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Reviews
Twister (1996)
Cinematic entertainment
This movie, about two storm chasers on the brink of divorce who must work together to create an advanced weather alert system by putting themselves in the cross-hairs of extremely violent tornadoes, is a good disaster movie!
I think the story and the general writing are not worthy for being memorable because of its simple plot, cliché dialogues, predictability, and some mediocre acting. Narratively, it stumbles. However, it is definitely a cinematic experience! I love the aerial shots of when they are driving in lines, and I think the energy of the characters, facing the tornadoes, elevates the excitement. The stunts are fantastic as well as the digital and practical effects, and the sound creates an atmosphere of tension. With a big screen and surround sound, you will definitely go on a wild ride.
Despite its narrative flaws and predictability, this movie excels as a cinematic experience. The movie's stunning aerial shots, thrilling stunts, and immersive sound design create an intense atmosphere. Watching it on a big screen with surround sound ensures an exhilarating and unforgettable ride.
John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum (2019)
Great action and cinematography
This movie, about John Wick who is on the run after killing a member of the international assassins' guild, is a good sequel to John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)!
The dialogues are still terrible, and some of the performances are mid. However, the movie is an improvement compared to its predecessors! It has more of what feels like an actual story, which automatically is more appealing. The action has a more dynamic touch, also considering the bullets feels more powerful this time. The camerawork and cinematography are handled even better with more movements and shaking and beautiful colors, making the action scenes have more depth and intensity. Except from its dialogues, the movie still struggles with some of its elements, like pacing and illogical stuff, but overall, this is definitely my best experience with the John Wick series so far!
This movie impresses with dynamic action and stunning cinematography. Despite weak dialogues and some mid performances, it offers a more engaging story and powerful action sequences. While pacing and logic issues persist, it remains the best experience in the John Wick series so far.
John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)
Somewhat enjoyable, but feels superficial
This movie, about John Wick who discovers that a large bounty has been put on his life, is an okay sequel to John Wick (2014).
I like how the protagonist John Wick appear as an extremely dangerous man like in the movie's predecessor, where he is one man fighting like an whole army. In terms of technical aspects, the color grading is appealing as well as the score, and the cinematography is mostly good. To add, the stunts are great!
However, I think the movie struggles with much of the rest of its elements. The acting, including Keanu Reeves' (as John Wick), is mediocre, and the dialogues are terrible. The plot is a bit simple and thin despite being slightly better than John Wick, and the editing feels somewhat inconsistent. What disappoints me a bit is the action itself, especially the gunfire. Most of the movie consists of gunfire, but there is so much gunfire that it feels superficial - that the bullets does not feel powerful. Therefore, these shortcomings leave me with a mixed experience overall.
This movie is visually appealing with good cinematography and stunts. However, it suffers from mediocre acting, poor dialogues, and a thin plot. The excessive gunfire feels superficial, reducing the impact of the action. Overall, it provides a mixed experience, making it an okay but not outstanding sequel.
Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021)
Fun humor, but mediocre writing
This movie, about Eddie Brock who attempts to reignite his career by interviewing serial killer Cletus Kasady, is an okay sequel to Venom (2018).
The credit scene in the first movie hypes up Venom: Let There Be Carnage because it is a credit scene itself, and Woody Harrelson (as Cletus Kasady) usually play fun characters. Venom: Let There Be Carnage mostly maintains the same vibes and energy from its predecessor, and I think Venom is even funnier because of his childish behavior - his dark voice and extreme look just makes his relationship with the protagonist Eddie Brock absurd.
Unfortunately, the writing is the main element that makes the movie fall short. It forces the story to be predictable, hindering its engagement, and in addition, it follows a familiar pattern of similar movies. The antagonist Cletus Kasady has a potential, but he fails to be a worthy psycho villain, and the third act is as basic as it can be with its brutal but simple action and lack of surprises, leaving me with a mixed experience.
This movie is an entertaining sequel with fun humor and a familiar vibe. However, its mediocre writing makes the story predictable and less engaging. Despite Harrelson's potential as Cletus Kasady, the third act of the movie is basic and lacks surprises, resulting in a mixed viewing experience.
Venom (2018)
Fun and entertaining
This movie, about a failed reporter who is bonded to an alien entity, is a good kaiju movie!
