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Tenet (2020)
don't watch if you still think that time is linear
"What's happened, happened." Neil, a character in the movie, said so. I'm a big believer of the "Grandfather Paradox"--simply put: time travel is a useless concept for me. I watched this movie without reading any synopsis nor watching the trailer, so once i figured out that the movie is about time travel i kind of lost interest.
Through this movie, this is my first time seeing a physical time travel "machine" operating in "real life"--i usually see time travel in 2D cartoon animation where it felt like magic/fantasy that just *zaps* so i don't think too much of it. But it's interesting to see the concept being executed in "real life" with some consideration to real Physics theories
I feel like this would be fun to watch together with a group of friends and fight about time travel with each other after that
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020)
captivating acting, no standard film script storyline
I watched this movie simply for Viola Davis--didn't see the trailer nor learnt that this movie was based on a theatrical play. Got the bonus of seeing Chadwick Boseman's final performance.
I expected this to be a biopic of Ma Rainey so I felt the movie was slow and seemed like there's no beginning-middle-end or set up-incident-conflict-climax-resolution. It only made sense there were too many dialogues because it IS a play. I also wondered why this movie is titled Ma Rainey when it felt like Levee is the main character, but this might be a characteristic of plays that i'm not familiar with since i rarely go to see a live play.
The acting performance was spectacular and that's what kept me watching. I love the details in costumes, sceneries, and even props. There's also quite a handful of symbolisms to be analyzed further
Murder Mystery (2019)
a light, entertaining, but still evoke curiousity
I was expecting this to be a so-so movie with a linear story line, but i ended up liking it! I love mystery movies in general but sometimes i'm not in the mood to use heavy brain work, so this movie is perfect. The right balance of mystery, comedy, pinches of thrill, and some plot twists. Of course the juxtaposition of this sultry rich family image with a middle class commoner is also interesting to see.
I sympathize with Audrey in that situation, because i can imagine how exciting it would be as an avid novel reader to be living a situation straight out of a mystery fiction!
Always Be My Maybe (2019)
light hearted comedy
Perfect movie for if you just want something simple and light to watch. It makes you feel good afterwards. Though some parts are a little bit too comic but hey, it's better than the typical rom-com.
As an asian myself, i love the little details (what i like to call "subtle asian traits") portrayed in the movie so naturally; such as removing shoes before entering a house, eating spam with rice, or proving love by not using the "family discount" card even though it's ingrained in our souls to do whatever we can to save money hahaha. I also love the display of interesting juxtaposition between the asian all our parents want (rich, classy like Sasha) and hippie, go-with-the-flow asian like Marcus and Jenny (i'm also surprised at how chill Marcus' dad is)
I could write about some questionable parts about why i can't give this movie a 10 out of 10--i dont want to say it's problematic, but it's just something that bugs me. But then, don't think too much like me and just watch it for what it is; a fun, light hearted rom-com movie with asian-american rep
How to Get Away with Murder (2014)
Overall really good, but dont watch if you are prone to anxiety
Just finished season 1. I want to say it's entertaining but it feels like an incorrect word to me; I'm very aware that this series is overly dramatized but somehow it works, it got me on the edge of my seat everytime. Anxiety-inducing, even. So don't watch this if youre not in a good mental space, i guess lol (my fault for watching this amidst of a pandemic). It IS entertaining in the sense it's unpredictable and suspense is built slowly, steady but sure. The only thing that seems rushed is their love life. Is this a cultural thing? Are youngsters in the US like this?
I bet in real life, lawyers/court/trials aren't this dramatic, so I think don't take it too seriously (or if you're a lawyer, don't watch it at all)
I love the cinematography. Lots of clever angles and use of color palette to set the mood. The series tell multiple storylines and yet still makes sense. Love Anneliese's outfits too. Sleek but bold with pops of statement jewelry.
The very one thing that annoys me: Anneliese, lock the goddamn door and gates!
I hope the next season is as great. I got the whole quarantine days to finish the series!
The Truman Show (1998)
thought-provoking
Watching this as a young adult in 2019, this movie wasn't "shocking" for me because what was considered weird/unethical in the movie ironically became a lot of people's source of income nowadays (mundane reality shows, competition tv shows, vlogging for youtube, heck even the process of choosing bridal gowns). But to imagine that this movie was a late 90s movie, i'm sure it must've been life-changing and mind-blowing
other than commentary about mass media, the movie also nudges on God-human relationship, and the literal meaning of "life will get exciting when you step out of your comfort zone and conquer your fear."
i recommend this movie for fun and light entertainment while still being meaningful and great for discussions
Léon (1994)
I really want to like this movie, but..
I'm a sucker for action drama genre, so in general i love this movie. the plot made sense, storyline wasn't predictable. the action scenes give me good goosebumps. I see them as a sadistic father-daughter duo... until Mathilda mentioned wanting to have sex with him.
So I enjoyed the movie, but everytime the movie serves you this awkward sexual tension between 12-year-old Mathilda and a really old man, I feel extremely uncomfortable.
i think if Mathilda is a bit older or Leon is a bit younger, the falling-in-love part wont bother me as much
The Matrix (1999)
how come this movie is from the 90s?!
