This film reminds me of Uncut Gems. This is not because of similarities in film form, but because of the feeling it elicited. The feeling of unease and stress. I do not think that this is necessarily a bad thing, it just makes for an uncomfortable moviegoing experience. The main character is incredibly vicious and sadistic, but the manner in which Rosamund Pike sparks this character is horrifyingly convincing. I have to agree with some other user reviews on the aspect of the film's lack of likeability, because Pike's character is as far from that as possible. Knowing some story or drive of this character, or at least an extra dash of humour would have really helped with all the discomfort. At around an hour in, the film manages to pick up the pace, add some humour, and introduce a couple of new twists, which I really liked. And the film's costume design is very slick and stylish, which gave it a contemporary and appealing aesthetic. However, the pacing and plot are all over the place and the dialogue is really generic at times. Overall, the film elicited severe emotions and contained style, wit, great acting, and a couple of surprises. It's just a bit sad that the concept could have been explored better, the main character is so unlikeable, and the plot is often just all over the place. Watch to see what it has to offer for you, not for fun.
Reviews
46 Reviews
Citizen Kane
(1941)
A True Survivor
25 June 2021
This film is 80 years old.
That is one fact about this film that continues to amaze me. Not just this fact, but the accompanying fact that it still stands proudly as a remarkable film. It might not be everybody's cup of tea, but the pacing and plot structure feel surprisingly contemporary. I was engaged in this mystery around "Rosebud" from the very start. I love how Kane's life is constructed for us as viewers through the stories of the people around him.
Old movies do not necessarily have to be slow or boring, and this film is a prime example of that.
That is one fact about this film that continues to amaze me. Not just this fact, but the accompanying fact that it still stands proudly as a remarkable film. It might not be everybody's cup of tea, but the pacing and plot structure feel surprisingly contemporary. I was engaged in this mystery around "Rosebud" from the very start. I love how Kane's life is constructed for us as viewers through the stories of the people around him.
Old movies do not necessarily have to be slow or boring, and this film is a prime example of that.
Godzilla vs. Kong
(2021)
Epic and Stupid
24 June 2021
Godzilla vs. Kong is an incredibly stupid film with so much nonsense going on, and it's exactly what I expected it to be. The dialogue and acting is downright terrible and the fighting sequences are epic. That's it. I really anticipated this film to be this way and I wasn't let down. I could actually enjoy it, because I knew what I could expect. Actually, there were even some surprising "elements of quality" that I could respect and enjoy even more because of my prepared mindset. The introductory sequence leading up to the title was awesome and excitement-inducing, there were some interesting shots here and there that caught my eye, and the overall manner in which it was filmed really brought out the grand scope of the film. In addition: Tom Holkenborg, aka Junkie XL, is a treasure for the film industry and a talent that The Netherlands can be proud of. The film's score is as epic and bombastic as one should expect from a Titan vs. Titan flick.
Go see this film on the big screen (It makes a big difference), have a couple of beers, leave your brain at home, and enjoy Godzilla vs. Kong.
Go see this film on the big screen (It makes a big difference), have a couple of beers, leave your brain at home, and enjoy Godzilla vs. Kong.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
(2016)
Why I love Episode 8
23 June 2021
This entry in the Star Wars saga reminded me why I love episode 8: because it does something fresh and at the same time, it includes the beloved Star Wars lore. This film just has a bucketload of Star Wars lore and a story that adds literally nothing besides an explanation for an already existing plot hole. I am not saying I did not like it. I really enjoyed watching this. It's fun and the visuals are amazing. It just felt rather empty and both the story and the characters, except for Chirrut love that dude, didn't spark anything in me.
King Kong
(2005)
How a good build-up is done
23 June 2021
Yes, the film is too long. Now that we have acknowledged the most mentioned point of criticism, let's move on to the rest.
King Kong is a fantastic spectacle of a movie. The first hour and a half or so, the film is actually at quite an interesting pace. There is mystery and adventure and excitement and Kong isn't mentioned anywhere. The story starts small and uses the first half to expand its scope. Kong deserves a decent and slow build-up, and Jackson's version does that perfectly. The second half is admittedly way too long and there are not enough epic moments to keep me excited the entire time. I love the motion capture of Andy Serkis (as usual), the scenes between Kong and Ann are fantastic in its subtextuality, and it's surprisingly wholesome.
I would like to emphasize that I really do think that it could have used more epic fighting sequences. I don't know if that is the consensus among other viewers, but it's really what I expect to see when watching a movie such as this one. I think Godzilla (2014) handled this aspect a little better.
