philthegreatone-786-63058 Reviews

Poor Things (2023)

A masterpiece

[9/10 · 1 January 2024]

Incredibly inventive film about Bella Baxter a young woman after comitting suicide gets a new brain and goes on a journey of self discovery. She discovers sexual liberation and how to behave in society. This is Emma Stone's performance of her career she is outstanding and fearless and really goes for broke. The visuals are stunning with black and white and vibrant colour. The dialogue is very off kilter and Lanthimos has created a very original world you can dive into. Mark Ruffalo is also amazing as the man that takes Bella on a journey across the world. The themes in this film of feminism and sexual desires in a woman through strength of self discovery are explored very well here. This is one of the best films of 2023.

Past Lives (2023)

Beautiful

[9/10 · 31 August 2023]

Celine Song has created a beautiful love story between Nora and Hae Sung who have been childhood sweethearts and grew up together in South Korea. Noras parents who are a filmmaker and an artist decide to immigrate to America. You see the development of the friendship in the first few scenes and the connection between the two. Nora tells her mother she wants marry Hae Sung one day. After Nora leaves for America and we skip to twelve years later Hae Sung reconnects with Nora on facebook and they get know each other again. A beautiful reconnection takes place with touching and funny dialogue. Song does an incredible job telling a story that is very personal to her. After Nora has become a playwright and goes a serene looking place out in the country she meets Arthur and they fall in love. Twelve more years pass and Arthur and Nora are married. Hae Sung wants to travel to New York to see Nora and they finally meet after all this time. You see they still care about each other and there are great scenes of them getting to know each other again. Some great shots of New York on a ferry with them looking out a the Statue of Liberty. Hae Sung meets her husband with some funny first interaction with Hae Sung learning english and Arthur able to speak Korean. Nora talks about in the movie about In Yeon and if two strangers meet they start a layer of In Yeon and if you get married it creates thousands of layers of In Yeon. That is the central theme of the film that Celine creates in this film that makes you think of your past love and i know i did watching this film. I loved all the performances in this film Greta Lee was incredible and put ina performance of warmth humour and love. The screenplay was terrific funny, heartwarming and deep. I think Song should get nominated for Best Director and i think she has a good chance at Best Original Screenplay one of the best films of the year.

Anatomy of a Fall (2023)

Great film

[9/10 · 23 July 2023]

An interesting film about a woman accussed of murdering her husband. The way the story is told with flashbacks and through the eyes of the only witness the vision impaired son. I saw the film today at the New Zealand film festival. Really enjoyed the acting, the dialogue and the suspence of the story. Justine Triet did a great job of directing this fascinating legal drama. The lead actress was very good in this film portraying a complex woman who wants to protect her son while being on trial for the murder of her husband. I saw this film with a packed house at The Civic in Auckland New Zealand. A great theatre and a great experience i can see why this film won the Palme Dor.

May December (2023)

Masterpiece

[9/10 · 22 July 2023]

I just got out of a screening at the New Zealand film festival and wow what an experience. Julianne Moore plays Gracie who is married to Joe she has been with him since he was 12. Their relationship became a scandal and she went to jail. More than twenty years later Elizabeth played by Natalie Portman is an actress who comes to stay to study Gracie for a movie. This film has a lot of campy humour and darkness below the surface. It has some great acting from the two leads. There are a few scenes that remind you of Bergman's Persona. When Gracie and Elizabeth are looking at each other in the mirror. Joe is having empty nest syndrome that his kids are growing up and going to college. Gracie is a naive woman who tells Elizabeth in a scene she always has been and she likes it that way. Haynes explores themes of child molestation, tabloid hysteria and how actreess's like Elizabeth become consumed with a role. I loved every minute of this film. I think Haynes is at the top of his game and so was Portman and Moore. One of the best films of 2023.

