If the only currency a salesman ever has is his honesty, then I must say the level of anxiety reached in this episode is peak. Brutal even. Gus coming out is an interesting parallel to Robert telling "the least convincing story" Yaz has ever heard in parallel with his boss telling all these stories of all these weddings he's been to with like Tony Blair. The truth will set you free. Lady Bird which I just watched showed me this, though it's hard because in these Industries that is often stepped on. A shame. Information is currency. And to crawl out it takes not getting stepped on. A tightrope indeed. But good friends can change that.
Reviews
48 Reviews
Gut wrenching good
28 December 2023
This show is not for kids nor for the faint of heart, hehe. The ensemble is glorious and the class commentary and ambitious work culture is incredibly sharp. On a second watch, I can see exactly how this pilot sells the entire show and it's fantastic. Gus and his very Eton attitude. Harper and the pressure of having something to prove yet effortless ability to hit it out of the park when she needs to.
The drama of the episode hits you over the head and then shoots you a hundred times in the face with its tragedy. It is such a relief to see a show treat it's audience like adults and be confident in what it has to say, and indulgent enough to say it over and over and over again.
I really appreciate the level of intensity shown at these workplaces. More to be seen.
The drama of the episode hits you over the head and then shoots you a hundred times in the face with its tragedy. It is such a relief to see a show treat it's audience like adults and be confident in what it has to say, and indulgent enough to say it over and over and over again.
I really appreciate the level of intensity shown at these workplaces. More to be seen.
A love letter to life
9 August 2023
This episode is ******* beautiful. Simple is simple does. Beautiful music, heartwarming moments, and spectacular writing. 10 out of 10. A love letter to life. I have to have more characters so here's Letters to a Young Poet by Ranier Maria Rilke:
It is also good to love: because love is difficult. For one human being to love another human being: that is perhaps the most difficult task that has been entrusted to us, the ultimate task, the final test and proof, the work for which all other work is merely preparation. That is why young people, who are beginners in everything, are not yet capable of love: it is something they must learn. With their whole being, with all their forces, gathered around their solitary, anxious, upward-beating heart, they must learn to love. But learning-time is always a long, secluded time ahead and far on into life, is-; solitude, a heightened and deepened kind of aloneness for the person who loves. Loving does not at first mean merging, surrendering, and uniting with another person (for what would a union be of two people who are unclarified, unfinished, and still incoherent-?), it is a high inducement for the individual to ripen, to become something in himself, to become world, to become world in himself for the sake of another person; it is a great, demanding claim on him, something that chooses him and calls him to vast distances. Only in this sense, as the task of working on them- selves ("to hearken and to hammer day and night"), may young people use the love that is given to them. Merging and surrendering and every kind of com- munion is not for them (who must still, for a long, long time, save and gather themselves); it is the ultimate, is perhaps that for which human lives are as yet barely large enough.
It is also good to love: because love is difficult. For one human being to love another human being: that is perhaps the most difficult task that has been entrusted to us, the ultimate task, the final test and proof, the work for which all other work is merely preparation. That is why young people, who are beginners in everything, are not yet capable of love: it is something they must learn. With their whole being, with all their forces, gathered around their solitary, anxious, upward-beating heart, they must learn to love. But learning-time is always a long, secluded time ahead and far on into life, is-; solitude, a heightened and deepened kind of aloneness for the person who loves. Loving does not at first mean merging, surrendering, and uniting with another person (for what would a union be of two people who are unclarified, unfinished, and still incoherent-?), it is a high inducement for the individual to ripen, to become something in himself, to become world, to become world in himself for the sake of another person; it is a great, demanding claim on him, something that chooses him and calls him to vast distances. Only in this sense, as the task of working on them- selves ("to hearken and to hammer day and night"), may young people use the love that is given to them. Merging and surrendering and every kind of com- munion is not for them (who must still, for a long, long time, save and gather themselves); it is the ultimate, is perhaps that for which human lives are as yet barely large enough.
I am a changed man
11 April 2022
Leaving the movie theatre, I can barely comprehend the thoughts swirling around in my head right now. From the intriguing trailer, you wouldn't even begin to fathom the existential depths this movie submerges you under. Only to bring you back to the surface gasping for air just when things are at their bleakest. The directorial choices are the sign of geniuses at work, the acting and cinematography and editing really show that mastery plus effort leaves the roof smashed off the place Everything Everywhere All At Once is perfection in all these regards.
