bm230199 Reviews

The Fall Guy (2024)

Best action movie I've seen in a LONG time

[9/10 · 6 May 2024]

This was a really good movie with a great cast and a fast-moving plot. Ryan and Emily have excellent chemistry and scenes with them riffing off each other were brilliant. The plot was interesting (if thin in logic at times) but went in unexpected directions and I have never cared about an action movie couple so much before. I've never wanted a character to make it to karaoke night so much before!

I think what really helped this movie was the main character being a stuntman so the stunt scenes were necessary and realistic (as in it's not an average guy doing incredible tricks or a retired spy somehow still being indestructible but someone who is trained to do stunts and take hits). So instead of it being "oh no we need this phone let's destroy all of Sydney in a huge driving scene we don't need" it was "okay let's scare the villain by doing an incredibly big stunt into getting a confession out of him" which make the actions scenes so much more logical. There were of course that were just there for show and could've been kept out but overall the action sequences were tied in very well to the plot.

I also enjoyed how this was basically a love letter to everyone behind the camera of the film and it was nice to show the effort that goes into making a film from all the crew and production team.

Winston Duke was great and his vendetta with the large mercenary was very impressive to watch. Hannah played a perfect villain and I was pleasantly surprised to see Stephanie's cameo. The only character that I didn't get was Aaron Taylor Jonhson's. Particularly the scene at the end where he gets a small redemption arc? Wasn't necessary and was really confusing. Ryan and Emily were of course the starring duo and I would love to see them in more things together.

Thrilling, entertaining, funny and oddly sweet and romantic. Definitely one of the best films this year so far.

Charlie's Angels (2019)

A good spy movie with women at the helm (hence the bad reviews)

[10/10 · 11 April 2024]

This movie was fun, visually very appealing and had likable characters. I would go as far to say this is Stewart's best character and ultimately the chemistry between the girls is the best part of the film. The storyline starts from a place every modern day woman can relate to and Banks plays a great Bosley. Ella Balinska plays a very good powerhouse but falls slightly short of the tough heartless act but is still a good character. Naomi Scott's character is probably the least likable and the character sometime comes off cringey and annoying but this is often the case with main characters. Stewart as the villan was genius and he plays it excellently. Overall it's a wonderful film about the power of women when we come together and use the patriachy to our advantage and there lies the reason for the negative reviews. I can't help but think this film would be much better recieved if it came out around the Barbie era. A great film to show young girls or anyone who feels powerless.

Monkey Man (2024)

Amazing film with gripping compelling story and beautiful scenary

[9/10 · 7 April 2024]

This film was truly stunning to watch. The camera angles, mix of colours and design of the shoot were all done very well. The story jumped right into the plot which I find action movies don't tend to do so very much enjoyed that. Dev Patel was AMAZING in this film! His acting was excellent and his stunts were phenomenal. This film is such a big win for him and I hope it gets nominated for so many awards because he deserves props for this film. The violence felt justified as in it didn't feel like over-kill gore as is the case with quite a lot of fight scenes in action films. I was surprised with how many sweet heartfelt moments there were in this film and felt myself feeling weirdly uplifted afterwards which has never happened with any other thriller film I've seen. A film I will remember in the future and a stand-out film for the year so far.

Origin (2023)

Beautiful and emotional film

[10/10 · 17 March 2024]

This film makes you feel things. I made the mistake of eating during this film and had to put my food down because this isn't one of those films you can just put on in the backgrounds. The flashbacks are so powerful and emotional. You feel as if you're there and are heavily invested in their stories with how masterfully they're placed into the plot. The chemsitry between Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Jon Bernthal is wonderful and provides such beautiful romantic moments into what could've been an overly heavy film. I had heard of the book but had no idea what went into writing it or how much the author lost in the process. A wonderful film that will stay on your mind after you've seen it. I hope this film gets the recognition it deserves.

