Stars: 5/5 ⭐️ Let me first say, fuck Kevin Feige for calling this movie an experiment. This movie gave the vibes of Avengers: Infinity War, minus the hour of time travel bullshit, mixed with a family story. When the movie first came out, Rotten Tomatoes gave it like a 93% (now 92%, but 98% from audiences) or something around that, and it is deserved. The movie delivered on being another great installment in the MCU, while also delivering on the story, unlike other Marvel movies, which are usually covered up with action scenes. So, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, or just Shang-Chi is so fluid with its plot, where it was hard to point out what points we were in as the movie progressed, as the movie was so smooth in transiting to the next scene, with great dialogue. Which, I have to say, in this film, it didn't feel like the movie was explaining anything, and everything was found out organically. (Except, yes, in the intro, but you know, it was the definition of show don't tell for the power of the ten rings) Bringing back the "Mandarin" for this film was also a great call back to Iron Man 3, and I think it wrapped that up nicely, as we got to see so much of the real Mandarin's strength on display. And he made this film action-packed for sure, but that's not to say this movie didn't feel like a comedy at the same time. Let me just say, comedy in this movie was a standout, where it felt funny! Mostly brought by Awkwafina, and her character, Katy, Shang-Chi had humor instead of gags that other Marvel movies have, where it doesn't feel like the effort was put into the comedy. And speaking of Katy, she was given quite an arc over the movie, which I enjoyed. Especially that line that was said to her, "If you aim at nothing, you hit nothing", which I think is great for people to hear, as it feels realistic to life, as many people don't get their dream something, but they pivot and get something that they realize that love. Also, I was surprised her character and Simu Liu's Shang-Chi didn't get together, which I hope stays that way, seeing their friendship grow, and have it not turn romantic. I would also love to shout out to the VFX teams as the effects in this movie were so well done, and every scene felt like a visual masterpiece. The fight scenes, as well, need a shout-out, as it seemed most of them were done to the most practical effect they could. This extremely heightened the fun of the movie, as there weren't so many quick cuts so you couldn't tell what was happening, but it's actual long takes, where you see the action unfold right before your eyes. Simu Liu should get a shout-out as well, for promoting the shit out of this movie since Marvel wouldn't do it themselves, as well as his performance in the movie, because it was amazing. The emotional scenes. Emotional. The comedic scenes. Comedic. And the fight scenes. Chef's kiss to see him do a good amount of it. (or at least that's what it seemed in the movie.) Loved seeing both post-credit scenes as well, as we already got to see Shang-Chi start to connect with the larger MCU universe. And in all, this movie, for me, was a knockout! A great film for representation in front and behind the camera, and a great place to put your dollar. Also, I hope Simu Liu gets the Marvel Effect, and for those uninitiated, with the Marvel Effect it's when a kinda unknown actor stars in a Marvel Film, and then blows up, and gets cast in everything, so I hope that happens to Simu!!
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Stars: 4.5/5 ⭐️ So, the third movie to wrap up the trilogy was... good. The movie is split in half with the first hour following Deena as she's thrust back in 1666 where she is the witch, Sarah Fier, and we learn about Sarah's backstory. And it's very interesting to learn what happened, and why she's framed for being a witch, and someone who made a deal with the Devil, but with the twist, it made the movie a bit confusing. The choosing of who becomes a crazed killer makes sense, but when you think about how when you get blood on Sarah Fier's body, and how the killers come for you now because you're getting close to the truth made some things a little odd. One thing that I thought of right away was in 1978 when the Axe Murderer is killing Shadysiders, why does he hit young Nick Goode in the back of the leg with his axe? If it seems that Nick Goode has, in a sense, control over these killers, why would that happen? Also, with the Axe Murderer, why does he kill Shadysiders in 1978, but with Ghost Mask, he only goes after Sam in 1994, but never Deena, nor Kate, Simon, or Josh, even though they're Shadysiders. So it feels like the writers should have had a Netflix after-show kinda explaining everything because there are some bits that need to be explained for sure. However, it did explain why Nick Goode never said anything about Tommy in 1978 and didn't bat an eye at the fact that an undead killer is following Deena and her friends. But, if not thinking about that, the movie was awesome! The theme about homosexuality and how it's a "direct link" to the Devil back in 1666 was deeply heartbreaking, but also can be relatable to queer people now in 2021. The plan in the mall as well as well-executed, and well thought out, and it was a fun plan to see in action. Especially when you see the killers try to kill each other when they're sprayed with Deena's blood. Speaking of Deena as well, there seemed to be a connection between her and Sarah Fier, so it was great to see in a sense both of them kill Nick, because it's retribution for what Solomon did to Sarah, and Deena, who believes deeply in the curse, finally ending it. However, when Nick is killed and all the