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Tee Yod (2023)
Horrible ... (good?)
No pun intended - calling a horror movie horrible should be a badge of honor, no? Of course if you watch this, you have to like horror movies - and if you like them, you may be aware of some of the cliches and the traps (story wise) a movie can fall on (or through).
This was quite visceral ... and it does have quite a few scenes that I thought would be "fake" (dream like) scenes ... that actually happened in the movie! I respect that - the effects are really good - though may be a bit too much for viewers who may be sensitive about these things. Know yourself and know your limits - there are way worse (or better?) movies when it comes to violence and blood - but this still has quite a few gruesome scenes.
What I did not know: there seems to be a sequel ... I reckon that makes sense .... I might even watch it, once it arrives at Netflix.
King of Stonks (2022)
Bad to worse
The enemy you know - or the king you kind of can control and all that. No pun intended - and not exactly what I meant with my summary line. Our main character here is quite clever - and while he does morally questionable things, he is able to win some people over with being sweet and seemingly an overall nice guy.
What also helps is the fact that he is side by side with this other guy who is over the top evil. So I am not aware of a real life incident that this is referring to. But it very well may be a collection of things. You can see how this can play out in the real world. Maybe not every little thing that we see ... but the overall sentiment. As the beginning of the show is saying: you are either on top or ... on the receiving end ... I am putting it mildly not to offend anyone I reckon. The show does not care for your feelings - so if you feel sensitive about certain things ... and like a good guy/gal to root for ... well this may not be the show for you ...
The Idea of You (2024)
Fairy tale meet real life
No pun intended - I would not call myself the biggest fan of romantic movies. I am however a big Anne Hathaway fan - she is just amazing! In every sense - but the movie she chose is helping a lot! The script is tight and switching the age gap, making the woman the older one ... a stroke of genius.
But this is not just about the two ... let's call them lovers! It is about society .. and about family! About how we still have not ... well we still are hypocrites in society when it comes to the age gap thing. First of all: if people love each other ... let them be! If you have some concerns - some real ones - go ahead and name them or advice anyone you think needs help.
But what is happening, is not advice, it is shaming .. it is being hurtful to others. And while this is a fairy tale of sorts and has quite a bit of comedy in it (and so much charm - yes by yours truly ... named Anne Hathaway), there is a lot of criticism ... listen carefully (not just to the songs).
A nice little bit by the way: there is a tik tok dance star in this, that I have seen do incredible and amazing dance moves over the last couple of years. Heritage from Ukraine as he revealed himself. He is just a background dancer in the movie, but a nice touch. And maybe he even helped with the choreography in the movie ... a little nugget for those in the know I reckon.
The story does concentrate on the two leads ... and it does a great job ... you can feel the love (the dream), but you can also see and feel the issues ... not everything has to be spelled out ... the movie does a great job keeping us on our toes ... and we know it can go either way ... will love conquer all or is reality too harsh?
James Dean (2001)
Live life to the fullest
Well was he though? No pun intended, it does not feel like it if you watch this. And I kind of wish I had read upon James Dean before I watched the movie. I think if you know more about him, about his nature, about his psychology and about his family ... well some of that is being shown in the movie, but you will know what to expect.
Allegedly DiCaprio declined the role - or did not want to do it. Interesting if true, I reckon he has other things lined up. Because the role had quite a lot to offer - and I don't mean money wise, but character and story wise. Also playing an icon too. James Franco does an incredible job by the way ... he is amazing. As are many other people who play real people ... it's a bit of a testament of time ... slow paced but still good to say the least.
Three Ages (1923)
For the ages
Well I know you might go "duh" ... but hey still no pun intended, no matter what. Cliches very much intended though - from the movie that is. Buster Keaton - yes Charlie Chaplin is on more minds than he is - maybe that will change - talking of right now and the recent past at least.
