Based on a screenplay by: Christian Tafdrup & Mads Tafdrup
Cinematography: Tim Maurice Jones and Mark Moriarty
Editor: Jon Harris
Cast: James McAvoy, Scoot Mcnairy, Mackenzie Davis, Aisling Franciosi
A family is invited to spend a whole weekend in a lonely home in the countryside, but as the weekend progresses, they realize that a dark side lies within the family who invited them.
I will admit I didn’t go into this too happily as the trailer pretty much gives away everything
Luckily, I had seen the original already and was a fan of it so not sure when I learned of the remake though was wondering how they would approach the material.
it’s been Americanized not so much remade maybe rebooted a remix that doesn’t so much as improve, but simplifies.
Yes, luckily it gives the family at the center, who are the victims. A better chance as well as more to do. At least they strike back unlike the original where you Wonder, why they kept taking what they were dealing with?
Then again film has different reasonings. The original is more of a dark comedy with thriller elements. That is all about societal rules, civility, politeness, and social rules. where this is a more by-the-books thriller, that is intimate and claustrophobic in plain sight
It loses what made the original story, so interesting in the first place. Almost like it’s been defanged to make a more audience, friendly film that tries to add active brutality as its final stamp of shock
There is nothing wrong with that it just feels like water down and feels like it belongs. I don’t feel like they belong to one another, but not originally enough to still form. It’s its own identity.
Though to be truthful, if I had never seen the original, this film wouldn’t be that interesting. It would’ve seemed more like an original thriller that wasn’t anything, in particular, to write home about and feels typical.
As the original is dark and uncompromising. The true standout stand out of this film is James McAvoy‘s performance where you can only wish the film matched his intensity and performance as it deserves a better showcase and makes me wonder if that is why most audiences give this film high praise so much it
It might also be that it’s rare these days that film of this genre is of superior quality so that sometimes they are over-praised then if the market was flooded with films that matched the quality
Cast: Jessica Belkin, Taylor Kowalski, Joji Otani-Hansen, Jeremy Sisto, Christopher M. Lopes, Glen Gould, Michael Giannone, Tara Raani
A small-town killing spree lands on the doorstep of a rural diner, where a young waitress must fight for her life throughout one long night.
The film is short and sweet and seems simple at first, then explains how we got to a certain point after the reveal and then continues the story.
Manages to stay throughout where it’s all around revenge where each of the film’s protagonists takes up their own vigilante Justice in any way.
Even though they are sympathetic, none of the characters is particularly likable. It might be that they all seem kind of hopeless in their own way, or at least somewhat stuck.
By making the characters unlikable damaged yet sympathetic, ask the audience to find some sympathy for the characters they never would have normally even if just as victims.
The film is pretty cut and dry though add some spice to the mix that keeps it tasty throughout. In the first half we get to learn about the characters and seems almost to be your typical siege or slasher tail. Once it gets more into the second half of the explanation, it becomes a little more dramatic but also that much more interesting.
As it seems to battle against itself to be labeled more than basic.
However, it does have a scene with the most realistic yet coldest reaction to a character suddenly facing hard out of nowhere.
The end of the film is not necessarily spectacular, but at least it’s interesting and mildly noteworthy and definitely not a bad debut by Director Alex Scott Neal. Interested to see the filmmakers’ next works
Cast: Sosie Bacon, Kyle Gallner, Jessie T. Usher, Kal Penn, Robin Weigert, Rob Morgan, Judy Reyes, Caitlin Stasey, Gillian Zinser
After witnessing a bizarre, traumatic incident involving a patient, a psychiatrist becomes increasingly convinced she is being threatened by an uncanny entity.
It took me a while to watch this film as seeing the trailer repeatedly when it first came out, it seemed more run-of-the-mill. They feel more built on jump scares that you feel like you’ve seen 1000 times.
Eventually decided to give it a chance and found that it reminded me of a 1990s horror film that you discover after finally deciding to give it a chance so it was a bit meta
What’s surprising is that it’s quite solid and its own way. it’s better than expected even if at times is a bit predictable. Can see why he gained an audience and became successful.
The film is much more realistic than expected with a surprising amount of violence. Manages to stay grounded in a certain reality. Times one of the original Candyman, as far as a kind of folklore with a female lead character who seemingly is losing her mind.
The film relies on an unseen enemy and entity, like FALLEN with a mix of a curse like THE RING and also a bit of FINAL DESTINATION thrown in.
