Cast: Adam Driver, Ariana Greenblatt, Chloe Coleman, Nika King
After a catastrophic crash, pilot Mills quickly discovers he’s actually stranded on an unknown planet. Now, with only one chance at rescue, Mills must make his way across an unknown terrain riddled with dangerous prehistoric creatures in an epic fight to survive.
Adam Driver truly puts himself through the wringer in this movie. Which rises above the material and keeps it watchable. As he is definitely inspired by something throughout.
I only wish as an audience member we could feel the same way.
The film is disappointing even though it seemed to come out of nowhere when released.
The audience should expect more from the writers of A QUIET PLACE. Who wrote and directed this film. You want a little more originality or at least try to put an original spin on the material. This just feels like a lost 1980s science fiction, B-movie with modern special effects.
Understand that this is a starter film for the screenwriting duo, to show what they were capable of, but you would hope there was something better. As this seems like a film that was either lying around or that they were brought in to salvage and failed.
The film tries to world-build and gives us glimpses of this new planet or terrain that Adam Driver is exploring. At first naturally then as he tries to survive against dinosaurs and repair his ship.
Though pretty soon this feels like a movie that owes itself more to those special effects than making an entertaining movie. This feels more like it could have easily been more of a video game.
Worst of all it Comes across as basic. Most of the audience has seen this type of film before. Only here it’s presented in new wrapping.
Cast: Julia Roberts, Ethan Hawke, Marashala Ali, Myha’la, Kevin Bacon, Charlie Evans, Farrah Mackenzie
Amanda and Clay’s aspirational vacation with their teenage children is interrupted by the arrival of a middle-aged man and his daughter who own the holiday home and who have fled an unprecedented blackout in the city. When the internet, television, and radio stop working, as does the landline, they have no way of finding out what is happening. As strange sonic booms shatter the peace of the countryside, and animals start to migrate in strange ways, the physical and mental health of the families begins to disintegrate. The renters are upscale and White; the owners are upscale and Black. The issues of race clash and become distractions to the more alarming things that are happening all around them.
I don’t know what it is with Netflix and taking these big movie stars who mostly were in romantic comedies in the 90s and 2000s and then putting them in these doomsday apocalyptic movies on their streaming service. One can understand It allows them some range and shows them in a new light, but you know is starting to feel like a certain concoction or formula.
By the end, the film feels like it kind of trolling the audience, especially when it comes to the daughter’s storyline in a way it’s not a bad episode of the show BLACK MIRROR, but one that’s more disappointing because it has so much potential and ultimately, that is what this film feels like it has so much potential, but it feels stale to a certain extent.
Throughout the film, you know every scene is practically filled with tension, especially once the oil tanker hits the beach, so it always makes you feel uncertain. But throughout the film, there seems to be so much stuff that’s unresolved and we really don’t get to know too much about the stories of any of the characters.
I understand we’re being introduced to them pretty much as they introduced to each other but there still could’ve been some kind of development for the character’s past.
Even when it comes to Mahrshala, here is this good gentleman but it always seems like he is hiding something which is a payoff, but not in the way that we thought it would be. And the film only truly comes alive when Kevin Bacon makes his kind of cameo in the film.
You know, we have the characters on a different kind of plot thread or character finally development for Julia Roberts, who starts off the film with his big monologue about how she dislikes people which is supposed to be shocking I guess especially when you used to be America, sweetheart, and then, by the end we see how much she actually does care and misses humanity, after being mean spirited for no reason throughout most of the film.
At times, they hint at racism, and some prejudices, which could also be easily seen as judgment of character. No, ultimately nothing really comes of it. It just seems there to be a kind of tease or to add attention in the audience is mine to the situation.
There feels like there could’ve been more done when it comes to Race relations with the characters in the movies, especially considering it is supposed to be Mahrshala Ali‘s house and yet he’s being made to feel like a visitor in his own home.
Myha’La seems only there to be kind of the whiny daughter trying to empower her father and also a bit of eye candy just to add another character to the mix.
We’re never quite sure what is going on and even by the end we’re still not we’re a little more informed, but we still it’s a mystery as to what exactly is happening kind of ambiguous, but it also seems a weird way to want to set up a more action pack sequel.
I guess one would expect more considering the film is written, and directed by Sam Esmail you know adapted from a novel, but he is the mastermind behind the show Mr. Robot amongst other shows so while he got the thriller elements right, it seemed like the characterization might’ve been like that show where it comes in bits and pieces but again he had multiple seasons when it came to that show with this movie you’ve only got a 2 1/2 hour running time And you know we care about the characters cause they’re the protagonists. We barely know anything truly about them which works for the thriller elements, but the dramatic elements kind of feel like they drop the ball.
