williamgurebo Reviews

Searching for Sugar Man (2012)

A documentary like no one else's but still not in the top tier of the greatest titles out there

[8/10 · 23 August 2023]

In the first half, this documentary was pretty average yet still very interesting like most documentaries out there (documentaries usually have a high standard). But everything changed when we all suddenly found out Sixto was still alive, creating hope for mercy and pure happiness. I was surrounded with pure joy when he got to perform in front of South Africa after discovering that he's very popular there; I really shared the happiness with the audience, seeing him for the first time after thinking he was dead. I can tell you that tears fell during this beautiful moment! In addition, the feelings were really boosted by the fact that Sixto really is an amazing human being, and of course, because of his amazing music! Overall, an incredible story; I can't believe this is real! This documentary is like no one else's!

With a little bit of a lack of cinematography and the fact that this is, in my opinion, close but not a top-tier title, I would comfortably say that this is a solid 8; this movie is very accurately rated, imo.

William Gurebo, August 23, 2023.

The Blues Brothers (1980)

A lovely classic that doesn't work as well in 2023

[7/10 · 19 August 2023]

The Blues Brothers is a true work of art that will be in the history books forever. A musical with James Brown, Aretha Franklin, John Lee Hooker, and Ray Charles is just great! Additionally, the two nonchalant frontmen, Jake and Elwood, are probably two of the most iconic film characters ever to exist. This, together with the silly action and comedy, is just what makes this film such a pure classic!

My dad showed me this film as a little kid, and since then I've been watching it a few times and will be doing so until the day I die. Even though this is the case, I still have to be honest with my thoughts after my latest watch a few days ago.

I just can't help it, but I find the action often unrealistic, silly, boring, and predictable, even though it's essential for the film. It's just a little too disturbing sometimes. The police cars that drift in all different directions for no reason (a little too much glass was shuttered in the mall, imo), the ridiculous multi-police car crashes, and Carrie Fisher's (as Mystery Woman) failed attempt to kill Jake and Elwood by perfectly shooting around their bodies with a rifle are a few examples. The scenes that should have been exciting were instead boring. The same happened when I recently rewatched the old Superman movies starring Christopher Reeve. The heartwarming classic that I remembered as an exciting movie turned out to disappoint as much as The Blues Brothers. I must have enjoyed the type of action that the 80s produced as a kid on a greater level, which sadly isn't the case as a young adult. Furthermore, this type of action isn't something you would see today, and the film industry has improved a lot. My rating is based on today's standards; this movie clearly doesn't work as well in 2023 as it did in the 1980s.

Finally, I think the plot is a little too slow and boring in the middle section, after Jake and Elwood get the band together, but this isn't a major problem like the previous ones mentioned.

Even though I'm not super entertained while watching The Blues Brothers and could even find some sections boring, I will always appreciate, love, and watch this film forever!

7/10.

William Gurebo, August 24, 2023.