ambusched94 Reviews

Ripley (2024)

Underwhelming adaptation compared to its film predecessor

[4/10 · 10 May 2024]

Wow, this show is way overhyped with the ratings on here and on IMDb. It took a bit to get used to the black and white-bordering-on-sepia filter but it does work once you're immersed in the story conflict of the ongoing deception and murderings by Tom Ripley. Andrew Scott is average as Ridley but not awards-worthy, but I prefer Matt Damon's version, he fits the character more and isn't the character supposed to be a little younger and less traveled in a sense? Again, I have the same sentiment with the other main/supporting characters, Dickie Greenleaf and Marge. I prefer the performances of Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow in the 1999 film version by Anthony Minghella. It makes more sense for Dickie to be a selfish, vapid playboy (in the show, he is not a playboy, much less wild, and more genuine) and for Marge to be naïve and kind in the beginning to Tom versus in the show, she already is suspicious of his motives from the get-go and standoffish. I also didn't like Dakota Fanning's performance of Marge. It was too cold, void of general emotion, just a really empty performance (a prime example that child actor stardom doesn't translate to the same caliber of adult acting performances).

Overall, the film carried more natural, emotionally nuanced performances vs in this TV series. Just like the film, the show had good usage of authentic '50s costumes, quality cinematography, filming locations were spot-on, and I do like that spoken Italian language was interweaved in the dialogue (where there was less of this in the film version).

After watching this TV adaptation of Ripley, it makes me appreciate the quality of filmmaking, directing, and performances in the 1999 version. I really believe the distinctive failure of the show is making Dickie such a two-dimensional and too nice of a character so that when Ripley murders him for less of a believable motive other than he wants his money and to steal his identity and secure the life he covets, viewers are left with hating Ripley. Whereas the film is the opposite, viewers are glad in a way that Ripley killed Dickie and this leads to viewers questioning and thought-provoking commentary on rooting for a morally ambiguous character that we sometimes can't help feel sorry for despite all the bad things he's done. But the show does get right, just as the film did, that ultimately Ripley is trying to survive no matter what it takes to get there. Goes to show that you can't recreate crime drama greatness in the same way all these years later in a Netflix show on the same story and characters lol. So obviously, I recommend watching the 1999 film version over this show.

Ghost World (2001)

A masterful dive into cynical realism and anti-conformity with stellar performances

[9/10 · 9 May 2024]

One of the best character-driven films. The main character Enid is relatable and while she makes stupid decisions, it makes her character all the more realistic. I love the cynical, satirical, acerbic commentary on society in this film (especially pretentious art teachers and classes lmao, conformity, societal expectations), the pathos, flaws, dilemma and character traits of all the core characters. Cynical realism captured so well. Thora Birch is stellar as the lead. Steve Buscemi is wonderful as Seymour - I enjoy Birch's and Buscemi's chemistry. While a lot of people may gawk at the large age difference of being friends with someone older or younger than them, at the end of the day, who cares, you should do what makes you happy. While Enid and Seymour have a big age gap between them, they have an effortless rapport and connection because they have a lot in common while at the same time they're different too. Scarlet Johansson is a natural in her supporting role as Rebecca.

Definitely, Ghost World is one of my comfort films. Realistic characters in a remarkable, antithesis coming-of-age story on anticonformity and figuring out your place in the world while trying not to loose who you truly are at your core. I appreciate the ambiguous ending. The eclectic genre soundtrack is superb. One of my favorite dark comedy dramas.

Beef (2023– )

A standout dark comedy drama, but mixed feelings about the last 2 episodes

[6/10 · 1 May 2024]

Steven Yeun and Ali Wong are perfectly cast in their roles. Supporting cast is solid too. I like dark humor and I laughed out loud in some of the earlier episodes. Lots of complex themes are covered, ranging from depression, loneliness, intricacy of relationships with family and in marriage, nihilism, existentialism, societal expectations, (superficiality in holding back on your true, unfiltered character), generational trauma, unhappiness, elusiveness of being fulfilled in your life, human connection, dissolution of marriage, and anger - externally and internally.

