Recent reviews

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  The Pursuit of Happyness 2006

  ★★★½ Watched 11 Dec 2023

  In essence, understanding other people’s motivations is a key aspect of social intelligence. It allows us to navigate to social interactions, build stronger connections, and positively influence others. This understanding of why can enhance various aspects of life, from relationships to even professional endeavors. The motivation behind people's actions fosters empathy. When we make people’s reasons feel understood, they are more likely to connect on a deeper level, making people want to change their ways for the better

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  Armadillo 2010

  ★★★½ Watched 04 Dec 2023

  Armadillo challenged my initial expectation of soldiers leaving home for war. The farewell of a soldier going off to war is typically very tough and saddening because there is a great chance that the family of the soldier may not ever see them again. When Mads is at dinner with his family, they all struggle to send him off to war. At the table one of his family members said “It hasn't really dawned upon me that you’re actually going……

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  9 2009

  ★★★★½ Watched 27 Nov 2023

  In Shane Acker’s animated short film “9,” the relationship between the sound, the music, and the image track can be characterized as interdependent and effective. Each of the elements mentioned play a crucial role in enhancing not only the storytelling, but the impact the story has on the audience as well. In “9,” these elements of sound come together to heighten emotions in the film. The sound design and the image track are synchronized in order to develop the film's…

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  The Shining 1980

  ★★★★½ Watched 27 Nov 2023

  The Shining stands as a salient and seminal work in horror cinema. Kubrick minimizes his use of the typical jumpscare. Instead, he approached this film in a more psychological and atmospheric way. He used this sense of sustained tension and eerie visuals rather than creating predictable moments. Moreover, Kubrick blurs the lines between external and internal threats. The movie overlooks a hotel, which itself can seem like a malicious force, but the true horror or antagonist, who is psychologically unraveled,…