browniesnack57 Reviews

Call Me by Your Name (2017)

Someone turn all airport novels into movies stat

[10/10 · 30 March 2024]

I'll be the first to admit that a slow-paced movie set in the 80s and filmed entirely as such; is not USUALLY my cup of tea. But add Italy and a multilingual gay romance and I am SOLD ^^

It is thoroughly impressive how believable the coupling is, seemingly in spite of two straight actors behind the scenes. They excel in conveying the comings and goings of tensions and misunderstandings betwixt our adorkable lovebirds regardless of the sensual or sexual energy- or lack thereof.

Timothée Chalamet truly is a credit to the acting profession and the author of this continuously compelling narrative. Bene!

Wonka (2023)

Roald Dahl Goes Full Circle

[9/10 · 18 March 2024]

This is the musical we all needed last year...truly it should have won Best Picture. I don't know of any movie that brings together everyone on Earth as human beings with happy lives and happy wives, all sitting down watching a cozy movie about a young chocolatier.

The music brought back the whimsy from the previous adaptation while very evidently reaching out to fans of the original motion picture as well. And the final product put together by Timothée Chalamet is all the better for it. It is a new way to view the character for sure, but I can't say I have any particular objections to this one. I am DEFINITELY in a land of pure imagination.

Maestro (2023)

Bite-sized spiritual refinement ^^

[10/10 · 13 March 2024]

I can't say I expected to be this engaged with a film where the main character is a conductor in an orchestra. Bradley Cooper's impressive performance makes one entertain the idea that he is himself a musician in his free time. The music oozes out of his every gesture, even his smile. It moves through your bones, like we are given the absolute pleasure of receiving the song the real Bernstein was blessed with. This deeply emotional and certainly educational, musical slash complex queer romance rivals Sound Of Music in its truly iconic core and magnetic powerfulness.

The supporting cast completes the epic, weaving the romantic subplot perfectly. Carey Mulligan assists in telling the story of Bernsteins married life with the pains and the gains thereof, whilst Matt Bomer flexes his metamorphosis of expression. His eyes continue to amaze with their transcendence and acrobatic volume. It is not hard to remember how bright blue they would be with color added. One can see it.

This movie needed to exist, and Hollywood's finest creators did not disappoint in their conducting or composing of Lenny's immortal skills in spreading the gospel of music. Bradley Cooper should truly have won the Oscar. There's always next time.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians (2023– )

Confession; I actually liked the movie

[10/10 · 2 February 2024]

I personally had no qualms with the OG adaptation. It's how I fell in love with Logan Lerman, in fact. But man, oh man, this is a whole 'nother level of watchable entirely. The 2009 cinematic script does NOT age well if I'm honest, so this was a thoroughly refreshing reboot to be treated with, in weekly chapter increments.

I never managed to finish Sea of Monsters in the first place, so it is quite a relief to have a concept that I can get properly on board with for once. Toby Stephens' Poseidon steals the show in his own right despite his limited screentime, making his mother proud in his absolutely Emmy Award-worthy performance. Perfection.

Fellow Travelers (2023)

The Gay Show

[10/10 · 7 January 2024]

AKA Give Everyone An Oscar

I expect this Ron Nyswaner production will enter the history books as one of the most groundbreaking shows to hit people's screens, giving a nuanced and powerful sneak peek into the complex life of closeted homosexuals in the United States during the Cold War era. Matt Bomer continues to be more emotionally striking and moving than words can do justice.

To watch this show is to complete an eight episode syllabus on LGBT issues. I recommend watching the Normal Heart either on stage or on HBO before venturing into this thrilling epic. Also, the AIDS epidemic kinda deserves a space for itself among queer media in my opinion.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

This made me smile

[10/10 · 1 January 2024]

Watching this just gave me several geek-gasms. I didn't think a movie adaptation of such a simple and innocent video game could be packed to the brim with this much nostalgia. We get mario acting like mario within the first 10 minutes of this thing, Bowser acting a little too cruel for my taste but whatever, and so much goddamn fanservice it's borderline atrocious. I'd be open to a Wario sequel, just for the record.

I have to give credit to Nintendo. It takes a special brand of courage to write something that's stupid on purpose. This degree of cheesy belongs on an omelete and I am HERE FOR IT XD This movie was so much fun from start to finish it made me feel like a kid again, if only for a brief moment ^^

Doctor Who: The Church on Ruby Road (2023) Season 1, Episode 0

Yes, just like that.