King Kong is a fantastic spectacle of a movie. The first hour and a half or so, the film is actually at quite an interesting pace. There is mystery and adventure and excitement and Kong isn't mentioned anywhere. The story starts small and uses the first half to expand its scope. Kong deserves a decent and slow build-up, and Jackson's version does that perfectly. The second half is admittedly way too long and there are not enough epic moments to keep me excited the entire time. I love the motion capture of Andy Serkis (as usual), the scenes between Kong and Ann are fantastic in its subtextuality, and it's surprisingly wholesome.
I would like to emphasize that I really do think that it could have used more epic fighting sequences. I don't know if that is the consensus among other viewers, but it's really what I expect to see when watching a movie such as this one. I think Godzilla (2014) handled this aspect a little better.
Judas and the Black Messiah
(2021)
I want to see more of Lakeith
23 June 2021
There is a vibrant dichotomy at play here. Conviction and doubt. Brotherhood and betrayal. Fear and decisiveness. And it's all in the skillful acting of its two main characters. The plot is a tad choppy, but I would like to believe that was the intention. It's more of a story where I am following the relationship of two characters over the course of the film's runtime. I am of the persuasion that a film like this places a lot of weight on the shoulders of the two characters. However, Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield both showed that they can easily carry the whole film. I am especially fond of how much acting there is in Stanfield's facial expressions alone, but seriously, the sheer quality of acting by the two leads is such a smooth entry into the entire community and movement that this film is presenting. I was just invested from the beginning. And now I know I want to see more of Stanfield, because my goodness that guy can act.
The Forgotten Battle
(2020)
Reviewing this is difficult
15 June 2021
For me, a Dutchie, this is a very difficult film to review. I am trying to figure out whether to see this as a war film or as a Dutch film. As a war film, this film does not stand out amongst others. Sure, it tells a relatively unknown story and it keeps its premise small and contained. However, it didn't invite me in. I don't know whether it's the characters or just the actors that played them, I just didn't have a solid point of reference. Of course, this could have been a purposeful decision, showing the audience that in those times, people (soldiers especially), were rather expendable. Not having one "hero" who everyone knows is going to survive is part of many a war film. If that is the case, I should definitely watch more war films to wrap my mind around which different choices each director makes in this genre. As a Dutch film, this is genuinely good. And that is saying something. As most fellow Dutchies will agree, Dutch films are just cinematic turd. Not bad or unprofessional or anything, just aggressively mediocre, forgettable, and predictable. Plus, the dialogue is always the verbal equivalent of wet socks. So, compared to those, this movie is pretty solid. Everyone speaks in their own native tongue, the production value is grand, and on a technical level, it is of convincing quality. I think that sums up what I think of the film. I would not say I had a bad time watching it, because I loved experiencing this in theatres. I just had a difficult time reviewing it.
Solo: A Star Wars Story
(2018)
It's fun
15 June 2021
There is a good chance I've mentioned this before, but I'll say it again: Star Wars has earned some kind of hall pass, in my opinion. Even though the movies or series or games end up being disappointing or even total horsedung, I am always curious to revisit the Star Wars universe, which entails that I am planning on watching most of the Star Wars curriculum (except for the LEGO films). Solo: A Star Wars Story was fun. Nothing spectacular, just fun. I had a good time. I did feel like they were trying really hard to establish links and backstory to the Star Wars characters, storylines, and memorabilia I've already seen, but it's not that much of a flaw. I just hoped it was done a little more subtle. The story is very predictable, but again, I didn't mind. Normally, this kind of review would add up to a 6/10, but because it's more Star Wars and because of the decision to cast Phoebe Waller-Bridge as the droid L3, it deserves a 7/10.
Nobody
(I) (2021)
Action movies as they should be
14 June 2021
This was my first full cinema experience in a long time. I got to see this one with a couple of friends, we experienced the movie together, and we got to talk about it afterwards. For me, that is definitely a fuller experience than watching a film in a theatre all by myself. And, boy, did I miss watching this kind of films in cinema. The action was hard-hitting and awesome, the story was incredibly generic, and it had enough goofy moments to balance everything. The only thing I knew about this film was that it was from some of the makers of John Wick, and I've got to say: it is refreshing to see an action hero who also takes a beating himself, whereas John Wick can walk off multiple shotgun wounds. Plus, I think casting Bob Odenkirk as the main characters was a fantastic choice, I can't wait to see what he does next.
The Intouchables
(2011)
Very Rewatchable
14 June 2021
This was honestly my fifth time watching this film. I was in the mood for something I had already seen before and something easily digestible and this was the perfect choice. Not only was it still funny and deeply satisfying, I was, once again, amazed by the sheer simplicity and subtlety. There is a light tone of drama and emotion, a great sense of humour, and just an all-round wholesome film that stands on itself. Even if Omar Sy is undoubtedly the magic ingredient.
