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daisukereds
Still, I like to remember that no movie will ever deserve a 0, and much less a 10! Since no amount of effort will ever attain perfection, and in the same vein, should not be discredited completely.
I'll watch most anything, as I've learned to find little nuggets of gold everywhere. Never stop looking for that next story, camera trick or detail that can meet and exceed your expectations, or a film that will blow you away completely. Remember, you have not seen it all yet!
Reach out for any reason :D
Ratings
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Reviews
M - Eine Stadt sucht einen Mörder (1931)
"Is this supposed to go indefinitely?"
A trial for the audience.
With an interesting premise, evidence gathering, and even a presentation of point of views for the viewer to take a stance.
I'm quite astonished at the level of complexity and depth that was narratively achieved in 1930! With an idea and execution that still feels fresh today. Extraordinarily appreciated are the copious amount of details over how a police investigation tackled such a difficult case at the time (as well as even explaining how the lack of results would be expected). That alone was enough to make a film.. but the added layer of criminals that feel choked by the methodology of the police taking the matter in their own hands, is brilliant!
I do think that the movie "rushed to the finish line" after a point (while still managing to present its message anyway), and the "stroke of luck" moment felt weak. The transition between policemen and criminals scenes caused a bit of confusion. And personally, I would have prefered a different and more satisfying resolution (finding and capture). But that's me talking in the present.. and knowing that this movie could have even been lost to time, is sadenning.
Borderlands (2024)
"Claptrap was voiced by David Eddings"
A gold rush story for a dimensional vaults with invaluable technology in an awful planet, taking advantage of the Guardians of the Galaxy template, and some cheap family core.
This movie is "scripting 101", and there's absolutely nothing to take away from it.
With excessive CGI (might as well make an animated movie instead) and questionable casting of old actors! Getting kevin hart in any role is a giant miss.. as always. Also, isn't Borderlands whole stitch the zany narrative? Whoever thought that a terribly dull and average script with awful dialogue was a good idea? Nothing is funny, and no action scene is good.
At least the movie is relatively short (one hour and a half)! And whoever was in charge of production designs (clothing) at least had fun doing something well (and reminds of a part of the game). But unlike the games, this is a cutscene you can skip!
Perfect Days (2023)
"Why can't things just stay the same?"
A modern "silent" movie.
One of the rare few movies I've seen where it is not the conclusion that carries the weight of the story.. but the sum of the little things that together build up to something more. A pleasant trip through life in Japan via the eyes of a kind man that seemingly wants nothing, and probably has a lot to give but never will.
The beautiful camera work is also appreciated. Showing the same routine, with completely different angles and sometimes subtle changes. It makes it feel fresh, and hard to notice the "monotony of life". Good use of foreign music. The added "dreams" are a nice artistic flare.
The way I feel after.. is something I wish I could capture, or experience (unrealistically) at the end of each day. Never has it been easier to recommend a movie about anything to anyone.
...
The word "KOMOREBI", used to describe the unique moment that is created by leaves swaying in the wind and the shimmering light and shadow in between. Something worthy of a word to describe it.. Yet the movie itself made me ponder on the "contradiction" to that sentiment that is captured can be repeated and experienced forever. The life of people that consists simply of small interactions. Those that make friends of people that don't even notice, whose role in their lives would be sorely missed if something would ever happen. How hanging on to ideas of things that will never come to be, can still hurt one's feelings. On the sequence of interactions, developments and experiences learned that could make anyone feel a certain way in a second in time. Its uniqueness and its meaningless if no one is paying attention. To feel solace in being content. To not aspire to anything more, because we've forgotten that we could..
How to Murder Your Wife (1965)
"No one will ever know. Push the button!"
I mean.. it's likeable enough, and it presents colorful characters and a premise that is entertain enough to distract.
It does suffers a bit from pacing and a lack of "content" (or memorable developments). It also teeters on the edge between realistic and satire without fully committing in one direction! Had it been "crazier", it might have made for a more enjoyable watch.. but as it is too tame, it left me wanting.
Some praise the cast, but I found the context and the people around them to be better and more important. The drawn cartoons were the highlight of the movie for me (and all they entail), as they add a layer of depth and world-building that wasn't particularly necessary.. but helps give the movie some personality.
