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Reviews
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes(2023)
A fitting prequel to an iconic trilogy
"The Ballard of Songbirds and Snakes" is a film any novice Hunger Games fan can enjoy.
A look into Panem around the tenth Hunger Games, over 60 years before Catniss' first games, shows a whole different world. The war still lays fresh in the minds of Capital citizen as the rebuild begins, yet the spirit of rebellion still lives in the Districts. Nobody has a full grasp on how to handle the controversial Hunger Games, or even if it will continue, yet the show goes on. I
Then comes a young Coriolanus Snow, who revolutionizes the way the Games are approached while mentoring a young girl from District 12, Lucy Gray Baird. Here, the sadistic and narcissist mindset of the President Snow we love to hate is born. His keen insight and manipulative attitude develops into a killing spree born of a deep hunger for power.
Viola Davis and Peter Dinklage are brilliant as usual. Not impressed with Rachel Zegler as lead actress (she is no Jennifer Lawrence after all), but Tom Blyth as Snow heads the cast well and encapsulates the persona of President Snow subtly as the film continues.
Like I said, any novice Hunger Games fan can enjoy the fascinating and intriguing parallels between this film and the iconic trilogy. While it can never be compared to its successor, "The Ballard of Songbirds and Snakes" brings justice to the Suzzane Collins' world.
Yes, it's drawn out a bit in the middle... get over it.
Snatch(2000)
Guy Ritchie's pinnacle film
One of the only films where a dog is the most important character, and that's saying something with a cast featuring Brad Pitt and Jason Statham. "Snatch," with its fast cuts and freeze frames, shows exactly the directing style Guy Ritchie is known for. The film follows a series of characters all in pursuit of a jewel the size of a golf ball and the desperate measures and menacing attempts they take to get their hands on it. An extremely British film, featuring a stellar cast and a fast paced, always changing plot, jumping and cutting from one scene to the next in a way only Guy Ritchie can do.
Top Gun: Maverick(2022)
The first successful sequel brought from the previous generation.
As Maverick returns to Top Gun, now as an instructor rather than an active fighter pilot, he must equip a group of the country's best pilots for an important, yet practically suicidal, task. He is forced to confront past traumas and make decisions bigger than himself. All the while proving to everyone yet again that "it's not the plane, it's the pilot."
"Top Gun: Maverick" did something I have never seen. Kosinski and the entire cast took an iconic 1980's film and molded it into an equally iconic film for the next generation to enjoy. So many have tried: Rambo, Terminator, Ghostbusters, Jurassic Park, and even Star Wars (just to name a few) but they have each failed miserably and their only legacy is mediocrity. Everyone of these films has featured their same cast yet outdated, their same plot yet watered down, and their same idea yet clearly forced into a film that never should of been produced.
However, "Top Gun: Maverick" did not fail. It exceeded; it entertained. It successfully brought the original "Top Gun" into the 21st century. It has you pumping your fists and cheering for the characters because you grow to love them so dang much. It honors the original film while also making a name for itself. It features original characters while also bringing relevant, fresh personalities onto the scene. It has an original, captivating plot that leaves the audience crying, laughing, and applauding. It is thrill-seeking, fast, epic, and intense, but also underneath, it is soft, sentimental, tear-jerking, and authentic.
Watch it! Soak in the high flying jets, the leather jackets, and the rad sunglasses. "Top Gun: Maverick" is what cinema is all about.
The Last King of Scotland(2006)
Whitaker and McAvoy are impeccable
"The Last King of Scotland" is a masterful period piece highlighting the deadly regime of Idi Amin (Whitaker) in Uganda during the 1970s. Told through the perspective of his personal physician, Nicholas Gerrigan (McAvoy), a young Scottish doctor, we see the notorious dictator fall victim to power, corruption, and his own ego. Ending with the famous Operation Entebbe in July of 1976, where hundreds of Israeli refugees were liberated from under the hands of Amin, this film is riveting from start to finish.
