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The Substance (2024)
Kubrick inspired horror film
The Substance is a standout psychological horror film, blending intense visuals and an exceptional sound design that draws you right into its visceral world. The sound design is impeccable, creating an eerie atmosphere that complements the visual storytelling beautifully. This film is filled with artistic cinematography - overhead shots, close-ups, POVs - that feel very Kubrick-esque.
The production design captures a mysterious, almost puzzle-like atmosphere, with practical effects enhancing the realism - another Kubrick-inspired touch. Even the CGI feels natural-like. The music amplifies the tension with a mix of dark cinematic electronica and beefy techno beat, making the experience intense and even unsettling in the best way.
The narrative message is straightforward: embracing one's natural beauty and limitations is essential. It's a theme that resonates through the sexy, provocative, and at times grotesque visual storytelling - expect shots focused on body and gore, skillfully crafted to stir mixed emotions. The parallel editing is also brilliant. The final act is a pure frenzy of ugliness and gore, accompanied by an explosion of rock music, wrapping up the story on a raw, intense note.
Overall, The Substance is a bold, heavily Kubrick-inspired yet original horror that dives into beauty, identity, and self-acceptance with a fantastic script. Easily the best horror release this year.
The Wild Robot (2024)
This film left me in awe
The visual execution - the characters, cinematography, time-lapse scene, vibrant colors and animation switch-up - is striking and unique.
I enjoyed the film's portrayal of nature and the storyline involving the robots and animals. The robot mimics everything; of course it's an AI. It tries to adapt to the environment. Yet, the robot is portrayed as a threat to the animals.
The storytelling and dialogue are amazing. It is very thought-provoking to me because it has clear parallels to us - humans. It explores themes of family, integrity, a sense of belonging (fitting in), hope, and sacrifice, creating a deeply personal experience. It's philosophical, yet grounded.
As the story unfolds, it feels incredibly wholesome to witness its progression. Additionally, it's crucial to pay attention to every detail in this film, as each one holds significance.
The soundtrack and sound FX perfectly complement the story, offering moments of tension, moments of unknown fear, and a sense of curiosity.
However, I still felt that there were some gaps in the film, such as the characters' appearances, their development and the film's long-term memorability.
Overall, this film left me in awe, consistently impressing me. I believe this film deserves a well-planned sequel because the film was fast-paced. The ending is truly remarkable.
Terrifier 3 (2024)
Horror and Gore
The music stands out with its diverse mix of calm, drone, and cinematic bass sounds, creating an eerie experience. Sound FX are well-executed, amplifying the horror elements. Visually, it's undeniably gross, delivering gore and extreme violence in the most graphic ways possible. Art the Clown, who feels like a twisted blend of Joker, Deadpool, Charlie Chaplin, and a mime, steals the show. His comic character is perfect for horror fans.
Sienna's and Jonathan's perspective adds depth with raw emotions and dialogues, offering a glimpse into their complex characters. However, the plot feels like a compilation of shocking, gory clips. Stylistically, the film has a unique, creative aesthetic.
This is not a horror film, but rather a disgusting one. If you enjoy insane, boundary-pushing horror films, this film is for you. The film already sets the hype for the 4th installment.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)
Nostalgia hits
The music is wonderfully immersive, complementing the vibe of the first film. The practical FX are equally impressive, creating realistic experiences. The stop-motion sequences were as unique as in the previous film. Cinematography-wise, the film is beautifully shot; I absolutely liked the camera angles, lenses they chose.
The production design is immersive and perfectly reflects the original film, bringing a familiar and fresh feel to the story. The casting is spot-on, though the acting feels a bit forced at times. It's great to see the actor who plays Beetlejuice back; his character is as entertaining as ever, especially in the 3rd act when he gets more screen time.
One of the more experimental choices was the B&W scene, which was an interesting addition and contrast. However, the dialogue in some scenes is stiff; the storyline lacks intrigue, with moments feeling flat, uninteresting and going all over the place. The lip-syncing scene was unique and thoroughly entertaining.
The sound FX are ridiculous in the best way possible - silly but fitting for the film's tone. I also enjoyed the Dune reference, though the scene felt slightly artificial. Overall, this film captures the spirit of the original but doesn't fully hit the mark for me, aside from its visual and nostalgic strengths.