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder (2024)
"She's not as smart as she thinks she is.."
Didn't even know there was a book! But other reviewers seem disappointed, and I can see why.
This series isn't particularly interesting, the actors do an okay job at best, and worse if all.. the execution of the mystery is poorly managed and developed! Almost as if she stumbled across every bit of useful information that helped her solve the case. And at points, it feels beyond unrealistic that everyone simply confesses their sins to this child simply because she asked.
And while I can see the twists of the conclusion working in book form, here it felt like it needed to try and grab the viewers attention with one last desperate attempt to redeem their watch time.
Couldn't play along.. wasn't interesting.. felt disappointed. You could watch the first and last episode, and have fun trying to imagine a better in-between without losing much.
Severance (2022)
"If you want a hug, go to hell and find your mother"
An incredibly creative premise! And from it, a wonderful chain of chaos and fun developments and discoveries!
Whoever wrote this has a wonderful imagination and a talent for scripting.
What makes it good, I think, it's the fact that it is so weird that it can be interpreted as anything in your current life context.
As an Abstraction or a Metaphor that could perfectly describe the weirdness that happens at work, or feeling like someone else in a depression, stuck in a place where you can't get out from without the help of understanding of your situation and the assistance from others with similar position, etc. Wonderfully scary and insightful perspective on things.
"None may atone for my actions.. but me"
I was reminded of the movie "Click" (2006), where the lead could skip unwanted experiences with the press of a button (probably because of Walken). Easily recommended, and quite eager to watch season 02.
Kiss the Girls (1997)
"It's good to see you again.. circumstances notwithstanding"
First of two Alex Cross movies with Morgan Freeman!
Watched them in the wrong order, apparently. And while I think this fits the tone of the character better, the sequel has a "better" story (at least for a movie). It is still decent and entertaining! If you like this sort of script.
This one is more of a personal case for the dr detective. Finding the kidnapper Casanova, that took his niece and plenty other girls away, to love. Has decent pacing and structure, although some of the misdirection feels a little deceitful on purpose.. and I'm sure you couldn't really play along, even if you wanted.
Along Came a Spider (2001)
"You'd be amazed at how often the small, neglected things become the most important"
It's been some time since I've been "hoodwinked" (as the movie puts it), in a good way.
Started watching without knowing it was a story about the famous profiler cop and doctor "Alex Cross". Seen some movies about it in the past, and they've been average at best. I knew this was going to be a decent thriller, but I wasn't particularly expecting to be surprised by good writing and unexpected events. Has good pacing and structure, some running around to pad out the length, well casted and acted, and an expected outcome (even if the smart villain lets down in the end by being otherwise dumb + a dumb password discovery that never works realistically on film).
Easy recommendation! And now I'm wondering if I should pay attention to that new Alex Cross they are currently working on.
Don't Bother to Knock (1952)
"Stay single.. and you wind up talking to bartenders"
That's one of the weirdest romance plots I've ever seen in a movie!
Which is interesting, as the movie isn't even labeled as one. Instead, you get drama (which it has), noir (which doesn't even come close) and mystery (which might start as one, if you have no idea what the movie is about, but doesn't remain as such).
The movie is not bad at all, but the content, structure, pacing, and lines of dialogue.. they are all a little to average for my taste. And then the contrast of dark topics and a happy ending, while understandable, don't particularly mesh well together. Though I very much enjoyed a Monroe I had never seen! From a slow and depleted persona, to a rather "scary" development in personality that I bought completely. Definitely the highlight.
I would still recommend it, for its short length (close to 1 hour), but don't expect to get much out of it.
A Murder at the End of the World (2023)
"He gave me the only thing that can really change a person.. a different perspective"
There's a moment in the middle where everything finally clicked for me.
The show handles the mystery parts very well, has excellent production, and features a good cast of actors delivery good performances. However, the way it begins and how hard it is to latch onto the introduced elements makes it difficult to get into. Also, the ending was exactly what I was hoping it not to be.. the chosen outcome being a tad dissatisfactory, but not because it was "bad", but because it felt predictable and "easy". Additionally, the story is split into two parts! And while this structure works in the end, the outcome of the past section is basically revealed from the start.. with only a few details and interactions being significant! Which makes half the show feel like it drags down the pacing and the story.
