Camerenth Reviews

Challengers (2024)

A movie that dares to challenge the love triangle

[8/10 · 26 April 2024]

Luca is a director that does not like to execute his subject matter with simplicity. At face value this movie is just a love triangle that is established in the world of tennis. Very quickly the movie develops into something so much more.

This movie tackles, love, lust, desire, ambition, toxicity, and jealously with so much precision that it feels each scene was made to tackle all of these themes at the same time.

The three main cast do well to portray their characters at various stages of their life.

The cinematography is a stand out and knows how to add tension to a scene with just a slightly different angle.

The soundtrack makes both the tennis matches and the dialogue a lot more riveting than expected.

Overall a great character piece and another stand out from Luca.

X-Men '97: Remember It (2024) Season 1, Episode 5

Game of Thrones meets X-Men

[10/10 · 11 April 2024]

Just an absolute banger of an episode.

The drama of the show was dialed up to 100. Relationships. Choices. Emotion. Heartbreak. All of it culminates in a tragedy that hasn't been felt in TV since Game of thrones.

This show is way better than any of us deserve and deserves to already be worthy of any awards it may receive in awards seasons.

Please get people to watch this show.

This episode anchored the show as some of the best television we have gotten in the last few years.

To think this show may go further and bolder makes we want to stick with it forever. Please tell more people about this.

Monkey Man (2024)

Patel adds his own touch on a common action movie

[8/10 · 7 April 2024]

Dev Patel creates a wonderfully entertaining and visceral debut film. It is clear he is inspired and respectful of the actions movies that came before. Patel also puts his own emotional touch on the common action story both behind and in front of the camera. The movie includes many different themes and cultural aspects that almost create an unfocused execution, at first. But by the end. The movie dives deep into the emotion and into the action that I couldn't help but be satisfied with this amazing action movie. Patel is definitely someone to keep in eye on in the future as a storyteller and director.

Dune: Part Two (2024)

This is what an adaptation should be.

[10/10 · 3 March 2024]

Denis yet again understands cinema and understands the source material. His take on the story here elevates the source material in a way that can live alongside the book.

Denis intentionally chooses what to focus the story on: Paul internal battle. A forced prophecy. A devotion to someone in the face of duty.

The movie is clearly a spectacle and should be watched just on that. But the movie also is very upfront about its themes. More so than the book. And the appreciation to Denis on knowing what to change in the story to help elevate those themes.

I read the book. And I have no qualms with the changes his made because it was all for the story.

I applaud Denis.

Poor Things (2023)

Unforgivingly Bizarre and chaotic but endearing

[9/10 · 15 December 2023]

The story is so bizarre and what occurs can only be explained as a chaos of emotions but the movie translates that into one of the best coming of age stories I have ever seen. Emma Stone is the star of this movie. She carries the movie's bizarre scenes and dives fully into the this chaotic character. The movie does not shy away from its R rating and challenges the audience on what to feel during those moments. The supporting cast is just as weird and quirky in all the best ways. Mark Ruffalo especially is almost unrecognizable from his recent roles but is a lovable stand out and is usually the centerpiece of many of the jokes of the movie. This is a must watch for its original story and beautiful world it creates.

The Boy and the Heron (2023)

Visually stunning, a director's reflection into his soul

[8/10 · 14 December 2023]

This movie stuns as you would expect in the visuals. The visual style that is used for certain scenes just left me in awe. As for the story, it is better to just go in blind and honestly don't watch any trailers. Like most of his movies, the story is a metaphor for something more emotional and grand. This movie is no exception and the world he creates to present that metaphor is outstanding. The only negative I have is that the movie almost delves too much in the metaphor and the ties to reality disappear entirely. The main character at first is very proactive and independent but then devolves to a vessel to take the audience into the world of the movie which felt a bit jarring at first. Overall a great experience and another solid entry in Ghibli's filmography.