Someone compared this to Mel Brooks History of the World Part 1 (by the way the joke is on us, Mel did a show that I think is called Part 2, looking forward to watching this hopefully sometimes soon) .. and I think it is a fair comparison of sorts. This obviously being way older - and yet it does have things that are still relevant or that you can relate to. Like identity cards - well stone tablets in this case.
There are also the age old rich versus poor storylines ... and the family building ... meaning of life and all that. Something for everyone ... and funny at that.
Prélude (2019)
Main feast
No pun intended - I am not sure if it helps to be fluent in the piano (read music) world. But I reckon it probably wouldn't hurt. Comparing this to black swan (this being a mirror to that just not in the world of ... well ballet, but piano) kind of makes sense.
The acting is quite good, the pace is quite slow to say the least. I have seen more engaging movies with similar themes and topics. But this still has the script and the actors going for it. Again, you have to have the patience for it and you have to like dramas with a bit of a darker touch. Anyone who wants to be on top (no pun intended) has to sacrifice things ... sometimes that may be sanity (of the viewer? You decide) ...
Bloodmoon (1990)
Round and round
It goes as they say. So no pun intended - if you watch one slasher, you have seen them all. Well that is not entirely true, but I reckon the original slashers do share quite the similar DNA to say the least. This is not different, with quite the predictable story, maybe some shock twist (but not for most) ... it does have good effects for sure.
So depending on what you expect, what you want to see, you will either be fully satisfied or might be a bit underwhelmed. The acting is ok too, considering the genre this plays in. It has not aged too well in some regards, but the video (cinematography) overall looked quite good (don't expect anything fancy of course). I did not have any music theme stuck in my head, but I did not expect to have another Halloween theme ... so there is that. A fun little slasher that could ... or can.
The End We Start From (2023)
New old beginnings
No pun intended - giving birth allegedly is almost as painful as having a man flu - I am kidding of course! I may have lost some reader I reckon, but if you know my reviews and/or have a sense of humor, I am glad to continue. With a more serious tone - which is what is actually is fitting when it comes to the movie.
Not really a movie that has jokes. It does start out quite mellow. We see our main character (very pregnant) - and as they say, a lot of things happen. Before the baby is born, they say the water breaks ... well ... now I could make a pun here, but I think it already made itself.
That all said, the movie has great performances and I think shows how people react or would likely react to something like that happening. There is humanity, there is also surviving at all cost ... there is resigning, there is hope. There is everything one can think of, that has to do with life.
This is a drama, but it does contain quite a bit of horror. Not least during the birth scene - a very explicit scene, even if just for a few frames (second?) ... that may be too much for some. It was for some in the cinema - they left.
You have to know what you are letting yourself into. Great cinematography and a tight story ... with some interesting little cameos ... I don't know what I would have done in a similar situation to be honest ... what about you? A relationship put to through a test ... with not just one rainy day ... (had to)
Jolly Roger (2022)
Roger not so Jolly
Actually the movie starts with the multiple definitions of the title (words) ... so no pun intended with my riffing on that. So I reckon this is another Nollywood output/effort I kind of got tricked into watching. Now I am exaggerating a little bit - I saw this on Netflix and just watched it as it was available, so no one really "tricked" me.
That said, the movie is a nice little drama I reckon, but also has all the flaws I see in the low budget efforts that mostly make their way onto our screens. Acting is mostly subpar, stories seem flawed at best - but that is me, if you are a fan, I am not trying to knock you down or tell you anything about your taste. I am happy for you - but I think even a fan can understand that this is not for everyone ... rather for a few - and it has to be pointed out. Weird ending too - but maybe that was only my feeling.
Bad Comments (2020)
Better bad than worse
No pun intended - and it is true about the movie too. I really have to cut back on my Nollywood viewing - this is another example ... and it is one of the better ones I have seen. But like with Bollywood (though they do have better sets, more money, more value and more ... well things you see on screen, whether you are into those things or not is another topic) ... I am not really a fan.