It does take a few shortcuts with its narrative along some other narratively poor elements, and some of the visual effects are not perfect. Also, the reasons of the actions of the protagonist Carlton Drake is a bit simple and straightforward, and the movie lacks a bit of emotional engagement.
Anyway, the movie is still fun and entertaining! It has much action, the effects are mostly appealing, the sound editing is great, and despite that I was worried if Venom was getting an inappropriate personality, I am surprised that his soft spot works. Venom's soft spot hinders the movie to get too serious, which is a good thing, and that makes it more relaxing to watch the movie and enjoy it.
Despite its flaws, this is an entertaining kaiju movie. The action, appealing effects, and sound editing make it enjoyable. Venom's soft spot adds a lighthearted touch, preventing the movie from becoming too serious and enhancing its fun factor.
Cruella (2021)
Absolutely tremendous
This movie, about young grifter Estella who transforms herself into the raucous, revenge-bent Cruella de Vil, is a perfect adventure movie!
It is absolutely brilliant from start to finish. Almost every element is so good that the minor flaws are invisible. The plot is not exceptional itself, thinking about some movies that already have a similar plot, but it is about what you make out of it that matters - and it looks! The script impresses with its clever elements that hit the audience in so many different ways, letting the movie mainly represent a revengeful theme, but perfectly blends it with sadness, humor, and genious among others. The story has an amazing development and build-ups, and a couple of times, it tricks you to think that the movie is about to end, but it still continues to impress all the way while you get worried if it is going to get too long, containing unnecessities.
Speaking of its revengeful theme, I cannot love it enough. Yes, the protagonist Estella may be shifting to Cruella a bit abruptly despite having a somewhat good reason, but I do not care. She represents her yinyang in such a fantastic way where Estella is the shy and humiliated one, and Cruella the evil and angry. But they have one thing in common; passion. Not necessarily for fashion only, but the inner eagerness to prove themselves and leave a mark on the world. It fuels Estella's creativity and ambition while it ignites Cruella's rebellious and daring spirit. Their shared drive for recognition and success is what makes their transformation both compelling and believable.
The performances are brilliant, especially Emma Stone's (as Estella). She perfectly and masterfully fills her character, but not only Estella, but Cruella as well. The rest of the cast also impress with their parts, especially Emma Thompson (as the Baroness), but I would like to mention Tipper Seifert-Cleveland (as Estella (12 yrs)) with her outstanding performance as a remarkable establishment of Estella's past. This kind of backstory as an opening to a movie is typical to be mediocre, at least with my experience, but this one exceeded my expectations.
To get rid of the negative elements, I begin to say that I think the handheld camera technique is slightly jarring at times, but that is just slightly, and the use of CGI for the animals feels a bit flat, but in the end, they mean almost nothing. Howeber, the rest of the technical aspects amaze me. The cinematography and its color grading are immersive, the editing is on-point as well as the sound editing, and the score is just phenomenal, which I could listen to everyday. There is so much more to say, but I have said many things already.
In conclusion, this is a visually stunning and emotionally engaging movie that captivates from start to finish. Despite a familiar plot, the movie excels through its clever script, blending themes of revenge, humor, and sadness seamlessly. The transformation of Estella into Cruella is compelling, driven by a shared passion for recognition and success. Stone's performance is masterful, bringing depth to both Estella and Cruella, while the supporting cast, particularly Thompson and Seifert-Cleveland, also shine. Although minor technical flaws like the handheld camera technique and CGI for animals are present, they do not detract from the overall experience. The cinematography, editing, and phenomenal score of the movie contribute to its immersive quality. The movie stands out as a remarkable adventure movie, leaving a lasting impression with its brilliant execution and unforgettable characters.
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)
Nice visuals and a beautiful score
This movie, about a young girl who is transported into a magical world of gingerbread soldiers and an army of mice, is a good holiday family movie!
I absolutely love the first half. It is close to perfect because of its nice mood, magical vibes, interesting story, perfect pace, beautiful visuals, and amazing score that get me so invested. The story is very similar to The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005) where the protagonist Clara Stablbaum goes into a magical world where she is called out to save it from evil. Here we get met by many characters with stunning costumes and makeup, surrounded by beautiful set designs. The following scenes are exciting with its nice touch of mystery, and I looked forward to the rest of the movie. Unfortunately, I was met with a disappointment. From the point when Clara suddenly became an army commander out the blue, my interest decreased. The story transforms from being an unpredictable, beautiful mystery to a predictable, cliched war, rushing to the end. The mysterious elements of the story quickly reveal themselves, leading to nothing more than what you see with your naked eyes. The ending with Clara's father Benjamin Stahlbaum is nice on the other hand, closing the movie in a sweet way, so despite that my overall experience is good, I wish it remained as a potential masterpiece after its first half.
