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Breaking Bad: Ozymandias (2013)
Tear-inducing
I know I'm very late to the party, but I can't help myself in brining my opinions to the table in terms of this episode.
I've seen people complain about how this episode contradicts Walt's personality. BS. Walt was going to extreme measures in season five to gain as much money as possible, but here, near the end, it showed how deep down he still had the part of him he had all along - care for his family. Hank's death scene is truly upsetting considering all the progress he made in the case throughout the show (as well as his lovable personality) and Walt finally realizes, when we collapses to his knees, just how much damage his secret has been. He looses not only Hank but almost all of his eighty million in cash, as if God himself telling Walt that he is finally paying the price.
But the "Walt coming home" scene is what really seals this entire episode. Anna Gunn is amazing in this scene, finally putting her foot down and exterminating Walter from her children. The entire thing is gripping, from the "I tried to save him!" to the knife fight, to Walter Jr. Leaping out to of his crutches to desperately save his mom; but Walter yelling "We're a family!" and looking down at them cowering in fear is enough to bring a tear. I'm being very dramatic but it seriously is rare that a tv episode invokes emotions such and this.
The entire series is amazing, but it's this episode raises to another level. It's no wonder it has a perfect rating. Worthy of it by all means.
Carrie (1976)
One of the best horror films of all time
"Carrie" is the ultimate approach to a slow burner kind of horror film. It's flat out weird, unsettling, and creepy, and the movie executes these feelings and more in an astonishing manner.
Carrie is a high schooler with (seemingly) uncontrollable supernatural powers, bullied by her peers because she doesn't fit in and is seen as an outcast. Throughout the film, we see her get abused by not only her classmates, but her extremely controlling mother. Immediately you recognize the ongoing battle Carrie has with everyone close to her and how damaging it is to her mental health.
What the film really does in an exceptional manner is display empathy for the viewer. It's impossible not to root for Carrie amidst her seemingly meaningless life, and you find yourself hoping that an any point she can catch a break.
Breaking away from the general plot, the entire prom scene is an absolute masterpiece. Obviously, anyone who prior to watching the film knew about it probably doesn't get quite the shock value as to a viewer with a naked eye to the story, but even then it's a perfect scene. The way the movie goes from "a high school girl struggling" to a terrifying horror flick is incredible. The build up throughout the prom and the drop (literally) are beautifully executed. Everything after that is pure horror, my personal favorite moment being the lights going red on Carrie's face as she gets laughed at by everyone. The movie goes as far as to show Sue and Tommy wholeheartedly trying to do good for Carrie but, by sheer bad luck, failing, only going to show fate will never let Carrie have what she wants.
I'm not a huge horror fan by any means, but the unnerving and disturbing atmosphere of this film keeps me coming back for a rewatch. Sissy Specak delivers a killer performance here, and to any horror movie fan out there I cannot recommend this enough. 9/10.
Would You Rather (2012)
Good for what it is
This is is the problem with these kinds of movies; you can only make it as good as you can. What I mean is, a doctor inviting patients over to his 20 million dollar mansion for a chance to win money, only to have it be a trap and a torture-fest, can only be so good, right?
Yeah, because it would pretty much never happen. Give the script to Martin Scorsese and even he will only be able to do so much. The plot to this movie is paper thin, unquestionably. These kinds of horror movies are such an unreasonable stretch that it makes you roll you eyes. Even paranormal horror movies are usually more lenient to the viewers eyes because they, the viewer, can be like, "well, maybe all this stuff is possible."
But for what this movie is, it's pretty entertaining. Even though you don't know practically anything about the characters, the "would you rather" scenes are pretty damn intense. And throughout the game you find yourself putting your feet in their shoes. Even though it's a cheesy movie, it kept me entertained and curious. I don't usually go for these types of films but I won't lie when I say that I wasn't bored watching the movie, and that I also thought it had a strong atmosphere to it. 6/10.
Star Wars: Clone Wars (2003)
Absolutely unreal
For starters, I'm not the biggest fan of Star Wars. I enjoy a good amount of the movies and whatnot, but I don't go crazy for them. Unless it's this series. I cannot praise this short-lived masterpiece enough.
Taking place between episodes II and III of course, the show bounces you across the galaxy to the many different Jedi, clone troopers, and sith all weaving their way through the course of the war. The storylines for each character develop quickly but enough to tell you what you need to know.
