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Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)
A decent monster flare-up
I watched this movie in cinema today, all alone and by myself. It's an action adventure movie with, as one would expect, not much sophistication or twist on the story front. It manages to be interesting enough throughout though, and it's simplicity is never silly nor is its unfolding overly predictable. The visuals are the main strong point of the movie, with Kong's ever existing hybrid charisma also lefting things up and introducing hero dimension into the mix. I felt some of the monsters were not as exciting as I would've hoped for them to be (respect, King Ghidorah,) and neither were many of the characters involved in this adventure. One thing I'd like to point out here is that I felt watching this movie in 2D did harm to the experience, as I (strongly) felt that that kind of visuals needs to be watched in 3D in order to do it justice; I don't even know if it does play in 3D, but if it does, then go for the 3D version. A good watch overall, I give it 6.5*.
The Nun II (2023)
Not much
I went to watch this movie today, alone and by myself. And though one would fear the aggrivated sense of horror resulting from the no-company, that was not the case as the the movie had no real horror to start with. As a sequel for which some argubally solid foundation has been laid in the first part, it should've come better then what it is on the whole, I guess. Few medicore jumpscares here and there, with few suspenseful moments scattered throughout are all what this movie is really about. The death scenes and bodily harm are weak and not exciting, and the locations and settings for the encounters lack obscurity and atmosphere and had a layer of darkness makeup added to overshadow those shortcomings and make said places feel scary. I'm not trying to be overly harsh or anything, it's just that I believe the presentation could've been scarier and more interesting. It's OK overall and not at all a bad experience.
Talk to Me (2022)
decent
Talk to Me follows the now mainstream trend for Horror movies that's spirits and possessions. It's become a familiar territory now, indeed, and this movie is seemingly trying to set itself apart from the crowd by introducing some new ideas to tackling the unknown, and though not really horrifying, it's officially scary and sometimes disturbing, too. I didn't exactly like the film tone, and it would've been served better had the execution and feel been Hollywoodian. I felt the ending could've been a bit clearer, and I'm still not sure as to whether the incident with kangaroo and it's reappearance towards the end indicate or mean anything. The movie overall is not that entertaining, but is fine still and not at all a bad watch.
M3GAN (2022)
Nothing genuinely new here, but still delivers.
The concepts behind M3gan are nothing unfamiliar, but the presentation of these is interesting enough to render it a fun watch nevertheless. The ideas of artificial intelligence going rouge, and deadly dolls, are the two main themes for M3gan. And where other previous horror movies dealing with dolls relied on the supernatural for grounds, M3gan follows a more realistic and possible approach by rooting its twists into real life trends, i.e. AI, that go sideways and deviate from thier original purpose. The movie is scary at times and has its moments, but never so much so as to be deemed official horror, I believe. It's also never boring start to end, and the casting is successful and serves the tone of the movie right. M3gan's relying on AI as a potential force of complex course could well become a trend for future movies of the sorts; it's similar in that regard to Child's Play of 2019. All in all, a recommended good movie.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
Solid
I watched this movie in IMAX 2D, and that I regret: I should've went for the IMAX 3D version. The visuals in this movie are a work of art, period. The tone for the different settings, complemented by the choice of actors for the characters, helped produce the right atmosphere and feel for the movie. The movie starts off interesting and continues so throughout that its long runtime is never a burden on viewers. The main characters are deep each in its own right and develop nicely as the events, yet still without the need for a shrink-level analysis or reading too much into them for them to be understandable and hence appreciated in context. Tenoch Huerta's performance really shined, I believe, and casting him for the role was spot-on. I enjoyed the showing so much I thought to myself I could watch it again and this time go for the IMAX 3D version - that one should prove a treat with this movie. Just don't forget to grab your popcorn and coke, it's a delightfully lengthy one!
