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kurdylanicole
Reviews
The Tutor (2023)
Better than I anticipated
***** Some Spoilers Below*****
The storyline was nothing very special. Sort of like a lot of movies in this genre. Tutor, mysterious student, girlfriend in the wings, nothing as it seems, strange things start happening. There were some parts of the movie never explained. However I really liked the portrayal and acting of Ethan, the tutor, aside from the ending, which felt a little overdone. But I thought he was different from the usual protagonist and just like a typical shlub other than being a renowned tutor. Didn't love how it ended. I was actually rooting for him and hoping he killed the kid. It ended on an ambiguous note (did he survive and continue to be a tutor?), which was a nice little twist. For some reason I often root for the bad guy and was kinda disappointed that he didn't kill the kid Also because the kid was super annoying. I obviously have no soul.
Them (2021)
Season 2
I watched both Seasons. Season 1 was really good and VERY disturbing, but Season 2 was SOOOOO GOOD! I absolutely loved it. True horror. Fear and creepiness and super unique without gore, which is the sign of great horror. The acting was superb. I really enjoyed how it was set in the late 80's early 90's and the time period/ culture at the time, and how a black female cop was treated. Well 'enjoy' isn't the right word but it was a good representation of the racism and both the overt and micro aggressions at that time. Overall a fantastic story, with great acting, and full-on creepiness and horror factor. Highly recommend.
Silo (2023)
Really Fun
The Wool Trilogy books are among the best books I've ever read. I was extremely hesitant to watch Silo because I had such a vivid internal vision of this post-apocalyptic world from the books, and I didn't want to ruin it. That being said, I'm halfway through the 1st season and it is nothing like the books in the best way! What I mean is the framework is there, the events, and the basics of what made the books great. However most of the detailed storyline is completely new and embellished and fills in gaps of things that were hinted at or glossed over in the books. What I'm happy about is that I have still maintained a distinct version of the books in my head, and the show like a new fun version. I have to say they did a PHENOMENAL job with the casting and sets. So much of it was how I imagined. But the differences set the book apart and I like that. This is probably the first time that I'm happy the show isn't just like the books, but I still really enjoy the show. Super well done!
Absolutely Fabulous (1992)
Pure comedy
Absolute genius. This is my second time around watching this show and I appreciate it even more. Edwina and Patsy are comic geniuses and all the supporting actresses actors are just so essential. I know this show was show was popular in England in the '90's, but in 2024 in the US it is still so relevant. It is just as fantastic as I remember it in my teens/twenties. One o the most unique and hilarious shows to ever his the airwaves. Edwina is so classic, and Patsy is perfect as her sidekick, and the daughter as the dowdy stick in the mud. It is the essence of true comedy and should've given as much credence.
SmartLess: On the Road (2023)
Love the Podcast and Loved the Tour
This was the perfect addition to the podcast. I have loved Jason Bateman and Will Arnett since Arrested Development. Jason was my celebrity crush growing up, and Will was the funniest guy I had ever watched. And I knew Sean Hayes from Will and Grace but never appreciated how sweet and funny he is. The three of them are the perfect combo together, they are so quick, and just the exact kind of comedy that just hits me. The tour was especially awesome because you get to see them as regular guys and what great friends they are. I think it was the 5th episode where they had a true, in-depth discussion about their childhood and lives, that was just eye opening to how each of them developed their families and careers. I really enjoyed 'getting to know them' and their peculiarities, just as everyday people.
The last episode was notable in that I totally lost respect for their guest Kevin Hart - he was drunk and just so obnoxious on their show, especially towards Sean, who handled it with grace and humor. Kevin was just a jerk and I have no desire to watch anything he is in.
But the three of them are comedy gold. I hope they produce another tour! Now its back to the podcast!
Ah-ga-ssi (2016)
Excellent
I will start by saying that this director made my favorite movie ever, Oldboy, and I have also really enjoyed all of his other films as well. The Handmaiden was an extremely unique and beautiful movie. The cinematography, visuals, sounds, everything was just as it was meant to be - gorgeous and amazing, or sickening and disgusting, depending on the scene. The 'lady' and the 'handmaiden' were both extraordinarily beautiful and unique. In other words, it was hard to take your eyes and ears off this film
It was just stunning.
I loved the twisting and turning, it kept everything exciting and guessing up until the end....the allegiances, who was in love, who was in lust, it was fun.
This is just a personal downside, but I'm just not a huge romance or erotica fan, and there were a lot of drawn out scenes that made the movie a bit too long in my opinion. I'm not a prude, I just find it boring. If that had been pared down I would have given it 10 stars!
Oldeuboi (2003)
1000000 Stars
Oldboy is my favorite movie of all time. I don't know why I haven't written a review yet. I am a huge horror and thriller fan, and the first time I watched it was probably when I was in my 20's. I remember it made an impression on me, but for some reason when it popped up in my feed on Shudder a few years ago I couldn't remember the details. So I rewatched it then - I guess it was when I was like 40, and it completely blew me away like nothing I had ever seen before. The entire movie was a huge adrenaline rush and the ending was like skydiving. I don't think I've ever literally been out of breath from watching a movie before, and I think I just stared at the screen for like 10 minutes.
I have been affected by films before. I tend to lean towards those that are disturbing and evoke deep emotions. Some other films that have affected me, for example would be Martyrs (French), Audition, Antichrist, Funny Games and a few more. I find myself trying to chase the feeling I get from these films without overdoing it and really traumatizing myself.
Oldboy delivered on all of this plus had this dark comedy/satire that just punched. I also tend to prefer foreign films in general, especially Korean and Japanese.
I have not experienced that head rush again since (like I said the closest were the others I mentioned). Oldboy is just like the perfect movie. Chef's kiss***
Oldboy (2013)
Can't help but compare
The original Oldboy is my favorite movie of all time, so I can't help but compare the two. The US version just didn't pack the same punch, or have some of the wacky comical moments inherent to the Korean original. If this was a standalone movie and not a remake I'm sure I would have rated it higher based on originality. It's not poorly done, it's just a bit lackluster in comparison. The cast is top notch- Brolin is a good choice as the main character, and Olsen is a really good actress. Samuel L Jackson and 'Christopher' from the Sopranos - need I say more. It's just, the original Oldboy has that........thing.
Martyrs (2008)
This movie broke me
I watched this movie maybe 8 or 10 years ago and still remains one of the most disturbing and thought provoking movies I have ever seen. The first half presents like a straight up horror movie, but then does a complete 180 pivot into the deepest depths of the human psyche. The ending is beyond anything I have ever experienced.
I was completely shook after watching this and it made me question life and humanity. It still sticks with me today. It was such a valuable movie to me, because nothing but horror could have portrayed the contents of this movie. I have seen some reviews that only commented on the gore aspect, but that was just a vehicle to tie the whole movie together. Absolute masterpiece.