First-Time Viewings: September 2021

(Source: Boston Herald)

CODA (2021) *watched on September 1* – Long story short, this feel-good movie deserves a home video release! Something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. So good!

10/10

Read my full review here.

(Source: Variety)

Cinderella (2021) *watched on September 3* – Playing Cinderella is every little girl’s dream. Pop singer Camila Cabello isn’t a bad choice for the role. However, her perfect looks and singing chops don’t save Pitch Perfect writer Kay Cannon’s bombastic, over-the-top, dreadful retelling of the classic fairy tale; the only difference to the story is that Ella wants to start a fashion business. The latest release on Amazon Prime Video is a jukebox musical consisting of songs by Queen, Nico and Vinz, The White Stripes, Ed Sheeran, and Madonna among others. Although there are a few decent music numbers, they are mostly washed-down, auto-tuned, and cringe-worthy to the max. The talented cast including Pierce Brosnan, Minnie Driver, Idina Menzel, and Billy Porter does their best, but the hokey-ass dialogue will make every viewer laugh for all the wrong reasons. James Corden needs to just go away!

2.5/10

(Source: IMDb)

Snatch (2000) *watched on September 9* – Let’s not beat around the bush. Guy Ritchie’s cult classic is nothing short of entertaining from beginning to end. It contains everything the writer-director is known for: rapid-fast pacing, spurts of comedy, profanity-laced dialogue, violence, and great characters played by a great cast, particularly Jason Statham and Brad Pitt. Definitely a must-watch!

9/10

(Source: People)

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) *watched on September 9* – Long story short, it’s refreshing to see diversity in the MCU. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings does go into the typical MCU origin story, but it provides a unique take on Asian culture. Really good stuff!

9/10

Read my full review here.

(Source: IMDb)

Freddy Got Fingered (2001) *watched on September 13* – There is a part in Freddy Got Fingered where Anthony Michael Hall tells Tom Green’s aspiring animator this smart piece of advice, “What you need here is elevation. There has to be something that happens that’s funny.” 

This movie is anything but funny. I have seen so many bad movies throughout my 10+ years of being a movie buff. Freddy Got Fingered has joined the likes of Son of the Mask, Jack and Jill, and Movie 43 as one of the absolute worst movies I’ve seen in my entire life. The annoying Canadian actor (who also serves as the director and co-writer) plays Gordon, who wastes his time doing such stupid things as swinging a baby around his head by its umbilical cord, running around while in a deer’s carcass, falsely accusing his father (the late Rip Torn) for sexually molesting his brother Freddy (hence the title)…the list goes on and on and on. There isn’t a single joke that works, with every single one involving something grotesque (i.e. the private parts of a stallion or an elephant) or downright offensive (i.e. references to child molestation and the disabled). The characters are annoying and stupid, the narrative is mean-spirited, and the 90-minute runtime feels so much longer. There is nothing to like about this disgusting, mirthless mess of a movie. STAY AS FAR AWAY FROM THIS MOVIE AS POSSIBLE!

0/10

(Source: The Verge)

The Guilty (2018) *watched on September 16* – After hearing about Antoine Fuqua’s American remake (which comes out on Netflix tomorrow), I decided to take a look at the original Danish version. Within the first few minutes of The Guilty (Den Skyldige), I was immediately hooked. The straightforward narrative is set entirely at Copenhagen’s emergency dispatch office, in which Asger Holm (Jakob Cedergren) stops at nothing to find out the identity of the woman and her kidnapper at the other end of the line. With reveals more shocking than the last, the tension never lets up for a second. It’s the perfect international film under 90 minutes long. It’s definitely something Alfred Hitchcock would love!

10/10

(Source: The New Yorker)

Annette (2021) *watched on September 20* – It has been awhile since I have seen a movie so bizarre that left me cold once the credits started to roll. Annette, the latest film coming from this year’s Cannes Film Festival, is one of those movies. It’s far from awful, but definitely not the masterpiece I hoped for. The music and Caroline Champentier’s cinematography are both top-notch. Director Leos Carax has a fabulous sense of style. Adam Driver, Marion Cotillard, and Simon Helberg are solid enough who portray characters with little to no development. The narrative, the dialogue, and the pacing also leave a bit to be desired. This is basically what Les Miserables would look like if it was a rock opera. Don’t get me started on that animatronic baby!

5/10

(Source: IMDb)

The Courier (2021) *watched on September 21* – Now THIS is more like it! The Courier is an old-fashioned Cold War thriller that fascinates from beginning to end! It is certainly like a James Bond movie. Instead, this movie is based on actual events. Benedict Cumberbatch gives an outstanding performance as Greville Wynn, a British businessman who reluctantly becomes the courier for Russian officer Oleg Penkovsky (Merab Ninidze) to penetrate the Soviet nuclear program, particularly their involvement with the Cuban Missile Crisis. He puts his life and work on the line, and it allows the viewer to connect with him every step of the way (not to mention the shocking physical transformation Cumberbatch goes through during the final act). Everything about it works: the cast, Dominic Cooke’s directing, the pacing, the tension, the score by Abel Korzeniowski, Sean Bobbit’s cinematography, and the witty screenplay by Tom O’Connor. I also have to give props to Rachel Brosnahan as CIA agent Emily Donovan. Definitely give this one a watch!