Barbarian (2022)
Not worth the time
The movie starts off full of suspense and with the right tone. But then that's where it hits its height. The nemisis is repulsive and disgusting, yet disappointing and uninteresting. The context and setting are unconvincing and weird, and unusual things are presented without being sufficiently explained or intuitively underatood in context. The movie in general lacks taste and is apparently confused about its own perspective, such that as a viewer you find yourself unsure as to make what of whom. I really wish I never wasted my time watching it, as I neither felt amused nor found anything to even disconnectedly observe and admire.
Halloween Ends (2022)
lost its track, lost its soul
Bad movie. The Halloween movie franchise had always had its main protagonist, Myers, at its very heart, similar to how Friday The 13th had its Jason. Watching this movie, it's suddenly no longer Myers, no longer the ages-old battle with Laurie, no. It's now simply about a troubled teenage who's having, expectedly, hard time with yet other teens, and who's now also dramatizing with Laurie's teen granddaughter, Allyson. And when Myers is revealed, he is readily in the background of things and is no longer the main protagonist. And, he's suddenly beatable, un-maskable, and killable! In fact, Myers looked somewhat pathetic in this iteration that you could sympathize with him. The movie lacks atmosphere and simply induces neither suspense nor anticipation. The music and bike rides with Laurie and Corey are simply a misplacement into this supposed-to-be-horror movie, and I really had to push back considerably the urge to leave my chair and go out into the lobby to wait the movie out had it not been for my friend who was accompanying me in that particular showing. Not recommended.
Black Adam (2022)
It's hard to fault a "The Rock" movie
Johnson is like a safety valve for every movie he stars in. He may not always be the most versatile choice for portraying a character, and he may not really produce something genuine on screen. But even then, he would just be himself, with his own natural character and the trademark presence, and the role would then be automatically defined, and happily accepted, the signature "The Rock"'s way, where the character simply becomes a title that gets attached to "The rock". The movie is very good, is never boring, and I think it lays solid grounds for more of "Black Adam". One area where this and other recent similar movies should revise things is the CGI: too artificial and feels unreal. I would've wished for Black Adam, for instance, to have been filmed and visually presented the way, for example, District 9 was. The real-life camera mode of that film was really something. It simply looked authentic. All in all, another hit by Johnson. Recommended.
Smile (2022)
Plain scary!
Ahead of watching this movie, and having read the plot, seen the poster and felt the echoes of the title, I had the belief it was going to be some psycho-kind or so of horror movie, and I didn't expect what I found watching it. The movie is in the realm of supernatural horror, and it really excels at what it does. It's never boring start to end, and the build-up of tension is there throughout and keeps punishing you in the way a horror movie experience should. The film has a tone of its own, and though the horror recipes may seem familiar to other modern horror, the atmosphere feels different and the net effect is a distinctive movie with a fairly unique feel. The characters are not exactly charismatic, but still authentic enough nevertheless and feel real. I really recommend this movie for horror lovers; and mind you here: it's really scary, like "really" I mean.
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
well, ..
It's a good movie, there is no arguing that. But is it that good? I myself don't think so. The movie does not, in my opinion, offer any thrills or drama beyond those of its predecessors in the series. The simultaneous introduction of all the heroes (spiders!) and villains from the previous installments, while definitely interesting, did take away some of the charm of each one of them, as focus and attention were divided and none was really the focus of the movie. I also don't like the fact that Spiderman of the current world, and his friends, are all teenagers, and I speculate here that that might have shifted the interest to vote to the related age group of viewers, which seems as such to be also the most taken with this latest presentation of the verse. Dr. Strange contributed significantly to the movie, and introducing him into the spider verse spiced the atmosphere in a nice way. The title of the movie suggests some sort of problem going back home, but that's not the case in the movie, not in that default sense. Previous characters get pulled from their home verse and into the current world, but there was no issue sending them back home in the sense of hardship or inability, and it was rather answering the question of whether they should or shouldn't be sent back that stirred a dispute between Spiderman and dr. Strange and things then evolved.
