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Reviews
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
A beautiful tribute to Chadwick
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was more than a movie. It was a tribute to an incredible actor and someone who you could truly feel made an impact on all of the actors in this film lives while also still creating a beautiful way to continue the story in a very tasteful way
I personally found the plot of the first black panther movie to be a little dull at times but I felt that this one was super effective in establishing a story arch that allowed for development and growth of the characters and the story. It also did what every Marvel movie should do and that's extend the overall arch of the story and push into the next movie of the phase.
Plot:1.5/2
There are some truly incredible acting performances in this film and it is heavily driven by the female leads who are so exceptional in their roles. From Wright to Basset to everybody else, the women in this film were allowed to shine and they did so in an absolutely incredible way that brought out the best in these characters and truly made you feel all the emotions they were undertaking
Acting:1.5/2
This is such a heartbreaking story at times to tell and a story that should have not to have been told but because of the unfortunate passing of Boseman; they were forced to tell the story of his end and it was done in such a beautiful and poignant way but also incredibly effective for the overall storytelling of the MCU. They used this tragedy to teach us about grief as well as how to live your life pass the death of a loved one and that is a lesson I believe we can all take from this film
Storytelling:1.75/2
This film had much more creativeness than the original as I thought the original followed the typical superhero story troph to close. This one however kept aspects of that apart of it whiles also brining unique elements that I believed helped elevate the film and make it a much enjoyable experience to watch
Creativity:1.5/2
As one would expect this movie is gorgeous and is shot so incredibly well from start to finish. Being able to completely immerse yourself in the world of Wakanda and the wonders that it brings. The soundtrack is also amazing as well and heightens certain scenes doing exactly what music is supposed to do in movies like this and bring out the best in it.
Other Factors:2/2
I think rightfully so many people were worried about how Marvel was going to do with the Black Panther saga post the death of Chadwick Boseman but I think what has been proven is that this story was able to done incredibly well and they were able to create a movie that I believe Chadwick would have been incredibly proud of and one that holds its own in MCU lore.
Overall:8.25/10.
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
The most brilliant family drama movie ever made
This movie shouldn't work. The pure insanity this movie is at times should not make it any more than a cheesy action movie but it is so much more than that. The themes that it is able to extract through the pure stupidity and joy of it makes it so absolutely incredible to watch and view and the journey it took me on was one I will never forget.
The plot of this movie is so incredibly convoluted and so much is action is packed into this one film but the way the story progresses you truly never feel lost. This is absolutely insane to think about considering how this movie is shot and how quickly it moves but it however a plot that anyone can reflect on and examine for how incredible it is
Plot:2/2
The ability for the actors in this film to shift from serious to funny roles is absolutely amazing but the most major props must go to Michelle Yeoh and Stephanie Hsu. There constant clashing weather as mother and daughter or as mortal enemies creates such a wonderful dynamic and one that everyone watching can feel drawn too. However, major props must also go to Ke Hyu Quan whose role as Waymond may be one of the best as well. His ability to quick witted and campy whiles also being one of the biggest drivers of the plot during the third act makes him as well every other minor character so incredible and crucial to the plot of the film.
Acting:2/2
This is the absolute craziest story I have ever seen and what I should have been throughout the entirety of the film was confused, grossed out, and bored and yet I was captivated for every minute of the film. This film gave so many incredible camera shots and artistry throughout the film that it just keeps you on the edge of your seat and brings you closer to these wonderful characters whose lives you feel so intwined with.
Storytelling:1.75/2
This film has creativity in spades. The simple family drama mother daughter story has been told so many times but this one did it in such a unique way that it can and will never be replicated again. The fact that someone even thought of a story like this and to tell it in this way makes this story so absolutely wonderful to digest
Creativity:2/2
From the costumes to the music to the cinematography, every little minuet detail of this film bring it to the next level. You can tell that every decision was purposefully placed in order to make this movie the absolute best it can be and while there are so many moments when this movie shouldn't work but everything is done so particular that it ends up being perfection
Other Factors:2/2
This movie should have never worked and yet it might be the greatest family drama trope ever told because everyone can relate to this film. Everyone can relate to asking why are we here and why this life and that's what makes it so wonderful. This movie shows our purpose for why we live the way we live and the over the top campiness only adds to the overall enjoyment.
