Look Both Ways is a cute story that explores how the life of a young woman splits after one defining moment. In her senior year of college, Natalie takes a pregnancy test that would determine her future. The movie explores how her life would have turned out with either outcome. In one version, Natalie works toward the goals she has set for herself while the other version of Natalie becomes a mother. The movie will constantly shift between the two, comparing each other’s achievements and hardships. It is a neat idea, and it makes for a cute story.
The movie is cute because of its cast and the chemistry they share. The story is okay, but it plays off as too much of a fantasy. There is hardly any adversity in this quirky little narrative, and what does exist is easily overcome. Everything works out in the end, so think of this as a fairy tale you watch when you want to relax.
I liked how they showed that life wasn’t over for Natalie after she got pregnant, and she could still work towards her goals. Both narratives were treated nicely but limited by this mirroring the narratives had to do. Each switch had to be parallel so the choices Natalie made had to be the same or similar.
My only complaint is that the ending was a bit disappointing, had it ended a few minutes earlier it would have been better, but it didn’t ruin the experience. Also having it limited to only two successful outcomes is a bit limiting, but any other combination would have either been too long or biased.
It’s cheesy, its fun, and you won’t hate it. It isn’t going to win any awards, but I enjoyed the story, and I appreciate how it was told. You can stream it on Netflix.
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I have mixed feelings about Blonde because while I appreciate what it tries to do, it is a slow burn. This movie didn’t need to be as long as it is, and I nearly gave up on it. What hurts this movie is its artsy retelling of history, but it is an innovation in storytelling that I can welcome. If you are coming to this movie to learn about the tragedy of Marilyn Monroe, it is done better in documentaries and books. The draw to this film is strictly for its artistry and storytelling. It is not for everyone.
Ana del Armas is amazing, and her performance was the only reason I was able to stomach this movie. Ana del Armas is able to embody the tragedy and desperation behind this story as she carries this film. I can’t think of a better actress for the job.
That said, this movie is too artsy for its good. Some scenes drag on way too long and others become repetitive. I do like the almost horror narrative style the movie takes up to highlight the tragedy of Maralyn’s life. The way it exaggerates the predatory affection men had towards her was terrifying. This movie does a good job of showing how fame was a curse to Maralyn, and how it led to her untimely death. It was interesting to see the constant struggle between Norma the person and Marilyn the symbol evolve through the film. It was a conflict that resulted in some truly powerful scenes. The problem I have with this movie is that it takes too long to make its points. I don’t have the attention span required to sit through this much symbolism.
Blonde isn’t a good biopic. I don’t feel like I came out of this experience knowing anything new about the actress like I did with Elvis. While I did enjoy the overall performance, the art distracts from the narrative.
The best way to enjoy this movie is to come into it knowing the history. This isn’t a movie that you will use as a historical reference. Read books and watch documentaries first, then maybe consider this movie. This is a movie designed to make the audience uncomfortable. Marilyn’s life is an uncomfortable tragedy. There is a lot of nudity and abuse in this movie, clearly earning its N17 rating. But, if you don’t mind weird artsy movies, this one is a slow burn that you should watch for the experience. Just be warned, it is very slow. I wouldn’t go out of my way to watch it, especially since this story has been done better elsewhere. But for those interested, you can stream it on Netflix.
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This movie was okay. I Used to Be Famous is certainly the last resort movie, something you throw on when you have absolutely nothing else to watch. While it isn’t a terrible movie, it is forgettable. This movie relies too heavily on trying to elicit feelings of sympathy and warmth towards a heartwarming friendship that frankly has been done better elsewhere. This is an okay option to throw on when you don’t want to be fully invested in a story.
The story is about a failed boy band artist Vince who is trying to regain his glory days. While he may still feel the music, he finds himself blocked from creating the next hit that will revive his career. This all changes when he meets an unlikely friend in Stevie, a boy with autism who likes to play the drums. Together they begin to make inspired music that begins to open doors for them, but this isn’t without its challenges. Eventually, Vince realizes that he no longer wishes to use his music to seek fame but to help people heal. It is as sappy and cheesy as it sounds.
There isn’t anything objectively wrong with this movie. The acting and story are fine, but the music isn’t. While I can appreciate the chemistry between the actors, it was hard to sit through the concerts. As much as this movie tries to make it seem like the music made is an instant hit, it’s not. This won’t ruin the experience, but it does emphasize this movie’s cheesiness. It is a fine story about friendship, but it isn’t a big impression. Peanut Butter Falcon does it a lot better.
You can stream this movie on Netflix. I wouldn’t go out of my way to watch it, but you won’t hate it if you do.
