Tag: Fantasy

I SAW THE TV GLOW (2024)

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Written & Directed By: Jane Schoenbrun

Cinematography: Eric Yue 

Editor: Sofi Marshall 

Cast: Justice Smith, Brigette Lundy-Paine, Ian Foreman, Helena Howard, Lindsey Jordan, Danielle Deadwyler, Fred Durst, Amber Benson, Michael C. Maronna, Danny Tamberelli

Teenager Owen is just trying to make it through life in the suburbs when his classmate introduces him to a mysterious late-night TV show a vision of a supernatural world beneath their own. In the pale glow of the television, Owen’s view of reality begins to crack.

I loved this film and I can’t recommend this film highly enough. It’s a film where not only about the filmmaking but the experience. As afterward it feels like a religious experience.. 

This film Destroyed me and made me feel devastated in a good way. Had me deep in thoughts afterward still thinking about it. I don’t know if I can ever do this film Justice in writing or talking about it. As I know emotionally or even intellectually I can be right or express my feelings exactly about this masterpiece. 

I purposely tried to know very little about it so that I knew only a few details and didn’t know where it was going or what to expect? But was willing to go wherever it took Me, come what may 

This film feels aimed At any outsider or misfit who felt or feels misplaced like they didn’t belong. Who is struggling in life and most importantly in an Identity? For anyone Made to feel like every move and decision is a mistake and there is something not quite right about you. Never seem To fit in with any crowd even the ones it seems like You should. How others seem to be on a different wavelength than you. Who just doesn’t Or can’t get it. 

This film might not be for everyone, but it’s Beautiful and full of heart and tragedy. Full of emotion. 

The film is alive with so many questions, theories, and realities. Almost every shot is filled with imagination, depth, style, and creativity. Thought and passion have obviously been put into each facet, Every moment felt filled with emotions.

Another masterpiece from writer/director Jane Schoenbrun whose previous film, WE ARE ALL GOING TO THE WORLD’S FAIR. Which was just as strong and surprising.

No spoilers, it’s a film to go into blind and to experience. Any further reading after this point, there is nothing but SPOILERS.

 Almost every shot in this film is filled with imagination, depth, style, and creativity. Thought & passion have obviously been put into each facet & detail. Every moment felt filled with emotions.

The film is about so many things but what it spoke to me and I’m sure many others. It seems to be about Regretting your decisions. Then Living with the aftermath. That might be a kind of existence but also In a way the death of your dreams and any real hope of happiness. Where it feels what seems like a certain suicide might have been better than Your current existence. 

it explores how some shows or forms of entertainment can be an escape for some to Get lost in. as they provide an escape but hope of a different reality with The themes and characters. That can become not only nostalgia eventually but also help them cope with the reality that sometimes is better. Eventually, one can get confused and can get lost. As it’s own wonderland or closely resembles your own struggles only in a more fantastic and world-ending manner. 

Also how one can get stuck in an identity that seems tight, but you let the scare control you. Convincing you that could be better for you than what is expected of programmed into you. Finding your own identity. How you can be trapped in an identity. That you are never comfortable in and force yourself to stay. Even though never quite happy and slowly killing you from the inside out. 

It also is about identity sexual and physical. As it is a film that has themes and experiences that might speak to a transgender audience and individuals. As well as the lgbtq community but can easily be understood by a Universal audience who are willing to be open to it. 

A beloved, lived-in fantasy seems better than anyone in reality as it is filled with so much imagination that anything can happen the same with reality but in fantasy, it stays better and more fantastic. whereas in life there can be long stretches of punishment, sadness, and boredom that feel like torture. How you can get lost in that fantasy. As it feels more rewarding and real. As you live vicariously through characters you identify with. So their victories feel like yours. Even though there is nothing to show for it. Like sports fans in a way. 

Where one parent seems more like a scary phantom who you can’t communicate with but is always around and the other truly loves you, but you still can’t seem to connect or communicate with them fully though they wish you would and love you endlessly and they are that may keep you grounded and you stay around for their sake. How that parent you are scared of might be the one who physically holds you back and makes sure you never escape. While the loving one bows out, you feel a sense of guilt and want to take care of them before their eventual exit.  

What could have been a story of triumph that feels like a tragedy of not following your way out being boring, responsible, and paying for it. Escape seems like the craziest idea. Haunting creating their own worlds and inviting you In to explore. The film is Unique mesmerizing and sincere. While leaving the audience in instant unease and astonishment. 