However, the last 2 episodes went downhill - they were really lacking and some elements of character's choices felt out of character. I also thought the wild berry poisoning/ psychedelic trip is an overused trope to get characters to bond through something. If Amy and Danny had talked it out, came to an understanding, forgave each other, and through just that they realized they have more common ground than they thought instead of having the characters suffer through the gross wild berry poisoning, I would thought that'd be better for an ending episode. Also, just too much shock value in episode 9 where it came off as too disturbing, like the billionaire literally getting smashed in half from a security door; that was so unnecessary to show that ewww. The last two episodes just didn't sit well with me and really felt thrown together with the screenplay, versus the natural conflict progression and buildup, excellent writing, character development of the other 8 episodes. So... somewhat disappointing.

Mean Girls (2024)

Unnecessary film that never needed to be made

[2/10 · 23 April 2024]

While it was a mildly fun one-time watch in theaters, this film still gets a low rating because it never needed to be made. Literally a cash grab. And while it's toted as a musical adaptation of Mean Girls Broadway, none of the songs are memorable and the pacing doesn't flow consistently. And it also feels gimmicky, has a lot of forced humor that falls flat, and like it's trying hard to be a remake for Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences (thank goodness I'm a Millennial and experienced the cult classic greatness of the 2004 Mean Girls film).

No actor in their respective role stood out in this musical film and a lot of actors felt miscast in their role (i.e. Angourie Rice, Jenna Fischer), but Reneé Rapp was good as Regina and her vocals were superb, but again her performance still can't top Rachel McAdams OG, iconic role of the Queen bee of North Shore High. Some iconic dialogue lines taken word-for-word from the OG 2004 film felt forced in the dialogue delivery here and cringy because it's like the actors in their roles were speaking the iconic lines to sound just as iconic and memorable as the original, when NO you can't recreate classic, iconic quote greatness. It was too cringy.

I did enjoy the cameos from Lindsay Lohan and Megan Thee Stallion.

A big skip, but if you have nothing to watch, then maybe try watching this, however it will never have that rewatchable factor compared to the 2004 film.

The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)

"I always thought it would be better to be a fake somebody than a real nobody."

[8/10 · 5 April 2024]

An intriguing, engrossing psychological thriller from start to finish. I'm not usually a fan of most of Matt Damon's performances and roles, but this is probably his best performance in his career still to this day as con artist Tom Ripley. Jude Law is equally terrific as narcissistic, selfish, pompous Dickie Greenleaf and Gwyneth Paltrow is pretty great as Marge Sherwood. The rest of the supporting cast are all solid, including Jack Davenport as Peter Smith-Kingsley and Cate Blanchett as Meredith Logue. A recommended '90s film about deception, identity theft, mystery, and how Ripley gets away with it all but he holds self-hatred to his own identity and would rather be "a fake somebody than a real nobody." He's literally his own worst enemy and that's where he'll never be able to be happy with who he is, and will commit crimes to deceive others into who he will never be. Notable cinematography, editing, music score, and set design. A must-watch '90s film.

Dune (2021)

Alright film, just not my style/genre, would not watch again

[3/10 · 7 March 2024]

I'm not the target audience for this film genre so take my opinion lightly. Stunning cinematography with the stark, contrasting visuals and realistic CGI/visual effects. Character development was adequate, however I didn't care if any character lived or died which shows how lackluster the characterization is. The action scenes played it too safe lol. The last half and last quarter of the film dragged a lot and pacing was definitely the issue. Timothée Chalamet is serviceable in the role but nothing remarkable in his acting here or generally in any of his roles tbh. The supporting role acting fares much better. A one-time watch for me. I also don't like Star Wars so perhaps that's why epic sci-fi space opera films like Dune included don't engage and interest me.

