shimenpf Reviews

The Old Guard (2020)

Didn't enjoy

[5/10 · 18 July 2020]

I frankly didn't enjoy the movie very much. I feel the script is flawed, mainly in pace. For an action movie, the script stops very frequently for characters to have intimate and emotional conversations. This kind of dialogue is good for creating empathy with the characters and making them feel multidimensional, but I feel in this case, this was done in excess, sacrificing in making the plot more dynamic and engaging. I also think Book's betrayal was unfounded, and lacked an appropriate setup that foreshadowed this. We did not know before the moment of his betrayal, that he did not like being immortal, so the twist felt like pulled out of nowhere.

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020)

Engaging all the way

[7/10 · 13 July 2020]

I believe a movie has two obligations that must to be fulfilled everytime for it to be good. The first one is to entertain, to keep the audience engaged from beginning to end. The second is to evoke emotions to some extend. Some movies will evoke more, some less, but they must do this at some point. I think this movie succeeds in both. I couldn't help but connect with the characters, which made me care about their journey and empathize with them, which is a strength of this film. Granted, the script has some weakish moments, like when everyone votes for Iceland just because of pity, or when Rachel McAdams finds Will Ferrell naked in bed with the Greek girl but they didn't do anything (it's hard to believe this is true, even when the movie manages it as a truth). However, and counting in its flaws, the movie still succeeds in the two main goals of a movie, and for that, I consider it a good movie.

The Banker (2020)

Entertaining movie

[7/10 · 26 April 2020]

The Banker is a good movie. Like most biographical movies, at least the ones I've watched recently, we have a protagonist that doesn't have a clear goal since the start of the movie but, instead, accomplishes goal after goal as they increase in importance and difficulty. This is an entertaining movie about self-growth, working hard and believing in oneself. The movie never gets boring, and it throws constant obstacles and turns that keep the story moving forward.

The only thing I found strange, not necessarily bad but certainly strange, is the change of focus the movie has at around its 75% mark, where we start following Matt for a long period of time, getting away from our protagonist. I consider this as a slight loss of focus from the movie, as this was not Matt's movie, but Bernard's.

Either way, the movie was fun to watch and certainly not bad at all.

10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)

Fascinating thriller. It hooks you from beginning to end

[8/10 · 20 April 2020]

Wow. What a great movie. The elements that I consider make this film great are : 1) the constant doubt that both the protagonist and us, the audience, have, on whether John Goodman's character is telling the truth or no and 2) The constant conflict in the film. There is not a single moment where the movie turns boring, or when it feels nothing is happening. The movie seizes every single second of its length to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The way the mystery gradually unwraps, and how the real John Goodman's character comes to light work great on keeping this tense environment at all times. No doubt, a great movie, and one I will recommend to thriller and overall movie fans.

Logan Lucky (2017)

In my opinion, tried too hard to be clever

[5/10 · 14 April 2020]

I have to be honest: I really tried to like the movie, but ultimately I couldn't. I enjoyed some of the performances and I liked many of the jokes but, scriptwise, the movie is very lacking.

First of all, the first act felt too dialogue-heavy and lacked action. And I don't mean action as in punches or bazookas. I mean action as in something happening. Too much of the information was delivered through dialogue which isn't ideal.

The second act had some entertaining moments. The recruiting and the heist were fairly good. However, I felt a lack of sense of structure in the script. The heist ends but the third act doesn't even start yet. We are introduced to a bunch of characters that really add too little to justify their appearance. For example: the nurse, which couldn't even count as a romantic interest as she only appears twice in the movie, Sebastian Stan's character, who's only purpose was to reject the other race guy's testimony (and this doesn't even happen on camera, but through a line from Hilary Swank's). Even the other race guy has no particular reason to be in the movie as his testimony never complicates the life for the protagonists and, therefore, adds nothing to the plot. And finally, Hilary Swank. I really don't understand the role of her character in the movie. It's a wannabe antagonist that never really antagonizes. She never, since she appears for the first time, complicates things for the protagonists. Not once. I don't understand why these characters appear or, if they will, why they are not given something more interesting to do.

