herself

#isawthatmovie

POSITIVES…

• Heartbreaking and inspiring premise, with an excellent narrative.

• Clare Dunne is outstanding in this one as the co-screenwriter and lead actress.

• Dunne and her character Sandra’s story arc is absolutely engaging, and the reason to see this film.

• Fantastic supporting cast, from Harriet Walter, Conleth Hill, to the two young actresses, Molly McCann and Ruby Rose O’Hara.

• Good plot progression, that encourages you to see where it’ll go next, and will definitely want you to see the resolution to this story.

• Themes and message of this movie is undeniably important to be aware of.

• “Titanium” montage made me smile.

• “The Lass of Aughrim.” Beautiful. In fact, I just overall loved the song choices for this movie.

NEGATIVES…

• Some formulaic plot turns and conveniences.

• Cliche character tropes.

• Might have just tarnished the name Black Widow for me.

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herself - watch it on PRIME VIDEO

Pieces of a Woman

#isawthatmovie

POSITIVES…

• This is a film that's more about the moods, tone, the raw emotions, character reactions and interactions, that are captured from this heartbreaking story, than it is about having a typically straightforward narrative. It works well that way.

• One of the selling points of this movie, is that it has an extended sequence that really gives you a personal and intimate experience into what it could be like to have a home birth delivery.

• Vanessa Kirby is fantastic as Martha, and is great in showcasing some strong subtle emotions that is required from her role.

• Shia Labeouf seemed perfectly cast for the role of the Husband Sean.

• Great supporting cast all around, from Ellen Burstyn, Benny Safdie, Iliza Shlesinger, Sarah Snook, and Molly Parker.

• Good complicated drama that should give you things to think about.

• Speaking of complicated, the whole act set piece in Ellen Burstyn's character’s home is arguably one of the best and worst part of this movie. It's memorable that's for sure.

NEGATIVES…

• Felt a little underwritten at times.

• Could be argued that the film meanders more than it should.

• Did not need to be 2 hours long.

• Honestly didn't care much for Shia Lebeouf's character. I apologize if that was the intention, but still…

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Pieces of a Woman - watch it on NETFLIX

Shadow in the Cloud

#isawthatmovie

POSITIVES…

• The fun and entertaining premise for this genre-mashup of a movie; which is like a Twilight Zone episode set in World War II, is actually pretty awesome.

• Chloe Grace Moretz is absolutely excellent in this as an action hero, and it's hard not to be completely engaged with her situation.

• Plot progression, the narrative, visual direction, action beats, were all spectacularly handled well by Director / Co-Screenwriter Roseanne Liang.

• Second act of the movie really went to some incredible places with the story, and I was all for it!

• There's one particularly outrageous HOLY $#!+ moment that made my jaw drop.

• Character design for the creature is perfectly creepy looking.

• I dug the synth heavy musical score.

NEGATIVES…

• The misogyny of that era hits you over the head a little too much.

• There were some very conventional plot points that I could have lived without.

• Unbelievable leap of faith moments that really really really pushes your suspension of disbelief.

• The supporting cast are generally forgettable cliches.

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Shadow in the Cloud - watch it on VIDEO ON DEMAND

I Hate New Year's

#isawthatmovie

POSITIVES…

• Premise is familiar but comfortably enjoyable.

• I appreciated the lighthearted tone of this story.

• Dia Frampton is absolutely solid and charming as Layne Price. Brought a smile to my face.

• Ashley Argota is quite entertaining to watch as Cassie Holmes. Has some silly fun in her role.

• When it comes to romantic stories, it's important to want to root for the couple. Thankfully, I was all for Layne and Cassie!

• The two of them together is the main reason to see this film. Excellent chemistry.

• There's a psychic reading scene that was cute.

• Arlene Peckerwood.

• The songs featured in this movie are fantastic.

• I should point out that as a fan of the musical act Meg & Dia, it's always a treat to see Dia sing songs that are new to me.

NEGATIVES…

• Not that we really expected it, but this doesn't add anything much new to this tried and true genre.

• Plot cliches and conveniences? Sure.

• Could be more of a cinematic experience.

• There's a particular narrative gimmick that I didn't care for.

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I Hate New Year’s - watch it on VIDEO ON DEMAND

• “I Hate New Year’s” unites music, moods, and meaning

• Dia Frampton faces her fears with ‘I Hate New Year’s’

• Interview with I Hate New Year’s Actress Ashley Argota

Wander Darkly

#isawthatmovie

POSITIVES…

• If you’re looking for a different kind of love story, then this just might be for you.

• The fast pacing is unrelenting in this, but it helps keep you thoroughly engaged.