The movie is quite predictable - has a bit of a highlight at the end ... which is quite over the top. Not just acting wise, but also from the story perspective ... not sure if we really need all that explaining either ... but we get it either way. Acting is not really top notch either ... but hey it is what it is.
Fool Me Once (2024)
One shot
No pun intended - also more than one shot, at least if you take it literally, which was not really what I meant ... I think. The story is quite out there - and I have to admit it had me ... well fooled for lack of better wording, in episode one. I thought it would go another way or route or whatever you would call it.
Acting is decent and the twists are actually quite fine. Still this is a bit too long (8 episodes) and there a few things story and character wise that had issues. Not the cop himself - I liked his ... let's call it characteristic. He had a thing ... and it made him different ... not sure if it was necessary for the story ... probably not. But it gave him something that made him different ... that made him stand out. But it is more about the woman ... and her story ... and his story .. his being her husband ... before he was murdered.
Not sure if there aren't some inconsistencies story wise ... but just suspend your disbelief ... and take the emotional ending for what it is .. it probably will even surprise you to a degree ...
Ging tin 12 siu see (1990)
Hard Boiled ... again, but before
No pun intended - this has a few titles. One of them (in the UK) is Hard Boiled 2 (in Germany apparently it was Hard Boiled 3!) ... even though it originally was released before the original Hard Boiled movie by John Woo. Now someone asked the distributor in the UK why they would do something like that ... well apart from this being an action movie and having a climax at a hospital ... they told him that they asked John Woo if it would be ok to use the title ... and he gave them his blessings.
Not sure if that actually is true (I believe the guy who told the story, that he asked and got the answer) ... I mean if they told the truth. Whatever the case, the movie is filled with action and comedy ... and as they say: you couldn't do a movie like this nowadays in China (Hong Kong) ... the Daka Lama is clearly the Dalai Lama ... blasphemous and apparently not something the government would let anyone get away with.
Andy Lau is always a treat - the supporting cast is also really good. I still prefer the original and only Hard Boiled ... but this is a great action movie too (stunt and otherwise)
It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963)
Treasure hunt
No pun intended - the movie has aged ... and certain things may not have aged in a great way ... but the comedy still works quite fine to say the least. The movie has quite the cast assembled - you even get Peter Falk (Columbo for those who may not know the name - they hopefully have heard of the show and the character) in a small role.
The movie is about a group of people getting an information about a treasure ... and then their race against time to get there first. Quite simple actually ... the mayhem that ensues is super funny. You have to suspend your disbelief for sure ... in many respects. Like a clear set design, where people throw themselves through (paper thin) walls ... you can't be mad ... at the movie for that! At least you shouldn't.
May be a bit too long - and may have an ending too many ... whatever that may be to you ... but overall it works! Old school charm ... just go with the flow and enjoy the ride (and flight) ... and the human nature when it comes to riches ... and money ... well the prospect of it at least ...
Exquisite Corpse (2010)
It's a life
Or is it multiple lives? I reckon more likely to be the latter. That all said, this is a nice (s)low budget movie, if you are in the mood for it (no puns intended). It even has Tessa Thompson in it. I am not sure she looks back on this ... well positively. But maybe she had fun doing the movie, even though it does not look like a fun set to be on.
Could be wrong of course, because just because the movie itself is quite horrid and the main character despicable and horrendous ... the filming may have been "fun". The lack of a real budget shows though - it is ok (set design and effects), but nothing that will get you too excited. Also the filming/framing is well chosen to hide certain things. Cut it some slack and you may be entertained ... does not have too many redeeming things going for it - sorry for the pun.
Challengers (2024)
There can only be one
I think that was the very first summary line I thought of - actually it was party of one - either way this is a case of no pun intended. I was spitballing a few ideas (that is not a tennis term is it now?), but I think I am sticking with this one. And talking of sticking with one ... well you could say the characters here have issues with exactly that ... be it professionally or privately.