10/10

(Source: IMDb)

Machete (2010) *watched on September 23* – Robert Rodriguez’s tribute to exploitation films of the past is easily one of the stupidest movies I’ve ever seen. However, it’s also a blast from beginning to end. Danny Trejo plays one of the director’s most famous characters, an ex-federale going haywire after an assassination attempt on Senator John McLaughlin (Robert De Niro) goes horrendously awry. The massive cast including Michelle Rodriguez, Jessica Alba, Steven Seagal, Don Johnson, Cheech Marin, and Lindsay Lohan among others also bring a lot of fun in the mix. What amuses me is how dead serious each character is, especially spewing out cheesy-ass one-liners. Featuring exhilarating action set pieces and over-the-top stunts, Machete is definitely worth it!

8.5/10

(Source: The Guardian)

The Souvenir (2019) *watched on September 30* – Joanna Hogg’s semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story will test patience for a lot of mainstream viewers. It’s easy to understand why the general public didn’t appreciate The Souvenir. It definitely is a slow-burner and the non-linear narrative does take a bit to get used to. However, this movie, to me, is a subtle, intimate portrait of a romantic relationship taking a downward spiral. Honor Swinton Byrne (the daughter of Tilda Swinton, who also stars in the movie as her mother) gives an understated performance as Julie, a film student from London falling in love with an older man named Anthony (Tom Burke, who played Orson Welles in David Fincher’s Mank), who holds a dark secret. Through Hogg’s direction, David Raedeker’s cinematography, and the character development, this movie feels like a captured memory…or a classical painting coming to life. I might have to see the movie again some time, but this is a solid introduction to Joanna Hogg. I’m surprised to see there is going to be a sequel coming out really soon (not to mention being the first sequel distributed by A24).

8.5/10

Movie Review: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) suits up to face the past in the latest entry in the MCU, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. (Source: People)

We are certainly at that point in which the MCU is showcasing more diversity in their movies. 2018’s Black Panther was a game-changer for that very reason; being the first superhero movie with a mostly-black cast to earn over $1 billion in the worldwide box office as well as the first one to receive a Best Picture Oscar nomination. Not only that, it showcases an African culture that is rare for blockbusters. The latest entry, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, provides yet another origin story. However, it introduces its first Asian superhero in a movie that is all about family and betrayal told in the humorous, poignant way that viewers get to know from the MCU.

Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) escapes from his Chinese home when his father Wenwu (Tony Leung) trains him to become a martial arts assassin and successor of the Ten Rings, a group of immortal warriors designed to destroy world peace. In San Francisco, he goes by “Shaun” and works as a valet driver. One day, he is forced to reveal his true identity with best friend Katy (Awkwafina) once the Ten Rings begin to wreak havoc. Together, they go back to his homeland to take them down.

If viewers are getting sick and tired of seeing new superhero origin stories on the big screen, too bad. The MCU is continuing to introduce new characters into the mix. Seeing martial-arts action is a welcome addition to the franchise. Shang-Chi has some of the best action set pieces the franchise has to offer. As a matter of fact, San Francisco has a long history of great action sequences, the spectacular bus fight is no exception–from the editing to the witty banter to the really damn impressive fight choreography. Director Destin Daniel Cretton does a great job balancing the action to Shang-Chi’s backstory.

Liu makes a great introduction as the title character. He simply nails the physicality and the emotional weight of how Shang-Chi is trying to run away from what he was destined to be. His chemistry with Awkwafina provides plenty of laughs. Michelle Yeoh is always a joy to watch, especially as Shang-Chi’s aunt Ying Nan who trains Shang-Chi into battle with the Ten Rings. Be on the lookout for Ben Kingsley and Benedict Wong.

Shang-Chi is definitely a noteworthy addition to the neverending franchise. No other movie has contained a more unique take on Asian culture. Once viewers take time to get used to the familiar origin story formula, it’s a good time at the movie theater. Bring on, Eternals!

9/10

Movie Review: CODA

Ruby (Emilia Jones) thinks about her future in CODA, the latest hit from this year’s Sundance Film Festival. (Source: Boston Herald)

In last year’s Oscar-winning Sound of Metal, the most surprising thing was how it gave respect to the Deaf community. With Riz Ahmed learning American Sign Language, Paul Raci–a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults)–being nominated for his performance as a Vietnam veteran who runs a rehabilitation program for deaf drug addicts, and a large group of deaf individuals in the cast, it all adds to the authenticity. CODA is the latest Sundance darling (winning the Grand Jury Prize, the Dramatic Audience Award, and the Special Jury Ensemble Cast Award) that allows viewers to understand more about the community. I couldn’t be any happier this Apple original film received a theatrical release. 

Based on the French film La famile Bélier, Ruby Rossi (Emilia Jones) is a 17-year-old from Gloucester, Massachusetts, who is the only hearing child in a deaf family. She wakes up early every morning to help her older brother Leo (Daniel Durant) and her parents Frank (Troy Kotsur) and Jackie (Marlee Matlin) to keep the harbor fishing business afloat (no pun intended). At school, she decides to join the choir, run by Mr. Bernardo Villalobos (Eugenio Derbez). After seeing a lot of potential in Ruby from her beautiful singing chops, Mr. V pairs her up with classmate Miles (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Sing Street) for the upcoming recital. Soon, she becomes torn between her new passion and her family business.

