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Barry (2018)
Brilliant For All Levels of Viewer
Barry is a masterpiece, and something that will surprise you so much you feel numb.
Bill Hader's sitting is amazing, and plays the role of an existential crisis well... Almost too well at times. The supporting cast grow and develop with Hader's character, making the entire show shift forward with time (rare these days). The plot develops naturally, and the value to be found in the script and "acting classes" is huge. A shining part of the show is it's use of sound, and the perfectly placed suspense music, rock music, and theatrical dialogue that's meaningless-but-sounds-serious.
This show won't be as funny as you think, but it's brilliance would be lost if they changed anything!
Counterpart (2017)
A New, Terrific Side of JK Simmons
This show is something that traps you inside, and doesn't let go.
JK Simmons plays the role of a spy, that realized there is another like him. The show twists and turns, dodges and rolls away from the main storyline.... But very slowly. The quality of acting, film sets, and camera work is something you can only gape at in awe- it makes the far fetched sci-fi plot even more believable. The plot moves around, and sometimes it can be too much for the average viewer. Yet, the show will blow you away each episode until you're left sleepless wondering.
If you enjoy sci-fi and stories that hook you into being confused but excited, this is perfect for you.
The Post (2017)
Throwing Paper and Suspenseful Silence on a Big Budget
I wanted to enjoy this film, but the forved suspense and constant scenes of thrownpaper was too distracting.
The cast is incredible in this film, and watching Meryl Streep or Tom Hanks is never hard. Yet, Spielberg fell apart on this film, and took the focus away from the large issue if the film. The amount of unnecessary aggressive staredowns and cliche movie quotes became uninteresting, and the lacking display of a full story becomes clear. The plot develops well, but still I found it hard to remember that the Pentagon Papers are the real focus. Filming and overall viewership is as expected, but the director could have pulled out the stops to fill in the gaps for uninformed watchers.
Overall, this is amazing for a movie fan that enjoys concerned yelling and serious adult conversations for 2+ hours. It might have been a famous historical moment for the government,but you would never know with "The Post"
Billionaire Boys Club (2018)
The Script Writers Should be With The Main Character
This film is entertaining to watch, but real life value will elude you.
Based on a true story of two guys that get caught in a scam, it's fascinating to watch how they show the business world. It's declared greasy and image-heavy, with the shallow characters walking proof. They never develop in personality, the finale is horrendous, and the plot grows in a strange way. The action is amazing, and the story these two guys went through is spellbinding... But the film leans on it too much! Kevin Spacey plays his normal typecast, as an almost refreshing reminder of "21" and "Catch Me If You Can."
Overall, this movie is perfect to watch while cleaning the house. You'll pay attention in interest, but the flawed effort to tell a good story can't hide your dust on the railing.
Bad Samaritan (2018)
A Good, Not Great Attempt at Psychological Horror
This film was fun to watch, but the marketing didn't prepare me well enough.
The film explored the process of a citizen that reports a kidnapping, but comes across a psychopath instead. No spoiler exists in that statement, as there is no preparation for what comes in the second half of the film. The storyline develops oddly at times, and I often wondered how the villain managed to acheive certain feats... Did he have access to an entire government agency, or is he just that rich? It was questions like these, or if something was an attempt at jump horror that ruined the compelling suspense. It's filmed beautifully, and cinematography is a highlight here- some camera angle will blow you away.
Bad Samaritan is a great film to watch for thoughtful people, and should contain popcorn and an idol to curse at when you question your existence.
Thoroughbreds (2017)
Storytelling and Technique Unite to Create Magic
Thoroughbreds was one of those films that leave a mark on you, and in the best way. The plot of two girls planning to kill the stepfather is simple, but the harsh twists it follows are not expected. It can be considered slow, but it's clear from the beginning that you are in store for a resonating psychological thriller rather than a quick dark comedy.
The technique used in this film is obvious, and traps the viewer inside. Camera angles and strategic cuts taunt the audience, while the acting and script back it up. The dialogue is a major player in this, as the emotionless but confident character balances one full of personality and anxiety.
The character arc is something that really stood out...without realizing the change, characters change thier entire mindset. They start as an archetype, described by first impression only; the archetype flips entirely, leaving the end abrupt and long-lasting. Many may not notice at first, but the resonating change of character types(and lack of character arc in the father) leaves a big impact with the camera work.
Golden Moment: sound work is exquisite in the film. The moments in the score of a rowing machine, horses, tense music, and even subtle knocks have such power that you're senses are overwhelmed.
Almost Invisible (2010)
Abstract is an Understatement
If harsh cuts and flashing images is your style of film, this will be perfect. If you enjoy continuous flashbacks and non-linear storytelling, this film is amazing. Further, this film will be great for any movie-goer who likes a cult classic or indie film shouting amateur and old.
If those details sound like you, enjoy! Otherwise, this film will be hard to watch: you really can't ignore the bad acting and flashbacks to events and plot holes that are never really explained(until you forget they happened). The concept is interesting, but it's nothing worth watching if you aim to be entertained without too many questions after.
Gold Star Moment: special effects...they're amusing to watch, and bring the scary element s to the the film.