killers who are at the mall just poof, why not Sam? So that was a bit confusing, but I am happy that they didn't fridge a gay character, and Deena and Sam got to end up with each other in the end. Also, one of the things that I found to be the best scene was when Deena and Sam get out of Nick Goode's house, and they see a truck slam into a car, showing that the curse has been lifted. Overall, this movie, and the whole trilogy as well, was a fun ride, and a great introduction into the horror genre as well, and again, I get why everyone is praising this movie, because right from the beginning it knows what it is, sticks to it, and executes it stupendously. Stars: 4.5/5 ⭐️ So... this movie raised my blood pressure for sure. Fear Street 1978 follows Ziggy Berman, played by Sadie Sink, and Cindy Berman, played by Cindy Rudd during the 1978 massacre at camp Nightwing, told in a flashback from C. Berman, a survivor of the massacre, with C. Berman's first few words being "my sister died." So first off, deciphering who C. Berman is between Ziggy and Cindy was pressure, second, all the information given in 1994 is also applicable to 1978, which means you always know more than the characters, so that's fun. Though looking back, there is a point where it obviously points to who C. Berman is, with the information given from 1994, so looking back after, you might realize that C. Berman was revealed about mid-way through the film. Also, the lore of the Fear Street universe builds quite a bit in 1978, through dual storylines of Cindy and her friend Alice trying to escape a cavern, and Ziggy and Nick Goode (in 1994 he's the WASPy police chief. Total bitch.) trying to flee from the Nightwing Axe murder. Theoretically, you can watch 1978 by its lonesome, and it will still be heart-pounding, as it's your classic 70s camp slasher horror movie. And it plays into a good amount of those horror stereotypes, but some do get flipped on their head. Also, there is much more blood and gore in this movie compared to the last, as lots of children getting axe murdered. Especially because they'll come out of nowhere, and since most shots of the characters standing and talking, they're framed right or left, for just enough room for a possible axe to the side of the head, which can be quite terrifying since you know more about the killer than the campers do. Again though, there are some jump scares in the film, but just like 1994, they're more funny jump scares, with shark shrieks of a violin, and most scare moments are panning to the scary. As talked about in my 1994 review, the Nightwing Axe Murderer is scary, but not really until they get the bag over their head, which I think that then symbolizes their loss of humanity. And speaking of symbolism, there is quite a lot in the movie, from death scenes to animals in the nature cabin. Although there are two characters in the film that were forgotten, and that was Sheila and Kurt. Sheila is knocked out mid-way through the film where the Nightwing Axe Murderer is trying to kill Ziggy, and we never see Sheila again. Is she dead? Did she escape? We never know. Also, Kurt's character feels like he's a stand-in character for those preppy jocks at summer camp, and his character just goes away after half the film, fleeing with the campers in a school bus. But I can fully say, I am pumped for Fear Street 1666. So much has to lead up to this movie, and I am thankful for Netflix for releasing these movies consecutively instead of doing one a year because I know 1666 will be quite the movie. Stars: 4.5/5 ⭐️ I have never seen a horror movie before. So, going into this, I was a little nervous, nervous in the sense that I wouldn't like it, as sometimes. they are just, "People getting killed, and there's no real plot", but Fear Street was reinvigorating to watch as a writer. The world-building of just the first movie was immaculate, which got me really excited to see where the story will go for 1978, and 1666. So 1994 follows Deena, played by Kiana Madeira, her girlfriend, Sam, played by Olivia Scott Welch, her two friends, Kate, played by Julia Rehwald, and Simon, played by Fred Hechinger, and her little brother Josh, played by Benjamin Flores Jr. (who I don't think his name is ever said in the film, maybe once) as they try to stop all the monsters who are coming after Sam, as she's disturbed a witch's grave. And from there it's loads of running, screaming, slashing, and an overall good time, as the rising action is well done, actually feeling like there is more than just the goal of "escape". Obviously, as it's a horror movie, there is a good amount of gore, but there are no nasty images in the show, with most slashing scenes only having blood spurting out of bodies, and blood pouring out of bodies, but that's the worst of it. Also, in regards to the jump scares, they're more comedic than scary, with helps the film overall, adding the bits of comedy. The killers of the film though were a little freaky, specifically the Axe Murder, but that allowed for the feeling of suspense as they are formidable against the teen. One of the main things that really made the movie enjoyable was that there was a lesbian couple at the center of the movie, which is rare to see. Obviously, would have been better if it was in rom-com format, but seeing the representation was astonishing, especially since the film is set in 1994 when queer people weren't really accepted in larger society, but in the movie, the isn't a moment where it flaunts its couple, which I loved that they destigmatized having queer couples in the film. Especially since it was an interracial couple, and most queer couples in films are both white and usually men. Going into the next two