Jerique Reviews

Saw X (2023)

Better than expected...

[7/10 · 20 December 2023]

I've been waiting for over a decade. Almost got my wish in 2017 with Jigsaw. Almost got my wish again with Spiral. But, then I saw that this wouldn't be a direct sequel for Saw 3D. Instead it fits right between Saw and Saw II.

Well, beggars can't be choosers. Maybe since the box office numbers were good, it resurrected the series and we can get one final sequel to Saw 3D before it's too late to still include Tobin Bell.

Saw X follows John Kramer as the protagonist this time around. John finds out his time is very limited. But he finds out from a close friend that there is an experimental procedure he can have that would rid him of his cancer.

After undergoing "surgery" John finds himself to have been conned by all the medical staff and the guy who told him about it, as well as the other "patients" that were present for their procedures.

This is where Saw becomes Saw, as usual. I think the filmmakers missed making the audience squirm in their seats because these traps/games meet new levels of gore. It was uneasy to watch a lot of it.

However, I didn't have to worry about much in the film, while cheering for John. Since this is a prequel, we know that John makes it out unscathed and we know that the "bad guys" don't.

Kevin Greutert returns as director again, Charlie Clouser returns to do the music again. Both are a treasure to have back. They really bring the it factor to Saw.

Saw X is well-done. Although I desire a sequel that continues the story of what happened after Saw 3D, it's still able to entertain and fill that void that's been missing for over 10 years.

Five Nights at Freddy's (2023)

Mildly entertaining, hardly a horror film, though...

[6/10 · 20 December 2023]

From the mystery of the name surrounding the film (if you're unfamiliar with the video games) and the previews that give no hints to what is happening at the abandoned pizzeria, the film is intriguing to see.

However, if it hadn't been for the inclusion of Elizabeth Lail, I probably wouldn't have bothered. I wanted to see Guinevere Beck in a new way.

Lail plays the cop who has her eyes on the protagonist, Michael (Josh Hutcherson, Peeta from Hunger Games). The subplot of Michael's young brother being taken and he keeps dreaming about it, seemingly changing the outcome little by little is full of mystery.

At first, the mascots seem to be very scary. But they are very tame and a majority of the movie is no action. They aren't very violent, except for when people vandalize the restaurant. Mary Stuart Masterson plays a slight villainous role of the aunt hoping to usurp custody of Michael's sister Abby, and it feels odd that such an established actress would take such a small role.

Overall, the puppeteer work is top-notch. Set design is great. Lighting effects give that horror atmosphere. But ultimately this is hardly a horror film. No jump scares. It doesn't stick in your head psychologically.

Time passes and you feel like you watched a decent film, but there really wouldn't be crazy excitement on the announcement of a sequel. It feels like this is a fully told story.

Scream VI (2023)

Huge improvement from previous entry, still a letdown, though...

[7/10 · 16 March 2023]

Ghostface returns again, this time to New York. I really enjoyed the opening to this film, as it was really fresh. And a kudos to the filmmakers for hitting many nostalgic moments. I enjoyed the callback to many references to the series and made me feel really welcomed as a viewer.

Barrera and Ortega lead the cast with some great performances and it's well needed when Dermot Mulroney is lacking in his performance. It at times feels ridiculous and the story feels familiar in a sense.

It wasn't overly predictable but if you're paying attention the who-dun-it aspect isn't very hard to figure out. But you may be surprised at the final reveal. Ghostface is more brutal this go-around and it's very much needed after two installments where he didn't feel very menacing.

As much as I thought I'd be missing Neve Campbell, I didn't. Her presence wasn't needed. Even Courteney Cox sticks out like a sore thumb and Gale wasn't needed to return. But it was still good to see her inclusion. Jenna Ortega is becoming a household name and it won't be long before we hear her in the same sentence as Neve for negotiating a big contract should these films continue.

I wouldn't be opposed to another film. However, these guys need to be bold next go. I felt like after being bold in Scream 5 last year, they backstepped and thought twice about eliminating certain characters. I would also like to see Ghostface under the mask have the same sort of scary without the mask.

If this iteration is any indication, the series is in good hands for a while.

Smile (V) (2022)

Insidious mixed with Devil and The Ring

[8/10 · 10 March 2023]

I felt like I was watching the cinematography from Insidious and Conjuring. As the story goes, it felt similar to The Ring, where the main character has a clock counting down to their potential death.

Sosie Bacon takes after her father and puts on an incredible performance. Kal Penn and Kyle Gallner also support with excellence.

Overall, this one was able to make me feel pretty uneasy. Despite seeing the previews and slightly seeing parts of certain scenes, I still had to keep reminding myself that this is only a movie.

Parker Finn in his feature directorial debut hits a homerun. Much like Jordan Peele with Get Out, Finn uses creative camera angles and lighting to really hit some peaks of disturbing imagery.

This film also puts your own fears of nightmares never ended even if they seem like it's over. I do believe there is massive potential for a sequel to continue more of this universe.