Like, why should we care about other human beings? The film works as an apocalyptic tale in minutiae.
Cast: Abimana Aryasatya, Putri Marino, Lutesha, Arie Kriting, Kristo Immanuel, Marthino Lio, Michelle Tahalea, Michael Kho, Donny Damera, Budi Ros
A by-the-book detective investigates the death of her father and follows a clue to a remote tropical island, only to find out his true identity as a leader of a group of assassins. Now hunted by his enemies, she has to team up with the crooks her father had trained – four retired, down on their luck assassins itching to get back in the game.
Directed by Timo Tjahjanto, like Director Gareth Evans they bring beauty and energy to their Jaw-dropping and brutal action sequences. You generally know you are going to have a good time.
You can never go wrong with either of them as director and as always promise an exciting Experience. You can tell the directors are having fun in their presentations and are thankful they get to keep making movies.
Wish they would be allowed to make more projects with bigger budgets. Then again that might dilute their aesthetic and take away from Their inventiveness and originality.
Timo Tjahjanto seems almost like a best-kept secret amongst film fans. Especially action die-hard fans
As long as Netflix keeps showcasing him he is in for a good ride. His films have great stories and characters to go with them
Action films for some like me come off as not as emotional. Except for base reactions that provide motivation for the characters or their reactions. Emotions are expressed In These films as an overall bonding experience of action dreams that the audience wishes they could experience with excitement, adrenaline, and hero worship like they were there. As they are like a rite of passage, a shared adventure.
This film is the most intentionally comedic of all of his films thus far. The storyline might be dark for some. Though This is his most mainstream or as close as he has come so far and designed it seems to appeal to a broader audience with action and a bunch of comedy thrown in as well as a revenge tale.
As this is an action film, jungle adventure, and island getaway all in one. That is openly comedic. The cliches are here yet updated and funky.
The drugged high scene is amazing for how physically actress Putri Marino transforms herself and her demeanor
The ultimate villain Might remind some of Takia Wahtiti’s Performance in the movie FREE GUY only here, actually physically dangerous. Though jsit as impeccably styled and over the top ridiculous that showcases how dangerous he can be.
It Makes you wonder sometimes If the assassins make so many mistakes because they have never seen or don’t realize they are in an action film. So they keep falling for diversions, tricks, and traps.
This film feels like a live-action comic book. It’s full of greatness and sees itself up for a sequel.
Definitely more of an impressive PG-13 movie except for the graphic violence
Grieving the loss of a best friend she couldn’t protect, an ex-bodyguard sets out to fulfill her dear friend’s last wish: sweet revenge.
This is not the JOHN WICK Spin-off that people are anxiously awaiting with Ana de Armas starring but a South Korean action revenge tale.
Went in expecting more of an action film which it is but this one is backed more by a dramatic story
It’s meant to make the action more personal and feel more as if the storyline includes a conspiracy or her taking down more of a small bit of a larger enterprise.
Should have expected that when the film stars, Jeon Jong-Seo. who is more known for her dramatic work. Here she is playing an action-oriented role. She is believable and it helps her. As most of the other characters expect her to be weak.
Most of the male characters are in on this conspiracy and repulsive throughout. Showcasing the film to be more female-oriented and justified.
The action sequences are well done. It includes the use of a flame thrower which is always a plus.
The movie is unfortunately mostly typical to average with a colorful shaded filtered motif throughout.
Though the film truly becomes more impressive and noteworthy in the final 15 minutes which it builds up to and seems to truly come alive in its somber tone. After all that build-up.
Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Morgan Freeman, Choi Min-Sik, Analeigh Tipton, Pilou Asbaek, Amr Waked, Julian Rhind-Jutt
A woman, accidentally caught in a dark deal, turns the tables on her captors and transforms into a merciless warrior evolved beyond human logic.
The film starts off as a Eurotrash crime story. That becomes an action-adventure revenge story then goes to a full Science Fiction movie.
So that it feels like an excessive superhero movie, before trying to be something more. Which eventually Makes little to nonsense or becomes philosophical though feels too convenient. As her needling abilities come to use anytime. In an impossible situation or fight.
The film tries to put in a mystery we learn and wonder with her through these situations and events. She is forced to be a drug mule and the compilation of drugs in her system allows her to strike back.
The film is diverse as it has an international cast and seems to be the beginning of Scarlett Johansson as an action star. Again this leaves a stunning young lady as a Warrior amongst the chaos. Who never loses her beauty or a fight it seems In a Luc Besson production.