Overall:9.75/10.
The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)
Life's Story told in an Irish accent
The Banshees of Inisherin is so beautiful in how it captures the reality of so many situations in a somewhat irrational way. Everyone of us can relate to every character presented and it creates such a fun and enjoyable viewing experience even when the movie takes a darker approach.
The plot of this movie is so much because it takes so many turns that I truly did not expect to go down. The baseline plot is very basic and very easy to follow. But the little indirections the movie takes makes it so much fun to watch and truly gives you the experience of not knowing what is going to happen next
Plot:1.75/2
It is incredibly challenging to find an MVP in this movie because every acting performance is absolutely superb. Every character from the main character banter between Farrell and Gleason to the cheekiness of Condom and Keoghan; every character feels important and every character gets their chance to shine in the absolute best way possible
Acting:2/2
As mentioned previously, the direction this film takes is so much fun even if there is some incredibly dark themes. However, what is so effective is the ability for Mcdonah to take these dark themes and still use the humor so incredibly effectively to convey that. There is never a moment of boring and you truly want to continue to take a ride with these people
Storytelling:2/2
The most creative thing about this film is how the characters do things that you don't expect them to do. You expect them to take a different approach to a situation and when it doesn't it can take you off guard and makes for a much more enjoyable story. It is a rollercoaster that you are riding blind which can be such a fun film to watch
Creativity:1.75/2
This movie is shot so well and it truly makes you feel like you are in a quaint town in Ireland. The casting was perfection and that along with the subtle camera angles and use of the beautiful landscape make for a amazing film for the eyes
Other Factors:1.75/2
Overall, this film was incredible. It was funny witty memorable moments with memorable characters but also moments of reflection and thought on some of the most fundamental parts of human nature such as friendship, envy and revenge
Overall:9.25/10.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
One Million Times Better than the original
While I was not a fan of the original Top Gun, Top Gun:Maverick brought everything that was great about the first one and made it about a million times better to tell the story that I felt the first alway wanted to and could have told.
Similar to the first one, the plot is nothing to write home and I actually think it is hurt in the plot department because of how incredibly similar it is to the first one. There is a little bit of a carbon copy sense but it doesn't make it any less enjoyable. It is still action packed and told much more logically than the first one
Plot:1.5/2
The acting also took a major step up throughout this film as well. Cruise is better than he was in the Original and his playful banter with Teller makes for wonderful chemistry between the pair and I believe better chemistry than cruise had with Anthony Edwards in the first one. The side characters also get much more changes to shine and have memorable dialogue and storylines attached to them
Acting:1.5/2
The biggest improvement between the first and the second one has to be the storytelling. It never felt like the original Top Gun had any sense of direction but this one there was a clear objection and a clear target from the beginning that guided the entirety of the movie and this main objective allowed for the characters and the storyline to build from it
Storytelling:1.75/2
As stated previously, there are many things that this one takes from the original which doesn't at all make it bad. It just makes it a little bland at times. There's no major plot twists and nothing to get you out of your seat but the pure enjoyment the film brings makes up for it in so many ways
Creativity:1.5/2
Just the original, this film benefits from the use of sound and I'm sure an in theater experience makes this movie quite a spectacle. However watching from my bedroom I still felt the intensity of the plane shots and it also utilizes camera work so much more effectively than that of the first one as many of the shots are outstanding and put the watcher in a place the original did not
Other Factors:1.75/2
Overall, Top Gun Maverick was everything I thought the top gun franchise would be when I watched the first one. It had high action, good acting but also moments that made you think and showed true meaning of friendship and family. I understand why it was such a major hit
Overall:8/10.
