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Reviews
El hoyo (2019)
Simple and effective
I watched a recommendation of this foreign film beforehand where it was already compared to Cube (1997). It does share the feeling of claustrophobia, panic and hopelessness of Cube, but is enough of an original concept to not compare it the entire time. It has obvious themes of class struggle and how nothing will get better if you let yourself become apart of the problem. It was legitimately scary because it kept making you thinking of what you would do if you were in that situation. Would you conform? Would you let yourself become apart of the system, accept it and play by 'their' rules for the rest of your life. Or will you try to effect change and not be discouraged or stopped by those around you. It shared the other similarity with Cube in we never find out who is truly behind the prison. Level 0 shows the kitchen where all the food gets prepared and the people in it. But it never makes you believe they are the ones behind what is going on. It seems like they are just apart of the system and their only concern is to make the food.
Freaky (2020)
Fun and Entertaining
I wasn't sure what to expect going in. Everyone, except Vince Vaughn, was an unknown to me and he has been a hit or miss over the last 15 years. The previews showed nothing but a horror comedy so the cold open being an homage to Friday the 13th while taking itself seriously and emoting genuine emotion was a great introduction to the rest of the film which didn't stray from the comedy element like the intro. The female lead played her role well but Vince Vaughn completely stole the show acting as a teenage girl. Writing that sentence feels weird but the performance never gave off an inappropriate or creepy vibe. I found myself laughing hysterically for many of his scenes and the film sent you home with unforced character development and arc for Millie and her family. There are some stereotypical characters, at some points it was an obvious commentary on old horror films but other times came off as a genuine cliché instead of a satirized cliché. With that said it was never distracting and didn't ruin the experience in the slightest with Vince Vaughn stealing every scene he was in.
Coming 2 America (2021)
It Passed the Time
I did not go into the film with high expectations. Maybe it was because of that I was able to objectively sit back and enjoy a lot of the jokes. The story is pretty straight forward and similar to the original with a female empowerment message at the end. It relied heavily on nostalgia and at times the jokes were tasteless but it didn't completely ruin the experience. It made a meta jokes about how sequels like these are unnecessary but it didn't come off as clever and all it did was remind me that this movie didn't need to be made.
Palm Springs (2020)
Andy Samberg was almost one bad movie away from becoming thought of as another Adam Sandler
I was hoping this was going to be good but was worried that Andy Samberg may have been one bad movie away from becoming thought of as another Adam Sandler. Luckily he's had the opportunity to consistently show his range on Brooklyn Nine-Nine since 2013 and completely delivered in this film. With a really effective opening showcasing the type of humor and emotional journey he would find himself on and a female lead who did a perfect job showcasing the character's multidimensional and realistic personality. I was taken on an emotional journey with a familiar rom-com formula but fresh and enough character development to keep it interesting. I was also a fan of the shifting perspectives as it was not overdone and happened at the perfect times to give the characters time to breath and let us empathize and understand both. It took a sub-genre and familiar premise and was able to stand on its own as an outrageous comedy and emotionally driven sci-fi flick.
Tron: Legacy (2010)
No Spoilers
In my mind this movie would have been great if not for the digital de-aging done for Jeff Bridges. It showed too much right from the start and it left a weird feeling for the entirety of an otherwise awesome movie. The score was one of the best film compositions I have ever heard and was pivotal in telling the story of a young man in a strange land looking for his father. The effects were incredible, acting was great and you could tell the filmmakers cared about what they were making. It captured what the original film was going for and enhanced everything about it. All in all it was a very enjoyable experience and I think about this picture quite often and listen to Daft Punk's soundtrack even more often. Highly recommended. I just wish someone could go back and fix the de-aging effect.
Once Upon a Time (2011)
Seasons 1-6 Review
I am not sure why studios keep trying to make live action remakes of so many iconic children's characters hen none of them could be done better than in this show. It reinvented so many characters perfectly with with rich backstories and layers to everyone's personalities. Anything anyone could have wanted was in this show. Anyone you've ever heard of was at least given a mention and so many familiar faces get their own story at some point while introducing enough original characters to stay fresh. Trying to go into detail wouldn't do it a justice when there is so much story in these six seasons that it just needs to be watched and remember as the live action version we didn't deserve but were fortunate enough to get.