Without being overly corny or manipulative, writer-director Siân Heder hits every perfect note. Everything in this movie feels so natural, particularly the performances between the cast. It feels as if the actors aren’t acting at all. The ASL dialogue flows so effortlessly, and having captions for the entire movie definitely enhances the experience for hearing viewers. 

19-year-old Jones is an absolute revelation as Ruby, who wants to make her own decisions about her future rather than just being her family’s interpreter. Not only learned ASL and how to operate the fishing trawler but also did her own singing. Her rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” will have viewers in tears. Matlin has been in the industry for a long time; from winning an Oscar for her performance in the 1986 film Children of a Lesser God to appearing on numerous television shows including Seinfeld and The West Wing. Here, she has a great chance at another Oscar nomination as the mother, who gives the support for her daughter. Kotsur provides some of the film’s surprisingly funny moments as the dad. It’s also nice to see Walsh-Peelo here.

CODA is certainly the film to beat! I’m certain a lot of people will watch it at home. But honestly, going to the movie theater (mask or no mask) is the only way to experience this feel-good movie of the year. Everyone will laugh, cry, and, more importantly, be uplifted. This is one of those that deserves a home video release.

10/10

First-Time Viewings: August 2021

(Source: Vogue)

The Pursuit of Love (2021) *watched on August 1* – This three-part miniseries–written and directed by one of its stars Emily Mortimer–is delightfully quirky and mildly amusing. However, there should have been more. Lily James and Emily Beecham are rock-solid as Linda and Fanny, two cousins going through womanhood during the 1920s, the 1930s, and the 1940s (after the start of World War II). The sets and costumes are unsurprisingly top-notch. There are a handful of laughs, but not all the humor hits the landing. At times, the narrative feels a little rushed and somehow unfinished. The talented cast does their very best. The Pursuit of Love is nothing to go home about, but it’s not bad.

6/10

(Source: Mental Floss)

Easy Rider (1969) *watched on August 2* – Here’s another All-American classic to cross off my list. Easy Rider marks the directorial debut of co-writer/star Dennis Hopper. The narrative is straightforward enough: Two biker friends Billy (Hopper) and Wyatt (Peter Fonda) chase the American Dream to New Orleans, but soon their trip takes a sharp turn. This has everything a classic movie should be: a phenomenal soundtrack, razor-sharp dialogue, stellar performances, and it showcases how America has shaped up during the Vietnam War and after the Civil Rights Movement. The 90-minute runtime does drag here and there, but this movie is about freedom. 

And also: “This used to be a helluva good country. I can’t understand what’s gone wrong with it.” I second that.

9/10

(Source: New Zealand Herald)

Slumdog Millionaire (2008) *watched on August 3* – With the release of The Green Knight, I decided to take a look at Dev Patel’s acting debut. The Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire is an absolute knockout in every sense! It’s a character study about how Jamal, a kid who grew up in poverty in Mumbai and eventually be accused of cheating on India’s version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? It does take time to get used to the nonlinear narrative, which showcases how Jamal finds the answers to the questions from his difficult past while being interrogated by a brutal police officer (the late, great Irrfan Khan). Most importantly, this movie is about searching one’s destiny by escaping such hardships as begging or prostitution. Director Danny Boyle never misses a beat and it will uplift the most cynical of viewers. Fantastic stuff!

10/10

(Source: Variety)

The Green Knight (2021) *watched on August 5* – Long story short: The Green Knight might not be for everybody. But–for someone who loves fantasy, this is one of the absolute best I’ve seen in a long while! It’s beautiful, it’s creepy, and it’s trippy. Dev Patel has never been better!

10/10

Read my full review here.

(Source: CNET)

The Suicide Squad (2021) *watched on August 7* – Long story short: The Suicide Squad is what the 2016 film should have been: Brutal, raunchy, funny as hell, and poignant. Thank you so much, James Gunn!

10/10

Read my full review here. 

(Source: Vanity Fair)

High Noon (1952) *watched on August 15* – This classic Western works on every level! Gary Cooper is outstanding as Will Kane, a marshal who defends the citizens of Hadleyville after a group of outlaws arrive into town after getting married to Amy, a Quaker (scene-stealing Grace Kelly). Set in real-time, the tension is at an all-time high. The movie takes its time to develop its characters until the climax comes around. The dialogue, the black-and-white cinematography, the performances, the music, and the sets are all phenomenal. This is a must-see for every movie buff!

10/10

(Source: The Boston Globe)

Patton (1970) *watched on August 17* – This Best Picture winner of 1970 is a magnificent biopic of one of the most ruthless generals in the U.S. Army. It’s clear George C. Scott was born to play the title general, who stopped at nothing to push the Germans back either in Tunisia or in the snowy hills of Germany. He’s a profane, ruthless leader who is a great poet and never shies away from controversy (including an incident where he slaps a crying soldier where it was deemed unorthodox, but to other people, it served as a good omen for his victory in Sicily). The action set pieces, Jerry Goldsmith’s fantastic score, the screenplay co-written by Francis Ford Coppola and Edmund H. North, and the editing are all top-notch. Although the movie is approximately three hours long, the pacing goes by like a breeze. One of the best biopics I’ve ever seen.

10/10

(Source: The Hollywood Reporter)

Val (2021) *watched on August 22* – The latest documentary from Amazon is an engaging portrait of one of the most gifted actors of his time. Val Kilmer has had quite a life; making home movies with his two brothers, appearing on stage plays, acting in some of the biggest movies, and has fought every day of his life. Through a series of home videos shot by the actor on his video camera as well as archival footage,Val tells the story of his life from childhood to being diagnosed with throat cancer. Every bit is as poignant as one would expect. Excellent!