The East
(2020)
Quality in Dutch Film Making
6 June 2021
As far as Dutch films are concerned, De Oost does a decent job. I'm from The Netherlands myself, so I have seen my share of Dutch films, and I have to be honest, the majority is not great. We do not have many actors, which, unfortunately, also entails that we do not have many solid actors. Dutch actors are especially terrible at dialogue, trying way too hard to make it sound convincing and realistic, and it almost always ends up having the opposite effect.
De Oost actually manages to avoid this flaw, and it also passes as a decent film, which came as a surprise. The cinematography, costume design, editing, and pacing are fantastic, especially in the first half. This might have influenced my verdict of the film, because I could not help but feel proud of the Dutch for being able to make something of this quality. Unfortunately, there are some flaws to it as well, and it's the second half. The second half takes way too long and does way too little to let it mean anything. The ending is very insignificant and empty, and the plot becomes chaotic and choppy.
That being said, it will probably not meet certain viewers' standards, but it does stand proudly as one of the better Dutch films.
De Oost actually manages to avoid this flaw, and it also passes as a decent film, which came as a surprise. The cinematography, costume design, editing, and pacing are fantastic, especially in the first half. This might have influenced my verdict of the film, because I could not help but feel proud of the Dutch for being able to make something of this quality. Unfortunately, there are some flaws to it as well, and it's the second half. The second half takes way too long and does way too little to let it mean anything. The ending is very insignificant and empty, and the plot becomes chaotic and choppy.
That being said, it will probably not meet certain viewers' standards, but it does stand proudly as one of the better Dutch films.
The Silence of the Lambs
(1991)
Masterful suspense
6 June 2021
Last week, I decided to give the Hannibal TV series another shot. The first time, I watched up and until the end of season 1, and found myself not liking it and being appalled at the gore. That was a significant number of years ago, and I thought I would appreciate it more, now that I am learning more about the art of film (and in extension, television) making. And that was precisely the case. With that in mind, I decided to also watch The Silence of the Lambs.
I had never seen this movie before, and oh my goodness, is this movie intense. This is the kind of horror I admire. There is barely any jumpscares or wacky visual effects to scare you, this film actually creeps up on you, which is much more terrifying. I especially love how Hannibal Lecter is introduced, which is through the dialogue between other people. Done properly, this technique can provide an effective build-up for a character before he/she is seen on screen.
I could spend more time arguing why I think this movie is worth its five Oscars, but the bottom line is that this movie got me hooked. For the entirety of its runtime, this film reminded me why I love film as an art form. What it can do, how it can stick with me, how it can dazzle and amaze me. All I want to add is: Please go see it for yourself.
I had never seen this movie before, and oh my goodness, is this movie intense. This is the kind of horror I admire. There is barely any jumpscares or wacky visual effects to scare you, this film actually creeps up on you, which is much more terrifying. I especially love how Hannibal Lecter is introduced, which is through the dialogue between other people. Done properly, this technique can provide an effective build-up for a character before he/she is seen on screen.
I could spend more time arguing why I think this movie is worth its five Oscars, but the bottom line is that this movie got me hooked. For the entirety of its runtime, this film reminded me why I love film as an art form. What it can do, how it can stick with me, how it can dazzle and amaze me. All I want to add is: Please go see it for yourself.
Carefully dosed
6 June 2021
This was my first rewatch of the film, and boy, did it satisfy me. Star Wars manages to introduce a whole new world filled to the brim with all kinds of species, planets, politics, and, surprisingly, religion. However, it doesn't feel the need to establish everything in this first movie of the franchise, it just hints at a larger universe that remains to be explored. And that, I believe, was a fantastic choice. It gave the film some space (pun intended), to focus on the main storyline, which is simple, but oh so effective. That is a delicate balance, and Star Wars does it perfectly.
Furious 7
(2015)
Solid
6 June 2021
In my review for Fast & Furious 8, I have already said what I wanted to say about the series. Bottom line: The saga knows what the audience wants. As viewers, we ride alongside the family members, and we embrace the over-the-top action with them.
This part of the saga has a larger scope, more style, and all the crazy stunts cranked up to eleven. Except for the frustratingly anticlimactic ending fight sequence, this movie had all the elements to make a solid installment, especially the beautiful ending.