How you can look back at something that seemed so important and strong almost  life changing and once you get older you look back and it seems foreign to you completely  different from how nostalgia can play tricks on you you can be embarrassed or seen like a different existence 

It will also exist in nostalgia itself.  There are quite a few cameos from people who were popular and recognizable to those who came of age in the 1990s. a haunting reminder of ghosts from a previous time. Here as a reminder for some in the audience. As well as the pop culture  display and definitely the soundtrack 

How television or pop culture can bond us to others we never would have thought to approach or ever talk to. That can be lifelong friendships where shared interest is only the beginning.

Through all of this, the film stays true to the pop culture that is influenced by a mixture. That is very detail-oriented. Using the same fonts, images, and storyline episodes of them. Even the grains of aging tapes and quality degradation. As you can tell this is personal and very powerful.

It doesn’t even feel like I have made a scratch on the surface of this film. That is how deep it is. A similar feeling for some of the people who first saw STAR WARS who were not only amazed but wanted to tell everybody about it. Not to mention knowing how much it would eventually mean to others. (not as on as grand a scale audience-wise) but waiting for others to see it to discuss and lay in wait as others discover it and claim it as a future favorite. Though you were one of the early adopters. 

Grade: A 

AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM (2023)

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Directed By: James Wan

Written By: David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick

Story By: James Wan, Jason Momoa, and Thomas Pa’a Sibbert

Based on the character AQUAMAN created By: Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger 

Cinematography: Don Burgess

Editor: Kirk Morris

Cast: Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Amber Heard, Randall Park, Nicole Kidman, Temuera Morrison, Dolph Lundgren, Martin Short, Indya Moore, John Rhys-Davies, Jani Zhao, Pilou Asbaek 

Black Manta seeks revenge on Aquaman for his father’s death. Wielding the Black Trident’s power, he becomes a formidable foe. To defend Atlantis, Aquaman forges an alliance with his imprisoned brother. They must protect the kingdom.

Luckily, this film isn’t as bad as it had been predicted or advertised. So what does work in its favor is that it feels kind of a bit like a retread of the first film as it has pretty much the same cast of characters who survived the first film, and essentially the same villain only this time who has managed to acquire more strength and power Through supernatural means partially being possessed, but still determined to take down Aquaman and Atlantis if he can.

Amber Heard who plays Aquaman’s wife in this film her role is either severely cut down from before or meant to just be a placeholder as a love interest. As she is barely in the film and is in an action or two, but really, given nothing to do and not too much importance.

The film plays more like a buddy comedy with Aquaman teaming up with his half-brother, who has been in prison and they learning and going through their differences to trust one another, and to join together, to save Atlantis, thus allowing his brother to get his honor back throughout.

This sequel like the first film has quite a bit of comedy. However in this film, the special effects are a little more distracting as they are not as impressive in fact, while watching the film, it feels like you’re watching a video game demo almost rather than a film. This is good when it comes to the action sequences when it tries to do the dialogue scenes it doesn’t quite fit as well.

If the film had maybe tried to give Aquaman a different villain, this film might have been worthwhile, but with it feeling like a retread, it kind of limits itself.

I am impressed that they managed to make Aquaman so dynamic on the big screen as before he had been either a minor character or more of a laughing stock at with his limited abilities and costumes in the past. 

This is a film where you can see the budget on screen, but somehow it limits itself which is a shame because there seem to be so many possibilities as you’re watching the film instead of what you get, which is ultimately disappointing.

This is a shame, as I was one of those who enjoyed the original way more than I expected to, but like the sequel to Shazam this film just feels like what you thought the first film was going to be it doesn’t improve, and in fact, it’s worse.

This is a shame, considering the impressive cast and Jason Momoa just looks like a badass superhero either way. 

Grade: C- 

MEDUSA (2021)

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Written & Directed By: Anita Rocha De Silveira

Cinematography: Joao Atala

Editor: Marilia Moraes

Cast: Mari Oliveira, Lara Tremouroux, Joana Medeiros, Felipe Frazao, Bruna G, Bruna Linzmeyer, Thiago Fragoso, Joao Vithor Oliveira 

In order to resist temptation, Mariana and her girlfriends try their best to control everything and everyone around them. However, the day will come when the urge to scream will be stronger than it ever has been.

A futuristic film more in politics than actual science fiction. Set in a dystopian future in Brazil that seems pretty normal except for its extreme religious culture  The film shows the misogynistic nature of organized religious politics, and even vigilantism  trying to show that the freedoms we condemn actually can liberate us, and our more for the people than anything else

The beauty who is our lead after she gets scarred in retaliation from one of her victims in the attack it is the first time that she has been treated as less than and it’s quite eye-opening as then she learns sympathy as she becomes sympathetic, and her eyes are open to the injustices of the world.