This movie begins with a magical, captivating first half, featuring stunning visuals and an enchanting score. However, it loses its charm, becoming a predictable war narrative. Despite this, the sweet ending with Clara's father leaves a generally positive impression. Overall, it is good holiday family movie, though it falls short of its initial potential.
The Hit (1984)
A good plot, but a stumbling execution
This movie, about two hit men who drive a hardened criminal to Paris for his execution, is an okay psychological thriller movie.
What comes first to mind is its style. It is a 80s movie, but feels like a 70s movie. The movie is slow and lacks music, snap, and punch. It gets somewhat boring, to be honest. I think the plot is good as well as the turns and outcomes of the story, but the parts in-between take forever to evolve. The movie has a runtime of 98 minutes, but it feels like 2 hours plus. I wish it was tighter and more compact. Some moments are definitely silly and entertaining, but the movie has a long way to go, at least for my part.
This movie has a good plot but is slow and lacks engagement, feeling longer than its 98 minutes and falling short as a thriller.
Inside Out 2 (2024)
Lovely new characters
This movie, about Riley entering puberty and experiencing brand new, more complex emotions as a result, is a good sequel to Inside Out (2015)!
I am kind of disappointed of that the journey of the original emotions follows the same pattern as Joy and Sadness in the first movie because I really expected something new all the way. There are many good moments in their journey, but also several filler moments and mediocre parts. Also, Riley's story is somewhat predictable, making it easier to foresee the outcomes of the story of the emotions.
Anyway, I love the new characters! They represent their purposes in such a creative and relevant way, both in personalities and character designs, and speak to audiences of all ages. What I appreciate is that Disney is honest with our emotions. Our emotions have both advantages and disadvantages, but what matters is that we learn from them and use their abilities to be our better selves. Anxiety behaves as an energetic planner who is overthinking everything and does not hesitate to make decisions without consideration. Envy does not have a huge part, but she does worthy by appearing as a cute little girl who looks up to the "big and better" ones. Ennui is probably the most classic emotion of a typical teen girl with her sarcastic attitude and dark clothes, making her one of the funniest characters. Embarrasment is the one I personally relate most to. I was not as shy as he is, but he is the silent one among groups, just like I am. He does the hidden tasks and may not be the one taking the biggest parts, but he may have the biggest heart and stands up when injustice comes, which directly touches my heart. Nostalgia also makes a small but also a worthy appearance with her nice touch of humor.
Speaking of the story, my favorite scenes are the ones inside the mind headquarters because it is mainly there the most essential story elements take place. Anyway, despite that the journey of the original emotions feels somewhat repetitive and mediocre, it has some great scenes. My favorite part is probably the one inside The Vault where the darkest secrets of Riley lie. The Vault introduces some hilarious characters, like Bloofy and Pouchy, and Lance Slashblade alongside Deep Dark Secret. Bloofy and Pouchy remind me so much of Dora the Explorer (2000-2019), and I absolutely love the way they get used by getting on everybody's nerves. When it comes to Lance, I love his design, like he is an old game character with the perfect movements from an actual game. The way he manages to put the security inside a vault is just hilarious.
Last, the technical aspects are great. The animation consists of beautiful colors and details as it should be, and the actual cinematography is better than Inside Out, I think. It is somewhat unfortunate that neither Peter Docter (as a director) nor composer Michael Giacchino (as the main composer) returned for the movie, because I think the movie would turn out better narratively and musically, although director Kelsey Mann and composer Andrea Datzman did a good job, but it could have been worse.
In conclusion, this movie successfully continues Riley's emotional journey as she navigates the complexities of puberty, introducing new characters that add depth and creativity to the narrative. While the movie mirrors the emotional journey of the original, leading to some predictability and filler moments, it still offers memorable scenes, particularly within the mind headquarters and The Vault. The new emotions, such as Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, Embarrassment, and Nostalgia, are well-crafted, each bringing unique traits and humor that resonate with audiences. Despite the absence of original director Peter Docter and composer Michael Giacchino, the animation and cinematography of the movie shine, showcasing vibrant colors and intricate details. Mann and Datzman deliver commendable work, though the movie might have benefited from the touch of the original team. Overall, the movie is a worthy sequel that balances familiar themes with fresh elements, making it an enjoyable watch for fans of the first movie and new viewers alike.