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

A gripping, gritty drama hindered by underwhelming central romance and suffers from a fairytale-like ending

[6/10 · 25 February 2024]

I guess right now I feel that not all films need a central romance to be considered, a "well-rounded" cohesive story, example being Slumdog Millionaire (2008). While I do love the vivid, frenetic cinematography, the film's diverse range of selected songs in the soundtrack, and music score, I previously did like the idealized romance watching this when I was younger, but now I don't lol. Their love connection and blossoming romance as young adults is so rushed and underdeveloped; the only reason they have a connection as young adults is because they were childhood friends and that's all they knew. I don't know I find the romance super underwhelming here despite the chemistry. And looking back at my last viewing, this is a mesmerizing drama that didn't need a romance so much, as solely focusing more on the underdog story of perseverance through difficult, poor life circumstances, the hopeful side of life, and the struggles that you have endure, and chasing your destiny. Recommended for the storyline, acting from all versions of the actors playing same characters at different ages and stages in life, music, cinematography, editing, but the contrived, underwhelming romance hinders this film from being truly great. I prefer more gritty dramas and this was too fairytale-like with all the main character's problems unrealistically resolved in a neat bow at the end, but the gritty realism in the beginning and middle was done wonderfully.

Mystic Pizza (1988)

Ridiculously dull coming-of-age film hugely FAILS to deliver engaging characters that have compelling character development

[1/10 · 20 January 2024]

Well, now I know why I haven't seen this film until today. I wasn't missing out not rushing to watch this so-called "classic." This is a dull coming-of-age film comedy-drama lacking engaging characters and most importantly... substantially interesting character development. After all, coming-of-age films focus heavily on characters' development growth or lack of. I didn't find any of the three central female characters and their individual scenes compelling enough to continue watching. Poor screenplay, distracting and annoying music score, and dull dialogue. I stopped watching about 30 minutes in. I don't recommend watching Mystic Pizza.

Moonstruck (1987)

Decent character-driven rom-com, hindered by lackluster chemistry and unconvincing romance

[5/10 · 19 January 2024]

I can see how this can be a person's comfort film to watch now and then. While it's not one of my comfort films, Moonstruck is a decent romantic comedy-drama that is more character-driven (which I appreciate) than focusing on huge plot events or run-of-the-mill rom-com situations. Danny Aiello is convincing in an against-type role. The rest of the cast turn in pleasant performances, albeit I am usually never invested in the central blooming romance between Nicolas Cage's Ronny and Cher's Loretta since I don't think they have enough romantic chemistry together to sell their falling into bed with each other/falling in love relationship all happening within less than a week. Also, it doesn't help that their characters look like siblings lol. Cher does well in the lead role, but I prefer her performance and acting chops more in the film Mask (1985).

Good Girls (2018–2021)

First two seasons are worth watching but the show's writing lacks variety and becomes too monotonous

[4/10 · 19 January 2024]

A binge-worthy comedy crime drama show until it got tedious with the conflict and subplots involving supporting characters. While the three main characters are interesting in the beginning, none of them are thoroughly interesting on their own enough to continue watching the show and still disregard the choppy episode writing, repeated conflict, and lame antagonists. Also, I always find it far-fetched that in this realistic fictional setting, none of the three main characters ever get arrested. There's always a plot convenience or plot hole thrown in to the plot where they evade getting arrested. I watched up to beginning of Season 3 and then just stopped because the progressing plot was dull and the exciting conflict dried up. The show writers ran out of original, believable conflict threads. They should've ended the show with two seasons.

Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998 Video)

Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Gang's darkest adventure yet

[8/10 · 19 January 2024]

The darkest themed animated Scooby-Doo film with a dynamic, intriguing mystery horror storyline. Perfect voice casting fitting each of the characters' personality and characterization. I love the detailed animation design and animation painted backgrounds in many scenes. The real monsters of the plot are creepy and it's a creative plot twist from expecting the reanimated corpses on the bayou island to be the real threat. When in fact, it's the two characters who've lived for over 200 years through draining the life force (in cat-like werewolf creature form, "werecats," during this sacrificial phase to retain their immortality) out of visitors they've lured to the island over the years; they have immortality because they literally sold their souls (were cursed) after they had prayed to the Cat God they worship to get vengeance on the pirates who stole their land and killed most of their settler group. A recommended animated mystery horror film about the Mystery Gang.