Ash vs Evil Dead (2015)
Too good for words. But I'll try.
I had only watched the first two 'Evil Dead' movies once before watching this series and had not watched 'Army of Darkness' yet. But knew enough through pop culture to understand a lot of the references. Shows like these can go on ten years and not get stale and it is a crime it only lasted three seasons. Similar to 'Cobra Kai', it is another perfect balance of nostalgia and new ideas to keep every second of every episode entertaining. It keeps Ash's character the same while still being able to add different layers to him, similar to the treatment of Michael Myers in 'Halloween 2018', although those two characters are completely contrasting. The other perfect balance was that of the tone, keeping the insane slapstick comedy from the latter two films whilst having great dramatic moments and some true horror scenes. It pays homage to all three films in the franchise, which was unexpected to see it did not try to ignore the first one. This is everything you would have ever wanted from this franchise, being able to expand the world with 15 hours more content that added new elements while not ruining anything that was presented beforehand. Exploring the book did not ruin its mystery and the added characters only enhanced it. This is an absolute must watch, but also not for the queasy, as the practical gory effects are easily the best I have ever seen and they used every opportunity to show something gruesome and graphic.
The Invisible Man (2020)
Great Film. Period.
I was not hugely excited to see this. The previews looked good but it was hard to tell if it was going to offer anything new. I was never so happy to have expectations shattered, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time until the credits started. The tension building is comparable to the best horror films ever made and the jump scares were all original and inventive, they not only made me jump but they all left me terrified for some time after because they all came when you'd least expect them to and all had horrible ramifications. The acting was superb, the character development, complexity and like-ability for the lead was incredible. You genuinely liked her and was rooting for her the entire time, admiring her intelligence. Even the character development of the young girl was better than most film leads. The twists had me genuinely shocked and an ending that could be looked at as unsure of what really happened or you were completely sure. It was one of the best horror thrillers I have seen in some time and that includes all the other great horror films that have come out in the last few years.
Glass (2019)
Everything I wanted it to be.
This was everything I had hoped this movie would be. I loved the action sequences being as realistic as a superhuman fight could be, I loved the time spent with all the characters and the psychiatrist being able to make Bruce Willis' and James McAvoy's characters believe they may not be supernatural. Making them believe they were just really good at several different skills that real people have been able to accomplish. I supported the decision for Samuel L. Jackson to appear catatonic for the first half of the film and spending time on unraveling David and Kevin's personalities. I did not understand the hate for Bruce Willis' performance, it was everything it needed to be. Nor did I understand why this film was not universally loved. It was so well done and filled with so much story and character development, not relying on action sequences or computer generated graphics. It was just a story where you could almost believe these people could exist. The ending did go on a little long for me and it appeared there were too many twists for its own good. Finding out Kevin's dad was on the train was enough of a twist for me. It didn't hurt the film but the twist of a secret organization that has been around for thousands of years and then the twist that Jackson had been pulling the strings the entire time before getting around to sharing the footage of the superhuman feats shared across the world. At first viewing it appeared it was trying to be too clever but I have watched this film 5 times just because I loved it so much and I grew understand why it had such an extended ending. I could not believe he committed to killing off all the main characters, it was bold and unheard of in this genre. All in all, it is a must see and a great pay off of the two previous films in the franchise.
Cube (1997)
My new favorite movie
In a world of movies filled with ensemble films, this underrated 1997 mystery film portrays the most realistic group dynamic I have ever seen where each character is unique from one another. It turns stereotypes on their heads and creates a tense viewing experience where the characters are in the same setting the entire time. Each character has its purpose and each one is given complex personalities not often seen in films like these that slowly reveal themselves as the movie progresses. It is a perfect viewing for those studying film and one that is going to resurface as a classic.