The film could easily have been a character study of someone, losing their mind through their eyes and hallucinations creating a conspiracy. Only this film acknowledges its truth and reality so it can’t exactly go down that route.
The film has equal parts jump, scares violence, and melancholy mood but manages to stay mainstream and audience, friendly. It’s nasty, but not over the top or spirited. However, it does have quite a few memorable scenes, especially the kid’s birthday party.
A good alternative title for this film would have been Psychosomatic.
The actors seem to have a fair amount of contortion to get that freak factor which is becoming common in films involving some kind of possession.
You can see the film’s influences and inspiration as there are quite a few. Which works especially as the film is far from original.
Even those who are not big film watchers will recognize different familiar recent horror films it borrows from like a recipe that calls for huge mixtures and plenty of ingredients
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin, Jennifer Grey, Will Sharpe, Daniel Oreskes, Liza Sadovy, Kurt Egyiawan, Ellora Torchia
Mismatched cousins reunite for a tour through Poland to honor their beloved grandmother, but their old tensions resurface against the backdrop of their family history.
One wonders as he writes, directs, and stars in the film. If Jesse Eisenberg wrote this film specifically for Kieran Culkin and his talents or just a dynamic role and character that culminated easily fits. As he has played versions of this type before. Only here he has softer edges to offer the character. He still is good at playing these types of characters and roles. His performance comes off more natural not clearly scripted and more off of instinct.
As it gives Eisenberg a perfect partner to bounce off of and play the exact opposite of. Eisenberg’s character is his usual nerdish, nebbish, and afraid of life. Overly polite and settled down with a wife and child. So he is responsible. who resents but is amazed by his cousin. Who is charming, resourceful, and troubled.
This trip is catching up for both of them. Not to mention an adventure. To honor their grandmother.
As it goes along you wonder exactly what is going on. As the film and main character grow more Intense you wonder exactly what she is after and hoping to achieve. As it comes off more an intellectual’s adventure. Which is pleasant but always seems At odds. Even when there is no reason for there to be
So that the film constantly ends up and feels like a mystery. That sometimes gets explained but other times, lets it flow and we hope will work itself out and find closure, but we will always wonder.
One can appreciate the end. As an ending an end to this adventure for both of these characters. Where they go from here we will have to wonder or at least wait and see. As it’s not clearly defined.
Though have to admit for such a short film, it feels like it drags a lot of time and is a bit like the whimsical indie films of the early 2000’s. It tries to register characters in a foreign environment that is picturesque historical and oddly Poetic filled with conversations and tries to be on the wavelength of visual Poetry.
Though from Someone who knows how to do it but feels way too Technical Than actually passionate.
Cast: Izaac Wang, Joan Chen, Shirley Chen, Zhang Li Hua, Mahaela Park, Raul Dial, Aaron Chang, Chiron Cillia Denk
In 2008, during the last month of summer, before high school begins, an impressionable 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy learns what his family can’t teach him: how to skate, how to flirt, and how to love your mom.
As one gets older, coming-of-age films seem to have less relevance. As we get further from that age nostalgia is as strong as it could be. It could be that these films recently set more when the older audience Were adults.
So while a nice look back, it might leave them with very little connection. No, I’m sure that they connect with certain audiences though are they made more for teenagers who can identify and are around the same age as the characters or more for those who were recently around that age and would have grown somewhat now can look back and identify
this film could’ve been set during modern daytimes even as the film timestamp seems to be the early 2000s and allows a look back at the burgeoning technology of my space flip phones, home video cameras, and America Online chat rooms. This might have been done so the film could be an autobiographical look for the writer-director or trying to make it seem more simplistic than today’s complicated technology rule times either way it fires not to be or not seem like a gimmick.
What ends up making the film feel universal is the awkwardness of the main character as he isn’t too clearly defined yet to us in the audience or even himself as he tries on different interests and identities that seem to go, but so far before crashing and making himself into what he believes others expect but always making a mistake and doing the wrong thing which he punishes himself for. He can’t be himself because he hasn’t quite figured that out.
This starts After being rejected and embarrassed by his friends when he is himself he lashes out at his family, particularly his mother who is having her own domestic problems, which he chooses to either close his eyes or not to truly acknowledge but she never wavers in her love for her son or her family. No matter how mean he can be.
