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PostcardsFromEden
If you do, stay away from the tree with the snake. You'll lose your deposit if you eat one of those apples.
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Reviews
No Hard Feelings (2023)
I hope this film ages horribly - it'll show that we have progressed.
No Hard Feelings is a film that really should be left in the dustbin of the 2000s, but the fact that it was made only last year, shows the worrying attitudes to sexuality, and misandry still prevalent in media today. I would have given 0 stars if I could.
The plot revolves around Jennifer Lawrence (Maddie Barker), who is 32 in this. She is needing money to stop bankruptcy, answers an ad for a car in exchange to date and have sex with a 19 year old, Percy Becker (played Andrew Feldman). The ad is put out by his parents, who see him as needing this before going off to college. It's already enough that this is borderline grooming. The film portrays this as funny, when it is certainly not.
The first scene together is very uncomfortable, and involves Jennifer looming Percy to her car, and kidnapping him for sex at her house. He is seen as the crazy one for carrying pepper spray and protecting himself with it, after all the film uses the dangerous notion that men will always want sex, and it must be pushed on them, because a man saying no is clearly just lying.
This is also not the only scene where male sexual assault is seen as funny. This is seen when Lawrence is angry when Percy says no to having sex after being taken skinny dipping. She is visibly angry and upset after being told no. She then storms off and takes his clothes. This is all played as a joke ( ha ha sexual assault is funny).
I will admit that the film had potential, it could have been a sweet film about how it's okay to not date and be yourself, and going at your own pace with certain things. That could have been a good message, however this is thrown out the window, for the far more important aspect of depicting Jennifer Lawrence completely nude in a fight scene for some reason. There is no need for it, other than just for sexual gratification. "Comedy", where is the comedy in that scene. It was sexualised nudity just because you could.
There is normalisation of destructive and hedonistic habits - including the drinking culture of American colleges, with it being seen as necessary, with Percy being told to "drink his medicine" in a bar, even when it is clear he does not want to.
There is also a borderline rape scene, where Percy tries to have sex with Becky, but it feels like he was being forced into a corner with it. That scene is also sort-of played for laughs.
The movie portrays the worst parts of society as just normal, rather than trying to change it or prevent the glamorisation of it. Its attitudes on male sexuality are outdated and borderline dangerous, and should be left in the American Pie era of movies. There was a chance of a heart-warming film that championed individuality and saying no to peer and societal pressure, but shoehorned in nude Jennifer Lawrence was just far more important.
You could say that the depictions of male sexuality in this are so stale that the American Pie is now rotting. That's a slight misnomer. It was rotten from the day it was fresh from the oven.
The Holdovers (2023)
Fantastic film, sans kipper ties thankfully.
Modern cinema often runs the risk of everything been more of the same - the usual Marvel flick being remade over and over again. It's nice to see some geunine great films for a change, one that are original and unique in their own way.
The Holdovers is one such film. The film is simply fantastic, a film where everything is perfect, where a perfect balance of comedy and drama is met. The chemistry between the actors is great, especially between Angus and Mr. Hunham, all scenes that these two are in are a joy to watch. Mary is also hilarious. The film will make you laugh, but will make you quite sad too, this saying is a clique at this point, but it's a film that I feel has done this well.
I especially liked the setting and the time period. The film tried to replicated this and did it extremely well from the film they used to the intros at the start. The school's conservative dress code means that we don't see few wide kipper ties like we do in most films so that's a plus.
The Holdovers is a film that qualifies definitely as a contender for best film of the year for many people. However I feel like this can go to decade or perhaps best films of all time. It's funny, the characters are a delight, and there is a genuine connection with them. You go through their trials and tribulations and you feel their heartaches and pains too. It's a simple joy to watch and a film that I feel will be up there with It's a Wonderful Life in 20 years, as a fantastic Christmas film that emboldens both laughter and sadness into one, without forgoing the other, or making a cheesy mess. Absolutely recommend.
Fail Safe (1964)
A utter masterpiece: Feelings that no film can imitate.
This film is nothing short of a masterpiece. Brilliant acting, editing and directing make a thriller that is unmatched. This film will make you feel feelings that no film can imitate. The stress, the anger and suspense; these strong feelings that you feel from the actions in the film is from the perfection of this film. This film is as relevant as the day it came out; specially with Ukraine. It won't be a light-hearted suspenseful adventure, it will shake you to your very core; and every emotion in your body with it. If it's only one film you see in your life; make it this. Please watch it!
Crying for the Carolines (1930)
Fascinating and the rendition by Miton Charles at the organ absolutely blows me away.
I've seen harsh reviews of this particular short, which I think are unfair. It's different for the time and even now and all for it. It's fascinating, unique and an eye-pleaser. With monotholic skyscrapers the current minute and a fading giant sunrise next to a country house the next. Perhaps a hidden message?
The sombre visuals goes with a tee with a classic Depression ditty too. Ironic considering the cinema was considered an escape from the general miseries of the current world, this is anything but. This doesn't tarnish its quality though, as casual escapism is clearly not its intention.
All of the visual stuff seen here is a pain to do with film, and would require a near romantic relationship with an optical printer and other things. Shame that they never got very far with it.
My main reason for the perfect review is Milton Charles. His absolute virtuosity at both the organ and voice showcase a powerful rendition of this song of yesteryear. The final part of the song never fails to give me goosebumps. He recorded his organ work constantly, but less of his voice with it. It's a shame really.
The short is currently on YouTube. Please check it out. It's 5 minutes out of your quarantined day and will leave you with goosebumps with the final vocal note and organ chord.
Psycho Killer (1993)
It's so bad it's good.
Oh boy, Psycho Killer. I wonder if it was meant to be bad. The lines sound like it was written by someone in 5 minutes. The gameplay is shallow. The "videos" I wonder if they are videos or just pictures. The plot is the usual damsel-in-distress story so no need to go over it. However, that's why it's so good. The lines are hilarious, with kiddie versions of swear words. (I'm not joking) The gameplay is okay, The videos are quite decent, and there is something satisfying watching them.
It may be a pain setting it up on DOSBox (tip: Use Daum) but it is worth it. So, get it set up and turn off your brain for 10 minutes to a hour, and laugh and have some fun with Psycho Killer.
Casino Royale (1967)
A great and funny film.
A great film, funny and a perfect guilty pleasure. Niven is brought out of retirement albeit forcefully to deal with SMERSH. Two hours of choas and humour ensures from then on. I felt that the film length was right, as it wasn't boring. The jokes was funny throughout. Albeit a few jokes fall falt, however this maybe just be my sense of humour. With a star-studded cast featuring Orson Welles, Woody Allen, David Niven and Peter Sellers, they jump right into the chaos of mutiple Bonds, and it's a delightful folly into spy spoofing. A film that isn't perhaps the most logical, but is a funny spectacle. Would definitely recommended, not to the person looking for something more logical and story-orientated, but someone that just wants a good laugh for two hours. This film really was too much for just one James Bond.