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The Substance (2024)
YOU ARE ONE. You can't escape from yourself.
Elisabeth Sparkle (Moore) was once the biggest star around, as both an academy-award winning actress & fitness model. No one was more gorgeous, or more loved. Every woman wanted to be her, and every man wanted to be with her. However, time kept moving on, and while she remained beautiful, she was not as young, or as "hot" anymore. Which led the network producers of her fitness show to decide they needed a replacement. A younger, hotter replacement.
Distraught over the thought of being replaced, Elisabeth ends up getting in a car wreck while driving home. While not sustaining any injuries from the wreck, she is still very broken up about what has happened to her life, and she breaks down crying as in front of a ER doctor
& nurse. The doctor quickly exits the situation, but the male nurse (who looks like a Ken doll, btw) examines her spinal column, and then slips her some information about a treatment plan called "The Substance."
Once home, Elisabeth looks at the treatment information, and learns how she could turn back the clock with a younger, better version
of herself. So, she calls in an order of "The Substance," and discovers that she'll be "sharing" time with this new version of herself. The new her will have 7 days awake and living life, then they'll switch and Elisabeth will be awake and living her life. Whichever one that is not "awake" will be fed a liquid solution through IV by the other (so they won't starve for during their 7 days down). At the end of their 7 days, they must switch "being awake" with the other body. No exceptions. Elisabeth is told that she and the new her must maintain this 7 days on / 7 days off balance. Lastly, Elisabeth is told - If you respect the balance... what could possibly go wrong?
Well, I can't tell you everything that happens
in the film, now can I? Lol. However, this is enough to let you know what you're going to see. Elisabeth, and her new version Sue, trade living life back & forth 7 days at a time.
I've always been a fan of Moore (I mean, GI Jane, A Few Good Men, Charlie's Angels:Full Throttle. The list goes on & on), and she really brings it here. Qualley (Sue) really impresses (such a beauty, just like her Mom). I'd only seen her performance in Poor Things before this, and while she was great in that, she was little more than a background character. I enjoyed getting to see what she can do. While I was repulsed by his character (which was obviously the point), Dennis Quaid really brings the sleazy, Hollywood, executive producer vibe in this movie (I mean, that one restaurant scene, with the shrimp, made me physically ill. Ugh. Which, once again, was obviously the point).
Anyways. Imo, the movie is really good during the first 2 acts, then the 3rd act kind of veers of into insanity (not necessarily in a bad way, but not a great way either). I'd give the movie a 6.9 rating as a whole. Cause there is soooo much good here,, it's just the 3 act that goes a bit wonky.
Woman of the Hour (2023)
most people don't like to be seen
Sheryl (Kendrick) is a young woman living in late 1970s LA, trying to catch her break as an actress. She keeps working hard, and going
to auditions, but keeps ending up barely able
to afford her rent. She has also grown more than weary from the over-objectification she deals with in auditions. From being asked about performing nude scenes, to the men barely acknowledging her while she auditions (other than to check her looks/figure).
Just when Sheryl is ready to pack up & head home (PA), she gets a gig as a contestant on "The Dating Game." She's told this will be a good way for her to noticed (apparently it worked for Sally Field).
Excited, Sheryl arrives at the show. Hoping this night will be the break she's waited for. Little does she know that Rodney Alcala, one of the
3 male contestants (as well as a serial killer looking for his next victim), will make this a night that she will never forget.
I've been a fan of Kendrick's for awhile now, and this film just made me more of a fan. I don't agree with her about a lot of things, but she never ceases to amaze, and this directorial debut (not to mention playing a lead role) only shows more promise to come. What a story to tackle as a first time director!
This film is not perfect by any means, but it's well done. I give it a 6.9 rating at least. The actor portraying Alcala is most impressive, as well as the supporting cast of characters.
The pace of the movie isn't fast, and it can seem disjointed as far as a timeline goes,
but stick with it. What may seem like bad editing or a disjointed storyline will end up
going where/how it needs to go 👍
Immaculate (2024)
This movie is most certainly not God's work
Sister Celia (Sweeney) travels far from her home in the US to a secluded convent in Italy, with the intent to take her vows and fully begin her life of servitude. Upon arriving, Celia is shown about and informed on the duties she will be expected to carry out, and Celia gets excited to begin this new journey. However,, she begins to notice strange things happening. Before long, Celia starts regretting her decision to come to this place. Then, she discovers something impossible,,,
Ok, I didn't come into this movie expecting anything even remotely truthful to be seen within it (and I was correct)(I'm a Bible believing Christian,, and there is nothing in this movie that has anything to do with that). This movie might as well be about some kind of mythology. There's nothing resembling the truth of God here.
Now, that being said, it's not all completely terrible. Sweeney did a good job. I've been impressed with her in a few other roles, and this one really made her stretch her range and show us she's not just a pretty face.
Aside from that, the movie's not great.
Nor is it enjoyable. I'd give it a 5.2 rating,
bc of Sweeney's peformance, but that's it. The rest of the movie isn't anything to write home about.
Saltburn (2023)
You're just turning the handle on a jack-in-a-box.
Those quiet ones. You've always got to watch out for them.
Oliver (Keoghan) is a university student who doesn't exactly fit in. Odd, quiet, & quirky, he just doesn't quite have the knack for joining in with groups of people. You could call him a loner, while other people may call him a loser.
Then, one day, Oliver is riding his bike to return some books to the library, and he passes by Felix, who's bicycle tire has gone flat (Felix is the golden boy, from a very well off family, that EVERYONE loves). Oliver asks if he's ok, and Felix tells him he's late for an important lesson. So, without skipping a beat, Oliver offers Felix his bike.