Zendaya herself took a bit of wind out of our viewing experience, when she said that the movie would not contain anything ... concrete when it comes to love making. Now there is still a lot of hotness and a lot of steamy scenes ... but I reckon it is nice to know, after the trailer may have riled you up a bit ... or a lot.
Talking of that, the movie walks a fine line. It could have gone south with it showing and introducing the female main character as this beautiful goddess. Almost like an item - but there is more to it and her of course. And it will show - every human is more complex than their exterior would suggest.
The timeline is a bit complex but very well edited. We have to guess - what is happening and when. We have visual clues apart from the written ones (a time stamp of sorts) - and we have one major callback ... but the movie makes us wait even for that. It is like ... ok now this will happen - and the other character will remember what that means ... it is the perfect ending they chose ... I reckon you can read into it quite a few things - I know what I am thinking.
This obviously is not Highlander - and no one will lose their head - well not literally at least. Some things can not be helped ... this is more a psychological chess game, a deep dive into human psyche ... than a love story (or multiple love stories - though it is that too) ... Game, set and ... is it a match?
Puppy Love (2023)
Doggy ... love?
I reckon they could not use a different title - it would not be the right ... style! No puns intended here as always. And this is supposed to be a romantic movie - and it is actually. Lucy Hale seems to be right for these kinds of movies and roles. She really is sweet, beautiful and talented enough to carry those movies.
Of course the scripts have to be at least good. And the movies I've seen with her - well she chose wisely I reckon. Of course you have to like these types of movies - makes no sense watching this, if you don't like ... well if you have to watch it, because your partner is into it ... that's a different story. Still try to enjoy it. It's light and fun - and yes predictable ... that never is really an issue here ... add some dogs and you get some more love out of it.
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
30 years later, still the Queen
No pun intended - I never watched the movie before now (well a few days ago). And I think I was wrong or had the wrong idea. I personally would never dress like that - it just is not something I am into. But that doesn't mean others shouldn't do it. And seeing how much fun people are having at events - why would you not want them to just do what makes them and others happy? I am not sure if we have moved enough from back then, but I do hope we will as humans evolve much further and accept any and everyone.
The movie and its actors also walk a fine line. They cannot be too cliche - and they have to be able to make us feel what the characters go through. Really remarkable performances - they chose the right actors for that. I am sure they had a lot of people who know what it is to be in that world ... to always have to fear for your safety (movie does not shy away from that either) ... to have so many insecurities ... you do not have to think something is beautiful, you do not have to understand something either! Just let people express themselves - especially if they are not hurting anyone. And they surely are not.
Great story, great performances and a beacon of hope overall .. for humanity. What is normal now was unthinkable hundreds of years ago - that's ok ... change is not easy ... a wonderful movie, with great songs and joyful sentiment overall!
O Lado Bom de ser Traída (2023)
Who's f... who ...
If you know the band 2 Live Crew, my summary line might make sense to you - still I will go on the record and say once again, whether you get it or not: no pun intended. I reckon even without knowing the song, you can guess what I was saying there (or rather writing).
And the same is kind of true for the story of the movie - maybe I should have written "story". Because there is not really much here. It may surprise you at one point or another - but overall it is easy to predict. The movie is categorized as steamy and while you may have to wait a bit for it to really get hot ... there are some glimpses right from the start ... but the movie does withhold the goods ... well not those goods (nudity), but you know what I mean.
The main actress is really good looking - as are the costars. So this does more or less what you might expect it to do ... and who can be mad at someone who is so gorgeous? Well not me apparently ...
Fuga de reinas (2023)
Getting her(s)
Actually more like theirs - but I wanted to make sure it is clear it is female driven (which I reckon one could call the second pun I make already - no pun intended for either of them of course). The movie is weird - and funny at times. Some jokes land, some others ... could have been better. Overall the movie itself seems unsure what it is - there does not seem to be a clear through line or whatever you would call it.