Maestro (I) (2023)

Carrie Mulligan is the heart, Cooper is the center

[8/10 · 12 December 2023]

This movie is almost entirely a romance. The trailers may seem to suggest this movie is a look at Leonard Bernstein's life in its totality but it's hyper focused on the relationship that is at its center. Sometimes that takes away from the movie as it tries to give the audience those amazing awe inspiring seems with Bradley cooper showing off his conductor skills. In many ways it succeeds with those scenes but the meat of the movie is all in the relationship and the complexities of it that are shown amazingly through the super Acting from the two leads. Carrie carries a lot of the emotional weight through her acting alone as many scenes only suggest what is actually happening instead of actually saying. That builds a lot of tension that is sometimes deflated with the generic scenes required of a biopic. Overall it was entertaining, moving, and emotional. See it just for the leads alone.

Leave the World Behind (2023)

Intrigue can only take you so far.

[6/10 · 11 December 2023]

There's plenty of intrigue during the entire movie but that can only take you so far.

Character arcs usually need to be added for characters to feel important or useful to the story.

While the intrigue definitely had me for most of the movie. Once you figure out what's happening. The curtains drop entirely and you're faced with a slow paced movie that can only rely on its premise.

The characters are forgettable and the rewatch ability of the movie is non existent.

The acting is pretty great throughout. The cinematography is solid. The writing is serviceable for a story like this. Worth a watch at home.

Napoleon (2023)

Ridley Scott works with precision

[8/10 · 27 November 2023]

The movie delivers on scale with its intense and brutal battles. But shockingly, an emotional tale about a flawed man and his wife is at the center of the story. Some of these scenes are hilarious, not intentionally but due to how real they feel. Besides that story, the politics shown about France and a bit lackluster which can cause you to loose focus on the big picture of the story. Otherwise, the movie is worth seeing on the big screen and is unlike most biopics seen recently where this one finds the moments to tear down the image or rather expose the truth of the man at the center of the story.

Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

James Cameron the master of Sequels

[9/10 · 16 December 2022]

James Cameron has done it again. This movie is entertaining from start to finish. You'll be flooded with gorgeous visuals for every second of this movie. Not just visually beautiful but also emotionally and thematically. This movie uses its story to deliver a great message about protecting your family and protecting your oceans. And a movie that succeeds at telling both deserves all the praise that it warrants. The movie does not drag in it's run time. As soon as I realized I was in the third act I thought the movie had only past the hour mark when I was actually past the 2 and half hour mark. If that doesn't tell you how much I enjoyed it, i don't know what does.

Tár (2022)

Superbly Acted

[9/10 · 16 November 2022]

Movies is worth a watch just for Cate's performance. Her acting is one that is definitely Worthy of an Oscar Nomination from the first act of the movie. With that out of the way, The story does play out very slowly and takes a while for you to understand where it is going but most of the scenes develop Tar as a character or her relationships which only adds to the eventual climax of the movie. Supporting actors do a fine job of providing subtle nuance to those relationships The story maybe not go as you expected and might be too on the nose for the current political climate but that dilemma is more profound with her performance at the center.

Bullet Train (2022)

Brad Pitt keeps it on track

[7/10 · 13 August 2022]

Not all the actors keep the same energy and charisma as Pitt but the action and humor really make this an enjoyable action film. Recommend for the style and charismatic dialogue.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

A refreshing change in tone.

[8/10 · 7 May 2022]

Sam Raimi has his fingers in a lot of this movie and that made this so refreshing. Horror and violence is introduced here and is unlike anything you've seen before in MCU. There are maybe one too many characters to balance that end up taking away from Doctor Strange's character arc. Very enjoyable and I hope Sam Raimi is here to stay.

The Batman (2022)

A Thrilling Neo Noir

[9/10 · 14 March 2022]

This is unlike any Batman that we have seen before on the big screen. This movie shows a great balance of a crime mystery and action adventure. Battinson is a more emotionally broken Bruce Wayne and it blends well with the overall darker tone of the movie. Excited to see where they take this new Batman next.

Don't Look Up (2021)

Horrifyingly Honest and Funny

[8/10 · 26 December 2021]

This political satire starts off like many world extinction movies but adds a way too honest approach on the events that follow. The movie is funny with how realistic it approaches the media and politics. Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence have a great dynamic as the scientists that find the comet and proceed to convince the world on the seriousness of it. Their characters play the part of the audience and react pretty well to the absurdity of the world. The absurdity comes off more realistic than you might expect.

