West Side Story

POSITIVES

  • Gotta appreciate how this movie is unabashedly unashamed to just break out into a huge song and dance number. Those big energetic musical set pieces are fantastically enjoyable. There’s a reason several of the songs are musical classics. 

  • As a variation of the Romeo & Juliet tale, this continues to be an entertaining and interesting story to watch. Even if you already know how it’s likely going to end. 

  • Kudos to Spielberg for taking advantage of the movie medium by making this musical not look like it’s just on a stage, with some scenes moving from one location to another. However I also have to give kudos for him willing to still have certain musical numbers completely take place on a staged location, but instead uses the camera to create movements to the scene. 

  • Speaking of deserving recognition. The wonderful cast of actors! From the charming Rachel Zegler, the amazing Ariana Debose, to all the solid performances by David Alvarez, Mike Faist, Rita Moreno, Brian d'Arcy James, Josh Andrés Rivera, Corey Stoll, Iris Menas, and even Ansel Elgort. 

  • Those social commentaries that absolutely stand the test of time. Still very relevant 60+ Years later.

NEGATIVES

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West Side Story (2021) - watched it IN THEATERS

tick, tick... BOOM!

POSITIVES

  • If you love the musical RENT, Jonathan Larson, or Andrew Garfield, then you really need to watch this movie. 

  • Loved the narrative with the framing device and the intercutting between the stage and the story. 

  • Andrew Garfield is an amazingly energetic versatile actor that absolutely shines as Jonathan Larson. 

  • Supporting cast is fantastic as well, with many highlights by Robin de Jesús and Alexandra Shipp. 

  • The songs are peppy, catchy, and lively. Plus the musical numbers are just presented really well, and in absolute sync with the story telling. "Boho Days," "No More," "Therapy," and several more are just some of the great choices to pick from.

NEGATIVES

  • If you don't like artsy kids, then this might just annoy you. 

  • If you don’t like musicals, then this is really not going to change your mind.  

  • There are a good amount of broadway related cameos that can be too distracting.  

  • My fault, but I kept thinking that the character Karessa was going to go in one particular direction with the story, and yet it never happened. Intentional subversion that played on my false expectations?  

  • Speaking of expectations. The conclusion to the movie may not be as satisfying as it probably should have been.

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tick, tick… BOOM! - watched it on NETFLIX

House of Gucci

POSITIVES…

  • If you’re looking for a fascinating story about a rich family that’s going through some dysfunctional downward spiral then this is the movie for you. Especially if you are into Gucci. 

  • The narrative does have a trashy soap opera drama vibe that really goes places to grab your attention. I doubt you’d get bored with this. 

  • Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Al Pacino, Jared Leto, and Salma Hayek, deserve some credit for keeping your eyes on the screen, by entertaining you with how they are acting their roles. 

  • Look at this movie throwing money all around, with it’s showcase of fantastic locations that’s featured in this film.

  • It can be ssooo bad, that it turns around and at least becomes a film that’s worth a look. It definitely has some scenes I’m not forgetting anytime soon.

NEGATIVES…

  • The attempt at Italian accents. Am I being unfair to say that they mostly sounded hilariously bad? I know I was definitely laughing out loud whenever Jared Leto was talking like he was Super Mario. 

  • Multiple times I would go “what the heck am I seeing right now?!” “What was that?!!!” “What is happening right now?” This movie really can be bonkers. Even certain song placements felt completely off with the scenes they accompanied. 

  • Characters are so over-the-top at times that I started questioning whether I’m supposed to perceive the movie as a comedy. 

  • I know the movie is already two and a half hours long, but there were moments I felt like there were certain scenes missing from the overall narrative. 

  • Seemed too indulgent overall.

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House of Gucci - watched it IN THEATES

Encanto

POSITIVES…

  • From the colorful energetic animation, the wonderful premise, the variety of characters, the sense of humor, to the lively musical sequences, this movie really keeps your attention from beginning until the end. 

  • Kudos to this wonderful cast of actors and the enjoyable characters they play. Stephanie Beatriz as Mirabel, Jessica Darrow as Luisa, Diane Guerrero as Isabela, Maria Cecilia Botero as Abuela Alma, John Leguizamo as Bruno, and more! Oh, shout out to Casita and the animals too! 

  • The songs are quite solid in this, and I liked the anthemic style for several of them. Some favorites were "Surface Pressure," "What Else Can I do?," and "Dos Oruguitas." 

  • Musical sequences aside, there are also several entertaining and imaginative set pieces to keep things exciting, or grab you emotionally. There’s a family dinner that goes out of control, a sudden chase scene that was fun to watch, to that one particular heartbreaking montage. 

  • More than just being a fantastic movie about this special family, the numerous themes and lessons found in it elevates this story into something far more ambitious than meets the eye.

NEGATIVES…

  • Due to the bursts of creativity that is found in this movie, it’s a little disappointing to still find some typical plot cliches or tropes that keep this from having a fresh narrative. 