While the jump scares were predictable, the psychological aspect really digs deep and can unnerve you for the entire day. This was definitely worth the wait.

M3GAN (2022)

Not overwhelming, but not bad for what was expected.

[7/10 · 11 February 2023]

I felt drawn to the film as I've always been fascinated by movies about killer dolls like Child's Play, or about robots, such as iRobot.

While the trailer previews might have been slightly comical showing M3GAN dancing while attempting murder, I still found pieces of the film disturbing.

The slow beginning and foundation of the plot is leaving the audience with more to be desired. As we are introduced to Gemma (Allison Williams; Get Out) taking care of her recently orphaned niece Cady, we also basically gloss over Gemma's struggles to build and complete M3GAN as she is just suddenly finished. It eventually just progresses the film and no real explanation is given as to how Gemma was able to quickly finish what is probably a long, tenuous process that costs upwards of $10,000.

M3GAN is then involved in a dog attack and seemingly the android is very incapable of doing anything really as the dog destroys the arm of the robotic doll. Jenna Davis provides the voice of M3GAN and with the addition of autotune, dialogue in the film provides some extra creepiness.

Thankfully, Allison Williams provides a very calm voice and tone throughout the film and gives the audience trust with technology. Amie Donald is the physical performance for M3GAN and along with Allison, the film has a very human element to keep the audience engaged.

Although it seems like programming M3GAN would make sure stuff in the film wouldn't happen, it wouldn't be very entertaining otherwise. Being that the film is rated PG-13, it's not over-the-top gross or violent. In that sense, it's not like watching Child's Play with a female killer doll.

In the end, the filmmakers can probably get a sequel with the open-ending provided, if they see fit and if box office dictates. I wouldn't mind a second part if they can write a good follow up. I would like to see some plot points explained that sorta went untouched in the third act, here.

Overall, I've been anticipating this for a few months now and I would say it satisfied me all the way. It didn't disappoint, and I was afraid it might. A good film, and just the right amount of creepy.

Don't Worry Darling (I) (2022)

Pugh saves it from disaster.

[7/10 · 13 December 2022]

Florence Pugh gives the performance of a lifetime. Good thing too, because the weak third act almost kills all the momentum the film builds up.

Harry Styles definitely feels like a miscast. However, he's the only decent looking husband in the film and Chris Pine's limited villainous role makes him stand out in his scenes. Styles feels wooden in his scenes, however, and it's hard to feel anything between Pugh and him.

A few visual cues and many lines of dialogue are enough to let you know what's really going on here, if you're paying attention. You can feel a certain vibe throughout the film that something seems off.

In the final act of the film, however, the story falls apart. On top of that, the style and cinematography is granted priority over logic and substance. During the car chase, all stupidity is shown for an iconic moment of special effects instead of the characters doing something meaningful.

The film just ends. It's almost begging the question as the credits roll, "was that really it? It's over?" It may become a guilty pleasure of mine later as it is entertaining. It's thought provoking and makes you discuss afterwards.

However, the film leaves many unanswered questions. Plots feel unfinished in a way and some are completely not thought out with logic or science. If there happens to be a sequel, I'm hoping the audience has these lingering questions answered.

Nope (2022)

Missing something...

[7/10 · 11 August 2022]

I'm becoming a big fan of both Jordan Peele and Daniel Kaluuya. As good as a performance Kaluuya put on here, this just doesn't hit the same as Signs, ET, or Jurassic Park.

I'm not trying to downplay the film, but after seeing the previews, I think I just expected more. It is definitely aptly named because I found myself saying "nope" aloud in the theatre and shaking my head at least a half dozen times.

But after the reveal of the creature, the momentum behind the initial drop of the coaster train is gone. It's not as enticing and the finale isn't satisfying like Jurassic Park. The film just sort of stops.

A questionable piece of editing I found was the text overlay preceding many scenes which felt unnecessary. I liked the western themes and culture as I felt I was watching an episode of Yellowstone.

Flashbacks are well-crafted and the overall plot is met with terrific pace. You do not feel the film is ever dragging or moving too fast. It's not an epic but it has that feeling that it could have been.

Performances led by Kaluuya are all top-notch. Brandon Perea is a scene stealer and Michael Wincott plays a nicer person than Top Dollar (from 1994's The Crow) that I know him for.

There are moments of intense heart-pounding, holding-your-breath anticipation. There are moments of amazement. It's got bits of comedy here and there as well. It's a good film and original films these days are a rare breed.

Scream (I) (2022)

Ghostface returns with friends...

[3/10 · 5 March 2022]

I love the creativity of Ghostface. In the costume, he's almost a superhero. His phone calls with Roger's voice are stuff of legend. But I just can't stomach the people without the mask.

Immersion goes out the window in the final act. I won't reveal the identity of Ghostface but it was easily predictable, cliche, and it really doesn't fit the Ghostface brutality. In this iteration, Ghostface is a menacing being and cutthroat.