Her beliefs unravel, as do her body and nature. Where she becomes a of rebellion. That begins to affect those around her in similar situations.

This then makes her separate from her vigilante group but also leads her to want to liberate more people, and slowly she is infecting her core group with thoughts and compassion, which seem to go against the heart of their faith and actions

As we wander throughout, is it a spiritual, awakening, or are more and more of the vigilante females getting possessed. 

The film offers an original voice and cinematic universe in a genre, offering that is a critique of the patriarchy and fascism

It does offer now lustrous world, so it never quite feels futuristic just a bit off or different and more puritanical. No, the film becomes more symbolic than exactly offering a point.

It’s stylistic and sensationalistic though for all this heavy substance, the film comes off a little too heavy-handed, and there is no sense of enjoyment. The film looks great, but beyond that, it never feels as strong or wonder us in meaning as it seems to struggle to show.

No, for a film that is about feminism it shows a lot of violence against them, which I guess is all a part of their age and the rage that is against them, and trying to keep them in their place. It bites off more than it can actually chew 

It also has a great soundtrack that can be mesmerizing and matches the camera work and rhythm of the scenes.

Grade: C+

LUCY (2014)

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Written & Directed By: Luc Besson 

Cinematography: Thierry Arbogast 

Editor: Julien Rey

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. 

Grade: C

EL CONDE (2023)

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Directed By: Pablo Larrain
Written By: Pablo Larrain and Guillermo Calderon
Cinematography: Edward Lachman
Editor: Sofia Subercaseaux

Cast: Jamie Vadell, Paula Luchsinger, Gloria Munchmeyer, Alfredo Castro, Stella Gonet, Catalina Guerra, Amparo Noguera, Antonia Zegers

After living 250 years in this world, Augusto Pinochet, who is not dead but an aged vampire, decides to die once and for all.

This film plays like a satirical fairy tale mixed with a darkly comedic gothic horror film.

The film is heavily visual, stylish, and pretty. Though short on story. So that the audience glides upon the ambiance 

The film comes across more as a book as it explores the history of the main character. Through bits and pieces yet more through details and voiceover.

For its vastness, it feels a bit more like a hangout movie. The story is mainly told in the estate of Pinochet. His own kind of Dracula. Seducing, massacring, and falling in love. Proving to be a bastard through and through. A with most of the characters throughout. As we watch and try to predict who is the worst.

It offers some depth but gets by on its beauty. That it tries not to use too much. Overall it feels like a good piece of writing that might have worked better as a book or short story, maybe even a play. The film offers more of a visual feast and those details more play in the background. Yet provide a reason for the beautiful shots.

The film does offer several twists and strangely gets a bit romantic with an overall theme of loyalty. 

The film is filled with creativity filmed in black and white that is a reminder of the timelessness of the character. As well as the world he lives in with a nod towards the classic universal monster horror movies.

If you are looking for action. You have come to the wrong film, unfortunately. It does offer more storytelling than anything with a European feel. 

The film is lived in and filled with older characters throughout and only one true young character. 

Grade: B-

SMOKING CAUSES COUGHING (2022)

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Editor, Cinematography, Written & Directed By: Quentin Dupieux

Cast: Giles Lellouche,  Vincent Lacoste, Anais Demoustier, Jean-Pascal Zadi, Oulaya Amamra, Adele Exarchopoulos, Tanguy Mercier 

A group of vigilantes called the “tobacco-forces” is falling apart. To rebuild team spirit, their leader suggests that they meet for a week-long retreat, before returning to save the world.

I keep watching the films of Quentin Dupieux because I really loved his first film RUBBER and keep hoping that each new film of his will be as good as that one. While I usually love the soundtracks/score I am A fan of the surreal

Absurd dry humor and the ideas used seem to be there. 

The film is never quite seen to rise to the occasion of their potential some are better than others but most end up somewhat disappointing until Now.

As this is one of his films that seemed to have the silliest and most ridiculous plots and I thoroughly enjoyed this throughout. 

Maybe because the wraparound spoof of Power Rangers shows their cheesiness and spreads morale or message and somewhere in there the film becomes an anthology of short stories or ideas the director seems to just pull out and try out with no rhyme or reason.

The tobacco force is where each member represents an ingredient in cigarettes. Together they produce a vapor that makes their enemies explode from the cancer they give them. They also have a robot sidekick and a mentor who gives them their missions shown to be a womanizing rat puppet who always seems to have green slime coming from his mouth. 