• Powerful performance by Sienna Miller as Adrienne, who is put through the ringer here.

• Diego Luna is solid as Mateo, whose character is a good counterpoint to Adrienne.

• The visual transitions can be pretty clever, and keeps you on your toes.

• As a story about a troubled relationship, I appreciated the fact that this movie brought up issues and topics that might be worth addressing for couples out there.

• With a narrative that plays around with the perception and concept of time, this is an emotional experience that is unlike what you normally would see.

NEGATIVES…

• Tests your patience with the plot, especially when it starts to feel like it’s getting repetitive.

• Narrative style might be too disorienting for some.

• There are plot cliches and conveniences that keep this from being great.

• Depending on your point of view, the final act may or may not work for you.

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Wander Darkly - watch it on VIDEO ON DEMAND

• Tara Miele On The Concussed Headspace of Wander Darkly 

• Diego Luna and Sienna Miller Talk ‘Wander Darkly,’ Joe Biden and ‘Tiger King’ 

• Wander Darkly Ending Explained: What Really Happens And What It Means

The Prom

#isawthatmovie

POSITIVES…

• The premise of this musical pokes fun at liberal celebrities and American conservatives, and I think that's wonderful.

• Narrative has some familiar plot tropes, but it does constantly keep you engaged.

• Jo Ellen Pellman is absolutely incredible as Ellen! I was thoroughly impressed by her presence and singing.

• Speaking of singing. Meryl Streep! What an absolutely delightful highlight of this movie.

• One of my favorite plot is between Dee Dee and Principal Tom.

• The ensemble is fantastic here, from Ariana Debose, Keegan-Michael Key, James Corden, Nicole Kidman, Andrew Rannells, plus more!

• Lots of good song numbers in this one, from “Just breathe,” “It's not about me,” The Lady’s Improving,” “Unruly Heart,” “It's Time to Dance,” and more!

• There were definitely some effective emotional, moving, inspirational, and heartbreaking moments in this movie.

• Fun pop culture references, theatrical in-jokes, and social political commentary.

• “This isn't America, This is Indiana.”

NEGATIVES…

• Production value could have been higher.

• Not all the songs are hits.

• If you somehow don't get the themes and lessons of this film, well it will hit you over the head with it, over and over again.

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The Prom - watch it on NETFLIX

• The musical's creators—Chad Beguelin, Bob Martin, and Matthew Sklar—give us an inside look at the stage-to-screen adaptation

• Producer Adam Anders on Working With Ryan Murphy, Getting Meryl Streep to Rap: ‘She Had Swagger’

• Getting to Know Jo Ellen Pellman, the Breakout Star of Netflix’s The Prom

• Hamilton Alum Ariana DeBose Speaks To Importance Of LGBTQ Representation

• Why Are Critics Outraged Over James Corden? Debating Ryan Murphy’s ‘Prom’ Casting

First Cow

#isawthatmovie

POSITIVES…

• Seems to really capture what it must be like in the American frontier of the 1820s, in a slice of life kind of way.

• The friendship between John Magaro's Cookie Figowitz and Orion Lee's King Lu is at the heart of this story.

• Those stories and monologues that Orion Lee gets to say.

• Toby Jones as Chief Factor is a fine addition to the cast of this movie.

• Everything to do with the cow.

• Who doesn't love a good delicious biscuit?

• Gotta appreciate the confidence and vision by Co-writer & Director Kelly Reichardt for this particularly unique kind of indie art film.

NEGATIVES…

• Not a fast moving movie. Indulgences itself by taking its sweet time.

• I would say it doesn't really get going until almost halfway through the movie.

• You might think it meanders too much, is listless, and probably boring.

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First Cow - watch it on SHOWTIME

• Kelly Reichardt on Making Quiet Art and the Failure of American Individualism  

• First Cow director Kelly Reichardt on frontier-era baking and capitalism 

• How 'First Cow' Questions the Myth of America's Roots

• https://slate.com/culture/2020/03/first-cow-oily-cakes-recipe.html

Soul

#isawthatmovie

POSITIVES…

• Simple but fascinating premise of a fun, enjoyable, and beautiful Pixar animated movie.

• The combo of Jamie Foxx as Joe and Tina Fey as 22 is really good. The interactions between the two is a strong reason to watch this movie.

• While there is a more serious narrative found here, it definitely isn’t without it’s jokes and comedic moments, and there are funny ones.

• The world building of what’s beyond the living is good and interesting.

• Character designs are charming.

• Gotta enjoy all the pop culture and historical references.

• Fans of cats should be amused by this movie.

• Should be no surprise but fans of Jazz music should find something here to appreciate.