My favourite and most memorable moment was "it's an honor." It's all downhill from there and it quickly spirals into forgotten elements. I'm dreading the next sequel because this really feels like they've gone as deep as they can go with this series.

As much as I appreciate inclusion of new cast and connection of characters, it just feels a little too far fetched to have so many relatives of legacy characters here. Gale's line to Sam about Sidney being "the original" felt over the top.

Amongst the new young cast, no one shines better than Ortega (Tara) and Gooding (Chad). Arquette was the only one to reprise his role and seemingly care to put on a performance.

Scream 5, which is what it should be titled, has self-awareness and includes this aspect in the story that this requel -- not quite a reboot, not quite a sequel. Mindy, the niece of Randy Meeks, has a lot of her uncle in her and describes the killer's need to re-create Stab 8 which is also just called "Stab".

Needless to say, although a new generation may find themselves identifying with the younger cast and trends in the film, the franchise is declining and has reached its limit.

I'll give this a 3/10 because of the mid-film "honor" scene. However, there's a lot left to be desired. There were some miscues and ridiculous moments that left me confused such as no staff being in the hospital and in the finale, one of the heroes forcing the villain to catch on fire using a burner on the oven.

If it wasn't for some fine acting chops of Arquette, epic chills out of Roger Jackson and Oscar-worthy performance out of Ortega, this would be one of the worst films of the genre. Easily, however, it's the worst of the series so far -- that may change depending on the next chapter.

Scream 6 may not get as much attention as this one did, and if this film is any indication, it won't prove to be better quality than those that came before it.

House of Gucci (2021)

Leto is a show stealer, but most of the cast shine as well.

[8/10 · 11 December 2021]

I initially found the trailer previews to paint Lady Gaga in a bad light, as her accent seemed more Russian than Italian. However, in the film Lady Gaga performs her role superbly. However, Adam Driver seems very much checked out in his performance. When he is on-screen, he is not eye-grabbing. I found myself wishing for the scene to end quickly so another character could be seen.

Easily the best performance, and a little shout out to costume and make-up to help, is from Jared Leto. I did not recognize him at all. He didn't look like the same guy from Requiem for a Dream, Fight Club, or Suicide Squad. I didn't notice his voice as his Italian accent and his character were so well-done I completely didn't see the actor. All I saw was Paolo Gucci. He was surreal. He easily outshined everyone, including Gaga.

I do feel like the previews gave a different impression, however. I went into the film thinking Patrizia was a diabolical manhunter who seized control of Gucci and warded off the family. I was wrong, and although Patrizia seduces Maurizio to take control of Gucci her plan never truly succeeds and I feel that Maurizio is the true villain of the film, albeit for a short time frame.

Lady Gaga's performance is on level with what she accomplished in A Star Is Born with Bradley Cooper. She is becoming a household name in film as much as she has with music. The story is interesting enough to keep you focused and intrigued to find out which Gucci member will come out ahead. Its runtime of over two and a half hours is a bit much, but it never drags on. Thankfully, we don't have to sit through boring court trials, depositions, and the like and instead are treated to final overlaying text exposition to finish off the film for revealing what has happened with Gucci up till now.

It's not the best film to come out this year, but it's pretty close to being so. Don't pass up the chance to see House of Gucci.

Holidate (2020)

Such a waste of talent...

[2/10 · 17 November 2021]

I saw the preview atop of Netflix and recently gave the same chance to Lovehard thinking Emma could turn out a strong performance in what looks like an otherwise throwaway film.

I was wrong. Not only is the writing atrocious but the acting is less than mediocre. I've seen Emma in many roles but in every scene, she seems to not want to be there. Not in character, just zero effort. Luke, Emma's star opposite, really doesn't tug the heart strings and gives no lasting appeal.

The premise of this film is these two "unlikely" people find their "Holidate" -- a someone to spend holidays with. For Sloane (Emma) it's way to fend off her family for always being alone and single. For Jackson (Luke Bracey) he wants to not be alone for big events. Just someone to mock other people with.

Well, of course they're both gonna develop feelings for each other. But that's not the annoying part(s) of the film. The over-the-top raunchy opening and the horribly written dialogue between these two is cringe. After the big reveal of them having feelings, Jessica Capshaw's character is caught in an Arizona Robbins-esque moment and then some big grand finale in the mall where Sloane declares she's in love.

I much rather prefer nameless nobodies in Lovehard and the more wholesome vibes given along the way than this. It just never grabbed my attention and kept it. No one in real life talks like these characters. It may have been a good paycheque for Emma, but this is a bad film on her list of many good ones.

Love Hard (2021)

The "Wish" version of all romantic comedies...

[6/10 · 12 November 2021]

It's hard to cheer on a character like Josh. If the roles were reversed, would we cheer on Natalie for catfishing some guy?

