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Reviews
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022)
Probably the best MCU show debut yet
Genuinely funny. Jennifer is immediately likeable, right out of the gate, and I can't wait for more. Love her chemistry with Ruffalo. Marvel needs to take more risks like this and branch out into other genres with its IP - the sitcom vibes definitely work.
Now if only they'd stop being wimps and let someone make an *actual* MCU horror film, unlike that damp squib Dr Strange 2...
Ms. Marvel (2022)
Charming and refreshing
Vibrant and charming, full of heart and humour. It's a refreshing departure from the MCU formula and I'm enjoying every minute of it. Kamala and her family are beautiful to watch and the celebration and joy of Islamic culture is front and centre, as well as the mystery of Kamala's powers and her origins.
The Dark and the Wicked (2020)
A surprise gem
One of the best modern horror movies of recent years. Not a big Hollywood release with major celebrities attached and the fanfare that comes with it, but excellently written and acted and genuinely frightening and unsettling. Terrific direction that ratchets up the scares through brilliant atmosphere.
Malignant (2021)
Farcical
A tonal mess from the beginning. Poorly acted and directed. The gore was cool though.
The Stranger (2014)
What the hell?
Worst film I've seen in years. A laughable excuse of a "vampire" film. No advertised "bloodbath" to be seen anywhere. Just shockingly poor. Poorly directed, poorly written, poorly acted, poorly dubbed. Don't waste your time.
Showgirls (1995)
This film simply does not need to exist
An epically uncomfortable, cringe-worthy and downright disgusting display of needless objectification and exploitation. NOPE. Thank you.
Watchmen (2019)
Easily my favourite show of the year
Every episode filmic and expertly crafted. The acting and casting completely spot on. Terrific poignant story with a deep emotional anchor, that's as timely as it is essential.
Long story short: racists deserve heat laser death. P.S. Regina King needs all the awards.
The Witcher (2019)
Not quite there
The trailers sold it as a dark fantasy epic akin to Game of Thrones. Tonally, it's closer to the Sky Atlantic cheese-fest Britannia. Enjoyable enough but just not what was pitched to us (they said it would lean more into fantasy-horror, for one thing).
The Lighthouse (2019)
Eggers proves again that he's a modern-day maestro
An exceptional piece of filmmaking. Harrowing, gut-wrenching, in often parts even hilarious. It knocks you for six and keeps dragging you up to your feet for more.
Tomb Raider (2018)
A flawed but enjoyable video game movie
Roar Uthaug has proven it's officially possible to create a good video game movie. While as a fan I felt there were certain elements they borrowed/adapted from the game that could have been done better, I enjoyed it very much for what it was: a fun, flighty, likeable fantasy adventure romp.
Roar and Alicia Vikander prove they're great at what they do. This version of Lara is a little more cocksure and street smart than the version we see in the new games, but Vikander delivers such a completely believable, earnest and human performance, that I fell in love with this "new" Lara almost instantly.
Walton Goggins provides a deft supporting turn as the film's villain, unfortunately nothing at all like his video game namesake and completely relegated in the end as not much more than a mere pawn in what's set up to be a bigger game. However, his acting was never a notch short of fantastic, and I enjoyed him being on the screen every time.
My hopes are sincerely that Tomb Raider gets its audience, the cast and crew return for a sequel or two or three, and that they take onboard the *constructive* feedback afforded to them in other reviews and implement them to improve on what is already a good, strong formula. More Alicia, more Roar, more fantasy, more fun, and more raiding tombs!