Beetlejuice (1988)
Visually entertaining
This movie, about the spirits of a deceased couple who are harassed by an unbearable family that has moved into their home, is a good, dark comedy movie!
After being impressed by the first act, it can get slightly bland a few times for the rest of the movie because the story takes time to develop. There has also been given much room for hit-or-miss humor and "filler" moments", which is a mixed bag.
However, the movie is super creative with its visuals! It is amazing how much effort that has been put in the visual and practical effects in each scene, and that makes the movie somewhat entertaining for the whole runtime, which is the main reason for movies, at least to me.
Despite some slow moments and mixed humor, this movie remains a visually stunning dark comedy. The creative and impressive practical effects keep the movie entertaining throughout, making it a memorable watch for those who appreciate unique and imaginative visuals in movies.
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 (2012)
A couple of impressive moments, but still has struggles
This movie, about the Cullens who gather other vampire clans in order to protect the child from a false allegation that puts the family in front of the Volturi, is an okay sequel to The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 (2011).
The twist where the entire battle in the third act turns out to be only a vision is probably the best sequence in The Twilight Saga (2008-2012). I did not see that coming at all, which was fun! It is also exciting to see how the protagonist Bella Swan reacts to her new powers now that she is a vampire as well as her meeting with her father Charlie Swan after a long time. To add, the powers of the other vampire clans are fun to discover.
However, the movie struggles like its predecessors with its narrative, some of the acting, and the pace. Also, the choice of giving Bella Swan and her husband Edward Cullen's child Renesmee Cullen a CGI face is embarrassing. Why not show her face? She does not have to be that similar to her parents to impress the audience. Anyway, because of the struggles of the movie, it can get somewhat tiresome at times, stating that The Twilight Saga consistently suffers from many of the same elements from start to finish, which is disappointing.
In conclusion, this movie has some standout moments, like the surprising third-act twist and Bella's new vampire abilities. However, it suffers from narrative flaws, uneven pacing, and poor acting. The CGI face for Renesmee is particularly disappointing. Despite these issues, the movie offers some entertainment but remains plagued by the recurring problems of the series, making it a somewhat tiresome watch.
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 (2011)
A good third act, but the rest feels static
This movie, about the Quileutes who close in on expecting parents Edward and Bella, is an okay sequel to The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010).
The third act is one of the best parts in The Twilight Saga (2008-2012) where the life of the protagonist Bella Swan is at stake because of her pregnancy with her husband Edward Cullen. What makes the situation even more intriguing is the insecurity of the baby - that it possibly can be immortal and do dangerous things. The movie then closes to getting the baby out, which turns out to be a normal, mortal human baby, but after the hopes of maintaining life in Bella faints and the belief of turning her into a vampire has failed, she suddenly wakes up in her new form. I have to mention that I really dislike the choice of using a CGI face on the baby, but that is ignorable for now. Anyway, I think this compelling sequence gave a good ending!
However, the rest of the movie feels pretty static. The movie starts with the honeymoon of Bella and Edward where they are "happy ever after", and then Bella gets pregnant and sick. After this, I had certain expectations, but I was met with a story where almost half of it consists of a static melodramatic storyline that struggles to get you interested. The writing is somewhat poor and the pace is non-consistent. So, despite the intriguing third act, it does not redeem the disappointment of the rest.
In conclusion, while this movie delivers a compelling and dramatic third act that heightens the stakes for Bella and Edward, the rest of the movie falls short. The initial promise of an engaging storyline is undermined by a static and melodramatic narrative that struggles to maintain interest. Despite the strong ending, the inconsistent pacing and poor writing throughout the majority of the movie leave much to be desired. Ultimately, the climax of the movie cannot fully redeem the overall disappointment of its earlier parts.
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010)
A bigger scale, but a flawed execution
This movie, about Bella who is forced to choose between her love for vampire Edward and her friendship with werewolf Jacob, is an okay sequel to The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009).