At its core, it's a wholesome and heartwarming tale. Natalie is struggling to find any dating world success on the swipe apps. Josh has good looks, he reads, he's articulate, he seems to be quite the catch.

That is until Natalie makes the trip of 2000 miles to meet him. Josh has been using his former elementary school friend, Tag, in his profile pictures. Natalie is crushed.

But since Tag lives in town, Josh and Natalie come to an agreement of her pretending to be boyfriend/girlfriend till after Christmas if Natalie can land the real life Tag with Josh's help.

It's wholesome in the end for how it all turns out. Josh is real and Tag seems fake as the story progresses. It's not the greatest film of the romance genre, and there was only one instance of laughing out loud for me. But it's a good time-passer. Characters are relatable. I could watch this every Christmas.

Spiral (2021)

As with Jigsaw, it's underwhelming, but a good time-waster.

[5/10 · 25 September 2021]

Initially when I heard Chris Rock was the showrunner here, I thought it was quite odd. Rock is known for comedy. I wanted to give this a chance, like I did with Jigsaw four years ago.

So, this film gives off very Se7en vibes for a large majority of it's runtime. Through use of flashbacks and slight exposition, Chris Rock's character of Zeke is hated by the rest of his colleagues. His father is former police chief played by Samuel L. Jackson. Zeke's new partner is William, played by Max Minghella. Prior to this I really only remember Max from The Social Network. But he seems to stick out like a sore thumb.

Traps themselves are a bit ramped up, I feel, than before. I think that they did a good job making the viewer feel uneasy and the sound mixing was really well done to really make you want to look away. Voiceover work for the Spiral killer (Jigsaw has been dead for over 10 years in this film too) was a bit lacking however. It almost felt silly and more like a parody when the killer claimed, "I want to play a game."

Still if you're paying attention, the reveal of who is the mastermind is predictable. That's not to take away from the film, after the first three films and almost anything written by Leigh Whannell -- I've come to expect and look for plot twists. Goldfinger and Stolberg did an alright job with the writing, but it doesn't jump out at you like Saw used to before Saw 3D.

I wanted to like it, but it still wasn't horrible and I didn't have high expectations but it was still pretty good. It didn't bore me and it kept my attention to the end -- which I felt might be the weakest of the entire franchise -- so, if they go back to basics and release a direct sequel to Jigsaw and bring back Tobin Bell, I may just be ready to do another dance with Saw.

Mortal Kombat (2021)

Throwaway film; adds no substance to the franchise.

[4/10 · 1 August 2021]

I had waited two decades for a worthy Mortal Kombat film to come out. Paul's film in 1995 was great, but the sequel almost destroyed its legacy.

However, this film is not good. It opens up and does no explanation. Then a flash-forward to present time with minimal origin and story explanation and the main character is not a part of the games.

Kano, is a garbage character whom is supposed to provide the bulk of comedy but the vulgarity of his lines breaks every scene he's involved in. Pop culture references to Harry Potter and other films breaks immersion and the film fails to provide realism. Even the villain character of Kabal has such vulgar lines it makes it difficult to take the character seriously.

For a majority of the film, it doesn't feel like there's a tournament happening and the action sequences feel very tame. It's very much as if the characters are doing choreography and making sure not to hurt each other while doing the right moves.

The rest of the film feels like the writers and producers had a list to checkmark for fans of the game. "Get over here" is the only English line by Scorpion in the film, and it tries to feature fatalities throughout the fight sequences. Special effects are overused as well. This definitely feels more of a commercial for the characters than a film.

Overall, the pacing of the film was bad. In the first 40 minutes of the film, it seems to skip over what is happening and just get to the objective of Tsung's warriors. But for the second act and dealing with arcana's and battles, it glosses over exposition for cool effects and fatalities. For the final act of the film, it just misses on pacing once again and skips over moments that could give a lasting appeal.

Mortal Kombat needed a reboot, but this wasn't the one we needed.

Cruella (2021)

Great performances all around!

[8/10 · 16 June 2021]

In a film that flips the switch on a villainous character, Emma Stone and Emma Thompson both put forth a performance of a lifetime. Emma Stone has come a long way from when I first saw her in Superbad in 2007. Emma Thompson has always dazzled audiences with her portrayal of any character.

It's an odd film because here is a villain. You are meant to hate Cruella in the film 101 Dalmations, but here we are presented with a sob story and given the idea to cheer for Cruella as she journeys her way through defeat, triumph, grief, crime, friendship, and lonliness. Cruella gives details to the original film, and the story is full of mystery while sprinkling in comedy as well. Emma Stone is perfect as Estella and Cruella, and like a light switch can personify each character any moment.

Mark Strong pulls off a worthy performance and is so skilled that he almost blends into the movie unnoticed. To round out the amazing performances, John McCrea as Artie and Jamie Demetriou as Gerald (the scene stealer) are great in their supporting roles. Not to mention, memorable role players Joel Fry and Paul Hauser add the finishing touches to Cruella's entourage and likability. Ultimately, I found myself happy with how the film turned out in the end.

