ninjachewit Reviews

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

8.5/10 for this Spidey film

[10/10 · 18 June 2023]

This film is visually stunning, the artwork and illustrations are magical, on-point, and truly transfer you to a different world. There isn't one beat that isn't matched by diverse and superbly executed artistic direction.

Since this movie doesn't really have an ending per se, and kind of drops at a cliffhanger it's honestly hard to give this one a rating over 9, because the story is not complete.

It's a fast paced film, where there isn't a lot of hang time (pun intended) for scenes to develop without being part of some time race to fit the large narrative together. There are some scenes like the one where Miles talks to his mother that can be heart-wrenching, but sometimes I felt like they made it too sentimental, because most moms don't talk like that, with large speeches and such, and I felt if the dialogue was a little more back and forth it would have felt a tad more natural.

Overall a great film, visually stunning, and I can't wait for the next one to come out.

Parasite (2019)

It's not as a good movie as it seems

[6/10 · 16 February 2020]

The whole point of this movie is that there is a crazy guy in the basement and he has to come out to kill everyone like some sort of reverse Frankenstein plot. Don't tell me about symbolism or the more deep-core messages in this movie when everyone in it is a damn CARICATURE, with each person filling the stereotypical roles like the dumb, rich housewife so that only one thing can develop: and that is the story. There is no part of the film where we see any real in-depth look at poverty coming from the mouths of the characters, only their superficial actions which lay against a strict blueprint to propel the story forward to the climax which is the crazy guy coming out and killing everybody, So let's talk about the story: it's literally an infiltration movie, similar to heist movies like Ocean's 11 with much better cinematography. And this is where I give the movie an okay rating, because of the cinematography and overall directing which was done pretty well. Otherwise I don't see how people are raving that this is such a good movie, have they been hoodwinked by the fact that we've seen this all before with less stereotypical ways of depicting class struggles and character?

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

A beautiful mess

[8/10 · 12 December 2018]

They slapped an ending by calling everyone a "legend" which makes up amends, but they do it so wholeheartedly that it actually passes off as something cool and slightly romantic although not entirely fleshed out.

The film went through some production problems, but it honestly tried its best to make the ride an exhilarating train wreck that never seems to be able to stop until the end, and whoever directed this movie just steered the Titanic to safety.

Great movie for music fans and especially Queen fans. Long live F. Mercury!

Boyhood (I) (2014)

A great movie, that flies over a lot of misinformed people's heads

[10/10 · 28 November 2018]

For those people writing how "boring" this movie is, and saying that "nothing" happens, are missing the whole point of what a movie is supposed to do.

A movie is an emotional roller coaster, whether that follows from some gimmicky story or contrived plot is totally optional. Linklater does this completely on the rocky turbulence of growing up itself, in a way, boyhood is dramatised to relate to the aspects of growing up we can all relate to. Maybe you didn't drink, but you got your first car- Boyhood does its best for the viewer to relate themselves to such a picture.

If you cannot comprehend this fact then the movie will lose all meaning to you, and you have rejected even participating in it before allowing yourself to take it in. In this way, you haven't really watched the movie. You're just waiting for it to end.

The pacing in this movie was excellent for the most part, except maybe towards the VERY end, where it ends on a Hollywood, hopeful emote (wish it could've ended with a hug goodbye from the mother we grew up to sympathise with and love!)

Otherwise, this movie really does its best with excellent writing and dialogue to bring out the essence of childhood and adolescence out of your deep consciousness again, not so you can be judged by them, but so you can dance with them- in the same way the pictures in the film dance with all the memories.

Mulholland Drive (2001)

Like the scariest nightmare and the most life-changing dream at the same time

[10/10 · 17 November 2018]

I'm not much of a Lynch fan, but this movie, it transcends all the narrative limitations of cinema that are based on language/dialogue alone. It shows art and emotions can be evoked in images through the film itself, and somehow everything makes sense when it gets tied together in the end. But sense doesn't mean quick rationality, or quick wit. Lynch definitely has a lot of that in his film, but it's a transcendental film. It's not meant to be looked upon with the same magnifying glass that a scientist might use to study bacteria. You have to look at this with all your life experiences, and then it will seem like a revelation that you never expected to find. A masterpiece in cinema, literally like no other.

Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

A modern masterpiece of fantasy

[10/10 · 13 November 2018]

This movie is the best "New Weird" piece of fiction I have ever experienced. If it was written in novel form, it would be a true fantasy fiction classic. The world itself is imbedded in the dark atmosphere of the Spanish Civil War. Yet it emphasizes the values of family, not in its traditional senses, but through the lens of fantasy, the magic and unpredictability of family is strengthened with imagery. The only thing or cure that can transcend the physical separation and ideological differences with each other is the common need for love (emphasized by the mandrake). When the mandrake is thrown in the fire, it is the abandonment of love, and that is emphasized through fantasy as life itself. So when one willingly gives their life up for a stranger through this shared sense of love, it forms such a connection that transcends both ideology and war itself. That is what Del Toro's masterpiece portrays in its vivid and highly imaginative world of fantasy. A truly gripping film, and an evocative masterpiece that transcends any further description.