The real social terror of drug trafficking and sex slavery internationally. The film tries to use the horrors of these social Issues and add into it an action-fantasy element. That borders also on a revenge story. Only she gets past the revenge and her enemies just want to destroy her after she has mostly forgotten about them.
It seems to also be a retaliation against not only dumb blinders allusions but also skinny helpless damsels. Showing they can take care of themselves and then some and all the while gaining consciousness and awareness.
To keep the film from being a typical action film shoot ‘em up it seems like that is the only reason the consciousness theme was thrown in. Also as an ultimate dream that taking enough drugs leads to spiritual bliss.
Entirely written by Luc Besson. He actually decides to direct this film also. He usually writes and produces these films and leaves a newcomer or protege to direct. While the film is sharp considering he decided to direct it. It should be a lot better than the final product.
In the end, the film seems to be about finding consciousness and enlightenment and rising above it all.
Editor: Olivia Neergaard-Holm and Hayedeh Safiyari
Cast: Zar Amir Ebrahimi, Alice Rahimi, Soraya Helli, Arash Ashtiani, Mehdi Bajestani, Sohaib Quista, Forouzan Jamshisnejad, Maryam Taleb
Female journalist Rahimi travels to the Iranian holy city of Mashhad to investigate a serial killer targeting sex workers. As she draws closer to exposing his crimes, the opportunity for justice grows harder to attain when the murderer is embraced by many as a hero. Based on the true story of the ‘Spider Killer’ Saeed Hanaei, who saw himself as on a mission from God as he killed 16 women between 2000 and 2001.
This Is a film that is better to go into blind and then read this review. It discusses a lot of subjects in the film and this is the type of film. You will want to talk about it afterwards.
Drama and tension-filled, what is more disturbing is the fact that it is based on a true story.
The film begins with a typical night for one woman. As she puts her child to end after feeding them and washes for her night out. As we see her make her rounds as a prostitute. How she is treated. We are made to believe she might be our lead character. Then she is attacked and we hope after spending this time with her she will survive, but she quickly becomes a victim. (Sort of like the SCREAM films only with no celebrity and no excitement in the kill.)
This allows us to see her killer. So that the mystery is cut short and in his hands now.
The mystery is when or if he will get caught and how as it seems only two reporters are on his tail and seem to care. As the film continues we see the female reporters attempt to interview and find the Killer. We get to know more about his personal home life. Around his kids and wife which is relatively normal except for some outbursts and his fanatical extremism.
The film does show him hunting, picking up, and killing the prostitutes. As well as a scene that shows him having sex with his wife and with one of his victim’s bodies hidden in the room before he can dispose of it. How he gets turned on while watching the dead body a few feet away. Which only he can see.
The film offers many close calls. As we hope each time the next victim will escape and survive. Even when the bodies are discovered the reporters are at their front and center and he is in the background.
Even once the culprit is eventually caught. It shows that many men especially approve of his crimes and might inspire some to commit the crimes themselves in the future. That is one of the scariest parts of the film and the people involved. As most around him supper him Even after he is arrested.
As even after he is arrested it seems like all the work in hunting him down and getting him arrested after a reporter barely survives an attack by him.
Luckily the film isn’t cut and dry. It doesn’t end with his arrest. We go through the short trial and also get interviews with victims’ families. As well as his own after.
The ending offers some kind of justice turning tables to show him whimpering and fighting against his decided fate just as much as his victims fought for their lives.
The film shows the scary chauvinistic attitude and misogyny that exists in men. As even the desk clerk. Who at first didn’t want to let her have a room by herself. First son tries to hit on her and then when rejected not only threatens but finds it necessary to demean her.
In the end, it still shows a majority of the male characters inadvertently seem to hate women or at least consider them second class while holding them on a pedestal. Yet still try to exploit them for the crime in their heads of attracting them.
Rahim is in prison because of a debt he was unable to repay. During a two-day leave, he tries to convince his creditor to withdraw his complaint against the payment of part of the sum. But things don’t go as planned.
This story and film show that one lie inevitably leads to another. How he can stain or destroy all those clothes or who chooses to believe in you or it.
As we go through the film, the lead character is Denver entirely likable. He seems to blame others for his own failures and still feels he is owed. Even if at times, you can see his side to things, and that his punishment might be a little excessive, he does himself no favors.
We see how people treat him and turn on him. Something simple. Seems like it’s on a stack of dominoes, falling all in a Row one behind another.