What makes it my favorite in The Twilight Saga (2008-2012) is its bigger scale and mood. That is much because of the score by composer Howard Shore. I was so surprised to suddenly recognize his style. If you love The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003), the movie will definitely give you some positive vibes. The plot of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse is a bit thin, I think, but it still manages to build up to something that feels big. The cinematography is alright, the effects are mostly overcoming, and the performance by Kristen Stewart (as Bella Swan) is still not good, but I sense an improvement. However, like the predecessors, the movie still struggles with the same elements, especially the writing including som other aspects where my worst scene is when Bella Swan makes out with her friend Jacob Black because I think that was a very unnecessary scene, weakening herself as a character as well as her relationship with Edward Cullen.
In conclusion, this movie offers a grander scale and the impressive score by Shore, but suffers from a thin plot and flawed execution. Despite some improvements in the performance by Stewart and decent cinematography, the movie struggles with writing issues and unnecessary scenes. Fans of The Lord of the Rings may appreciate the familiar musical style, adding a touch of nostalgia.
The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009)
A decent storyline, but a flawed execution
This movie, about Jacob Black who becomes Bella Swan's best friend, is an okay sequel to Twilight (2008).
Compared to its predecessor, it appears to be better, especially in terms of directing. It feels like a movie with higher quality. The editing is more on-point, the pacing has a better flow, the color grading is not too dark, and surprisingly enough, the performance by Kristen Stewart (as Bella Swan) and the dialogues are less cringe, although they are not good enough. Speaking of performances and dialogues, they still need improvement, though. However, the story is somewhat engaging where we follow Bella who gets to know Jacob Black after separating from her lover Edward Cullen. It is basically better put together. Anyway, the movie still has a long way to go to give a good impression as a whole.
This movie shows improvement over Twilight with better directing, editing, and pacing. The performance by Stewart and the dialogues are less cringe-worthy, though still needing improvement. The story is engaging, but the movie overall still falls short of leaving a strong, positive impression.
Twilight (2008)
Bad performance and cinematography
This movie, about Bella Swan who falls in love with a mysterious classmate who reveals himself to be a 108-year-old vampire, is a weak dark fantasy movie.
The universe is interesting and the characters themselves are somewhat compelling, but several elements falter in execution. First, the performance by Kristen Stewart (as Bella Swan) is pretty bad. She exaggerates everything she does no matter how emotional or emotionless her character gets, and she is awful to watch because what she does feels unnatural. Second, the dialogues are disappoint as well. The lines can be alright themselves, but there is a significant lack of coherence, making them feel stumbling. Third, the cinematography. It looks improvised, making the visuals feel random with no planning, like the director of photography Elliot Davis does not have an eye for his job. Last, the themes and soundtracks are alright themselves, but I do not always think they are used at the right moments. Sometimes they fit their scenes, but sometimes the scenes feel weird because of the bad timing of incorporating music, making it somewhat difficult to interpret the meaning of the scene or sequence.
In conclusion, while this movie presents an intriguing universe and somewhat compelling characters, its execution falters significantly. The performance by Stewart feels unnatural, the dialogues lack coherence, and the cinematography appears improvised. Additionally, the themes and soundtracks are inconsistently timed, detracting from the overall experience. These flaws make it difficult to fully engage with the movie, despite its potential.
White Material (2009)
Authentic
This movie, about a white French woman who fights for her coffee crop, her family and ultimately for her life, is a good drama movie!
It honestly feels slow, stretched, and quiet at times. There are many establishing shots that are also very long, making it take time to get from scene to scene, and to add, there is a lack of music, I think. The lack of music definitely gives the movie a somewhat realistic feel, but at the same time entertainment-wise, it gets sometimes bland. Anyway, I think the performance by Isabelle Huppert (as Maria Vial) is very strong. It feels authentic, and the protagonist Maria Vial quickly gets my attention and care. That is also for the locations, costumes, extras, and props along with the cinematography. The movie really feels like an evolving and chaotic African civil war, making it a worthy watch.
Despite its slow pace and lack of music, this movie is compelling. The authentic performance by Huppert and the realistic depiction of an African civil war make it a worthy watch. The strong visuals and detailed production of the movie enhance its immersive experience.
The Bodyguard (1992)
Enjoyable
This movie, about a former Secret Service agent who takes on the job of bodyguard to an R&B singer, is a good action movie!
It has a somewhat predictable storyline, but it presents its story in a mostly good way, I think. I enjoy the romance between the protagonist Frank Farmer and his client Rachel Marron. It is sweet and captivating despite being rushed at times, and the voice of Whitney Houston (as Rachel Marron) is just breathtaking. The movie can also feel somewhat stretched and the script a bit stumbling, but all in all, the experience is compelling.
