Nine Days

POSITIVES…

  • Interesting surreal premise that is like a philosophical exercise about life. 

  • The plot effectively relies on the plot threads presented in this movie, and the characters that appear in it. 

  • Character monologues and dialogue gives you some thought provoking subject matters. 

  • Those recreated moments. Just beautiful.  

  • Intercuts between the different characters are nicely done. 

  • Winston Duke is our main character and is a fascinating individual to observe. 

  • Benedict Wong is fantastic as the character that brings about the lighter side of things. 

  • Zazie Beetz is excellent here for the wise innocence she brings into her role. 

  • Loved Tony Hale here for his characters point of view that is far more interesting than you might initially give it credit for. 

  • Bill Skarsgard begrudgingly is the character that smacks reality into our minds. 

  • Underlying final message and social commentaries makes this movie worth watching. 

  • “Pull the chair!!!!!”

NEGATIVES…

  • The character of Will isn’t exactly somebody you will immediately warm up to, and he’s the main character!!! 

  • Emma. Hello manic pixie dream girl. 

  • Slow and monotonous most of the time. Try to stake awake if this isn’t your thing. 

  • Arguably a bit pretentious, and not what one might call “entertaining.” 

  • Some might call this “too artsy.” 

  • Arbitrary unexplainable logic and rules found in the plot can be frustrating to put up with. 

  • Speaking of frustrating, this is one of those movies that really doesn't want to give direct answers. I know many who don’t like that.

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

Nine Days - watched it IN THEATERS

Vivo

POSITIVES…

  • An animated musical that features songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda and stars a kinkajou? I’m in!

  • Colorful and dynamic animation with some stylish 2D segments inserted here and there.

  • Songs are generally solid and work really well within the context of the narrative. “One more song,” “Keep the beat,” “Inside your heart,” are some of the stand outs.

  • Lin Manuel Miranda as Vivo is excellent in this, and has a good earnest performance.

  • Ynairaly Simo as Gabi is fantastically energetic and really grabs your attention.

  • The heartwarming story is comfortably familiar within some fresh context and locations.

  • Gotta love those emotional tear jerker moments.

  • Light hearted humor, jokes, and sight gags, are generally amusing and entertaining.

  • The Sand Dollar Scouts.

  • “Not on my watch.”

  • Maybe this movie will actually inspire more people to take up drumming.

NEGATIVES…

  • There’s an overall familiarity to the plot progression.

  • Unsurprising plot tropes and conveniences.

  • So many unbelievable moments and plot devices that takes you away from the movie.

  • I can see people absolutely hating on the song “My Own Drum.”

  • Arguably doesn’t have truly memorable songs that can live beyond the movie.

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

Vivo - watched it on NETFLIX

The Suicide Squad

POSITIVES…

  • Do you want more chaos, comedy, and corpses, with your Suicide Squad? Then this is absolutely the movie for you. 

  • Scenes and sequences are visually kinetic, dynamic, colorful, and just beautiful. James Gunn is indeed a visionary. Shout out to cinematographer Henry Braham as well. 

  • Those sweet chapter break title cards. Another nice touch done by this movie. 

  • Narrative definitely has a randomness to it, and the plot progression can get ridiculous. 

  • From the dialogue, banter, and the sight gags, this movie is pretty funny. 

  • Briefly touches on some social political commentaries, but the final message of this story in particular... Bravo James Gunn! Bravo! 

  • Just about all the action sequences and set pieces are bloody violent. Good times! 

  • That big solo Harley Quinn action sequence. Just amazing. Flowers. 

  • Speaking of characters, this does indeed have a fantastic huge ensemble cast, that includes Idris Elba, Daniela Melchior, John Cena, Margot Robbie, David Dastmalchian, Viola Davis, plus so many more! 

  • That rivalry between Bloodsport and Peacemaker. Fun stuff. 

  • Nanaue. AKA King Shark. Easily one of the stand-out characters in this movie. 

  • Sebastian! I loved Sebastian! 

  • Weird special super powers. This movie showcases a lot of that, and they are awesome! 