9.5/10

(Source: IMDb)

Tombstone (1993) *watched on August 23* – Of course, I had to watch this movie after watching Val. This romanticized take on the events in Tombstone, Arizona, in the late 1800s is pure ’90s awesomeness! Val Kilmer and Kurt Russell (our Lord and Savior) are absolute dynamite (no pun intended) as Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp, two friends who help one another–along with Wyatt’s brothers Virgil (Sam Elliott) and Morgan (the late Bill Paxton)–to take out a band of outlaws at the OK Corral and during the infamous Vendetta Ride. Filled with great performances from a great cast, razor-sharp dialogue, wonderful set pieces by Catherine Hardwicke (yes, the director of Twilight), excellent music by Bruce Broughton, and thrilling action. Definitely earns its cult status!

10/10

(Source: IMDb)

Life is Beautiful (1997) *watched on August 26* – Roberto Benigni’s Oscar-winning film has received criticism for its depiction of the Holocaust, in which it shouldn’t be mocked in any way. It’s understandable where people are coming from. However, those who watched it with an open heart and open mind (like myself) have found enjoyment here. Life is Beautiful (La Vita é Bella) is an absolute powerhouse of a movie that perfectly blends comedy with tragedy. Benigni won an Oscar as Guido, a Jewish-Italian going great lengths to protect his son Joshua (Giorgio Cantarini) from something as horrible as the concentration camp. His most effective tool is using humor to delight everyone he stumbles upon. His comedic energy is reminiscent of Charlie Chaplin, and it’s infectious. People will laugh, cry, and be uplifted by this movie! A movie for hard times like this, for sure!

10/10

(Source: IMDb)

Free Guy (2021) *watched on August 30* – Long story short, Free Guy is basically a mixture of The Matrix, Ready Player One, The Truman Show, and The LEGO Movie. It’s a nonstop blast!

9/10

Read my full review here.

Movie Review: Free Guy

Guy (Ryan Reynolds) is living a good life inside a video game in Shawn Levy’s long-awaited film Free Guy. (Source: IMDb)

Shawn Levy is no stranger when it comes to the science-fiction and fantasy genres. Other than the Night at the Museum movies, the overlooked Real Steel, and the phenomenal Arrival (in which he only served as the producer), he has recently become the producer of, and directed a handful of episodes for, the hit Netflix television show Stranger Things. Now–he takes a nosedive into self-awareness in Free Guy, the latest film set inside a video game world mixing The Matrix, Ready Player One, The Truman Show, and The LEGO Movie into one wild, hilarious ride.

Guy (Ryan Reynolds) is a normal everyday person with a daily routine–saying “hello” to his goldfish, getting a cup of coffee, spending time with his best friend Buddy (Lil Rel Howery), talks about the girl of his dreams, and working at a bank that always gets robbed–that repeats over and over again. Unaware that he is actually a non-playable character in a video game called Free City, he puts on a pair of sunglasses in which he can do missions involving saving people from violence. One day, Molotov Girl (Jodie Comer, who also plays video game developer Millie Rusk) tells Guy about a game code stolen by Antwan (Taika Waititi), the head developer of Soonami Games. Together, along with fellow game developer Keyes (Joe Keery, Steve from Stranger Things), they must find it before it’s too late.

It’s true the concept is nothing new. However, thanks to a rock-solid screenplay by Matt Lieberman and Zak Penn, the laughs keep on piling up along with the wall-to-wall action set pieces, stunning visuals, and the attention to detail. Reynolds can play these types of roles in his sleep at this point (and I mean it as a compliment). He carries the movie through with his usual brand of humor and charm. The most surprising factor is his chemistry with Comer, who is more than just a pretty face. They are a ton of fun to watch. Also, it’s no surprise that Waititi can play anybody, even if he’s playing such a jerk.

It’s impossible to imagine Free Guy being watched in the comfort of home. It’s clear this is definitely a movie made for the theater. It’s the feel-good blockbuster that couldn’t have ended on a higher note. By the end, this movie has a surprisingly good message about free will. So worth the wait! Don’t forget…

“Don’t have a good day. Have a GREAT day!”

9/10

Movie Review: The Suicide Squad

A group of convicts embark on a search-and-destroy mission with graphic results in James Gunn’s retelling of The Suicide Squad. (Source: CNET)

2016’s Suicide Squad was one of the most disappointing movies of all-time. Despite being a monster hit financially, the movie failed to live up to its true potential with its blatant storytelling, weird editing choices, and forced attempts at humor. It did have its moments, but it played a little too safe. Four years later, Harley Quinn deserved to have her own spinoff in Birds of Prey, which was better than its predecessor although it played out more as a carbon copy of Deadpool. Writer-director James Gunn takes over for David Ayer to make a well-deserved reboot after getting fired from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 after a series of controversial tweets he made years ago were brought to the attention of the people of Disney (although he eventually got rehired after a settlement shortly after). It’s a bold move that couldn’t have been more paid off.

Government agent Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) recruits a team of convicts serving time at the Belle Reve Penitentiary to the South American island of Corto Maltese. The team consists of Bloodsport (Idris Elba), Peacemaker (John Cena), King Shark/Nanaue (voiced by Sylvester Stallone), The Polka-Dot Man (David Dastmalchian), Ratcatcher (Daniela Melchior), and Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie). Together, these unusual band of misfits must enter Jötunheim, a high-security laboratory in charge of a secretive experiment led by the Thinker (Peter Capaldi), and destroy the tower.