Blonde (2022)
A gut wrenching tale that should have never been told
Blonde is a confusing blend of tragedy and heartache though the life of the infamous Marilyn Monroe. There are points where this story can become very powerful to watch but at many points it just feels like this is a story that should have never been told or seen
There is definitely moments where there is a coherent plot as you go through memories of Monroe's life. However, it is incredibly challenging to pinpoint the exact direction that the entire movie is supposed to be taking as well it feels that every plot point is left incredibly open ended
Plot:1.25/2
Ana de Aromas is fantastic actor but I don't feel like this is her role or anyone's in the films role to shine. While everybody in the film does a great job with the material they are given, it is just so incredibly weak that it feels incredibly hard to get behind their performances of these real life people. The weak material does not allow anyone to shine and show how truly these people should be portrayed
Acting:1.5/2
This story, If you can even call it that, is a total mess. There is absolutely no way you can tell what you are supposed to watching who you are supposed to be rooting and what is the reasoning behind any of it. Weather it is a biopic about the life of Monroe or a take on the daddy issues of Monroe, neither story is told well or even feels like it should be told at all
Storytelling:0.75/2
While biopics can only be so creative, the way the movie is shot and filmed definitely has its creative moments. The moving from black and white to color as well as some of the camera are one of the very few things that draw you into this movie. They are the only creative points that make this movie even somewhat watchable
Creativity:1.25/2
The other factors that end up enhancing this film are certainly the camera work and cinematography as both are unique in the ways in which they present certain story arch. Form the movement from real life to reality, these stories are important and I throughly did enjoy the ways in which they used the camera work to portray them even if felt like they should have never been portrayed in the first place
Other Factors:1.5/2
Overall, this movie is an absolute train wreck and frankly a disservice to an icon. Monroe's troubled life should have never been into film especially in this regard and it is because of this that it makes it incredibly challenging to enjoy the movie as all you do the whole time is absolutely terrible for Monroe at every turn
Overall:6.25/10.
This Place Rules (2022)
The funniest and scariest thing you will ever watch
This place rules is a documentary that while can be absolutely hysterical at times. It also can be a unique look and take on the contriving factors and dire situation that our country has and continues to face in present day politics
Andrew Callaghan is a great narrator throughout the entirety of the documentary in more in that he doesn't really do a whole lot. His limited words and dry humor allow for the words people say to speak out and just let the people he interviews tell the story. I do think there is a little bit or contradiction in the way he talks about division at times through the doc.
Narration:1.5/2
The interviews in this doc are absolutely insane that it is almost hard to believe that they are real but obviously we know that there are many people out there who believe this stuff and spread it to other people and across news outlets. There was however heavy editing in the doc as well as the use of children which I did not agree with.
Interviews:1.25/2
This doc is told brilliantly. The subtle documentation of the events of the 2020 election I thought were done incredibly well and I love how many places Callaghan visits and the way he documents the entire story. It is incredibly effective and creates the perfect storm to get the point across.
Storytelling:1.75/2
It is quite evident that Callaghan is the director of this doc as well and I think that helps it in a lot of aspects because it is not going into the hands of anybody else. He is the one that was there to analyze all of this raw footage and I think that's important as it makes a more genuine documentary to watch
Directing:1.75/2
The use of imaging in the documentary is incredibly good and one that I think enhances the overall product. The editing is also superb as well cutting from very various people and scenes and makes the doc feel incredibly smooth viewing experience
Other factors:1.5/2
Overall, this place rules should scare the hell out of you and I think it is one of the most effective docs at showing the division the country is at especially during that time period. Through the eyes of an average citizen make it a worthwhile watch and while it definitely will not draw with a pro trump crowd; any sensible person can watch it and digest it for what it is
Overall:7.75.
Top Gun (1986)
A high octane power film that leaves quite a lot to be desired
While Top Gun is a high octane action packed film, there is much that can still be desired throughout the entirety of the film from plot to story to the overall arching theme of the characters.
Top Gun has an incredibly basic plot and while that can still be effective; there definitely is still quite a bit that can be hoped from it. Character development is very low and the call sign names can make the movie hard to follow at times creating a story that feels a little scrambled
Plot:1.25/2
While there are some decent performances in Top Gun, there is not a lot of time to get behind these characters performances. Cruise is definitely the highlight of the film and his and Mcgillis performance together is quite strong but the supporting cast is weak and leaves little room for development
Acting:1.5/2
This story is a mess. It is clunky at times. It is told incredibly fast and while there is many well directed scenes; it is incredibly hard to follow them at times. This clunky storytelling damages and bleeds into other aspects of the film as these issues affect and weaken areas such as the acting and creativity as well.