The movie also raised too many questions that, at least I, couldn't answer. I think this happened in a (and this is my opinion) failed attempt to be clever. For example, it is mentioned that an anonymous source confessed the location of the money. This was supposedly Channing Tatum. But why would he do it? They stole the money from Daniel Craig's brothers. Again, why? Was that the money that was given back? Why go through a lot of problems only to steal their money and give it back to the authorities? Why did Hilary Swank suddenly turn to the thieves side at the end, when flirting with Adam Driver?

I don't know. The movie didn't do it for me. I feel there were too many loose ends and many unnecessary elements that could have been cut out. But that's just me.

This Is the End (2013)

Great humor

[6/10 · 27 March 2020]

The movie's greatest strength is the fact that it never takes itself too serious. But, even then, its script follows a traditional structure. It does take some liberties when adding ridiculous montages (when they fix the house at the beginning of act two or when they get high, the couple times or so they do). The plot escalates into ridiculousness but it always makes sense within the story world, which is another strength.

I do have to say that the first act felt too long and boring at times. It takes 16 minutes for the apocalypse to start. In these kind of movies, the audience is here to watch the characters deal with the apocalypse. The first act has to establish the basic story world and characters, but I think the movie could've done this in 10 minutes, maybe even less, as opposed to the long 16 minutes.

Still, a pretty funny movie.

King of Thieves (2018)

Nothing special

[6/10 · 14 March 2020]

The movie has a kind of interesting premise, albeit one that has been seen before: a group of elders in a heist. The execution is not bad in my opinion, but it doesn't stand out by any means either.

The first act is very slow, to the point of being boring. Not many things happen, it feels like a bunch of exposition thrown at the audience with very few work moving the story forward. The story gets better in the second act, especially when it deals with the trust issues between the members of the group and their clashes. However, not much happens either. The cops are looking for them but, meanwhile, in the group, there isn't a sense of the story moving. They just stay where they are, while the movie shows us very little attempt from them to sell the stolen gems or whatnot. Heist movies usually have a big twist near the end or get clever at some point. This one doesn't. I like how it shows that the seemingly weakest and naivest of the group, Basil, is the only one that gets free. But, again, the movie is very average, and there's nothing special in it.

Uncut Gems (2019)

The pace makes it impossible for the audience to get bored.

[8/10 · 12 March 2020]

Great movie. Its greatest strength, in my opinion, is the conflict. It is constant, it is non-stop. This gives the audience a movie with a fantastic pace, where things never get dull. The writers did a great job crafting the different sources of conflict (all of which happen because of the protagonist's flaw): Howard's interpersonal relationships with his family, ex wife and girlfriend, all of the people he owes money: Arlo, Kevin Garnet, the place where he places his bets, the pawn shop, the auction, etc.

The movie also dares to be surprising, especially at the end when the protagonist is suddenly killed. This brave choice works good in my opinion and fits the story and the character.

Overall, a greatly crafted movie.

Onward (I) (2020)

What a beautiful movie

[8/10 · 11 March 2020]

I've seen people consider this a 'meh' movie. That's alright. For me, it did resonate a lot, I am not entirely sure why that is, but it took me to the verge of tears at least a couple times. The movie is engaging, the world-building is superb, original and interesting, the conflict is constant, so the movie never feels dull or too long in my opinion.

Ian's arc is very solid. He goes from a shy, coward kid that just wants to meet his father to a man that is willing to take risks and sacrifice himself. All feels justified through his adventure with his brother. Similarly, his relationship to his brother has an arc itself, and that is emotive as well.

There were at least three scenes that were particularly memorable for me: when Ian and his brother turn into their stepfather to get rid of the cops (this was a great way of showing that Ian doesn't believe in his brother), when Ian crosses the invisible bridge, and Barley has to keep him going even when the rope is gone, and when Barley sacrifices his van. Oh, and, naturally, the climax scene were Ian decides to sacrifice himself to let Barley have just a few seconds more with their father. The way the story manages the Ian's learning, his dilemma and his final decision is excellent. There is urgency as the dragon is attacking them and there is emotion as Ian decides to sacrifice the chance to meet his father. I really enjoyed this movie and, again, it was a very emotional experience for me.

