toutouguy Reviews

Roh (2019)

Had potential

[4/10 · 22 February 2024]

Although the budget was limited in making this movie (and I knew that fact before immersing myself), 'Roh' supplies viewers with a perpetual sense of calm and dreadfulness throughout the film. I honestly applaud the producers for achieving a fearful atmosphere with a low budget and relatively cheap special effects. The movie is indeed rather ominous and slow-paced (too slow imo), and few words are spoken from each character. It is thus imperative not to miss out on key conversations and dialogue between them.

In the exposition, we can see that the film is going to dance around Malaysian folktales, legends, and religion (Islam). A very spiritual and supernatural kind of horror. The film's target audience is definitely any one person who is familiar with such stories or is religiously Islamic.

Overall, the plot is quite simple, but the flow and direction sometimes may leave you confused and desiring more. The climax has a little twist but unravels itself unsatisfactorily like many stereotypical horror films. I have seen A LOT of horror movies, and this one will not leave a lasting impression. You will be left with unanswered questions.

Where the Crawdads Sing (2022)

Frightening and Enticing

[8/10 · 23 January 2023]

DISCLAIMER: I have not read the book and so please consider my review with respect to the movie alone.

My initial thoughts and feelings that came to me during the prologue was, "this movie is extremely unique" and a concept I thought would never pop up in Hollywood. I felt an extreme sense of nostalgia throughout. When I was young, my mom and dad had told me many stories of the past when they were children and young adults and I believe the film captured this era perfectly.

Communication was very difficult back in the day and we take for granted the amazing things the internet does and helps us today. Finding love and the dating scene itself was an entirely different animal than it was 60-70 years ago.

The acting from every member of the cast was exceptional and the story was peppered with innocent, melancholy, feel-good and dark tones. There is a crazy twist at the conclusion and to me was the icing on the cake of this masterpiece.

Touching, Sympathetic, Mysterious, Eerie, Captivating.

Anything for Jackson (2020)

Do not buy into what other critics are saying

[4/10 · 23 January 2023]

This is another routinely low-quality horror film, DO NOT BE FOOLED by featured reviews and please read my review as it serves as a warning to save you time! In summary, the entire drama revolves around the extremely desperate measures an elderly couple takes to bring back their (deceased) grandson. They've gone as far as joining a local Satanic occult group and have discovered the cliche Necronomicon book that may possibly bring him back! Strange...it's almost as if I've seen this movie before...another Evil dead movie copycat?

The real reason this movie fails to impress and leave an imprint is because most of the scenes were excessively unrealistic and corny. There was not enough suspense and too much climax.

On a rare positive note...some of the 'scare scenes' were not heavily foreshadowed and so disturbing imagery was surprising and shocking and not simple jump scares we're used to seeing director's resort to.

Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)

a good comedic ending...sort of

[6/10 · 16 October 2022]

The film is like a modern horror/mystery slasher (or so it seems) and you are left there in constant speculation. Overall, the movie's target audience was obviously for immature and young teens, but because of the conclusion I enjoyed the entire experience more. There was a twist at the end that I was NOT expecting and so I guess you could say this 'stupid and boring film' did in fact trick me and so I regretfully say I respect that (in a hilarious half-joking way). Throughout the movie, I was waiting for good scares but there were none. Instead, the only resemblance of dread was, "who is going to die next?" "What might be the motives of this killer?"

In summary, the actors & actresses weren't anything special and the constant dialogue/arguments were quite annoying to listen to but if you make the movie kind of like a game with friends where you guess what happens next it is pretty fun.

Titanic (1997)

An all-time great film

[9/10 · 6 August 2022]

Beautiful, feel-good and touching movie. All those poor souls that knew it was their end, I cannot imagine the horror. Leonardo DiCaprio is a generational talent; I cannot believe he was only around 20 years old when production began in 1995.

The portrayal and accuracy of the actual events is pretty accurate, as well as the raw emotions captured from the cast when facing the dire situation of a sinking ship with not enough time, lifeboats, or assistance.

I love movies like this that spread awareness and gives those who cannot speak for themselves anymore a "voice". Though this tragic incident happened over 100 years ago, I can feel sympathy for all those affected by the sinking of the Titanic. James Cameroon did a fantastic job.

Seoul Station (2016)

Not bad

[7/10 · 25 July 2022]

The animation is a little strange, but this movie definitely kept you interested. Enjoy the movie for what it is, a zombie apocalypse, but don't expect an amazing story or conclusion right out the gate or you will be disappointed. Some of the characters may be annoying or clueless, but I can't argue with the fact that people in the real world might act the same way. In general, people are both brilliant but sometimes extremely stupid. It's just one of the natural laws, basically!