What made this film so riveting, as said above, is the storyline but also the actors that brought this story to life. Whitaker embodies the psychotic persona of the Ugandan dictator perfectly and McAvoy, per usual, adapts to his character masterly. To complete it all, Whitaker and McAvoy are brilliant with their chemistry on-screen making this film world class and thus earning Whitaker a much-deserved Oscar win.
Molly's Game(2017)
Surprisingly Sweet
More than a mobster gambling movie, "Molly's Game" shows the superior wit of a woman dealing with greedy, sleazy men and the genuine morality of a woman amongst the corrupt and dangerous community of high-stakes poker. Jessica Chastain as Molly Bloom in this biopic is brilliant alongside an astounding supporting cast. For a film about gambling, games, and greed, "Molly's Game" is surprisingly sweet and will leave you smiling.
Revolutionary Road(2008)
A painful/bitter tale brought to life by DiCaprio and Winslet
Yet again, Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet have managed to emotionally destroy their audiences with the romance they have for each other. Only this time it isn't one of them freezing in the Atlantic (hopefully you know what I mean).
In Revolutionary Road, we see a couple (the Wheelers) desperately trying to escape the mundane and routine life of a suburban family in the 1950s as they pursue a dream to move to France. But when this fantasy starts to blur with reality, things begin to turn south.
What an ugly/dysfunctional film this is of two people falling out of love, but I say 'ugly' as a compliment of how well this film was produced and how superb the acting was.
Mendes' cast was perfect from DiCaprio and Winslet at the center, to Shannon and Bates supporting.
Wind River(2017)
"How do you gauge someone's will to live?"
6 miles versus 600 feet. The perseverance of a warrior versus that of a coward. Keep that in mind while watching.
Like many films similar to this one, "Wind River" induces anger and a sense of emotional exhaustion from the viewer. It is stories like these that show the sympathetic love of humanity, but also the ugly barbarism of it. "Wind River" tells the story of a young woman brutally raped and murdered in the wasteland of a Wyoming reservation; this is the ugly barbarism. On the contrary, more importantly, it tells the story of a divorced man, who also lost his daughter, come alongside the mourning family and find justice for their daughter; this is the sympathetic love. "Wind River" seems to bring a statistic to life; to put a story, a human face, behind the number of rape and murder victims we so easily become desensitized to.
Saddening, inspiring, authentic.
About Time(2013)
The perfect love story (with some extra help)
Being blessed with perhaps everybody's wildest fantasy: the ability to travel back in time to fix mistakes, Tim (Gleason) finds the love of his life, Mary (McAdams), and falls in love with her, fi xing his mistakes along the way.
While other iconic love films may depict the harsh realities and difficult challenges of falling in love with someone, "About Time" does quite the opposite. It shows the joys of true love and the beauty in it; it brings simplicity back into falling in love and proves that love is only as complicated as we make it. The only unfortunate, and rather sad aspect of this movie, is the fantasy of it. Anybody with the ability to rewind time and make right their wrongs would have a near perfect life. With that being said, no amount of time travel could fabricate the genuine relationships between Tim and Mary and Tim's entire family. No amount of time travel could create love.
Truly a heartwarming film from beginning to end. Gleason and McAdams provide a tingling performance of two young people in love, and you can't help but feel a little jealous for the life Tim was able to live!!
Recommended and encouraged on any gloomy day! Guaranteed to pick you up!
Darkest Hour(2017)
Winston Churchill IS Gary Oldman
This biopic of Winston Churchill's sudden promotion to Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during the height of World War 2 in May of 1940 exemplifies the stubborn courage, bravery, and confidence of Churchill during the United Kingdom's, and perhaps the free world's, "darkest hour." His unwavering demeanor and attitude towards the triumph of England proves why he will go down as the man who saved the free world from the relentless Nazi regime.
Not only is the story fascinating and true, but the cinematography is gripping and the acting is like none other. Gary Oldman is superb, brilliant, and accurate as Winston Churchill; it is by far his best role. On top of this, Joe Wright has you feel the darkness creeping in with every scene as the tension builds all the more.