Joker (2019)
Phoenix' amazing performance
The overall visual presentation is strong. The cinematic daylight scenes pop with vibrant, crisp colors, while the darker scenes convey a cold, gritty atmosphere that complements the story's tone. However, there's a lack of coordination in some scenes, where some shots feel out of alignment with the framing grid, and a few are unnecessarily blurred or too dark to fully make out. As for the editing, I appreciated how the film was structured, providing necessary background and context for Arthur's transformation.
The plot is heavy, gritty, and dark, diving deep into societal issues like the harsh division between the rich and poor. It's simple but effective, yet I feel the film could have explored these themes more in depth, especially through additional dialogue. Some scenes reminded me of Scorsese's Taxi Driver, particularly in the way it depicts the protagonist's isolation and troubled mind.
Joaquin Phoenix delivers an astonishing performance as Arthur Fleck. His portrayal of a man descending into chaos resonated with me on a deep, emotional level. His ability to convey Arthur's pain and frustration is devastating, and his performance left me feeling drained in the best way possible. Phoenix captures Arthur's fragile state so well that it's hard not to empathize with him, even as he spirals out of control.
The OST fits Arthur's image perfectly, capturing the haunting and unsettling mood of the film. The music is used with precision and adds so much to the overall experience. The film cleverly plays with sound to reflect Arthur's perception of reality. Some background sounds feel artificial.
Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)
Artistic and experimental
This film is visually striking and emotionally charged. The animated introduction sets a vibrant tone. The cinematography is simply beautiful, with rich colors, dynamic close-ups.
The editing is excellent, especially the slow-motion sequences and the parallel editing during the intense court trial scenes. Seeing it on IMAX was an even more immersive experience due to the aspect ratio changes, which is a unique visual storytelling technique that I loved.
What makes this film feel different from a typical sequel is that it acts like an epilogue. It explores Arthur's imagination, contrasting how he sees his world and how society views him. The ending is devastating and ironic, using upbeat music in a way that feels intentionally contradictory to the film's darker tones, which left me with mixed emotions.
Hearing the Joker theme again was refreshing; I appreciated the variations and layers added to it throughout the film. While it repeats, each iteration feels intentional and impactful.
The music selection was fantastic. In this film, music feels like Arthur's lifeline - it's his way of finding hope. His emotions are powerfully channeled through music; it strengthens the film's atmosphere.
Sound design is one of the standout elements. It's so well-mixed, using techniques like sound muffles and silence at the right moments, which makes the visual storytelling even more impactful.
Joaquin Phoenix delivers yet another masterful performance as Arthur Fleck, bringing out the complexity of the character. Lady Gaga, while a bit odd due to her recognizable voice, decently fits into the role of Harley Quinn. I initially had my doubts, but she worked well for this interpretation of the character.
One minor disappointment was that some scenes shown in the trailer didn't make it into the final cut. Those moments could have added something extra, but overall, it didn't take away too much from my enjoyment.
Overall, this is not an action-packed film but a slow, dark, and thoughtful exploration of Arthur Fleck's character. Todd Phillips shows a lot of experimentation in this film, and I admire his bold vision. I'd comfortably give it an 8/10 for its artistic vision, performances, and emotional depth.
Alien: Covenant (2017)
Decent sequel to Prometheus
Alien: Covenant opens with a mesmerizing scene that sets the tone beautifully. I loved the combination of close-ups with long shots; it felt refreshing and drew me right in. The cinematography is stunning, particularly with the use of light and shadows in darker scenes, which adds depth to the atmosphere. The space scenes are impressively real, and the shaky camera work during critical moments brings an immersive touch.
The philosophical themes mirror those of Prometheus, exploring questions about humanity, creation, and destruction. In that way, Alien: Covenant complements Prometheus well, continuing the deeper narrative threads of the franchise. The original soundtrack is another highlight - memorable and evocative, it brings a familiar but compelling atmosphere to the film.
Production design is as impeccable as ever, staying true to the eerie and iconic Alien aesthetic. The acting deserves praise too, especially Daniels (played by Katherine Waterston), whose empathetic portrayal adds a humane layer to the intense sci-fi setting. The androids' performances, in particular, are impressive, and their interactions are filled with intrigue and complexity.
However, I do feel that this film lacks the memorability compared to the original Alien. The CGI is visibly apparent, and that artificial look takes away from the overall visual impact.