This part of the saga has a larger scope, more style, and all the crazy stunts cranked up to eleven. Except for the frustratingly anticlimactic ending fight sequence, this movie had all the elements to make a solid installment, especially the beautiful ending.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
(2008)
My Green Light for the Series
6 June 2021
Star Wars: The Clone Wars does not excel at anything, and that's okay. It's entertaining and simple. Does that make it a great movie or a great entry in the Star Wars canon? No, absolutely not. There are significant flaws to this film: It's predictable, a tad too goofy at times, and not exactly a sight for sore eyes. But it's more of the characters and world I wanted to see more of, so, for me, that makes it okay. And I have to admit, the Star Wars franchise bodes well with a little childlike humor and silliness from time to time. On top of that, it made me want to start with the series, so it must have done something right.
The Prestige
(2006)
Nolan at his best!
31 May 2021
Yesterday, I watched The Prestige for the third time. I was, yet again, amazed by how thoroughly hypnotizing and entertaining this film is.
One of the greatest aspects of this film is that it has replay value. The first time, I was just hooked by the film's mystery and the puzzle that the film presents. The second time, I loved to discover the little hints that are dropped throughout the film. This time, I was astonished by how much of the film's mysterious atmosphere remains in the third screening. Plus, there were still hints and nudges that I hadn't discovered yet, so that was a lovely surprise.
I cannot stress enough how well Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman work together on screen. It just works. It reminded me of the chemistry that McAvoy and Fassbender have in First Class. I loved seeing them trying to outwit each other.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. The production design, the editing, the pacing, the dialogue. Everything is carefully orchestrated into one beautiful mystery of a film. It may be personal preference, but all of the above mentioned aspects make The Prestige into one of my favourite Nolan films, and probably one of my favourite films in general.
One of the greatest aspects of this film is that it has replay value. The first time, I was just hooked by the film's mystery and the puzzle that the film presents. The second time, I loved to discover the little hints that are dropped throughout the film. This time, I was astonished by how much of the film's mysterious atmosphere remains in the third screening. Plus, there were still hints and nudges that I hadn't discovered yet, so that was a lovely surprise.
I cannot stress enough how well Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman work together on screen. It just works. It reminded me of the chemistry that McAvoy and Fassbender have in First Class. I loved seeing them trying to outwit each other.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. The production design, the editing, the pacing, the dialogue. Everything is carefully orchestrated into one beautiful mystery of a film. It may be personal preference, but all of the above mentioned aspects make The Prestige into one of my favourite Nolan films, and probably one of my favourite films in general.
This is why I love Star Wars
17 May 2021
Reviewing Star Wars films is a rather complex issue altogether. Not only is the fanbase deeply divided, there is always someone who knows more about the lore than I do. There is a vast collection of films, video games, and television series. That being said, I believe I should briefly mention my history with the franchise.
I did not grow up with Star Wars. Last year, I watched the original trilogy at home, in a marathon session that also included Episode 7. Not long afterwards, I watched Episode 8, so I was just in time to watch Episode 9 in theatres. A little while after this, I caught up with Season 1 of The Mandalorian before the release of Season 2 and I played Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. My opinion in a few words: I loved the original trilogy for its accessibility, originality, and deeply satisfying vibe. Episode 7 manages to maintain this vibe, and it benefits from contemporary technical possibilities. Episode 8 is my favourite and I have absolutely no idea why. I could name certain elements, but I think its really just personal preference. Apparently, it did a lot of things right for me. Episode 9 just disappointed me, but I do not regret having watched it.
I mentioned all of the above for my review of both Episode I and II, but that is simply because I want my review to be thorough.
For starters, I actually liked sitting through Episode III. Admittedly, this installment benefits from the fact that it's new, so the technical possibilities for the making of this film were more advanced than for the other prequels. There is one adjective that perfectly summarizes my verdict of this film: exciting. The battles, the lore, the intense though inconclusive character development of Anakin, and above all, the epic ambiance that justifies the Star Wars hype.
The knowledge that the Clone Wars series exists and attempts to cover the years between Episode II and Episode III is particularly more interesting to dive in because of what Episode III manages to do. And it doesn't just stop there. It made me excited to watch the original trilogy and play Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order. It might have helped that I watched the three prequels in two sittings, but this is what it did for me. Most of its runtime, I was thinking: "Yes, this is why I love Star Wars." And if a film manages to elicit that, it deserves my kudos.
I did not grow up with Star Wars. Last year, I watched the original trilogy at home, in a marathon session that also included Episode 7. Not long afterwards, I watched Episode 8, so I was just in time to watch Episode 9 in theatres. A little while after this, I caught up with Season 1 of The Mandalorian before the release of Season 2 and I played Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. My opinion in a few words: I loved the original trilogy for its accessibility, originality, and deeply satisfying vibe. Episode 7 manages to maintain this vibe, and it benefits from contemporary technical possibilities. Episode 8 is my favourite and I have absolutely no idea why. I could name certain elements, but I think its really just personal preference. Apparently, it did a lot of things right for me. Episode 9 just disappointed me, but I do not regret having watched it.