A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

An emotionally moving sci-fi drama propelled by a remarkable performance from then-child actor Haley Joel Osment

[9/10 · 16 January 2024]

One of my favorite sci-fi films. AI is a moving, emotionally vivid film with an excellent, immersive lead performance from talented then-child actor Haley Joel Osment as sentient android child David. David yearns to become a human boy so his adopted human mother Monica will genuinely love, care for him, and allow David to live in her home free of all the prejudices and fears that humans have about androids or as the film's futuristic world coins them, "Mecha." Jude Law is superb in his supporting turn as Joe, a lovebot/gigolo android. Frances O'Connor is well cast as Monica, the catalyst in David's journey to become a real boy.

The screenplay explores themes such as human condition through the perspective and experience of advanced sentient androids (David), human hubris and extreme dependence on technology (Mecha creations) to make living easier, (fueling the growing hatred, fear, and apathy from the human population against Mecha and causing "Flesh Fairs" to be established; and the increased advanced android technology inventions later results in contributing drastically to inevitable human extinction) and the capacity of an android child who can love unconditionally, (leading to consequences and inherited responsibility faced by the human he or she imprints his or her love on; android feelings are just as valid and real even if they're not originally organically formed, which is also a polarizing topic covered throughout) all contribute to a substantial, unforgettable science fiction film. Furthermore, the film, (particularly in the opening scene) sparks a debatable, thought-provoking question: can a human reciprocate genuine love for an android and not only care about the purpose or void filled the android was created for?

The ending is pathos-heavy and usually makes me cry each time. The cinematography, editing, resonating music score, and visual effects are first-rate. A must-watch early 2000s sci-fi drama. An indelible, brilliant film.

Disturbing Behavior (1998)

Good quality sci-fi psychological horror that had my attention the whole way through

[7/10 · 7 January 2024]

A gripping sci-fi psychological horror film from the late '90s. James Marsden, Nick Stahl, and Katie Holmes are all fantastic in their respective roles. Stahl plays his supporting role as rebellious misfit Gavin Strick so well that I was sad when his character was brainwashed into joining the Blue Ribbons "cult of students" as a "robotic, perfect" like them. And I wished at the end his friends Steve (Marsden) and Rachel (Holmes) could've saved him from the mind control he was trapped in. Mind control plot device is used as a metaphor for popularity, high school cliques, and academic perfection/privilege. A lot of creepy moments and a chilling omnipresent threat (literally the entire brainwashed, mind control cult of students and even a few policemen rule the small community of Cradle Bay), including great cinematography, editing, music soundtrack, and the opening scene sets the disturbing, unpredictable tone of the rest of the film. Recommended film of these subgenres.

Alien vs. Predator (2004)

Despite some obvious plot holes, this is a thrilling sci-fi action film worth watching

[5/10 · 1 January 2024]

The Alien versus Predator battle scenes are compelling and epic, which is the main reason I watch this. The blend of CGI visuals and practical effects looks brilliant. I could care less about any of the characters, except maybe the female lead who is the only one they develop enough that you hope she survives. There are some glaring plot holes such as, why would a Chestburster explode out of a Predator's chest after he's been dead for a while and after having been fatally stabbed in the abdomen area earlier by the Queen Alien? It's nonsensical in this fictional sci-fi setting. And they could've amped up the violence and gore if they pushed the rating from PG-13 to R rating. AVP is a fast-paced, thrilling sci-fi action film that's rewatchable from time to time.

Anyone But You (2023)

Forgettable rom-com that fails to spark and lacks believable romantic chemistry, hindered by bland acting from Sydney Sweeney and rushed, empty character development

[2/10 · 31 December 2023]

A forgettable, expendable rom-com where all the somewhat funny, shock value scenes are exposed in the theatrical trailer and there is hardly any laugh-out-loud scenes in this film overall.