The characters themselves are all so unique and entertaining to watch, from Anakin to Ventress to Mace Windu. And of course, General Grievous, easily my favorite in the show. A terrifying killing machine who stops at nothing to win.
The acting, directing, animation style, and atmosphere of the entire show is amazing. There's a thick blanket of mystery and suspense beautifully executed, especially in the first half of the show. Pretty much every scene is entertaining to watch, and I absolutely love the lack of dialogue, done in order to direct your attention to the behavior of the war. Easily one of the best animated shows I've ever seen and nothing short of perfection. 10/10.
Prisoners (2013)
Excellent acting and directing, but flaws
I have extremely mixed feelings about this movie. The positives first; the acting is phenomenal, Hugh Jackman absolutely sells the father of someone who lost their child. Jake Gyllenhaal is excellent as well, especially the way his frustrating mounts throughout the case. The story makes sense and is pretty good for the most part.
Now the negatives. Easily the dumbest thing in this entire movie is the fact that Holly abducts children to torment the parents and because she's mad at God for taking her child. I understand it's a big deal to lose a child and that it changes your life but she acts as if she is the only person in history of humanity whom it's happened to. Her motive is such an outlandish reason and it feels unnecessarily complicated and deep. To most people it probably makes sense but I thought it was such an eye roller and such a cinematic answer - "my child dies so now all of you have to pay."
Also hated the interrogation scene. Bob snatching Jake's gun from him and committing suicide seemed like such cheap writing, but whatever I guess. The horrors of abduction and the personalities of everyone involved were displayed really well, but there were some script writing moments and scenes that I just thought were so generic and cheap. But I can see why most people love this film.
The Batman (2022)
A disturbed approach to batman
"The Batman" certainly takes a different viewpoint from inside the mind of Bruce Wayne. Pattinson here shows the more frustrated, exhausted, confused superhero. Not that batman has ever been a jovial character, but here he almost comes across as lifeless for much of the film. The action is pretty smooth and good, it shows batman isn't flawless and takes punches (or literal shotgun blasts to the chests lol) from time to time. Batman here also definitely seems more violent, throwing in extra amounts of punches in fights, especially during the scene when he injects himself with the venom to save cat woman. For a man who values not killing any of his opponents, batman comes pretty close to it in the movie. Anyways, the overall acting and cinematography is solid, the riddler being another well played character. "Ave Maria" is a bit of a generic pick for a main soundtrack, but nevertheless it's obviously a great piece so it gets a pass. As for the flaws of the movie, the biggest issue I have is that there are some seriously stale moments, and the whole batman cat woman romance here is kind of an eye roller. Not my favorite batman movie but I like the different slow approach to batman, and overall it's a good movie.
Inception (2010)
Too much crammed into one movie
There are some strong aspects to this film, including the cinematography and the acting. But this movie is way overly complicated for no other reason than to make the viewer feel smart. The story is just a mess, and entire premise of the film feels like such a reach for this incredibly deep and complex meaning which just feels like it falls on its face. The movie isn't hard to follow, even if you're hammered. There are some scenes I enjoy but overall I would never choose to watch it again. I think Nolan is a solid director and he has some films I really enjoy, but this one just feels like he was trying so hard. 5/10.
Breaking Bad (2008)
"I am the breaking bad"
No but seriously, "Breaking Bad" is arguably the greatest show of all time and for plenty of reason. While this comes as a surprise to absolutely no one, I still can't help but give my two cents on it. You could look at a sheet for what a perfect show needs, and Heisenburger & co. Would check mark every box.
First of all, the acting is mind blowing. By everyone. Literally everyone. Bryan Cranston went from making Jewish jokes in a dentist office in "Seinfeld", to laughing absolutely maniacally at the bottom of a crawl space when he realizes his wife gave all of their money to the man she cheated on. Speaking of Skyler, Anna Gunn delivers basically the spot on representation of a woman who is torn in keeping the family bonded together amidst an almost unbearable circumstance. Everyone knows she gets hated on but there's no denying she plays the role perfectly. Aaron Paul plays Jesse perfectly for many reasons. The main one being his character slowly realizing throughout the show his mixed feelings about Walter, and trying to figure out what to do with his life. Loveable Hank turns confused, Gus is silently menacing, Saul is the perfect comedic relief, etc. I could go on and on about each character individually.