  • Drinking game idea. Take a shot whenever somebody dies in this movie. Take a double shot when it’s a member of the Suicide Squad. So much death. 

  • Needless to say, this is the best Suicide Squad movie out of all of them. Just might even be in the running as the best DC Comics movie since the Dark Knight trilogy.

NEGATIVES…

  • While there’s a general freshness to the direction, the actual plot itself isn’t exactly unfamiliar. 

  • Some questionable plot points. 

  • That subplot with Harley during the second act. Felt like it grinded the movie to a full stop. 

  • For a James Gunn movie, the soundtrack isn’t all that this time. 

  • There’s animal cruelty here. CG kind of course. But still… 

  • A warning on those who have musophobia. 

  • People with trypophobia might have to worry too.

lovedit ENJOYED IT likedititsokayitsmehitsterrible

The Suicide Squad - watched it on HBO MAX

Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning

POSITIVES…

  • Delivers a stellar finale to this series of live-action movie adaptation of Rurouni Kenshin. 

  • Not only is it a solid Japanese sword fighting film, but it’s the unconventional love story that makes this movie as good as it is. 

  • Sword fights are indeed amazing to watch. Love the choreography. 

  • Seeing hitokiri batousai unleashed. Fans have been waiting for this. 

  • Appreciated the appropriate tone and pacing, that balances the violent action sequences, with the delicate relationship between Himura and Tomoe. 

  • Takeru Satoh is once again so good at portraying Himura the Battousai.  

  • Kasumi Arimura is such a wonderful element of this film with her beautiful portrayal of Tomoe.  

  • Not to be outshined, but I also can’t get enough of Yôsuke Eguchi as Saito Hajime. 

  • Another aspect I really liked with the story are the philosophical statements that Tomoe brings up to Himura. 

  • That combo of poetic themes within this thrilling war story is just expertly done. 

  • Some incredible imagery to go along with the spectacular set pieces. 

  • The way it ends is going to make it hard not to just immediately start rewatching this series from the very first film.

NEGATIVES…

  • I did mention that this is an unconventional love story as well, and it does rely on the audience to buy into it. The plot trope aspect of that tale is just more pronounced if you’re not on board. 

  • A flashback, to a flashback, to a flashback? Come on now. 

  • Not for those who can't stand some bloody violence.

lovedit ENJOYED IT likedititsokayitsmehitsterrible

Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning - watched it on NETFLIX

Batman: The Long Halloween, Part Two

POSITIVES…

  • If you've seen Part One, you're going to want to see how this story concludes. 

  • Opens immediately with raised stakes for the plot, and carries throughout the rest of the movie. Thrilling stuff. 

  • Twists and turns and surprises should keep you engaged. 

  • Action beats are solid enough. 

  • Art and animation style is still excellent to look at. I still love the simple but beautiful character designs. 

  • Jensen Ackles continues to provide a fantastic voice for Batman. 

  • Josh Duhamel as Harvey Dent / Two-Face is great here. 

  • Catwoman / Selina Kyle. From her plot involvement here, to the awesome voice work by Naya Rivera. 

  • Fans of Batman's rogues gallery should have some fun watching this. 

  • That after credits scene. 

  • Arguably fixes a perceived plot hole from the original graphic novel story that this movie has adapted.

NEGATIVES…

  • To be honest. I was a little underwhelmed by the overall direction. 

  • Narrative felt a little too rushed. 

  • Certain plot threads were either nonsensical or just had unsatisfying conclusions. 

  • Batman's character is a little less capable in this than some may like. 

  • Certain characters were given inadequate development. 

  • Some characters were just annoying. 

  • They showed the Batman origin story again?! Talk about derivatives.

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

Batman: The Long Halloween, Part Two - watched it on VIDEO ON DEMAND

Stillwater

POSITIVES…

  • This hearbreaking premise is less of a murder mystery and more about how far a Father would go to save his Daughter from a horrible existence. 

  • There’s also that foreigner in a foreign land trope that can be entertaining to watch. 

