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Madame Web (2024)
One of my Favorite Marvel Movies
Idk what all the hate is other than trolls constantly downvoting en masse any Marvel movie starring a women bc this was REALLY good.
I loved Dakota Johnson as Cassie she did really well of course. Always beautiful and understated imo. The other girls did well too and played believable teens. I am also a fan of Adam Scott. He had a great performance and I thought too bad that they would have been perfect together as a couple but oh well.
Anyways, the thing that I loved most about this movie is Madame Webb's powers. They are SO COOL and I need to see more. The story was compelling, the acting was good, and I never once looked to see how much time was left in the movie. I was sad when it ended bc I wanted more. Basically on the edge of my seat the whole time. Not to mention how BADASS she looked at the end!!! That blew me away.
Please ignore the trolls and see for yourself with an open mind. I think many will like this regardless of the ratings (does not deserve below 6 stars).
This might actually turn me into a Marvel fan along with Deadpool & Wolverine there are finally some story lines I would want to see more of.
Spencer (2021)
Surprising
I thought that this was going to be a sweet, slow moving period piece like "The Crown" but it was not. I actually did not like the horror/psychological thriller aspects of the film bc they scared me lol
Other than that though I am a big fan of Kristen Stewart (not bc of the vampire craze, actually "Happiest Season" changed my mind about her).
I ultimately give this a 9 ONLY for Kristen's performance (there were some other great performances as well this one just stood out to me). I did NOT expect her to do so well as Diana. She changed her whole mannerisms and really embraced the character. At times my eyes were actually tricked into seeing Princess Diana rather than an actor dressed up. I was really wowed and impressed by this alone. I can't imagine how hard it is to act out such a historically important person while changing your entire accent and mannerisms to match them. That to me-is talent.
I would not watch again bc I am a coward with scary movies but I would recommend this to anyone who wants to see Kristen displaying some serious skills or fans of hers in general.
Sense & Sensibility (2024)
Refreshing and Romantic
I loved it! Elinor and Edward were cast SO WELL omg I abolutely loved them. Their chemistry made the movie for me tbh
Overall, it was nice to see a cast that was not completely whitewashed and I think I may have even seen some subtle LGBTQ+ representation in there? Very refreshing.
I also actually think this is one of the more enjoyable Sense and Sensibility adaptations I've had the pleasure of viewing and I've seen most of them at this point haha.
Side note that I absolutely adored the colorful and anachronistic wardrobes choices bc they were so beautiful. While I love seeing authentic time period pieces sometimes it's lovely to see a modern interpretation glammed up. Reminiscent of the creative freedoms taken with medieval fantasy wardrobes that I've seen in other movies.
I would watch more films by the same director/cast.
Edit: of the 207 1-star reviews here, only 7 actually wrote out a review. I believe someone has loaded fake reviews onto this movie to purposefully and maliciously lower the rating. Please don't trust the rating and watch for yourself (and leave an honest review).
Free Guy (2021)
Officer JOHNNAAAYYY!!!
I really really loved this movie way more than I expected to. I watch a lot of B movies and haven't heard much about this one so that's kind of what I thought it was gonna be. B movie, however, this is NOT. One of the first movies in a long time i didn't get distracted and pause and was on the edge of my seat the whole time.
Maybe possibly I'm a bit biased since I'm a gamer but all the little details in Free City was amazing. And it was plenty funny too. I would LOVE to play Free City OR Free Life. The concept of AI that learns and grows like a real human is so cool and I wish it existed.
Beyond that the graphics were cool, the story was super compelling, the cast was great, and I would recommend to anyone ESPECIALLY other gamers.
Only reason it is a 9/10 is bc I'm not sure if i will rewatch it. I MIGHT but not sure of the rewatchability yet. I'm a big fan of rewatching movies and shows I love over and over again so that is a big factor for me. Everything else about this though is a 10/10.
Women Talking (2022)
Boosted rating for feminism
I've had this movie on my watch list for a while now because I was so excited to watch that I really wanted to make sure my mood was right when partaking.
I was surprised at what the movie ended up being and also surprised I didn't head over heels love it.
There were a few main problems I had with the movie that I want to address because maybe it will help others decide if it is worth watching.
1. The style of talking in a kind of wistful/suddenly emotional way was kind of clunky and felt very theatrical. Like rather than planning what they were going to do about the injustices in their society, they were at a group therapy session. This is more of a small nitpicky thing because it was still very interesting and thought provoking, the things they said. And the acting WAS good it just took some adjusting. I honestly think this style of movie would make a better stage play where you have separate spotlights on each women sharing her story.