Moving on, the pacing is perfect, and the action is beautifully spread out. The show never feels like it's trying to fit too much into one spot. The character development is about as deep and rich as it gets, most obviously with The One Who Knocks.
And finally, the story telling. Just when you think you've caught a loose end the writers failed to tie up, it's cleared. Everything weaves together and crosses the finish line in one way or another. Like the other two million people on this website, I cannot recommend the show enough. My favorite of all time.
Death Wish (1974)
Laughable
Pretty sure this film was just made to be on in the background at bars and whatnot. The pacing is so ridiculous, ten minutes in and eighty things have happened. Before I knew it Paul has a stepson and is flying from Hawaii to New York City and then to Arizona. He also handles his wife's death with pretty much zero emotion, and then before you know it he's becoming obsessed with guns and killing out of the blue. I usually don't mind these casual revenge ridden 70's movies, but the acting is incredibly mediocre and the entire movie just moves way too fast. It's honestly really hard to take seriously, if the writers put in the slightest bit of effect to establish a grain of personality in the characters I'd find the movie passable. 3/10.
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Enjoyable for what it is
This movie is the straight up definition of a fan film. Not that that's bad, but the whole plot of every Spider-Man villain in the past movies somehow finding its way into one is kinda ridiculous, but I'll give it this. It's entertaining. Never been the biggest Holland fan, but he gives his best performance here, and of course Willem DaFoe is phenomenal. The action is pretty consistent and there aren't too many draggy spots. Easily the best scene is in the condo, when Peter realizes Norman isn't all what he seems to be. The "that's some neat trick" line was a pretty good spot to flip the movie. The Statue of Liberty scene is good too, and goblin sneaking a bomb into the time stone was a pretty cool shot. Overall pretty decent movie that I didn't take too seriously but enjoyed nonetheless.
Psych (2006)
Quick witted humor at its finest
"Psych" is a lot of fun. The concept of a man fooling an entire police department with psychic powers (besides maybe Lassiter) for eight seasons is pretty outlandish, but it works in favor of the show's pretty goofy personality. The sharp dialogue and humor Shawn and Gus have with each other is never exhausting or draggy, it's always on point and is a good chuckle.
The show's more serious moments are also pretty well done; Shawn is a character who, on the surface, tries to talk almost everything in lightheartedly and with a grain of salt, but deep down is incredibly cunning and complex. The rare times he breaks his circus routine, it's striking. Notable scenes include the first installment of the Yang trilogy, when he realizes his mother's life is on the line, and of course when Juliet realizes that he had been lying the entire time about his psychic abilities, jeopardizing his relationship.
But overall, expect a fun enjoyable ride. The acting is great and every episode feels fresh and unique. An excellent show to kick back and relax to.
The Thing (1982)
Peak of sci-fi horror
Never in my life have I witnessed a more disturbing, grotesque, scary and paranoid-fueled film. It is the feeling of isolation, the intensity of building stress, and what the worst nightmares consist of. The special effects are so detailed and disturbing (the dog scene is seriously messed up) that it's hard to sit through at times. However, the movie more than anything displays what people will do to live and to get through the absolute worst. Prime examples being Clark attempting to kill MacReady right before the blood test as an attempted bluff catcher and Windows breaking glass and grabbing a gun right as stuff really start to hit the fan. As for the creature itself, the horror lies within its ability to camouflage its way through the base, never knowing when it will strike next. And when it does mutate into its awful, sickening form, it leaves you frozen, unable to move. Of course, the acting is phenomenal, most notably from Kurt Russell and Thomas Waites. The entire movie is a masterpiece and probably my favorite horror film of all time.
Alien (1979)
Close to the best horror movie
"Alien" is a slow burner. While it's not my favorite horror movie of all time, I can't help but praise its slow, creeping sinister mood that builds throughout the movie. The entire film is based off of atmosphere, as the action itself is little, but it's executed pretty much perfectly, especially during Brett's death and the vent scene. The alien creature itself is very rarely on camera, adding to the ambiance and mystery of how it behaves. Sigourney Weaver is tremendous here, not only of her hero shots of her pleading to Dallas in the vents or shooting the alien out of the ship, but also in her subtle dialogue throughout the film. For a horror/sci-fi movie, it rarely gets better than this. My only complaint is that at times it feels a bit draggy and slow, other than that an excellent movie.