Inspiring, true, and a beautiful display of the heroics of Winston Churchill in the most hopeless times of World War 2.
Spider-Man: No Way Home(2021)
Nothing like it...
Marvel always seems to succeed at producing films that permeate pop culture and have everybody talking about it. After "Avengers: Endgame", I was weary about how Marvel would continue to be relevant, but "Spider-Man: No Way Home" has shattered those speculations. It isn't spectacular from a visual standpoint and nothing cinematically makes it stand out from the other Marvel films. Rather, it is the storyline that makes this film like no other. The significance this film has in the MCU combined with the nostalgia from previous Spider-Man universes works perfectly to provide a film that will have everybody asking 'what's next?'
Truly an iconic film that will leave anybody who grew up watching the other Spider-Mans in awe and leaping for joy.
I Am Sam(2001)
"All you need is love"
Sam, a mentally challenged father, proves that "all you need is love" to raise a child. As he is brought to court over the custody of his daughter, Lucy, he proves that genuine love, compassion, and kindness is worth more than any prestigious education or elaborate house can ever provide.
This truth is evident in both the lives of Sam and Rita, his lawyer. Sam is handicapped, poor, and marginalized in his community. He can't provide for his daughter in the same way that other parents can. Rita, on the other hand, is a successful, rich lawyer that "never loses." She has the big house, the fancy car, and the designer clothing. With that being said, Sam is happy and content. He finds time for his daughter; he loves his daughter, and his daughter dearly loves him. Rita, however, is miserable at her job. Her husband is none-existent, and her son abhors her.
After watching this film, (and shedding a few tears in the process) the idea is obvious: love is greater than anything this world can provide! Contentment does not come from wealth or even a high IQ, it comes from a genuine heart and a authentic desire to put others before yourself... much like Sam's heart.
What a beautiful movie depicting the resilient power of love. The love of a father to overcome all of the adversity around him to get back to his daughter. Sean Penn is brilliant in his role as Sam, as well as Michelle Phiffer as a no-nonsense, arrogant lawyer. You can see the characters perception of Sam and his situation change throughout the film in a beautiful way. "I am Sam" is truly touching, inspiring, and captivating.
Remember, "all you need is love."
Blue Valentine(2010)
Hard to watch
'Blue Valentine' is not a fun movie. It does not make you feel good and it shows the ugly realities of a relationship gone wrong. The film shows how a couple, Dean and Cindy, fall in and out of love, suffering with each other and then giving up on each other in the end. In all honesty, it is a miserable movie to watch... that does not make it a bad movie, however. The chemistry on screen between Gosling and Williams is impeccable. You can feel the emotion, the turmoil, and the suffering of each character. On top of that, the soundtrack is superb, adding the melancholy vibe that the film needed.
This movie will make you feel blue, it will sadden you, and it will make you think twice about falling in love with someone.
6/10.
The Usual Suspects(1995)
"The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist"
A story told from the perspective of a crippled criminal, Roger 'Verbal' Kent, about how five men who met at a police lineup in New York become entangled with one of the most mysterious and notorious felons to ever exist, Keyser Soze. 'Verbal', being the only one to survive of the five, recollects about the events that transpired on a boat where there was supposedly 91 million dollars worth of drugs on, a situation that they were forced into by Soze's associate, Kobayashi. But the real question is: who is this Keyser Soze? Does he really exist? Or is he simply an urban myth to blackmail criminals like Verbal, Keaton, Fenster, McManus, and Hockney?
Objectively one of the best films of all time, "The Usual Suspects" will keep you intrigued, not by flashy cinematography, but my masterful script writing and brilliant story telling. A classic, award-winning film that I do not feel worthy critiquing.
Nocturnal Animals(2016)
Miserably Enticing
Embedded with deep symbolisms and dark themes, "Nocturnal Animals" is sure to make you feel the sorrow and misery of the characters. While it follows two different timelines (one being real and the other being fictional) they have more in common than you might originally think.