Silo (2023– )

Silo

[9/10 · 15 June 2023]

Very interesting concept about a post apocalypic world where a group of people are living underneath ground in a Silo. The outside world has become toxic or has it. Are they being lied to and being controlled. I have watched the first four episodes and the story is evolving. The cast is great Rebecca Ferguson who is amazing in everything she does plays a woman who has suffered a lot of childhood trauma. Tim Robbins, Common, Rashida Jones and a lot of other ensemble actors are great in this. This show has a lot of potential and i can't wait to watch more episodes. I think it could be a great show i hope it gets a second season.

She Said (2022)

She Said

[9/10 · 17 November 2022]

This film is about two women reporters for the New York Times that blew open the story on Harvey Weinstein and his decades of abuse and coverups. The story is very told and shows investigative journalism done really well. Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan are both great as the two lead reporters. There are harrowing stories from dozens of women about abuse in this film. The story is compelling and their reporting led to the global #MeToo movement at the end of 2017. It brought down not only Weinstein but many other abusers were brought down after women came forward. The acting is in this film is really great and the screenplay in well written. This is one of best and most important films of the year.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

Coogler does it again.

[8/10 · 10 November 2022]

This film is a great tribute to Chadwick Boseman. The film starts with the kings funeral. It is a very moving ceremony that is very colourful. Wakanda is at a crossroads without their King. A rival species wants their hands on their vibronium. Angela Bassett is fierce in her role as the Queen she really commands the screen. I love the whole world of Wakanda. Coogler does a great job of bringing you into this world. Making the world believeable and adding emotional depth to the story. I love the costumes production design and the music. Letitah Wright does a great job of taking on the family mantle after her brothers depth. Her arc in the film is a great one. Coogler has pulled off a great acheivement after the sad death of Boseman. He continues to build on a fantastic world. I hope i see more of Wakanda in the future. I also feel Angela Bassett's great powerhouse performance deserves best supporting actress consideration. This is one of the best films of the year.

The Woman King (2022)

The Woman King

[9/10 · 27 October 2022]

The Woman King is set in a West African kingdom in 1823 about an all female tribe. They provoke a war with the Oyo Empire. Viola Davis leads the tribe and trains the young women. Thuso Mbedu plays a young woman who really wants to become a warrior. She is great in this film and shows a lot of heart. There are many great action sequences in this film including a great action packed opening scene. The slave traders come from Brazil and are trying to oppress the women. The women really fight for survival and culminates in some beautifully choreographed battle scenes. This film deals with harsh themes of slavery and sexual violation of women. It has powerful and beautiful moments in the film that stay with you. The director here did a great job of telling an interesting story that needs to be told. This film one of the best films of the year. I loved it.

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

Masterpiece

[9/10 · 22 October 2022]

This film is one of the most original films i have seen in a long time. Michelle Yeoh plays Evelyn a mother who owns a laundromat. She is having problems with her husband and her gay daughter. She is then brought into a multiverse that shows her the potential she could have had. This leads to some crazy adventures with stunning visuals. Some incredible action packed scenes with very funny dialogue. Jamie Lee Curtis is very funny in a supporting as an IRS agent. This film really takes you to places that you may never have been in a film before. Which is really exciting to see a filmmaker do something totally original. Michelle Yeoh pulls of possibly the performance of her career. This is one of the best films of 2022.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022– )

Lord of The Rings Rings of Power

[9/10 · 14 October 2022]

My overall review of this series is that the show is visually stunning and it really wrapped me up in the story. The story started slow in the first few episodes but really built to an epic conclusion in the last three episodes of the season. Galadriel played by Welsh actress Morfydd Clark was the breakout star for me. I loved her beauty and strength that she showed in the series. How she went into battle in episode 6 was amazing. Nori was another favorite character of mine and i liked her friendship that she developed with The Stranger. I loved the score the cinematography the whole adventure aspect of the story. I think it has become of favorite shows of the year and am already looking forward to season 2.