[10/10 · 26 December 2023]

This episode is perfect. It is flawless. It provides everything you could need from a Doctor Who episode. The Doctor is recognizable, delicately vulnerable and fortright, with a moral code and a general desire to look out for the people around him. Now that's nostalgia alright. This Doctor is certainly more alive than previous incarnations. He oozes a unique sort of energy I can hardly describe.

I was anxious to see more Harry Potter in the form of the goblins, and was pleased to find they are not only cute but different. And the episode rounds off with a mystery. Pure RTD magic at its finest.

Past Lives (2023)

More of this please

[8/10 · 14 December 2023]

This movie excels at displaying South Korean culture respectfully and in a way that makes narrative sense. It establishes a nimble balance between the respective roles of the western world and the eastern in this lovely story.

I figured the girl would just end up with one of the two and that would be it. Oh, how wrong I was. This makes me wanna watch another korean film. Those tailor-made for native English speakers are simply so sweet and navigable in their plots I think I understand how Parasite got an Oscar.

The only thing I wish they'd cut was the scene where we're supposed to feel sad for both of them, but the payoff was somewhat insufficient.

Doctor Who: The Giggle (2023) Season Unknown, Episode Unknown

No notes

[10/10 · 9 December 2023]

This episode's title is arguably misleading. It is neither the true centerpiece of the finale nor is it reflective of how many times I laughed while watching.

Irregardless I have had more fun than when I started back in 2014 with Eccleston. The best way to introduce the new Doctor by far. Just, casually rewriting the canon regarding Time Lord biology. Because you can. Since, the Doctor isn't really a Time Lord anymore. Showrunner takes full advantage of his playing field.

I didn't think I could be surprised one way or another but BLIMEY does RTD give other imaginative writers a run for their money!

I'm glad I don't have two hearts 'cos apparently I did not study up sufficiently for this rollercoaster of a mindwarper. Yum.

Dune (2021)

A dystopian mosaic of Star Wars with no momentum

[6/10 · 8 December 2023]

I am reminded a lot of Rock of Ages. It too, tried to be something more than it turned out to be. I can tell the vague direction the director wants to go, a more intelligent and emotional version of Star Wars. It's like someone took a clay imprint of it.

But it falls short as a confused sci-fi adaptation of novel with a very loose casual link to the magic of George Lucas. However, the epic does have one redeeming quality and that is Timothée Chalamet's acting chops. Tell him to be vulnerable for three hours straight and he dances around it with textbook whimsy.

I have to admit, despite the disappointing tendency of this film to try to conjure drama out of nothing, and waste theor special effects budget on superfluous action sequences of approx. Zero value, I was amused by the concept of paying a Canadian kid such big bucks to do a silly walk through a desert. Dry comedy rocks.

Doctor Who: The Star Beast (2023) Season Unknown, Episode Unknown

This episode delivers in a big way.

[10/10 · 3 December 2023]

The kickoff to this glorious anniversary makes the year-long wait more than worthwhile. With familiar cheery demeanor from Tennant's groundbreaking portrayal as a brand new Doctor entirely, possessing an unprecedented amount of sincerity and warmth. Not to mention vulnerability. I have to admit, I've wished for this since he regenerated back in 2009 but I didn't imagine in the slightest; not for a single minute that I'd actually get to SEE it one day- attached to the same face no less! Happy holidays indeed.

This makes me feel so lucky to be living outside the UK. Disney Magic flows through the intro music, providing the appropriate level of excitement ahead of each new extended-length special. I am impressed, satisfied and full of childish joy ^^

Doctor Who: Wild Blue Yonder (2023) Season Unknown, Episode Unknown

*no thoughts, just vibes*

[10/10 · 2 December 2023]

Doctor Who is starting to bear a very disconcerting resemblence to a runaway train- albeit a very nice looking one. Is there such a thing as a remedy for an overdose of wibbly wobbly timey wimey stuff, bc I feel like I'm going into anaphylactic shock. First they have arms that are too long, then they are taunting the doctor and donna and THEN they get blown up. And yet all I can think about is when are they gonna stop calling it "mavity"?

Is there a way to stop the plotting of this conspiracy to drive us all insane with sensory input? Probably not but there's always reason to hold out hope.

