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The Beekeeper
If you are a fan of John Wick, and want to watch something just like John Wick, but isn’t John Wick, however it kinda really is exactly like John Wick, then Director David Ayer and action star Jason Statham has got the movie for you. Make it into a drinking game when you recognize some obvious comparisons.
Just look past the derivative nature and the credulity factor of the movie, and you should have some fun watching the action sequences, it’s simple premise, and outrageous plot narrative. At the very least, it’s extremely satisfying seeing scammers, fraudsters, and those who willingly follow such people, get their comeuppance.
Let’s just say that I really wouldn’t mind seeing a sequel to this movie.
loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible
Night Swim
The movie starts in 1992, which is appropriate because this is exactly the kind of generic scary film you would find in theaters back then, or as a straight to video movie on the shelf of a Blockbuster Video rental store.
It's not a bad movie by any means, besides the usual tropes of characters who don't act smart enough, and just the overall derivative nature of it.
I did quite enjoy the way the camera moves, the general concept for the story, and the cast. Just don't think about the plot too much or you'll get cramps after going in too deep.
If you're not watching the feature length movie, at least check out the short film that proceeded it. Witchcraft Motion Picture Company presents NIGHT SWIM (horror short)
loveditenjoyeditlikedit IT'S OKAY itsmehitsterrible
White Noise
POSITIVES
This movie is kinda all over the place, and that’s done on purpose. This might be for you, if you’re into the randomness of it all.
Premise is technically about this family and its patriarch, but the plot goes in multiple different directions, or specifically in three parts. There are definitely some highlights to check out in each one. From the history lesson battle, the car chase, to the encounter in the motel.
This story does have interesting things to say via the conversations and back and forth dialogue, like the family discussing if they should be concerned about the airborne toxic event, the simuvac questions and answers, or the Nun’s explanation about belief.
Adam Driver is excellent in the lead role and absolutely carries this movie. Kudos as well to the supporting cast, which includes Greta Gerwig, Don Cheadle, Raffey Cassidy, May Nivola, Sam Nivola, Arlo Shell, and several more.
It’s social commentary that feels very much reflective of our current times. Should definitely give you some food for thought.
NEGATIVES
This movie is kinda all over the place, and that’s done on purpose. This might not be for you, if you’re not into the randomness of it all.
How do I describe the surreal nature of this narrative and the world it presents? It’s like it’s a hyper-real world that doesn’t feel like our world, but it is, but it isn’t. It’s odd. Kinda off puttingly strange and weird and illogical in some sense.
The dialogue can feel like it’s over-written or stilted like it’s over-scripted. It’s because it probably is.
Didn’t really like Part 3 : Dylarama too much.
I’m sure book readers will have something to complain about.
loveditenjoyeditlikedit IT’S OKAY itsmehitsterrible
Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical
POSITIVES
For fans of the 1988 book, the 1996 movie, the 2010 musical, and those who have never been exposed to Matilda ever, go see this movie musical! It’s spectacular!
First and foremost, the songs from the musical have been recreated here with aplomb! The scenes and choreography that accompanies those songs are all creatively fantastic and so very entertaining. Highlights for me were "Naughty," "School Song," "When I Grow Up," "Revolting Children," and several more.
The story and narrative is excellent. From the character interactions, the fantastical diversions, the story within the story, to the plot turns and progression, it’s all so good.
Give it up to the huge ensemble cast, led by the adorable Alisha Weir, the imposing Emma Thompson, the lovely Lashana Lynch, the delightful Sindhu Vee, to the talented young cast from Charlie Hodson-Prior, Rei Yamauchi Fulker, Meesha Garbett, to Winter Jarrett-Glasspool, and many many more. Kudos to all! Kudos to all!
Full of heart, lessons to remember, inspiration, and naughtiness, this story is so very worthy of your time.
NEGATIVES
It’s a musical. Not everybody likes movie-musicals. Not all the songs will work with you.
Fans of the original stage show might complain with some of the changes or omissions in this adaptation.
Suspension of disbelief. There are many many things in this movie that require you to just ignore logic or reason. If those things bother you, well…
Took me maybe 10-15 minutes to warm up to this movie. I seriously thought it wasn’t going to be for me at first.
There’s a lot of kids in this movie, acting, talking, and thinking like kids. Hope you are able to put up with that.
lovedit ENJOYED IT likedititsokayitsmehitsterrible
Babylon
POSITIVES
As a tribute to the silent movie era of stars and the sudden transition to the “talkies,” as well as a tribute to the magic of movies, this one does it in a very outrageously in-your-face kinda way. Will definitely catch your attention.
The narrative and plot progression is quite something else, which is one of the main draws in watching this film. This one takes you to so many different places, following multiple different characters, with a lot of eye-catching visuals, drama and comedy galore, which all combine gives you a perspective that is equally of wonder and disgust.
Gotta give it to Writer-Director Damien Chazelle, he knows how to make engaging scenes and set pieces! That wild party! Silent era filmmaking at Wallach Studio and Kinoscope Studios! Scene 17! The snake fight! Descent to hell! There is some memorable stuff here.
Margot Robbie earns all the accolades for her electrifying performance as Nellie LaRoy. That's as obvious as it gets. As for the rest... Diego Calva, Brad Pitt, Li Jun Li, Jovan Adepo, Jean Smart, and so many more in this huge cast, were all good and solid as well… but Robbie is on another level.
Does this movie have something to say? You bet it does! It's got things to say, and there’s a lot for you to chew on with what happens in this film.
NEGATIVES
You’ve seen this story before. You have an idea where the plot is going to go.
