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TheBlackTulip
Reviews
Military Wives (2019)
So moving
I'm too emotional to write anything coherent or relate what feel, the stuff behind the stuff that surfaced watching this. I loved this film. I know this film will not win any major awards, or make any top ten in film festivals, but art that speaks to us, wether in a fancy pouch or a slap to the face, should be celebrated and cherished. This film's main theme is as universal and timeless as they come. Im gonna look up the series. For all of us who have lost someone who were in the armed forces (regardless of nationality) this film touches on subject matters, topics that speak to things we don't always find easy expressing or sharing with others, so I feel the least I could do was take the time and share these thoughts. I have barely sat thru half of huge studio big budget productions, but this little movie had glued down so much that by the time it ended I had to run to the restroom, having forgotten completely while watching "Military wives". A solid empathic thumbs up.
M.O.D.O.K. (2021)
Here we are again
This show was such a fantastic surprise, a healthy 180 after so many superhero flicks have bombed at the box office, so you'd naturally assume this absolute cult classic in the making would have me laughing my butt off every single episode for a myriad of future seasons. Alas, that won't seem to be the case, as whoever is in charge of sailing Marvel's decadent ship of morons does really have his/her eyes on running aground. Or whatever. The type of unique show you'd want to buy the extended, longest, gold edition, limited blu-ray collection, etc and cherish it for ever. Everyone in the absolutely fantastically dope cast is spot on, performance and everything wise. Oh MODOK, you shall be missed, your razor sharp humor, adorable and excellent animation, and a superb all around job by everyone involved. May you collect as many accolades as tears we've shed laughing in enjoyment. Thank you.
The Gilded Age (2022)
A return to form
After one too many seasons of a brocade of scarcely enjoyable and critically appreciated series, HBO brings a second season that's just as wholesome, thoughtful, and specially as great as the first, if not more. There are many positive things I could share as to why this beloved series is so dear to every fan whose been lucky enough to follow it since it's inception on Sunday night television, but to the many who does presently love and cherish this history inspired semi fictional story, or the many who will to be added (I truly feel this is one of those cases, such as in aging wine, where with time this story will only become more and more endearing) to this fan club. There is one aspect I can't praise any more and that is the casting; amongst an slightly eclectic cast of veterans, some newcomers, but altogether a myriad of talent filled ensemble, where is noticeable a love for this story in particular, transpires through their almost every performance, it's the original casting that has stood out significantly, to me at least. I have to confess, casting, unless I'm discussing a Wes or P. T. Anderson flick (at the risk of sounding snobbish A. F.) it's not a film's segment that either professional or amateur fans of a particular movie, in my experience, is neither praised or covered enough. Since this is a story that's told in a series of episodes, there's ample chance to realize to what extent a casting director as done his or her job well, and for the first time I can say that, to me, not a single role hasn't been filed to almost perfection. I must say that is a first to me, the two aforementioned auteurs notwithstanding, that I can say with total certainty that I feel every single one of those roles have been performed as artfully and humanly possible. Now, I can't praise enough the work that has gone into those roles by the director, the rest of the cast, and the actors and actresses themselves, because well, I really can't. "The gilded age" has indeed become a memorable phrase, a timeless historic chapter in this country's history, and now, a resounding and unforgettable work of art.
Altered Carbon (2018)
Among the very best, initially at least..
WTFH?? I mean it can't have been the lead's salary as I'm sure season's 2 actor, after the "Avenger's" and the other many roles, demands as much, if not more than season's 1 unforgettable run, throughout. So, what happened? Production design, cast, cinematography all seems to be at about the same level, except it's not isn't? Went from iconic to exhausting, and it's definitely not the lead, as he was just in the remake of that awesome 90's PS1 game, in which he was both funny and charming, and was able to carry the series' first season mostly by himself. So, the writing seems to be the most obvious suspect, and most likely guilty party. Also, it seems a gradual decline, as with every episode, it seems and feels to get worse and worse. What a trite conclusion to a story that began with such promise, specially amongst such ordinary, clone-like, series and films, in a whole sea of copycats and unoriginal content. Hopefully one day it'll be resuscitated by the right team.
Mrs. Davis (2023)
TV done flawlessly.