She seems to be the one of the few who truly loves him unconditionally. as well as his sister even though they fight there seems to be a tough love there
The film is heartwarming overall even if it has its obstacles to get there, it does feel natural and fresh because there is an innocence, but never feels sugarcoated
The film, constantly states, awkward though one of a kind showing an Asian American family in this type of genre and most of the characters being of color and commonly Asian. It’s a nice film of culture that doesn’t make the whole film about that only even if the film is at heart about identity.
Cast: Julianne Nicholson, Zoe Ziegler, Will Patton, Elias Koates, Sophie Okonedo, Mary Shultz, Edie Moon Kearns
In rural Western Massachusetts, 11-year-old Lacy spends the summer of 1991 at home, enthralled by her own imagination and the attention of her mother, Janet. As the months pass, three visitors enter their orbit, all captivated by Janet.
This film is a character study between a mother and her 12-year-old daughter. A coming of age story for both of them.
One truly wants to enjoy the film as it takes objectivity to a certain level. Where we watch and wait. Yet little actually happens.
The film seems to take place with the status and longevity of the mother’s relationships with different partners. These are usually romantic, though, never quite shown to be that way, nor do we see the more physical sides of these relationships, though they seem not to take their toll, but have some kind of meaning.
Her mother comes across as not needing anyone but desperate for any outside relationship due to them, living in a more rural community and also seeking to have the company of another adult rather than just her young daughter. She seems to have an attachment to her mother and doesn’t truly desire too many relationships, friendships, or connections with too many others, which is already rare for her.
This film won’t be for everyone as it takes its time and is very detail-oriented. As bass and day-to-day life. Not necessarily its trivialities, but its blandness. As it also seems to find beauty in every day.
This seems to be the writer and director, Annie Baker’s interest and expertise as her plays are constructed in the same way. So that some will get into and admire it while finding meaning and others might find it a bit, dull and drowsy
However, in the end, it shows more of a daughter’s love for her mother than the other way around what we usually see in films like these.
It feels like a down-home, laid-back movie, that more exists on vibes and as a character study rather than plot. In the ’90s and 2000s would probably have won the Sundance Film Festival.
It never feels like it quite gets started and by the end though you have traveled with these characters. You might still be wondering what happened exactly.
Based on characters created by: Bob Kane, Bill Finger, Jerry Robinson, Paul Dini, and Bruce Timm
Cinematography: Lawrence Sher
Editor: Jeff Groth
Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Zazie Beetz, Steve Coogan, Leigh Gill, Harry Lawtey, Ken Leung, Bill Smitrovich
Arthur Fleck, now incarcerated at Arkham State Hospital, who encounters Harleen Quinzel, a fellow patient who becomes dangerously obsessed with his Joker persona. Their shared psychosis fuels a destructive and increasingly chaotic relationship, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. The film delves deeper into Arthur’s mental state, exploring the complexities of his condition and the enduring power of his iconic villainous persona.
This is more a free-expression sequel than a typical continuation.
One Refuses to rate it as it doesn’t work as a sequel. People who match it will view it differently as expected and wanted. It seems to be less about commerce here and more of a message and commentary on useless unnecessary sequels.
The story and discussions built up by the first film come off as meaningless. As the continuing story of the main character. Ends up being an imposter or that of a wannabe. Whose story while eventful has no true reasoning or purpose.
While having a singing superstar as his co-star, Joaquin Phoenix showed no talent or aptitude for singing. Though helps show the delusional message of ourselves singing to ourselves it is more about the emotion, mood, and lyrics an expression than talent. Thought for others it is more about wanting to experience it all including image and talent.
While also leaving Phoenix a reason to return to a character and make him more of an interest to the actor. Though like slipping on yesterday’s worn clothes. A return with comfort but wanting to change or move on. Despite winning an Oscar for his first portrayal and for an actor who wants to be more of a chameleon it feels like a trap or curse only coming back for the check and making it fun for themselves. Making a mockery of all the hoopla and the Hollywood system in general.
A rebellious act when a studio forces a filmmaker to make a sequel never quite designed and what they do with it. An artistic enterprise but also a center move to insult not only the powers that be but in true punk rock fashion even the audience. Encouraging them to think for themselves and find meaning in what was worth it not necessarily what they are given. Don’t let them force-feed you what is not good for you, but fans spending money on these Hollywood films looking for an escape sided against it as it was their anti-hero who they cared about doing to them what he was doing to the establishment.
Just as when the public sides with Jones and disrupters as clowns like Tom Green in the past and all was fun when laughing with them but when the joke is on you. not as happy and truly see how the others felt. The power is held by the comedian who feeds off of reaction.