While Susan (Amy Adams) reads a novel sent by her ex-husband Edward (Jake Gyllenhaal), she reminisces on the relationship they once had and she is reminded of the crippling unhappiness of her current relationship. The mistakes she made and the regrets that she had continue to haunt her as she reads his novel... this is exactly why Edward sent her his novel in the first place.
Edward, having been betrayed and abandoned by Susan and having been labeled 'weak' and 'not driven' as a writer, proves to his ex-wife that he is the exact opposite and shows her the pain and trauma that she caused him in a creative revenge stunt. He uses his writing to get back at the girl who ruined his life.
From the rather graphic opening credit scene to the last shot of the film, everything means something. Everything has symbolic significance that I cannot begin to expound on. Tom Ford's brilliance and artistic mind is on full display in the way he directed 'Nocturnal Animals.'
Betrayal and love, agony and revenge. Filled with unhappiness and pain, 'Nocturnal Animals' is not the typical revenge thriller, but that's what makes it so miserably enticing!
(PS: beware the opening credit scene. Though it has symbolic significance, it is highly graphic.)
Dune: Part One(2021)
In Desperate Need of a Sequel
'Dune' was good, but for its budget, it fell short.
Visually enticing with a brilliant ensemble of Hollywood's elite. The cinematography was breathtaking and the soundtrack brought you right into the action... however there was not much action to be brought into.
And that is where I think 'Dune' fell short: it didn't entertain; it wasn't as epic as it was portrayed to be. I come from the perspective of not knowing anything about the 1965 book or even the 1984 film coming into this movie. Based on that perspective, 'Dune' was a whole lot of exposition of never ending introductions and rising action to relatively no climax.
It truly is a compelling story, but, unfortunately, it is such a huge, intricate narrative to adapt to the big screen. So much so that even a director of Villanueve's stature struggled to do. With that being said, 'Dune' desperately needs a sequel that will actually live up to the hype because this one did not.
Venom: Let There Be Carnage(2021)
Venom: Let There Be Mediocrity
Not necessarily disappointed, yet not impressed. A step back from the action-packed, complex films of the Marvel cinematic universe that we are so used to. Included a mediocre plot, minimal character development, and a weird love story that did not work. Also, Woody Harrelson as a mutant supervillain just did not seem right.
However, stay around for the post-credit scene for a surprise.
Léon(1994)
Replacing Loneliness with Love
"You've given me a taste of life... I want to be happy..."
The life and routine of a professional hit man, Leon, is quickly interrupted when a 12-year-old girl (Mathilda) comes desperately knocking at his door for protection. What starts as a favor for a child in need, turns into a relationship they both thought they never needed. Matilda finds a father figure who cares for her and Leon a daughter to fill his mundane, lonely life. Mathilda gives Leon happiness and peace to live life and Leon gives Mathilda direction and purpose for her life to come.
When the lives of two unlikely people collide, both begin to see their priorities in a different order.
A simply beautiful film by the underrated Jean Reno, the always entertaining Gary Oldman, and the breakout performance by the talented Natalie Portman.
8/10.
There Will Be Blood(2007)
The Terrifying Downward Spiral of Greed into Insanity
The title promises that "there will be blood" and plenty of blood there was.
What starts off as a promising success story of an enthusiastic, witty, family-oriented oil prospector in the early 1900's, suddenly turns into a horror story of a man lost to the grip of selfishness, power, and greed. Driven by his desire to have no business competition, Daniel Plainview goes to great lengths to ensure his own success and does things that at first would seem inconceivable.
"I see the worst in people...I've built up my hatreds over the years, little by little." Whether it be to his son HW or to pastor Eli Sunday, Mr. Daniel Plainview doesn't hesitate to act upon these hatreds he has built up.
A beautiful, sobering film depicting an ugly, sad reality.
8/10.