The future is here. Though I won't elaborate any, because one of its main ingredients is obviously ti evoque a unique experience for each viewer, family peer group, or similar group of like-minded people who'll very shortly turn this show into a global spanning cult of loyal followers (see what I did there..?) I'm sure it's no surprise the actress.in the lead role is paramount to the foundation and altogether magic of this wonderful show. Now I have to disclose that I will always be biased when it comes to her (lead role lady I just mentioned), but you may be the judge of these remarks, if, or more like when you enjoy "Mrs. Davis" yourself. May the creators, and every artist involved in this magical, unique, anime-inspired, hell of a freakishly intense and genius story.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
In the rare tradition of masterful sequels
I, in my over forty years of being a cinephile of sorts, have very seldom experienced good sequels. Even when they're good solid works, rarely a continuation of an original idea, surpasses said previous work, in any way, technical or otherwise. This film had me crying one minute, jumping, rooting for the heroes the next, falling in love with the many profound messages throughout, and then having myself another cry. I've written only a couple of these reviews, and I very much doubt anyone will read this one. It's ok I'm doing it not for any audience, but as thank you to the creators, writers, director, and so on, because in the same way they have made a truly magnificent tribute to a great actor, human being, artist, and altogether "best of us"guy, Mr. Chadwick, this movie allowed me to contemplate for an instant how, having lost my mother very recently to cancer, it's in the works, actions, steps, and what we do, how we honor those very dear to us who have passed. Thank you, you have outdone yourselves in every way possible, and in these times when it's so common for comic book adaptations to be anything but outstanding, again this experience has been transcendental, key, and I believe historical in setting an example, for works to come. A very moved, and wholehearted 10 out of 10.
Wednesday (2022)
In a class of its own
The writing on this series is more than superb, sharp, sophisticated, I fail to find any other ways to kiss this shows bootiè (my own frenchefied version of ass yes) because it has rescued me from televisions current and worsening case of generic shallow syndrome, I wish I'd make my very limited vocabulary moist and flexible enough to reach it and serve its purpose. Seriously, all bubbly annoying kidding aside, I wouldn't be surprised if Mr. Burton had done all the writing, but I get a distinct feeling it's the two newcomers who have brought a refreshing new facelift, if you people will, to his nineties feature film version. Anyway, the acting it's top notch, production design it's all sound genuinely stylish and ..yes freaking awesome. And yes this rant is a "nod" to Wednesday's roomies character, which was done to perfection, not too raw, or cooked, just right. OMG I love it!
Andor (2022)
Surprisingly moving and inspiring.
I loved most things about this series, although I'm not a fan of Mr. Luna, he did carry his stoic marauder turned revolutionary pretty damn well. I loved almost every performance, but the one who impressed thoroughly was Arjona, who has stepped up her craft enormously, and took full advantage of this opportunity to display what looks like it's gonna be a legendary actress in the making. Makes me incredibly proud as a Hispanic, but also it comes to show that talent and hard work doesn't have to defined by nothing preconceived or schematic, in every sense possible, wether rags to riches, or having been fostered by his or her peers, it matters not if it's a calling, which personally I believe it's the case in question. Overall I feel the brains behind this wonderful sci-fi gem has done a marvelous work in directing and shaping how the characters were in the end portrayed. Can't wait to see what they do next.
Arcane: League of Legends (2021)
A historic and unique landmark in animation.
The future of animation, the next step, it seems, has finally arrived. I'm being grandiose and dramatic, to try and keep with the constant exaltation and excitement this series constantly infused me with, as I binged on it within less than 48 hours. Was utterly convinced, when I saw the high numeric review status, some sort of nerd -fueled conspiracy had taken place in order to elevate this visual gem to such heights, but, in all honesty, every single aspect, from character development, to cinematography, to the outstanding script, and so on, such praise, in my humble opinion, is well deserved. It might be argued that, because it's story and lore are, at its heart and core, a video game's, that this magic and visual wonder of a Netflix series, ahead of its time. I myself think, "Arcane" has, and will be remembered, maybe not for being the very first, but for having opened a bigger door for most everyone who can appreciate this art, of all ages, yo realize, that future of game based animation, has already arrived.
