Thanks to my friend, Irina from I Drink and Watch Anime, who recommended I check out this 2005 Korean boxing movie directed by Ryoo Seung-wan starting Choi Min-sik. When two men in desperate need of a win clash, the result is a film that understands what's truly great about the sport. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oV__6T900aE
Does ‘Mank’ Stank?
Mank, does it Stank? Where would it rank? What do I thank? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSfX-nrg-lI My experience watching Mank, is not a common one. I think it is a technical masterpiece, and I was constantly in awe. The costume and set designs are stellar, the recreation of the past is phenomenally detailed. The cinematography and editing are … Continue reading Does ‘Mank’ Stank?
Brief Encounter: The Tragedy of Living in the Shadows
In regard to the classics, it always intrigues me about the forging of legacy and what gets held in regards of the pantheon of great films. Some criteria as to what films get repeatedly praised have continued relevance, excellent filmmaking, and possibly represent the era which they were created. However, the game isn’t always a … Continue reading Brief Encounter: The Tragedy of Living in the Shadows
I’m Thinking of Ending Things…
★★★★ No two snowflakes are the same. Despite a finite number of patterned symmetrical crystallization, predetermined by molecule arrangements no two ends up alike. Every snowflake's uniqueness is determined by its environment. What temperature it falls at? The humidity of the air? Singularity isn’t determined by who we are but how we exist. At the … Continue reading I’m Thinking of Ending Things…
The Invisible Guest (REVIEW)
Concessions Confession: The Invisible Guest is everything you’d want in a mystery thriller, full of twists, deception, and tantalizing crime. Following the contemporary thriller format of misdirection and making the ‘mystery’ itself what needs to be solve; The Invisible Guest might take its trickery too far but never stops being engaging. Log Line: Spanish businessman … Continue reading The Invisible Guest (REVIEW)
Survive Style 5+ :The Movie That Shouldn't Be
{This post was written by Irina of I Drink and Watch Anime as an April Fool's gag in which we swapped places for a day, she's a much more entertaining writer than me so I hope you enjoy!} Japanese live action cinema can be hit or miss. Unlike Korean cinema that had a resurgence a … Continue reading Survive Style 5+ :The Movie That Shouldn't Be
1917 – Mendes Plastic Bag on the Battlefield?
When it comes to 1917 I’m left wondering if people just read the press kit or if they actually went and sat through the entire movie. I thought 1917 maybe suffered from an incredibly unimaginable title but the real truth of the matter is what else was there to name it. The characters and plot … Continue reading 1917 – Mendes Plastic Bag on the Battlefield?
The Rise of Skywalker: A Desperate Plea For Attention
We knew the world would not be the same. A few people laughed, a few people cried, most people were silent. I remembered the line from the old Clone Wars, Grievous is trying to persuade Kenobi that he should do his duty and, to impress him, takes his multi-armed form and says, “Now I am … Continue reading The Rise of Skywalker: A Desperate Plea For Attention
Too Many Strange Christmas Guests? (X-Mas Special)
Christmas movies, there’s too many of them. I’m no Grinch or Christmas Scrooge it’s just there’s thousands of these flicks. For every Rudolph and Home Alone there’s hundreds of these cheap, silly, pandering, insipid, lazy, uninspired, and just downright stupid movies. As you can see from my past entries that I’ve found some interesting Christmas … Continue reading Too Many Strange Christmas Guests? (X-Mas Special)
Twisting The Knife? Knives Out Review
Knives Out is a movie, and I saw it, and I recommend seeing it, I guess? Rian Johnson’s Whodunit murder mystery features an eccentric family and their fancy estate gained from the twisted murderous tales of Harlan Thrombey suddenly find themselves living in such a tale. A star-studded cast, a convoluted yet indulging mystery, and … Continue reading Twisting The Knife? Knives Out Review
Frozen II: The Big Review (Part II)
The Villain of Frozen II After the great bamboozle that was Hans Christian Anderson being the villain of his own story, Frozen II figured there was only one twist that could top that…. there being no antagonist at all. The lurking evil wasn’t some mystical magical forest entity or some cosmic event. The real evil … Continue reading Frozen II: The Big Review (Part II)
Frozen II: The Big Review
Frozen II is the most confused I’ve been at the movies all year, and it’s an odd beast to tango with. It is not a bad film by any means (I guess), but it also has me wondering “how did you fuck up this badly” (and with that line we are no longer family friendly, … Continue reading Frozen II: The Big Review
Under the Silver Lake (Part 2)
The Music Man The most captivating scene of the entire movie is when Sam goes and confronts the song writer of Jesus and the Brides of Dracula song “Turning Teeth”. The soundtrack creates such a captivating soundscape to the film and there’s fascinating aspects to consider if you are willing to dive in. Especially with … Continue reading Under the Silver Lake (Part 2)
Manson Murders, Demonic Dongs, and Devil Daddy
I'm sure that's a title that grabs your attention. So you may or may not be aware of this at this point... but I'm really bad at this. Sometimes I just want to recommend a movie or discuss a movie but I don't have enough substance to contribute to the conversation outside of a couple … Continue reading Manson Murders, Demonic Dongs, and Devil Daddy
“You’ve Never Seen a Tale Like This” Crystal The Lion King (Review)
In the last one: At least I’m glad that my favorite Disney movie doesn’t have any people in it so good luck making a live-action version of The Lion-King. Haha could you imagine… well good luck to whatever Disney property is the next victim. *Goes to check Disney’s line-up* AW F- And so it continues... UCK. … Continue reading “You’ve Never Seen a Tale Like This” Crystal The Lion King (Review)