American Fiction (2023)

A thoughtful and well-written film

[9/10 · 7 February 2024]

I didn't see any advertisements for this film and just luckily stumbled upon it when searching through films expected in 2024 and I am so glad that I did! This film is a perfect mix of comedy and stupidity that so accurately reflects the current societal relationship with race. I found myself cringing at some of the "progressive" characters while also seeing parts of them in myself and family members. It was a great film that really made you think but also didn't patronise you by telling you what the right or wrong answer is. The characters were well-written, flawed but also likable and real. This is a wonderful film and everyone should go and see it.

Mean Girls (2024)

A fun retelling with Reneé Rapp as the stand-out star

[8/10 · 5 February 2024]

As a big fan of the original I was excited for any more mean girls content and was one of the few fans happy when they announced this would be a film of the musical version. I thought it was a film that could easily be transformed into a musical and I was right. The songs fit in well and mesh with the story very well. It also helps that pretty much the whole cast are amazing singers and with power-house vocals like Reneé Rapp and Auli'i Cravalho the songs really shone and were enjoyable. Speaking of I found Rapp and Cravalho were the standouts of the movie with them dominating every scene they were in. Rapp in particular was amazing and I can't wait to see more of her in the future. I hadn't heard of her before this film and am now a very enthusiastic fan. I did think Cady and Aaron fell a little flat but to be fair compared to all the other characters they are the most boring so I think that was inevitable. Overall a fun adaptation that is of course not as good as the original but offers fun songs, an incredible Regina and a more progressive take.

Hilda: Chapter 8: The Fairy Isle (2023) Season 3, Episode 8

Justice for Johanna!!!

[7/10 · 18 December 2023]

While this was a very beautiful episode I actually felt like it ended the series on a bad note and I felt a little disappointed as a whole based on how Hilda treats Johanna. Throughout the whole show Johanna has risked everything for Hilda and there have been some really tough moments where the two have butted heads because of this. There was even an episode earlier this season where Johanna went all John Mcclane to save Hilda from the river spider. Johanna had been through a lot and we see even more of that in this episode. Therefore, I was actually really annoyed that Hilda wanted her mother to abandon her long-lost parents (who she thought had abandoned her only to learn they sacrificed themselves for her) just so Hilda could go back and be with her friends! Hilda was so incredibly selfish and insensitive and I get she's a child but it was really cruel to give Johanna barely a day with her parents before they go back to just being shadows who lurk around. As the show finished I couldn't help but think "is this really meant to be some comfort for Johanna? That her long lost parents are shadows she can't touch or communicate with in any way?". I have no idea why the writers didn't just create a way for Johanna's parents to come back so they could be together. Now the whole season just seems sad and depressed because all I can think of is the final scene of Johanna sitting on the wall looking a little sad while Hilda is off having tons of fun. Kids should come first but give her mum a bone at least!

Wish (II) (2023)

Beautiful animation and song...shame the story didn't match

[7/10 · 2 December 2023]

There are several positives for this film and the first is every single scene is visually stunning. The animators did an excellent job and it gives off a perfect fairytale impression which is exactly what Disney ordered. Second, the songs were beautiful, the lead was the perfect Disney lead with a powerful musical voice and there was a nice mix of different genres so the musicians clearly had fun. Thirdly, the characters were likable, unique and fun. Star and the Queen in particular were my stand outs and again they were all animated beautifully. The one downside? The plot didn't match up and the story felt unfinished. If you told me the original script was scrapped and this was quickly put together a month before release I would believe you. The story felt aimless and vague and sadly, is a pretty big flaw. So if you want a movie with a great ending impression or take home message, this isn't the movie for you. However if you want a nicely animated short film with good music, then this is right up your street.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023)

Felt much longer than it was and the end was a relief

[5/10 · 17 November 2023]

I think the best way to describe this film is disjointed. It felt like they spent too little time on each of the characters but at the same time scenes seemed to drag on and the dialogue was boring. There was no chemisry between the two main characters and their romance was high unbelievable but is the main point of the film. It jumps from the capitol, to the games, to district 12 so much I can't help but think it would've been better as a tv show so it could've properly been broken down into different parts. Some things were just highly unrealistic too such as a bunch of Capitol studens chanting to free a tribute? Never going to happen. Also Lucy trying to kiss Snow within what a daty of meeting him? Also how was there so little fighting or action in a film about people fighting to the death? Some plot points just didn't make sense like how on earth Snow sent a bird with his friend confessing treason then being upset when his friend was killed to the last 30 minutes of the film where the characers did a 360 and admitted killing people without telling us who. It had good potential and I liked he easter eggs to the later movies but overall missed the mark for me. Just go see The Marvels instead.