(takes several deep breaths in sequence)

The Marvels (2023)

The One With The Kittens

[10/10 · 12 November 2023]

Well, it looks like the finally managed to do a girl power movie right for once. Took two tries and two more leading ladies, but it IS a marathon, not a sprint. And they shined some photonic energy in the form of Zawe Ashton, or Ms Hiddleston as she's best known to me.

I didn't think you could write a more compelling Kree Fanatic villain with a grudge against the Skrulls AND Carol; than Ronan, but I stand corrected. Evidently you can genderflip just about anyone in the MCU. It also does its job in the Introducing Young Avengers department.

Either way, many thanks to whoever's idea it was to combine Nick Fury and a bunch of cute cats. Meow ^^

Loki: Glorious Purpose (2023) Season 2, Episode 6

i am in awe

[10/10 · 10 November 2023]

I swear my heart started reciting 8th century Nordic sagas, the moment Loki, my all time favourite Norse god since I learned the mythology in grade 4 CREATING THE YGGDRASIL

As you do.

I tried very hard not to make any assumptions about this episode and yet that visual, which deserves a million Academy Awards for accuracy, just completely blew me away. I am without words. My brain shorted out the moment those medieval chic horns sprouted, and then the costume department decides to show us what kind of shoes Loki has been wearing this whole time as he descends an invisible staircase. I wanted to pinch myself.

News of the World (2020)

The Newsroom: Reconstruction Era Edition

[9/10 · 26 October 2023]

Tom Hanks is still the same talented and reoccurring figure of some really great movies. Here is a humble news anchor who ends up roaming the West with a passenger, and together they endure a most compelling journey through the wilderness.

This picture is truly moving; almost as powerful as the drama carried by the stories told over the backdrop of the Civil War's lingering embers. Everything that comes out of this bearded legend's mouth makes you want to listen. And most of it sticks to your very bones. Heartfelt and tense in intervals. Happy and sad. Beautiful and honest. Memorable. It's got a soul.

The Newsroom (2012–2014)

The West Wing but less elitist- psych!

[10/10 · 21 October 2023]

This show gives me hope for the future. It provides a deeply intellectual look at what media publishers ought to be and how that can be achieved in the real world.

I'm not saying it doesn't stray from our sepia-toned reality here and there, but it preserves its legitimacy by showing the nuances inside people's outward identities and moralities as well political opinions.

In the end, it teaches exactly what schools are supposed to and doesn't deceive. Social studies in a digestible format full of commentary on the news cycle and the chaos contained therein. Bravo, once more, Aaron Sorkin. Keep the hits coming.

Werewolf by Night (2022 TV Movie)

We have a new Spanish muy caliente contender

[8/10 · 20 October 2023]

Gael Garcia is excellent as a monster in disguise in this Dracula meets Scooby Doo special. Meanwhile, in the Marvel Cinematic universe, a cult of fantastically racist hobbyist Van Helsings travel to a rich old dead guys house to see him reanimated, all to remind them why they're there.

But, one is not like the others. One has a secret. An origin unlike his compatriots. Sympathies beyond most people's understanding. And a heart deep enough to allow for mercy when it matters most. In a dramatic turn of events, he is revealed, to utter chaos. What will happen? Wait and see...

It is the one flicker of horror needed this Halloween season.

Ahsoka (2023– )

A new hope for Star Wars on streaming services

[10/10 · 16 September 2023]

This makes me happy I checked out the Clone Wars cartoon on Disney+ for a hot minute. Huyang is definitely the one thing missing from Ahsoka's introduction in the Mandalorian. The story does its best to temper expectations and increase tension and add as much excitement and anticipation, ahead of Thrawn's inevitable return.

I smiled widely at the reappearance of Mon Mothma, now in her familiar Rogue One-esque shape and sentimentality towards the officers responsible for the peace. Cat people will also love this. Additionally, David Tennant blends together well with the other new droids and wannabe Sith Lords etc.

First Cow (2019)

Hollywood movies are overrated, apparently

[10/10 · 13 September 2023]

Personally, a crucial criteria for me watching indie films is that every mainstream norm that gets ignored has to have a deliberate purpose in enhancing the storytelling. Anything else counts as laziness in my mind...but that was not at all a problem here, for I have been truly wowed and awed etc. It seems like the unconvential is a primary requirement when telling this type of niche story, and as a history buff who liked the style of Oppenheimer I can't say I'm too surprised.