I mentioned all of the above for my review of both Episode I and II, but that is simply because I want my review to be thorough.
For starters, I actually liked sitting through Episode III. Admittedly, this installment benefits from the fact that it's new, so the technical possibilities for the making of this film were more advanced than for the other prequels. There is one adjective that perfectly summarizes my verdict of this film: exciting. The battles, the lore, the intense though inconclusive character development of Anakin, and above all, the epic ambiance that justifies the Star Wars hype.
The knowledge that the Clone Wars series exists and attempts to cover the years between Episode II and Episode III is particularly more interesting to dive in because of what Episode III manages to do. And it doesn't just stop there. It made me excited to watch the original trilogy and play Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order. It might have helped that I watched the three prequels in two sittings, but this is what it did for me. Most of its runtime, I was thinking: "Yes, this is why I love Star Wars." And if a film manages to elicit that, it deserves my kudos.
Significantly more entertaining
16 May 2021
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Reviewing Star Wars films is a rather complex issue altogether. Not only is the fanbase deeply divided, there is always someone who knows more about the lore than I do. There is a vast collection of films, video games, and television series. That being said, I believe I should briefly mention my history with the franchise.
I did not grow up with Star Wars. Last year, I watched the original trilogy at home, in a marathon session that also included Episode 7. Not long afterwards, I watched Episode 8, so I was just in time to watch Episode 9 in theatres. A little while after this, I caught up with Season 1 of The Mandalorian before the release of Season 2 and I played Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. My opinion in a few words: I loved the original trilogy for its accessibility, originality, and deeply satisfying vibe. Episode 7 manages to maintain this vibe, and it benefits from contemporary technical possibilities. Episode 8 is my favourite and I have absolutely no idea why. I could name certain elements, but I think its really just personal preference. Apparently, it did a lot of things right for me. Episode 9 just disappointed me, but I do not regret having watched it.
I mentioned all of the above in my review on Episode 1. I admire the franchise enough to do give each episode the balanced review it deserves.
I think my verdict on Episode II can be quite brief. As I am writing this, I am having a hard time remembering more than the basics of the film's plot. I guess my main issues with this film are the cringy dialogue ("I don't like sand...") and the highly confusing storytelling. This is different from Episode I, which I would describe as "frustratingly annoying". Episode II, on the other hand, is significantly less terrible to sit through, mainly because of the improved visuals and overall absence of outdated CGI characters. It's only the dialogue and storytelling that made the whole thing feel uncomfortable and off. Apart from that, there is, yet again, more Star Wars lore to enjoy. This time with more action sequences, so yay!
All things considered, Episode II has a lot more going for it than Episode I. There is more action, better visuals, and virtually no Jar Jar Binks. Too bad the dialogue and storytelling add a bad taste to it. But the same goes for my verdict of Episode I: I did not regret watching it, and in this case, it made me excited to see what the Clone Wars series has to offer.
Reviewing Star Wars films is a rather complex issue altogether. Not only is the fanbase deeply divided, there is always someone who knows more about the lore than I do. There is a vast collection of films, video games, and television series. That being said, I believe I should briefly mention my history with the franchise.
I did not grow up with Star Wars. Last year, I watched the original trilogy at home, in a marathon session that also included Episode 7. Not long afterwards, I watched Episode 8, so I was just in time to watch Episode 9 in theatres. A little while after this, I caught up with Season 1 of The Mandalorian before the release of Season 2 and I played Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. My opinion in a few words: I loved the original trilogy for its accessibility, originality, and deeply satisfying vibe. Episode 7 manages to maintain this vibe, and it benefits from contemporary technical possibilities. Episode 8 is my favourite and I have absolutely no idea why. I could name certain elements, but I think its really just personal preference. Apparently, it did a lot of things right for me. Episode 9 just disappointed me, but I do not regret having watched it.
I mentioned all of the above in my review on Episode 1. I admire the franchise enough to do give each episode the balanced review it deserves.
I think my verdict on Episode II can be quite brief. As I am writing this, I am having a hard time remembering more than the basics of the film's plot. I guess my main issues with this film are the cringy dialogue ("I don't like sand...") and the highly confusing storytelling. This is different from Episode I, which I would describe as "frustratingly annoying". Episode II, on the other hand, is significantly less terrible to sit through, mainly because of the improved visuals and overall absence of outdated CGI characters. It's only the dialogue and storytelling that made the whole thing feel uncomfortable and off. Apart from that, there is, yet again, more Star Wars lore to enjoy. This time with more action sequences, so yay!