films, I'm excited about the continuation of the world-building, as it feels like it can go anywhere. Also, I think it was a good idea for Netflix to release the movies consecutively, as it keeps the attention of the audience for the whole trilogy. Furthermore, having a trilogy allowed for the suspense of the movie, as they all take place in different eras, so the audience knows there won't be a clear-cut ending for the first movie, which also leads to the suspense of the viewer. Overall, Fear Street is a great introduction for viewers into the horror genre, and, understandably, people say it's a love letter to 80s horror flicks. Stars: 3.5/5 ⭐️ Usually, Adam Sandler movies are not my cup of tea, but "Murder Mystery" was good... mostly. Parodying the murder mystery genre was an interesting choice, and I think it was a good choice, especially in this case, because it balanced the action and mystery of the movie, with the comedy, which Sandler didn't write it in fact, to kind of feel like a real-life Clue game that you play with your friends. Starring Adam Sandler as Nick Spitz, and Jennifer Aniston as Audrey Spitz, it follows their misadventures as they get wrapped up in a murder mystery that they are then pinned for. It's got a good amount of Sandler comedy, and if you know then you know, but it also entertains you with the plot of the story, continuously moving forward, making you continuously question who the killer is, since loads of people die in this film. (which did leave Adam and Jennifer's characters as questionable people, because they don't seem rocked by the fact of all these people dying in front of them) Also, just like any great murder mystery, are multiple twists and turns in the film, which I think allows the movie to keep its pace, which also makes it so you have to stay engaged in the film as well, which I think overall makes the movie enjoyable. The ending comes out of nowhere, but in a good way, of it makes sense, but you don't see it coming at all, which I think pulls the film together as a zany film. Adam and Jennifer's chemistry is superb in this as well, and their characters really do jump off the screen, so much that at times watching the movie made me feel like I was watching an alternate universe of adult couples that I've seen try to solve a murder. There is also heart in the film as well, as Adam's character in America has tried to become a detective in this movie three times, failing the test thrice, and seeing the dynamic of how Adam and Jennifer's characters relate to each other and want to be seen in each other's eyes is something that I feel a lot of people can relate to. They love each other, and although there is friction between the two characters, we can see how much they love each other, through the actions they take, as well as Adam and Jennifer's acting abilities. Overall, Murder Mystery is not the most amazing film out there, but it does have its moments where it descends from the clouds of murder and insanity to feel like a real story. Stars: 4/5 ⭐️ Set it up would have been better if it didn't turn into a love story at the end. Let's start with that. Following two overworked millennials (honestly, all millennials are overworked today) Harper, played by Zoey Deutch, and Charlie, played by Glen Powell, who decide to set their bosses up. This is done so they may have time outside of work to pursue interests if that is other passions or people. With most of the movie having Harper and Charlie separate from each other, it allows the movie to explore both of their lives individually. it is a nice refresh compared to other movies, where we learn about these characters, their flaws, their values, what makes them truly them. We see and understand Harper's want to be a writer, but her getting consumed by her work, to the point where she will do anything, ethical or unethical to find time to write, and the best surprise of the movie: she's kinda a sucky writer, which most writers are when they start writing. Charlie on the other hand will play the game, whatever it may be to be able to get to the top, and when that turns into allowing his boss to sleep with their ex-wife, he does exactly that, because he believes that it will get him ahead. They're both treated as people in the movie, instead of fragments of each other, which makes it work when they are in scenes together because it feels like two fully formed people make conscious independent decisions instead of the plot making them say whatever is needed to push the plot forward. The two's budding friendship and foil personalities are the center of the movie, as well as their intelligence, which is usually not displayed in media staring millennial characters. It is about them finding their passion, which seems to be what more and more people are doing at an older age, and the film shows how powerful it can be to take the time to go over what you want in life. By the end of the movie, they're a little confused about where they move in terms of profession and as people, which makes the ending feel real, and allows it to connect to the audience. But it's not dreadful, more hopefully, as they have the chance to go after anything they desire. So this take on the millennial rom-com of they didn't know it yet, but they loved each other is well-executed, as in the end, they don't realize they're "it" for each other, and they don't fall in love either, but it more opened ended for what the future may hold, just like in their jobs, just like real life. Stars: 5/5 ⭐️ Someone Great is spectacular, let me just start there. It follows Jenny Young, played by Gina Rodriguez, (who also produces the movie) after a breakup with her long-time boyfriend, as she plans to move