The writing has its ups and downs. Initially, it feels shallow, with too much focus on panic, shouting, and reacting. However, things pick up in the second half with the conversations between the two androids. The philosophical debate between the characters was intriguing - it adds depth by exploring the duality of human nature: the ability to show both empathy and destruction, contrasted with the capacity of others to manipulate and outsmart.
Despite its flaws, Alien: Covenant offers moments of greatness, and it's worth appreciating the detailed world-building that aligns with Prometheus. It stands as a solid sequel, especially for those who enjoyed the preceding film.
Kishkindha Kaandam (2024)
Suspense
The cinematography and music choices in this film were the main highlights for me. This film's picture quality is so good - it has vibrant colors with great shadows. I loved the close-up shots, and the two shots were incredible. The use of blur in the background was effective in certain scenes. Impressively, the night scenes are well lit and have excellent colors.
The soundtrack experience was very good and gave you goosebumps; however, in some scenes the music was misplaced and ruined the picture dynamic and felt that was not necessary. There was a need for something more mellow at that moment, or something less intense, to counterbalance the intensity, but overall, it was good.
The editing uses consistent and reasonable cuts, though at times they were choppy. I wish there had been fewer cuts; they made it difficult for my brain to process everything, allowing me to focus more on creating suspense, at least for the first 60 minutes of the film. The editing is always "on the grid," and it makes the feel of the film unnatural; in other words, it's "too literal." I like the parallel editing in the last 20 minutes of the movie. It improved a bit.
Sometimes, the practical effects were unexpected, such as the intensity of the rain, but overall, they were quite good. The acting in this film felt natural.
The first 60 minutes of the film's plot left me eager for more information. The last 30-40 minutes of the film were crucial because they revealed more of the story. While some characters delivered witty lines, the overall atmosphere remained mysterious and detective-like. The story moves at a slow pace. In the middle of the movie, the backstory and all of the movie were more clear than from the start. The suspense and mystery are obvious. I loved the dramatic scenes that were a mind-game thing with such issues. The plot is very thought-provoking and reminds me of Chris Nolan's Memento in some moments. It's an eerie vibe and becomes more disturbing.
As the movie progresses, it becomes more and more clear, and we know the characters intentions, motivations, and personality characteristics. I felt very empathetic to the characters in the 3rd act of the film.
Overall, this film has excellent re-watch value.
Prometheus (2012)
Watched theatrical cut and I still enjoyed it
Disclaimer: After watching the theatrical cut, I discovered there's an extended version of this movie. While I enjoyed the theatrical release, I also watched the deleted scenes and extras, which provided more answers and context. For anyone who wants a deeper understanding, I recommend checking out the deleted scenes on YouTube and especially the "Deleted Engineer Dialogue FULLY TRANSLATED from the Script of Prometheus." It's a shame Ridley Scott cut those scenes because they would've given fans more of what they needed. If those scenes had been included, I might've rated the film even higher. But overall, I had a great experience watching this movie!
Review:
I watched the theatrical cut of Prometheus and thoroughly enjoyed it. The film opens with breathtaking mountain shots, and the locations are so vibrant they reminded me of Anjunadeep album covers. The mysterious beginning really sets the tone, and it's something you'll need to keep in mind as it becomes crucial later on.
Even though this is a 2012 film, the vibe is reminiscent of Dune part 2 and Arrival. The VFX is stunning for its time, though, from a modern perspective, some effects feel a bit dated. That said, the filmmakers used some very unique techniques that made the visuals still interesting today.
The sound design is excellent, incorporating a range of natural sounds like waterfalls, wind, and low-end sounds that add layers of tension and atmosphere. I also loved the production design - futuristic with great attention to detail and color, which really elevates the film's aesthetic. You can tell Ridley Scott pushed this film in a positive direction with his vision.
The plot dives deep into philosophical themes, particularly around creation, existence, and the search for meaning. I appreciated the film's exploration of these ideas, and it resonated with me. You can clearly tell, just by the visuals, who the protagonists and antagonists are and how they relate to each other. My main issue, though, is that the theatrical version leaves a lot of questions unanswered, especially about the Engineers. While it adds to the mystery, I still felt it could've offered more insight.