All things considered, Episode II has a lot more going for it than Episode I. There is more action, better visuals, and virtually no Jar Jar Binks. Too bad the dialogue and storytelling add a bad taste to it. But the same goes for my verdict of Episode I: I did not regret watching it, and in this case, it made me excited to see what the Clone Wars series has to offer.
The paradox of the Star Wars franchise
15 May 2021
Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace
Reviewing Star Wars films is a rather complex issue altogether. Not only is the fanbase deeply divided, there is always someone who knows more about the lore than I do. There is a vast collection of films, video games, and television series. That being said, I believe I should briefly mention my history with the franchise.
I did not grow up with Star Wars. Last year, I watched the original trilogy at home, in a marathon session that also included Episode 7. Not long afterwards, I watched Episode 8, so I was just in time to watch Episode 9 in theatres. A little while after this, I caught up with Season 1 of The Mandalorian before the release of Season 2 and I played Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. My opinion in a few words: I loved the original trilogy for its accessibility, originality, and deeply satisfying vibe. Episode 7 manages to maintain this vibe, and it benefits from contemporary technical possibilities. Episode 8 is my favourite and I have absolutely no idea why. I could name certain elements, but I think its really just personal preference. Apparently, it did a lot of things right for me. Episode 9 just disappointed me, but I do not regret having watched it.
I think my review for Episode 9 also summarizes my verdict of Episode 1. I do not regret having watched it, because it's Star Wars. I am of the persuasion that every film has at least one thing that make it worth the watch. I think that is what makes Star Wars so alluring. There is so much storytelling, worldbuilding, and lore to uncover, which makes every media production that ties into that interesting to watch. I could go on and on about what is terrible about it, but that is not my point. I am giving this film a 4/10, and I would much rather explain how it deserved those four points. Long before I started watching Star Wars, I knew that the fans of the original trilogy hated the prequels and vice versa. With that in mind, I still knew I wanted to see the prequels, despite their reputation. I just wanted to see more of Star Wars, and in my screening of Episode 1, I had the chance to see more of Star Wars. Most of it was terrible, but I do not regret watching it. And that, right there, is the beautiful paradox of the Star Wars franchise.
Reviewing Star Wars films is a rather complex issue altogether. Not only is the fanbase deeply divided, there is always someone who knows more about the lore than I do. There is a vast collection of films, video games, and television series. That being said, I believe I should briefly mention my history with the franchise.
I did not grow up with Star Wars. Last year, I watched the original trilogy at home, in a marathon session that also included Episode 7. Not long afterwards, I watched Episode 8, so I was just in time to watch Episode 9 in theatres. A little while after this, I caught up with Season 1 of The Mandalorian before the release of Season 2 and I played Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. My opinion in a few words: I loved the original trilogy for its accessibility, originality, and deeply satisfying vibe. Episode 7 manages to maintain this vibe, and it benefits from contemporary technical possibilities. Episode 8 is my favourite and I have absolutely no idea why. I could name certain elements, but I think its really just personal preference. Apparently, it did a lot of things right for me. Episode 9 just disappointed me, but I do not regret having watched it.
I think my review for Episode 9 also summarizes my verdict of Episode 1. I do not regret having watched it, because it's Star Wars. I am of the persuasion that every film has at least one thing that make it worth the watch. I think that is what makes Star Wars so alluring. There is so much storytelling, worldbuilding, and lore to uncover, which makes every media production that ties into that interesting to watch. I could go on and on about what is terrible about it, but that is not my point. I am giving this film a 4/10, and I would much rather explain how it deserved those four points. Long before I started watching Star Wars, I knew that the fans of the original trilogy hated the prequels and vice versa. With that in mind, I still knew I wanted to see the prequels, despite their reputation. I just wanted to see more of Star Wars, and in my screening of Episode 1, I had the chance to see more of Star Wars. Most of it was terrible, but I do not regret watching it. And that, right there, is the beautiful paradox of the Star Wars franchise.
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
(2020)
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
14 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom visits relevant cultural themes at large, with top-notch performances and dialogue to elevate above the small-scale setting.
First, I would like to point out that I love watching new films, discovering what every single one has to offer. After a visit to the theatre, me and my fellow film enthusiast friends would discuss what elements we thought stood out and why. Even though we ended up not liking the movie, the discussion as to why that was the case was satisfying in itself. We have this running gag that one of us is "The World-Building Fan", one of us is "The Cinematography Fan", and then there is me as "The Dialogue Fan". When a film puts pressure on the dialogue and the performances by downscaling on locales and story duration, it piques my interest.