Cruella seems on paper, that you wouldn't want to see it. After all, it's about a woman villain who wants to make a coat out of dogs, right? But the double Emma stars makes you do a double take on the film's premise. It almost goes beyond just a live-action Disney villain. Like Malificent with Angelina Jolie, this film makes a new legacy for a character previously brushed off.

Friends: The Reunion (2021 TV Special)

Disappointing...

[4/10 · 9 June 2021]

After 17 years of waiting, this is what we get? Watching each of the six walk back onto the sets was great and nostalgic. Learning that David didn't like the monkey played by Katie because they would have takes messed up due to the monkey missing cues and spending all day on David's shoulder was nice. Knowing that LeBlanc nearly broke his nose the night before his audition for his role as Joey was interesting to find out.

Everything else... not so much. We have a plethora of scenes being re-read by the actors and spliced with the actual scenes. We get the gang to play the game from TOW the Embryos, but it's totally forced and completely scripted. For instance, name the neighbour from upstairs and no one can name him so Larry Rankin enters the room. Later on another question is asked and David shows disappointment in Courteney getting it right because Tom Selleck's appearance was meant to be a surprise.

James Corden being the host was a bad decision. He's annoying to most, and having characters like Richard, Janice, the Geller parents, etc. Asking the questions would have been better.

All the power to the people included from all over who obsessed with the show. And it's great that the show saved people from committing suicide. But why are random people from Ghana and Germany telling me about growing up in the early 2000s and how Friends changed them?

Why was Justin Beiber, Lady Gaga and BTS featured? Seriously, re-create scenes, show us things we haven't seen. Tell us stuff we don't know. Most fans of the show know about Perry and Cox having to hold their position for 27 seconds after the scene in London. Most fans will know the audition process and that the show went through a lot before becoming "Friends" instead of "Six of One" or the other names. We all know the trivia. We know David and Jennifer crushed on each other and LeBlanc crushed on her too.

It's a completely wasted opportunity to have these guys come back and tape 50 minutes with them and fluff 45 more minutes with random guests and bring in old characters for 90 seconds. Janice seriously was there for less than 2 minutes. But thank god we got Lady Gaga singing Smelly Cat.

All this hype since last year and leading up to it and the trailer preview duping us all to think there was gonna be more than what we got. Oh, and the editor was atrocious. To go from the fountain to the table read, to the Embryo game, to watching bloopers in the apartment, to creator interviews. This editing deserves all the razzies for the next two years.

Total letdown and I'll never watch this again. I'd rather watch The One Where Joey Speaks French another hundred times before I watch this again. Oh, and Monica learned what Chandler did when he quit his job. It's statistical analysis and data reconfiguration.

Unhinged (I) (2020)

Underwhelming...

[6/10 · 27 November 2020]

Russell Crowe steps out of his box and plays an over-the-top villain. Caren Pistorius plays the protagonist and her son is played by Gabriel Bateman. There's no other big names attached, and the movie is too fast paced.

Tom Cooper is poorly written. Opening sequence before opening credits shows how strong he is. We didn't need to see this, because mystery of a villain is scarier. Rachel is written even worse. We are set off the bat to not root for her. She backs down too easily.

The film quickly ramps up the ridiculousness and it trends upward. Rachel allows for too much to happen, people react horribly -- almost as if they aren't human beings -- and the end makes Tom to be like Michael Myers. Police work is questionably written as well.

I'm not even gonna mention the terrible car chase sequence -- oops. This film is okay, it's a good popcorn flick. But you cannot sit there watching and attempt to suspend disbelief for this stuff. Everything that happens would not happen in real life. It's so over-the-top exaggerated. This is a real fear for a lot of people but this film would just not play out like that in real life.

As good a premise as the film was and the trailer to entice audiences to check it out but it's better on paper than in film. Russell Crowe keeps the film from being one of the worst films made.

The DUFF (2015)

A wholesome comedy

[7/10 · 7 November 2020]

In this tale which seems to take elements from Easy A and A Walk to Remember, Bianca (Mae Whitman) is told by her long-time neighbor and classmate, Wesley (Robbie Arnell) that she is the Designated Ugly Fat Friend (or DUFF for short).

All Bianca wants is Toby, and will even help out Wesley to get that. In A Walk to Remember kind of format the unlikely friends become close and Toby is revealed to also believe in 'the duff' as he yearns for Jess and Casey, Bianca's friends, in the hopes that Bianca will hook him up.

It all comes to a head with a She's All That-esque moment close to the end of the film. It's a low budget film, and there's not an all-star cast. I really only recognize Mae Whitman from Scott Pilgrim, Ken Jeong, and Allison Janney. Everyone else here feels forgettable.

Although everyone fills out their roles and no one sticks out like a sore thumb, the acting is what sells the film. Mae has perfect timing for her on-the-button lines to finish off scenes. Mae is approachable, which makes Bianca approachable.