The soundtrack complements the atmosphere perfectly, and it heightens the intensity of the critical scenes. The film builds tension, stress, and anxiety brilliantly, making you feel for the characters and drawing you deeper into the story. While the narrative is very linear, I think it's a great approach for this film as it helps everything make more sense.
Flow (2024)
Masterpiece
Flow is one of the most visually stunning and innovative animations I've ever seen. The film's no dialogue only enhances its storytelling, perfectly embodying the "show, don't tell" principle. From the start, it grips you with its emotional depth and remarkable world-building. The production design is nothing short of tremendous, creating a rich, immersive world devastated by a great flood.
The sound design plays a pivotal role, adding layers of realism to the film's events, making every moment feel visceral and alive. The film's ability to evoke deep emotion, especially for the animals, truly moved me - it had me in tears more than once. I also loved the use of shaky cinematography throughout the film, which gave the film an added sense of urgency and rawness.
The original soundtrack is mysterious and perfectly suited to the film. It weaves tension, curiosity, and surprise into key moments, making the experience even more powerful. The cat, as the central character, carries the film effortlessly. The entire plot feels surreal, with the animals driven by survival instincts. Each animal's unique personality shines: the cat is naturally skeptical, the capybara serves as a gentle caretaker, the dog embodies a loyal golden retriever, the lemur is selfish and materialistic, and the bird feels like the cat's guardian angel.
The film's core theme is fear, which is explored beautifully through visual storytelling. Even with no dialogue, there's palpable drama and tension throughout, proving that words aren't necessary to convey deep emotional weight. The film is visually provocative, and the way it communicates complex emotions is brilliant.
The ending is wholesome and heartfelt, wrapping up a truly moving journey. I sincerely hope this film wins an Oscar, as it deeply touched me. Flow is a cinematic masterpiece, both emotionally and visually.
Alien³ (1992)
Above avarage
Alien3, directed by D. Fincher, is an intriguing continuation of the Aliens storyline. This shift in dynamics brings a new aspect to the franchise, creating a tense survival story in a harsh, weapon-free environment.
I think the tone Fincher set for this film is incredibly effective, providing a gritty and bleak atmosphere that feels right for the narrative. The editing, with its mix of short and long cuts, keeps the pacing tight and engaging.
I also loved the cinematography. Fincher's use of close-ups, wide shots, and a variety of camera lenses adds to the sense of confinement and danger. The camera movement, especially the alien's POV shots or moves forward into scenes, is another standout.
Visually, Alien3 has excellent color grading and a good use of shadows to enhance the mood. The way the colors and lighting interact to create a harsh, industrial look really works with the prison setting.
While the dialogue isn't on the same level as the first two films, I feel that's intentional. These characters come from a different world - a rough, brutal prison - the dialogue reflects their environment.
The VFX are great overall, but the decision to use CGI for the alien was a huge letdown for me. It looked awkward and unrealistic. I wish they had stuck with more practical effects, like in the earlier films.
However, I didn't find the writing and the slow pacing, which is important to me, as strong as the first two films, probably because the prison setting limited the complexity of the narrative.
Aliens (1986)
Great sequel - 7.5 for me
Aliens is a solid sequel that builds on the foundation of the original Alien film while carving out its own identity. Right from the start, the space scenes are visually striking, showcasing impressive production design, especially inside the spaceship. The hospital scene, in particular, stands out for its meticulous attention to detail. The slow-motion scenes combined with excellent sound design create a tense atmosphere that keeps you engaged.
The overall production design has a bit of a Star Wars vibe, which adds a familiar yet distinct touch to the film's aesthetic. I couldn't help but feel that some of the smaller plot points may have influenced Christopher Nolan with his film Interstellar, particularly in their approach to exploring space and human survival.
In terms of writing, I found Aliens to be stronger than its predecessor, Alien. This makes sense, as Alien was more of a slow build, laying the groundwork for the story. The acting in Aliens is spot-on, with Ripley's cold, determined character driving the action forward. Within the first 30 minutes, the film picks up pace, setting the stage for what becomes a progressively intense experience.
One aspect I appreciate is the minimal use of cuts during dialogue scenes. This allows for a more immersive experience and feels efficient in conveying the characters' emotions and interactions. The film's realism is another highlight, with practical effects like functional robots, believable equipment adding to the sense of immersion and the "knife game" scene.