Don't Worry Darling (I) (2022)

Don't Worry Darling

[7/10 · 6 October 2022]

This is a high concept film set in a 1950's Uptopia where they are part of a group in the Victory Project. Florence Pugh plays Alice a housewife who one day has her idylic life shattered when she sees a plane crash. She realises that something isnt right. This film is gorgeous to look at and has a great soundtrack with great costumes. It has themes of 1950's American paranoia. The film is very stylish with a great performance from Pugh. Olivia Wilde has created an interesting film with a high concept. It doesnt quite all come together. But it is an enjoyable film with interesting stuff going on that deals with relationships with men and women. I recommend this film.

Nope (2022)

Another horror classic from Jordan Peele

[9/10 · 11 August 2022]

Daniel Kuluuya and Keke Palmer play brother and sister that own a California ranch that has horses used in Hollywood commercials and movies. The film has some beautiful cinematography and some great funny dialogue typical of Jordan's humor. Strange things start occurring and you see things from the sky that look like UFO's. Jordan really builds the tension really well with the scary moments and funny moments as well. I really liked the performances in this film. Keke Palmer had some really funny lines and delivered them really well. I loved the score and the real trip I felt experiencing such an interesting concept for a horror film. I think this film is one of the best films of the year I loved it.

Nightmare Alley (2021)

Nightmare Alley

[9/10 · 15 July 2022]

Bradley Cooper plays a grifter who becomes a carny. He plays Stan who has dreams having doing something big. He meets Mary played by Rooney Mara and they create their own show. Later he meets a psychiatrist played by Cate Blanchett. This is a creepy film noir that is so gorgeous to look at. The production design is incredible. The costumes are gorgeous. The story really wraps you up in this world that Del Toro creates. He is a master at creating strange and interesting worlds. Bradley Cooper is great in this film and so is Cate Blanchett. Rooney Mara also puts in a great performance. It is a really great all round cast in a really interesting film noir that feels like it was made in the 1940's.

Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

Thor Love and Thunder

[8/10 · 7 July 2022]

Thor with help from Valkyrie played by the great Tessa Thompson and his ex Jane Foster played by Natalie Portman. They have to take on Gorr the Butcher played by Christian Bale. This film is visually stunning with some really funny typical Waititi humor.

I really love the themes of redemption and love going on in this film. Waititi loves making films about misfits and children at the heart of his stories. There is a cool 80's soundtrack that I really liked. I love Tessa Thompson's character in particular the first bisexual character in the marvel universe. She is funny, heroic and sexy with an awkward sense of humor. Thompson is one of my favorite actress's right now. She can do small indie films with depth and great action films like this one. Hemsworth is always great funny, powerful and shows depth on screen as well. Natalie Portman as Jane Foster was terrific her character now has stage four cancer. She uses Thor's hammer to make herself better and have adventures with her love Thor again. Bale as the villain shows a real dark side but also depth to his character as well. As we seen before in Marvel films they humanize the villains. I really enjoyed this film and think it is one of the best films of 2022.

The Batman (2022)

The Batman

[8/10 · 28 June 2022]

This is a really interesting take on The Batman. Doing something different and going back to the noir detective style of the comics. Robert Pattinson does a great job as Batman even with just using his eyes. I also think Zoe Kravitz does a great job as Selina Kyle/ Catwoman. She is sexy, mysterious and her movement in this film is great to watch. Colin Farrell is unrecognizable as The Penguin he also does a great job as a gangster. I really loved the noir and detective quality to this film. I loved the constant rain and darkness. It reminded me of films like Seven. I loved the set pieces and the score everything about this film was really interesting. The director despite so many versions of Batman before was able to do something new and inventive that we had not seen before. If you love noir and the original comics of Batman you will love this film.