You know it's special when you leave the movie feeling like it was made just for you. Daniels accomplished just that with this work of art coming to me right exactly when I needed it. The themes of family, fulfillment, love, and everything in between hit resoundingly close to home. I'm so glad I got to experience this even if it doesn't win any Oscars which it absolutely ought to. If critics don't carry this little picture on all their best of lists I don't know what to do. The picture itself, Michelle Yeoh in Actress, Stephanie Hsu in Supporting Actress, Ke Huy Quan in Supporting Actor, Original Screenplay, Directing, Editing, Costumes, Visual Effects, Score., Sound, Academy please consider Everything Everywhere All At Once. I know it's a challenge given the absurdity of some of the plot beats of the film but when you boil it down it's a very heartwarming and affecting piece of cinema.
You know it's special when you leave the movie feeling like it was made just for you. Daniels accomplished just that with this work of art coming to me right exactly when I needed it. The themes of family, fulfillment, love, and everything in between hit resoundingly close to home. I'm so glad I got to experience this even if it doesn't win any Oscars which it absolutely ought to. If critics don't carry this little picture on all their best of lists I don't know what to do. The picture itself, Michelle Yeoh in Actress, Stephanie Hsu in Supporting Actress, Ke Huy Quan in Supporting Actor, Original Screenplay, Directing, Editing, Costumes, Visual Effects, Score., Sound, Academy please consider Everything Everywhere All At Once. I know it's a challenge given the absurdity of some of the plot beats of the film but when you boil it down it's a very heartwarming and affecting piece of cinema.
The Batman
(2022)
Prestige Superhero Flick About the Coolest Detective Ever
4 March 2022
It felt amazing to watch The Batman in a packed theater opening night especially after being hyped up for it for months. It truly met my expectations which is so refreshing for big movies coming out these days. So many incredibly composed shots, Matt Reeves is easily becoming favorite director of mine his attention to detail is so palpable and exquisite. The video game quality to the story beats and fight choreography (obviously) felt earned and made this hours long epic the absolute most fun it could possibly be.
Special commendation needs to be given to the score of this film. So beyond exceptional, the Batman theme sticks with you and by the third time it's played in the movie I feel like I can hop in the conductors chair myself but I know I can't because Michael Giacchino is a legend. Clearly he loves either the Batman character or this script, which I do too, because there was no need to go this hard but I'm so glad he did.
Second special shoutout goes to the cinematography, Matt Reeves' Let Me In (2017) was definitely a good movie to watch prior to this to get a feel for his visual storytelling style because it is so rich and colorful and...visionary simply. So much of the movie is defined by the colors or the atmosphere created by how spectacularly acted this film is. Robert Pattinson and Zoe Kravitz and Jeffery Wright and Colin Firth and John Tutero and every single other cast member deserve a SAG award at the minimum for how well this ensemble operates.
To sum, the screenplay, cinematography, editing, score, visual effects, and costume design are absolutely Oscar worthy. And it manages to be a satisfying popcorn flick while its at it! The cinematography and score of The Batman steal the show in an already incredible movie. Would rewatch in a millisecond.
Special commendation needs to be given to the score of this film. So beyond exceptional, the Batman theme sticks with you and by the third time it's played in the movie I feel like I can hop in the conductors chair myself but I know I can't because Michael Giacchino is a legend. Clearly he loves either the Batman character or this script, which I do too, because there was no need to go this hard but I'm so glad he did.
Second special shoutout goes to the cinematography, Matt Reeves' Let Me In (2017) was definitely a good movie to watch prior to this to get a feel for his visual storytelling style because it is so rich and colorful and...visionary simply. So much of the movie is defined by the colors or the atmosphere created by how spectacularly acted this film is. Robert Pattinson and Zoe Kravitz and Jeffery Wright and Colin Firth and John Tutero and every single other cast member deserve a SAG award at the minimum for how well this ensemble operates.
To sum, the screenplay, cinematography, editing, score, visual effects, and costume design are absolutely Oscar worthy. And it manages to be a satisfying popcorn flick while its at it! The cinematography and score of The Batman steal the show in an already incredible movie. Would rewatch in a millisecond.