  • I suppose it’s just because of the way they are written, but while the songs work really well with the scenes they accompany, I can’t say they can truly stand out on their own. In other words, it would help if they could be more catchy. 

  • Certain characters don’t really get the best opportunities to shine as much as others do. One particular character I actually found rather annoying to see on screen. 

  • Some plot points I found rather questionable in how they were implemented into the story. Some I found absolutely unnecessary. Some I find very controversial. 

  • Not completely confident that they one hundred percent landed that ending. One could argue that it was a cop-out of a conclusion.

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Encanto - watched it IN THEATERS

King Richard

POSITIVES…

  • Inspiring story about hard work, perseverance, family, parenting, class & social inequalities, and tennis. Who doesn't like a good sports underdog story? 

  • Since this story involves Venus and Serena Williams, you have to wonder how entertaining it is to watch the sport of tennis depicted here. I’m happy to say that it's very entertaining. 

  • Will Smith as Richard Williams is fantastic, and is perfectly complemented by the great cast that includes Aunjanue Ellis, Saniyya Sidney, Demi Singleton, Jon Bernthal, Tony Goldwyn, and more. 

  • Besides those exciting tennis scenes, the exchanges of dialogue that usually involves Richard Williams trying to make a point are one of the strongest moments in this film. 

  • Thematically solid with the true success story that this movie is based on, but I also particularly like the lesson behind Cinderella that is brought up.

NEGATIVES…

  • As much as the movie is able to create tension in a narrative sense, it doesn’t change the fact that we should already know what happens based on real life, which unfortunately does indeed kill that tension. 

  • Speaking of real life. I’m sure some people will take issue with some of the historical accuracy, liberties taken, and details omitted. 

  • Still speaking of things that may have actually happened, some of the more unbelievable moments seem too unbelievable at times? Life is stranger than fiction, sure, but sometimes that works against the movie. 

  • A little heavy handed at times, which I suppose couldn’t be helped considering the story, but still... 

  • I don’t know if it has to be said, but if you aren’t a fan of tennis, then this movie may not be for you, nor will it suddenly convert you into being a fan.

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King Richard - watched it on HBO MAX

Ghostbusters: Afterlife

POSITIVES…

  • If you were a fan of the original Ghostbusters films, then there’s a lot to like about this sequel. Get ready for all the fan service, references, and easter eggs. 

  • Might be a debatable thing to say, but this might just be the funniest entry in the franchise. All thanks to the witty dialogue, one-liners, comebacks, and Phoebe’s jokes. I loved Phoebe’s jokes! 

  • Excellent cast with fantastic chemistry together! Mckenna Grace really leads this movie wonderfully, Carrie Coon is a delight, Paul Rudd is just fun, Logan Kim is a scene stealer, Finn Wolfhard is good too, plus all the rest. 

  • I want to say that the very specific ways they included a particularly well loved character into this movie is just absolutely fantastic! Thank you!  

  • Entertaining scenes and set pieces to check out, from summer school classes, chasing muncher, Walmart, that third act, and just the whole process of these characters discovering the iconic Ghostbusters stuff for the first time.

NEGATIVES…

  • I get that this purposefully calls back to the 1984 original, but there are many plot points that come off as possibly too derivative of that. 

  • Kinda takes a while before it gets to the parts you really really want to see. 

  • There are some plot questions that you want to see answers to, but the answers never come. 

  • Plot conveniences that keeps the stakes a little lower than it should. 

  • Honestly wished there simply were more ghosts in this ghostbusters movie.

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Ghostbusters: Afterlife - watched it IN THEATERS

Red Notice

POSITIVES…

  • If you enjoy watching Dwayne Johnson and Ryan Reynolds playing the roles they usually play, and have them team-up in a buddy movie kinda way, then you might like watching this for those reasons alone. 

  • There’s this humorous running joke where Reynolds as Nolan Booth enjoys any opportunity to screw over Johnson's John Hartley. 

  • Then there’s Gal Gadot who is just a joy to watch playing it all up as the main antagonist in this story. 

  • The big heist sequence was kinda fun and enjoyable enough to act as the main set piece to look forward to in this movie. 

  • From the different distinct locations, the adventuring aspects of the narrative, lighthearted thievery, to some legitimately nice plot reveals, there are elements to this movie that are entertaining.

NEGATIVES…

  • From the cringe worthy jokes, the subpar CGI, the overly indulgent story beats, to the typical plot conveniences, this just doesn’t feel like it’s trying hard enough to be the good movie it thinks it is trying to be. 

  • Exposition. Exposition. Exposition. So many minutes dedicated to somebody monologuing an explanation about something. Augh! Just get on with it already! 

  • Explain this to me movie, why are there way too many times when I had to yell at the screen “that doesn’t make sense!” or “that’s just stupid!” or “of course THAT would happen because it’s too hard to actually be clever!” 

  • Take a shot whenever you come across the lame product placements and pop culture references in this movie.