While Glen Powell has the comedy chops and romantic charm for this film genre, to my astonishment it's the EXACT OPPOSITE for Sydney Sweeney. Her line delivery is dull and she has the same facial expressions, blank stare, dead eyes for most scenes in Anyone But You. You can tell she's acting as in she's not embodying the character in the story and she's simply reading the lines, not conveying any natural nuances in her character each time she does this. Sweeney's crying scene in the taxi felt unnaturally forced. I was surprised her acting was half-a**ed, whereas in the TV series Euphoria (2019-present) her acting feels natural. Or highly likely that she's a limited-range, one-note actress that can only do dark, coming-of-age drama genre and fails at rom-com. IMO, Powell and Sweeney had the most chemistry when their characters were arguing and hating each other. When they got all lovey dovey, the on-screen chemistry felt forced and it was lacking that romantic spark between their characters. I was not invested enough in their progressing relationship to care once they officially got together in the end.

So one, I feel like Sweeney largely ruins the film with her bland acting and line delivery, and lack of emotiveness. A better choice for the lead actress in this film should've been a comedic actress or an actress who can deftly juggle comedic timing and dramatic, emotional scenes. If this film was made and released in the 2000s decade for example, Amanda Bynes would be a prime choice for the role of Bea. And two, the character development is lacking and backstory are just tacked-on but don't add any characterization substance. The screenplay pushes the two characters to meet instantaneously at the start of the film, so viewers don't get any individual scenes of each lead character beforehand leaving a lot of character backstory nonexistent. The screenplay gives a brief overlay of each of Ben's and Bea's backstory in a scene montage and it's the error of telling over showing, and it doesn't work, leaving a rushed characterization of both characters that cheapens the film.

Supporting characters feel like caricatures and don't add anything to the story. No supporting character was memorable. Some corny dialogue and meta rom-com instances that seem shoehorned in. Also, I wish Darren Barnet (Paxton from the TV series Never Have I Ever (2020-2023)) had more scenes, dialogue and that he would've been the guy Bea ended up with if there was an unexpected surprise, twist ending, instead of the "enemies to lovers" and "stuck together so they'll end up together" overused romance tropes. But the screenplay is too safe and screenwriters would never be bold enough to rise up to a different, atypical ending like this.

I did like that the majority of the film was set in Australia and a few of the songs used in the film's soundtrack.

It's ironic that Dermot Mulroney and Rachel Griffiths are in this sucky rom-com when blasting back to the past to 1997, both Mulroney (as the leading man and love interest) and Griffiths (in a supporting role) starred in a first rate quality rom-com, My Best Friend's Wedding. This is why most of my fave rom-coms are from the '90s and the 2000s. When quality storytelling, chemistry, and character development reigned in comparison to this current rom-com garbage.

Anyone But You is a derivative, formulaic rom-com that's ultimately unmemorable, vapid rom-com plot, and a waste of time. Just casually watch it once it comes out on streaming if you have nothing else to watch and don't care about draining 1 hour 43 minutes of your time.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

My rating is lower because I would have preferred the film without musical numbers

[5/10 · 29 December 2023]

A fun little Christmas film and one of the many adaptations of this classic literature story, as a Muppets version. On a recent viewing, I fast forwarded through the musical numbers and I'm sure I mentally checked out of the film watching those scenes even as a kid. The musical numbers are meant to appeal to a more family audience but in reality it's a nuisance to watch and listen to lol. Michael Caine gives a superb performance as the miserly Scrooge, he's very well cast in this role. A must-watch Christmas film, just skip through the musical numbers because they add nothing to the storytelling.