Going on with the plot will ruin the fun of the movie. The Suicide Squad is far too good to see only once. It’s never ashamed to show off its R-rating with its graphic violence and profanity. There is plenty to have viewers on the edge of their seat as well as have them laugh until it hurts, kudos to the wonderful directing and writing Gunn brings to the table. Unlike the first movie, it allows time to give depth to its awesome characters. We laugh at the witty banter, root for them while in action, and, more importantly, we end up caring about where they are coming from. As Ratcatcher, Melchior is an absolute revelation! Elba and Cena provide a lot of the film’s funniest moments while Robbie’s Harley Quinn has never been better. It’s great to see Davis have more screen-time as Waller. This is easily the best film in the DCEU!

And also, the soundtrack is nothing short of amazing!

10/10

Movie Review: The Green Knight

Sir Gawain (Dev Patel) rides through the forest to meet his fate in The Green Knight, David Lowery’s fifth feature. (Source: Variety)

David Lowery is one of the most idiosyncratic filmmakers working today. He is known for directing a variety of genres–Neo-Western (Ain’t Them Bodies Saints), true crime (The Old Man and the Gun), existential drama (A Ghost Story), and children’s fantasy (Pete’s Dragon and the upcoming Peter Pan & Wendy). For his fifth feature, The Green Knight is an epic fantasy aimed primarily for adults. Based on a 14-century poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the movie uses the classic Hero’s Journey structure with a brain.

Gawain (Dev Patel), the nephew of King Arthur (Sean Harris) and Queen Guinevere (Kate Dickie), attends a Christmas banquet at the Round Table. The festivities soon get interrupted by the titular Green Knight (Ralph Ineson, The Witch), who is half-man, half-tree (phenomenal make-up effects, by the way). He decides to play a little game: Whoever strikes him with their sword will be awarded his green ax. The catch is the striker must encounter said Knight “one year hence” at The Green Chapel to receive a blow in return.

Then, Gawain steps up to decapitate the Knight’s head. However, the knight picks up his head to remind him of his bargain before riding back to his Chapel. Now–it’s up to Gawain to prove himself of his bravery and nobility while embarking on a journey through the forest filled with bandits, giants, and ghosts (oh my!); as well as a fox.

From the opening sequence, it’s clear that this movie is NOT going to be a family-friendly fantasy adventure. It easily earns its R-rating due to its graphic beheadings, sex and nudity. Refreshingly, Lowery doesn’t rely on action at all. There are a lot of influences of Ingmar Bergman (notably The Seventh Seal) and Terrence Malick to be found. Andrew Droz Palmero’s cinematography and Daniel Hart’s angelic score give the movie a dreamlike quality that is stunning and, at times, trippy. Although not moving at a brisk pace, he showcases the morals of encountering one’s fate and the importance of being noble. 

Patel has come such a long way since Slumdog Millionaire, not to mention earning an Oscar nomination for his heartbreaking role in Lion. As Sir Gawain, he gives a performance like no other, through his facial expressions and physicality. He plays someone who would rather drink himself to death than go on adventures. Like in A Ghost Story, he questions his own existence on the journey. When he stays at a castle occupied by a wealthy Lord (Joel Edgerton, in a small yet effective supporting role) and his seductive wife (Alicia Vikander, who also plays Gawain’s lover Essie), they both give him warm hospitality and the Lady gives a fantastic speech about how the The Green Knight represents the color of nature. There is so much symbolic imagery that will stick with viewers once the credits start to roll; so much so it will give them the urge to see it again…and again. Although it won’t win everybody over, it certainly did for me. 

One of the year’s absolute best! And also,

“Why greatness? Isn’t goodness enough?”

10/10

First-Time Viewings: July 2021

(Source: The Bend Bulletin)

Flags of Our Fathers (2006) *watched on July 1* – It couldn’t be more appropriate than starting off the month with an All-American movie directed by an All-American director. Adapted from James Bradley’s memoir of the same name, Flags of Our Fathers chronicles the soldiers who risked everything to raise the American flag on Iwo Jima in World War II. Told through a nonlinear narrative, viewers get to witness a graphic depiction of the battle, its aftermath, and how the public views the soldiers. The cast is nothing short of memorable; it stars Ryan Phillippe, Jesse Bradford, Jamie Bell, John Slattery, Neal McDonough, Barry Pepper, Paul Walker, and Robert Patrick. The first half-hour takes a bit to get going due to its corny dialogue, but it definitely as the movie progresses. Out of all the war movies out there, this joins the likes of Saving Private Ryan, Hacksaw Ridge, Platoon, and Full Metal Jacket among others as one of the most realistic ones I’ve ever seen. It amazes me that Clint Eastwood is still directing movies to this day. I’m hoping he gets to direct more when he reaches 100.

9/10

(Source: Fandango)

Letters from Iwo Jima (2006) *watched on July 2* – This companion piece to Flags of Our Fathers is simply a masterful piece of work. This time, Letters from Iwo Jima is told from the perspective of the Japanese soldiers during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Ken Watanabe is phenomenal as General Tadamichi Kurabayashi, a brilliant leader who leads the troops, who are first seen digging trenches on the beach, to higher ground moments after arriving on the island. Between the brutal battle sequences, viewers get to learn the backstory of Kurabayashi and Saigo (Kazunari Ninomiya, equally superb), writing letters to their loved ones back home. They discuss their awareness of defeat during the war. Saigo writes in a letter to his wife, “We soldiers dig. We dig all day. This is the hole that we will fight and die in. Am I digging my own grave?”.