Breathtaking Emmy worthy episode
7 February 2022
The directions Sam Levinson goes with this episode, specifically how Rue's addiction gnarls and twists and explodes and depresses her is some of the most true to form and exquisite handling of the disorder I've ever seen. Zendaya buckles down and carries so much of this episode by selling absolute desperation, reckless abandon, utter hatred and every emotion in between. Another Emmy win worthy turn from her that I hope the Television Academy will recognize and reward. She deserves to sweep the SAGs Golden Globes Critics Choice you name it, Euphoria has never been more popular and the community it brings together is something really special; the fact that she can act with such extraordinary force for her age is a wonderful sign of it being only the beginning of an illustrious and successful career. Z is just so talented there's simply nothing else to say.
A shiny bright diamond of an episode
24 January 2022
Cal's opening backstory starts this fantastic eisode off to a fire racking start. You feel the sparks and the emotions from the awesome soundtrack that bleeds through the wracking tension between these friends. The opener had me at once in the heartwarming embrace of someone I love and the heartbreaking realities of lost potential. While I might've selfishly hoped Euphoria used all the tools in the toolbox to portray characters queer feelings and relationships as it does with the straight ones the dignity gained in Levinson's restraint allows for a perfectly bittersweet high school vignette that does the impossible in garnering empathy for Young Cal so I'll give it a pass.
The second best part of the episode had to be Dominic Fike as Elliot. The man is so unbelievably charismatic in a mysterious indie boy guitar strumming face tatted labeless perfect smile charming way I just love him and his character so much. Exciting to see where this all ends up.
The second best part of the episode had to be Dominic Fike as Elliot. The man is so unbelievably charismatic in a mysterious indie boy guitar strumming face tatted labeless perfect smile charming way I just love him and his character so much. Exciting to see where this all ends up.
Makes me want to go to Paris
23 January 2022
It's my party and I'll cry if I want to
29 November 2021
Man, what an absolutely depressing episode. Which is ironic as Tom points out at one point, as birthdays should be smiley affairs. Well, not in the Roy's word. I'm sure it's not the first dour birthday between the lot of them, they've all probably seen more than their fair share. But this one, Kendall's 40th, what we witness is unimaginable trauma bubble up to the surface as he does the only thing he knows how to to to stop it: down 40s (nice touch writers).
This has to take it as the most emotionally affecting episode of the season. I was whooping and cheering so loud at parts my neighbors texted asking if I was alright (it's 9PM on a Sunday that means Succession time so you should already know the answer is NO!) to watching the events unfold mouth agape to even still sitting on my couch shell shocked just able to process everything that's happened. I felt Kendall's frustrations more than I ever have as someone totally asympathetic towards him as a character (sue me I'm a Logan guy). I felt Shiv's frustrations too, another surprise since I haven't exactly appreciated her seemingly losing her marbles this season (that is not to say I think the show is wrong to do this, quite the contrary, I love how dynamic characters standings are in the public opinion. Yay Tom now amirite, give Matthew Macfadyen his Supporting Actor Emmy now Television Academy or I'll never forgive you). And Romulus, my sweet Romulus, better take care to check his pockets as a few marbles seem to be slipping out of his possession unbeknownst to him as well.
To say nothing else, this episode was a fantastic gut punch. Plenty of laughs, plenty of business maneuvers, two parts betrayal one serving of melancholy: it's the perfect post Thanksgiving feast! Can't believe the season is wrapping up already, it's been one for the ages.
This has to take it as the most emotionally affecting episode of the season. I was whooping and cheering so loud at parts my neighbors texted asking if I was alright (it's 9PM on a Sunday that means Succession time so you should already know the answer is NO!) to watching the events unfold mouth agape to even still sitting on my couch shell shocked just able to process everything that's happened. I felt Kendall's frustrations more than I ever have as someone totally asympathetic towards him as a character (sue me I'm a Logan guy). I felt Shiv's frustrations too, another surprise since I haven't exactly appreciated her seemingly losing her marbles this season (that is not to say I think the show is wrong to do this, quite the contrary, I love how dynamic characters standings are in the public opinion. Yay Tom now amirite, give Matthew Macfadyen his Supporting Actor Emmy now Television Academy or I'll never forgive you). And Romulus, my sweet Romulus, better take care to check his pockets as a few marbles seem to be slipping out of his possession unbeknownst to him as well.