But it provides a lot of memorable lines, excellent ideas, and fresh perspectives on several issues, making it a thought-provoking and engaging watch despite its flaws! It's an easy recommendation, even if I didn't love it wholly, as I at least took something away from it.
All About Eve (1950)
"That suddenly makes the whole thing believable"
Rewarded and nominated, it is not surprise this movie was a hit in its time.
The film based on "The Wisdom of Eve" short story has plenty to give its audience. From the very much appreciated drama of a zealous (yet talented) young girl, to the very well written and enjoyable interactions between the charming main cast.. of course, all around the Theatre life. Most memorable of all, were some of the lines that are too dramatic for real life (even more so nowadays), but that's what I enjoy most of this time period in film.
Personally, I did find the very beginning to be a rather dull introduction to what would be a pleasant experience. Also felt a tad too revealing for my taste. The glances paved the way to a revelation-less conclusion.
Still, it is worth a watch. And had I not giving it a chance, I definitely would have regretted it.. even if the giant backlog of other films had initially pressured me for an alternative this evening.
Batman: Caped Crusader (2024)
"The Truth is always better than the alternative"
Honestly, I thought this was average at best. Mediocre at worst.
It gets quite tiring giving chances to the exact same kind of thing over and over again. What was it that they wanted to tell so badly that they had to do a new Batman for current generations? That Bruce was a jerk to his staff at some point? It doesn't even deviate from the original canon enough to be interesting, it's safe while feeling tampered enough to raise some eyebrows.
Sadly, episodes feel too short and too simplistic. There's no creativity, innovation or ambition. The last two should have been the beginning of the season (aside from the very last element of it), and the rest should have been better. Considering how Batman cuffs a villain to a small table's leg in a Museum and walks away.. it is not too much to ask for. The visuals are good enough, but might as well watch Timm's original work.
Niagara (1953)
"Scuttle it as a prayer"
Well.. there's like two things happening in this movie, but it's its straightforwardness and simplicity that makes it charming! That and the beautiful scenery, excellent camera work (specially of shadows), the memorable cast of ladies, and a tight script that is developer in almost an hour with good pacing! There's not much else to discuss about the film, other than to say it is quite efficient at what it does, and the few roles it has are all commendable (even the "bad" ones). But equally as satisfying, is how you feel like you've gotten a pretty good commercial of Niagara Falls.. if you are inclined to visiting someday.
Easy to recommend, especially to those fans of Monroe's acting.
Neko (2020)
"My idea of today and your idea of today are different"
With a very minimalist approach to storytelling, where two people that met by chance and fall in love with each other (at quite a high pace), delivers a somewhat heartwarming and realistic "slice of life" J-Drama. And with a short length of of 6 episode (of ~20 min each), it is easy to get into.
Still, it has a rather unexpected and strange twist that I'm not entirely sure I appreciated (and I've watched Summer Snow and enjoyed it!). I think I would have been fine with the expected outcome. But the actors are decent enough to portray a realistic relationship (one is much much better than the other), and the mundane and ordinary interactions are its best feature. Having duels, eating together and making dumb stuff up.
It's also hard to know what to take away from it.. as the message isn't quite clear. The sound does help the mood a lot.. and the last episode wasn't as satisfying as one would hope due to the chosen structure and script.
A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)
"He died.. like I am now"
It's okay.
Going in, the viewer has already learned all mysteries about the creatures (maybe the "deadly stampede" threat). So, smartly (or to the opposite effect), the world of "Quiet Place" simply becomes a backdrop/vehicle for a different type of storytelling!
But it at least is also about things. A world ending. A life. Chance encounters forced by a change in perspective, and what you take away from it. Insignificant details that mean the world to those that need them. A exchanging "gifts" that will last a lifetime. Sacrifice, etc etc. All done by characters with some welcome depth. Aside from that (and the good production and meaningful scene-setting), it feels hurt by the cheap scares and the two driving-speeds : Slow & Silent or Running for your life.
Again, it's okay. But I've already began to forget.
Despicable Me 4 (2024)
"I <3 Mega Dave"
For a children's movie.. it has WAY too much dialogue, and just a few bits animated chaos (that is ultimately somewhat uninteresting). Which hurts the pacing and energy it should bring to keep kids entertained.