Elvis (2022)

Elvis

[9/10 · 23 June 2022]

This film is the first great biopic about Elvis Presley's life. The film starts with Colonel Tom Parker telling his story on his death bed. We flashback to Elvis in Vegas and early in his career. The film is very flashy which is typical of Baz Lurhmann's style. We see flashbacks to his childhood and what influenced him early was black gospel music. He loved the superhero Captain Marvel and wanted to be a superhero himself. Austin Butler really embodies Elvis's spirit in this film he had the moves down, the look the voice, everything. Early in Elvis's career he moved his pelvis around and made young girls scream. The conservatives wanted to put him in jail for corrupting the young youth. Parker decided to put him in the army and send him off to Germany in 1959. That is where his life changed and he met a 14 year old Priscilla. When he got back he got into movies and restarted his career. He married Priscilla and they had Lisa Marie. His career had started to wane by the late 60's. But the 1968 comeback special he did revamped his career. With some great performances. My favorite was If I Can Dream. Butler is spectacular playing Elvis in so many different stages of his life. I loved the production design, the costumes and the music. The fast paced editing may dizzy some people at times but I think Baz knows how tell a great story on a grand scale. We all know that Elvis's life had a sad ending. His story is worthy of Shakespearean nature. Colonel Tom Parker took advantage of him and many possibly blame him for Elvis's death. What we need to remember is Elvis was a once in a life time talent that gave us a lot of joy. I have to mention Olivia DeJonge who was very good as Priscilla she really looked like her and embodied her spirit. She is an actress to watch in the future. Tom Hanks did a good job at Parker who discovered Elvis but also hurt his career as well. I really enjoyed this film and think it was a great biopic done right. I think Butler should get an Oscar nomination and it is one of the best films of 2022 so far.

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

Top Gun Maverick

[9/10 · 2 June 2022]

Tom Cruise returns as Maverick after thirty plus years in service in the navy he is being put out to pasture. He gets one last shot at a mission teaching a young group of navy academy recruits. Iceman played by Val Kilmer gives him his shot to teach these kids. He is still dealing with the loss of his friend Goose that was played by Anthony Edwards. Miles Teller plays his son Rooster who still holds a grudge. They try to work together and become a great team. There are so many great action sequences in this film that you marvel at. Tom Cruise is incredible that he still does all his own stunts. There is some funny dialogue and a great soundtrack that gets you really pumped throughout this film. Jennifer Connelly plays Penny a love interest of Maverick's that comes back into his life at a time he needs a boost. I really think this is one of the best films of the year. I hope it does not get forgotten come Oscar time next year. Lady Gaga also does a great song for the film as well. I loved this film, go see it and see the original as well if you have not already.

CODA (2021)

CODA

[8/10 · 13 April 2022]

Ruby is the one hearing person in her family and she works with her family on a fishing boat. She wants to pursue singing which obviously the rest of her family cannot participate. The film shows her real talent at singing and is a touching drama and comedy of a family just trying to get by and love one another. Troy Kostur's Oscar winning performance is very funny and touching. Emilia Jones as Ruby is funny and strong minded she acted very well in this film. The screenplay is funny, sad and moving. This film winning best picture was a big deal for the deaf community. I really loved the film, the screenplay, the acting. The film reminded me of Oscar winning family drama's of the past such as Kramer vs Kramer and Ordinary People. See this movie if you can, I don't have apple tv but It watched the film at a friends place and really loved it.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: How Do You Get to Carnegie Hall? (2022) Season 4, Episode 8

Great finale

[9/10 · 11 March 2022]

The finale begins with Midge's ex father in law in hospital and they are not sure if he is going to make it. Meanwhile Midge goes back to work and gets emotional doing stand up about her ex father in law. Midge then runs into Lenny who after a raid they end up back in a hotel room and finally get together. Personally I have wanted to see them hook up for a long time. Not end up in a relationship, just have one night together. After Midge turns down a great offer for a show, Lenny is disappointed in her and does a great speech. Luke Kirby is great in this show and deserves another Emmy for this episode. This episode had a lot of heart, was funny and razor sharp as always. A great finish to the season. I hope the wait for the final season is not as long as we had to wait for this one. This show is wonderful and has brought great joy to my life when I feel down at times. I love it.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: How to Chew Quietly and Influence People (2022) Season 4, Episode 5

Great episode

[9/10 · 4 March 2022]

Midge has been invited to Shy Baldwins wedding. She only goes with Suzy to get free food and booze. She has a run in with Shy and they confront each other about what happened last season. I loved the production in this episode. The dialogue as always is so rapid fire witty and smart. Joel tries to get Mei to meet his parents which does not work out. Also Sophie is back on t.v. I enjoyed this episode and think this season has been great so far.