  • Contains some powerful scenes and sequences, like a dialogue with a particular bar owner, that cautionary advice given by Allison, to that inquiry about a basement and the results of that.  

  • Tense build ups and moments. 

  • Fantastic cast includes Matt Damon as Bill Baker, Camille Cottin as Virginie, Lilou Siauvaud as Maya, and Abigail Breslin as Allison Baker. 

  • One of the best things about this movie is the connection that Bill Baker has with Virginie and Maya. 

  • All the scenes with Allison also resonate really well. 

  • Great visuals capturing Marseille, France. 

  • I can only hope that the conclusion and the plot-reveals in this movie will encourage many to be introspective about how they look at people and culture. 

  • Not without some levity. Like that toy robot scene, or that “Did you vote for Trump” question. 

  • Appreciated the fact that there’s an underlying theme and social political commentary about Americans and the American way, that is done from a global cultural perspective.

NEGATIVES…

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

Stillwater - watched it IN THEATERS

Jungle Cruise

POSITIVES…

  • Action adventuring in the jungle. If you’re looking for your fix for this familiar premise, well here you go! 

  • Big thrilling and exciting set pieces are entertaining to watch. 

  • I especially appreciated seeing the thrilling Buster Keaton inspired stunts. 

  • All the scenes, moments, and mentions, that pays homage to the Jungle Cruise ride experience at Disneyland. Puns and all. I actually didn't hate it. 

  • Speaking of puns and all. I generally had fun with the overall lighthearted comedic nature and tone. 

  • Drinking game idea. If you hear a pun. Take a shot. 

  • The whole chemistry, dialogue, and interactions between Lily and Frank is one of the main highlights in seeing this movie. 

  • Emily Blunt is a trooper in this as Lily. Your strong willed and oh so capable adventurer. 

  • Dwayne Johnson is as charming as you expect him to be here as Frank. 

  • Jesse Plemons is awesome at chewing the scenery as Prince Joachim. 

  • That CG leopard. 

  • Metallica's Nothing Else Matters.

NEGATIVES…

  • All the familiar derivative plot tropes you expect from this are here.  

  • Some baffling plot points that might annoy you. 

  • Sophomoric humor and physical slapstick comedy can fall flat on its face or just be cringe worthy. 

  • If you don't like puns. Well, you'll be hearing a lot of it in this movie. 

  • Have ophidiophobia? Probably shouldn’t watch this. 

  • Honestly, this plot really did not need the brother character for comedic relief. 

  • Yes, men back then were really misogynistic. We get it!

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

Jungle Cruise - watched it on DISNEY+

The Green Knight

POSITIVES…

  • Looking for a unique, adventurous, artistic, and captivating story in the realm of Arthurian Legends? This one's for you. 

  • This off-kilter narrative might be unwieldy for some to grasp, but it’s got some indispensable themes and lessons to say. 

  • Cinematography, camera sweeps, and lighting effects, such fantastic visuals! 

  • Excellent soundtrack that is perfectly atmospheric and equally haunting. 

  • Dev Patel as Gawain. Such a magnificent actor tackling this role that consists of his character getting put through the wringer in unsuspecting ways. 

  • Alicia Vikander playing two different characters here? Of course. She’s just that talented! 

  • Ralph Ineson as the Green Knight himself is awesome. What a voice on him. 

  • Sean Harris as the King. Great presence, and he too has quite the unique voice. 

  • Joel Edgerton is also in this, and he is as good as ever. 

  • Shout out to the fox! 

  • As the story moves along, the unexpectedly bizarre encounters, and the characters Gawain meets, should keep you thoroughly engaged to see where things are going to go next. 

  • I particularly really enjoyed the sequence involving Erin Kellyman. “Do not touch me!” 

  • That ending. That ending could be its own movie, or TV series! Amazing. 

  • David Lowery is a visionary filmmaker, and he really puts his stamp into this tale. What an experience!

NEGATIVES…

  • Some might not be into the methodically slow pacing and lingering meandering moments. 

  • Narrative can feel too disjointed at times.

  • That font for the title cards, and the old timey prose. I could have used some closed captioning. 

