ExperiencedFilmBuff Reviews

The Father (I) (2020)

Great film with great performances

[15 March 2021]

This is another amazing performance from both Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman. It takes place largely in a single apartment with a minimal cast. The film is about a father who is starting to go crazy. We as an audience are witnessing this through Anthony's eyes so you aren't quite sure what is going on. You can personally feel the confusion that he feels. It all comes together in a sad but satisfying ending. Really good watch!

Berlin, I Love You (2019)

Sadly disappointed.

[14 March 2021]

I am giving an extremely generous 5 stars to this film only because Mickey Rourke is in this. I figured right away who the girl would be so it wasn't a surprise at all. New York I love you was so much stronger as an overall piece.

The Short History of the Long Road (2019)

Beautiful film! Why didn't this get better recognition?

[14 March 2021]

Great indie film here about a girl who lives in a van with her father as they travel around as she goes in search of herself. The film has some shocks I won't reveal but I highly recommend it. I actually felt it had a similar concept to Nomadland only with a better story. The performances were really solid and it was a nice surprise to see Danny Trejo appear. At the heart of this film, it is actually a coming of age tale. But it is so much more.

The Legion (2020)

Disappointed

[14 March 2021]

I am on a serious Mickey Rourke binge here having watched 2 of his new films after going through and seeing classics such as The Wrestler and Angel Heart. I wanted to like this film mainly because of Mickey. But sadly I found the story difficult. The film is about the war with Rome and the Parthian Empire. But I somehow got lost in the plot. The only other recognizable name is Bai Ling who I haven't seen since The Crow. Just sadly disappointed.

Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)

Decent but not Pixar level

[14 March 2021]

I wanted to love this film but ended up just liking it. I didn't hate it though. The animation is solid except for the actual characters which shows a clear difference between this and films like Soul. The storyline is a little bit of a mess at times but I still enjoyed the film and would recommend it if bored.

Soul (2020)

Best Pixar Film ever

[14 March 2021]

Loved this film. Very powerful and impactful. something very relatable to my own life being a former musician. The music by Trent Reznor is artistic and beautiful. The art is original and beautiful. When compared to standard disney animation films, you can tell a massive difference. The story is probably one of the best ever and the voice casting was great. This film kept me guessing until the end. Pixar has done a remarkable job with this film!

The Midnight Sky (2020)

Looking elsewhere in the sky

[28 January 2021]

This wasn't by any means a bad film. But it wasn't Gravity either. George Clooney was almost unrecognizable at first. And he is still an amazing actor. The story's twist wasn't overly shocking to me either. But all in all it was still entertaining. There are some very beautiful visuals on one hand, and on the other hand, there are some not so great CGI moments. It tended to get slow at times as well for me.

Doctor Sleep (2019)

AMAZING

[28 January 2021]

This film pays homage to the original Shining while still progressing the story forward. I loved this movie and feel it did not make it as big as it should have. The Overlook Hotel is very much a part of the story as is shown in all the trailers and it was smart to do so whereas the book does not. The directing is amazing and the acting is great. Love the villain in this and she will go down in history of frightening characters.

Promising Young Woman (2020)

Decent revenge thriller that tends to go slow.

[28 January 2021]

I wanted to like this film. The concept was interesting and amazing. But the execution was off. The characters were not completely believable. I really like the entire cast in this film. But Carey's character wasn't believable being that she could go be as scary as they try to make you believe. I felt that there was so much that could have been done. The conclusion felt a little lackluster to me. And I didn't really sympathize with her character. She ties up and holds a knife to some guy who is about to be married towards the end of the film and we're supposed to side with her when he breaks free and kills her in self defense? Now I do agree he deserves to be punished for his part in a rape but her extremism didn't work so well for me. That being said, I didn't hate this film, nor would I say it was bad. The commentary on it is amazing and the acting is superb. I just felt a little disappointed after because I had way too high expectations.