Nerve (I) (2016)

Good plot, great tension

[7/10 · 7 March 2020]

First of all, the idea of Nerve is quite original and engaging. It is fitting to our reality, and seems similar to those kind of dark urban games teenagers play nowadays (I'm not an old bitter 40-year-old, I swear!). The 'dares' the characters go through are great for the plot, filled with suspense and written/filmed in a way that really had me on the edge of my seat. The dares escalate, starting off soft but going up like a movie should, which is also nice.

The character could be a little more solid, with clearer motivations, but this doesn't affect too much because of the kind of movie this is. The film takes a little turn towards the third act, changing from an urban game to something much bigger. I'm not sure if I liked this or not, but it was mostly well-written either way. I did not like the revelation that Ty turns out to be good. The reason is, I feel more foreshadowing was needed. There was never any clue about him even considering turning good. It could not have been predicted, therefore it is improvable. Yes, Emma Robert's character's friend did call him and that made sense, but I feel even more clues were needed for it to work.

Either way, the movie is very good, I'd say about the average. I definitely recommend it.

The Call of the Wild (2020)

I don't like animal-led movies. I liked this one.

[7/10 · 26 February 2020]

I avoid these kind of movies whenever I can. It's not my thing. I'm glad I did not avoid The Call of the Wild, because it is a very good story. Buck is crafted as a dog of pure heart, and the film makes sure the audience knows by constant scenes in which he goes out of his way to help others, even putting himself at risk. I could really empathize with the dog. The conflict is solid in the movie, either with the gold-hunter, the former dog leader or, simply, the challenges of nature. Buck's arch is also solid and gradual. It feels very natural, and it is emotive.

It feels a little episodic when the 'mailmen' have to get rid of the dogs all of a sudden, almost as if the plot needed it to happen, and then the switch to what feels like a slightly different story with Buck and Harrison Ford's character on their journey. But still, the movie is very solid and you most likely will enjoy it.

Ad Astra (2019)

As a novel, this would have been great. As a movie...

[5/10 · 24 February 2020]

The movie has some good moments. These are when the script realizes this is a movie and gives us external conflict, cinematic action, such as when the pirates pursue Brad Pitt. Unfortunately, the script abuses of the voice over, focusing a lot in internal conflict but not showing it. Instead, it keeps telling us Brad's thoughts throughout the movie. This is mostly how novels are written, with a main focus on internal conflict, but not scripts. And this is the reason why voice over is regarded as something that should be avoided, especially for beginning screenwriters. When abused, the story gets dull and the pace really slow. It doesn't help that the scenes feel too long which, although could be great from a cinematography standpoint, they are not so good from a story standpoint.

Ford v Ferrari (2019)

Ford Vs. Ford

[8/10 · 23 February 2020]

Fantastic movie. I know nothing about cars yet this film captured me and held me 'til the end. I found myself feeling the tension and adrenaline of the races. The characters are easy to root for, they feel authentic, real and, most of all, imperfect. The conflict comes mostly from the inside of Ford, which was very interesting to me. Ferrari is a secondary source of conflict, way behind the own suit men of Ford.

The only things I'd change are very small. Sometimes, we got intercuts from the adrenaline of the races to Miles' wife and son at home listening to the radio. This was frustrating to me. I wanted to see the races, where the action was, and I felt there were a little too many of these intercuts. Also, Miles' arc felt slightly unmotivated to me. I never understood what made him decide to actually accept and tie the race with the other two Ford cars. Even Carroll Shelby's petition wasn't a very intense one, as to make Miles change his whole personality for it.

All and all, this is a fantastic movie, with a great script and great performances, and it definitely is worth a watch.

Birds of Prey (2020)

Solid story

[7/10 · 19 February 2020]

The writing of Birds of Prey is very good. The way the characters are managed is great. The motivations are always beyond money, and go much more personal and interesting than that. The structure is fun. The first half has these time-jumps that are strange but work. The way the subplots develop and ultimately collide is also satisfying. The conflict grows as the story develops, which keeps things interesting. Harley's arc and the overall theme of the story is very clear and works. The action sequences are fascinating.