Also, the plot has got to be even more pointless than the previous one, while also being a mix of b-plot stories. Such as slice of life (from moving to a new place, befriending neighbors, and many more shallow ideas that are barely introduced), new teen villain's first outing, a team of superhero minions, main villain plot (that reminds of the Incredibles), and the new baby stuff.. but it at least all ties together. As an adult, I didn't even enjoy the references to some famous Terminator and SpiderMan scenes.
I didn't enjoy it as much as I would have, but the consistency in quality visuals and animations is still there.
Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
"Welcome to the MCU.. you are joining at a bit of a low point"
If you still care about the MCU, is this movie necessary? Not at all.
Is it a fun entry that gives the fans a bit more of what they like? Yes.
I'm tempted to say this is a worthy cinematic experience.. ONLY because part of me understands this follows in-line with what Far From Home did and what it offered it's audience (enjoying it before somebody ruins it for you). Not because the plot was particularly memorable or well made! But because it rocks an excellent cast of surprises and has Cameos that are exactly what the latest Dr Strange's attempt wanted to be (giving a chance to something meaningful)! Not to mention excellent action choreographies, and how it works as a lovely farewell to a part of the Fox's Marvel entries.
Personally, I felt the pacing was too slow in parts, and the movie a tad long. Some of the dialogue becomes tiring after a point, and the well-casted villain becomes an unnecessary cliché after a point.. just for the movie to have an ending. I was also sadly-reminded of the pointless Loki and all it entails. Also, it becomes a bit overindulging at the end, and the CGI gets progressively worse. I think that if the story is good, the CGI's quality shouldn't matter as much, as it serves a purpose to raise one's imagination and help the narrative visually. For this movie, I probably started to notice or care about it, because after a certain point the story is just whatever.
But still! If the entirety of the MCU ended with this, I'd be fine with it.
De dirigent (2018)
"No.. just the flowers at my feet"
I'm writing this review, even if it feels like I'm still digesting it..
On one hand, it is impressive all it manages to tell in the span of 2 hours! The movie almost feels like a TV season.. when some movies barely say anything at all with more. On the other, some of its messages feel muddled.. some of its parts don't accomplish much! Parents, romance, difference in classes, women rights, societal perception and self acceptance, progress, etc etc. And you cannot remove them as everything chains together somehow (and removing the "mother" plot would deprive us from its best joke)! And as you are telling the entirety of someone's life (which doesn't seem to be entirely faithful to reality), everything is somehow necessary.
And while it has some VERY memorable lines and an excellent speech.. other lines of dialogue feel like they don't match the acting/scene. For example, the forceful relationship with the male lead or the caricature of her "mother".
Still, it is an interesting premise with a well-defined core. I love learning about the workings of little systems in society (for better or worse), and the frustration of it all (intended purpose) is carry throughout the entirety of the film. Beautiful sights, excellent colors and production, good acting (Muck and Robin), and musically satisfying.
I still enjoyed it overall! Even if some frustrating interactions could have been better written.
But easily recommended to anyone interested.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024)
"I wasn't even gonna tell you this.."
Well! That is one way to end a movie..
I'm honestly surprised to hear people were supporting and enjoying this.
And while it has a decent and serious McGrath villain, he tonally clashes with the rest of the joke that this movie is (hollywood's attempt to make another Fast & Furious franchise without imagination and stupidity). Specially since the story is as generic and dull as it could be.
Just imagine this same script without the good will brought from the leads! What would be the public's perception?
Movie looks good at all times, at least!
But the last thing anyone needed was for martin lawrence's character to be even dumber than he was! Which makes the dialogue even worse this time around.. and I find that surprising. I hated it.
El Último Vagón (2023)
"I can speak in English.. estupido"
A quite beautiful excerpt from the hard life of Mexican children living in a small town on the frontier ("where the tracks end").
Where they made long-lasting memories, friends and received some very necessary education.. by a wonderful teacher that wanted nothing but the best for her students (seemingly the core of the movie).