I did find some things in the film out of touch, however. In the early stages of the blossoming friendship, Bianca dances and makes a fool of herself with a mannequin at the store while Wesley does his best to be Gerard Butler in The Ugly Truth. It's revealed that Wesley's ex is filming the whole situation and then later, Bianca accuses Wesley. It pains me how cringeworthy it is. Anyone with half a brain would realize he wouldn't do that and it was impossible to do it without Bianca noticing. The way that the recording is done is not subtle either.

Aside from that there are sprinkles of comedic moments and quotes throughout the film. It's light-hearted and not raunchy like American Pie can be. It's got some taste and some brilliant jokes. Overall, it's worth a view and anyone who enjoys teen comedies with a bit of romance won't regret it.

Sleepy Hollow (1999)

One of Burton's & Depp's best...

[9/10 · 12 October 2020]

Ichabod Crane (Depp) is sent to Sleepy Hollow by his superiors in New York to uncover the mysterious decapitation murders which have recently plagued the eerie town. Katrina (Ricci) is immediately drawn to Crane, whom serves as her love interest, while he searches for answers with his unusual techniques.

While many of the minor roles are done by big names, this film is really Depp, Ricci and Walken (despite him being mostly headless). Ian McDiarmid, Christopher Lee, Richard Griffiths, Miranda Richardson, Michael Gough and Michael Gambon all put their personal touch on their characters while still being recognizable.

I may not be the biggest Tim Burton fan, but he does have his good days. Sleepy Hollow is an example of one of his best. Tim Burton's influence is felt from the very first frame. That's not a bad thing, however, as the film needs a creepy tone to it. Disney's animated film was always one of my favourites as a child and this film serves the purpose of bringing the story to life completely.

Sleepy Hollow is able to live on as a masterpiece of live-action. It's not great when it comes to the action sequences or when you look at the deaths in the film like you would in a '90s slasher flick. But the essence is in the plot and the characters that bring this story to life. That's where the true greatness of the film lies.

Depp doesn't have to be the unsung hero in the film to win over audiences. Despite the good looks of Depp and Crane not really known to be attractive, Depp's portrayal is top-notch due to the mannerisms. He nailed the eccentric qualities, the squeamishness, the clumsy nature of Crane where you can believe that at any moment Crane will bite the dust too. Ricci is the audiences' reliable character for the expositions and for whom we can follow to know how the story progresses.

With the limited special effects done by Star Wars' Industrial Light & Magic, an original set created and fantastic costume design, Sleepy Hollow hits a homerun on the first pitch. It's a fantastic film and must see for all since its truly one of the best films from the '90s and on the resumes of Burton, Depp, and Ricci.

Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2019)

An disastrous end to messed up trilogy.

[4/10 · 28 January 2020]

This film -- and trilogy, as a whole -- is really a giant mess. Abrams brought in new villains and hereos while basically trying to do a carbon copy of A New Hope with the Force Awakens. Questions about Rey continued to pile and Snoke as well, who was seemingly as powerful as Palpatine. After Johnson made his own film in the trilogy, in comes this film to say Return of the Jedi and what Vader did was all for nothing.

Palpatine is alive and has amassed a giant fleet of star destroyers with capabilities of destroying planets. What feels illogical is that he's been around controlling everything from Snoke to Ren all the while building up a Sith army. What is worse is that no one is shocked by the discovery that he is still present. In this film, we follow Poe, Rey and Finn go on a journey of what feels like a video game mission of completing specific quests. C3PO holds information of the former-Emperor's whereabouts. But his programming forbids talking in Sith code. In order to do so, we gotta reset him but we gotta go to a specific system to find a up-and-coming toy Disney can merchandise to do that.

After all the clues, battles, and badly done action sequences, Rey confronts Palpatine and it's very underwhelming. It has the feel that all this is doing is making Rey out to be the most powerful Jedi. Like more than Yoda or Anakin. But this whole saga was supposed to be about the Skywalker family. More specifically, the chosen one (Anakin) would bring balance to the force. A child who had a higher midichlorian count than Yoda. But forget all that. Rey can defeat Palpatine and it feels like Harry killing Voldemort and all Horcuxes have now been destroyed.

There is no defining moment in Rise of Skywalker anyone will be able to bring up later 5,10, 30 years from now because this isn't the type of movie. Characters are thrownaway, reduced screen time, reduced dialogue and it all feels cluttered up still. There's no direction and no connecting story to follow. Light saber battles are at a premium and the film merely feels like one long marketing commercial for new toys and kitchen accessories.

If I knew at the start of the decade that these three films were how they'd finish off the story of Skywalker, I would have skipped all of them. Hardcore fans and new young fans get a few seconds here and there for nostalgia peppered throughout the film(s). But this is not a good film in the saga. It leaves no lasting appeal to flock back to.