Storytelling:1/2
This movie is incredibly unique especially for the time. While war movies have been made in the past, a movie about this kinda of fighting was unique and I believe what initially drew people to the movie to begin with. I love the ability to see a different side of fighting and the traditional "war" movie that Top Gun was able to bring.
Creativity:1.5/2
One thing that definitely helps this is film is things such as it's cinematography and it's use of effects and sounds. The whirring planes and great action scenes in the sky make the watcher feel like they are up in the sky with cruise and I think it was drew a lot of people to this film. There also must be a note that this film certainly benefits from a theater experience as well.
Other factors:1.5/2
Overall, Top Gun is a fun campy film that really does everything it sets out to achieve and makes people fired up and love the action of the film. There is definitely places where it could have improved and just with a better story and direction; I feel it can have been a really hard hitting high octane movie
Overall:6.75/10.
Tár (2022)
A fantastic film that 80% of people will not like
Tar is a fascinating tale but a film that can be very hard to digest to those who are not used to the intricacies of a film such as this one. While it is a critics dream, it is most certainly the average movie goers nightmare.
The plot is one that is very sporadic but has a coherent story as you follow the journey of Tar as she navigates her career as well as her life and the rises and falls that come with it. While it is a story that is interesting to asses, it has loose ends that are not tied up in ways you wish they were Plot:1.75/2.
While there is no denying the incredible performance Cate Blanchett gives as the title character, the supporting cast is less to be seen. Some characters particularly come strong towards the end of the film such as Sophie Kauer and Nina hoss; the first 2/3 of the film leave a lot to be desired with the supporting cast Acting:1.75/2
The story of this film is chaotic and that may have been the direct intent but this particular chaos does not come off in a good way. It comes off as very sporadic and not bringing us to a sound conclusion. I felt there was many different storylines that needed more attention and too much was crammed into the 2 1/2 hours it was given Storytelling:1.25/2
This movie is incredibly creative even just with the idea of making a movie about a composer of a high class symphony. However it also brings together a drama that creates a unique experience for the viewer as you feel immersed in the story and the story of the rise of fall of tar Creativity:1.75/2
Sound is used so incredibly well throughout this film. From the sounds of the symphony to the subtle uses of things like rain and the metronome; it is truly the thing that adds the most to this film as it shows the how incredibly moving sound can be whiles also showing how incredibly powerful music is to the ear Other factors:1.75/2
Overall, Tar falls into the category of a film that I can recognize as great but a film that I didn't partially enjoy. It's clunky themes and hard to follow first third could make any average movie goers turn it off but if you can get through you can recognize it for importance it brings to the table. Overall:8.25/10.
Hustle (2022)
Great Basketball Movie that goes behind the scenes of a crazy sport and world
Hustle is a lovely tale about the relationship that can foster between coaches and basketball as well as the love one can share for the game of basketball and it's endearing qualities.
The plot of the movie can be basic at times but it is just so highly enjoyable. The underdog story of a man who rises from poverty to play in the NBA is a tale that has been done thousands of times but give credit to Sandler and Hernangomez for making this particular one so lovable Plot:1.5/2.
Is the acting in this movie stellar. No! But it's the fact that it is still so enjoyable despite the fact that there's very few real actors and many main roles are played by basketball players such as Kenny Smith and Juan Hernangomez who do an exceptional job at carrying the movie. The MVP has to be Adam Sandler but shout-outs must also go to Queen Latifah as well. Acting:1.75/2.
There is nothing to write home about how the story is told. It is incredibly straightforward and effective but nothing is really done to delve deep into the story telling feelings. The best instances of this are the interactions between Bo and Kermit. Storytelling:1.5/2.