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)

It blew my expectations... in the other way

[1/10 · 11 November 2018]

Be warned first of all, this movie is supposed to be about Christmas but does more to represent the Spanish War. Its message is also unclear and actually quite dangerous. Without trying to reveal spoilers, i'll go ahead and basically say that the moral of this movie is that actual family presence means nothing and can be overridden with clever purchases and their uses (aka appealing to the consumerist part of Christmas).

The movie shares two tones, one being the exquisite and quite beautifully CGI rendered world of the kingdom, and the other being a Halloween looking tent that Mike Myers might want to hide out in. The part that irks and confuses me, is that there is no clear reason for why these two tonal shifts have to be so conflicting with each other in the film other than to provide an obvious front for conflict. This symbolises to me a lack of care and depth that went into the developing this film's characters or story. It was a complete attempt to appeal to the audience, there was no sacrifice on the writers part to put something original in here. It's everything you've seen and liked in pop culture, fit into the "Christmas" theme of The Nutcracker (this movie isn't really about The Nutcracker).

Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018)

It's okay

[7/10 · 29 July 2018]

To be honest, I think the best action movies have to tell a story worth telling without pandering so much to the adrenaline seeking tantrums inside of all of us. Take for example, The Dark Knight where although it's an action film, it tells a more complex and deeper, even metaphysical story about its characters. This builds tension and allows the tension to seep into the story, and eventually culminate into the action.

Well the story of this movie is sort of typical Hollywood- a guy has three bombs that he wants to use to blow up the world to fulfill his "purpose". So basically your stock character, evil "i'm not a terrorist" but secretly is dude who gets his ass kicked in the end.

Is the action good? Definitely. The choreography for the action is really well done, and the cinematography is excellent. I think this movie honestly deserves 7 stars but because of that amazing and unexpected Motorcycle chase I will give it an extra star.

I know there are people that would absolutely love the socks of this movie though, and for those people I will say my piece and walk away. But I also would like to say that the last scene with the helicopters seemed like something out of a GI Joe cartoon, although I did appreciate the adrenaline rush and stunts performed during those scenes, I could not say that I ever truly immersed myself within this movie due to its sort of laughable villain, cheesy story at heart, and somewhat generic set-pieces.

Is it the best in the series? For me, no, because it still doesn't scream "iconic" to me as an action film. Is it a good movie with good action? Yes. Definitely yes, it's a good film, but in my opinion it lacks the consistent tension and general following with the audience to be a great one.

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)

A Masterpiece

[10/10 · 28 July 2018]

This masterpiece of a movie deserves every accolade that it has ever got. It's on the same tier, if not higher, than Whiplash with its fresh and witty dialogue and great, great, film direction. The acting and casting was perfect, the only mistake in this movie was that it was underestimated by executives upon release, leading people like myself to not see it when it first came out as what it truly was, a passively-revolutionary movie. It's got the feels, the twists, and the complexity to earn a 10/10 rating and the tone of this movie is one that should be considered legendary.

10/10

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)

Bigger problem than dinosaurs... IQs worldwide are dropping thanks to "movies" like these

[3/10 · 25 June 2018]

Hollywood keeps pumping out these formulaic, predictable, CGI Gladiator fests, with no passion or creativity found in anything they touch. That scene where the evil guy kills the old, good-hearted but ill man was just a rehash of the scene from "Gladiator" without the drama, since of course they need to add more dinosaurs kicking ass scenes.

It was like seeing a movie that played on my primitive emotions like fear, crying, etc. rather than my intellectual ones- and this is why global IQ is dropping when it should be increasing. These movies just feed people common patterns found everywhere, and there is nothing unique about this world or the movie industry anymore.

It's a sad, sad indication that Hollywood is just a big cash steamroll and all the artistic people are kicked out to the curb either to Cannes or to other film festivals where their movies will rot and die eventually.

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

What a blockbuster should be... a ball-busting experience!

[7/10 · 2 May 2018]

I've been watching so many "artistic" movies lately, and although those are great in their own way- in my opinion what a movie should really be about is escapism while conveying a message. The message in Infinity War is clear: everyone is united and fighting against some united cause. There is hope in humanity after all despite all the chaos.