So you get different vibes from this. The actors are fine overall - and there is some mayhem towards the end that I really loved (it went beyond anything I would think it would do) ... it is female empowerment and it may just be exactly right for you. I am not going to tell anyone they are wrong in loving this - same is true for those who were not able to find much to like in this ... I wanted to like this more and it is endearing in some respect to ... so there is that.
Code 8: Part II (2024)
More codes
No pun intended - actually this is just one other one, but I could imagine that there will be at least another one of those. The story (set in the future) goes from where the first movie left off. If you think the two main actors look a bit alike ... well you are not really wrong. They are cousins - I thought they were brothers, close enough I reckon.
The effects take it up a notch, when you look back at the first movie. But it seems they had a bit more money for this one, so it makes sense. And as with the first movie, this may be set in the future, but it does deal with stuff we have going on at the present. Society always goes through stuff ... and how people will react to that ... well will be a testament of time and history ... bring on the next one I guess ...
Code 8 (2019)
(Code) 8 for me too
No pun intended - and no I did not choose my rating to make this pun (well at least not intentionally, which again circles back to my statement above). I did actually like this - it seems to be a low budget movie that has a fine idea. I doubt this is a future we will ever see or that will ever happen (evolution wise), but who really knows? If this actually happened - remember I am not Kostradamus.
But back to the little movie that could. That is story but also effects wise. And like many good Science Fiction movies, it may be set in the future, it may have things that seem out of this world, but it has topics that are more than relevant when the movie was made.
Acting is ok too - story may be a bit predictable, but it works nevertheless. What people may not have known back then ... this spawned at least one sequel ...
Back to Black (2024)
Once you black ...
Inconceivable you say? Wait I do not think this means what you think it means - I may be paraphrasing here - also no pun intended as always. Black stands for blackout here of course - or general losing ones ability to stand up after falling - which I guess is more or less the same.
I did not know too much about Amy - her personal life that is. Her struggle with quite a few things, family but also personal issues. Her songs all are personal, another thing I was not that aware of. I mean yes Rehab - but even within that song, the lyrics make even more sense when you know the backstory. Or even parts of it.
Great acting - I personally think she did a great job playing Amy - being her even. And the singing was really great too. But the other actors are great too. Her toxic relationships - and not apparently so, as in her love/man. Amy seemed to have done everything with all of herself. Which I guess is quite draining.
Someone said, she would have hated a movie about herself - and if you watch the movie you get that feeling. She surely is not a Spice Girl (and no I am not calling her Shirley)! I am now intrigued to watch at least a documentary about her now. And there seem to be a few. Maybe it will fill a few more blanks - as it is, this was great as standalone too.
Aku wa sonzai shinai (2023)
Time also does not exist
No pun intended - the movie starts off and sets the mood right away. This is nature, this is life here. Do you have the patience to follow, to just watch? The first 10 minutes or so "nothing" happens. Chopping wood, collecting water - but again this is supposed to get your mindset into the tune of the movie.
The english title can mean a few things. As in nothing evil exists in this part of the world. We do not even see a police station or anything of that sort. And while there is no reason for one (no apparent at least), you could argue that once the "intruders" come, it would make sense to have them there - just to show presence or for safety reasons.
So the community seems to work without any higher power - there may not be a mayor either. We do not see a clear leader here. We see different types, a wise one, a hot headed one and so forth. And our main character from the beginning who seems to connect or be connected with most people. And animals for that matter.
We do not get too much backstory for the characters (the viewer has to fill in the blanks for them and a few other story and character beats) ... just one from that community who says at a meeting that she came from the town, but feels like she is part of everyone in that village now.
Nature vs. Men .. and nature within men (and women for that matter of course). The movie may be a slow burn, but it does a great job telling a story and giving us a check. Have we forgotten where we have come from? Is money more important than the well being of others? Because whatever happens at the top, is having consequences to those at the bottom (that come after them) ... yes this is not only true for rivers, but for society as a whole too.