As per my understanding, the novel this was adapted from delves into the story in a different manner.. with the "brilliant inspector" Hugo Valenzuela having a more central role in the narrative. A change that might provide more depth into this character, for those interested in getting something more from the source material. As presented, this movie is a very well executed story that is as good as it could hope to be, for what is trying to say. With good cinematography, a great cast and some heartfelt moments.
Benji (2018)
"Stop. You are scaring him"
This is a revival of the classic Benji (1974) motion picture, that was a success back in its day (for more reasons than one).
And like with the original "Higgins" dog-actor, you watch this for the impressive dog performance, stunts and action! Some of which left me speechless.. and others made me laugh out loud.
The story is quite similar to the original, but a good modern update to the script while being a faithful adaptation. Ultimately, it is a family-entertainment dog movie with heartwarming elements. It also gives off that heightened-reality you often find in kid movies.
I enjoyed it more than expected, so I would easily recommend it while setting your expectations low (it's like 1 hour 20 anyway).
The Last Voyage of the Demeter (2023)
"A boat without rats.. such a thing is against nature"
This is Dracula's voyage from Transylvania to London (over 4 weeks).
I didn't particularly enjoy how the crew only starts asking logical questions ONE HOUR into the movie (after several incidents)! When such an approach should be the first thing in anyone's mind.. specially after the first finding.
And while it has a decent cast, most dialogue interactions are average at best. Sadly, the movie is a single-minded hunt of 2 hours with slow pacing and few developments. And nearing its end, I had lost all interest! Considering it feels unfinished.
Still, I concede it is very well shot, atmospheric and visually interesting at times. And I'm sure someone could actually enjoy what it is.
Find Me Falling (2024)
"Falling is voluntary"
This is more of a Family movie than a Romance.. and as you could expect, it resparks more than old relationships. The script is quite simple and straightforward (and rather cheesy at times), but it has a good and satisfactory conclusion! It does feel like it is everything they wanted to make, even if it could feel like it falls short from greatness. But it is one of those films that don't have to wow the viewer, as long as it delivers a consistently good story with decent execution.
Saw it in non-English (songs in original voices), but did not deter me from finding the cast to be likeable enough to enjoy it for what it is.
The Acolyte (2024)
"How would we ever stop a rogue Jedi?"
This series features one of the worst-written scripts I've ever encountered! The plot is entirely predictable, boring, and often nonsensical. It adds nothing to the Star Wars lore, with no character arcs or meaningful changes, and lacks cohesion between episodes. Most frustratingly, it doesn't seem to have a clear direction or purpose and I couldn't care for a single introduced element.
The story developments are lackluster, and the characters are equally disappointing. Despite Lee Jung-jae's efforts, his character comes across as an inexplicably incompetent and creepy Jedi. The "best fight scenes" are in service of nothing, but it at least provides a highpoint to some viewers (certainly not me).
I sincerely hope they reconsider continuing this series. It's not "woke", it's just a gigantic waste of a lot of money.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
"It only takes the one to start"
I appreciate that it was made, and that it was made so well!
Pristine and beautiful visuals (you can see the effort on screen), good acting by most of the well-casted cast, and couple of actually-memorable characters. Even an "interesting twist"! But large parts of the script, don't work for me. Not the stakes (which are a tad too bland), nor the ending (with its forgettable confrontation).
I wish they had answered SO many more of the existing world-building questions, like :
- Why is the world of Blade Runner so focused on on Replicants, when there should also be a problem with the now seemingly sentient AI?
- What is the path they want to take the world into? What are the stakes?
- How is the world going to change from here? Are they all going to form a line and "engage" with the special-one until they are a threat to humanity?
And while the absurd and terrible "villain" escapes off-world, nothing will be immediately solved! Which ultimately makes this feel like a prologue.. I understand that is not the emotional core of the movie, but it is the damn driving force behind it all! You could imagine a "better" resolution with a bit of imagination. I find it kind of insulting when people seemingly create something based on an existing IP (banking on some commercial success), and do not tell a complete story! Even more so when they shove mr Ford in it.
The movie they made, while a beautiful product, didn't satisfy me in the end.. it left me wanting with a sour taste in my mouth. It failed in quenching a thirst I didn't even know I had. But that's also a positive for what they made! I was intrigued and they made me crave more.. I cared.
I feel like I have to rewatch it, and rewrite this.. as I'm somewhat frustrated with it all.