Belfast (2021)

Belfast

[9/10 · 5 February 2022]

Buddy played by newcomer Jude Hill is a young 9 year old boy growing up in Belfast in 1969. Life appears to be great until civil unrest breaks out between Catholics and Protestants. His world is turned upside down, but he still gets to enjoy his life, going to the movies with his family, and falls for a young girl at school. The film is shot in black and white and looks beautiful. Jude Hill is great as Buddy, so is his Ma played beautifully by Caitriona Balfe. She is so loving and gorgeous. His Pa is played by Jamie Dornan in another great performance. Both of his grandparents are great as well. This is very nostalgic film, with dark moments, but also great moments of joy as well. With a great soundtrack, it one of the feel good films of the year. It is a major contender at the Oscars. I loved it.

Parallel Mothers (2021)

Parallel Mothers

[9/10 · 3 February 2022]

Penelope Cruz plays Janis a photographer who falls for a work colleague and gets pregnant. Her and a young woman are in a room together that give birth on the same day. Their babies are switched at birth and the story continues from there. Janis is looking after the baby and doesn't know if she should get in touch with the young woman. They reconnect and become close. The film is so beautifully made, all of Pedro's trademarks are here. Beautiful costumes, very colorful production design, interesting and funny dialogue. Cruz is at her best here, beautiful, sexy, witty and heartbreaking. This film has also has something to say about Spain's past that is really interesting. This story grabs you and doesn't let go. I think it is one of Pedro's best films. It is amazing that he still produces such interesting films at his age. I highly recommend this film.

Licorice Pizza (2021)

Licorice Pizza

[9/10 · 27 January 2022]

Gary Valentine a teenage child actor meets Alana Kane at a high school photo shoot. They spark up a friendship which leads to a business partnership selling waterbeds. Cooper Hoffman is great as Gary very likeable and exuberant. Alana Haim is amazing as Alana, so beautiful, funny, witty and sharp. The dialogue in this film is very funny and witty. The 70's back drop of this film is so cool to look at. Bradley Cooper has a memorable cameo as Jon Peters, Barbara Streisand's former boyfriend. The soundtrack is really great and the whole film is just such a fun ride. The two leads are great together and have amazing chemistry. It is my favorite film of 2021. One of Anderson's best films.

Cries & Whispers (1972)

Cries and Whispers

[10/10 · 23 January 2022]

What can I say about this film, it is an absolute masterpiece. About two sisters caring for their other sister dying of cancer. The film is so beautifully shot, with themes of life and death. The color palette of red is so striking. Harriett Anderson plays the dying sister and she is an incredible in a very physically demanding role. Liv Ullman is also great and so beautiful, she acts so well in the film even just in her facial expressions. The film is dark and has somber tones but it is also uplifting as well. The film won the Oscar for cinematography, which is gorgeous. The film also got nominated for Best Picture which was rare for a foreign film at the time. This is truly one of the greatest films Bergman ever made. Maybe one of the greatest foreign films of all time. 10/10.

Spencer (2021)

Spencer

[9/10 · 20 January 2022]

Kristen Stewart really transforms into Diana in this film. She has the mannerisms down and the voice. This film is set in a moment in time that was very sad for Diana. She felt isolated. What keeps her going is her two boys, William and Harry. We do see some fun moments she has with her boys. We also see moments of despair as well. Stewart is really at the top of her game in this role, she is heartbreaking, strong and funny and beautiful. The costumes and production design in this film is amazing and the score is great. I really enjoyed this film and think Stewart deserves the Oscar.