Meet the Robinsons (2007)

One of the most underrated Disney films ever!

[10/10 · 23 July 2023]

I was a huge Disney fan as a kid but had never even heard of this film until I became an adult. I have no idea why this film is so unknown but in my opinion, it's one of the top rank Disney films and I think if it were re-released today it would be a hit. This film is a great mix between silly comedy and really sweet heart wrenching moments that reminded me of coco and I'd be surprised if anyone watches this film and doesn't cry. The plot is interesting and I didn't see the plot twist coming at all. The characters are vivid and likable and the voice actors have amazing chemistry. Truly a brilliant Disney film that all Disney fans should treat themselves to.

Barbie (I) (2023)

Heart-warming, serious and such an important movie for everyone to see!

[10/10 · 22 July 2023]

When I sat down to watch this film I assumed it would be some fun pink silly movie but it was not in the best possible way. It starts very much in that way but the second Barbie gets to the real world everything changes and the film makes so many important statements on sexism and the treatment of women. I thought it perfectly addressed the affect Barbie has had on the world and never shied away from it. This movie does not flinch away from the reality of the world or what damage ignorance can do (Ken). America Ferrera's speech is amazing and moved me so much as did Barbie's own found freedom. Robbie was an amazing Barbie and all the women shined in this movie...and Alan was pretty good too. It was everything you can want from a movie, sharp, whitty, moving, honest and progressive. The perfect Barbie.

Matilda: The Musical (II) (2022)

Just didn't hit the spot for me

[5/10 · 22 July 2023]

If you love the sound of children singing, you'll enjoy this film but if you don't then don't watch this film. I'm not opposed to child stars but the singing was really shrill and I found some of the child actor's voices really hurt your ears after a bit. I thought Lashana Lynch was an amazing Miss Honey and Emma Thompson did a good job of creating her own Trunchbull. I think Lashana Lynch was the only thing better than the original but to be fair it's always hard to beat a classic. It also felt like the movie was lacking something and also wasted time and then suddenly sped up some plot points. Not a great remake unless you like musicals with children.

Elemental (2023)

A beautiful metaphor for real-life social issues

[7/10 · 7 July 2023]

Elemental was a sweet and heartwarming story and although it won't go down as one of Disney's greats it was still memorable. I think my favourite thing was the subtle themes of diversity and inclusivity throughout as well as the very relevant storyline of certain people being excluded from society simply for being different. It can work on many levels and I thought this movie would be an excellent way to introduce young children to these issues similar to how Inside Out was utilised. The main characters were sweet and the voice actors did a good job to give them vivid personalities. The animators did an excellent job as some scenes were just STUNNING and I loved how the fire characters weren't just orange but actually moved like a flame even when standign still. That must've been hard to annimate but they did any amazing job. To summarise: Visually stunning sweet story about the struggle of cast-out members of society.

Cunk on Earth (2022)

Typical brilliant British humour

[7/10 · 3 July 2023]

There's nothing more hilarious then watching a deadpan Brit wind up a bunch of Americans. The British dry humour fitted excellently with this style of mockumentary and Diane Morgan was AMAZING in this role. It was a show I binged really quickly as it was a great show to put on in the background and you didn't have to concentrate hard. Funnily though she did raise some interesting questions which did make me pause and she had a point a few times. My favourite thing was the pump up the jam repetition each episode. I loved it and it was so random and hilarious. Hope we get more spin-offs in the future!