To say nothing else, this episode was a fantastic gut punch. Plenty of laughs, plenty of business maneuvers, two parts betrayal one serving of melancholy: it's the perfect post Thanksgiving feast! Can't believe the season is wrapping up already, it's been one for the ages.
Stand out episode for sure
2 November 2021
I just wanted to point out how excellently everything wraps up this episode, it's truly a feat of directing, writing, and acting all coming together beautifully. These talented people playing in HBOs flashy playground is truly outstanding. Can't wait for more more more!
A whirlybird of a stage play
25 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Great episode that definitely reads as Succession trying to make a bottle episode in their own fashion and it was awesome. My only gripe is maybe Kendall could have spent less time BSing his siblings about detoxifying the company and doing things for the good of the planet as in a fraction of the time Shiv gets Roman closer to joining Team Kendall than he ever does, but that's a feature of his character and his incompetence so I'll take it. And confused as to where Shiv stands and why she's faultering, overall would love to hear more of these characters true intentions and feelings more often but this is the world they live in and I'll still eat up every minute of it. Can't wait for more more more!
Dune
(2021)
Jolly good time, no book required
24 October 2021
I loved, will be seated for part two that will surely be even more awesome than this was. Timothée won me over as being the new hollywood leading man and rebecca ferguson is really compelling. Jason momoa crushed it in his role too and oscar issacs had the most impact in his Mahashala Ali notice my absence supporting performance
the sound design was hands down my favorite part of the whole thing, silence carries a million times the weight in a movie that sounds this big and hard, and it ties in really well with the plot so cheerio to the sound guys. If it wins no other oscar it would be its most deserving haul anyway. Superhero voice desert power cool fog scenes religious themes and general badassery placate me while i gripe about how short this 2 hour epic felt. At least with a strong ass foundation part two can never fail. Hopefully seeing it in theaters green lights more auteur big budget studio flicks. Onto the book!
the sound design was hands down my favorite part of the whole thing, silence carries a million times the weight in a movie that sounds this big and hard, and it ties in really well with the plot so cheerio to the sound guys. If it wins no other oscar it would be its most deserving haul anyway. Superhero voice desert power cool fog scenes religious themes and general badassery placate me while i gripe about how short this 2 hour epic felt. At least with a strong ass foundation part two can never fail. Hopefully seeing it in theaters green lights more auteur big budget studio flicks. Onto the book!
War, what is it good for? Compelling television!
18 October 2021
Great episode made me want the whole season to be out already but I'm actually excited for the weekly release setup. Event television! I'm feeling Team Kendall but trust Logan will put up a formidable fight as always until the bitter end. I also fundamentally believe Shiv would never leave Logan FOR Kendall, she has her own plans and ambitions and will follow them through to the bitter end. Money and power are nothing without control and autonomy. So ready for CEO Roman in the not too distant future, settling for the always wonderful Gerri though. It's hard to choose a side but I'm excited to see it all play out and oh my goodness the new characters? Already feeling the lawyer and can't wait for more to show up. Go Succession!!
Children of Men
(2006)
A warning, not a prayer. And a frightfully grand piece of art
5 October 2021
I thought this movie was fantastic. I got the Jesus stuff way late and as I'm typing I'm connecting that to the animal piece as a sort of manger symbol this movie is crazy I see you Cuarón. Children of Men is one of the best I've seen, definitely in terms of being palpably directed like I regressed to my eight year old self and literally caught myself biting my nails during the more anxiety inducing scenes.
I think the allegory about immigration was really strong, definitely could have fallen flat in the wrong hands but the world building was fully believable frankly because it's only a few shades off from our current geopolitical truth. So many times I was blown away by how high the stakes felt, and Cuarón definitely delivered with a violent and deservedly ambiguous yet nevertheless satisfying ending. Which also reminds me of how funny this movie could be at times, I thought this was gonna be bleak and hopeless but the scene with the rich collector cousin and Michael Caine's entire character were as funny as they were depressing.
I really think the movie was paced to perfection with its shirt runtime it really doesn't use it all to gimmick the audience into feeling any unearned momentum because it's rushed, things just happen and I think Julianne Moore and Theo do a great job.