  • Are Dwayne Johnson and Ryan Reynolds forever stuck playing their usual stock characters? People are getting tired of that by now right?

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Red Notice - watched it on NETFLIX

Belfast

POSITIVES…

  • Kenneth Branagh outdid himself here with this lovely film. Kicks off with an explosive opening and just keeps your attention for the rest of the story. From bringing Belfast to life, the personable story, to the characters’ journey, told in a spectacular narrative, and done via a tightly paced 97 minutes that doesn’t waste your time. 

  • There’s a very distinct fragile contrast in tones between the two intersecting storylines of the childhood innocence as seen through the eyes of Buddy, and the very real complications of adult’s lives as shown to us via the perspective of his Pa and Ma. That delicate balance only strengthens the noteworthy themes and lessons of this story, about family, community, social politics, hope, and love. 

  • What a fantastic cast! Jude Hill as Buddy is an incredibly delightful lead character that is easily the main highlight of this film. Caitriona Balfe is simply amazing in the role of Buddy’s Ma, and Jamie Dornan brings a lot of charm and emotions as Pa. Two other standouts that have to be pointed out are the wonderful Ciarán Hinds and Judi Dench as Pop and Granny respectively. Those conversations between Pop and Buddy are just one of my favorite things about this movie. 

  • While there are some deeply serious topics, poignant commentaries, and heartwarming moments that this story covers, it still absolutely does not shy away from just all out entertaining us with enjoyably fun sequences and humorous conversations. 

  • This black & white picture, the brief moments strategically filled with color, how certain shots are framed, to the Van Morrison filled soundtrack, this movie is also a visual and aural experience to be had.

NEGATIVES…

  • Hope you can understand the Irish accent or have access to subtitles, because that’s the whole movie. 

  • There’s a particular stand-off during the third act that looked way too conveniently staged for me. 

  • Not every plot gets the follow-up or conclusion that you might have been hoping to see. 

  • Needless to say, if you’re not into Black & White movies, then this is probably not for you. 

  • I shouldn’t even find this to be an issue, but Dornan and Balfe stand out way too much as seemingly the only handsome/beautiful couple in Belfast.

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Belfast - watched it IN THEATERS

Spencer

POSITIVES…

  • First and foremost, Kristen Stewart perfectly captures this Princess Diana who is filled with uncomfortable anxiety, awkwardness, and random manic moments. Easily the reason to see this film, is to just be captivated with what Diana is going to do next.

  • It’s fascinating to see the Royals in this light, Diana’s situation with the family, and all those traditions, procedures, and all the operational details.

  • Timothy Spall, Sally Hawkins, Sean Harris, and Jack Farthing, are excellent in their supporting roles, and are instrumental in certain memorably great scenes with Diana.

  • Filled with lots of beautifully shot cinematography, and I’m sure there are those who will enjoy the different dresses that Diana gets to wear.

  • If they wanted the tone and soundtrack to make it seem like this is some psychological horror film, then they succeeded!

NEGATIVES…

  • There’s a restless, aimless, meandering narrative to this film that will not work for everybody. There isn’t quite a traditionally told story here that covers these three days during Christmas, and that too will not quite work for everybody.

  • Some might be disappointed with the liberties taken in this movie.

  • Had to put up with several weird, random, innocuous, and silly scenes. Oh, and those seemingly indulgent montage sequences.

  • At certain points in the film, I found myself thinking that this heightened melodrama is just too unbelievable.

  • Hate to ask this but am I suppose to show sympathy for Diana or be completely annoyed with how bratty she is acting? I’m leaning more towards the latter, which unfortunately affects my overall enjoyment of the film.

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Spencer - watched it IN THEATERS

Love Hard

POSITIVES…

  • Romantic situational comedy about catfishing? Despite that problematic premise, the movie actually found a way to make this a likeable enough experience to watch. Pleasantly surprised! 

  • There are two reasons to see this movie. The back and forth between Nina Dobrev and Jimmy O. Yang, plus the comedy that is Nina Dobrev and Darren Barnet. 

  • Josh's family is a great addition to this movie. Got a lot of entertaining and fun moments from them. 

  • There are some enjoyable scenes to check out, from that "I will do anything for Love" scene, breakfast rock climbing, Christmas caroling, and more. 

  • Soundtrack is fantastic, and it doesn't even use holiday songs as a crutch that much either, especially considering this is a Christmas themed movie.

NEGATIVES…

  • The basic premise is absolutely questionable for a romantic comedy. I felt like I was watching a movie from the previous century. 

  • You've seen this movie before. It hits a lot of the usual derivative plot tropes. The most clever thing about this is the reason it's called "Love Hard." 

  • Cringey embarrassing humor and some serious moments that can kill the mood. 

  • That reminds me… They did a "Baby, it's cold outside" gag? Seriously? Several of the pop culture references in this movie felt kinda tired. 

  • Movie kinda hits you over the head about it's themes and lessons. They are good themes and lessons, but we get it movie! We get it!

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Love Hard - watched it on NETFLIX