Despite its predictable plot, this movie is compelling, with a sweet romance and Whitney Houston's breathtaking voice.
Up (2009)
A beautiful story
This movie, about 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen who travels to Paradise Falls in his house equipped with balloons, is a great coming-of-age movie!
The first act is one of the saddest sequences in all Disney movies because it forces your tears to come out every single time no matter how many times you have watched it. The story then leads to an adventure, containing lots of entertainment that holds onto your attention. I honestly think the content of this adventure, especially the scenes with Charles F. Muntz and his dogs, are kind of mediocre, but it is mostly the protagonist Carl Fredricksen's love for Ellie that elevates the movie because it makes the movie so spiritual, warm, and emotional. Another element that strengthens the movie in my opinion is its humor. Russell is such a funny boy, and I like most of his scenes. The technical aspects speak for themselves, but I also state that the animation and score are amazing.
This movie tells Carl's heartfelt journey to Paradise Falls. Despite some average scenes, the emotional depth, humor, and stunning animation of the movie make it memorable. Carl's love for Ellie adds warmth, while Russell's humor and the beautiful score enhance the experience, making it a must-watch.
Rio 2 (2014)
A fun reunion, but a flawed execution
This movie, about Blu, Jewel, and their three kids who have hurtled from Rio de Janeiro to the wilds of the Amazon, is an okay sequel to Rio (2011).
It is nice to see the characters again. Blu and Jewel have built a family, and Linda and Tulio have been married. Also, the story has valuable messages, and the animation and music are appealing.
However, the movie is flawed. The plot is very basic, and a big part of its development and storyline are predictable and rushed. Its structure is something we have seen several times before as well. To add, the story relies often on coincidences, making it not as deep, creative, or interesting as it could have been.
This movie reunites beloved characters with appealing animation and music, but its predictable, rushed plot and reliance on coincidences make it less compelling. Somewhat enjoyable, yet it falls short of its potential.
Rio (2011)
Fun and adventurous
This movie, about Blu who takes off on an adventure to Rio de Janeiro with the bird of his dreams, is a good animal-adventure movie!
It has its flaws and shortcomings. The story relies much on coincidences, the antagonist, Nigel, is a weak character, and some scenes are a rush. However, these elements do not ruin the experience entirely. The story is adventurous with lots of funny and entertaining moments, many characters do their part worthy, the music is jamming and beautiful, and the animation is beautiful.
Despite its flaws, this movie is an entertaining animal-adventure movie with a fun story, memorable characters, beautiful animation, and great music, making it an enjoyable watch for audiences of all ages.
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)
A good story
This movie, about a forbidden friendship with a Jewish boy on the other side of the camp fence that has startling and unexpected consequences, is a good prison-drama movie!
It kind of gives me TV-series vibes because of its aspect of ratio, slow pace, and few locations. Speaking of the pace, I think it sporadically struggles a bit, and that is also sometimes because of the score - not that the score is bad, because I love composer James Horner, but the themes feel a bit random at times because I struggle to interpret what they try to convey.
In terms of performances, I think they are mixed. The adults are mostly good, but while I think Asa Butterfield (as Bruno) and Jack Scanlon (as Shmuel) give good performances for being kids, I struggle to connect with their characters. They feel a bit stiff, to be honest.
Anyway, I think the story is the strongest element in the movie where the protagonist, Bruno, loves to explore the world, and especially where he recently has moved because of his father's job. Bruno suspects something, both due to his exploration and personal care, but when he is about to reveal the true secret of the so-called "farm", it is too late, becoming the cost of his father's cruel job.
This movie is a compelling prison-drama with a strong narrative about Bruno's tragic discovery. Despite some pacing issues and mixed performances, the emotional impact of the movie and exploration of forbidden friendship make it a poignant watch.
Viens chez moi, j'habite chez une copine (1981)
Light entertainment
This movie, about Guy who is fired from his job and asks to stay with his friend and his girlfriend in their apartment, is a good comedy movie!
It does not have a very clear direction with the story, but it slowly evolves to be more and more chaotic for the protagonist Guy, which is fun watch. Guy is constantly burying himself by trying while not trying, and when he is trying for real, he fails, burying himself even more. The humor is hit or miss, but many of them offer some sort of light entertainment, making it a decent watch for those who do not need a thought-provoking movie at the moment.