Attention, as usual, is thrown out for something that seems so simple but cuts to the very heart of us all morally which is the strength of filmmaker Asghar Farhadi
Most of his films rely on moral dilemmas, that are easily identifiable for most of us where empathy can only go, so far before we are truly challenged to make choices
As with this film, it all boils down to honesty, survival, and ego, as well as responsibility and exploitation, and how no matter our intentions, how well-meaning they may be if not honest or honorable police can leave behind a certain stain, not to mention take on a life of their own
The film is more of a character study that involves many who are all affected by the actions of the main character.
This film shows the worst that could happen behind a good deed, and that the world is cynical that there might be Cash behind good honesty, but also if it helps you out or you take advantage of the outcome. It asks if is it still as honest.
What the film does honor and many can appreciate is that there can be many truths.
A group of friends leave Tehran for a long weekend on the Caspian Sea. A young kindergarten teacher named Elly is invited along to join the good friends and family. The reason is soon made apparent: she’s being set up with a recently divorced man. Over an easy-going holiday, tensions rise until a crisis point is triggered, and Elly goes missing.
This film is tricky as eventually, it becomes a mystery, though at first, it seems more like a reunion drama.
It quickly becomes melodramatic as friends come together and celebrate a vacation that brings a newcomer. Eventually not only is her feet under investigation but also who she was.
This all begins to tear, not only the friends apart, but also the couples and relationships. As she might have been there for some ulterior motives, that only Sam knew about.
We learn about her as most of the characters do as they keep getting pulled in Dever, as it goes along and more is revealed
This film is full-scale storytelling surrounding events in the friend’s fall out, As questions are slowly answered plenty of mysteries are introduced and still remain
The film is a morality play from different points of view, which is what the Director Asghar Farhadi, excels at painting, a full picture and making sure that you are paying attention to all the little details in focus
Not necessarily, a murder mystery, but a mystery nonetheless, as lies and secrets lead to more trouble it’s not as melodramatic as one, I think as it stays sharp and we become more invested trying to see where it will go
The film mostly takes place in a single location that while small becomes epic
This all leads to a haunting and haunted, ending, showing the damage of their lies, and what it has done to their lives, which would also allow for answers
Cast:: Sanda Huller, Christian Friedel, Freya Kreutzkam, Ralph Herforth, Max Beck, Ralf Zillman, Imogen Kooge, Lilli Falk, Stephanie Pertrowitz
The commandant of Auschwitz, Rudolf Höss, and his wife Hedwig, strive to build a dream life for their family in a house and garden next to the camp.
This is a film that is best to go into blind. Even after explaining it, I’m not sure it will still be understandable. As this is definitely a film more to be experienced on a big screen. As it is if anything cinematic. Though more of an art piece to admire.
When it comes to filmmaker Jonathan Glazer is one of these filmmakers who is like an heir to Kubrick whereas he takes his time when his films are made. Several years between projects. Not to mention he never makes a decision or makes judgements on the characters portrayed on screen.
What usually causes a stir are technical marvels that are a challenge for the audience to sit through but stunning visuals.
This is why this film is odd as it keeps the horrors off screen we hear it more than we see anything which is worse as it sets our imaginations loose of what we know. Bro only that bothers that the family at the center of it, sees this all as normal and is treated with no real judgment except when the wife who seems to stay out of politics threatens her Jewish maid late in the film. The fury comes so swift yet so natural
We watch this family’s day-to-day which is why it’s hard to tell where the middle and end of the film are exactly. The film is disorienting as there isn’t really too much of a narrative. So you never know what is coming next. There is a lack of close-ups, mostly middle and wide shots so that we are never tight on anybody or with any of the characters. So they are always distant and kept at a distance. Which is the same that can be said about the movie and its characters. So much is said in silence and nothing is truly ever explained.
Glazer’s films and especially this one are technical marvels that are more to be seen, studied, and theorized over than felt that much
So much is unspoken and spare. That is what it delivers. Like everyone, the movie is keeping a secret even at times from one another. It is a holocaust movie at heart. Where we see more of the side of the soldiers running the camp, their home lives, and hinting at the horrors they witness day to day and inflict. Even as they discuss their plans for the future they never acknowledge the human element or any empathy towards the inhabitants. In one scene his wife unleashes a verbal threat that is more chilling than we have ever even seen her husband do.
The film is experimental and Chilling never knows what is going to happen next. Honestly, this film is going to be an endurance test for most of the audience.