I'm not trying in anyway to be harsh on this movie, nor do I think it's not good. All I'm saying is that to me it didn't quite feel on 8+ rating level..!
Evil Dead II (1987)
The ultimate Horror Movie
It's no exaggeration to say Evil Dead II is the best Horror movie ever made. Everything about this movie is distinctive and stylish, even the gore! Its theme is very interesting, and the idea of an activation button to the dark unknown being as simple as play an audio is thrilling and gets one on their toe. The setting of an isolated house deep inside a wood, surrounded by night darkness and fog from all around is by itself scary and full of suspense, and the scares that pop up throughout just makes it tons worse, in a most positive way! Bruce campbell's performance is one for the ages, and Sam Raimi is a genius. The faces and transformations are horrifying, and the concept of one's hand becoming possessed and turning against them should, I believe, be patented! .. wish only more movies like this are still made today.
Last Night in Soho (2021)
Although not much on the ride for joy and excitement, as a work of art it really shines though.
Twist-wise, it is twisted. What's perceived at the beginning as possible psychosis is realized later to be some sort of supernatural ability or awareness in the main character that enables her to relive and experience memories and experiences of others' past, be those physically dead as was the case with her mother, or, more sophisticatedly, burried personlaities that existed and diminished dead in their own right, in their own past, as in the case of the main protagonist - Sandie. The movie has a distinctive atmosphere to it, and though not exactly my flavor, is interesting enogh throughout to keep you watching to the end. Also, the overall feel is not exactly lively, and the film - not the movie - at times looked and felt to me like a European production rather than the familiar hollywood breed. This movie is very good as a work of art, but it does not really deliver the kind of thrill or excitement that, in my opinion, most would describe as fun or joy, and some may even be disappointed in that regard. The casting was successful.
When I first rated this movie, I gave it 7-star. However, going over it in my head again, I, and for the sake of the mirror scene at the end, pushed it up an extra star to 8-star. Although few seconds in length, that scene added depth and even more sophestication to the story's supernatural element and the communication thing that's been going on with Eloise. In the scene, Eloise, and after Sandie died earlier in the final encounter, sees traumatized, innocent Sandie of the 60s smiling and happy, and just as if she were an independent line of existence, a line that seemingly carried on on its own at some point in the past, keeping alive all the innocense that Sandie originally was. That point was but what the aged landlord Sandie referred to when she talked about herself to Eloise in the apartment earlier, where she revealed how she, in a sense, died years ago in that room which Eloise had been renting.
Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021)
At times, it felt like I was watching an after-midnight B-movie
Insanely wasted potential. This movie lacks refinement, feel, and perspective. It also fails on the technical front, where it tries to complement silly human acting with visuals and other effects, with output that's subpar even when judged according to 80s movie standards. The choice of actors for portraying probably the most two important characters of the whole Resident Evil universe is, and not that there is anything wrong with the actors themselves, miserable, where neither Jill nor Leon's characters are anything near the distinctive and hugely successful in-game versions. I was simply disappointed with this movie, especially so seeing as how one trailer followed after the other, building anticipation in one loyal fan yet to be eventually punched in the face with a laughable attempt at what's probably one of the most distinguished and exciting thriller/horror adventures out there.
Doctor Sleep (2019)
Solid
This is one of the better movies I have watched. It's relaxed progression and large scale geography, complemented by an atmospheric tone of its own, produces a memorable horror experience that feels unique and strong. The theme presented is sophisticated, if not somewhat complicated, in concept but is effectively delivered and can be felt and appreciated. The cast is great and the performances are good. I don't have much to say here, except that this movie ticks all the right boxes for me. I wish there come more like it. It's quite the cinema experience that I like to have. A word of advice: this movie looks best on a big screen, so do your best to choose the right theater.