Searching (III) (2018)

Wow, just wow

[8/10 · 25 July 2022]

A masterful performance from John Cho. It was very pleasing to see his familiar face again in Hollywood. This movie is spectacular and takes you on a mysterious journey that will deeply touch your soul. This is what innovative and new films should be about. There was a lot of work, editing, and planning put into this movie, I highly regard that.

Ponyo (2008)

Not as good as I thought it would be...

[6/10 · 25 July 2022]

I'm probably going to get a lot of hate for this review, but I did not necessarily enjoy this movie. It was totally overhyped by the time I got to it!

The protagonist simply annoyed me the entire movie, biggest factor! Other than that, the animation was phenomenal, and the overall story/comedy was cute so I can't give this lower than 6 stars.

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (2021)

ALL ABOUT THAT ACTION!!

[10/10 · 25 July 2022]

Man, what a crazy ride and experience it was watching this in the theatres with friends. Breathtaking, pumped, heart-racing, awesome.

I propose the stupid rich people like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos need to fund these studios/writers/animators so we can all enjoy more entertainment like this!

Give back to the people that made you rich! Without innovators, connections and support they would be nothing don't forget!

Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Humorous in 2022

[7/10 · 25 July 2022]

Finally had some time to watch this gem and managed to finish the whole thing in its entirety! Pretty interesting story and totally a Tim Burton style film. Seeing the movie in the present was a fun experience with the whole Amber Heard situation and although quite strange and outlandish, the movie was a rare treat.

Incantation (2022)

Not too shabby...

[7/10 · 25 July 2022]

Some scenes are pretty spooky and quite disturbing we're not going to lie about that. I've seen my fair share of horror movies and this one definitely stands out. Not top 10 or 20 all-time caliber, but the buildup and climax sticks with you. One of the first times in a movie where I felt somewhat infringed upon in real life seeing the satanic and ritualistic sequences that seemed to continue on even after the conclusion of the movie.

Enjoy the ride! Watch it late with friends under blankets with snacks/drinks. You will enjoy the experience and fun!

The Adam Project (2022)

Meh

[5/10 · 25 July 2022]

You can hate my review but hear me out... As far as science fiction genre as a whole goes, the movie was meh. Not quite kid friendly but not really fit for adults either. I respect Ryan Reynolds but sometimes his humor or "larger-than-life persona" is over the top and in this case it was. I was personally wishing the movie might have ended faster but was stuck watching it with some friends! The overall story, climax, falling action, etc. Are pretty monotonous and employs overused themes. Mark Ruffalo, out of reverence, prevented me from downgrading the movie to a 4, I think. Not the worst movie out there, far from that.

Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018)

Honorable

[7/10 · 25 July 2022]

I love a good found footage movie (especially horror/mystery) and this one almost touches on that greatness. The ingredients are there but although quite spooky and the interactions with the evil entities are unique at times, it still felt like another jump-scare heavy horror flick and ran a bit stale. Personally, I didn't enjoy the glitchy effects and skipping of sequences either. On a good note, the visual imagery is respectable, and the film shoot execution is pretty darn good.

The Mimic (2017)

A good horror film...not bad but not great

[7/10 · 25 July 2022]

Personally, I enjoyed this movie. It's definitely better and scarier than a lot of other boring cliche jump-scare heavy horror films. The "Tiger" entity coupled with the crazy Shaman is pretty neat and is identical to the North American Navajo monster known as the Skin-walker. I've always loved listening to firsthand accounts of skin-walkers. If you can look past the plot-holes and annoying irrational decision making from the protagonists, the movie isn't horrible. A solid 6.5 out of 10.

Squid Game (2021– )

Loved it

[9/10 · 21 July 2022]

Ahhh, it's been months since I've seen the whole series BUT...so far...

We need more of these crazy and hilarious KOREAN FILMS

I love the ideas, drama, and overall clumsiness and chaos of it all. The execution and preciseness can always use some work but this film succeeded and surpassed it's goals; and that is, to entertain and make a huge profit!

Every person in America has likely heard about this dramatic television series especially now in the information age.

I'm Thinking of Ending Things (2020)

Confused...

[4/10 · 21 July 2022]

This movie has a million interpretations and no closure. A film jam-packed with many words and information but no clear direction. A mess actually. I DID NOT actually enjoy the unlimited drivel coming from the actors' mouths in the car however. Mostly meaningless, underwhelming, and bizarre mumbo jumbo with a few and I mean truly a FEW interesting, abstract, and sad ideas that eventually blended into reality.

Black Widow (2021)

Please stop pushing for more Black Widow content...

[5/10 · 21 July 2022]

One of the low tier MARVEL films tbh. What can you expect though? The Black Widow is not a true hero in my honest opinion so this is just another basic Spy/Espionage plot. It's also cheaper to do these kinds of films and not incorporate a lot of CGI so I understand the financial factors and profit margins. Pretty conventional story though.