Lots to unpack here. Particularly in how predictive it is (or maybe is a mirror of? This is 2006 we're talking about) how specifically Britain and the rest of Europe are nationalist to their bones honestly in ways more manifest than the U. S., the careless disregard for outsiders and all through the funnel of the cool sci-fi concept of what if there was no kids. Cuarón is familiar with this world and so I felt like this was in good hands and honestly is an even more important movie nowadays to blare the alarm for the pandemics and refugee crisae that are now ubiquitous. A seminal work I think people should use as an example of how to mix drama with mic drop real world commentary also without being too preahy but rather letting the narrative speak for itself. There are real humanitarian crises happening now I'm angry for this world and for our future and for our art and for our history and for our present. But yea I love it though.
I think the allegory about immigration was really strong, definitely could have fallen flat in the wrong hands but the world building was fully believable frankly because it's only a few shades off from our current geopolitical truth. So many times I was blown away by how high the stakes felt, and Cuarón definitely delivered with a violent and deservedly ambiguous yet nevertheless satisfying ending. Which also reminds me of how funny this movie could be at times, I thought this was gonna be bleak and hopeless but the scene with the rich collector cousin and Michael Caine's entire character were as funny as they were depressing.
I really think the movie was paced to perfection with its shirt runtime it really doesn't use it all to gimmick the audience into feeling any unearned momentum because it's rushed, things just happen and I think Julianne Moore and Theo do a great job.
Lots to unpack here. Particularly in how predictive it is (or maybe is a mirror of? This is 2006 we're talking about) how specifically Britain and the rest of Europe are nationalist to their bones honestly in ways more manifest than the U. S., the careless disregard for outsiders and all through the funnel of the cool sci-fi concept of what if there was no kids. Cuarón is familiar with this world and so I felt like this was in good hands and honestly is an even more important movie nowadays to blare the alarm for the pandemics and refugee crisae that are now ubiquitous. A seminal work I think people should use as an example of how to mix drama with mic drop real world commentary also without being too preahy but rather letting the narrative speak for itself. There are real humanitarian crises happening now I'm angry for this world and for our future and for our art and for our history and for our present. But yea I love it though.
The Dig
(2021)
Dreamy British future classic
3 July 2021
The combination of The Dig's cinematography, score, and period piece Englishness made for a phenomenal little film. It's cinematic scope was impressively crafted given such a quaint premise and deliberate pacing. The stakes arise naturally and it's screenplay is so tight it was able to weave between the intersections of anthropology and history, using cogent and powerful central metaphors to explore the notions of time missed chances and permanence in a really interesting and deep way. I cannot forget to mention it's frankly amazing direction where sometimes a conversation is happening over a wideshot of some beautiful scenescape or something, contributing to its overall poetic and dreamy quality (the director clearly also send to the Mr. Robot school of framing and understood all their assignments). I was fighting sleep myself for a while given the hour I was watching but managed to make it through to the end on sheer investment in the vibe created here in the studio today.
A super cute lovey war paranoid Casablanca meets equally war paranoid well shot Darkest Hour. Ralph Fines and Carey Mulligan shine-the Peggy son and cousin characters too. Great cast great script untouchable cinematography, what more is there to ask! A really great British movie I think that raises the bar for filmmakers today.
A super cute lovey war paranoid Casablanca meets equally war paranoid well shot Darkest Hour. Ralph Fines and Carey Mulligan shine-the Peggy son and cousin characters too. Great cast great script untouchable cinematography, what more is there to ask! A really great British movie I think that raises the bar for filmmakers today.
F for Fake
(1973)
I wish Orson Welles lived to see the rise of Podcasting
18 June 2021
Watching Orson Welles' first and last films is like a holy experience. The abstraction of a free form documentary, from a 1973 Welles no less, can come off very pretentious and confusing at first, but F for Fake settles the audience into its groove rather quickly and makes it apparent that a master filmmaker is at the helm-never letting things get too convoluted while employing sharply comedic editing reminiscent of a modern day youtuber a la Drew Godden or Emma Chamberlain to educate and thoroughly entertain.