After (I) (2019)

Somehow a worse film than Twilight

[1/10 · 22 September 2019]

I never thought I'd see the day where a film I am watching is more cringeworthy than Twilight. But alas, here we are. Starting out with some bad dialogue we always here about Pride and Prejudice from a literary standpoint, Tessa Young and Hardin Scott discuss the viewpoints of the characters and argue over Tessa's love life. It doesn't take long to see Hardin Scott is a simple down-scale version of Edward Cullen without any supernatural powers. Hardin is creepy from the get-go.

While the story description sounds interesting on paper, and maybe the novel was good the film itself plays out like a badly written fanfiction. It is not well executed and each line of dialogue screams rookie. It looks like Jenny Gage is a first time director and writer and although she had some help this screenplay and film fails to inspire. It has no spark or substance in the material and the acting is stiff as a wooden board. Josephine Langford bares a striking resemblance to her sister Katherine (13 Reasons Why) but that's all she got from her. Katherine has talent but Josephine gives off zero emotion. Her acting has no range and all her scenes in the film aren't worthwhile.

During the scene where Tessa learns the truth of the nature of her relationship, the film is supposed to be reaching its peak of plot. However, the film is forgettable and leaves no lasting impression. In scenes for Twilight, there are moments that you cannot forget. Even with the horrible acting of Robert, scenes are given substance and although the film is terrible there are memorable moments. Tessa is a poorly written character in the sense that you cannot relate to her. It is unbelievable that she has lived this dull life and the friends she has are even more unbelievable. This literature is offensive in the way that these characters are meant to be so linear and one-dimensional so you cann easily find a way to relate to them. But there's nothing to relate to when it comes to Hardin since he's a basic stalker. But he's a bad one.

I found myself wondering what I was really watching nearly every minute passing. The inclusion of Selma Blair and Peter Gallagher to try to show some actual credible talent goes off without a moment's notice. Screen time for both is so little it's almost a cameo appearance for each. It's a shame that the source material is executed so badly. A good idea is salted by the bad acting.

The Lion King (2019)

Unimpressive, underwhelming, underachieving...

[4/10 · 22 July 2019]

It's great that we live in a time where the 1994 animated film can have the star role of Mufasa get his iconic voice actor to return. It's great to also be in an era where musicals like The Lion King and Aladdin can get musicians to fill roles with song numbers attached to them.

That's where the greatness ends. The Lion King is an epic film and so should the remake be. However, everything about this film falls short. You can't expect a brand new experience really just some slightly altered scenes, maybe a few new ones and some adjusted dialogue. But when performances seem phoned in, songs fall flat and lack a big punch, the film itself lacks substance and the only thing viewers can walk away feeling is the bit of nostalgia that comes with this is still The Lion King.

Song numbers of "Just Can't Wait to Be King" and "Circle of Life" have a feel of powerful and epic, especially half way through and then there's the build up at the end of each song in the original film. Here, the songs have no real power behind the vocals and the build up seems missing.

Be Prepared is done in a capella and almost completely omitted. It was almost entirely skipped over. Although Chiwetel Ejiofor does a good job as Scar overall, his song is one of the worst that Disney has done. Even though I welcomed an expansion on Shenzi and Sarabi, it really felt that the only voice actor that had a passion for the character was the only one who returned: James Earl Jones.

Overall, this one was a big disappointment. In contrast, I believed seeing the previews that Aladdin was going to be ruined and I was wrong. Will Smith made that film truly exciting and the song performances in that film were epic. It's a huge letdown that The Lion King couldn't deliver the same standard. Jon Fraveau may have put more of an effort in The Jungle Book remake and just maybe wasn't as passionate about this project. Whatever the case may be, this one didn't deliver the grand spectacle that audiences fell in love with in 1994.

Aladdin (2019)

A Worthy Live-Action Remake

[9/10 · 13 June 2019]

I wrongfully stood against this film and take back my initial thoughts that Disney ruined the original film. If nothing else, Disney has improved upon their original version of this classic timeless tale.

After seeing the previews everywhere I had originally thought that Marwan Kenzari was objectively the better choice for Jasmine and that Will Smith's performance would be questionable at best. Count me surprised, and the secrecy surrounding Friend Like Me and Prince Ali musical numbers made for a truly memorable experience. Nothing, not even the original with Robin Williams, can touch the astounding effect that those two performances did in the film.

Although the film plays out in a different sequence, and at times in the beginning of the film some of the lines feel phoned in, the film still has a classic feel with a modern atmosphere that any audience can relate too. Even though the time period is set to a time way back when, the dialogue is fun and easy to keep up with and makes for a fun experience for any age.

It's only fitting that Frank Welker returns as the Cave of Wonders voice while Iago is voiced by the building legend Alan Tudyk, who is quickly becoming the voice of Disney. In a high budget, great visual effects team by Industrial Light & Magic (Star Wars team) and the wonderful costume design, Aladdin has set the bar for live-action remakes and has delivered with the perfect recipe. We will see what else Disney has up their sleeve.