Sharp Stick (2022)

Surprisingly watchable even with a mixed bag plot; the romance shines despite limited screen time

[5/10 · 28 December 2023]

I was expecting a worse film from Lena Dunham, but Sharp Stick surprisingly is alright and it's watchable, yet it's still a mixed bag film concept and plot. I like indie films that naturally flow pace-wise and Sharp Stick's plot unfolds organically without feeling forced in the first half. While I think having a coming-of-age story set as a sex comedy can be interesting and full of complexity, the later half of the plot just lacked in storytelling and felt tedious once the main character Sarah Jo (Kristine Froseth) became obsessed with a porn star and inviting all these one-night stands to her apartment room, so she can check off on a literal list all the new sex acts and kinks she has tried. I just lost interest when it came to that point in the storyline. However, I do like the message stressed in the end that no one is perfect at sex, there is no such thing as "perfect sex," and one's self-esteem should never be affected because of "bad sex" one has experienced.

I've always wanted to see Jon Bernthal (he's easy on the eyes) as a romantic interest and this film achieves that lol. Bernthal as Josh and Froseth as Sarah Jo have natural chemistry in their scenes and I must be the only one that wanted their relationship to work out in the end in someway.

Recommended if you like indie films. I look forward to seeing Dunham's future directorial projects.

Sick Girl (2023)

Nina Dobrev shines in a lackluster drama, hindered by a predictable plot, lame screenplay, and overlong runtime

[3/10 · 28 December 2023]

More so in the drama genre than pure comedy, although I did chuckle a couple times. The screenplay is lame, too predictable towards the end when she's forgiven so easily in a short amount of time, and the later half of the film is dragged out overstaying its welcome. The runtime could've been cut down by 20 minutes. There's a right way to do a taboo subject like faking cancer for attention and there's a bad way: Sick Girl is the latter.

I literally was like this is starting to fall into the silly, stupid category once I got to the scene where Wren's (Nina Dobrev) best friends have shaved their head in support of her cancer diagnosis, which she has been faking just to get the attention of her friends so that it could bring them together and they can hang out more often like old times. Nina puts in a fantastic committed performance, showcasing her dramatic range in her lead role as Wren and tbh she deserves better lead role material. Though, her performance cannot salvage how pathetically bland and disjointed the film's writing is by director/writer Jennifer Cram.

Although, I did like the emphasized theme of the significance of preserving and maintaining close friendships in adulthood, regardless of life responsibilities and individual paths of having kids, being married, etc. That shouldn't take priority over important friendships you hold dear to you. They are equal and it's all about balance, and making time for what and who is meaningful in your life.

Not a film I'd recommend going out of your way to watch, but if you're a fan of Nina's acting and on-screen presence (like I am), then yes I recommend Sick Girl as a one-time viewing. In overview though, she deserves better-written indie drama films or a drama series to star in.

The Piano (1993)

A compelling period piece drama romance

[9/10 · 28 December 2023]

A beautifully directed period piece drama romance about a strong-willed mute woman named Ada McGrath and her daughter Flora who move to an island in New Zealand, where she is sold into an arranged marriage with Alisdair Stewart. Yet, later on she finds herself seductively drawn to her husband's neighbor and friend who has embraced Maori customs, George Baines, sparking a love triangle. The immersive acting (particularly from then-child actress Anna Paquin), music score, cinematography, authentic period costumes, and the production design are all masterfully executed. A recommended '90s film gem about desire and lust leading to true love and prevailing in the face of societal judgments.

Batman Returns (1992)

Danny DeVito's campy brilliance and Michelle Pfeiffer's seductive charisma elevate Batman Returns as a memorable superhero film despite its flaws

[7/10 · 26 December 2023]

While Penguin isn't as formidable or as challenging of a villain choice for Batman as of course his archenemy the Joker, Danny DeVito shines in this unique, campy role of Penguin, who has an inferiority complex due to being abandoned by his parents when he was a baby because he was born physically "different." Michael Keaton turns in another solid performance as The Caped Crusader. A notable standout performance is Michelle Pfeiffer as elusive, seductive, tormented Catwoman; one of Pfeiffer's best performances! I LOVE the Catwoman/Selina and Batman/Bruce scenes, their chemistry is sexy and the music score that plays in the background in their shared scenes magnifies their sexual tension and attraction to one another. They'll always be a doomed couple because of Catwoman's antihero attributes and her complex, internal struggle fighting her demons. While the weak climax and less compelling story involving the Penguin's opposition against Batman are downsides, the character development, production design, and performances excel! A must-watch film from the '90s.