That somehow works as you keep wondering where the film Or stories that make half the film that is being told as a group bonding exercise are going, if anywhere 

By the end, I actually wanted more and was disappointed the film was so short. Which Is usually the opposite of the effect some of his films have had. 

The films can be hit or miss thought they are original and Definitely memorable. The film humor tends to be deadpan and dark  

I wish he was still doing the scores for his own films. As he had done when he made his early Films. Which made them a bit more worthwhile overall. 

Viewers beware his films aren’t for everyone and are not  Like anything most have encountered they are experimental, absurdist, and surreal that employ practical effects, and can be a bit disgusting at times they are usually comedies

He is a filmmaker I will always be interested in what he is working on or is coming out but it seems the stars have to align or he has to be on a certain random wavelength for the films to truly work to his advantage as well as the audiences.

Though I won’t lie and will admit Oulaya Amamra being in the cast certainly helped convince me to watch this. 

Grade: B 

MANDIBLES (2020)

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Written, Edited, Cinematography & Directed By: Quentin Dupieux

Cast: Gregorie Ludig, David Marsais, Adele Exarchopoulos, India Hair, Romeo Elvis, Coralie Russier, Bruno Lochet, Raphael Quenard

When simple-minded friends Jean-Gab and Manu find a giant fly trapped in the boot of a car, they decide to train it in the hope of making a ton of cash.

This film should have worked. One really wanted this one though unfortunately can only point out a few highlights that help the film stay watchable.

It’s a buddy comedy along the lines of DUMB & DUMBER with a little crime narrative of THE BIG LEBOWSKI and involving a gigantic fly that the two friends try to use as a pet and a way to riches.

Somehow doesn’t exactly connect with an absurd plot element that should have been the highlight of the movie.

Instead, the saving element of the film is actually the performance and character played by Adele Exarchopoulos who is hilarious and only in the movie for 30 minutes. Even though the movie is under 90 minutes. Once she arrives she is what the movie needs and once she leaves she is definitely missed. The energy of the film seems to go with her. You wish that the film had mostly been based on her character 

Which shows that the movie’s humor is more character-based. That should be more the inspiration, though that feels like the only genuine spark of originality of that kind. The main characters are boring and the one fantasy element becomes common so fast. That it feels cheapened. 

The film then seems to settle into punchlines of Jokes that were set up earlier.  

You can tell the movies the film was influenced by. As truly the comedic elements here are the more out-there elements such as the big fly and the brain-damaged woman. Who is suspicious of them? Yet the so-called regular characters believe they are stupid but okay.

In the final act, the only true comedy is their delivery and what it ends up being. That feels like much ado about nothing.

Grade: C 

MONA LISA AND THE BLOOD MOON (2021)

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Written & Directed By: Ana Lily Amirpour 
Cinematography: Pawel Pogorzelski
Editor: Taylor Levy 

Cast: Kate Hudson, Jun Jong Seo, Craig Robinson, Ed Skrein, Jennifer Vo, Charlie Talbert 

A girl with unusual powers escapes from a mental asylum and tries to make it on her own in New Orleans.

It feels like you are watching an MTV series in film form or at least an MTV production film that managed to make it to theaters. Trying to be a hodgepodge of culture and trends from the 1990s 

Especially as the story seems more told in visuals and its soundtrack which is more of a club mix. That comes across like a video game soundtrack. Then the story or written dialogue.

As you watch the film it feels like we are traveling through a wonderland with the main character. Where we never know what is going to happen next. Now if only the story matched the vividness and richness of the visuals. 

Kate Hudson is the true star here. As she is one of the people who take in the main character, eventually more to exploit her powers. The hustler that Hudson decides to play with a kind of street east coast accent. She is playing more of the gritty side of the film. 

As the film almost feels a bit more built around her. As she is truly the anchor and the only character who has stakes in the whole film. Which itself feels like it has very few. Hudson has the showier tile and she puts in the work to be convincing. It seems like she belongs in a much harsher film or like she is visiting from one. Think LAST EXIT TO BROOKLYN.

Ed Skrien ends up playing the opposite. A character you expect to be trouble and gritty, but ends up being the most chill and helpful street guy. Who happens to deal drugs on occasion. 

The film is not a thriller or even science fiction fantasy action film that you might expect with the premise. It’s, it’s own creature, an oddly original fairy tale for grown up’s. A mature storybook adventure through somewhat innocent eyes 

The film is directed well, one just wishes the script was stronger. As the film seems to wander.