For Colored Girls (2010)
This oak weathered lighthouse will forever shine..
Though it was not appreciated and judged so around its premiere epoch, this movie will become one of those rare golden windows into a time and a generation of black, talented AF yeah (so it resonates how I want it to), most either at the peak in their trade, or with this work, freshly taking a gigantic step forward, or even sideways, in their craft. Each one, including I believe Mr. Perry, dug deep inside, and brought forward and forever so, a magical moment in moviemaking time, and this film is the result of that incredible feat. A mention must be made, in my opinion, to both Newton and her majesty Ms. Rashid, the oh so powerful always and unforgettable, as hard as it may be to believe, she would go such a step above and beyond, which is always the norm when it comes to this powerhouse of a unique actress, it's even more awe-inducing to watch her scenes, raising the bar for everyone, and giving almost a holy, god-like aura, to the performance of this whole, timeless yes, era-defining, and trance-like vehicle of a seventh art jewel of a movie. Newton, also impresses enormously, despite being surrounded by all these goddesses, playing their best requiem version of theirs. I feel I'm gonna watch this film, every decade of the rest of my life, and feel as privileged as I could ever.
Movie 43 (2013)
Oh my god!
I haven't laughed this hard since ...can't even remember when I did actually laugh this much, this hard, so much I started coughing violently after only 15-20 mins of movie time. This feels like there was a deep ulterior motive when all this ensemble of top notch actors, writers and directors, decided to make this seemingly extreme raunchy version of a comedy movie. After laughing non-stop for the duration I'm remembered of one thing that contributes to your overall physiological and psychological health: being able to laugh at yourself and to not take yourself too seriously. Maybe that was the point, or maybe the whole thing was born out of a dare or a bet, one thing that's obvious to me at least is that I'm sure EVERYONE involved in making this flick, thoroughly enjoyed the process, and for some of those with star status, I'm almost certain, it had been a while since they'd been able to work without as much pressure to deliver, pressure even from themselves as they are not known to have a comedy background or had worked in a comedic film whatsoever. Read some of the critiques by "professionals" from various publications across, and could not find one who tried to consider such a perspective on this film. Some of these people in here have gone to great lengths to write this lengthy essays on how disgusting and filthy and on and on, my question is: what the hell did you watch the whole movie for if, in fact, you were so outraged and revolted by it? I think asking a similar question does tend to uncover a lot of the latent intrinsic motives and reasons behind most of the rhetoric behind most of the online, print, or publishing of any kind, nowadays. Hey, if it makes you laugh as hard as it did me, then put on some slippers and enjoy, otherwise, someone taking the time and being so passionately and vehemently inclined to criticize ANYTHING, points, to me at least, to a seated dark issue more within themselves than with the target of their banter.
The Empty Man (2020)
A hidden gem..
This film has excellent acting, beautiful cinematography, and right from the get go it's evident you're watching the work of a highly skilled and meticulous director. James Badge Dale is an actor with limitless potential, but just like this movie, it feels as if neither him or this movie, have fallen short due to that universal forever enigmatic power behind being in the right place, in the right movie, being produced by the right company or studio, or the right director, and last but undeniably never least, at the right time. So it goes with this film, I felt an almost uncertain sadness when I watched it, not from knowing exactly where my finger was supposed to point to, but more like a feeling that this movies poor success can't be ultimately determined or blamed on the artistry behind it but more on the business side if you will. A title "the film that almost could..." kept popping up on my head.
So It's sad on retrospect, and genuinely scary, I'd think to a more educated and mature audience, some I'd whom I'm certain will be left with the same sour sweet taste this humble reviewer experienced. Let's hope all the people involved in this project who worked so hard and who, in my opinion, will eventually be vindicated, despite the film being poorly received by both the public and critics.
Long Shot (2019)
The Theron/Rogen ticket we should ever be so lucky to get in real life.
I loved I mean loved this movie. I enjoyed it immensely, it had a brisk pace, solid comedic dialogues, laugh out loud about a dozen time. Good job, finished the movie reflecting on how refreshing, though unlikely, the country would get behind a story like that, for political office. That's how dark and ugly the current political reality is.