Turning Red (2022)

Up there with Encanto and Big Hero 6 for amazing recent Disney Films

[10/10 · 2 July 2023]

One of the first thing I loved about this film was the characters were so thought out and likable. I watched a similar Dreamworks film and the friends were nowhere near as endearing as the friendship group in this film. They were goofy, silly and embarssing but that's exactly what 13-year old girls are like! As an Asian daughter myself the pressure of an over-bearing mum and the need to always please her really struck home and I found this such an emotional and beautiful film! It was also really funny and unlike other films out there. It was also nice to have an early 2000s throwback and I just loved everything about this film. One of Disney's best!

Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken (2023)

A film even Annie Murphy can't save

[5/10 · 30 June 2023]

This was one of those films which just lacked any personality and was unlucky. It had all the correct elements. Interesting concept, nice animiation, good voiceactors but it never really hit. The story just felt very 2 dimensional and I think many of the characters and dialogue just seemed to fill the time instead of actually being important. It felt similar to Disney's Turning Red but not done as well. The friends were way too cheesy and didn't get the good balance Turning Red had between silly but sweet. Similarly apart from her mum, the main characters family members were largely redundant and didn't bring anything. The only character I really enjoyed was Annie Murphy's character because she was so lively and injected a breath of fresh air into the film...which they then ruined by turning her evil and having the "mermaids are bad krakens good" seperation return. Not the worst film I've seen this year but I'm glad I didn't pay for my cinema ticket myself.

The Owl House: Watching and Dreaming (2023) Season 3, Episode 3

A beautiful ending to a spectacular show

[10/10 · 18 June 2023]

I cannot stress enough how much I love this show! This show is up there with the greats such as Avatar the Last Airbender and Shera and Princess of Power and the final episode was no different. This show was a masterclass in diversity and inclusion and watching it just made me feel healed and seen. This show should be the blueprint for all "children's" shows because so much love and care was put into the characters and the message is so beautiful. I want to thank all the writers, cast, crew and everyone who helped bring this beautiful masterpiece to life. Disney, take notes. You need more shows like this.

Bob's Burgers: Amelia (2023) Season 13, Episode 22

The best tribute to Amelia Earhart

[9/10 · 11 June 2023]

This season has truly brought back some of the Bob Burger's magic and this was the perfect final episode. Episodes like this where the character confronts a mature real life situation are what seperates Bob's Burgers from other cartoons. Louise is one of the most interesting characters in my opinion and seeing her come to terms with her hero being more complicated than a simple hero was actually really beautiful. Watching this episode made me want to learn about Amelia and was a really inspiring episode. Can't wait for the next season, Bob's Burgers is just getting warmed up and is aging like fine wine.

A Kind of Spark (2023– )

Brilliant, heartwarming, entertaining, and important.

[9/10 · 2 June 2023]

I watched this show in under 2 days which for me is amazing but I just couldn't stop watching it. The story is very interesting and unlike any other shows on autism which I've seen. First of all it showed autism in girls which is under-researched and generally talked less about than autism in boys. The main character and her sister both have autism and I love how they showed that different autistic people present differently, even within the same family. I also loved how it didn't fall into the trope of presenting autistic people are emotionless or rude. Both girls had personalities and were likable. It also didn't shy away from what it means to be autistic nor treat the girls like burdens or charity cases. The story mirrors a historical mystery and I found the revelations from that story just as heartwarming. It highlighted the challenges autistic people face but also gave a hopeful happy ending that for every bad person there's someone who wants to help. Educational and emotional, a wonderful show.

American Born Chinese (2023)

Wonderful show that I absolutely binged!

[8/10 · 30 May 2023]

This show had everything from stunning visuals, interesting storyline, emotion and comedy. There were about 4 storylines running parallel to one another and they all fit together while contrasting better than any tv show I'd seen. For me Michelle Yeoh and Jimmy Liu were the standouts. Michelle was hilarious, stealing every scene she was in while also being regal and magestic. Jimmy was soooo endearing and I cannot believe he is not a seasoned actor, he is a future talent to watch. The stunts were brilliant and made even better with some of the cast being professional fighters. I really enjoyed how it showed what it's like to be an Eastern Immigrant in the West and the passive-aggressive racism POC experience. I cannot wait for season 2!