cross country to SF from NYC. But it's more complex than that. As one of her last nights in town, she recruits her friends, Erin, played by DeWanda Wise, and Blair, played by Brittany Snow, to help her attend Neon Classic, a music festival in NYC. As the three moves about the city, securing tickets for the event, running into exes, and getting high, the friendship amongst the women is incredible. The three bounce off each other, showing their strengths and flaws in each other, making the characters come alive, characters that you can see yourself in, and relate to. Although there are some squabbles amongst the three, they are there for one another and support each other in all endeavors of their individual lives, and it's undeniably displayed when Blair reveals that she's been sleeping with Jenny's "ex" of nine years. The discussions on romantic love, with the three women, all in their own ways, are deep and real as well. Blair falling out of love with her roommate/boyfriend, showing how they both do love each other enough to let each other go, as they have fallen out of romantic love. Erin, who can't fully commit to a woman out of fear she'll be left again, and finally being able to open herself up to fearless love. And Jenny with her having to break up with her boyfriend Nate, played by LaKeith Stanfield, because she is moving to SF, but not ready or willing to lose him, although not being able to do anything about it. However, I believe that Someone Great is about grieving the loss of your friends, not the loss of a romantic relationship, as strong friendship is on full display throughout the movie. The three lean on each other, throughout the film, and the flashback scenes show us insight into how they've always been on each other's side. And it is the last scene of the movie solidifying this, as it isn't centered around Jenny and Nate, but around Jenny, Blair, and Erin telling each other how much they love and care for one another. Although we see how Jenny and Nate grew up and grew apart from each other through flashback scenes, having the final moment surround the three women shows how valuable and sacred friendship truly is. It reminds us that even when we are in our darkest moment, we will always have our friends by our side to help us along the way. Stars: 2/5 ⭐️ The other day, I watched the 2019 film "Otherhood" starring Angela Bassett, Felicity Huffman, and Patricia Arquette. Following three mothers who feel forgotten from their sons on a mother's day, so they make the impulsive trip up to New York City, to surprise their adult sons to reconnect with them. And let me say, it wasn't great. The themes of motherhood and family relationships are important, yes, but the film displays some toxic forms of mothering, specifically in Felicity Hoffman's character, Helen, a divorcee. While Angela Basset's character, Carol, and Patricia Arquette's character, Gillian, try to reconnect on their son's level, as they are all grown adults, Helen expects her son, Paul, to go out of his way to connect with Helen on her level, instead of the other way around. It's first seen when she demands to move in with Paul after booking a hotel for herself, after she sees a window display he did for Joseph, a luxury fashion brand, presumably expecting he has money. What follows with Helen's journey to "reconnect" with Paul is a diner scene where Paul has to "come out" to Helen, as Helen already knew but wants to hear the words, "I'm gay" when she then says that all Paul has to do is come out to his father, which Paul reveals he has already done. This upsets Helen, as she wanted her son's coming out to be about her, and have her to be the first to know, between her and her ex-husband, which shows how narcissistic Helen is to expect anything, especially in regards to her son's sexuality. Paul then has to comfort her, as exclaims that she was told that she ruined Paul's life which is an over-exaggeration of Paul's abandonment issues from his parents' divorce, as his father left him, and his mother didn't pay him enough attention through the situation. Later in a shocking twist, Helen learns that Paul has decided to be a male surrogate for his lesbian friends so that they may have a baby, which royally pisses Helen off, as not only she gets mad at Paul for making an independent choice, unrelated to her, but also about how she "can't see her grandchild", but then she learns it is a girl, and she always wanted a girl, but now she is being deprived of "her" grandchild. Although Paul says many times over that it is not her grandchild, as he even signed papers saying that he has no parental attachment to the child, Helen demands to see the baby girl, so she does... by stalking. Helen stalks one of the mothers around New York City until finally, they have a conversation where the mother reiterates that Paul doesn't have a parental attachment to the child, but then the mother finally gives in and allows Helen to see the baby girl. So while Helen is traipsing around NYC stalking mothers, Carol and Gillian try to connect to their sons on the men's level, with Carol attending a party that her son's company is throwing, and Gillian trying to seek forgiveness from her son, as Gillian shat all over her son's past relationship without truly knowing how amazing the girl is. So, by having the central plot follow Helen as she gaslights, gatekeeps, and girlbosses through Paul's boundaries, it reinforces the toxic idea that children are the branches of a parent, instead of their separate independent self. |
AuthorRyan Jones is an aspiring screenwriting, and an environmental enthusiast and activist. Archives
February 2022
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