Directed By: Sion Sono Written By: Aaron Hendry & Reza Sixo Safai Cinematography: Sohei Tanikawa Editor: Taylor Levy
Cast: Nicolas Cage, Sofia Boutella, Nick Cassavettes, Bill Moseley, Tak Sakaguchi, Charles Glover, Young Dais, Tetsu Wantanabe
Set in the treacherous frontier city of Samurai Town where a ruthless bank robber is sprung from jail by wealthy warlord The Governor, whose adopted granddaughter Bernice has gone missing. The Governor offers the prisoner his freedom in exchange for retrieving the runaway. Strapped into a leather suit that will self-destruct within three days, the bandit sets off on a journey to find the young woman and his own path to redemption.
Being that Nicolas Cage stars in this film. The audience will already expect a certain level of craziness. Here the film fulfills expectations.
So that while off the wall, violent and colorful. The movie also comes off like a blockbuster that somewhat for all of its eccentricities also comes off unexpectedly conventional for a post-apocalyptic film.
Especially when you consider that this is Sion Sono’s first English language film and teaming up with an American star known for unconventional choices. That seems like a Genius pair made in Heaven. As Director sono is known for films that are considered out there in mentality and surreal in visions and atmosphere.
The director’s eye for visuals and over-the-top excess while staying stylish and artistic are on full display. Though the film also seems to lack certain courage of vision. Though Cage certainly easily fits right in.
As it seems it has reigned In only a little to be less indulgent and think more about the audience. It does come off as more poetic and symbolic at times.
The film oddly lacks as much action as might be expected and that seems to be set-up and building up to.
While the film is quite an adventure filled with plenty of themes of redemption and a combination of cultural clashes and influence. It certainly comes across as different and hard to exactly define, but still oddly feels a little dispirited and tame.
By the end, the film is a post-apocalyptic film that is heavily influenced to end a western. Though one thing the film promises is that it is never what you thought you would be watching.
Directed By: Leos Carax Written by: Ron Mael & Russell Mael (Sparks) Cinematography: Caroline Champetier Editor: Nelly Quettier
Cast: Adam Driver, Marion Cotillard, Simon Helberg, Devyn McDowell
Against all logic, Henry and Ann–he, a struggling stand-up comedian, she, a beloved opera diva. fall madly in love and become inseparable after a chance encounter in bustling, modern Los Angeles. However, all great romances are fraught with pain. Faced with the public’s surprise and the dark side of success, Ann gives birth to gifted Annette: the fruit of their love, a miracle, a child prodigy, and the couple’s damnation.
I didn’t Love it, But I like it, kind of. There is A lot to dissect.
Starts off purely cinematic then the following film has its Moments and looks beautiful but never matches. As it seems more satirical at times and less an intimate story maybe taking on so many subjects and story beats rather than keeping it simple.
It’s special as it is not typical or something you see often. Or is it lazy or subpar filmmaking but didn’t white make the connection or inspire amazement. Though keeps interest throughout but feels overwrought at times.
Amazing how it starts off with so much promise and the belief that anything can happen or at least if what will happen and steadily loses steam, But manages to keep you watching with hope. Interested to hear others’ opinions about this film. I certainly have mine.
Director Leos Carax The French David lynch obviously loves films and cinema. Only he has his own vibe and influence.
Always excited when he makes a new film, never knowing what we are going to get and will it be something to enjoy, study or both.
I believe most of his films Are meant to be seen in theaters as a requirement. Having said that I will admit I have never seen one in a theater but am fascinated and taken away by all of his films.
As they are constantly Alive. Unpredictable, breathing, moving, emotional they have hearts and minds. Where by the end you have an opinion or the both in them as they engage and make you think stylish and able to shock they have their eccentricities and personality.