On a positive note, this film is definitely better than Morbius, The Fantastic Four (2015), X-Men: Dark Phoenix, The New Mutants and the Eternals (possibly Black Panther as well, that film was just a mess).

The movie wasn't worth going to the theaters for (like I did out of boredom and an excuse to go out) but it might be worth watching at home if you have absolutely nothing else to pass the time with.

Mulan (2020)

You won't bring honor to anyone with this Disney...

[4/10 · 21 July 2022]

I don't understand why magic and fantasy was involved. To please and entice children? The production crew should have stuck with the story from the original animation or at least abide VERY CLOSE to it with minor variation.

I guarantee you the crew had enough talent to pull it off and the film could have blown up so much more. The trailer wasn't bad, but the movie definitely was!

Please do not watch this film if you're having any signs higher than normal expectations!

Shame on you Disney, I loved Mulan, Mushu, Shang, etc. Childhood ruined unless they can make up for this mistake!!

The Trip (2021)

Not too brilliant

[5/10 · 21 July 2022]

I couldn't tell if I was watching a dark humor, suspenseful, action, romance, or drama film. To the producer, director and others with oversight: Please decide on selecting a few niche genre's instead of pleasing the masses and choosing all of them...

The movie is a little too over the top and pretends to be greater than what it actually is in my most humblest opinion. It's not as smart as it thinks it is and the humor is not as funny. The plot twists are very predictable and overall doesn't bring any extreme shock, pleasure or joy.

I'd give the casting crew a solid 7 out of 10 however.

The Mist (2007)

Pretty realistic yet not so much

[7/10 · 21 July 2022]

The overall story the film depicted is intriguing yet at the conclusion it still left you with unanswered questions. Disclaimer, I DID NOT READ the book. Ignore the cliché decisions made from the characters and bad CGI and it's a decent film. I've had this in my watchlist for years and finally had the time to get around to it (mostly due to the fact I've run out of good movies to watch and not because I was personally interested in it). Go ahead and watch the movie if you're bored or need background noise. It's not BAD, it's just frustrating and quite unrealistic at times. A solid 6.5 is probably where my true score lies but since this is a classic I'm happy to rate it a 7 in favor of 6.

Agora (2009)

Tragic

[1/10 · 12 May 2022]

Terrible movie and terrible idea, stay clear folks. This is poison and literally a waste of time to the human soul. Very boring and unimpressive also, couldn't finish the whole thing. Tried a few times just because I hate leaving movies unfinished but could not do it with this one. That's a rare case for me also smh.

The Queen's Gambit (2020)

The director is really immature

[1/10 · 12 May 2022]

The show is very inaccurate and dramatic. The only positive thing that came from this show was popularizing chess again, which is a game that I've always been fascinated with as a child and still play to this day. The main concern was there was no real 'problem' that Beth Harmon encountered, and the story was very bland after a while. The director (who is Jewish) also truly expressed his beliefs as every Christian person alive was made to look foolish in this series. There was extreme hostility towards theism and INDIVIDUALISM instead was presented as the future and correct way of living. I really dislike the idea of director's poking fun of religion because it shows their insecurities and superiority complex issues. Because this series included a lot of religious jokes instead of focusing on CHESS it earns a solid 1 star. What a waste and shame, definitely not going to watch any continuation series.

The Golden Compass (2007)

Boring movie

[1/10 · 12 May 2022]

Movie and concept is rather boring. Acting was okay but the meaning and purpose of the film is really stupid and made the film unwatchable. Please do not watch this movie, plenty of other fantasy literature out there that is ten times better.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

Solid, minus some of the baggage...

[7/10 · 11 May 2022]

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness feels like a fantasy literature movie blended with qualities of a horror film so beware of taking young children to watch in theaters! The film is reminiscent of Harry Potter but on steroids. Overall, it is very fast paced and feels a little rushed, but it's held together well enough in specific sequences that gives audiences time to discern and much needed punctuation. The movie is peppered with themes much darker than the usual MCU flick and the director does a well enough job to piece together and answer unanswered questions from previous films and from the WandaVision sitcom. I believe this movie earned a solid 7.5 based on the action and intriguing plot. There were plenty of cringe and groundless inferences and ideas that disappointed me throughout the film but I could understand why those decisions were made by the production crew.

The Dark Knight (2008)

Madness is like gravity

[10/10 · 7 March 2022]

This film is spectacular. Definitely in my top 10 greatest of all time. Christopher Nolan is a genius and the soundtrack paired perfectly with each scene. You will be on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Additionally, you know the film is great when you can feel the characters in your soul. There's real fear and dread looming around the Joker like a massive presence because you never truly know what he might do. It's entirely possible he could have sliced up Alfred and served him on a dinner plate to Batman but thankfully that did not happen (But it COULD have. He is that insane.) If you see this movie in its entirety and do not give it at least a 7 out of 10, I don't see how we could ever be friends!