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As far as cheap and generic action movies go, Lou fairs a little better, but I still can’t recommend it. I am sure there is an audience for these types of movies, but they haven’t found any in my home.
Lou is about a recluse who lives in the woods and hunts for her food. The movie starts as she is about to commit suicide, but her attempt is interrupted by her one and only neighbor. Her neighbor’s daughter has been kidnapped, and Lou takes it upon herself to track down the kidnappers and save the little girl. The problem is, there is a storm shaking the island, and her arthritis is flaring up. Will she be able to save the little girl before the arteritis takes her hands?
This movie was average at best but never worth your time. The acting is average, with Lou being the best actor. The other characters try their hardest, but the writing doesn’t do much to help them. The plot is simple and linear, and the action isn’t fun or exciting.
I am not sure how I feel about this trend of older action heroes. I am glad that actors are no longer type-casted into the grandparent role, but I don’t think they’ve figured out the formula to make them work. Granted, these movies aren’t made for me, but it is still a valid opinion. At least this one was more realistic. It makes me nervous for the final Halloween movie seeing how the last movie was over-the-top ridiculous. I have nothing against Jamie Lee Curtis, but she had Micheal Meyers level of resilience to knife wounds; that is a hard truth to accept.
It is hard to say anything more about this movie because it just exists without leaving much of an impression. When there isn’t any action, I was trapped watching two women hiking through the woods, bonding due to circumstances. It may not be the worst action movie, but it is forgettable. You can stream it on Netflix.
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Don’t Worry Darling is a huge waste of time, don’t watch it in theaters. This film’s abysmal failure was rightfully predicted when the only news coming out nearing its release was about the drama that surrounded the filming. If this amateur attempt at horror doesn’t ruin Olivia Wild’s directing career, nothing will.
Don’t Worry Darling is about a dystopian desert community that is themed after the 1950’s American nuclear family fantasy. The men all work at a factory where what they do is a secret. The women are homemakers who look after the house and their husband’s every need. Everything seems perfect at the Valor project. Food is plentiful, there is a lot to do, and everything is perfect. But there is something sinister happening in the desert, and Alice is the only one who suspects such. Alice seeks answers, but the answers she seeks begin to unravel her world. It seems like her life at the Valor project isn’t as perfect as it seems.
Don’t Worry Darling is two hours where nothing happens. The first half hour is dedicated to Harry Styles making out with Alice, while the rest of the run time is padded with more fan service and fake deep sequences. If this movie dedicated as much time to developing its plot as it did with Mr. Styles, this could have been an actual movie. Instead, Don’t Worry Darling is a superficial attempt at replicating a better horror film.
The biggest problem with this movie is that there isn’t enough tension. The editing, the bizarre directing choices, and the acting
aren’t able to make this work. The acting is very inconsistent. In some scenes, the writing and the acting come together nicely and give the audience the false hope that the movie might get better. Most scenes, however, feel as if the actors are struggling to remember the lines they were given minutes before filming. It doesn’t help that most characters are poorly written cardboard cutouts of people. The cast does its best, but nothing can save this atrocity to film.
This is the part of the review where I will spoil the movie. If you are planning to watch it, don’t, but this is a good place to stop. You’ve been warned.
The movie is all set up, full of scenes that take way too long and symbols that overstay their welcome. With all this setup, the big defining twist still manages to come as a surprise. This whole movie exists as a simulation, and only the men know the truth. The women on the other hand have been reprogrammed to believe in the simulation and be perfect housewives. The idea is cool. In the hands of a competent director, this could have been a good movie, but it’s not.
Don’t Worry Darling’s follies make this movie anti-climactic. The villain is poorly written and without any presence. I forgot Chris Pine was even in this movie until he would show up for some poorly written moments. The only reason I knew he was the villain was that he was nearly always accompanied by ominous music. Alice on the other hand suffers from magical competence. She knows something is wrong and knows what to do because the script and director say so. Most events in this movie happen for the same reason. You can argue that it was all programmed to happen, but this movie isn’t good enough for that explanation. As a result, I never cared when Alice was in danger because I knew ex-Machina would save the day.
Instead of wasting so much time on symbolism and fan service, it should have spent time developing its mystery and gas-lighting Alice. There should have been more clues to suggest that this was a simulation. There should have been more meaningful interactions between Alice in the world; maybe it wouldn’t feel so frustratingly magical. There should have been a better director. Olivia Wild tried and failed, and this was the result. Don’t watch this movie.
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I didn’t like Father Stu because it is a boring movie. While it may find its audience within the Catholic community, it won’t find it in most audiences.