If anything this is more dour and dull. It also seems like Todd Phillips is going for a vision and not be accused of copying another film or filmmaker like he was with the first Joker film oddly similar to the films of Martin Scorsese TAXI DRIVER and KING OF COMEDY in particular
Even though most of the musical scenes are borrowed from other classic musicals and sung in full. Though with no artistic flair or dancers no flash. Though the of my friends who can see me now are at least notable for trying
As is said in the film. The people care about the Joker, not Arthur Fleck. This film Seems to be more about Arthur Fleck and that pissed the audience and studio off.
So Some might argue this is a character piece that explores his fractured embracing and obsession with musicals and things played out in the same way. As well as getting to play and have commentary on pop culture and the simulators of what he is going through as well as the situations he finds himself in.
Not adding any flash to the mundane most of the time. Disillusionment and only a minor character if any to the Gotham City residents. As he is more a means to an end of inspiration than into the more fantasy-based realities. It plays more like a courtroom drama with some Personal insights from the characters
Not living up to other’s expectations your berries never quite being who you are sorry for them
To be your ideals and be the mascot or symbol for others’ actions and emotions when it really has nothing to really to do with them or what they believe so they become More A symbol. Waking up to reality over fantasy
A story ultimately about being used as a representation for something you have no connection truly with and being dumped when you Don’t Live up to others’ ideals. Which seems to be the exact reaction to this film. As well as a perfect ending to this particular franchise making sure there will be no follow-up.
Idolization and the origin story or dramatizing similar events to some known Characters. As far as this movie gets into the official DC universe. It comes off as one of the more interesting side stories you might see on BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES. Only
Of course, mroe adult-themed here.
Can give Todd Phillips credit as this is one of his more original and nuanced films that he has made where he goes over the line and still doesn’t feel like too much, but an all-over-the-place portrait.
Written By: Jacques Audiard, Thomas Bidegain, Lea Mysius and Nicole Livecchi
Based on the novel “ECOUTE” By: Boris Razon
Cinematography: Paul Guilhaume
Editor: Juliette Welfing
Cast: Zoe Saldana, Karla Sofia Gascon, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, Edgar Ramirez, Mark Ivanir, Eduardo Aladro, Emilio Edmundo Hasan Jalil
follows four remarkable women in Mexico, each pursuing their own happiness. Cartel leader Emilia enlists Rita, an unappreciated lawyer, to help fake her death so that she can finally live authentically as her true self.
One of the joys of listening to the soundtrack of a musical early (even before you see the production) Is seeing where the song will be used in the film And presented. Brought to life, visualized, and performed. See where they place It.
Not necessarily advisable, as you might want to experience a first as you watch the film. Which can be a more magical experience.
There is a lot to admire here visually. Jaques Jacques Audiard is a world-class director and makes everything dazzle here. Though it feels a bit empty, as for all the arresting nature of the film’s production. In the end, it feels like it lacks heart. Making it ultimately feel like a shallow exercise.
As the spectacle and mood take over. Even though most musicals seem to be about the numbers the story is there to link them all together and usually suffers in believability. Here is the story which could be interesting. It doesn’t naturally mix with the musical numbers and as this film tries to be so many things at once. It comes across as quite confusing. As it is roasted in stages or at least that is the best way to consume it.
This feels like another director trying to invade or emulate another director’s style. This film feels more like a Pedro Almodovar film. Who would know how to connect and meld everything together better as it would be more his style and territory in theory?
It’s a spectacle That is at times political then goes back to age-old melodrama at its heart. Yes, An artistic achievement. Through It seems to be more about style. Yet, it is a crime story that the director is known for
Selena Gomez is one of the biggest names appearing in the film. Giving the film some star power next to Zoe Saldana and she is given the least to do. She does have at least two songs of her own to sing and perform. Most of her scenes involve her either crying or screaming. It seems she is here for some artistic cred for herself and to help the box office for the filmmakers.
It’s like going full special needs. It’s devotion to calling attention to itself with genres that Don’t naturally blend. Not to mention it gives us a Trans Character but gives her little depth, nor explores her experiences or being in this new world in a different body. It gets about as deep with her as Caitlin Jenner does with other trans people in life. There is something to say about identity, but the film barely explores it.
Zoe Saldana is the only one who manages to make it through the film unscathed. She gives a strong performance does everything the film and filmmakers ask of her And maintains a glow throughout.