Winchester (2018)
It passed the time
I had high hopes for this film with the actors involved and the famous story behind it. But although the film turned out to be a disappointment, it also felt like that was the best it could be. There would have only been so many ways to make use of the ghost stories to make it an interesting plot for a movie and I respect the effort put in by the filmmakers. Everything looks very well done, effects are great and acting was great. There was just something missing from this picture for it to be memorable. This is the only time I can remember that I had absolutely nothing to say about a movie after leaving the theater. The car ride home was dead silence.
Slender Man (2018)
They tried, but did not succeed.
I did not have high expectations for this but I also tried to go in with an open mind because I had been recently pleasantly surprised several times. I loved the cinematography and the acting was terrific, everyone seemed like they really tried. It just didn't land, nothing was scary and it never felt like there was any real tension. I got scared once throughout and I got made fun of by my fellow moviegoer because of it. It did seem like it would be enjoyable for its target demographic, which seem to be teenage girls.
The Nun (2018)
Meh
I was excited for this after Annabelle: Creation was surprisingly awesome. I watched these Conjuring films out of order, watching the first film I mentioned, then followed by the nun. Then watched the two Conjuring films afterward and saw Annabelle Comes Home in theaters. So when I saw The Nun, also in theaters, I was not aware what was done with the character in Conjuring 2, where the nun was basically the main antagonist. I am not sure if that would have changed my opinion of this film though, while some scares do land and there is good tension at times, it was an overall flat film with no real takeaways from it. The Conjuring 2 already did it better and all in all feels like an unnecessary entry in their universe.
Hereditary (2018)
Two times, two different experiences.
I am not sure if it is odd to write a review after needing to view it a second time but here we go. I was unsure what to think of this film after first viewing, I was not able to understand all the undertones and foreshadowing then felt lost during the climax. The tension was still great the first time around. My second viewing was not for months later, I knew there was a lot to unravel and I didn't just watch it again right away. I wanted to take time to think and do research on my own before I went back for a second and boy, there was a lot I missed. I'd like to think I had a good understanding by the end of the second time around and I am truly impressed by the amount of thought that went into this project. It's a film you have to watch twice no matter what and you will have two completely different enjoyable experiences.
A Quiet Place (2018)
Surprisingly Outstanding.
I knew the title had to do with the plot but I had never had an experience at the theater of feeling disruptive just from eating popcorn. It really immersed the viewer into the film and made you feel how the characters felt and just how uncomfortable it can be until you accept your new reality. At first I was wondering how the family could all be fluent in sign language after their world ending event until I realized they already knew it because their daughter is deaf. That was an awesome touch and showed how they could have survived up until that point. It was a film I'd referred members of the deaf community to because I had never watched a film with mass appeal that was almost all in ASL. You feel the connection the characters and the pain they all feel without ever being able to express their emotions fully. I thought I wasn't going to be able to take John Krasinski seriously because with a film I knew had to rely on facial expressions, that there was no way I wouldn't be thinking of his Office character the whole time. He proved me wrong, the story he is able to tell about the love of his family pulled at the heartstrings. 10/10. Although, like, why would anyone try to have a baby?!
Annabelle Comes Home (2019)
Lived up to the predecessor
The 'Conjuring Universe' is the only attempted cinematic universe that has been able to work besides the MCU. It's working because whosoever idea it was didn't rush it. It started with a different formula. With the films starting with the flagship then following up with the spin-offs. Although not all films were an A+, this one was at least an A. The universe is working because most films, except two, have been given real care. It may have still been a cash grab, but it was worth every penny. And having 'Conjuring' characters actually in the film did not hurt either. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, we have all been wondering since film 1 "What would it be like to be trapped in that room?" The adaptation of that fantasy did not disappoint. They kept the suspense going and a female lead cast captivated the screen with intensity. All the scares worked and there were imprints on both my armrests after it was over. Perhaps it is my own horror movie expectation but, just like in Annabelle: Creation, I wanted more people to die. If my memory serves me correctly I don't think anyone did. The film was still effective but I believe if they continue on that path then everyone is going to know that there are no real stakes involved. All in all a great horror movie.