As they strive to be different yet tell stories that are recognizable and somewhat identifiable in their own way. You can always call them different and yet seem exactly to come out of an individual’s Imagination. Who has made no compromises and told the tale the exact way they wanted to, no matter how it is taken. Not made necessarily to entertain or even be understood completely but to share and experience. Which ultimately shows its personality.
This is Definitely a film made by an auteur, not by committee, more like An expression of thoughts that come to a point, A theory
Movies have usually been driven by romantic notions and definitely influenced by music seeming like they are albums themselves with each scene or section of film being their own song or ballad.
The film is Stylish above all else. Bringing his passion and interests into the story. That still seems filled with surreal shots that seem straight out of a perfume ad or filmed perfectly for one.
The Director even cameoed at the start to show that he is the engineer behind it all before introducing his collaborators in a musical sequence in which they are all together. Keep in mind this was also written by the band sparks. Who has a cult following for their music which is original on its own. So this was going to be far from conventional in the first place.
Did the advertisement influence a certain kind of filmmaking or just copy the artistic type European style and Concepts?
Maybe as a more American English language production steers it not as homemade and comfortable but as a work that is more foreign common and for him a little more straightforward and normal
Obviously a musical. It wants to be an opera of its own, a kind of grand tragedy with big feelings and scenery yet personal and between few characters to keep it intimate with a huge Falsetto voice as it is not within the range of normal but gets attention and can be achieved.
Which will Make you notice and hit several notes, Not that easy to do. Yet lying seems to be easier for most than others but then again to maintain a lie you must create others to maintain which takes creativity
Whereas the truth is easier a s it is natural but hard when wanting to go against or refuse to believe it .
The film can be Graphic sexually but manages to make it sexy.
Instead of Driven showstoppers or performances more seems to be little ditties to go with the story or to tell with a few full song show stoppers.
The Camera always exploring as he creates his own world or a world that is quite different
Like a true musical the film feels constantly performed but within the confines of a certain reality in all of its absurd ness and artistic design.
There is a certain sadness that hangs over his films but also a current and electricity that makes the films somewhat exciting. Definitely a journey and excursion that feels like a trip.
Sacred It feels monotonous and more staged, artificial doesn’t cut straight to the heart. As it usually does not emotionally truthful yet is still emotional.
Adam Driver with long hair can go from heartthrob or ruggedly Handsome. Looking like a grown geek who loves with his parents or worse the guy who still not only has a ponytail. But thinks it is still cool. Of course the stand-up that he performs isn’t funny but more of a one-man show that is theatrical but is most Stand up like that? Confessional with laughs and jokes or a humorous way to look at situations and stories of your life personal and all, opinions.
Knew it was fake or skewed as his audience drank exclusively wine and cocktails and not one beer in sight.
The fleeting emotions and feelings, care and moods of crowds and fans especially. if you do any meet their idealism of what they want from
You Don’t give them what they want as they feel if they pay to see you they have made an investment into you and you are supposed to give them what they want out of you. But they never say exactly so you are supposed to guess or do what you supposedly normally do to entertain, only they want the same if what they have seen or updated new material in the same vein but if you evolve some will stay but others will go against. As how some people in your life want you to stay the same and any time you move on or change for the better personally they take it as an insult or against it because it is not the same they remember.
The rejection of the conventional or being dismayed that it is unconventional and challenging that makes one not a fan or that makes one a fan as it is different and outsider art.
The film while being indulgent is also about toxic male masculinity. Having to control and be in control. So much so that as the film goes on Marie Cotillard’s Character seems to shrink not physically but from the film. As we see her less and less and spend more time with him and when they are together he seems to take over. Physically because of his size and his direction.
It doesn’t help that we get many dimensions of him, but for her she forever stays mroe representative and never really get any inner life form her. So much so that she remains a symbol throughout instead of a real character
At the end Playful and silly. It always feels like a full on experiment project rather than a heartfelt and committed one .