Aliens (1986)

Epic sci-fi action film, a certified classic

[10/10 · 25 December 2023]

Epic sequel to Alien (1979). James Cameron is a master at sci-fi action films and Aliens is a classic example and one of his best films. I love the continuation of Ripley's character development and the introduction of new characters such as Newt and Corporal Hicks. The excellently developed characters makes you care about mostly everyone in the core group, even minor characters like Bishop and Private Hudson. Amazing visual effects, iconic dialogue and scenes, production design, acting, cinematography, editing, and everything else is perfect in this film. One of the best sci-fi action and sequel films ever!

Alien (1979)

Classic sci-fi horror, one of the best if not the BEST!

[10/10 · 25 December 2023]

The finest sci-fi horror film ever made: from the cinematography, realistic visual effects, the isolating horror ambience in deep space, awesome performances from the entire cast, elaborate production design of the crew's star freighter and the alien derelict spacecraft, sound design, music score, editing, creature design, to the gripping storyline. A must-watch classic. The disconcerting atmosphere after the Facehugger falls off Kane's face, leading up to the disturbing, explosive reveal (and the actual appearance) of the Chestburster Xenomorph, is executed brilliantly and is one of the most memorable, fear-inducing, shocking scenes in cinematic history.

American Honey (2016)

A well-directed, engrossing, gritty coming-of-age film that either grows on you with each viewing or you dislike the first time you watch it

[9/10 · 24 December 2023]

I'm drawn to immersive, realistically shot, indie films and American Honey fits the bill. This is one of those films that either you dislike from the first watch and it's not your thing, or you're vaguely interested through a full viewing the first time and then the film gets enriched with each subsequent rewatch (which was what happened to me).

The cinematography and sound design are undoubtedly a highlight. I love the diverse genre soundtrack in lieu of an original film score. The two major sex scenes are beautifully captured and tastefully done where it doesn't feel like it's thrown in just for the sake of raunchy sex content; arguably the most natural depiction of intimacy I've seen in a film. Sasha Lane is wonderful as free-spirited, bold yet gentle-hearted Star. Shia LaBeouf is equally just as terrific as charismatic, passionate Jake with a mysterious edge to his character's background. I really like their chemistry. Additionally, Riley Keough is splendid in her supporting turn as headstrong, magazine crew boss Krystal.

The open-ended conclusion is remarkable for leaving it to viewer interpretation on what happens to Star and the continuation of her coming-of-age journey. A recommended indie drama!

M3GAN (2022)

M3GAN's uncanny allure and eerie atmosphere shine

[7/10 · 22 December 2023]

I always find sci-fi horror fascinating especially involving artificial intelligence technology. I was surprised that this film ended up to be better than I thought and it kept my eyeballs glued to my TV screen all the way to the end! Although the downside is the toy executive scenes of the character David were not engaging, the film makes up for it with unpredictability in an uncanny valley, eerie atmosphere and terrific acting from the child actress playing Cady. I love the visual effects, practical effects of animatronics, and motion capture used to create the AI humanoid robot M3GAN. I'm looking forward to the sequel!

Keith (I) (2008)

A flawed but watchable teen romance

[4/10 · 21 December 2023]

An overachieving, popular high school girl is drawn to an enigmatic, free-spirited loner. I love the concept of opposites attract and I think the end scene at the airport was quite sad in a way. BUT, I think it's b*ll**** how Keith manipulates Natalie's feelings for him and blames all his manipulative actions, behavior on how he's dying from a terminal illness. Yes, he's dying but that still doesn't give you a free pass to treat people like that. I do think the pacing in the middle lulls a bit. I found the soft rock soundtrack music bothersome and tried too hard to fit the film's tone. Worth a watch I guess. Better than A Walk to Remember (2002) but also not really. Both are relatively mid. Kudos though to Elisabeth Harnois's superb acting, she really outshined Jesse McCartney's somewhat adequate performance.