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019)
Decent
The movie is nice and sweet, it has very good visuals, it feels refined overall, and the plot with its twist, yet classic and nothing special, is intense and moving. The cast is strong, and the performances are equally so. I think the idea of Maleficent's kind - fairies - should've received more attention and does deserve a dedicated movie of its own, as it sounds as a rich, interesting world with great potential for charming presentations and worthy plots - rather than being used as a side aspect to another main line the way it is in this movie. Overall, the movie is fine and I think that it, though not by much, deserves more than the flat 7 it's got here on IMDB so far at the time of this review.
Joker (2019)
Outstanding
This realism thing that's been affecting how ideas and concepts present themselves through movies is playing out very good, I believe, as it's managing to bring a level of honesty and believability that's previously, until relatively recently, unmatched by presentations that hinged on the unknown and what's beyond natural, whereby ideas such as aliens, outer space, magic, .., etc.. where always the easy, go-to solution for basis. This is probably so due to increased knowledge and advancement in this day, where increasing knowledge is providing us a more logical entrance into these seemingly supernatural realms through conceivable things such as AI, medicine, genetics engineering, energy, .., etc., or even simply improved understanding of humans, life and existence, with better ability to present them. And as goes this movie, the Joker never looked so real, believable, and authentic the way he does in this work, and Joaquin Phoenix 's performance is one for the ages: I dare say his version of the joker, within this "real" template I talked about which this movie is adapting, surpasses that of The Dark Knight. The movie intelligently explores at depth how this criminal was made and what he is, and in the process cleans away all the comics-rooted exciting nonsense that surrounded him by planting him as a genuine person in reality with life so extreme, yet so real, in a way that adds a mountain of felt sophistication that the character could've never felt more alive or charming. Hands down one of the best movies ever, and definitely an Oscar-worthy performance by Joaquin Phoenix.
It Chapter Two (2019)
The kids did better
Not that it's bad, it's just that the adult era, if you'd say, was basically a stretching of the attempt to come up with a conclusion of the events in chapter one. All the elements of the novel, both the characters and the concept, were presented in chapter one, while chapter 2 merely turned-off the camera for 27 years, turned it back on, and had the heroes get back to finish a job previously thought over with, without anything new that's genuinely rooted in their lives as adults, all while spending considerable amounts of time glimpsing back on their past experiences and throwing flashbacks of their time as kids that at some point it felt like the idea of this second chapter was not really as a continuation of the first, but rather an attempt, and not a successful one at that, to apparently try and reflect on it, while at the mean time reliving the same kinds of horrors again, up to the point where they finally re-battle again and the nightmare would be over for good. I think this second chapter simply suffered from an attempt to make it more understandable to audience who didn't see the first one, which in a way made it somewhat fall short of expectations for those who did and also resulted in its running time being prolonged, my opinion.
That said, the movie is scary - though not as much as the first - and is technically excellent. It also delivers a nice conclusion where what has been seemingly a physical challenge that couldn't feel more tangible or real is cracked down by realizing and confronting the essence of its existence, our fear.
Dragon Ball Super: Doragon bôru cho: A Transcendent Light-Speed Battle Erupts! Goku and Hit's United Front! (2017)
Creative!
It's episodes like this one that define the series.. . The creativity in the fight between Hit and universe 6's Dyspo is magnificent, and the way in which the encounter precedes, favoring one during start and then tilting towards the other's favor later on is thrilling and rewarding.
One good thing about this episode is its asserting the idea that there will always be potential for other great fighters to introduce into the Dragon Ball universe and that their will always be challenge for the classic heroes - mainly Goku.. . This episode also seemed to further establish Zen-chan as a pure character with raw power rather than skill and fighting attitude, where he complained about not being able to see as the fighting speed was too high!
The graphics level is mostly good in this episode and can't be held against it the way it was with some previous episodes.
Dragon Ball Super: Doragon bôru cho: Gohan, Show No Mercy! Showdown with Universe 10! (2017)
Good!
The battle in the arena continues, and just as all clinch to persisting and not being wiped out by Zen-chan. It's apparent these fights are all but progression toward the anticipated big clash that's supposed to occur at the end, and that would, quite expectedly, involve Goku against Jiren of universe 11..