2. This next one talks about a sensitive subject so TW for SA:
One of the things that the women mention in the show I vehemently disagree with. She was speaking about men SAing women and basically (without spoiling too much) said that because of how society works, and the conditions set up in which women and men operate, and in which the SA is happening, we are all victims of these conditions. And that these conditions enable SA to happen to women by men and they allow men to just sit back and do nothing when it happens. I agree with all that but then the character argued that bc the men who sit back are innocent also those who commit SA are innocent. We might all be victims but in the moment that someone is taking advantage of another that person is evil and committing evil atrocities. Hopefully that makes sense and doesn't read as rambling.
3. I felt the development of the movie was really slow in some places where they could have given attention to other things. Specifically they rushed through introducing the men. We barely had any names to match with faces and saw none of them other than August, who was obviously an ally. I think that caused SA to be misrepresented as something done by misguided, evil, villianized men, rather than letting us get to know the men doing this. Once we had familiar faces and names would have been a good time to reveal the awful things they were doing to the women because we would have had to reconcile the humanized male characters with the awful deeds. This would have been more realistic to how SA actually is (often someone you know and trust).
I also felt the part with them loading the wagons was SO drawn out and slow. They could have used that time to establish who the men were and introduce them properly.
Maybe not realistic but as an added thought I really wanted them to punish the men by catching them in the act (stay and fight), but in the end they absolutely made the right decision.
8/10 for acting, entertainment, and to support movies with feminist messages.
The Stand In (2020)
Impressive
The story was pretty good and the acting REALLY good even though nothing about the story/plot wowed me. The idea of a stand in kind of taking over a star's life is intriguing enough. There were definitely parts of the movie that hooked me in and kept me watching.
The REAL pull of this movie though is ofc Drew Barrymore, a national treasure. She is what gives this movie a slightly higher rating. She was so surprisingly good at playing two different people. Usually with these types of stories where you have the same actor playing multiple parts, it's JUST barely enough of a subtle change to suspend disbelief. But with Drew's acting mixed with the talents of the makeup dept, I literally had to remind myself that Paula WAS played by the same actress as Candy. This just was actually mind blowingly impressive. Drew might be a nepo baby but she has some imcredible acting chops. She deserves her celebrity status 100%. Granted I'm biased as a long time fan.
Despite the low rating I recommend this movie for sure. Drew Barrymore showcases a lot of talent here.
Small mention for interesting use of color and lighting in the sets/costumes throughout the movie. Color blocking and mood was effective, pretty, and eye catching.
A Christmas Movie Christmas (2019)
7 for Ryan Merriman
I grew up watching Ryan Merriman on Disney channel so I HAD to watch this for him. I am really happy that he has decided to do more main roles because I feel like I haven't seen him in many things for a while.
The movie itself I would give more of a 5.5 or 6. It has a cute story line and is entertaining. The two main actresses do their parts justice even if the writing is a little meh. I liked how overbearing and creepy Dustin's ex was. She was pretty effective at playing the villain and thought it was cool she is kind of a blonde Alexandra Dedario look a like.
Without giving any spoilers there were 3 things in this movie that gave it a 7/10. The music was really good! Like surprisingly good (yes I watched the credits). The ending was also really good and has a bit of a "come together" feeling that grounds the entire story line. I loved the ending. And finally, Ryan Merriman made this the most entertaining. His character was charming and sweet, the perfect boy next door type and his acting also had a grounding effect on the whole plot and sometimes jerky feeling of the writing/direction.
7/10 for Ryan Merriman and overall entertainment of this movie. I would only recommend this movie to diehard hallmark/christmas movie fans because it's good enough for a slot in a marathon.
Life & Beth (2022)
Made me cry
I really relate with the younger sister in this show. I have a lot of phobias and I have never seen such an accurate portrayal of just being stuck in your own mind (so much that it can cause missing super important moments/events or make you pass up things you do actually want to do).
There were multiple scenes where I cried. The SA and the baby scenes were very effective and emotional.
Overall it was so relatable there were times with all the characters where I felt like it could have been written about moments in my life.
On top of that the comedy was still in Amy's style but much more subdued. I loved the level of comedy, the music, and the cinematography. The only thing I have any criticism of is the pacing was a little slow at times but it made the impactful scenes hit hard. Also some of the music became kind of suddenly loud where I have sensory issues.
Anyways, I am a huge Michael Cera fan. LOVE him in this so so much. I'm overjoyed that he has decided to act more again and I hope to see him in more stuff.
Christmas Solo (2017)
Solid, good movie with some confusing choices
What can I say; this was a solidly good movie with wholesome Hallmark vibes and cute quirky characters. I chose this movie because I love movies with singing in them (including musicals) and this was very centered around that so overall I enjoyed it.
I'm not sure I would watch it again though. I absolutely adored the two single parents and their banter. They were both very cute and had great chemistry.
The two younger girls playing the teens fighting over the solo, I'm not as sure about. The main girl who plays Charlotte is annoying af and her voice is really not as good as the other girl's. I am super confused as to why the choir teacher would choose her over MJ other than she is a buxom blonde type kinda.