The Matrix Resurrections (I) (2021)

Unnecessary and drowned in nostalgia

[6/10 · 22 December 2021]

The entire plot of the movie just feels generic and lacking in any depth which make the entire thing feel unnecessary. It feels like as though they made a story just to bring back Neo and trinity and the world for a few quick bucks. The entire first act is just so drowned in nostalgia and self referential nods that I just found it hard to enjoy the movie. It's not until maybe the last act where things feel somewhat original and by then I couldn't find any connection to the characters or why these events are even happening to begin with. It's convoluted, messy, and generic all at the same time. Not necessary viewing for Matrix fans.

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

An Amazing Movie for all Spider-Man fans

[9/10 · 17 December 2021]

This is movie is a pure treat for any Spider-Man fan big or small. Hopefully all of you get to experience with the least amount of the movie spoiled. I would say that the biggest negative of the movie is any spoiler or trailer you see going into the movie. The movie will bring on a ride that will put a smile on your face from ear to ear. Go enjoy is fun time in the theaters.

West Side Story (2021)

Spielberg brings back his Movie Magic

[9/10 · 12 December 2021]

Spielberg has remade a classic tale and somehow improves it in almost every aspect. This film is brilliant on all fronts. The acting, singing, cinematography are so amazing that I was in awe from the very first scene. This is an example of movie magic that Spielberg has done so many times before.

The Last Duel (2021)

A brutal medieval tale

[9/10 · 14 November 2021]

The story centers around a lady who has accused a lord of rape. This movie tells the story from 3 perspectives, the ladies' husband, the rapist, and the lady herself. It is a brutal look at an era where men's honor is more important than almost anything else. The various battle scenes and the final duel is brutal but kinetic in every strike and blow. This movie balances the small intimate moments with explosive action. It is a movie that has the whole package. A tale worthy for the screen.

No Time to Die (2021)

A perfect send off

[9/10 · 13 November 2021]

A great wrap up to Craig's era. Fantastic action scenes. Some unexpected heartfelt moments. A sense of humor is brought to the film that feels needed. The weakest part is the villain.

The Harder They Fall (2021)

Had such potential for a Western

[8/10 · 6 November 2021]

This movie had so much potential with the talent involved and the stacked list of actors included. But the story hits so many over used tropes seen in so many other westerns that it feels like it was written with a checklist in mind. Revenge, over the top violence, bold music choices, unnecessary romance, and so many others that it feels a bit messy. The action included tried to be realistic but then you realize characters just pop out left and right just in time to save or kill another character. Such a disappointment.

Midnight Mass (2021)

Mike Flanagan has done it again

[9/10 · 24 October 2021]

Yet another entry from Flanagan that can be considered one of the best horror stories in the last 10 years. Similar to Haunting of Hill house, the story spends quite of bit of time to develop every character and make them empathetic only to drag them through the horror that will inevitably come to them. And when it does come, it is a shock to the system. This show has some tough scenes that uniquely balance pure terror and emotion. Please give this a watch if you love anything horror.

The Guilty (2021)

Minimalism done right

[8/10 · 24 October 2021]

The story is simple. And is brought to exceptional heights due to the acting from Jake. The story unravels at a great pace while playing out in real time. My only negative is that, due to the nature of the story, gets repetitive with emotional beats.

Dune (2021)

A visionary epic worthy of the source material

[9/10 · 23 October 2021]

This movie deserves to be seen on the biggest screen you can find. Each scene is overwhelming to the senses. The story is of course amazing and full of depth, as expected from a classic sci-fi novel. Every actor is phenomenal and brings nuance to these amazing characters. My only grip is that the last 3rd of the movie slows down quite a bit which is a result from the decision to split the story in half and where they chose to end this movie at. This movie is amazing and deserves to be the next sci-fi franchise.

Malignant (I) (2021)

This movie is just absurd

[4/10 · 15 September 2021]

Don't watch this. I can't believe I watched a movie that tried to throw its bonkers plot to the wall and saw what sticked. None of it does by the end.