Toby Jones does a phenomenal job at presenting the persistent presence of British nationals in the Oregon territory. He was truly the right choice for the role he was bestowed. Otis and King Lu shapes a more believable and developed bromance than that of Broadback Mountain. The unusual aspect ratio gives the feature a rare sense of reality and a uniquely genuine rustic feel overall.

I Am Groot (2022– )

Well done to whoever it may concern

[9/10 · 6 September 2023]

I first saw this simply as a means to an end. A cure for my boredom after finishing all the longer shows. Then, it became a mere pastime ahead of volume 3. Now, I see it as part of something greater. An invaluable piece of the mosaic foreshadowing Phase 5. Which did not disappoint...

It's nice to see the things our heroes do outside of the action-packed plots where they get introduced. Every character in the MCU deserves their own unique continuity intertwined with rest of their secluded corner of the multiverse. And Groot is an essential part of Rocket's story. No doubt about that. Thus a cartoon is required.

Oppenheimer (I) (2023)

A bitter pill to swallow

[10/10 · 3 September 2023]

Given the choice on the method used to feed me the truth about the degree of which our planet has been cursed by science, I am exceedingly satisfied by my decision to shroud it in the captivating light of the silver screen. I am now twice as terrified of thermonuclear war than I was when I went in, and my cynicism got a dose of adrenaline but boy, was it worth it.

Cillian Murphy has made Ireland proud with his portrayal of a tortured man, a man bursting with creativity but lacking in vision when it came to quibbling with US Government officials. Someone so smart but yet so very naive. He was a romantic to his own detriment until the day he died.

Every impulse shooting through his mind is imparted into the audience of this flawless epic. It's not about a bomb. Or about a man. But about the concept of peace, and the price that is paid to achieve whatever version you desire.

Barbie (I) (2023)

If imagination was a movie

[10/10 · 23 August 2023]

This fulfills my childhood in a way I could never have anticipated. It reflects upon the flaws of our world and helps us all accept them by also accepting the imperfections in ourselves, like the fact that we are all a little dark and weird and crazy sometimes. And that doesn't make us any less men or women, or whater we are or want to be.

It gives agency to all our wildest thoughts by putting the innocence of childhood in the context of the real world that all adolscents must eventually enter. It convinces me that someone out there thinks of the world in the same unique optimistic way as I do. And that's enough. Growing up is mandatory. But it doesn't have to be uncomfortable or ugly. It can ne okay. Thank you Greta Gerwig for this comedy gift.

Red, White & Royal Blue (2023)

Jane Austen for Gen Alpha

[10/10 · 13 August 2023]

Every single parent out there needs to show this their child...assuming they're old enough, of course. I can hardly speak I am so moved by this tale of an American and a Brit making peace ny getting into each others pants. Diplomacy, I suppose.

It is a significantly less tragic Romeo and Juliet, a turbulent will-they-wont-they that frustrates and disappoints at every roadblock that this couple unfortunately encounters on their way to acceptance. A road somewhat easier to travel for one half of this more than believable pairing. That this has not been made into a series is a crime. I need a sequel ASAP.

Allegiant (2016)

Solid effort

[8/10 · 25 July 2023]

Once again, a book that comes alive on the silver screen in a completely new light...true to the intention of the story in spirit alone. I can't call this perfect because that would be a lie. But I enjoyed it, and in the end that is all we should ever expect from a movie like this. Exciting, in spite of flaws. Here's the part where I leave my final verdict. After all, this is by far the most detached of the adaptations. In conclusion, it is crystal clear to me, and should be to anyone with eyes, that it was a mistake to transform these characters according to cinematic norms in the first place. Not that they aren't good. They just aren't authentic.

The Divergent Series: Insurgent (2015)

Hollywood truly does love its MacGuffins ; )

[10/10 · 24 July 2023]

This was much better than the book! I still can't believe I'm saying that considering the Eton mess that was the last movie...nevertheless, I must give credit where it is due. The plot moved forward so fast I didn't even realise it was over until they were all doing a pilgrimage towards the gates- just, utterly breathtaking. The movie succeedes, almost incredibly to redeem the seemingly misguided intentions of the previously anonymous founder(s) and provide depth and show the hidden wisdom in the supposed experiment. Though, I stand by the fact Tris is about to have an awkward conversation with someone about how the Divergents were treated this whole time. Oh well. Smash hit from start to finish.