Elyse

Elyse

Favorite films

  • The Philadelphia Story
  • Little Women
  • Before Sunset
  • The Truman Show

Recent activity

All
  • Love in the Villa

    ★★½

  • The Godfather

    ★★★★½

  • Cinema Paradiso

    ★★★★

  • Under the Tuscan Sun

    ★★★

Recent reviews

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  • Love in the Villa

    Love in the Villa

    ★★½

    While I am a big fan of the “enemies to lovers” trope, the enemies portion of this movie was far too long and mean spirited. The touristy parts in and around Verona were beautiful and interestingly included several sites that have been created to celebrate Romeo and Juliet. I’m not entirely sure how the characters managed to fit all of what they did in one week, but hey, it’s a rom-com in Italy - don’t ask questions like that!

  • The Godfather

    The Godfather

    ★★★★½

    It is so impressive that a 53 year old film that is beloved and has been referenced by basically everything could still surprise me. I worked very hard to avoid spoilers for my entire adult life and it paid off. It is very clear why this film is consistently ranked among the best of all time. It is skillfully made, particularly the artistry demonstrated in building suspense. And the story is very compelling - it certainly didn’t feel like 3 hours. While there is a bit too much blood for me to rewatch, I’m so thrilled that I can finally engage with the conversations around it!

Popular reviews

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  • Conclave

    Conclave

    ★★★★

    As a lifelong Protestant, the Catholic Church is an incredibly intriguing institution for me. As a recovering bureaucrat (RIP US Government), I love seeing how traditions are operationalized in the real world. And as a student of political science, it is fascinating to see what jockeying for favor looks like when humility is one of the most prized characteristics a candidate can have. All of these factors combined with the brilliant cast and beautiful setting made this an enjoyable film.

  • Under the Tuscan Sun

    Under the Tuscan Sun

    ★★★

    You go on a trip to Italy alone. You get off a tour bus in the middle of nowhere because you believe fate has told you to a buy a house in a country where you don’t live. You don’t speak the language or have a job, but you have determination. You fix a house while you fix yourself. Community gathers around you and you meet a man!

    You are an American rom-com heroine in Italy.