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom does just that. Apart from the opening minutes, the whole film takes place in a single recording session in Chicago, 1927. I actually already knew that this was the case, so I was paying attention to the characters and their interaction rather than the actual plot from the beginning. After watching it, I was surprised by how the dialogue manages to keep up the pace and balance lighter and heavier themes. There is a certain flow to this film and it is completely dependent on the dialogue. However, it is probably best to know that beforehand, so that future viewers should not expect to much from its plot.
The performances are fantastic. I don't really know how to elaborate on what has already been said about this, but Chadwick Boseman definitely gave one hell of a performance here. I actually saw Da 5 Bloods last week and it is just so fascinating to see Boseman playing both of these very different roles with such conviction. I love it.
The film oozes the vibe of the blues, and it is not just in the music. It is in the performances, the dialogue, and the costume design. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but there is at least an overarching vibe flowing over this film, and it's the blues.
There is one theme in this film that was visited in a manner that elicited a negative reaction in me. In a certain scene there is a discussion on God's protection. The whole scene suddenly became very hostile and blasphemous. Now, for me, a christian, it is hard to detach this highly subjective and thoroughly emotional topic, which forms the foundation of my identity, from the sheer art of filmmaking. Since I do not think that I am able to do so, I will refrain from any further comments on this scene, but I can imagine that it could provoke a similar reaction for those who have similar beliefs.
All things considered, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom drips with the blues in every aspect, makes room for some powerful performances, and provides space in the limited scope for the vibrant dialogue to stand out.
First, I would like to point out that I love watching new films, discovering what every single one has to offer. After a visit to the theatre, me and my fellow film enthusiast friends would discuss what elements we thought stood out and why. Even though we ended up not liking the movie, the discussion as to why that was the case was satisfying in itself. We have this running gag that one of us is "The World-Building Fan", one of us is "The Cinematography Fan", and then there is me as "The Dialogue Fan". When a film puts pressure on the dialogue and the performances by downscaling on locales and story duration, it piques my interest.
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom does just that. Apart from the opening minutes, the whole film takes place in a single recording session in Chicago, 1927. I actually already knew that this was the case, so I was paying attention to the characters and their interaction rather than the actual plot from the beginning. After watching it, I was surprised by how the dialogue manages to keep up the pace and balance lighter and heavier themes. There is a certain flow to this film and it is completely dependent on the dialogue. However, it is probably best to know that beforehand, so that future viewers should not expect to much from its plot.
The performances are fantastic. I don't really know how to elaborate on what has already been said about this, but Chadwick Boseman definitely gave one hell of a performance here. I actually saw Da 5 Bloods last week and it is just so fascinating to see Boseman playing both of these very different roles with such conviction. I love it.
The film oozes the vibe of the blues, and it is not just in the music. It is in the performances, the dialogue, and the costume design. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but there is at least an overarching vibe flowing over this film, and it's the blues.
There is one theme in this film that was visited in a manner that elicited a negative reaction in me. In a certain scene there is a discussion on God's protection. The whole scene suddenly became very hostile and blasphemous. Now, for me, a christian, it is hard to detach this highly subjective and thoroughly emotional topic, which forms the foundation of my identity, from the sheer art of filmmaking. Since I do not think that I am able to do so, I will refrain from any further comments on this scene, but I can imagine that it could provoke a similar reaction for those who have similar beliefs.
All things considered, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom drips with the blues in every aspect, makes room for some powerful performances, and provides space in the limited scope for the vibrant dialogue to stand out.
X2: X-Men United
(2003)
Kurt Wagner steals the show
11 May 2021
X2 ticks the boxes of what a sequel should do, and functions as a smooth transition from the first X-Men to X-Men: The Last Stand.
The first X-Men film had a surprisingly small scope for the concept it introduces. It was simply Magneto and some of his mutants vs. Xavier and his team. The impact of society's discovery of mutants is barely mentioned. X2 visits this political and ethical issue, but also leaves plenty of room for X-Men: The Last Stand to encompass it even further. However, it is refreshing to see the mutants act in and deal with the non-mutant society. I also find it fascinating how satisfying it is to see a multitude of mutants showing off their powers. It's just an element that is fun to see in every X-Men film, even in the ones that are not as generally solid. Luckily, this installment offers a fresh variety of mutants and Alan Cumming as Kurt Wagner got me hooked on his character from the first minute. It also helps that the action sequences are well-directed and far from shy. They pack quite a wallop and they add just enough of a grown-up aesthetic to match the tone the film is trying to convey.
There is one thing that this film did not improve on, and it's dialogue. Most of the time, it's all over the place and a little uncomfortable. This film, like X-Men: The Last Stand and First Class, could really benefit from more extensive discussion on the concept of mutants. Perhaps this is just something that was saved for the third entry in the series.
