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Reviews
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
Immersive
Where do I even begin? I think if there were one word to describe this entire movie, that would be immersive. The animation broke boundaries and that's fitting for a movie centering around the multiverse. The brief live action cameos gave me Who Framed Roger Rabbit vibes and also reminded me a lot of Ralph Bakshi's animation. The soundtrack and voice acting also met and exceeded expectations. The characters remained multidimensional and displayed even greater depth and personal growth. All of them were intriguing, charming, humorous and badass.
Now for my one nitpick. (Small spoilers) this movie has a lot of loose ends to tie up. Cliffhanger aside, if the final movie manages to land on its feet, this could be one of the best trilogies of all time. But if it doesn't, oh man would that be disappointing. This movie is the definition of "bring it on". A final battle must be won. This is an unfinished journey. I give all my respect to the production team and cast, amazing work. This film was beyond impressive.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
dark
This was easily the darkest film in the Guardians trilogy. And in that sense, it's very much different from the joyful and uplifting vibes of the first two movies. I left the theater feeling conflicted, disturbed and a little sad. With that goes a fair warning, animal abuse is explicitly portrayed and also heavily implied in multiple scenes. If you're sensitive to animal abuse and planning to see this or are taking young children to the movie I highly advise against doing so.
Now for the humor, the first two movies nailed this. Had me belt out laughing to the point of tears. A lot of the jokes in this didn't land and felt forced. I chuckled a few times, but it felt like the whole movie was trying to play on my emotions with the cute animals and children in danger. At some points this definitely worked, rocket's backstory was very moving and simultaneously gripping. This was by no means a bad movie. But by Guardians standards, a bit of a let down.
The Muppet Movie (1979)
Beautiful
This movie has always had a special place in my heart and to date is one of the only movies that has ever brought me close to tears. Very moving. There were moments that had me laughing and close to crying. I don't think even UP holds a candle to this masterpiece. The Muppet Movie was able to pull off balloons better than another great movie largely revolving around balloons and the greater metaphor of achieving your dreams.
Simple pre-Disney, anti-corporate bs movies like this are gems. This movie seemed to be very much against commercialism and all about playing big and starting fresh, but doing so with your best pals. Simple movie that packs an emotional punch. 10/10.
Tu zi zhon de huo hu li (2014)
Watch if you want an ironic laugh
Feels like tripping on drugs when you watch it. The characters jerk across the screen like ADHD ridden looney tunes. The character designs are also grotesque, they look like they got ripped straight from a Tim Burton film - which would work if they were in one, but they aren't. It's overly cheerful and obnoxious. There should be a limit of silliness in kids movies. Most kids aren't entertained by jingling keys, but this is what the entire movie felt like. Obnoxious, shrill and full of goofy characters, one of which is a bumbling dumbass who gets knocked out while attempting parkour. Not recommended.
The Stuff (1985)
A real blast to the past
It's no masterpiece. But it's enjoyable as hell and such a fun ride. 'The Stuff' plays much like a cartoon in the flesh with its slapstick violence, hilariously bad dialogue and over the top, gross out practical FX - which are very reminiscent of the infamous era of 80s body horror.
The film was also a great social commentary and showed where Americans lacked. Characters like the patriotic, right wing militia man, Colonel Spears refer to communists multiple times throughout the movie. The American public or good guys are still vulnerable enough to fall slave to a dessert that gradually takes over their body and mind. And once hosts of The Stuff, they must spread it by all means. Much like how Americans thought the Soviet Union was going to completely brainwash their citizens. And well, we see college students wearing t-shirts with Karl Marx on it. So you can't say they were all wrong. But this was 1985. Incredibly enough, almost 40 years ago now. A different time with different people with different views. Still very relevant to today, if not even more.
I give this movie a solid 8/10, it's a must watch for people who like both crappy and fun B movies.