Directed By: Matthias Schweighofer Written By: Shay Hatten Story By: Zack Snyder & Shay Hatten Based On Characters created by: Zack Snyder Cinematography: Bernhard Jasper Editor: Alexander Berner
Cast: Matthias Schweighofer, Nathalie Emmanuel, Ruby O. Fee, Stuart Martin, Guz Khan, Jonathan Cohen, Noemie Nakai, Christian Steyer
A prequel, set before the events of Army of the Dead, focuses on German safecracker Ludwig Dieter leading a group of aspiring thieves on a top-secret heist during the early stages of the zombie apocalypse.
A prequel that could have easily worked without being tied to ARMY OF THE DEAD the original movie or even including zombies in the background.
If anything, the ties of being in this franchise leave us knowing the main character’s fate. So we all know the ending, but this gives us an ending on a happier note. The film offers us some history of him. As well as letting us see more of a fan-favorite character. That also allows for world-building purposes in the franchise and the zombies give a kind of ticking time clock and a chance to see how the world deals with what seems like the American zombie outbreak.
This film comes off as more highbrow and sophisticated. Definitely less violent and feels more creative and fun.
This film is more of a caper comedy and feels like an adventure with Less objectionable material. That feels more energetic and fun.
It definitely has a lot more fluff than anything of substance. Though it is overlong for no particular reason. you generally don’t Feel it
The film has minor stakes so you never can quite take it seriously. Nor does it ever become melodramatic. As the focus here is more sleight of hand and less testosterone-fueled action.
The film offers an interesting look at the typical action hero. Here the protagonist is more nerdish, awkward, and seen as feminine. Whereas though he might not be physically strong he at least is brave. Whereas the more common action hero proves to be emotionally weak and easily jealous which might lead to his downfall.
Nathalie Emmanuel prices to be the perfect femme fatale and general badass. Where you wish she was more of the lead here. Or at least wish there was more to her character than her outfits and vague history of her character.
The caper sequences are sharp and exciting with the requisite tension.
The film feels like it would be quite at home in an earlier decade. As it has the exuberance down, but never quite feels authentic or that it has any roots. It feels like an extension made for money and the life of the franchise rather than Actually being needed. It easily could have existed outside of the ARMY OF THE DEAD universe
In The end One only wishes the film packed a tighter punch. As it more feels like practice jabs or at least felt more meaningful. Thought of looking for something more fluffy and entertaining this is the film for you.
Directed By: Stefano Sellima Written By: Taylor Sheridan & Will Staples Based On The Novel By: Tom Clancy Cinematography: Philippe Rousselot Editor: Matthew Newman
Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Bell, Jodie Turner-Smith, Guy Pearce, Lauren London, Cam Gigandet, Brett Gelman, Colman Domingo, Jacob Scipio, Todd Lasance
An elite Navy SEAL, goes on a path to avenge his wife’s murder only to find himself inside of a larger conspiracy.
Considering the talent involved. This should have been a much better film.
The film feels more like a revenge saga that happens to have espionage and the government more on its mind and just adds that revenge to make it more personal for the lead.
The film’s most memorable action sequences are shown in the trailer and seem to be used quickly within the film’s first hour.
This is a totally joyless film with no sense of fun or any real excitement.
When it comes to most espionage films. I usually find myself confused and having to watch a few times to work out exactly what happened or went down. This film comes off as simplified or maybe as I get older I pay closer attention. This film feels way too simple.
The film runs into the Wonder Woman example of the hero being encouraged and supported. Only to find out by the end. He is the true enemy following the keep your friends close and your enemy closer mentality. The prick character thought out thought to be the villain is actually a red herring and the closest to an ally the main character might have.
Screenwriter Taylor Sheridan is used to writing these types of films but here he is working with previously written material. So he can only do so much.
The film has an epic story that feels more like it is told and is more compact than it should be.
Which considering director Stefano Sollima’s previous work. He seems to always make the focus sharp but seems to limit the action which feels all over the place as it feeds into a vast conspiracy that is international and worldwide, but by the end feels way too simplified and compact.