What is refreshing is that the film doesn’t go anywhere you expect it to considering how dark and exploitive the atmosphere it revels In. Which might be why it feels more like a fantasy. 

The filmmaker feels like she tries too hard to make this film into an instant cult film instead of letting them be original and then age In 

It all comes down to the end not judging a book by its Cover. As most of the characters appear to be what you think they will be they also offer another side that is I related to the look or fashions they cover themselves with 

Grade: C

HEAD OF THE FAMILY (1996)

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Directed & Story By: Charles Band 
Written By: Neal Marshall Stevens
Cinematography: Adolfo Bartoli 
Editor: Poppy Das, Lazar Djokic, Steve Nielson 

Cast: Blake Bailey, Jaqueline Lovell, Bob Schott, James Jones, Dianne Colazzo, Gordon Jennison, J.W. Perra 

The “head” of the family is literally that – a giant head on a tiny body, who psychically controls the rest of his even more unusual family.

The film is an entertaining and hilarious sci-fi  horror film that is a great showcase and literally a testament to actress Jaqueline Lovell’s – body 

The film has a great story that might remind the audience of a TALES FROM THE CRYPT episode. As it involves special effects, a cynical sense of humor, and a story of a plan backfiring and comeuppance.

As pointed out at the beginning of the review the film has plenty of nudity and sex on the mind and is shown on screen only between one couple and a flash by another. This could have easily been a softcore porn film. As it is just as ridiculous only with sci-fi elements.not necessarily erotic though.

You can’t take any of this film seriously. As it is a low-budget-straight-to-home video classic maker for a certain audience. Meant to entertain at most.

The film is a little nourishing tale that goes truly tragic with some horror thrown in. That stays entertaining which is what the audience for this film will have sought on weekly trips to the video store. Just like going to the movies only for some films with not enough money to make it to theaters. They are given Something weird and original that will shock them. 

The film is never boring nor does it take itself too seriously. It also offers Truly proves that no matter what level of intelligence most are a sucker for a pretty girl. 

The film has loads of dialogue and a smart script. That is never as gruesome or disgusting as the poster or character design might make it look.

The film is set in a small town and comes down to a battle of wits between the protagonist and the antagonist. The practicality of romance and an insane plot. Where you expect more twists than there actually are.

The film never quite reaches realistic heights. Though it seems that way in the setup. Even if in the end it is trashy, cheap, gross, and goofy 

A full moon entertainment title. If you know you know what to expect. It’s a memorable weird little B-movie that is a little cheesy but packs maximum entertainment. 

Grade: B-

ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL (2022)

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Directed By: Matthew Warchus 
Screenplay By: Dennis Kelly
Based On The Stage Musical By: Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin 
Based On The Book By: Roald Dahl 
Cinematography: Tat Ratcliffe 
Editor: Melanie Ann Oliver 

Cast: Alisha Weir, Emma Thompson, Lashana Lynch, Stephen Graham, Andrea Risenborough, Sindhu Vee 

An adaptation of the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical. Matilda tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a sharp mind and a vivid imagination, dares to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results.

I will admit to having a bias when it comes to this film. As I saw it on Broadway during its run before it became a movie.

I will also admit that I have only watched the Danny Devito-directed non-musical version in bits and pieces. Ever from beginning to end. 

Watching this film it sticks to the same beats as the Broadway musical. Which is only a bit more impressive because of what they managed to do with only a certain amount of space. 

The film itself is wonderful, dramatic, and fun and encourages children and adults with it’s

Positivity, focus on storytelling and literacy, and the power of imagination. 

The film stays colorful, entirely surreal, and a little grotesque, but amazing in its Songs that are uplifting and positive messages to never forget. The choreography is amazing and tight.

Truly a famous movie that has something for everyone. Though most of the cast are children who are more full-fledged characters. As the adults seem usually over the top and caricatured. At least the bad ones are. It is also heartwarming even in the end. Her parents who have treated her horribly actually show emotions for her.

I will admit towards the end it starts to falter and isn’t as strong as before. Where you wonder where it is going and wish for maybe a little stronger direction in the form of the surreal and fantasy, as Danny Devito’s Direction and less conventional direction in this version. 

The theme of the film Will leave you with a smile on your face and Emma Thompson shows she is having fun playing the main villain in the film, as the headmaster who is a former curling champion. Here at least she gets to play the villain and not necessarily the hero as in her NANNY MCPHEE films. It is a delight to see her in this film.

Grade: B