It's unconventional bits were cool and it and 'twas existential as all get out. The rumination on forgery art come to an innovative and effecting climax with Welles using his influence and access to shed light on such a fascinating (and like maybe fake? But nevertheless "pretty") story while also getting vulnerable about his own beginnings. His silly magic trick intermissions were fun too and yea I'd go crazy if I heard that booming voice announce the martians were coming for Rossevelt on the radio too. Orson comes off as such a likeable dude all things considered, everyone in the cast does really and it's all captured so profoundly. Thanks criterion for preserving this.
It's unconventional bits were cool and it and 'twas existential as all get out. The rumination on forgery art come to an innovative and effecting climax with Welles using his influence and access to shed light on such a fascinating (and like maybe fake? But nevertheless "pretty") story while also getting vulnerable about his own beginnings. His silly magic trick intermissions were fun too and yea I'd go crazy if I heard that booming voice announce the martians were coming for Rossevelt on the radio too. Orson comes off as such a likeable dude all things considered, everyone in the cast does really and it's all captured so profoundly. Thanks criterion for preserving this.
The Candidate
(1972)
Excellent dry humor political satire that belongs up there with the greats
17 June 2021
What do Network, The Graduate, Chinatown, and The Candidate all have in common? Besides using an LA hotel as a set piece at least once, these 70s condemnations of corruption in both the news media and on Capitol Hill all give moments where mouthpieces for authenticity are chewed up and spat out by the overlords in control of them and end with scenes of the protagonist being told an "It's Chinatown, Jake" level quote by characters who have been around the block more than they have, and end with powerful final shots of characters looking listlessly into the distance radiating "What do we do now" energy. Bonus if the protagonist is a heartthrob who has an affair, drives back and forth California a lot, is almost done in by LA water shenanigans.
The Candidate combines the best aspects of all these movies to show the ugly of the most stately people, in a dryer than the LA river deadpan satire that effectively captures this period in 70s Cali in an almost documentarian fashion in a beautifully cinemotographed feature. The scene that uses the mic interference to get across his disorientation is 10/10 sound design.
It kept me entertained while being in its commitment to its satirical bit, only dropping the mask ever so slightly in the scene of McKay rehearsing his A Better Way speech in the car in a movie that almost bludgeons the audience with its irony.
Overall I am satisfied with how the movie progressed given the potential to really screw the pooch if it didn't know what it wanted to say about the corrupting influence of politics and how to do so uniquely and in a way that's worth watching. Fabulously acted Senator Jarmon in particular really perfected the monotone politician voice and Robert Redford was made for the role of well intentioned golden boy governors son public servant who loses his way.
The Candidate combines the best aspects of all these movies to show the ugly of the most stately people, in a dryer than the LA river deadpan satire that effectively captures this period in 70s Cali in an almost documentarian fashion in a beautifully cinemotographed feature. The scene that uses the mic interference to get across his disorientation is 10/10 sound design.
It kept me entertained while being in its commitment to its satirical bit, only dropping the mask ever so slightly in the scene of McKay rehearsing his A Better Way speech in the car in a movie that almost bludgeons the audience with its irony.
Overall I am satisfied with how the movie progressed given the potential to really screw the pooch if it didn't know what it wanted to say about the corrupting influence of politics and how to do so uniquely and in a way that's worth watching. Fabulously acted Senator Jarmon in particular really perfected the monotone politician voice and Robert Redford was made for the role of well intentioned golden boy governors son public servant who loses his way.
Boundary pushing
15 June 2021
I am a big fan of limited series and I'm loving the show so far, but wow once the credits rolled on this episode my jaw fell to the floor. I didn't peek at the runtime beforehand so I was wholly unprepared for how short this episode would be, but that just made it all the more powerful. What shots the Director of Photography chose to linger on, what dialogueless moments Barry Jenkins choose to include, it all came together so effectively and so uniquely I'm just in awe. Never seen anything like this before. The state named episodes were my favorite so far but this is a welcome interlude of sorts before what I'm sure will be a climactic finish. A home run!
In the Heights
(2021)
An electric movie that radiates authenticity and joy
12 June 2021
One of the best viewing experiences I've had in a while and I got to see it in theaters no less! You really feel the electricity of the movie flow through you sitting there marveling in the spectacle of Washington Heights. Anthony Ramos is a star and once Lin gets the first tear out, which it takes its time to do, it's waterworks all the way till the end. It's representation of latino culture, living in poverty and a No Country for Old Men style look at a quickly disappearing past are handled deftly and authentically. A joyful joyful time.