  • That ending. I mean, should it be considered a negative that I kinda guessed what was going to happen? It’s the only true familiar plot trope that this film has. 

  • Not exactly a movie that spells things out for you, and in some cases it really just doesn’t bother giving you an explanation to a question you really want answers to. 

  • Maybe it’s too artsy for a summer movie release?

lovedit ENJOYED IT likedititsokayitsmehitsterrible

The Green Knight - watched it IN THEATERS

Joe Bell

POSITIVES…

  • As an earnest drama that's based on a true story, about the dangers of bullying, this is a truly admirable film. 

  • This is a heartbreaking tragic story that is absolutely worth being aware of. 

  • Narrative handles the big plot-reveals well, by nicely taking advantage of the three act structure. 

  • Effective emotional scenes and tear jerker moments. 

  • I know he wouldn’t be the first choice for many, but I thought Mark Wahlberg actually did a spectacular job in the role of Joe Bell. He captured the essence of his character well. 

  • Reid Miller as Jadin Bell. Makes every scene he is in greater because of his amazing stand-out performance. 

  • One of the best things about this movie are the interactions between Joe Bell and Jadin. 

  • Story. Very strong supporting cast by Connie Britton, Maxwell Jenkins, and Gary Sinese. Each one of them added so much to the movie, and had some incredible scenes. 

  • How can you not appreciate the thematic messages of this story? Important and relevant to all. 

  • Has some solid visuals of the locations that Joe is walking through. 

  • Asparagus straight from the ground. Green gold!

NEGATIVES…

  • Some will balk at the casting choice, and may not be able to see past the fact that Mark Wahlberg is playing Joe Bell. 

  • You’ve seen this drama multiple times before. I don’t think there’s going to be many surprises in the story. 

  • For those unfamiliar with the true story, the trailer unfortunately blatantly spoils that big plot-reveal in the movie. 

  • If you are familiar with the true story and / or have seen the trailer, the wait to get to that big plot-reveal may feel like it’s taking too long to get to that obvious point. 

  • Main thematic message can feel like it’s repeatedly just hitting you over the head with it without much subtlety at all. 

  • I know it’s based on a true story and all, but there are some plot points that seemed a little too convenient.

  • Did not like how the movie ended.

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

Joe Bell - watched it IN THEATERS

Jolt

POSITIVES…

  • Exciting, thrilling, and engaging action flick, starring Kate Beckinsale as Lindy. A woman who has anger issues and violent tendencies. Who doesn't want to see that? 

  • Opening character history montage was just perfect. I appreciate the quick origin story, so that we can just move on with the fun asskicking. 

  • It's very entertaining to see Kate Beckinsale get violent on people. 

  • Fight scenes. Once again, it's very entertaining to see Kate Beckinsale get violent on people.

  • Chase sequences. It's also quite entertaining to see people trying to catch her. 

  • Love this movie's sense of humor. Especially considering it can use violence and vulgarity to make you laugh. 

  • Speaking of making me laugh, the witty dialogue is fantastic. 

  • Jai Courtney. Those dates. So heart-warmingly cute. 

  • Stanley Tucci. His role and connection with Lindy is pretty fun.  

  • The combo of Bobby Cannavale and Laverne Cox is just awesome. Enjoyable oil and water duo routine there. 

  • Ori Pfeiffer as Delacroix. Excellent antagonist. 

  • Despite the simplicity of being just another action movie, there are some themes and subtle commentaries worth acknowledging.

NEGATIVES…

  • Not exactly rewriting the book on action films. It's derivative in many ways. 

  • It can be an awfully silly movie. 

  • Plot conveniences. 

  • There are just several unbelievable moments that might kill your suspension of disbelief. 

  • Conclusion might not work for everybody. 

  • That movie-set backlot they used over and over again for this. Maybe just a little too much?

  • Sure looks like an action flick on a tighter budget than the blockbusters.

  • Arguably needed to be more ambitious in it’s cinematic scope and set pieces.

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

Jolt - watched it on PRIME VIDEO