Maybe the fact that it has four screenwriters is the problem. Each one brings their talents, and ideas that seem to work with one another but become quite different as the film goes along.
Cast: Therese Liotard, Valerie Mairesse, Robert Dadies, Ali Rafie, Gisele Halimi, Nicole Clement
The intertwined lives of two women in 1970s France, set against the progress of the women’s movement in which Agnes Varda was involved. Pomme and Suzanne meet when Pomme helps Suzanne obtain an abortion after a third pregnancy which she cannot afford. They lose contact but meet again ten years later. Pomme has become an unconventional singer, Suzanne a serious community worker – despite the contrast they remain friends and share in the various dramas of each others’ lives, in the process affirming their different female identities.
This is the third film by Agnes Varda that I have seen and wasn’t a plan. Though thankful that I have seen her work. as none of her films were ever at the top of my list to watch, but I am glad to have seen each of them by the end. I am impressed by how they make the audience feel.
This one is pretty epic as it feels like a film on which the Bette Midler-Barbara Hershey movie Beaches might’ve been based as this film observes the friendship between two women over 10 years. From their introduction to one another in their 20s, they reach a certain point of maturity.
The difference is that this film is not only about femininity but also and large part about women’s rights, especially when it comes to their bodies and abortion as that act which was illegal Only a few years before this film was made in Paris, which is the way the friendship starts.
We see both characters through their, many romances and trials and tribulations. as well as they’re changing attitudes and interests.
While they have mini adventures, the film does feel epic, even if it seems to stray only in a few places.
Watching the film, it has come along at the right time as its issues are now coming under threat here in the United States, which makes it feel more relevant than ever. Especially Agnes Varda had to admit that she had one as a sign of protest and rebellion was very brave of her. Showing support and solidarity.
This film shows the future that existed because of this act, not because it was an inconvenience. There’s a film that shows the many hardships that the friends go through, but also their endurance, their happiness, and a kind of joy that is rare, and threw it all their friendship, survives and strives, even though they’re not together all the time they encourage each other and inform one another.
Though more common at the time it just reminds the viewer of how few modern films, explore the depth, nature, and strength of friendships.
Not to mention as the title goes, it does have quite a few music sequences, not musical sequences as some are show sing, intentional stage productions, and other scenes just involve the character singing at a protest or showing off the writing of a new song.
It’s a bit long, but after a while, you barely notice as it goes by so fast that it feels more like a book as it hasn’t enriched quality, time, life, and hope.
The film manages to be political and heavy-handed on one end, but an effective character piece. Where you are enchanted by the characters and their actions as well as their fates
Written By: Eric Champnella, Alex Harris And John Hindman
Based On The Book: Anthony Robles and Austin Murphy
Cinematography: Salvatore Tontino
Editor: Brett M. Reed
Cast: Jharrel Jerome, Jennifer Lopez, Don Cheadle, Michael Pena, Bobby Cannavale, Mykelti Williamson, Neon Perez, Johnni Di Julius, Peter Sack
This film seems to be mostly painted by numbers of a biofilm of a disabled athlete who overcame his affliction or didn’t let it define him to go after what he really wanted, which was to be a wrestler, not only achieve it but excel at it as it helps to give him discipline and definition not only physically and spiritually but emotionally
Jharrel Jerome is excellent as lead, proving himself not only a great actor but deserving a better though he can play what is required in most leading man roles he’s got the luxe. He’s got the charisma. He’s got the talent. He just needs more chances.
what might draw more attention to this film is that Jennifer Lopez plays a major role in the film as his mother always believes in him and supports him as much as he supports her. This is her more taking a supporting role and she’s good in her role as a woman who is in an abusive relationship with most of her kid’s fathers who have a checkered past, but also undoubtedly loves her kids
Don’t know if Jennifer Lopez chose this role to be seen as a serious actress or is or these are the roles that she is being offered more as she gets older and her brand isn’t as strong as it was this is one of her better roles since being in HUSTLERS. Though anytime she is not glammed up it seems to be she is in serious actress mode and made more noteworthy.
Also, Bobby Cannavale is among the recognizable cast in this film, portraying his usual whole type character or villain, really a bully really the only one that the main character truly faces other than the third opponent, who is more arrival than an actual bully
Don Cheadle has a supporting role as the boy’s college coach and while a thankless role he makes the best of it
If you are into sports dramas or bio-films or just goodhearted movies, I think you will enjoy this film for me, is formulaic, but keeps the attention
Cut To The Chase 