However, I'm not a huge fan of the VFX here; I think Ridley Scott's work in the original Alien film did it better. Despite this, the cinematography is effective, with commendable close-up shots that heighten the tension. The action scenes, while chaotic, are well-edited and shot, contributing to the film's overall intensity. Still, the writing stands out as the strongest element for me.
The film is purposefully long, reflecting the characters' struggle to figure out how to complete their mission. While this length adds to the realism, it can also make the film feel drawn out at times. There are smart decisions made throughout, but also some missed opportunities that are evident upon reflection.
While the film has its flaws, it also has interesting and thought-provoking moments that make it more than just a straightforward mission-rescue story. For my personal taste, Aliens earns a solid 7 out of 10, with an extra nod for the emotional connections it fosters with its characters.
Alien (1979)
Disengaged
Alien is undeniably a landmark film in sci-fi, though my experience with it was mixed. This film is heavily influenced by 2001. A Space Odyssey, i.e., (1) the production design that actually stands out, with its strong aesthetic and attention to detail; (2) the soundtrack, with its violin orchestration, adds to the tension but carries a darker, more mysterious vibe; (3) the VFX - it is impressive for its time. While I appreciate the homage, I found myself enjoying Space Odyssey more.
The slow pacing didn't fully capture my attention, leaving me disengaged and less intrigued. The writing left me with mixed feelings, leaving me confused as to who is the protagonist of the film, yet it has a meaning in themes such as teamwork and survival.
Overall, it's clear that Alien was groundbreaking for its time, but for me, it didn't quite live up to the hype, especially after watching Alien Romulus, which you would think is incomparable. While I recognize Alien as a classic and understand its significance in the sci-fi genre, it didn't resonate with me as much as I had hoped. It's a good introduction to the Alien franchise, but from today's perspective, it feels overrated and somewhat outdated. Despite this, it remains a product of its time, and for that, it deserves recognition. However, my personal enjoyment was limited.
Le successeur (2023)
Suprisingly good slow-burn film
The Successor is a psychological thriller that pleasantly surprised me with its depth and tension. From the start, the music sets a great atmosphere, with electronic sounds and deep bass creating a unique audial experience. The blend of pleasant piano and violin throughout the film enhances the mood, and the strategic use of silence heightens the anxiety and tension. It's a masterful touch that really pulls you into the protagonist's growing unease.
Visually, the film is great. The cinematography is crystal clear, balancing standard techniques with some unique approaches that make the film stand out. The film per se is slow, demanding patience, but this slow-burn approach pays off as the tension builds steadily. The dialogue is natural, without any cliché lines, making the conversations feel real and necessary to the story.
The editing is another highlight, especially the small parallel editing sequence accompanied by silence - a fantastic move that added to the film's suspense. The transitions are smooth, and the film's pacing, while slow, is deliberate and effective. I even got goosebumps during some of the critical moments.
However, I do wish the film had put more effort into the color grading. A darker, grittier tone would have enhanced the overall mood and aligned better with the story's psychological depth.
The Crow (1994)
The Crow
The Crow is a film that masterfully blends realism with supernatural elements, creating a dark, atmospheric experience that draws you in from the very beginning. The opening exposition sets the tone perfectly, giving you just enough context to understand the depth of Eric Draven's tragic story.
One of the film's strongest aspects is its sense of realism- there's nothing fake or over-the-top about it. The writing is rich and purposeful, making the motivations behind the characters' actions clear and compelling. This is a film where every line and scene feels carefully crafted to serve the story.
The music is a perfect match for the film's vibe. The cinematography is absolutely great, with creative choices that elevate the visual storytelling.
However, my only concern is with the lighting in the night scenes; sometimes, it was so dark that it was hard to see what was happening. Despite this, the overall visual execution makes it a gritty and gothic atmosphere.
The editing, especially in the fight scenes, is rapid and efficient, keeping the pace tight and the tension high. The clear backstory, seamlessly integrated into the narrative, complements the editing, making the story easy to follow while maintaining its depth.
I was particularly impressed by the practical effects, which added to the film's realism and really blew me away. There's something special about the tangible, real-world effects that CGI just can't replicate, and this film nails it.
The performances are another highlight, with each actor fitting their role perfectly. Eric Draven is a fascinating mix of Batman and the Joker - a brooding hero with a dark edge, which works fantastically well. The main antagonist is just the right amount of detestable, fitting the narrative perfectly and making you root for Eric's revenge even more.