Cinematographer Philippe Rousselot manages to make the images sumptuous enough that you can see the richness in the colors making everything vivid while being mysterious.
The film keeps your interest but by the end doesn’t feel worth it. As there are way too many conveniences. It doesn’t help that star Michael B. Jordan and co-Star Jodie Turner-Smith feel like they are in two different films and most of us would rather be in the one she’s in. As it feels stronger like her performance. Whereas Michael B. Jordan comes off as a one-note. In pure action hero mode and not a charismatic one. Is that supposed to be for him to feel more realistic?
In the end, the film is entertaining enough but never feels like it goes far enough. So that by the end it is one of the few films made from Tom Clancy’s novels that feels small scale
Written & Directed By: Emma Seligman Cinematography: Maria Rusche Editor: Hanna Park
Cast: Rachel Sennot, Polly Draper, Molly Gordon, Fred Melamed, Dianna Agron, Jackie Hoffman, Danny Deferrari, Glynis Bell,
At a Jewish funeral service with her parents, a college student runs into her sugar daddy.
The film works as a character piece. Even though it takes place mostly in one location and is full of colorful characters who add comedy and point of view to the story. It all centers around the main character played by Rachel Sennot in a subtle and ultimately powerful performance. As she is out under high pressure unknowingly in a continuous situation. She begins to unravel in all sorts of ways.
What makes the film so strong is that while there is comedy it plays almost like a horror film or thriller. As the score seems to help tighten the rope around the character and set in such a crowded space there are fewer and fewer places to turn.
Even as she is struggling to keep her sugar daddy who is far from a Prince Charming and the longer he stays at the party. The more his farm diminishes, but he is the only thing she had control over and loses him. She will feel like she has nothing. So she keeps trying harder and harder to lessen herself to keep and seduce him.
As it seems scene to scene she is running out of places to hide or things to distract her as she gets more worried and more people to talk about her and the danger of her secrets being revealed. As she tries to make things seem normal.
Even as she tries to seduce a guy who is her sugar daddy back and you begin to wonder is it more about the power and strength as he isn’t all that appealing or beating the competition for him in his successful wife who seems to know more than she lets on. Or did she actually fall for him as something more than just a client?
Is she just desperate to keep the status quo as anything different would force her to grow up? As the man ends up not being all that appealing. Which one can tell early on before any revelations are brought to the table
The whole cast is eye-opening, they are funny and emotional. Though Polly Draper as the roads mother has the right amount of emotions and judgment to be frustrating and sweet
Rachel Sennot as the lead is a revelation as she plays so many emotions and feelings all at once. Even though it is mostly through facial expressions and actions more than dialogue. Not to mention her natural beauty comes through when being plain but also wants to be looked upon with desire.
The film also offers us a bi-sexual lead where the film does have sex and sexual language the film doesn’t become all about or into about the character’s sexuality as their defining trait
This film could have easily been more of a simple dramedy that would Feel more staged or at least stage-bound the way it is shown and protested here is short but keeps the audience on their toes as each revelation or emotion feels like a jump scare or is looked upon with dread.
Though it offers up a few surprises, by the end it leaves the characters uncomfortable but in it’s own way a happy ending.
Thankfully for all the awkwardness and Cringe-worthy conversations and situations that play like horror the film still has its fair share of laughs and humor.
Directed by: Darren Lynn Bousman Written by: Josh Stolberg & Peter Goldfinger Cinematography: Jordan Oram Editor: Dev Singh
Cast: Chris Rock, Samuel L. Jackson, Max Minghella, Marisol Nichols, Dan Petronijevic, Richard Zeppieri, Patrick McManus
Working in the shadow of his father, an esteemed police veteran, brash Detective Ezekiel “Zeke” Banks and his rookie partner take charge of a grisly investigation into murders that are eerily reminiscent of the city’s gruesome past. Unwittingly entrapped in a deepening mystery, Zeke finds himself at the center of the killer’s morbid game.