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019)
Much Better Than I Expected
I was not familiar with the source material before watching and expected a movie similar to Slender Man. A non-scary high budget film for tweens. I was never more happy to be wrong. This proved you don't require and R or even PG-13 rating to be scary. To me it takes more effort to make an effective film for everyone than to cater to limited demographics. This was obviously for the consumption of children but it worked on every level for any age. No cursing, no nudity, good acting, good cinematography and effective suspense. All in all all a fun watch and achieved what it sought out to do.
Jojo Rabbit (2019)
In a League of its own.
I have never seen a film that balanced insane parody comedy and drama this well. This is a masterpiece and will be remembered as a classic. This is subject material that has never been explored in this way. Only Taika Watiti could make Hitler funny and put a whole new perspective for Western society on what World War 2 was probably actually like in Nazi Germany. It pokes at the obvious ridiculous things that must have been going on back then while making you laugh until you cry and then feel sad enough to cry. There has never been a movie like this and there never will be again. This will stand alone as its own genre.
Apollo 18 (2011)
The kind of slow burn horror that is not appreciated anymore
This is the kind of slow burn film that is not appreciated anymore. The tension keeps building throughout and sets you up for a tragedy ending to then give you a false sense of hope that then gives you the payoff you were anticipating. The body horror was great, you could understand the characters actions and it was as believable a movie about aliens could be since K-PAX. I went in not knowing the conspiracies theories and did not compare it to other found footage horror films. I now see the similarity to Blair Witch and it took inspiration from the Paranormal Activity sequels camera set up but it stood on its own as an effective horror science fiction experience.
Halloween (2018)
The 'Requel' Film Done Right
It took a paradox for the concept of this film to work. The original Halloween was easily the best film in the series, but it would not have been a famous horror franchise without it's inferior successors. But this would not have worked if it wasn't a big horror franchise. So this movie needed all the sequels so they could ignore them. It should not have worked, but it did. The original created all the horror tropes we know today without knowing it at the time. Many horror films followed the same pattern for slasher flicks but this film was able to take the tropes it created and do something completely original. It took its original score which was never truly expanded upon in the other films, and created something even better. It didn't feel predictable and turning it into a thriller was a good move. We got to see Michael more than in any other, which should not have worked, but it did. It kept true to the original concept of The Shape while still being able to reinvent the character, or lack there of. The idea of him being a mindless killing embodiment of evil is much more scary than being obsessed with killing his last remaining family members, which every single sequel and reboot film relied heavily on. This is an example of the over-saturated sequels, reboots and prequel phase of cinema being done right. Any concept can get over done but it is movies like these of which this concept was made for.
It Chapter Two (2019)
Good not great.
I went into this movie with high expectations, which may have contributed to my overall disappointment. I enjoyed all the characters performances, cinematography and sound design. It was the story that did not grab me as a viewer. A story that I was already invested in was not able to keep my interest. The CGI done of the younger versions of the main cast threw me off and ruined my immersion of the film and I went in hoping it not be predictable. I was hoping the writer and director would want to shake up some of the story, including the ending, to give audiences an entertaining and original experience. What we got was a rated R version of the 1990 miniseries. I did not leave the theater hating the film and found my initial experience enjoyable. It just was not a movie I found myself talking about afterward or wanting to see a second time, especially compared to wanting to watch part 1 several times after it's release. I'd recommend it just to get a conclusion from the superior first part.
Joker (2019)
This may be one of the most important works of mainstream art in our time.
The only emotion I was able to understand after watching this film for the first time was disturbed. It invoked one of the longest and thought-provoking conversations I've had after watching a film. One of the biggest being its portrayal of mental illness, which may have been the most realistic I've seen, and the graphic violence. Only after watching it a second time did I realize how little violence there is in the film. The way Todd Phillips was able to make the viewer feel so strongly about the protagonist's journey throughout is a testament to him, Joaquin Phoenix and anyone involved in the film, especially the way the cinematographer used colors. It balanced an original story and comic book origin story flawlessly and after the second viewing, was able to look past it's 'not so' graphic nature and understand everything Arthur was going through and was somehow able to empathize and disagree with a character at the same time as they slipped into madness. This may be one of the most important works of mainstream art in our time.