Father Stu is the story of how a failed amateur boxer finds his way to the catholic faith. Stu is an alcoholic without any direction. He has big dreams and even bigger ambitions but has an attitude that constantly gets him into trouble. He moves to California to become a movie star, but instead, he finds his way to the Catholic Church. God has different plans for Stu, and after a terrible accident, Stu becomes determined to become a priest. Fate is cruel and his body begins to succumb to a debilitating illness that will one day leave him completely disabled. Will he be able to find strength in his newfound faith, or will the trials prove too difficult?
The only reason I am not madder at this movie is that the cast is fantastic. Mark Wahlberg carries this movie as Stu, but unfortunately, this movie isn’t good enough for him. The plot is rather generic, and the pacing is terrible. It seems like the movie races from trial to trial and rushes to close up all the plot points at the end. Nothing interesting happens despite it having so many subplots. Sure the movie might be mechanically inspiring, but its execution is anything but. This is just another faith movie, but this one has a decent budget and actors.
Father Stu is pro-Catholic propaganda. Stu has to sacrifice so much in his journey in order for him to be rewarded. His journey is used as a way of proving that God will test you constantly, but will reward you if you have faith. There is also enough preaching in between to make this message redundantly clear. The movie also goes out of its way to show its audience how accepting, caring, and helpful the Catholic church is. I was raised Catholic and understand that the church does good for its community, but this was over the top. The movie constantly shoves its righteousness in the audience’s face to the point where I have to question its legitimacy. There is enough controversy surrounding the Catholic church to suggest that it is not as virtuous as this movie so desperately says it to be. I want to be clear, I have nothing against the Catholic faith; this just wasn’t a good movie.
If you are Catholic, Father Stu is an inspiring story about a fallen man finding God. You should watch it. For everyone else, I would probably hold off. But if you are still curious, you can stream it on Netflix.
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Drifting Home is a cute coming-of-age story that deals with grief and loss. I wasn’t ready for the emotional journey this movie was about to take me on, but I am glad I was there for it. Even if you aren’t a fan of Anime, you should check out this film.
Kosuke and Natsume are two kids who lived together due to their circumstances. They were best friends and did everything together. This all changes when Kosuke’s grandfather dies, breaking up the long-existing friendship. Now they only speak to each other when necessary. Unknown forces whisk the pair and a group of friends away and drop them on top of an endless ocean, floating on top of the decrepit apartment they grew up in. The building floats aimlessly, and the kids must band together to survive till rescue comes. If it ever comes that is. Will the kids survive the journey and find a way back home?
I will be rewatching this film regularly. It has become one of my favorite animated films in recent memory. The art is beautiful, the dubbing is fantastic, and the story is cute and compelling. The endless drifting at sea is a perfect metaphor for the kid’s feelings, as they struggle to cope with complex emotions such as grief and loss. The journey acts as the catalyst that will help the kids work through their troubles. It is a well-written journey that will have you sobbing at points but ultimately leave you smiling. Drifting Home is a unique take on a human experience we are all familiar with, making it relatable to all audiences.
Above all, Floating Home is fantasy done right. This is a fun and fantastical world that is well-built and developed. It makes for a fantastic adventure that will have you at the edge of your seat. This isn’t going to be a movie you can only watch once. If you haven’t seen it, I ask you to add it to your watch list and thank me later. You can stream it on Netflix.
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I am blown away by the high level of production that went into the making of The Woman King. I am elated that we are finally moving away from the problematic representation of the noble savage toward a more true and respectful one. The costumes, traditions, combat, and acting all come together to make this movie a beautifully epic experience. If you are considering watching this movie, buy the tickets and enjoy its glory. This is a movie you need to watch in theaters.
The Woman King is a historical representation of the Agojie, an all-female warrior unit tasked with protecting the African nation of Dahomey. While the movie does focus on the geopolitical conflicts between warring tribes and slavers, the movie is also an important narrative about womanhood. The movie focuses on Nawi as she trains to become an Agojie during her nation’s wartime. The film focuses on training while also highlighting some of the nation’s traditions. As Nawi learns to become a warrior, war is brewing in the backdrop until it boils over into some of the most epic battles in modern cinema. This is truly a fascinating itnroduction into one of the many cultures that are often misrepresented in the media.
The Woman King is an important film that needs to be supported. The film is an inspiring narrative of womanhood that challenges the traditional values that have been dominant in media for so long. I can’t forget to mention the important representation and commentary about slavery that can’t be overlooked. Unfortunately, it is becoming a modern trend in America to forget and overlook these kinds of stories. While they may be able to whitewash the curriculum, they cannot censor the cinema. I can only hope that this is the start of a growing trend to represent cultures that have often been vilified or forgotten due to racism.