This is Damien Chazelle at his most indulgent. He does things in this movie with wanton abandon and takes things up to eleven that it can all just get pretty exhausting.
Outrageously obnoxious at times with the decadence and other excesses displayed on scene.
At some point there’s a flip of the switch with the characters, which unfortunately deprives us from seeing some missing character development that seems important to show us in the context of the narrative.
It’s over three hours long, and it feels like it. Doesn’t help that I wasn’t that big a fan of the third act; which I guess is a whole hour's worth. Oh, and there are still slow parts in it too.
loveditenjoyeditlikedit IT’S OKAY itsmehitsterrible
I Wanna Dance With Somebody
POSITIVES
If you need a good reminder of why Whitney Houston is easily one of the greatest singers of all time, then let this movie remind you of that. She is someone everyone should know about. If this film helps introduce her to new fans, then that should be appreciated.
The songs. This movie covers a good amount of her greatest hits and for the most part they let it play out. I love the fact they let the songs play out with the recreations to go along with them, like the process of picking and creating the songs and all that. Definitely my favorite parts of the movie.
Part of the dramatic and fascinating aspects about watching this movie are for the character interactions and the dynamics between them. There was drama, and it was engaging to see how that all played out in this film.
Naomi Ackie takes on the role with conviction and should be recognized for that. Stanley Tucci, Nafessa Williams, Ashton Sanders, and Clarke Peters, were also quite excellent in their roles.
As it goes with these musical biopics, it’s equally inspirational and a cautionary tale.
NEGATIVES
People will argue that it doesn’t quite capture everything that needs to be said about Whitney Houston.
Just when you thought it wasn’t going to fall under the trappings of a typical derivative biopic, it does.
A negative byproduct of a typical biopic, you’re going to end up going “wait, who is that person?” or “what happened to that plot line? It just fell off the narrative of the movie.”
It can’t be helped I suppose but Naomi Ackie is just doing a lip synched performance. Big time cinematic film, and we’re watching a lip synched performance. She sings the songs, or she doesn’t sing the songs. It’s a lose-lose situation.
Makes you miss Whitney Houston even more.
lovedit ENJOYED IT likedititsokayitsmehitsterrible
Puss In Boots: The Last Wish
POSITIVES
Changing up the simple story of Puss In Boots into something akin to a cartoon character facing his own mortality is a creative decision I can get behind.
The animation style is visually appealing and just has this electric energy to it.
Plot and pacing just keeps moving. This animated film just doesn’t let up with its need to excite and entertain you, by going from one scene to another. Enjoyable ride of a movie.
Antonio Banderas as Puss In Boots is amazing as expected, but also add in Salma Hayek, Harvey Guillen, Florence Pugh, John Mulaney, Wagner Moura, Ray Winstone, Olivia Colman, and Samson Kayo, and you've got here an amazing ensemble cast.
Yes the premise is a bit adult with it unashamedly dealing with death, but I did appreciate it a lot, as well as the other more family thematic messages that go along with it.
NEGATIVES
Due to the subject matter, language, violence, and a scary antagonist, this movie might arguably be targeted much more towards adults than kids. Parents be warned.
Not exactly the most original story, so expect some familiar plot tropes, clichés, and conveniences.
Expect some cheap and stupid jokes here and there.
Maybe there’s too many characters that take away from more moments with the lead character.
Unfortunately can’t escape the fact that this is still part of a larger cinematic universe.
lovedit ENJOYED IT enjoyeditlikedititsokayitsmehitsterrible
The Whale
POSITIVES
Provocative in plot and characters, this one is an uncomfortable emotional journey that will take you places.
The plot reveals and progression keeps the story engaging. From what appears to be a simple premise at first, it can all get quite complicated as it goes in an interesting way.
Without a doubt, the characters and the performances are what will truly hook you into this movie. Brendan Fraser is absolutely incredible in his role as Charlie, and takes us into many different emotional states of mind. Not to be completely outshined, Sadie Sink, Hong Chau, Ty Simpkins, and Samantha Morton all give us fantastic performances as well.
It’s fascinating to see how Director Darren Aronofsky keep the camera and edits moving and shifting to keep your attention, especially since it’s all set in one location.
A huge part of what makes this a phenomenal movie is the thematic underlying message of the story. Powerful stuff for sure.
NEGATIVES
Derivative plot tropes? Sure.
Emotionally manipulative at times? Kinda.
Offensive in some regards? Probably.
Unearned resolutions? Maybe.
Does it look like it’s just a stage play shot for the big screen and not really that cinematic? Yeah.
lovedit ENJOYED IT likedititsokayitsmehitsterrible
Soft & Quiet
POSITIVES
What an incendiary and thought provoking premise that's very reflective of our times with its social and political commentaries.
Intriguing, tense, thrilling, chilling, and disturbing. This film is all that. You’re going to be invested to see how it all concludes.
While the no cuts narrative can feel like a gimmick, it really does immerse you into the story seeing it all play out in real time.
Kudos to the cast, they really brought their characters to life.
The third act really was pure horror, because it didn't feel like make believe. It is something you can easily imagine happening in real life.
NEGATIVES
This is marketed as “the most terrifying film of the year,” but if people think they are in for some typical scary horror stuff, this might not be what they are looking for.
Subject matter is absolutely not going to be appealing to everybody.
Sometimes it feels like the movie is just going through a checklist of racist thoughts, symbols, and catchphrases.
I hope you're okay with the shaky camera. The things you put up with to get that continuous long take.
Because of the narrative style, there are moments when it seems like they are just stretching for time, or introduce arguably unbelievable plot conveniences just to keep things moving.
lovedit ENJOYED IT likedititsokayitsmehitsterrible