It sort of actually suspended disbelief if I'm being honest when I heard their two voices and compared. I don't think anyone in real life would agree with the choir teacher and her decision...it makes me wonder what the casting/musical ppl were thinking...
Singing talents aside though it was a cute movie that I would recommend to anyone looking for musical christmas films to add to their list.
Love Hard (2021)
I LOVED it. Recommend.
Gave it a 10 to help raise unfair rating (imo).
Most people are complaining about the chemistry between the two stars, Natalie and Josh, but I have to disagree.
A lot of movies show characters that have nothing at all going for them except sexual attraction and lust. This is NOT that. They actually connect intellectually and emotionally which to me is very representative about how chemistry and attraction works for me (in reality).
I really loved that they realized their attraction as they got to know each other and connected in a deeper way than just the physical.
Anyways, great Christmas movie that I absolutely recommend. I've seen it like 3 times already since it came out haha.
Sierra Burgess Is a Loser (2018)
Sexual Assault Ruins It
I honestly would have given this movie a much better rating like a 7 or 8 because it had the potential to be so good. It was a really cute movie. The characters were likeable and I loved their development. The story was great, the message was great. I liked the undercurrent of creativity and talent.
What I didn't like was the scene with the sexual harassment of the guy in the show. Kissing without consent is glorified in this movie and made to seem ok. It's actually kind of weird because the photo taken of the cheerleader without her permission is colored to be extremely not ok.
Overall, I wanted to love this movie but it gets an average to low rating for me (I rate a lot of movies 7-9 range) because that sort of ruins it tbh. Sixteen Candles vibes.
The Cutting Edge: Going for the Gold (2006)
Lost interest halfway through but the skating scenes are fun
I was really excited to watch this. I'm always down for an ice skating film as someone who has taken figure skating lessons herself and of course it's even better if it has some old 2000s nostalgia, but this was not it.
The acting of pretty much every character in this is so forced and bland and fake I just couldn't get immersed in the story. I had zero interest in the main couple and their chemistry was awful. Like this is coming from someone who loves cheesy romance and B movies but even this was too bad for me. I literally stopped watching like 50 minutes in and had to force myself to finish it (was happily preoccupied with sorting some mail in the last 20 mins). To be honest, I'm just glad it's over.
OH and my most favorite part is watching a supposed Olympic trained athlete eating spaghetti for dinner and banana for breakfast...yeah right-uh no way would she be eating any of that.
Literally the ONLY reason I give this 3 stars is because I really enjoyed the actual skating scenes that make up 3% of the movie lmao. I wouldn't really recommend this. I liked Ice Girls much much better.
Sixteen Candles (1984)
Too bad it's so creepy and sexist...
I adore this movie except for the scenes with Caroline were so predatory and creepy it kind of ruined the movie for me. I probably won't be watching it again even though I love everything else in it. Love early John Cusack and of course Molly Ringwald is awesome in it.
Oddly enough, I actually adore all her dorky costars in all her teen movies (the scrawny blonde/redheaded nerd). Idk but I always love them. Granted, I kind of have a soft spot for nerds.
Anyways. Big disappointment watching this again as an adult, and frankly appalled at the behavior and film making decisions of past generations. Shame on them for thinking this was okay.
If you haven't seen it recently just watch it and you'll instantly know what I mean.
Vampire's Kiss (1988)
What on Earth??!?
So... I thought this movie was going to be a romcom about nic cage being bit by a vampire and then turning into one and falling in love with aforementioned vampire.
....Obviously I found out that's NOT at all what this movie is. What this movie is is pure insanity. I felt traumatized, slightly intrigued, and incredulous all in one sitting and I am still unsure if I liked it or hated it, but I'm leaning towards hating it.
The movie sort of builds up something at the beginning, drags on in the middle, and has actually quite and interesting twist at the end. I have to say I was surprised in the direction it went.
SPOILERS***
I will say that the ending sold itself short by not leaving it open ended. He should have been seen walking down the street with the wooden stake still in his chest. Might have made it more of a 7 or 8 out of 10 for me.
As much as I half hated, half enjoyed it, I have to say that I have crappy taste in movies and never give movies less than a 6 (it's pretty rare). So here we are. I wanted a nic cage rom com like Moonstruck and this is what I got -_-
Teen Witch (1989)
One of my favorites
I seriously adore this movie. Have seen it a million times and will watch it a million more (no it's not nostalgic for me because I wasn't even born yet when it was released-I just really do love it). The music and the main characters and the whole story while yes it seems familiar and maybe is cliche is still so good. I especially am in love with the scene at the beginning that has no lines only mysterious music and a lot of mist.
This is exactly the type of movie I will continue to seek out and never get tired of. 80s teen romance movies just have such a magical feel. Very similar to Meg Cabot's "Jinx" if you like books.
I'll add that I think this movie is a pretty good cautionary tale for the budding witch ;)
**Usually I try to watch it around fall or Halloween since that's the best time to appreciate it imo.