The critics have been slamming this movie due to it being too "chaotic" and completely missing the importance of having chaos in this movie. It's almost like an invisible side-character

The humour is one of the wittiest and funniest i've seen in a Marvel movie so far and it's clear that they put a lot of effort and time into this movie.

Why are the critics so hard on a movie that simply wants to entertain before patronizing?

I've watched many "critically acclaimed" movies lately and they have just made me feel depressed, drained out of hope, and the message was contrived yet concealed in some wishy-washy, snobby, elitist and morally assumptive package.

Infinity War isn't about that. It's about how YOU perceive hope in times of danger, while not being afraid to go into the unknown. To fight the most evil man out there. Marvel did a great way of portraying teamwork and desperation instead of how this movie could have otherwise gone: extremely cheesy.

Infinity War is the most entertaining movie i've watched this year and one of the few movies where I sat in the theatre for over 2 hours what felt like and flash-forwarded to the end because of how EPIC and FUN this movie was.

The critics have been watching so many preachy and superficial movies with amazing "plot twists" and "stories that break the heart" when in reality they are more superficial and gimmicky than anything Infinity War ever intended to do.

Infinity War is about having a good time. Critically acclaimed movies these days seems to just be about spreading a message covered in a $$$ and ego-boosted package.

Kim's Convenience (2016–2021)

Funny show

[9/10 · 29 April 2018]

This show reminds me of Spongebob Squarepants in the way that both shows start off and end in a flash and want you wanting more. It's a great show although some episodes have parts that feel rushed with the dialogue sometimes, the characters are fresh and the whole setting sparks for some really interesting, humorous dialogue.

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)

Legendary

[10/10 · 28 April 2018]

The movie that changed the world and pop-culture forever. Nothing else to be said because everything that's been said about this movie has already been said. Also its influence and success is enough talk.

Manchester by the Sea (2016)

This isn't a story about loss, it's a story about regret

[9/10 · 25 April 2018]

So many people are talking about the movie's lack of ability to portray the loss of the people you love. This isn't what this move is about.

If you want to see a movie that depicts loss well then please don't watch this movie- because although that is one of its themes, the main theme that this movie is about is regret.

As you can tell when Casey Affleck's character forgets to put the screen on the fireplace, therefore causing the entire house to burn down, the movie portrays the inevitable mistakes that we make through life and the process of flipping the blame from entirely ourselves (Casey tries to kill himself) to understanding that loss is everywhere and somewhat of a random, natural process.

We can see this point of acceptance when Casey talks to his former wife and she tells him that it wasn't his fault. Casey simply says "no" but he knows that deep inside it really isn't his fault anymore. He's accepted that sometimes our mistakes are just a natural process of who we are, no matter how large or small.

Now he needs to live with mistake over his shoulder, and instead of killing himself he's found redemption in helping his nephew buy a new motor for his boat, and helping him settle in after the death of his father.

It's a great metaphor about regret and the ability to eventually overcome.

Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Top 10 Favorite Movies

[10/10 · 25 April 2018]

I love this movie. The visuals, the endearment from the characters, the ARCS oh boy the character arcs in this movie are SO SO AMAZING. Anderson makes you feel and care for the characters from square one which is a supremely difficult task to do (most directors/writers instead employ making them dislikable because it's way easier). The visuals are top notch and super original which deserves + 1 star on its own so really this movie gets a 11/10 from me.

The story and the overall effect of this movie to inspire artistic creations and not be afraid of telling a story from your unique perspective is what this movie should really be looked on about. It's a masterpiece.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

This movie changed cinema

[10/10 · 24 April 2018]

The visuals, the dialogue, the action, the tension, everything that a good adventure movie has can be found here.

And a good adventure movie seeps into the realm/genre of Thrillers, because the tension at some parts is so gripping that you honestly feel like you're suddenly watching a Thriller.

This movie is truly a piece of art.

The Shape of Water (2017)

A good movie with somewhat of a predictable plot but full of emotional energy

[8/10 · 24 April 2018]

Del Toro's "The Shape of Water" is a movie that makes you feel really tense and emotional at the theatres, but restraints you to a degree with the linearity or familiarity of the plot structure. The villain is not really that scary or intimidating- the part where he snaps off his rotting finger is pretty much the only thing original about him- other than that he's a derivative of the typical bad, corrupt FBI agent who only listens to his mission/code similar to Anton Chigurgh in "No Country for Old Men".

The reason i'm giving this movie an 8 is because although the characters and themes are very familiar and you don't come out of this movie with a fresh viewpoint on the world, it was well-written and some of the dialogue was very emotionally invoking. Especially the part where the old man is talking with the girl.

Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017)

THANK YOU

[10/10 · 8 January 2018]

FOR RUINING STAR WARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I HATE YOU RIAN JOHNSON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!