A movie that may test your patience, but will reward you in the end ... speaking of which: while the cinematography does a great job (and may suggest certain things I reckon if you look long and hard at some of the "pictures"), it puzzles us a bit ... what actually happened? What do we believe is going on? This will be in the eye of the beholder. Do our eyes conceive us? I reckon we will see or rather interpret what we want - morally and otherwise ... way more interesting and intriguing than you may think after the first couple of minutes ...
Fainaru fantajî (1987)
Wasn't Final after all
No pun intended as always of course. I never played the game when it was first released, in hindsight and playing it on my console (Playstation), I imagine I would have really loved it. And I would say that I quite enjoyed the game even after all that time - and the ... well not very fine ageing when it comes to the graphics - yes this was not redone, so wash your eyes or whatever you would say.
That all said, the game is about a group of heroes ... heroes who we pick and name. And we also choose their class - it makes sense to pick and choose different characters/abilities to come with that. Since I am new to this game series, I cannot do too many comparisons. I did start playing FF7 that I think was called one of the best in the series? Might have gotten that wrong, but I know the fan base is quite big.
The game is called the same in Japan if my translate search was correct. Which is not always the case - see Resident Evil which was originally called Biohazard in Japan when it was originally released. Also the games, that much I know, are not playing in the same universe. So you get different stories, but also different people every time you play. Not sure if the movies or show portray any crossovers or if they focus on single games. .. or even tell original stories.
One thing is for sure, if you like strategy games that are round based (every character has time to choose their action for the round, if they are not dead or have an effect/spell on them) ... you will love this. I know people who don't like this .... they like it to be real time ... both have their flavor and things you like or don't like. It really is about what you make of it.
With number 7 I saw that they kind of broke that a bit and you could fight whenever. I am sure I can change it back to round based only - but it works so I'll keep it. But however old this is, the game works. And in some respect better than the original part 7 (they have done rebirth and whatnot with it) on Playstation. I could save wherever I want with that - also the map is there for me to know where I am something that seems to be missing with part 7 - at least the version I am playing.
Those who are savvy with role playing games (no pun intended, you know what I mean), may like the fact that you can level up and change the stats of your hero(es). What you may have liked ... to do yourself: do the upgrading yourself. But the game does that for you. At least you can see what is being upgraded.
The foes/enemies spawn whenever and you can level up quite nicely. The story is really nice (go find stuff, equip your troop with the best items and magic where applicable) .. but it has to be your cup of tea. Especially because it is pixelized and all that ... a lot of hours can be put into this too - so time consuming, fair warning of sorts. Final(ly) I played it myself, how about you?
The Woman in Red (1984)
Men will be men
No pun intended - when a prominent figure talked about "locker room talk" a couple of years ago (and his followers picked that up to defend him) ... well you get quite a bit of this in the movie right here. So morally the movie is questionable at best - in a way that you should say do not try this at home. I also would not be surprised if the movie had a warning placed beforehand ... about views and the time this was made ... and it's only 40 years old.
The movie overall also is a bit of a mess ... there is so much wrong with it (apart from the morality) ... and yet the actors/cast really is able to make you root for the movie and them in a way. As long as you remember this is just a movie. Gene couldn't be Wilder I guess ... and I am sure he never heard that one ... all kidding aside, he is mesmerizing ... doing many forms of comedy ... not everything works ... the talking to the wrong person bit is funny at first for example but quite redundant towards the end ... especially the way it is portrayed. The actors are the last ones to blame for that mind you.
But all the flaws aside, the movie does have one of the most recognizable scenes ever put on film ... parodied so many times ... but I had forgotten that Wilder himself had a shot at it ... trying to take the wind out of it of sorts (sorry for the pun). Kelly is quite the force in this ... as is the wife of Wilders character.
Hits and misses ... with an ending that is exactly that too ... have we learned anything? No I am actually asking!