Aside from its cultural commentary, this film has a fantastic narrative. Watching Nawi raise up through her training and building lasting bonds with her sisters was both inspiring and heartwarming. These actresses gave it their all to such an epic story to life. There was a lot of love and dedication put into this movie, and it clearly paid off. It is truly refreshing to see women, especially women of color take on such active and heroic roles in cinema.
The Woman King is an action movie done correctly. The narrative, the action, and the characters all kept me at the edge of my seat. The only complaint I have about this movie is that the theater was so empty. I don’t think the movie has caught on to the public yet, but it should. This is one of the best movies I have seen this year, and I will die on this hill. If you are considering watching this movie, or haven’t heard of it, buy the tickets and thank me later. You can watch it in theaters as of the writing of this review.
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I just watched Do Revenge and it was a lot better than I expected. It may not be winning any awards or breaking any leaderboards, but it is a fun and entertaining movie to throw on when you don’t want to think.
Drea attends a prestigious high school and has managed to work her way to the top of the social ladder. She runs the school and dreams of going to Yale. This all changes when her boyfriend leaks her nudes to the entire class. Drea’s reputation is ruined overnight, and she is made an outcast by the people she believed to be her friend. Her boyfriend survives unscathed, leaving Drea to deal with the anger of this betrayal alone.
While her boyfriend gets to live his normal life, Drea must play by the rules and deal with the repercussions. But Drea’s fall from grace lands her an unlikely ally, Elenore. Elenore has also had her reputation destroyed, and shares in Drea’s anger. Together, they plot to exact revenge on those who wronged them. Common goals create unlikely friendships, but will the revenge they seek quell the anger they hold within?
Do Revenge doesn’t have the greatest story. It doesn’t even have enough story for a full movie and must resort to romantic subplot plot filler and some light fan service. That said, this isn’t a bad movie. What makes this movie work so well is its leads. These two have the chemistry and charisma to carry this movie. I had so much fun watching them scheme and slowly become friends, even though what they do is immoral.
What I liked about this movie was the leads had a conscience. In movies like this, the leads don’t realize what they are doing is wrong until it’s too late. You get a sappy apology, and everything is restored in the end. This movie has some of that, but the characters show remorse as they plot and scheme. There is a very cool scene where Drea confesses that she still feels angry, and nothing seems to quell that anger. This was a very surprising moment because I didn’t expect this movie to have any depth or character growth.
Do Revenge is a simple movie that does what it sets out to do, it entertains. Aside from the leads, the acting is average at best. There are some bad line reads that I am willing to forgive. This movie is a tad generic as it hits a lot of the mandatory teen movie tropes. The story also loses a bit of traction towards the end as it tries to tie everything up. But if you just are looking for something to watch, this movie is a solid choice. You can stream it on Netflix.
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Catholic School is hard to recommend because of how disturbing the subject matter is. This is a movie that is based on real events, and it doesn’t hold back on trying to make its audience uncomfortable. If you have any kind of trauma, from either sexual or physical abuse, don’t watch this movie. It doesn’t show any of the violent bits, but the implications are still difficult to sit through.
Catholic School follows the events that lead up to 1975’s gruesome Circeo massacre in Rome in which three boys from a prestigious catholic school kidnapped, tortured, and murdered two young women. The movie will jump around the different students of the class, showing how the pressures and trauma in their lives slowly shaped them. The film does a deep dive at all the students, not just the ones that committed the atrocities. In doing so, the film aims to show the importance of mental health and how simply ignoring the problems doesn’t fix them.
I wouldn’t watch this movie for fun because this isn’t a fun movie. It is difficult to have to sit through the family drama and the traumatizing events at the end of this film. It is harder to sit through knowing that this is based on real events. Knowing and seeing the atrocities that man is capable of is always a difficult experience. I will be watching cartoons to try to get through the sorrow I’m overcome with because of this movie.
This movie does a good job of showing how people deal with trauma, and how this trauma affects a person. The problem is this movie takes a long time to get to the point. You jump around between each classmate, learning of his troubled home life to get a bit of perspective, but this gets old and repetitive. I understand that the intention was to show how the pressures of society shape young people, but it does so too slowly. It feels much more like filler, wasting the social commentary it is trying to make. This movie suffers for its artistic choices.
This movie is available for streaming on Netflix, but be warned; this isn’t an entertaining movie. It is a hard look at a horrible event. It isn’t for everyone, and I would skip it.
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