly become an album I adore, becoming a part of my Top 3 Taylor Swift albums, and to see the new productions, the bits and pieces utilized to make all of the amazing songs on this record. I'm also happy how they reflected on the pandemic, I can't believe I didn't watch this sooner. I also appreciate the filmmaking qualities here, like some good cinematography. Long Pond Studios seems like such a lovely place, and it's perfect for folklore's vibes. A great documentary.
Miss Americana (2020)
Okay... I didn't realize that this documentary would make me so emotional.
Okay... I didn't realize that this documentary would make me so emotional. As someone who's been a Swiftie for years, this documentary has been a long time coming for me to watch. I should've watched it sooner, and I'm kinda sad that I haven't watched it earlier. Not only has this documentary made me appreciate the Lover album more, but Taylor's stance in politics, as well her talking about her mental state throughout her career. I've always loved and connected with Taylor Swift's music, yet I find that I've looked up to her. This was amazing to watch, as well as watching her music come together. I also got a little emotional because it ended with the first Taylor Swift performance I ever watched on TV... This was a lovely look at Taylor herself, and it was amazing to watch...
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)
What an excellent, awesome sequel that's the perfect summer film.
What an excellent, awesome sequel that's the perfect summer film. I feel like this film hasn't aged a day, it still feels fresh. The lovely special effects are one thing, but also how the plot is structured, like it's one big race to the chest. The chest makes a great 'Macguffin', and Davy Jones an excellent villian. Lord Cutler Beckett is also an underrated antagonist, yet on of my favorites. Captain Jack Sparrow's character is firing away on all cylinders, and the supporting cast here does a great job. I love Will and Elizabeth's story, they balance kut the stakes. Norrington is also so compelling. I believe my only complaint with the film comes from the slight tonal variance... I don't mind humor in a bleak film, even if the stakes are high, but the Pelagostos island sequence, while I understand the purpose... It's a little too light for me. Other than that, this is a very well-made film, a great sequel, and second chapter in a trilogy.
Taylor Swift: Reputation Stadium Tour (2018)
The repuation Stadium Tour is definitely a tour I wish I had experienced. This is the best way to experience this entire thing.
The repuation Stadium Tour is definitely a tour I wish I had experienced. This is the best way to experience this entire thing. The film version of the concert has now utilized some new cinematography and camera filters. I also think this tour utilzed some new musical arrangements, making some of these performances some of my favorites she's ever performed, and I'm quite happy these have been captured on screen for us all to remember. Memorable costume changes, lovely insights, speeches, and cute little views of the audience... It's all so nice to see! Reputation is my favorite Taylor Swift album, so out of all of the album tours to be remembered... Happy it's this one.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
This is just a classic, practically perfect film, and I stand by that opinion!
This is just a classic, practically perfect film, and I stand by that opinion! I'm a huge fan of the Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise, and it's hard to ask for a better first film than this one. It's one of the most iconic movies in the last 20 years, and I was lucky to see it in the re-relase in theaters, and I remembered just how much I loved this franchise. Captain Jack Sparrow is one of the characters that has left such a large, large impact on pop culture. The supporting cast here is great. I personally love the story of Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann, they're honestly great characters, coming around in this world of pirates. Barbossa is an awesome and intimidating antagonist, and I can't get enough of the dynamic between these four. It's amazing... The special effects still hold up, and the story is still so good, it reveals itself very naturally, with crafty characters. I also think the dialogue is so good! So many clever jokes and lines. I also kinda love the costumes here, the whole film grounds itself in a time period, making it a film that takes you into another world.
There's Something About Mary (1998)
Welp. That was one of the most chaotic rom-coms I've ever watched.
Welp. That was one of the most chaotic rom-coms I've ever watched. I love romance, but it's one of the genres and aspects that can fall victim to tropes the most. That is not a problem this film suffers from. Obviously, this rom-com focuses on the comedy aspect, not exactly the romance. Yet the romance is not disingenuous. I found the character of Mary herself admirable, it's easy to see why other characters fell for her character so hard, she not only is a very nice and altruistic character, and yet she's so fun and quite funny. I like Ted, him choosing to do the right thing felt good to watch. I think this film has pleasing aesthetics and a break-neck pace when it comes to the jokes and comedic bits. If you are a person who's sick of rom-coms filled with tropes, give this one a watch, it's surely something different...
Groundhog Day (1993)
Okay, now I see why it's a classic, yet I'm surprised people have latched on to it as much as they have.
Okay, now I see why it's a classic, yet I'm surprised people have latched on to it as much as they have. I feel time-loop movies are inherently creative, and this one is no different. I can't help but enjoy the way this film was made, I can't help but question how they were able to film the whole thing, and how some scenes were probably filmed multiple times. How cool! I also enjoy films that are about jerks becoming genuinely good people, I find them gratifying. I like the main character, and his journey throughout the film, and his relationships with the other characters, and his romance starts to become a large part of the film, and it's done well. It's a lovely film for a day in, and I'm happy I finally watched it.
Liar Liar (1997)
Okay! Wow this is not only fun, but, like... I found it truly wholesome!
Okay! Wow this is not only fun, but, like... I found it truly wholesome! Jim Carrey absolutely did an amazing job as the lead in this film, and his exaggerated delivery as well as ability to act out slapstick, he makes this film so watchable. I also think the supporting cast here is so lovely, the way this film dissects divorce doesn't feel disingenuous. I like the satire of the lawyer occupation, and even years later, it rings true. I feel like this film is really good at tension. I was waiting to see what would happen next, trying to figure out the next clever thing these characters would do, the writing would play out. I also kinda found Cary Elewes' character to be underrated, such a good performance, he kinda got screwed over. But anyway, I just really like how this film gets me invested on the main character, and I genuinely wanted him to change. And he did. And it was wholesome and gratifying.
Spaceballs (1987)
Okay, c'mon this is just funny to me.
Okay, c'mon this is just funny to me. I'm quite a fan of Star Wars and Sci-Fi in general, so of course this appeals to me. Yet... This film has plenty of humor that can appeal to everyone. From parody, to slapstick, there's a ton of humor for every person here. The writing is superb. Some of the biggest actors, specifically comedic are here on display. Despite the fact that this film doesn't take itself seriously much, there's still some heart to the main story. I loved the references, I find it to be kinda epic, and while it's not my favorite comedy ever, it's one I don't mind re-watching it. What a fun time!
Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989)
Welp... This was a fun watch, I just know... As a self-proclaimed history nerd, man would I have reacted very differently...
Welp... This was a fun watch, I just know... As a self-proclaimed history nerd, man would I have reacted very differently... Yet this film has appeal, I actually feel like there's a sweet message here. The message of music bringing people together, allowing simplicity to take over society. I did actually enjoyed Bill and Ted's characters, they aren't just dumb teen boys, Bill uses a lot of large words, and not incorrectly. I think this film is certainly one I'll go re-watch, the comedic interpretations of historic figures are all in good fun, and I love a good time-travel story, but this one being a cute story...