Diet Aladdin (2019) Review
https://media.giphy.com/media/X98PijOYa3Tl6/giphy.gif I just want to emphasize Jasmine’s facial expression here. Remember when during A Whole New World it just looked like Jasmine was having the time of her life and it was this incredible journey: wind in your hair through this soft blue sky and despite it being this epic adventure across the world and … Continue reading Diet Aladdin (2019) Review
Putting on the Producer’s Cap: Pitching the Next Detective Pikachu
Currently the lightning mouse detective is taking the world by storm. So far, the initial response seems vaguely positive which as a video game adaptation…we take those. Video game film adaptations have a notorious history of being less than stellar. Most for reasons spanning from failing to understand the value of player autonomy in certain … Continue reading Putting on the Producer’s Cap: Pitching the Next Detective Pikachu
Could This Actually Be True? The Secret Behind Synecdoche, New York
“Fantasy is hardly an escape from reality. It's a way of understanding it.” ― Lloyd Alexander Life can only contain so many fleeting moments before it all comes to an end. A brutal fact that everyone must accept at some point I suppose. Few films demonstrate a perspective of life filled with such existential melancholy … Continue reading Could This Actually Be True? The Secret Behind Synecdoche, New York
I Don’t Understand All the Fuss About ‘Us’
Jordan Peele's Doppelganger thriller has already proven itself both a commercial and critical success and in instances like this I would let the massive wave of other critics sing the same praises I had and consider my own input unnecessary. However, if I had to describe Us in one word it would be a toss … Continue reading I Don’t Understand All the Fuss About ‘Us’
Geeks, Freaks, and Automobiles! Carnival of Souls Review
https://youtu.be/7goumTeBABw Carnival of Souls is best summarized as weird, cheap, but not lacking passion... I only hope I did it justice. I'd be lying if I said I was 100% glad how this review turned out, apologizes for lackluster efforts in terms of sound mixing and making the video entertaining but I think it certainly … Continue reading Geeks, Freaks, and Automobiles! Carnival of Souls Review
‘Velvet Buzzsaw’ What Exactly Am I Looking At?
"I can't save you"- Hoboman After watching a film as dense and awkwardly presented as Velvet Buzzsaw one might hope that a self-proclaimed critic such as myself can clarify the film in some regards or possibly legitimize your feelings of disdain or satisfaction. However, in this case I have to refrain and admit to you … Continue reading ‘Velvet Buzzsaw’ What Exactly Am I Looking At?
Now This is Scary?
When I think of a truly terrifying movie watching experience, I think of The Babyface Murders. While other films have gratuitous jump scares, unsettling imagery, and frightful atmospheric tension.... well all of that is Teletubbies compared to The Babyface Murders. What makes this movie so scary you may ask? Quite Frankly, I did not know … Continue reading Now This is Scary?
Is ‘Hereditary’ Oscar Worthy?
A little late but I've finally gotten around to watching the most compelling horror film of 2018, Hereditary. Hereditary is held together by strong performances from Toni Collette and first time feature director Ari Aster shows an impressive willingness to explore his medium and craft as a filmmaker. So with a seemingly weaker year in … Continue reading Is ‘Hereditary’ Oscar Worthy?
Top 5 Things I Didn’t Cover in 2018
By now you've probably seen everyone else hit you with what they consider the best of this last year... I don't consider myself much of an authority to much such claims. Though while we ring in the new year I guess I have some unfinished business when it comes to recommending television and films from … Continue reading Top 5 Things I Didn’t Cover in 2018
Is ‘Roma’ (2018) as Good as They Say?
“Fellini’s Roma” was attacked in some circles as an example of Fellini coasting on his genius. I find this point of view completely incomprehensible. Critics who would force Fellini back into traditional narrative films are missing the point; Fellini isn’t just giving us a lot of flashy scenes, he’s building a narrative that has a … Continue reading Is ‘Roma’ (2018) as Good as They Say?
Netflix Roulette
Come one, come all it's time to spin the Netflix Wheel. As I teased in my prior post, I am using the Reelgood website which is a quick and easy way to get randomized Netflix flicks to watch. So this is what happened after I took three spins of the wheel. (This post was my … Continue reading Netflix Roulette
Finding Your Way in the ‘City of God’
The tagline for City of God is captivating for those uninitiated, but a loaded statement to reflect upon after viewing. “If you run, the beast catches you; if you stay,the beast eats you” the tag iterates how fated circumstances constructed by environment and attitude will inevitable cause demise. The chicken that darts across the streets … Continue reading Finding Your Way in the ‘City of God’
The ‘Beautiful Boy’ and the Dangers of Repetition [Review]
"For those few soul-freezing moments, you get a glimpse of the great actorTimothée Chalamet is going to be" - Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly "...an intoxicating, frightening and emotionally honest essay on the self-destructive impulses of the nascent artist"- Phillip Martin, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette "It was impossible in Beautiful Boy not to take notice of Chalamet's seemingly undauntable talent, … Continue reading The ‘Beautiful Boy’ and the Dangers of Repetition [Review]
The Love and Loss of ‘In The Mood for Love’
Stephen Teo compares Kar-Wai Wong’s In the Mood for Love to Salvador Dali’s The Persistence of Memory for its own unique portrayal of the passing of time. It is an odd comparison as to where Dali’s The Persistence of Memory shows a landscape unaffected by time, melting in demonstration of how surreal the manifestation of … Continue reading The Love and Loss of ‘In The Mood for Love’