My only complain is the slight propaganda of most recent female-led films, in which all women are good and all men are bad. Why does it have to be like this?I like strong female protagonists, but why can't there be female antagonists as well? In the climax, the birds of prey + Harley are attacked by dozens of men and not a single female. Is there really not a single women gangster in Gotham? This is a recurring theme in the latest female-led movies, such as Bombshell and Charlie's Angels. The one female-led movie that I remember that doesn't go down this route is Little Women, and it was in the contest for an Oscar.

Also, screw that guy in the theater that was talking on the phone and texting for 85% of the movie.

Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)

Pretty good for what it is

[6/10 · 17 February 2020]

The movie is fun. It has some fun jokes. Robotnik is a really fun character with witty, fun dialogue. The movie understands what it is, and doesn't try to be something it is not, which is good. It doesn't take itself too seriously. There are some problems in the logic, as there is never a sense of real urgency in Sonic as he travels by car to San Francisco (even when he can clearly run properly again). Tom being all over the news never has a real impact in the plot. The conflict in the movie is actually there and keeps it interesting. Sonic is very charming and fun to watch. Overall, the movie is enjoyable and good.

Oh, and Tails cameo was so great. Made me super excited.

Jojo Rabbit (2019)

A masterclass on character arc and theme

[8/10 · 5 February 2020]

Jojo Rabbit is a fascinating satire that succeeds with its comedy while giving very powerful emotional moments as well. The film stands out for the way Jojo's character act is crafted. His firm Nazi posture is challenged with the natural opposite (having to hide a Jew girl in his house, with whom he ends up falling in love). Every single character in the movie is there for a purpose in Jojo's arc. Jojo's mom, Elsa (the Jew girl), Yorki or even Captain Klenzendorf are there to ultimately push Jojo into challenging his own ideals, and what he believes is right and wrong. Hitler is there as a personification of Jojo's ideals, as well as a resistance to change in his morals. Just as these characters, the plot forces change in Jojo in a subtle, natural and believable way. Whether is his mother's dead or the Nazis losing the war, these situations end up pushing Jojo into his ultimate change.

Overall, a great film. I really loved 1917, and I want it to win the Oscar to Best Motion Picture. However, I wouldn't be mad at all if Jojo Rabbit wins. It's a great film and it would be great to see a comedy film win the prize.

Little Women (2019)

What a great character driven story.

[8/10 · 4 February 2020]

This is a fantastic movie. It is able to not follow some of the most important screenwriting advice (giving your protagonists a specific goal to pursue, for example) and succeed. The movie is always engaging and it never lost my attention. Having seen this film and the new Charlie's Angels recently, I can say that, unlike with Charlie's Angels dullness and pretentiousness, this is how one crafts a female-empowering movie. The structure is also very interesting. It keeps the audience back and forth, past and present. It can be a little confusing as the movie starts, but one gets used to the pace.

I'd have very few, small flaws to point out. We're constantly told Aunt March is mean, but we never really see her being bad. Cold, if anything, but even then she has some warm moments that make her lean more into the nice side. I also think there was a missed opportunity to have a big, conflictive scene when Jo decides she wants to marry Laurie, only to have him tell her she just married Amy.

However it is, the movie is really good, and a serious contender for the awards season.

Joker (I) (2019)

Way to craft a character

[8/10 · 1 February 2020]

Joker's plot id great. It keeps throwing new moments, plot points and scenes that keep the story going forward and moving faster, slowly forging Arthur's path to become what we all know. However, what really stands out in Joker is character crafting. It is no easy task to create a murderer, insane character and manage to make the audience empathize with him, to the point where we suffer when he does. Nobody agrees with what he does, but we understand his actions, decisions, fears... and that is what makes a great protagonist.

