Spider-Man: No Way Home

POSITIVES

  • Out of all the live-action Spider-Man movies, this is undoubtedly the most ambitious, most exciting, and most engaging story that will hold a solid grip of your attention from the very beginning, all the way to the very end. It’s a 148 minutes movie, and I wanted it longer! 

  • Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Benedict Cumberbatch, Marisa Tomei, Alfred Molina, Willem Dafoe, and so many more! What a spectacular cast, working as a sensational ensemble, that truly brings these amazing characters to life on screen. 

  • Between all the action and the comic book-ness of it all, the scenes where it really is just characters talking to each other, a discussion, or an argument, having a heart to heart moment, are what I thought truly elevated this film beyond just your typical blockbuster superhero movie.  

  • If you are a huge Spider-Man fan and a huge MCU fan, this installment to the franchise is such an incredible gift that will entertain you like no other live-action Spidey movie has ever done prior to this. Yes, certain particular references, cameos, and those big set pieces help a lot. 

  • From the heroism, science stuff, the moral messaging, the trials and tribulations, this film is truly an excellent representation of what makes Spider-Man who he is.

NEGATIVES

  • There are plot turns of events here that I don’t think will please everyone. Hopefully not to the point where they hate the movie, but not everyone will be happy with some of the outcomes. 

  • They didn’t make much of an attempt at explaining certain logistical aspects of the plot that I’m sure you will be really curious about. So, plot holes? 

  • Certain characters simply did not get as much screen time as you might have hoped they would have gotten. 

  • The way the action sequences are stitched together can be kinda messy. 

  • Some of those Spider-Man or MCU related easter eggs and winks to the camera can be a little too much or cringey at times.

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Spider-Man: No Way Home - watched it IN THEATERS

Nightmare Alley

POSITIVES

  • Intriguing, fascinating, dark, grim, with a wide-ranging set of characters, “Nightmare Alley” is an odd and unusual film that just grabs your attention visually and narratively.

  • Cate Blanchett. Period. Yes, Bradley Cooper was very solid. The whole ensemble cast that includes talent like Toni Collette, David Strathairn, Willem Dafoe, Richard Jenkins, and many more, were all really good. However, Cate Blanchett was just as amazing as she always is and owned this movie.

  • This film is filled with lots of well done character work, interactions, and conversations, that those moments are truly the best parts of this movie.

  • The particular skill and talent that this story features is what piqued my interest the most.

  • There are specific themes and lessons that this story is telling us that is worth the price of watching this movie.

NEGATIVES

  • Overall has quite a bit of unpleasantness with the story, setting, and characters that dampened by overall enjoyment of the movie. It wouldn’t be much of an issue if it wasn’t for the fact that I found it hard to care for the main character.

  • While I understand the necessary expositional content that the first act had to do, I just wished it would have gotten to the main meat of the story much sooner than it did.

  • I was disappointed with how the third act was just so predictable in ways that I wished the movie wouldn’t go in.

  • Rooney Mara seemed like she was completely underutilized in her role here.

  • Some bits of gruesomeness that may not be for everyone.

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Nightmare Alley - watched it IN THEATERS

C'mon C'mon

POSITIVES

  • There’s a fascinating and insightful story here that is worth the experience. Especially from the perspective of somebody who isn’t a parent or somebody who is. 

  • The three primary leads are fantastic in their roles. Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny, Woody Norman as Jesse, and Gaby Hoffmann as Viv. 

  • Probably the main draw to grab your attention in this film, is the chemistry, conversations, and dynamics between Johnny and Jesse, or Johnny and Viv, or Jesse and Viv. 

  • Thematically does have some thought provoking things to say. The plot thread involving the interviews with the kids should definitely give you something to think about. 

  • Love the location settings in this. New York City, Los Angeles, and New Orleans. 

NEGATIVES

  • Right off the bat I gotta ask, did this really have to be in Black & White? I’m not against the visual format, but there just doesn’t seem to be any real justification as to why this couldn’t have been in vibrant color. 

  • It also doesn’t help that due to this particular narrative, I can imagine people getting bored, restless, and just waiting for the movie to stop feeling so aimless. 

  • There are some frustrating moments that made me want to do a facepalm or shrug in bewilderment. 

  • Alright, I realize it’s unfair for me to say this, but I found the kid to be pretty annoying, to the detriment of me completely enjoying the movie. 

  • I’m so tired of movies using Clair De Lune! It’s overused people. Pick something else! 

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C’mon C’mon - watched it IN THEATERS

Mixtape

POSITIVES

  • Gotta love the pleasantly simple premise that revolves around a mixtape, the songs, how music is living, and how they could bring people together. 

  • Delightful story, filled with charming characters, fun dialogue, solid scenes, and feel good moments. 

  • Fantastic cast! Gemma Brooke Allen, Julie Bowen, Nick Thune, Audrey Hsieh, Olga Petsa, and Nick Thune, are all excellent in this. 

  • The 1990s references from the Y2K bug, Napster, to Ask Jeeves, are definitely some nostalgic fun. 

  • Soundtrack is filled with a pretty good collection of rock and pop songs. 

NEGATIVES

  • Not exactly the most exciting movie to watch, and can be a little too precious at times. 

  • There’s a certain familiarity to the plot progression that keeps this from completely standing out among the sea of movies in this vein. 

  • You might not completely relate with this movie if you think this is strictly a kids movie because of the young female cast. 

  • Some outdated plot tropes, ideas, and concepts. Meh. 

  • The bully characters cliche. Tired of it. 

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Mixtape - watched it on NETFLIX

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