14 Cameras (2018)

Absolutely boring, which means the first one is even worse.

[2/10 · 20 April 2019]

I wanted to say that the only performance worthwhile was done by Neville Archambault who plays the character Gerald.

Gerald is performing live streams of 14 cameras in a vacation home. It's basically the only thing we see during the whole movie. After a brief introduction of the opening couple and the girlfriend getting abducted, a larger family rents the house and Gerald's antics in the house become increasingly disturbing. He goes from messing with toothbrushes and drinking from milk cartons to sniffing underwear and stealing clothes.

However, I fail at suspending disbelief at this old man keeping a woman hostage twenty some odd years since he walks around like a turtle and breathes heavily. I have a hard time thinking this man can overpower anyone. I spent a majority of the film bored out of my mind. This film doesn't go anywhere. There is no substance, there is no plot, there is nothing scary, no jump-scares, no action. This film sits around waiting for it to happen. If this film is any indication, it's clear that I don't need to watch 13 Cameras to know that this is what I'll see with some different faces.

I am definitely going to be more cautious when it comes to looking for BnB vacation spots in the future, but all in all this is a film much like Bug (2006) that fails to become anything worth watching. It never establishes a plot to interest the viewer and to call it a horror film is an insult to horror genre.

I wouldn't ask anyone to ever waste 90 minutes on this.

Get Out (I) (2017)

Peele's debut is a homerun.

[8/10 · 22 March 2019]

Jordan Peele's Oscar winning original screenplay along with Daniel Kaluuya's powerful performance makes Get Out a true masterpiece of film. It speaks out as one of the best films of 2017 while it flew under the radar.

I never saw the trailers for the film and so I never heard about the movie till 2019. I finally had the chance to catch the movie and the film is well-written but beyond that it's one of the best acted films I've seen in a long, long time. Daniel impresses most of all but it's also the supporting cast of Marcus Henderson, Betty Gabriel, LaKeith Stanfield and especially Allison Williams that bring the film to life.

Chris Washington (Kaluuya) is the first black boyfriend for Rose Armitage (Williams) and she's bringing home to her parents to have them meet over the weekend. Rose forgets about a party that is held that weekend in honour of her grandfather and Chris feels uneasy as the party goes on and all the guests act strange.

It doesn't take long for the film to delve into the horror aspect. When Chris goes to have a cigarette we are greeted to hypnotism from Missy (Catherine Keener, another great performance). Rose's mother makes you feel uncomfortable during the entire scene and you really feel Daniel's performance in the scene as well.

Without giving anything away here, I'll say that the film itself impressed me very much as it was Jordan's first feature-length film and he's not known for the horror genre. I'll give a lot of credit to the film's success on the actors' performances but Peele I think is set for a future of success.

Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017)

Somewhere Between Revenge of the Sith and Empire Strikes Back

[7/10 · 25 January 2018]

It is unfortunate that The Last Jedi isn't quite up to par with Empire Strikes Back. However, it's just as good as Revenge of the Sith, which in my opinion is the best of the prequels.

The Last Jedi features a lot of prime acting from Mark Hamill. He's doing his best work here, and it should be considering he has had more than 30 years to prepare his reprisal. I can certainly understand his frustrations on Luke's progression and why he would question the director's choices. Luke is not the same character from Return of the Jedi. His feeling of the Jedi to end is an odd one and feels completely out of character. 30 years ago, he was stone in the manipulation that Palpatine attempted to turn him but now suddenly Luke doesn't believe in the Jedi anymore.

The subplots of Rey turning evil and Kylo turning good and the backstory of Snoke all fall to the way side and the supposed epic encounter of Snoke and Rey was actually mild and predictable. It's a disappointment to build up Snoke for one and a half movies and throw him away (so easily despite showing his immense power) without telling anything about him. Where did he come from? How did he seduce Kylo? It feels like he had no purpose other than bringing Rey and Kylo close together.

Rey's reveal of her parents being nobodies was not what any Star Wars fan wanted. I think I speak for many in saying that we expected some kind of link to the previous films in relation to her story. Instead her backstory is uninteresting.

The ending of the film is an underwhelming, predictable mess. Luke creates a force hologram of himself and confronts Kylo and asks him to kill him. After Kylo successfully does so, it is revealed that Luke is still on the island alive for the moment. So the encounter was fake. Luke passes on with the force from exhaustion but it leaves a burning question of why Luke only ever performed this feat. Yoda could have hologram fought the Emperor in Revenge of the Sith and then if he failed, he could have attempted to do it for real. I feel like the hologram is such a cheat for the writers and feels very lazy as well.

I can still look forward to the next (final?) episode of Star Wars (in the Skywalker story saga) with the knowledge that this film along with The Force Awakens were both letdowns. Especially considering we waited 10 years after the prequels and nearly 40 after the original trilogy, this is subpar, to say the least.