The Crow (2024)
Tolerable
The Crow presents itself as a tolerable film, offering a blend of revenge, love, and supernatural elements. Having not seen the original 1994 film, I found this version to be a mix of highs and lows, with enough moments to keep it engaging.
The original score stands out, blending electronica and gritty elements. The music shifts from brass swells to calming violin and piano segments. The sound design is unique, particularly in the way it is visually represented.
Bill Skarsgård delivers an amazing performance as Eric, bringing depth and intensity to the character. However, FKA twigs' performance as Shelly felt a bit artificial, which occasionally took me out of the moment. The dynamic between Eric and Shelly is compelling, though the performance inconsistencies sometimes detract from their chemistry.
Parallel editing is used effectively in the main protagonist's scenes, adding layers of meaning. However, the cinematography is a mixed bag. It loses momentum at times, with shaky camera work and questionable lens choices, such as wide angles that don't always serve the scene well. Some scenes suffer from poor picture quality, appearing muddy and lacking proper lighting. Editing, like the cinematography, is choppy and inconsistent, affecting the film's overall "feel."
The writing starts off uninteresting and stiff, with generic dialogue that doesn't fully engage. FKA twigs' portrayal of Shelly is ironic, given her music background, but the execution feels off. The fighting scenes are at least interesting, bringing some energy to the narrative. The second act improves as Eric's mission becomes clearer, offering a more engaging experience than the first act. The opera scene stands out as one of my favorites, showcasing the film's ability to blend music and visuals effectively.
Expect plenty of blood, as the film leans heavily into its violent themes. While the initial impression may be underwhelming, the second and third acts show improvement, focusing on themes of love, manipulation, power, and the fight for justice. The atmosphere is well-crafted.
Casting choices are admirable, though the VFX are lacking, particularly with the CGI crows, which felt noticeably artificial.
Despite these flaws, The Crow is a decent film that provides enough entertainment value to be worth a watch. It's a visually intriguing revenge story, even if it doesn't always hit the mark. Strong 6/10, light to decent 7/10.
Alien: Romulus (2024)
Watch it on IMAX!
Alien: Romulus is a visual masterpiece that absolutely shines on the IMAX screen. The picture clarity and top-notch cinematography left me speechless that are perfectly edited from every angle. The sound design is equally impressive, offering a unique and immersive experience that is difficult to put into words.
The world-building is rich and immersive, delivering pure entertainment value with its futuristic production design. The film brings together elements from Interstellar (the space), Dune (the world building), and A Quiet Place (the monsters) to create a captivating narrative that will surely resonate with viewers. The acting is admirable, particularly the undeniable chemistry between Andy and Rain, which adds depth to their interactions. The OST stands out as unique and commendable.
While there are disturbing moments that contribute to the tension, the ending is a bit disappointing, lacking an epilogue that could have provided closure. Although the writing might not be the film's strongest aspect, it's undeniable that this film is a visual masterpiece. The VFX aliens are genuinely terrifying, although some moments reveal their CGI nature. The film effectively uses jump scares to keep the audience on edge. Strong 8/10, light 9/10.
It Ends with Us (2024)
Deeply resonated with me (didn't read the book)
It Ends With Us is a powerful adaptation that delivers a deeply emotional experience. From the moment the film starts, it captivates with a beautifully calming and ear-pleasing soundtrack. The music selection is spot-on making every scene with the perfect emotional tone.
The cinematography is thoughtfully crafted, with slow-moving forward shots and handheld shaky shots that add to the film's intimacy and intensity. The chemistry between Lily and Ryle is palpable, and their interactions are enriched with great dialogue and humor. The love triangle at the center of the story is thought-provoking, showcasing the stark contrast between the two male protagonists - Ryle, the bad boy, and Atlas, the kind-hearted good guy. The tension that Ryle brings to the narrative is expertly executed, keeping the audience on edge.
The cast is perfectly chosen, bringing authenticity and depth to their roles. The non-linear storytelling, enhanced by excellent parallel editing, adds layers to the narrative, making it all the more engaging. The story is fragmented, but this fragmentation mirrors the complexity of the relationships and emotions at play. Every dialogue feels genuine, and I found myself deeply empathetic toward the characters and their struggles.