The cleverness of a screenplay that was clearly also a Broadway musical is not to be missed, it was deep and moving and funny enough that the kids in the row behind me the grandma in the row in front and I could all laugh and have it not feel corny. The heart of this movie, about dreams big and small, are comforting and smartly subversive in a way that is so refreshing and makes me want to rewatch it immediately.
The cleverness of a screenplay that was clearly also a Broadway musical is not to be missed, it was deep and moving and funny enough that the kids in the row behind me the grandma in the row in front and I could all laugh and have it not feel corny. The heart of this movie, about dreams big and small, are comforting and smartly subversive in a way that is so refreshing and makes me want to rewatch it immediately.
The Virgin Suicides
(1999)
Sophia Coppola's best work with a pitch perfect period piece
8 June 2021
This movie is so beautiful, every single frame could be a viral Vsco post and tbh I'm sure I could've watched the movie by swiping through its pinterest tag frame by frame. Just more proof Sofia Coppola makes cinema. A pitch perfect mid-70s period piece with a narrator that doesn't come of ass wicked cheesy, and definitively the best usage of So Far Away in film which is amazing because the song is so good but yea nobody is touching this movie. Like when your face card is that on point you can be Kristen Dunst and wear a potato sack to homecoming and still be the most ethereal girl in the room.
A spiritual sister to The Graduate, even referencing it with the Trip's introduction lazing in pool, this movie is unexpectedly hilarious at times and manages to entertain despite the ending being obvious in the title. The male gaze aspect of the film was cool to notice in real time, thank you Tik Tok for blowing this up right before it goes off prime!
A spiritual sister to The Graduate, even referencing it with the Trip's introduction lazing in pool, this movie is unexpectedly hilarious at times and manages to entertain despite the ending being obvious in the title. The male gaze aspect of the film was cool to notice in real time, thank you Tik Tok for blowing this up right before it goes off prime!
Those Who Wish Me Dead
(2021)
Western tinged natural disaster action flick, tons of fun
7 June 2021
I would not be writing a positive review if the movie carried on as it began with its absolutely atrociously written and acted first act. It seems to me the stupid exposition hand waving that is nearly unwatchable was the consequence of the final act being so costly to film so I can make my peace with that.
The grand set pieces getting swallowed up by the flames and the no holes barred sensationalist action sequences really swept me off my feet. Angelina Jolie and the kid actor's chemistry saws believable, The Punisher guy and his wife not so much at first but by the end had me feeling every emotion.
Nicholas Hoult needs to stop acting immediately. The concept of fighting off assassins Die Hard during Montana fire season with a kid in tow is a cool idea but horribly executed for the first half of the movie really. However, a dick character getting their last words spat back at them before getting deer rifled to the heart by a character who rode on horseback in a poncho to get there is peak cinema.
Overall a fun throwback 90s style natural disaster action movie that deserves better. Good score obviously top notch cinematography, the fire really felt like a character and credit to the sound design and editing of it's climatic finish. Hell or High Water is infinitesimally better, though it really doesn't deserve so much derision though I'm glad most reviews see things similar, if not as strongly.
The grand set pieces getting swallowed up by the flames and the no holes barred sensationalist action sequences really swept me off my feet. Angelina Jolie and the kid actor's chemistry saws believable, The Punisher guy and his wife not so much at first but by the end had me feeling every emotion.
Nicholas Hoult needs to stop acting immediately. The concept of fighting off assassins Die Hard during Montana fire season with a kid in tow is a cool idea but horribly executed for the first half of the movie really. However, a dick character getting their last words spat back at them before getting deer rifled to the heart by a character who rode on horseback in a poncho to get there is peak cinema.
Overall a fun throwback 90s style natural disaster action movie that deserves better. Good score obviously top notch cinematography, the fire really felt like a character and credit to the sound design and editing of it's climatic finish. Hell or High Water is infinitesimally better, though it really doesn't deserve so much derision though I'm glad most reviews see things similar, if not as strongly.
The Woman in the Window
(2021)
A pleasant surprise bad reviews nonwithstanding
6 June 2021
I went into The Woman in the Window after reading a review attempting to tear down the piece but only making me want to watch it more. An ambitious neo-Hitchcockian thriller where Amy Adams does nothing all day but roam her egregiously posh NYC apartment cosplaying as the guy from Rear Window, life goals by the way, sounded like a lot of fun. And guess what, it is!