That doesn't mean these are just filler episodes that lack quality - they are very good for what they are and still more often than not manage to keep you entertained while paving way for the grand finale! The fights are awesome and imaginative, the graphics has generally improved since the beginning of the tournament, and the character art and concept is diverse and rich, though it's worth mentioning here that, at least to me, some characters seem to be imitations of/inspired by other animes..
In my opinion, Dragon Ball Super continues to be a great anime after all, and I really wish it will last long.. .
Dragon Ball Z (1996)
The Height of Anime
When I think about it, I really can't recall any other time where I was hooked to the small screen the way Dragon Ball Z had me be. This show is a piece of art that's the height of creativity, imagination and genius. Its mostly understandable plot (save for the time traveling in the Cell saga) contributes to its overall beauty and extends its reach to a wider spectrum of audience.
The characters are great, diverse and develop well overall. The villains in particular are plain legendary: characterful and intimidating, and contribute much to the overall success of the show. In fact, in my opinion, the villains in this anime are so unique and well-executed that they were as critical and important to the popularity of the show as the heroes were.
Prior to watching Dragon Ball Z, I didn't know anime was capable of delivering such outstanding levels of on-screen combat, and in my opinion, the fights are the show's strongest point: masterful, painful and, sometimes, even horrifying.
It's like the best anime I've ever watched.
Dragon Ball Super: Doragon bôru cho: Kessen! Akiramenai senchi-tachi no kiseki no pawâ (2016)
Outstanding
First of all, it was quite the breath of fresh air that this episode's level of graphics brought. It's what the drawing quality should've been in many of the previous episodes - hope this will continue with the coming episodes.. .
The episode itself is excellent, cleverly unveiling a weakness in Zamasu's previously thought invincible compound form and paving way for the heroes to take action, all while being presented in an action-filled development that's further complemented by a long-awaited level of graphics that can finally be deemed worthy..
Must-watch.
Dragon Ball Super: Doragon bôru cho: Kaiôshin Gowasu o mamore Zamasu o hakai seyo! (2016)
Magical
That's right, the way humor and fun blend with majestic power in this episode is magnificent. It was a true joy to watch Pilaf doing his funny theorizing way of advising, and the confrontation with Zamasu at the end and Beerus's surprise stepping-in in the last moment further complemented the goodness with a thrilling atmosphere and a sense of satisfaction..
The only reason I'm giving it 9, not 10, is because of the graphics - it's sad, and strange, that such a great piece of art be saddled with this un-worthy level of graphics..
Still, superb.
Dragon Ball Super: Doragon bôru cho: Fujimi no karada o motsu Kami Zamasu kôrin (2016)
Gorgeous
This episode is plain outstanding. It wastes no time and is off from the start to a thrilling, one-of-the-best fights since the start of the whole series..
The choreography is fantastic, and is backed by smart camera work. The graphics is mostly very good, and animation is excellent.
This episode gives focus to other Z-fighter as well, where Trunks is as influential as Goku is and complements the action in a rather sophisticated way where he's more of an aide than helping underdog, acting by his instinct and influenced by his own experience and emotions, all while not being overshadowed by the presence of the other two prominent characters.. .
Hands down excellent.
Dragon Ball Super: Doragon bôru cho (2015)
Great Work Overall
Great anime is what it is. Lovable characters, intense action, humor, and anticipation are all blended into a seemingly never ending story that keeps you wanting for more. The variety of new characters that this new series brings is especially wonderful - it's both, wide and thoughtful. The fight sequences are good as ever, with thrilling and suspenseful moments that draw you the more.. can't wait for Sundays!
The only real downside is the occasional drop-down in graphics quality. It's a shame that this happens with such a legendary anime.. .
I'm not exactly fond of how Goku is portrayed as a rather naive, unclever person at times. However, he is ultimately still a very great character.. .
I really enjoy this anime.. hope it will last long!