After the Wedding (2019)

Very solid drama

[7/10 · 31 January 2020]

After the wedding is a very solid story. As the story unwraps, new secrets and revelations arise, making the movie engaging and to never feel dull or boring. The characters feel well developed, with no one being 100% good or bad. There is a good management of subplots, nicely intertwined in a natural way to keep the story moving forward. There are some very genuine and emotional moments as well. Definitely recommended.

1917 (2019)

Fantastic film

[8/10 · 29 January 2020]

Prior to watching this film, I had heard some people complain, saying the cinematography was impressive, but there was no story. I beg to differ. The script of 1917 is great. It basically has the structure of a road movie, in which the hero has to get from point A to point B, while encountering obstacles that increase in complexity at each stop. Everyone of this obstacles is greatly crafted, with great tension and conflict. The journey never feels easy. The film has some surprising, very emotional moments. The struggle of the hero is real, tangible. It's a fascinating protagonist because nothing can stop him, but we can still see the pain, the suffering and even the fear. The cinematography is, yes, no doubt, very impressive. But so is the script. I really liked this film and I'd recommend it to everyone who loves a good movie.

Parasite (2019)

Plot and tension at its best.

[8/10 · 22 January 2020]

What a great movie. No words. For very long moments I was so immersed that I forgot I was watching a movie. The plot is greatly crafted. It always moves forward and escalates. When the story requires it, the tension is remarkable. I think the father's reason to kill Mr Park could've been established a little clearer, but anyway the movie is great.

Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019)

Very comical, not a great third act

[6/10 · 20 January 2020]

The best strengths of the film are the fact that it doesn't take itself too seriously and the cast of characters, very well crafted, with different personalities that complement for some hilarious moments. The plot follows what one would expect of an adventure film set in the juggle, but te movie offers a twist to every cliche to make it much funnier. Unfortunately, I felt the third act to be filled with non-sensicals and conveniences, and raised lots of questions in me. How did Eugenio's character manage to follow up close Dora and her friends through the traps unnoticed? Especially since the traps were mortal and would block the path right after Dora went through? How did Swiper manage to go through as well to steal the golden monkey? How did Dora know the water was the key? And what was the water's significance? One or two coincidences for the plot are okay, but I feel the writers had to go through long extends to create the situation they wanted for the climax (Eugenio being present there, Swiper stealing, Dora saving the day). If it had had a more solid third act, I'd probably have given it a 7. Nonetheless, the movie was pretty fun for what it is.

Dolemite Is My Name (2019)

Good

[7/10 · 18 January 2020]

The movie is fairly good. It tells the story of a very persistent man, which is always compelling to watch. For me, the movie felt a little slow and even too long at times. It probably has to do with the fact that Ray goes through the movie switching goals. He wants to be famous, then a rapper/comedian, then film star. It made it feel a little too episodic for me, and made me lose a little of the investment I had in the story. The movie got to its best when Ray and the crew struggle to make the movie. I would've focused specifically on that story, if I had written it. But anyway, it was good.

Richard Jewell (2019)

Exceptional

[8/10 · 15 January 2020]

This is a great movie right here. It's a high-quality piece of work that stands out for its great character crafting and its plot/pace, always moving forward, always new problems/situations appearing in the way. All characters are very solid. Each has a very clear goal, a very clear set of value they follow to achieve those goals. Even the antagonists are relatable and very interesting. Although the climax/denouement feels a little too calm, as opposed to a big, triumphant scene, I still felt the emotion it wanted to evoke. I can't stop recommending this film that lacks boring moments, and will hook you from beginning to end.

Charlie's Angels (2019)

Plot's not so bad, but way too preachy

[5/10 · 8 January 2020]

Most of the flaws of the movie are not that bad. Weak characters that, for the most part, lack any substance. A plot that is often a little forced and too convenient. A very weak plot twist. A weak climax. However, the film is excessively preachy, to the point where it becomes extremely annoying. Every man in the story is evil. Every woman is good. Every woman can beat any man with no problem. Every woman can outsmart any man. Every woman is unstoppable, while every man is pathetic at best. There are some scenes that are very cringy, like the sequence of just girls running and playing in the first 10 minutes, trying to be a motivational sort of sequence. And making Charlie a woman... that was just stupid.