I see some complain that the characters don't act like real people and I have some news for them: this is not a documentary of your local grocery store this is a thriller and these people are actors. None of this is real. It is intentionally stagey and melodramatic. I don't go bursting into monologues about sanity but damn does it make for compelling cinema.
This honestly gets my positive review for being a well crafted albeit pretentious affair (I would not want to ever ever EVER be in the same room as the director because oh my goodness does the direction reek of multiple diagnosable superiority and narcissistic complexes, though realizing it's Joe Wright maybe he gets a pass for making Atonement and Darkest Hour) and it gets my perfect rating for that monologue halfway though the movie and I'm trying to stick up for an unduly hated upon flick. Back to the monologue though, I swear they thought they really had some gold on their hands and that that would be the scene to finally win Amy her Oscar (and I know that was the point in the script her and her agent signed on in the first place) but yea this flopped unfortunately.
It's one of those things where I'm the only person in the world that likes it apparently though so long as there are people who can appreciate a well told story with detective aspects and easily digestible themes like grief rather than every movie trying to be an allegory for the Iranian middle crisis or something then I will continue to sing its praises. But it's also like definitely a Not Good movie and all the jokes about it being trash and funny and well warranted, I just landed on the 'loves it' side of mixed reviews.
I see some complain that the characters don't act like real people and I have some news for them: this is not a documentary of your local grocery store this is a thriller and these people are actors. None of this is real. It is intentionally stagey and melodramatic. I don't go bursting into monologues about sanity but damn does it make for compelling cinema.
This honestly gets my positive review for being a well crafted albeit pretentious affair (I would not want to ever ever EVER be in the same room as the director because oh my goodness does the direction reek of multiple diagnosable superiority and narcissistic complexes, though realizing it's Joe Wright maybe he gets a pass for making Atonement and Darkest Hour) and it gets my perfect rating for that monologue halfway though the movie and I'm trying to stick up for an unduly hated upon flick. Back to the monologue though, I swear they thought they really had some gold on their hands and that that would be the scene to finally win Amy her Oscar (and I know that was the point in the script her and her agent signed on in the first place) but yea this flopped unfortunately.
It's one of those things where I'm the only person in the world that likes it apparently though so long as there are people who can appreciate a well told story with detective aspects and easily digestible themes like grief rather than every movie trying to be an allegory for the Iranian middle crisis or something then I will continue to sing its praises. But it's also like definitely a Not Good movie and all the jokes about it being trash and funny and well warranted, I just landed on the 'loves it' side of mixed reviews.
The Graduate
(1967)
Mrs. Robinson is an all time great character
10 May 2021
Mrs. Robinson is an all time great character, seeing her work her magic on the Orange Himbo Hoffman was a delight. Then movie A ends and movie B begins, which was a less entertaining experience since we're seeing the Oompa Loompa heartthrob stalk the classically beautiful Elaine but all in all great flick and spectacular closing shot!
The Silence of the Lamb
7 May 2021
Funniest clip that transcends this show in the last 2 minutes, compounded by the jaw dropping reveal of the results of the eponymous Real Estate Hunger Games, this was a good episode. Christine has such a cutthroat sense of humor I can really see how that silver tongue gets her in a lot of trouble and Heather is making waves with the $40 million dollar home in a way that concerns me, I'd like this to be a win for our girl boss in chief Christine or even Chrishell out of nowhere. Good episode, not as great as the previous one that was a perfect 10 in terms of reality TV editing and narratives but Selling Sunset makes me want to live in LA if not for the glamorous houses than for the high camp and drama of said lifestyle so the show is doing something right!
Had me clutching my pearls in the best way possible
3 May 2021
I initially heard about Invincible from the twitter buzz and saw a mild spoiler that seemed incongruent with the sunny run of the mill superhero origin story Invincible that was presented to me for the first 40 minutes of the show. Especially seeing the comparisons to The Boys which I loved I was going to be disappointed if it didn't live up to the absurdity and potential adult animation provides. Safe to say I was clutching my pearls and excited to see what direction the show took me in next by the end! Stellar voice acting on account of the fabulous talent behind these characters that are well designed and unique in a simultaneously refreshing and familiar world.
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