This movie is incredibly creative in that it takes a story that I'm sure has happened countless times In real life and actually put it into an acceptable form of film. The back and forth, the behind the scenes of the basketball world all being nice additions to the film as it progresses along Creativity:1.5/2.
There is no other factors that incredibly enhance this movie but nothing that particularly takes away from it. There is no real need for major things like makeup and set design and the score is almost non existent for progressing the plot but it is still a fun tale that is enjoyable to undertake Other Factors:1.5/2.
Overall, Hustle will go down as an incredibly re watchable movie that had some surprisingly great performances and will be a movie that basketball and sports fans will watch for years to come Overall:7.75/10.
The Fabelmans (2022)
A lovely tale to make you think about the wonders of life
The Fabelmens is a contriving and classically fun tale which is loosely based on Steven Spielbergs life in which I believe a unique and quirky take is brought on the classic coming of age story.
The plot is nothing to write home about as it has your very classic trops such as affairs, high school bullies, and young love. However, it is captured in such a dramatic way that makes it incredibly endearing to watch. It is so quickly able to go from serious to funny and has moments where you don't know how your supposed to think Plot:0.75/1
This is some of the most pristine acting you will see in a motion picture and there really is no weak link throughout the film except perhaps Seth Rogan in his role as Bennie. The MVP of the film must be Michelle Williams for her incredible performance of Mitzi but props must be given to all actors especially the child actors. Acting:1/1
This classic story is told so dynamically to the point where a story this classic should not be this entertaining but it is because of Spielberg's ability to put you right in the heart of the story. This lovable but haunting story told through the perceptions of so many makes it such a unique tale and one that it becomes incredibly challenging to find if there really is a bad guy Storytelling:1/1
As mentioned previously, there is nothing too terribly creative about the film but that doesn't make it any less enjoyable to watch. However, what makes it creative is the fact that it doesn't need to utilize crazy twists. It just tells the truly heartbreaking tales that come with life Creativity:0.75/5
While there is nothing that adds immensely to the film, there is nothing that takes away from the enjoyment of the film. The score is nice, the cinematography is effective, and it created a nice environment. The only issue I have with this is that there were times in which I felt the film didn't truly capture the 1950's aspect the film was based in Other Factors:0.75/1
Overall, the Fablemens is a tale that everyone can enjoy and also one that everyone can relate to. It has characters that you can relate to as well as many characters to root for. In a tale about nothing, in a way it is about everything Overall: 4.25/5.
Elvis (2022)
The King of Pop brought to the big screen in a unique way
Elvis was a unique portraying of the popular music stars life and I believe captured his personality and tragic story into a captivating movie
The plot of this movie can be basic at times due to it being a biopic and the telling of his life. I do believe it does tell the story in a unique way mostly though the perception of the Colonel in which he is the narrator and the plot is moved through him
Plot:0.5/1
The acting in this movie is superb. It is hard to assign a MVP but I do feel like it must go to Tom Hanks for his great portrayal of Colonel Parker and the villainous actions he takes throughout the movie to take advantage of Elvis. Austin Butler must also get praise for his ability to show the downward spiral of Elvis throughout the movie. The supporting choices as well helped to move the story along.
Acting:1/1
While the beginning of the movie is very chaotic, I can recognize why this direction was taken however I did not personally enjoy it. The director looked to show the chaos of the rise of Elvis and everything that occurred right at the beginning of his career however this was not super appealing to the eye and took a little bit to get through
Storytelling:0.5/1
While it can be challenging to be creative with a biopic, I thought the film did a good job of conveying the story in the most unique way they could with added touches mentioned previously. It made it feel different from other biopics and felt like there was a general direction for the film.
Creativity: 0.75/1
The other parts of the movie truly added to the movie and all of its glory. The score was outstanding and while the cinematography was a little clumsy at times; it looked to achieve what it was trying to. Also points for costuming and makeup as well
Other Factors: 0.75/1
Overall, Elvis brought a unique perspective to a very popular pop culture icon and truly shined a lot on the person in a way I don't think we have ever seen about the man. The 21st century feel was smart in what it achieved for the film
Overall:3.5/5.