All things considered, X2 is a strong follow-up on a film that mostly had its concept and the corresponding aesthetic going for it. It shows what good sequels ought to do: improve on the original while keeping the good parts.
The first X-Men film had a surprisingly small scope for the concept it introduces. It was simply Magneto and some of his mutants vs. Xavier and his team. The impact of society's discovery of mutants is barely mentioned. X2 visits this political and ethical issue, but also leaves plenty of room for X-Men: The Last Stand to encompass it even further. However, it is refreshing to see the mutants act in and deal with the non-mutant society. I also find it fascinating how satisfying it is to see a multitude of mutants showing off their powers. It's just an element that is fun to see in every X-Men film, even in the ones that are not as generally solid. Luckily, this installment offers a fresh variety of mutants and Alan Cumming as Kurt Wagner got me hooked on his character from the first minute. It also helps that the action sequences are well-directed and far from shy. They pack quite a wallop and they add just enough of a grown-up aesthetic to match the tone the film is trying to convey.
There is one thing that this film did not improve on, and it's dialogue. Most of the time, it's all over the place and a little uncomfortable. This film, like X-Men: The Last Stand and First Class, could really benefit from more extensive discussion on the concept of mutants. Perhaps this is just something that was saved for the third entry in the series.
All things considered, X2 is a strong follow-up on a film that mostly had its concept and the corresponding aesthetic going for it. It shows what good sequels ought to do: improve on the original while keeping the good parts.
Da 5 Bloods
(2020)
Powerhouse performances and Lee's directing
4 May 2021
Da 5 Bloods has a lot to unpack. Most of it is really moving and powerful, fortunately. I have seen Do the Right Thing and BlackkKlansman, so I had high hopes for this one. I have to say: I was genuinely surprised by the quality and immersion this film offers. The story is a lot less chaotic than some of the reviews made me believe, and it is an adventure. It felt like I was part of their journey and I felt really invested in the struggles of the characters. The first hour felt a little slow and it seemed like it wasn't going anywhere, but the second half of the film had me hooked for the rest of its runtime. The editing was snappy at times, which made me understand why many reviews used the adjective "disjointed" for this film. However, the cinematography, character development, and blend of styles were a breath of fresh air for me. There was also a lot more action than I anticipated, and it was a welcome addition to an already exciting film. There were certain scenes that really had me at the edge of my seat. It might be a tad overlong, but the film does a lot of things right. Spike Lee shows that he does not only know how to discuss the notion of racism in a refreshing way, but also how combine this with his directing skills. Plus, Chadwick Boseman (Press 'F' to pay respects) delivers a truly beautiful performance.
The Prince of Egypt
(1998)
This should be here
3 May 2021
First, I should note that I am a Christian. As I am also an avid movie fanatic, I have to admit that Christian flicks tend to be very very bad in a number of ways. I have grown to admire the ways in which non-Christian films insert religious themes or questions in a subtle manner, as there are very few films that overtly promote maintaining a Christian message and end up failing on multiple fronts. Prince of Egypt does not do that. What's more, the film even managed to gain popularity well beyond the Christian communities. The film won an Oscar for Original Song and scored an Oscar nomination for Best Score. Personally, I didn't care for the music, but I have to admit that I was surprised by its quality and accurate tone. It has the power to invite non-Christians into an epic biblical story and for non-Christians to deconstruct the VeggieTales-like image that many may hold of this dark story. So it has something to offer for both parties, and I am really glad that its here.
X: First Class
(2011)
Rewatchable and Fresh
3 May 2021
I absolutely adore this film. It surprised me how many times I could rewatch this film without the film losing its entertainment value. The undeniable bromance of Fassbender en McAvoy is extremely satisfying, and it fits the conflict between Xavier and Lensherr so perfectly. Because the thing is, Magneto is surprisingly understandable for a "bad guy", and Professor X has a couple of significant flaws as a "good guy". This is evident in most X-Men films, but mostly in First Class. The visual effects are magnificent, the story unravels so smoothly, and the dialogue and characters are beautifully written. Writing this makes me want to watch it again.
X-Men: The Last Stand
(2006)
Underappreciated
3 May 2021
Allright, I'll admit, there are some serious issues with this film, both in terms of film form and narrative. The visual effects are pretty bad, even for 2006, and there are some things in the story that just don't make any sense. But still, the vibe of the X-Men that I have grown to love is there, and the political take on the concept of mutants is done really well. It has some cool action sequences, cool mutants showing off their abilities, and a couple of silly one-liners. Plus, there is Elliot Page as Kitty, which is just lovely to have in this X-Men team. Overall, this film has a lot of feel. Is that a subjective verdict? It most certainly is.
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