This movie is too philosophical and subliminal for me to comprehensively review, so all i have to say is there's a reason why this movie is so popular even until now.
well-made storyline, amazing vfx (especially for that time), and iconic fashion.
isn't it scary how the main protagonists are fighting against AI because it 'manipulates' real human, yet nowadays we rely most of our tasks to it...
Ocean's Eight (2018)
amazing cast for a so-so movie
I didn't watch the original Ocean's movie so I can't really compare this movie to the predecessors, but Ocean's 8 is pretty okay. It's fun to watch the plan unfolds, but that's that. Nothing really mind-blowing or plot-twisty to my liking.
I'm just a little bit sad that this amazing all-woman cast, full of diversity and each of them had their own characteristic, is used for a movie with robbery plot
Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
action-packed and amazing CGI, but storyline a little bit too fast and obvious
I watched this movie without watching any trailers first (unless the scenes included in Swan Song music video count) so I don't have any expectations except hoping that this won't end as a cheesy romantic movie
First off: ethereal visuals! I think there's an undeclared standard of visual effects for these types of post-apocalyptic, futuristic movies and Alita exceeds it. The combination of real life shots and CGI is really seamless. Everyone's performance is also breathtaking and the combat scenes will leave you sitting on the edge of your seat.
But the story.. I was digging it until they blew their plot before even reaching the middle of the movie, making the ending quite predictable for me. It also feels a little bit too fast, and they made the ending so painfully cliffhanging and obvious that they will be making a continuing sequel of the movie.
Knowing that this was based off a manga series that tends to be complicated and plot-twisty, I feel like the storyline itself has a lot of layers to be revealed in future sequels, which could make Alita its own franchise. What about the past of Dr. Ido and Dr. Chiren? The secret of Zalem? Why is there such a huge difference between Iron City and Zalem? Even Alita's past hasn't been fully explored yet. They could've slow down a little bit for this ~first~ movie.
La La Land (2016)
the cinematography made me gave a high rating; storyline is frustrating
I'm weak for musical movies even if the storyline sucks, so this rating is slightly biased.
I did cry after I first watched it because the ending made me feel like "what a pity that it's their dreams and goals that separate them." But after the second watch I realized how foolish and unrealistic it was; why aren't they discussing their future career and relationship mindfully? they keep arguing instead of calming down and talk respectfully.
Now, Emma and Ryan's chemistry was really good and it made me so attached to the movie despite the storyline; their City of Stars scene is iconic, catchy, and the lyrics so wishful yet hopeless.
Also these days I rarely see a movie with such an amazing, poetic, and theatrical cinematography (before people are blaming me: I was born in late 90s so there are definitely outstanding old movies that I haven't seen yet), this movie is such an eye candy with bold color palettes and unique angles.
I'd still recommend people to watch this movie for their cinematography and for god's sake, it's musical!
Bring It On (2000)
cute movie for light entertainment
I'm not American and where I live cheerleading isn't a big deal (or barely existing) so I might not fully understand the culture or why this movie became a cult classic. But nevertheless it was pretty entertaining; the type of movie you'd like to watch when you're just bored.
I don't have much to review because storyline wise it's predictable, cinematography is ok, nothing is really fantastic and shining. Though I always love high school movies that showcase good leadership and sportsmanship--Torrance is a brilliant and responsible leader. Also love the display of diversity for a 2000s movie.
My only discomfort is the amount of sexual innuendos.. Is this a normal thing in American high school?
Legally Blonde (2001)
a women empowerment movie without even trying
This movie was listed as one of the most iconic teenager/chick flick movies, and after watching Mean Girls (which I hated and I didn't understand how this movie became an icon), I didn't expect a lot from Legally Blonde. Probably a movie about some shallow, upper class, white teen girl getting into law school because of "connections" and realizing it's actually hard, right?
Big wrong.
I did cringe at the intro of the movie, because it seems like Elle's motivation to get into law school was simply to get closer to her ex and trying to win him back. But after some realizations, she didn't care about her ex nor some romantic relationship anymore and did her best to keep up with the workload, getting internships, be responsible, proving people that she's not a "basic white girl" who probably graduates from Harvard with "special treatments"
I love this movie because they didn't emphasize the importance of having a boyfriend/fiancé/romantic relationship (which is what usually happen to women characters in movies) and instead showed Elle's hard work whilst being underestimated. Elle still has stress and frustration, and she solved it by visiting the salon and make friends along the way. On top of that, the movie created a pretty realistic university scenes, from work stress, bullying, underestimating, to sexual favors--of which Elle handled them gracefully and responsibly.
While all of this is happening, Elle also managed to still stay stylish! Which also breaks the stereotype of "fashionable, pretty girls are empty-headed"
10/10. A must watch for everyone, especially teenage girls.
The Stanford Prison Experiment (2015)
high rating because it's a must watch, but mentally not enjoyable
This movie was introduced on today's modern psychology class in my university to talk about aggression and deindividuation, so I watched it.