Tenet(2020)
Appreciate Nolan's Greatness
What a ride it was watching this film for the first time! But also what a thrill it was trying to grasp the multiple realities and timelines presented in 'Tenet'. Yes, it is confusing. Yes, you will need to watch countless YouTube videos explaining the plot. And yes, the only way to truly understand this film would be for Christopher Nolan himself to be sitting right beside you. But once you begin to comprehend, ever so slightly, the timelines of the Protagonist, Neil, Cat, and Sator, and see how each one interacts and plays off of each other, both in inverted time and in regular time, all you can do is appreciate the brilliance of Christopher Nolan. Coupled by a chilling soundtrack and gorgeous filmmaking (as usual), 'Tenet' deserves so much more than the ridicule it is receiving. Only because of the extent of the complexity am I giving 'Tenet' an 8/10. But my goodness, how talented is Christopher Nolan?
'Tenet' is not for the faint of heart.
Brothers(2009)
"Only the dead have seen the end of war."
At the end of the film Capt. Sam Cahill says, "Only the dead have seen the end of war. I have seen the end of war. The question is, can I live again?"
Though physically living Capt. Cahill (Maguire) is emotionally dead. Perplexed by his own imaginations and assumptions; paranoid about his wife's relations (Portman) with his brother (Gyllenhaal); indifferent towards his two young daughters, "Brothers" show the devastating effects of PTSD on war veterans, but it also provides hope that even the most traumatized of people can overcome their past with the love of those around them.
Simple, real, and genuine, "Brothers" does nothing but show the uncensored story of one family's imperfections, pains, difficulties, and joys.
Fight Club(1999)
Can't talk about it...
"Fight Club" was un-pleasantly surprising. Odd, yet captivating; dark, yet brilliant; disturbing, yet enjoyable.
I can't say much more about this film. After all, I have already violated rules one and two of "Fight Club" and we all know what that means...
A must watch.
Les Misérables(2012)
"Fight. Dream. Hope. Love"
"Fight. Dream. Hope. Love." Four words to describe the pain, agony, joy, and passion seen in this on-screen adaptation of "Les Miserables." From Jean Valjean, to little Cossette and Fantine, and even to stubborn Javert, "Les Miserables" succeeds in making you feel the agony that every character is constantly experiencing; it brings you tears of sorrow in times of loss, but also tears of joy in times of victory and reunion. Many know the story of "Les Miserables", but not in the way depicted in this adaptation. A classic 19th century novel brought to life perfectly into the 21st century through the likes of Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, and Anne Hathaway.
13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi(2016)
Benghazi: the unfiltered truth
The 13 hours that didn't have to be and the 14 American lives that didn't have to be lost. The Benghazi incident of 2012 will always be remembered as another failed diplomatic experiment in the Middle East by the United States, but it sadly won't be remembered for the brave soldiers that so boldly fought to save the lives of several Americans.
"13 Hours" changes that. This film gives the brave men, who selflessly put their lives on the line, the recognition that they deserve. It honors the lives of those lost and it gives the audience an authentic, real visualization of what happened on that night.
Finally, I love how personal this film got. Many war films lack that personal touch, but "13 Hours" reminds you that even America's most prestigious militants are humans with a life beyond warfare.
Lion(2016)
Authentically Beautiful and Unique.
What a story! And what a brilliant adaptation of that story! Truly overwhelmed by the beauty in this film. From the first scene until the last, "Lion" will have you cheering for and crying for little Saroo. The acting, the filming, and the soundtrack all come together to create a genuine story about one man's relentless pursuit to find the family he lost so long ago. You will not find another film like this! 10/10.
Beautiful Boy(2018)
Captivating, powerful, and sad.
Following the life of a young man battling against his crippling addiction to drugs (Timothee Chalamet) and his father's relentless pursuit to reconcile their once healthy relationship (Steve Carrell), "Beautiful Boy" is truly a captivating movie all around. Because of superb directing and even better acting, this movie will have you crying over the father/son relationship lost to the debilitating grip of drugs.