Clint Eastwood directed this movie back-to-back with Flags of Our Fathers. Letters from Iwo Jima is one devastating, graphic, captivating movie that will stick with me for a long time.

10/10

(Source: IndieWire)

The Tomorrow War (2021) *watched on July 8* – The latest action-packed, CGI-fueled, slime-soaked summer blockbuster from Amazon Studios has the makings of a great movie. It contains a great cast, a unique concept, and plenty of action. Unfortunately, the results are underwhelming at best. Chris Pratt is the only standout as Dan Forester, a veteran saving the world in the future from a group of aliens. His toughness and sympathetic nature make up for a tedious narrative riddled with cliches and plot holes, boring characters, generic action and visuals, and little to no surprises. I doubt The Tomorrow War would make any difference if Michael Bay stepped in as director. It’s better to avoid this. 

3.5/10

(Source: The Hollywood Reporter)

Black Widow (2021) *watched on July 12* – Long story short, it’s so good to see a new movie from the MCU in theaters again! Why it took so long for a Black Widow standalone movie to be made I will never know. I’m glad it exists!

8/10

Read my full review here.

(Source: ABC News)

Clueless (1995) *watched on July 15* – This is probably the most ’90s movie I’ve ever seen in quite some time. And I mean it as a compliment. Loosely based on Jane Austen’s Emma, Clueless is a refreshingly clever satire of teen flicks as well as the wealthy. Alicia Silverstone slays it as Cher, a rich teen from Beverly Hills who has a love for fashion and is an expert matchmaker. However, she is unable to comprehend the effects of her actions. Her narration is straight-to-the-point and impossible not to get a laugh. I’m so glad she brought up the truth about teens wearing their pants so low that their boxers are showing. The supporting cast is also quite memorable–with the likes of Wallace Shawn, Donald Faison, Breckin Meyer, Stacey Dash, the ageless Paul Rudd, and the late Brittany Murphy. It’s easy to see how the movie has become a pop-culture phenomenon more than 25 years later. For those who hate this movie…

“Ugh! As if!”

8/10

(Source: NBC News)

Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021) *watched on July 17* – Space Jam is one of my childhood favorites. It might be far from perfect, but it has everything a kid could wish for: A 90-minute long Nike commercial featuring Michael Jordan, Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes playing an exhibition basketball game against a team of monsters who stole the talents from other NBA players. 25 years later, a sequel has come out in theaters and on HBO Max. 

Oh dear, what happened!?

LeBron James is amazing when he’s on the court. Unfortunately, he is anything but amazing off the court. Michael Jordan’s performance in the first movie is Oscar-worthy compared to what King James brings to the table. LeBron sucks out all of the life and charm playing a fictional version of himself as he does everything to save his son from the evil Al G. Rhythm (a terribly miscast Don Cheadle) after being challenged to a basketball game in the Warner Bros. Serververse (a carbon copy of the OASIS, the virtual world in Ready Player One). Instead of facing off against the Mon-Stars, LeBron and the Tune Squad play against a team created by his son in a video game of his creation where it’s basketball with a twist. The animation is passable at best and has so many amusing pop culture references, but the jokes fall flatter than a pancake and it’s 30 minutes too long. Whether you liked the first Space Jam or not, you have to admit that it contained a straightforward plot. As for this one, there’s too much going on. Do not waste your life with Space Jam: A New Legacy. I will never unhear or unsee Porky Pig rapping during the climactic game.

2.5/10

(Source: Seattle Refined)

Wrath of Man (2021) *watched on July 18* – Jason Statham can play these types of roles in his sleep at this point. But it doesn’t stop him from kicking a million tons of ass, even in Guy Ritchie’s latest film that received mixed reviews. Wrath of Man, a remake of the 2004 film Le Convoyeur, features Statham at his very best as H, a man seeking revenge on a group of criminals while infiltrating a Los Angeles security firm. As the movie progresses, viewers begin to understand where he’s coming from through a series of flashbacks. It has been awhile since I have seen a movie with a stone-cold, tough attitude, which is shown right from the opening sequence (filmed in one take). Yet, every minute in this nonlinear narrative is all the more compelling with its brisk pace, witty dialogue, brutal action, fantastic editing, twists and turns, and a gifted cast including Jeffrey Donovan (great seeing him again), Josh Hartnett, Andy Garcia among others. The morality comes into play quite well here. Well done, Ritchie!

Also, how can you not be pumped up while hearing Chris Benstead’s score? 

9/10

(Source: The Hollywood Reporter)

Voyagers (2021) *watched on July 18* – I love a good science-fiction movie; anywhere from Star Wars to Blade Runner to Minority Report to anything in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, there have been a handful of bad ones in recent memory. Voyagers, the latest from writer-director Neil Burger (The Upside), is indeed one of them. The movie is a complete and utter ripoff of Lord of the Flies. It follows a group of young astronauts on a mission to colonize a distant planet after global warming is out-of-control on Earth. Then, they fight for power once learning about the secrets of the mission. The cast including Colin Farrell, Tye Sheridan, Lily-Rose Depp, and Fion Whitehead are basically sleepwalking from the very start. The dialogue is enough to put any viewer to sleep. There is no tension, surprises, or personality to be found here. I would let this movie keep drifting off into orbit.