Cast: Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Diego Calva, Jovan Adepo, Lukas Haas, Jean Smart, Olivia Wilde, Samara Weaving, Flea, Max Minghella, Li Jun Li, Jeff Garlin, Katherine Waterston, Tobey Maguire, Ethan Suplee, Kaia Gerber, Joe Dellesandro, Patrick Fugit, Eric Roberts, Rory Scovel, P.J. Byrne, Bob Clendenin
Hollywood, 1926. Nellie LaRoy is trying to catch her first break as an actress. Manny Torres wants to do something in movies, anything as he believes filmmaking is the ultimate profession. Sidney Palmer is an unambitious young trumpeter who is happy to go wherever the music takes him. Jack Conrad is Hollywood’s #1 leading man. Their lives and careers are about to be intertwined in the maelstrom of ambition, breakthroughs, disappointments, changing technology and audiences, and decadence.
Next to WHIPLASH, this might be Director Damien Chazelle‘s best film. It’s another film like his previous film LA LA LAND, exploring the history, tragedy, and beauty of Hollywood and the unending industry of dreams. He tackled this after a journey literally to outer space with the film FIRST MAN.
This reeks of a passion project, and while it has a lengthy running time it truly is an epic. Where are you? Don’t notice the running time though you can feel the 3 act structure. A sprawling epic of mythic proportions. As after all, it is Hollywood.
The film offers, a dazzling, beginning, where we are quickly brought into the debauchery of the era, which sets us Avenue for how low, and how dirty the characters will go throughout, The characters and the Director guide you through with interest as to what’s going on around you and offer you little intros, hints, and suggestions
The lead in our story, played by Diego Calva, is of Mexican heritage. He seems as if he is a stand-in for half the film, not strongly involved, necessarily, letting the film focus on other things and other than the main one. After all most of the other supporting characters are played by movie stars, whose characters stars or become movie stars. The main character gets more involved in it all in the second half as he rises up the Hollywood ladder, and the other two main characters played by Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie are falling for various reasons
An interest in film history and classic movie Stars will help when it comes to any audience member’s interest in the film. It plays like a dash of DAY OF THE LOCUST and Hollywood Babylon, with a refreshing SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN way of working next to each other, though, don’t necessarily share many scenes together, and as the film shows how Hollywood is moving to talkies and sound from silent films.
Margot Robbie gives a truly iconic performance, where she truly gives her all and shows the appeal of her character, especially in her low moments. She is the battery of sorts. While The scandals that pepper, the background well her character will do anything to be a star while living up to her nickname in the film
Brad Pitt plays in the movie star who has tons of ideas for future productions, but as his time is coming to a close, he ends up losing confidence even as he is the one who has helped build or added to the industry at the time and has made many crews comfortable, but as times change his own is limited And he can’t stand being a laughingstock or even being thought, less than
Tobey Maguire‘s appearance seems to be meant to be like Alfred Molina‘s in Boogie Nights cause a ruckus and adding a bit of danger to an already volatile situation, and while he does incomes closest to a villain other than his degrading look, he doesn’t make as much of an impression though he is definitely scary
The film is like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, only it doesn’t rewrite history but takes its time telling stories
Add heart the film is a love story in there for people, as well as others art Hollywood life but also with the Darkside th thrown in as kind of what you have to go through to get there, what you have to deal with to stay there
The film and its title can be seen, Like Hollywood Babylon, where its title seems to come from, so it’s a kingdom that slowly comes down and wild rice, and again had the purge itself
Like the Ryan Murphy Limited series, HOLLYWOOD, this film tries to add color in minorities to the history of Hollywood yet unlike that project, this doesn’t try to rewrite history and please all who are involved instead it offers details like it is to a degree showing the ugly truth.
Now Jovan Adepo, as a jazz musician in this, feels a bit forced as his storylines come to nothing really other than representation but nothing is done with it and it could’ve been so much more. The same with Lady Fay Zhu character. Who is of Asian nationality. Though it does fit the episodic nature of the film. Though quickly drops these characters of color
Who even has a relationship with a major character and leaves to be A mere background character. It feels like it wasn’t phased out or cut out. He just feels a little like pandering for inclusion. At least the film and the Director, Damien Chazelle tries just not enough entirely.
The founders have rapid editing in the beginning that is a little distracting like the film Moulin Rouge, though as it settles and sets up who we are mostly going to follow and becomes confident and takes, it’s time
It’s a strong film for an audience. I only wish I had seen it on the big screen because that is what it deserves as it is pure Cinema.
The film was unfairly picked on, and the result of bad press as watching it now it comes across more as an underrated gem, and a kind of lost opportunity for film fans. As it does come across as an informative film, lovers dream of Hollywood history.
The characters cross, each other’s pass, but offer each other no real goodbyes, which might be why the ending hit so hard.
Cut To The Chase 