The third act of the film is intense, filled with tension that culminates in a plot twist that left me in awe. This film is a hard watch due to its exploration of complicated love and family dynamics, but it's also incredibly rewarding. It's a story that resonates deeply. Solid 9/10.
Despicable Me 4 (2024)
Entertained, but...
Despicable Me 4 starts off strong with an opening scene that had me hooked, especially with Pharrell Williams' catchy song setting the tone. The Minions, as always, are a delight, and their interactions continue to be one of the film's highlights.
The new villain, Maxime Le Mal, feels more formidable than previous adversaries, raising the stakes for Gru and his family. Gru's lines seemed odd at first - stupid and foolish - but they actually serve a purpose in the story, which I found interesting. The Karate Sensei character, however, came across as overly foolish and didn't add much to the film.
While the film introduces some original ideas, the execution falls flat. Despite this, the writing effectively explores themes like manipulation, teamwork, and the blurred lines between superheroes and supervillains, which I appreciated.
The film maintains its wholesome moments, and I loved the introduction of the mega Minions. The chase scene with Lucy was a fun watch, keeping the energy high. The OST remains true to the series, staying consistent with its predecessors. There are a few pop culture references sprinkled throughout, though I felt the film could have done with a couple fewer of these.
The ending of the film is satisfying, and I believe it wraps up the story well. If this is the conclusion of the series, it's a fitting end. Strong 7/10.
Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
Mixed feelings for this film
Deadpool & Wolverine opens with a nostalgic song that immediately sets a playful tone, and from there, it's classic Deadpool - witty, irreverent, and often hilarious. Wolverine fits seamlessly into the dynamic, with his gruff charm balancing Deadpool's relentless humor. However, by the time the film reaches the second and third acts, the excessive swearing starts to wear thin. While the humor remains strong, some jokes land better than others, leading to a few hit-or-miss moments.
The cinematography is excellent, with stunning color grading and a mix of close-ups and medium shots that are visually appealing. The editing also deserves praise, as it effectively enhances the humor and overall flow of the film. The costume and production design are both top-notch. The locations are beautifully chosen.
The VFX, while colorful and eye-pleasing, often felt artificial, which detracted from the overall experience. The abundance of pop culture references, while entertaining, sometimes pulls focus away from the main story, making the film feel overstuffed and slightly chaotic.
The plot that jumps around too much, making it difficult to stay fully engaged. Moreover, the story feels overstretched, especially in the second and third acts, where the narrative starts to lose its way. The villains, unfortunately, don't add much to the film - they're cartoonish and lack depth, which undermines the stakes of the story.
Overall, it's the kind of film that's so bad it's good, offering "dumb fun" that keeps you laughing, even if you're not sure why. Strong 6/10, light 7/10.
A Quiet Place Part II (2020)
Goosebumps and Wow
A Quiet Place Part II continues to impress as a sequel to the original film. I've truly become a fan of the series. The cinematography stands out with its warm colors and impressive angle shots, showing noticeable improvements from the first film.
The sound design remains as exceptional as in the original, although I have mixed feelings about the VFX. The monsters, unfortunately, look overly CGI, which detracts slightly from the overall experience. However, the action sequences are commendable, and I respect the effort put into them.
The OST brings back the same goosebumps, effectively maintaining the intense atmosphere. The plot twists are thought-provoking and emotionally impactful, enhancing the film's depth.
The acting is fantastic, with standout performances from Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, and Cillian Murphy. All cast deliver amazing performances that elevate the film. The third act is incredibly intense and hard to watch due to the complicated and stressful situations. The parallel editing heightens the tension, showcasing collaboration, action, and suspense all at once. It's brilliantly executed, making the third act absolutely phenomenal.
However, the ending left me disappointed. It felt incomplete, likely because a third installment is on the way, but I was still hoping for a more satisfying conclusion. Despite this, I am eagerly looking forward to the next part.
A Quiet Place (2018)
Wow
A Quiet Place is a masterclass in sound design. The film cleverly uses sound to show us what the characters hear, making every noise suspenseful. The ambient noise and alien sounds add a layer of realism that enhances the tension. The actors' patience and strategic communication are impressive, adding to the authenticity of their survival efforts.
The OST is expertly mixed with the film's sound design. Its innovative instrumentation, orchestration, chords, and emotional depth give me goosebumps.