• That New York Knicks joke. LOL

• There’s usually an underlying theme and message with Pixar films, but I would say that “Soul” might just have one of the most important and enlightening ones.

NEGATIVES…

• Not the most exciting animated movie in the traditional sense.

• As usual with most Pixar movies that it’s kind of a cliche, but there is in fact a set time and goal that the characters are racing towards.

• Not entirely a negative, but I don’t know if little kids will get the message of this story. Not only that, but Parents might be forced to explain death to those little kids watching this. I’m sure they had practice from “Coco.”

• Hospital security.

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Soul - watch it on DISNEY+

• Soul Filmmakers Talk About the Cat Conundrum & More 

• Pixar’s first Black lead wasn’t in the original version of Soul 

• Jon Batiste's Music Helps Bring Pixar's First Black Lead To Life 

• Pixar's animated movie 'Soul' is about 'what makes us us,' says actress Alice Braga 

• Jamie Foxx on Voicing Disney-Pixar's First Black Lead in 'Soul' and Being Unapologetically Black in Hollywood 

• Ending Explained: What Happens Next?

Wonder Woman 1984

#isawthatmovie

POSITIVES…

• The opening tournament set piece, back to back with a shopping mall action sequence, was a most excellent 20 minutes to start off the movie.

• Speaking of action, it’s choreography is absolutely amazing. Especially just about everything that has to do with the Lasso Of Truth.

• Gal Gadot continues to be a wonderful incarnation of Wonder Woman. I would say she got to flex more emotional drama out of her character in this one.

• Chris Pine is ever so charming as Steve Trevor. There’s a certain joy and fun to his character that appropriately balances out the more seriously earnest sides of this movie.

• Kristen Wiig shows her comedic sensibilities and villainous side with great aplomb.

• Pedro Pascal is terrific hamming it up as Max Lord, embracing the outrageousness of his character.

• The final act, from the White House set piece, all the way until the final shot, is ambitiously spectacular in visual and storytelling excesses.

• This story touches on so so so many themes, that I’d forgive it for shoving all that into this movie, because a lot of those are worth it.

• Hans Zimmer gave us yet another great musical score.

• Who doesn’t like 1980s easter eggs and references to your familiar Wonder Woman mythos?

NEGATIVES…

• Plot progression can be a little bit unwieldy at times.

• Idiotic plot conveniences, or bad writing? Take your pick.

• The many questions raised by the plot, makes this an easy target to ridicule.

• At 155 minutes long, the movie could probably use a trim.

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Wonder Woman 1984 - watch it on HBO MAX

• How Patty Jenkins Steered the Wonder Woman 1984 Ship 

• Patty Jenkins On ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ Move To HBO Max And Theatrical: “There Was No Good Option” 

• Gal Gadot Thinks Wonder Woman Is A Red Lipstick Genius 

• Pedro Pascal Worried His Failed Wonder Woman TV Show Might Cost Him His Role In Wonder Woman 1984 

• WW84 Had Warner Bros. in Serious Doubt It Would Work Midway Through Production 

• Gal Gadot's Trainer Reveals Her Workout Regimen 

• The Wonder Woman of actual 1984 was totally bizarre 

• WW84 Music Video

The Midnight Sky

#isawthatmovie

POSITIVES…

• Familiar premise, but an interesting one nonetheless.

• The George Clooney and Caoilinn Springall relationship is my most favorite thing about this movie.

• The introduction of Felicity Jones in space was a nice scene that sparks that wonder you want to see in science fiction movies. There's more of that experience throughout the film.

• That whole space walk sequence was definitely one of the highlights of this movie.

• Future tech ideas showcased was great.

• Excellent supporting cast. David Oyelowo, Kyle Chandler, Demian Bichir, Tiffany Boone, and the rest.

• Musical score by Alexandre Desplat as pretty darn good.

NEGATIVES…

• Derivative.

• Meanders. Listless. Boring.

• Overall narrative should have been reworked for this story.

• At 122 minutes, it felt unnecessarily long for this movie. There are three (or four) main storylines being told here. Probably would have worked better as a 4 part limited series.

• There were some plot conveniences in this that felt frustratingly cliche. C’mon screenwriters! Let’s not keep going back to the same old tired well of plot tropes.

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The Midnight Sky - watch it on NETFLIX

• How George Clooney Battled Extreme Cold (and a Pandemic) to Make His Sci-Fi Epic

• For George Clooney, the pandemic changed his movie The Midnight Sky, maybe for the better

• Felicity Jones on Shooting 'Midnight Sky' While Pregnant

• George Clooney on why 'The Midnight Sky' is his first film in 4 years and how Amal and the twins reacted to his scraggly beard

• About that ending for The Midnight Sky