This movie is a light comedy. Guy's chaotic misadventures entertain, despite the slow pace.
Soul (2020)
Visually stunning and deeply meaningful
This movie, about Joe who is a middle-school band teacher whose life has not quite gone the way he expected, is a great computer animation movie!
The first time I watched this, I got the message pretty early, making me have high expectations for the rest of the movie, but I was not as impressed as I hoped I would be. After a rewatch, my experience got better. This time I already knew the message and what to expect, which made me appreciate the movie more.
My favorite element is the animation. It is probably the best-looking animation of all Disney movies, in my opinion, because of the stunning details, textures, and lighting. Sometimes I forget the story because of the animation. It is just so beautiful and realistic - at least in the scenes on Earth.
Death can be a pretty dark theme, especially for kids as an audience, but I think the movie conveys death and its realm beautifully. It is not portrayed as a dark place, but rather an abstract, light, and comfy place. I like that the movie blends different themes along with its score. You jump from life to another realm combined with jazz and atmospheric synthesizers. This kind of makes the movie both magical and realistic simultaneously.
Last, I admire how it depicts and visualizes the way of losing control because of your overload of thoughts and feelings, referring to 22 becoming a lost soul. I have not experienced that kind of psychological stress myself, but I know it is a real case. It is so important to have some psychological care no matter how healthy you are, speaking of how many people who fall outside societies. In terms of the main message of the movie, while you may find the message simple or predictable, it can still make you think because it is so important. Live your life and appreciate the small moments that indirectly makes you happy.
In conclusion, this movie is a visually stunning and meaningful movie. While the first viewing might leave some wanting more, a rewatch enhances appreciation for its message and animation. The movie portrays death as an abstract, comforting realm and blends themes with music beautifully. It also highlights the importance of mental health. Ultimately, the movie reminds us to cherish the small moments of the life and find happiness in the everyday.
Luca (2021)
A strong second half
This movie, about an unlikely but strong friendship that grows between a human being and a sea monster disguised as a human, is a great coming-of-age movie!
I actually think the first act is somewhat weak. It lacks freshness while it is simple and straightforward, which made me worried if it would stay like that for the rest of its runtime. But I was wrong. It gets somewhat improved until the middle of the second act, and from here, it shines!
The protagonist Luca Paguro meets Alberto Scorfano coincidentally and they develop a somewhat nice relationship, but my attention went rather on Luca and Giulia Marcovaldo. I love their relationship and how they communicate. Giulia is such a sweet and caring girl!
In terms of technical aspects, the character design may seem too childish at first glance, but if you enjoy the other elements of the movie enough, it is overcoming. Otherwise, the animation is stunning and amazing with lots of delightful colors, and to me, the score is one of the elements that stands out.
This movie evolves from a simple start into a vibrant, heartwarming tale of friendship and growth. While the first act may seem lackluster, the movie truly shines from the second act onward. The relationships, especially between Luca and Giulia, are beautifully portrayed. The animation is stunning, and the score is a standout element, enhancing the overall experience.
Midnight Sun (2018)
A moving story, but a flawed execution
This movie, about a 17-year-old girl who suffers from a condition that prevents her from being out in the sunlight, is an okay coming-of-age movie.
I really like the story where the rare condition of the protagonist Katie Price challenges our understanding and emotions; to imagine not being able to feel a single sunbeam. You feel some compassion for her because of her tragic circumstances, especially in the second half that can move your emotions.
However, the movie is flawed in general, which is much due to the directing, I think. It stumbles here and there, distracting my attention on the positive elements. The script is unnecessary cliche, the performances are mixed, and the romance is simple and predictable. To add, I think the use of playback songs is a huge mistake. Not that it affects the story, but the way the movie tries to portray the beauty of live music is just one of its ways burying itself. The thing is, the vocal of Bella Thorne (as Katie Price) does not have to be perfect. Just let her sing the way she sings - live - so that it feels more authentic and real, and not artificial and fake.
While this movie offers a poignant exploration of a unique condition, its execution falls short. The emotional depth of the story is compromised by flaws in the directing, script, and performances. While the experiences of the protagonist evoke empathy, the reliance on clichés and artificiality of the movie detracts from its overall impact. A more authentic approach, particularly in terms of the musical performances, could have elevated the emotional resonance of the movie.