The cinematography is great, although I prefer the prequel's. Nevertheless, the visuals in this film are colorful and deep, providing a vivid viewing experience. The parallel editing in the second act is very effective, adding to the narrative's tension.
The survival-based story is meaningful, well-planned, and purposeful. It is a slow-burner, visually emotional, and focuses on the survival of a family. The characters' emotions and intentions are clear, with Emily Blunt's character being particularly complex. Her performance is commendable. The VFX adds realism to the light, blood, and explosions, except for the monsters.
A Quiet Place is a suspenseful, well-crafted film with outstanding sound design, a meaningful survival story, and commendable performances, particularly from Emily Blunt. I rate it as strong 8/10, light 9/10.
A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)
Dissapointing in terms of story
This film has beautiful cinematography with cool wide-angle shots, slow backward-moving shots, and overhead views. The color grading, featuring dark tones, enhances the film's atmospheric tension. The editing is well-timed and emphasizes key scene parts effectively.
The OST is original and beautiful, complementing the film's mood. The sound design stands out, especially with the realistic explosions, impacts, crashes, vehicles, alien noises, and muffled sounds.
Character-wise, I loved the cat's role, if I can say it and appeared frequently throughout the film. Samira and Eric also deliver strong performances. The makeup is meticulously done, adding a layer of realism to the events. However, the CGI monsters are mediocre and lack realism.
In terms of writing, the story lacks purpose, and some scenes feel unnecessary. The plot has no purpose and does not give clear exposition, which is frustrating. There's a lack of complexity and minimal dialogue for obvious reasons. Despite this, the visual storytelling, especially near the ending, is wholesome and visually appealing. The film includes some jump scares, but they are annoyingly loud and unnecessary.
Overall, it's not a terrible film nor a cash grab. However, the film felt boring to me, and I didn't gain much enjoyment from it. A missed opportunity for a more compelling story. My rating: 6/10.
Twisters (2024)
Surprisingly good but could have been even better
Twisters is an engaging film that brings excitement and realism to the screen. The music selection is super cool, keeping me awake and engaged throughout the movie. The original soundtrack really stands out and sounds beautiful, enhancing the overall experience. The sound design is excellent, and the VFX stood out to me, enhancing the critical moments. The acting, especially during the most critical scenes, is acceptable.
The cinematography is chaotic during intense moments, which effectively indicates the severity of the events, while also stabilizing at times to balance the visual storytelling. It creatively plays with the extent of the picture, but was not enough to compensate for the excitement from cinematography. The depiction of bad weather conditions feels immersive, adding a layer of realism that pulls you into the story.
I wish the editing was non-linear, restructuring the introduction with parallel editing to cover Kate's past. That would have been super cool to see.
In terms of writing, the film balances visual storytelling featuring fun scenes and intriguing ones with informative dialogue about meteorology, sprinkled with humor, especially in the dialogues involving Glen Powell. The inclusion of conflict makes the film intense yet witty, and the complex relationship dynamics between the characters add another layer of intrigue.
Overall, it is a thrilling and entertaining experience. Hence, strong 7/10.
Fly Me to the Moon (2024)
In awe of this film
After watching the trailer, I thought this was going to be a mediocre film, but after watching it, it left me with the impression that this film is surprisingly good. The music selection is commendable, with an original soundtrack that is soothing, innovative, and emotional, perfectly fitting the space-related theme. The introduction is creative and sets the tone well.
The cast is memorable and perfectly placed. The acting is solid, with each actor delivering a strong performance. Scarlett Johansson, in particular, stands out, and funnily enough, the cat was also the actor. The costume design is excellent, enhancing the visual appeal, especially with Johansson's outfits.
The cinematography is standard but effective, focusing on medium shots with smooth camera movements and great picture angles. While not particularly innovative, it captures the film's essence beautifully.
The writing is filled with funny and witty moments that maintain their charm throughout the film. The narrative includes elements of romance and drama, adding depth despite occasionally feeling scattered. The editing is great, with innovative split cuts, slow motion, and fast motion, maintaining a well-paced flow. However, some dialogue scenes drag on a bit too long, nearly lulling me to sleep.
Fly Me to the Moon exceeds expectations with its commendable music, solid cast, and engaging writing. Despite some pacing issues, it's a surprisingly enjoyable film. Hence, a strong 7/10 to a light 8/10 rating.