This film feels like a script that was written to be a thriller and then was rewritten to throw in some horror elements and connect it to the saw movies. Which it barely does.
The film is predictable and while like previous saw films it seems to like to play around with time or reveal certain elements to the audience when it needs to explain certain things.
The twists don’t feel as shocking, truthfully they never even feel earned.
Amazing that this film was filmed before last summer’s racial political upheaval surrounding the murder of George Floyd. As this film seems almost like a kind of giving the audience what it wants. In a tale of dirty cops being the victims. As only one non- cop is killed throughout.
The surprise is making an African American cop The leading character. Now this film is built around Chris Rock as the star. As he supposedly also helped come up with the story. His character seems to be the only truly innocent person throughout and the film comes off as cruel. As the film seems to want to keep punishing him.
The acting throughout the film is spotty and Chris rock as hard as he tries is miscast. At times he tries too hard and his delivery sounds more comedic or non believable in his inflections. Not trying to rain on anyone’s parade he is a talented person and one of my favorite stand-up’s but here in this role, he leaves a lot to be desired.
Samuel L. Jackson plays a supporting role in the film, but his part is integral. It also feels like he is barely in the film.
Also, the film looks cheap. Know that these films are usually limited in the budget and tend to stay small and in a few locations, but watching the film you can tell. As it keeps making itself obvious. Which hampers the enjoyment of it.
The special effects are still top touch and the film is gory. Maybe not trying as hard as the previous films.
All of this is a shame as this film seems to be more aimed at African Americans and starring them with representation horror. Which Could definitely use more of, but this is not the right project.
Directed By: David Yarovesky Written By: Mikki Daughtry & Thomas Iaconis Based on the Book by: J.A. White Cinematography: Robert McLachlan Editor: Peter Gvozdas
A young boy named Alex becomes the prisoner of a witch to avoid certain death, he convinces her to let him tell her a scary story every night. Upon meeting the witch’s servant, Yazmin, the two must use their wits to escape her apartment, a magical labyrinth filled with various dangers, before the witch kills them both.
This film feels more like what the GOOSEBUMPS MOVIE franchise should have been. Less goofy with more terror and real-world stakes. So that there feels like there is something truly troubling Constantly and a kind of emotional connection with the audience. Where you actually care about the characters.
A true fantasy film to capture the imagination that can be deadly but also fun and enchanting.
This film revolves around only a few of them, but it also showcases the power of imagination and through action encourages reading and books. Without really having to spell it out too much.
This film is clearly made for a younger audience but parents and adults could easily appreciate the film. As it does have those moments of danger from the kind of kids in peril movies of the 1980s where parents or guardians are largely absent.
Krysten Ritter is perfectly cast and shows she is having fun In her role. As she is always engaging and still avid tongued at times literally. Even if one question you might ask is why the platform shoes always.
The film offers animation when stores are being told and sections of the film are always brightly colored. Especially the lad and gardening sections.
It’s a film that appreciates horror and scary stories. A perfect film for kids around Halloween. As it rises the lie. Between horror and scary for kids. It might be the perfect starter film for them and get them interested more in these types of stories.
Directed By: Peter Thorwarth Written By: Peter Thorwarth & Stefan Holtz Cinematography: Yoshi Heimrath Editor: Knut Hake
Cast: Peri Baumeister, Dominic Purcell, Carl Koch, Alexander Scheer, Kai Ivo Baulitz, Kai Setti, Roland Moller, Gordon Brown
A woman with a mysterious illness is forced into action when a group of terrorists attempts to hijack a transatlantic overnight flight.
This film becomes entertaining throughout because it starts with what could have been a ridiculous yet simple plot of a vampire versus terrorists and keeps twisting the tale so that there are new challenges to keep you interested. Luckily the film Stays pretty dark and not cookie-cutter or some kind of superhero flick.