Blatantly speaking, this movie makes me uneasy; it's a perfect movie to illustrates what power abuse could look like.
We, in a healthy mental state, are aware that what the guards did and how the prisoners are treated are wrong. Easy to say because we are taught that assault and abuse are not ethical, plus most of us probably never been in the position as guards or prisoner.
But this movie (experiment?) makes you wonder; what would you do if you are positioned as the highest member of society (guards/polices are deemed as "good people" or "heroes") by which you are given all the power in your fingertips? would you act ruthlessly just because your high status makes any of your action the "truest"? the prisoners didn't really question the guards' ill manners too because prisoners are supposed to be the "bad guy" who caused harms to the society, so they "deserve" it. It's kind of a paradox, isn't it?
Other than the topic, I think the script is written really well; it's literally set in the same location for days but it doesn't feel boring. The cinematography and editing are beautifully rendered and the music really fits the scenes.
I want to say it was a great movie because of the moral lesson, the storyline, the cinematography, and it is enjoyable in the sense of I didn't get bored, it will make you sit on the edge of your chair with thumping heart, becoming emotionally invested. But it's not something you can watch for entertainment; I'd recommend this movie for everyone to learn and realize that yes, evil is always inside us. It's up to our self and surrounding environment whether we want to release the beast or not
Bridesmaids (2011)
why does this count as a comedy movie?
I googled for a list of funny movies because I need some that can make me laugh like white chicks or miss congeniality, and Bridesmaids is listed in a lot of the articles claiming to be the women version of Hangover so I watched it. Until the end, I don't understand which part of it is funny--does those airplane scenes even count? If anything, it felt like it could be a motivational, biographical movie on how Annie the miserable woman who's poor with no friends, no kind boyfriend, failed life, and trying to get up, rekindle with her love for baking instead of claiming to be a crazy bachelorette party movie. Her life story has so many possibilities and much more interesting than this shallow matter of wedding party. Her relationship with Megan was actually a really nice touch and that one scene where Megan had a convo with Annie actually enlightens me
Could've given a one star but Annie's life story somewhat feels relatable so I gave three
I lowkey want Bridesmaids 2 that will feature Annie re-opening her bakery though
Lady Bird (2017)
still cliche
Finally watched this movie after hearing the endless hype for it.
After the credits rolled in, just like when I finished watching Moonrise Kingdom (same coming-of-age genre), I was.... confused. Didn't understand how it got so hyped--at least Moonrise Kingdom has a beautiful, surrealistic cinematography.
Lady Bird has the same formula of every indie CoA movies: rebellious teenager tired of their uncool/boring life dying to find excitement, while trying out sex and cigarettes, ditching their uncool best friend for the popular guys, only to realize that their best friend is better
Though, the relationship between Lady Bird and her mom feels really authentic and quite relatable. They're so passive-aggressive to the point I got irritated as well, but that also means what the movie is trying to portray is working.
Maybe i'm just boring so I never got the point of coming-of-age films; even though i'm only in my early twenties.. Or maybe because I'm not familiar with Sacramento nor I live in the US; because I can see how nostalgic the movie could feel with "noise" filter edited and the snippets of landscapes and sceneries
Side note; I like how they portray the Catholic Schools. Most movies would paint them as this traditional, extremely conservative environment with judgy nuns/fathers/teachers. But here, it felt realistic. The nuns are so sweet and funny
Burn the Stage: The Movie (2018)
the movie is cinematic, but the YTRed series is much more personal
As a BTS fan myself, I already watched the YTRed series first and I love it so much because not only it really showed us what goes on behind the scenes (aha) for the first time, it also included personal commentaries from the members themselves, which made the series so much more raw and honest.
The movie, on the other hand, I felt kind of disconnected; especially because it wasn't narrated by the members themselves. It was a bit too cinematic and poetic. Every BTS fan would probably know where the ocean-desert analogy came from, but for non-fans it might be confusing--and the movie centers around that analogy.
Though, the movie included new clips, plus showing the videos from their older Bangtan Bombs/Logs are really nice to really see how far they have gone.
Maybe because I personally think documentary movies should always be published as series/episodes instead of trying to cram everything into a one hour movie
I guess the movie is good for people who don't want to spend time watching the YTRed episodes, but if you really want to understand the group and listen to the members sit down and reflect on their career, I recommend the episodes instead.
Vantage Point (2008)
I've never felt this nervous
I've watched quite a few of action movies but this is by far the best I've ever seen. It got me literally on the edge of my seat, sweating, and my heart was actually beating hard in anticipation, which sadly I rarely feel while watching other action movies.
Some people might think that the scenes where they show different point of views are repetitive, but for me, someone who is perfectionist and tend to over-analyze, I actually love it because just like reality, life doesn't have one exact linear storyline. A lot of things happened at once while an event is happening. At first I suspect a specific person, then after they showed another person's perspective I was blown away (I was wrong, of course)
It has a happy ending that might be predictable, but not cringy.
Another plus point is that I like is that there is zero explicit romantic/sexual love scenes that action movies tend to to have. I am a young adult but I always feel sex scenes in action movies are useless.
10 out of 10. Amazing.