1.5/10

(Source: Screen Rant)

When Harry Met Sally… (1989) *watched on July 20* – It’s so rare these days to find a rom-com worth watching. This century only had a handful that were genuinely good. However, nothing will compare to the classic ’80s movie with Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan as the two title characters who fall in and out of love over the course of 12 years. Not only is the movie hilarious, it’s also a surprisingly honest and poignant portrayal of love, kudos to Nora Ephron’s intelligent screenplay and Rob Reiner’s marvelous direction. The supporting cast is also quite memorable, particularly the late Carrie Fisher as Sally’s best friend. When Harry Met Sally… is as flawless as a movie can get.

10/10

(Source: Slant Magazine)

30 Minutes or Less (2011) *watched on July 30* – This was one of those stupid comedies that got swept under the rug after its release. I can see why. Jesse Eisenberg is the only good thing about this movie. Here, he plays Nick, a pizza delivery guy who gets more than he bargained for when he gets a bomb strapped to his chest and has ten hours to rob a bank. When he interrupts his best friend Chet (Aziz Ansari) while in the middle of teaching a class about the news, Chet sneers, “And your first thought was to come to a school filled with young children!?”

I do admit, there are funny moments here and there. But–the majority of the humor consists of raunchy dialogue. Whatever Danny McBride says is like rubbing sandpaper on your skin. Ruben Fleischer is capable of directing something with enough thrills, energy, and laughs (i.e. the Zombieland movies), but 30 Minutes or Less doesn’t take its true story of Brian Wells to its full potential. Not good at all.

3.5/10

(Source: NPR)

Your Highness (2011) – *watched on July 31* – I thought one bad movie starring Danny McBride wasn’t bad enough…

For someone who is a ginormous fan of the fantasy genre, it has been a long time since I’ve seen one as bad as Your Highness. David Gordon Green, best known for Pineapple Express (another terrible comedy), directs this pile of garbage starring McBride (who also co-wrote the screenplay) as Thaddeaus, a slacker prince forced to embark on a mission to save his brother Fabious’ (James Franco) fiance (Zooey Deschanel) from an evil wizard (Justin Theroux). If lazy and immature toilet humor is your cup of tea, you might find some enjoyment here. For others, it’s filled with terrible jokes, moronic characters, terrible special effects, poor pacing, stupid action, generic cinematography, unoriginal music score, and British accents so bad they make Dick Van Dyke’s accent from Mary Poppins sound spot-on. Easily one of the worst movies I’ve ever seen. Such a shame to end the month with a whimper.

0/10

Movie Review: Black Widow

Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) begins to confront her past in Black Widow, the beginning of Phase Four in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. (Source: The Hollywood Reporter)

The MCU has started the year with three miniseries from Disney Plus. There is the twisted WandaVision, in which it pays tribute to sitcoms of the past. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is a great continuation featuring two heroes who are complete opposites. Lastly, Loki is a nonstop blast through time featuring Tom Hiddleston reprising his role as the charming God of Mischief. However, the never-ending franchise has not released a new movie since Spider-Man: Far from Home.

Until right now.

It will always remain a mystery as to why there hasn’t been a Black Widow standalone film during the earlier phases. Viewers were introduced to Scarlett Johansson as the Russian assassin in Iron Man 2, a decent sequel that had its moments. However, when she went into action for the first time, things got really damn impressive. So impressive she joined The Avengers to save the world from impending threats from Loki to Thanos. Now–we step back in time a bit to see how she came to be in Black Widow.

Set after the events of Captain America: Civil War, Natasha Romanoff (Johansson) goes on the run as a fugitive after violating the Sokovia Accords, the documents that divided The Avengers and were held accountable for their actions. She hides in a safe house in Norway until learning about a special serum that turns big, mean killing machines back into ordinary people. After a reunion with her sister Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) in Budapest, Romanoff is forced to confront her dark past while embarking on a mission to free their surrogate father Alexei (David Harbour) from prison and free the other Widows from the Red Room.

Johansson returns to prove she is more than just a pretty face while donning the red hair and tight leather outfits. Whether it’s throwing fists, shooting guns, or defying gravity, she will always be one badass assassin. The heart and soul of the movie is the chemistry between her and Pugh, who makes a swell introduction to the MCU. There is plenty of self-aware humor to go along with the poignant story about the importance of family. It’s impossible not to laugh at the running gag in which Yelena pokes fun at Romanoff’s signature fight pose with the hair flip.

Black Widow is certainly not without its flaws. There have been plenty of weak villains throughout the franchise–from Whiplash in Iron Man 2 to Yellowjacket in Ant-Man to Kaecilius in Doctor Strange. Ray Winstone as the Red Room creator Dreykov is no exception. To quote Doug Walker (a.k.a. The Nostalgia Critic), he is just another “asshole in a suit”. While the movie contains stellar action set pieces and stunts (the chase through Budapest is easily the highlight), it does begin to falter a bit during the–albeit thrilling–climax due to the CGI becoming noticeable at best. Other than that, I am more than happy with the end result. It’s pure summer escapism at its finest.