If anything it refreshingly uses vampire lore and manages to give us something unexpected with it.
The film is filled with action and horror. While it feels a bit long. You are never quite bored of anything. It shocks with taking out a character you expected to last longer and be the biggest foe. Instead the true villain is the live wire of the terrorists. He kind of displays his worst behavior early on before being neutered a bit but then coming back strong.
This story could have easily been a supernatural DIE HARD and instead actually comes through with an identity of its own. Though with just as much action and complications. Though this film is definitely more gory with less humor along the way.
Smart in a Way as the film uses perceived prejudice to its advantage in certain situations and though the terrorists are bad one character proves to be the evilest as he is the catalyst later for all the horribleness that happens to the passengers.
The film does offer a heroic character in a Muslim Passenger who always at least tries to do the right and most moral thing.
While at times it feels ridiculous the film does manage to keep you invested.
In The end it does emphasize a mother’s love for her child. While not making the vampire immortal or barely have any weaknesses.
At the prestigious Fairfield Academy, an elite boarding school for girls, six friends jokingly engage in a late-night ritual, calling forth the spirit of a dead former student who reportedly haunts their halls. Before morning, one of the girls is dead, leaving the others wondering what they may have awakened.
This is an old-school type of horror film that builds towards the payoff rather than offering cheap thrills all upfront.
It offers a little of every type even though at heart it is one really.
While the film is predictable it does try to offer a few surprises and keep you on your toes. As it stays entertaining even while it takes its time.
The film is perfect for its target audience of teenage girls. As it is not over the top violent. Seems more focused on moods and scares than violence. Letting the audience know and see the dangers. Dwelling on it but not going overboard.
The cast mostly looks like regulars on the CW teen shows. More attractive than normal. So that it feels like a very special episode of one of Their original shows and the characters are way more snarky than also.
This film feels more like a genre exercise that feels refreshing if not also familiar. While feeling also indebted to the 1980s with only a few modern touches.
One can admire it for what it tries to be for the audience and can be for those or familiar with it’s type. An excellent starter horror film.
Written & Directed By: Brandon Christensen Cinematography: Clayton Moore
Cast: Sara Canning, Osric Chau, Gracie Gilliam, Barbara Crampton
With their follower count dwindling, travel vloggers Teddy and Claire pivot to creating viral content around their most recent “superhost,” Rebecca, who wants more from the duo than a great review.
This would have been better handled as an episode of a horror anthology series. Think AMERICAN HORROR STORY. At least as an episode it would show to get to an obvious point, that most of the audience sees coming except the protagonists and would be more heightened and direct not to mention gone for thrills more than subtle.
As there is an interesting twist that almost makes the film surprising until it goes back on itself or even into the dark Hulu’s horror series as they are practically mini movies that barely make it to 90 minutes
While luckily this film seems to keep it simple and straightforward exposing itself and having something to say about Online Culture. Not to mention reality and manipulation and the results of it.
What does keep the film afloat is the off-kilter over the top villain of the film who is energetic and polite to a t but also uncanny and once she fully lets loose. She is released and full. The film Leaves open the future for a sequel. Which would be good and hopefully give more of a chance to realize and fulfill Its ideas.
As here while simple it sometimes feels like it is either holding back or doesn’t have much to say and is prolonging the inevitable and trying to fill out its time. Though at least in some of these scenes that seem to build up the suspense at least one is spooky. When he first leaves the house and sees someone with glowing eyes.
The film could have easily ended with a twist ending early but chooses to go on to make a point that has its victory but also comes off as basic. Then again the earlier ending might have been a cop-out to some. Though judging by the production this was meant to be an out and out horror.
The leads are meant to be both sides of the coin one innocent one guilty but we are least understand the reasoning of the guilty one and there is really only one other member of the cast shot is not a main character who comes off more so there can be more violence rather than necessary
Cut To The Chase 