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)

Decent but darker and less beast hunting than expected

[6/10 · 21 May 2023]

I thought this film would basically be a homage to the book and Newt would go on a hunt around New York for all his magical creatures and it would be wholesome light fun...that is not what happened.

The film is DARK and I sincerly hope nobody brought their children to the cinema to see this. At time I thought I was watching Tim Burton instead of Harry Potter and was on par with the scariest parts of the HP franchise is not scarier.

Redmaybe was okay byt Katherine Waterston was far better and stole every scene she was in. Dan Fogler also played the cluess muggle (we're not going with no mag) very well too.

There seemed liek several big names in this film who were in it for 5 seconds (Zoe Kravitz, Depp etc) who just didn't need to be. Rather than hiring big "A-listers" I think the cast should've relatively understated and the actors should've been allowed to make the role their own without being instantly recognisable.

I probably won't be watching the sequels because, as I mentioned, this film had a darker underlying storyline which I didn't really care about. In my opinion this should've been a movie seperate from the originals with only a few hints and easter eggs in there for die hard fans. I don't see the point in bringing backstories for characters who should either get their own movies or be left alone. So this movie could've been infintely better if it was more focused on the creatures and less on Grindelwald and the creepy cult people...but still a decent and captivating film.

Free Guy (2021)

The Truman Show but with emotion

[8/10 · 15 May 2023]

I was actually surprised how into this film I got and it was not what I was expecting at all. I thought it would be quite silly and 2 dimensional but after a slightly slow start, it really had some personality.

Comer is the perfect lead and was the biggest talent in this. She was excellent as switching between her in-game character and her real life self.

The film was actually quite emotional at times too which I didn't expect and I loved how they broke into some important question about how we treat people when we think there will be no consequence and how all video game characters are just caricatures of the real life versions.

Definitely worth and watch and similar to other films (The Truman Show, Pixels etc) but way better than any of them.

Charlie's Angels (2000)

A man's idea of what a woman spy should be

[4/10 · 25 April 2023]

I had no idea how bad spy movies used to be in the 90s/2000s! This film make the Fast & Furious movies look like a highly possible film series. From women falling from drastic heights and walking off without a scratch from another one falling from a few stories up directly onto her back and nothing breaking...I wonder if the writers even tried to make it believeable. That wasn't even the worst part though and I felt so bad for some of the scenes the actresses had to do. All I can say is I hope they were paid well! It was clear no females were in the writing room and I don't think any of the three women were fleshed out characters. They were stereotypes with nice bodies pretty much and I think that's exactly what the director probably ordered. Such a shame because these 3 ladies could've done wonders with an actual movie.

Bob's Burgers: The Plight Before Christmas (2022) Season 13, Episode 10

The first Bobs Burgers' episode I've cried at

[10/10 · 20 March 2023]

I was no expecting to be sobbing by the end of this episode! I love Bob's Burgers with a passion and while there's been touching moments I've never cried...season 13 broke that. The episode is one of my favourite Bob's Burger's episodes ever and the BEST christmas episode of any show ever! The last 10 minutes or so felt like an Emmy award winning sequence and I won't spoil it but what Tina does made me break down in tears. A truly beautiful christmas episode that shows why Bob's Burgers is one of the best tv shows out there even 13 seasons in! A christmas classic that I'll be watching whenever I need a good happy cry.

The Untamed (2019)

Beautiful storytelling with excellent characters

[9/10 · 17 February 2023]

I always think a tv show is only as good as its main characters and The Untamed can compete with any show on that score. The two main characters are both so different but so compelling and their love story is incredibly beautiful. I initially wondered how I'd get through 50 episodes and then was at the end before I knew it. The story is compelling and so heart-wrenching. The scenary, costume and set are all outstanding. Now I know why so many people talked about this show and I've already bought the comics so I can read more of their story. Hilarious, sad, breathtaking, dramatic and sweet. What more could you want?