8/10

First-Time Viewings: June 2021

(Source: IndieWire)

Psych: The Movie (2017) *watched on June 2* – Psych is one of my all-time favorite shows. It’s the perfect blend of comedy and murder-mystery with great characters and clever twists and turns. Three years after the series finale, the world’s famous psychic detective returns in the first made-for-TV feature-length adventure. Not surprisingly, this is quite a treat for fans of the show. James Roday Rodriguez and Dulé Hill always had fantastic chemistry as Shawn Spencer and Burton “Gus” Guster, two childhood friends who consult with the Santa Barbara Police Department to investigate a series of murders. Here, the two track down the shooter of Juliet O’Hara’s (Maggie Lawson) police partner in San Francisco. Seeing the two bicker at each other while investigating is just laugh-out-loud hilarious; feels like the good-ol’ days. The film references–from Gremlins to The Omen to Get Out–are hard not to get a laugh out of. As much as I enjoyed the movie, it’s far from perfect. It’s surprising to see Zachary Levi here, but the bleach-blonde hair and the godawful British accent is a bit distracting.

8.5/10

(Source: The Michigan Daily)

Psych 2: Lassie Come Home (2020) *watched on June 2* – Timothy Omundson, who played a major part on the show as the deadpan detective of the SBPD, Carlton Lassiter, suffered a major stroke in early 2017. It affected his ability to walk. After having a small part in the first film, he returns in the sequel, which came out on Peacock last year. This time, Shawn and Gus are on the case to find out who shot Lassiter six times in the chest. This is just as fun as before; containing witty dialogue and a clever mystery at its center. The ending is also surprisingly poignant. My suggestion is to watch the movies after watching the show.

8.5/10

(Source: Variety)

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021) *watched on June 7* – Long story short, the eighth installment in The Conjuring universe is not quite as terrifying as the two other films starring the famous paranormal investigators. This movie does start off with a bang, but it slowly yet surely goes downhill in its second half. However, this movie is, by miles, a lot better than any of the spinoffs (minus Annabelle: Creation). Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga continue to honor the legacy of Ed and Lorraine Warren with respect.

6.5/10

Read my full review here.

(Source: Variety)

In the Heights (2021) *watched on June 10* – Long story short, In the Heights is an absolute powerhouse of an American musical. From start to finish, it’s filled with wonderful music, fantastic performances from a diverse cast, bright colors, and a feel-good energy. God bless you, Lin-Manuel Miranda!

10/10 

Read my full review here.

(Source: The Verge)

Raya and the Last Dragon (2021) *watched on June 19* – Disney’s latest is one of the most visually stunning movies in the animated canon. The landscapes and character designs are so phenomenal it’s impossible not to get sucked right into the world of Kumandra. At the movie’s core, it contains a mature, thought-provoking tale of grief. Kelly Marie Tran voices the amazing title heroine (joining the likes of Moana and Mulan) who embarks on a quest to retrieve a gem that would get rid of evil spirits called the Druun, who turn its victims into stone. As the dragon Sisu, Awkwafina provides the film’s humor as well as other likeable characters. However, not all of the humor hits the landing and it’s not quite as memorable as recent Disney animated films including Tangled and Zootopia. There is still plenty to like about Raya in terms of its charm, beauty, stellar action, and James Newton Howard’s wonderful score.

8.5/10

(Source: Vulture)

Luca (2021) *watched on June 21* – It wouldn’t have been more appropriate to watch this movie on the first day of summer. Luca, the latest from Disney/PIXAR, has drawn comparisons to 2017’s Call Me by Your Name. Of course, both films are about two boys who spend an unforgettable summer in Italy. This movie, however, has more of a fantasy element and is about the power of friendship in the most unusual places. 

Jacob Tremblay provides the voice of the title role, a teenage sea monster who learns that he can turn into a human-being on dry land when he befriends another sea monster named Alberto (voiced by Jack Dylan Grazer). The humor–ranging from slapstick to wisecracks–are expertly timed. Featuring compelling characters, infectious energy, a charming coming-of-age story, it would be foolish to miss out on Luca. Not surprisingly, the Italian Riviera never looked so gorgeous with its bright colors and landscapes. 

9.5/10

(Source: USA Today)

A Quiet Place Part II (2021) *watched on June 22* – Long story short, A Quiet Place Part II is a worthy sequel to its 2018 predecessor. Writer-director John Krasinski takes full advantage of its bigger budget by offering a marvelous movie-theater experience. Fantastic stuff!

10/10

Read my full review here.

(Source: NPR)

Land (2021) *watched on June 30* – Robin Wright has a bright future when it comes to directing. Her directorial debut, Land (one of the first movies released this year), is a movie I REALLY wanted to love. Of course, the Wyoming landscapes are nothing short of breathtaking (kudos to Bobby Bukowski’s cinematography) and Wright delivers a rock-solid performance as Edee, a lawyer deciding to escape the hustle-and-bustle of city life to be closer to nature. It would have been better if it contained smoother pacing and more depth into the characters. There are little surprises to be found in the narrative. 

6/10

(Source: The Arizona Republic)

Nobody (2021) *watched on June 30* – I have to admit, the narrative for Nobody–an ordinary man who unleashes a particular set of skills when he sees two thieves breaking into his home–is certainly nothing new. It doesn’t stop it from being a nonstop blast! The movie has everything I wanted: wall-to-wall action, a kickass soundtrack, a dark sense of humor, and a terrific sense of style. Bob Odenkirk is a national treasure!

8.5/10