Fast forward a little bit, Oliver & Felix have developed a quick friendship, and Felix invites Oliver to his home (SALTBURN) for the summer.
Once there, Oliver becomes quite entertained & intrigued by Felix's unique family. So, he begins to make himself at home, and then, "things" begin to happen,,,
I can't say more without giving it away, however I will say that this is a movie to
watch for the acting, and that's it. Keoghan shines, and the rest of the cast is great as well (however, Carey Mulligan was criminally underutilized!!). I would not say that this movie was enjoyable, so much as I would say that it's a good tool for actors to study from. It has similarities to a certain movie about that talented guy named Ripley,,,
I give it a straight 5 rating, bc I sincerely believe it's been WAY over-hyped. Imo, it's only good for what I said, and not going to be enjoyable for most viewers.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)
I swear, the Afterlife is so random.
36 yrs later,,,
Lydia Deetz (Ryder) still sees dead people everywhere, and uses that gift in her career as a psychic mediator & host of the paranormal talk show called Ghost House. She also can't shake the feeling that a certain "ghost with the most" is still lurking around. She evens sees him, sometimes, or at least she thinks
she does. So, between her show, her agent/boyfriend Rory (Theroux), her daughter Astrid (Ortega)(who wants next to nothing to do with her mother, bc she thinks the ghost thing is all fake), and the paranormal terror from her past lurking about, Lydia is quite
the mess. Then, her Dad dies. So, to quote
the musical, it really is a show about death
(I couldn't resist).
In the afterlife, due to some unforeseen accidents, Beetlejuice's ex-wife, Delores (Belluci), gets free and sets to find him, running through anyone in her path.
So, now the obvious question. Where is Beetlejuice, and what's he been up to?
Well, only what he does best. Bio-exorcism! He even has his own office full of shrunken headed workers, lol.
As the Deetz family buries Charles, and begins the grieving process (in their own "unique" ways), Astrid explores the house and town that her mother spent her teenage yrs growing up in. She even spends time exploring the upstairs attic,,,
If I say anymore, I'll spoil too much. So, I'll just give my opinions now. Is this sequel better than or as good as the original?
No it isn't, but it's a lot of fun (the original
was so iconic, & you just can't top that). Just like seeing Keaton back in the cowl as Batman, seeing him as Beetlejuice again is something you just can't miss! Seeing Ryder & O'Hara back as the Deetz's, along with Ortega as Lydia's daughter, was also great. Theroux plays his part very well, Dafoe brought plenty with his role, and I NEVER mind seeing Monica Belluci.
So, it's not amazing, deep, or substantial,, but it's certainly a fun ride. I give it a 6.8 rating.
Salem's Lot (2024)
Sundown, you better take care
Ben, a writer, returns to the town that he grew up in (until he was 9 yrs old, when his parents died in a car wreck), looking for some inspiration.
Not long before Ben came home, an English man set up shop in the town's antique store. He also spends his nights as a "servant" to a man named Barlow,, if a "man" is what you could call him.
Lol, ok. Enough goofy, horror speak. While I did not see the original (have no desire, I'd rather read the book, honestly), I have to imagine it's a bit better. This movie is a straight 4 rating at best (I'm probably being too nice).
If you want to watch something, as in horror, do yourself a favor and watch something else. It's not awful, but it's pretty close.
Dexter (2006)
I've lived in darkness a long time,, until the dark became my world and I could see.
It's been said that a psychopath is born, but a sociopath is made. Made how? Through some kind of traumatic event (maybe even a series of events) that effects their mind. Causes them to maybe develop antisocial personality disorder, or even lack empathy. Some people, such as I've described, even put on a fake exterior in order to fit into society. They may appear happy-go-lucky, friendly, or you average Joe,
but on the inside they are just an empty shell. Void of emotion. Dexter Morgan is one of these people.
Harry Morgan, Dexter's adopted father, was an honest police officer, loving husband & father to Debra (his biological daughter) & Dexter (his adopted son). When Dexter was a young boy, Harry noticed how his son never really showed emotions, was very quiet, and just didn't really understand social ques & simple normalities. Harry (eventually) discovers that Dexter has been harming local animals, and burying them around their property. After speaking with Dexter about it, Harry decides to teach Dexter how fake emotions in order to fit into society, and also how to use his "need" to harm/kill others for good (by only killing people who deserve to die). This would eventually become known by Dexter as - Harry's Code.
Cut to present day, and we find Dexter Morgan working for the Miami PD as a blood splatter analyst (with his sister Deb, who followed Harry's footsteps and became a cop). This position not only enables Dexter a way of supporting himself, but also gives him the opportunity to look for his future victims. Bc even though he only hunts/kills those who deserve to die (such as murderers/rapists/etc) Dexter Morgan is a serial killer. He plays judge/jury/executioner, and he really loves to play.
Now, I remember getting into this show and not stopping until I made through the first 4 sns (I think it took a lil over 2 wks to watch)(sns 1-4 are the best & most bingeworthy, imo). I was completely hooked. While I don't think it was as good as the first four, I still though sn 5 was pretty good. Sns 6-8? Not near as good. Imo.
*** BIG SPOILERS
Imo, the ending of Sn5 should've begun the ending of the show. I think Lumen should've stayed with Dexter (whether she had her darkness or not), and they should've have done a Sn6 where Dexter & Lumen are confronted with another serial killer couple as the antagonists. At the end of the season (series), Dexter should've died while saving Lumen & Harrison from the serial killer couple. Thus giving him some kind of redemption. (But no, they kept the show going too long.
I give it a 7.2 rating overall bc of sns 6-8 (which aren't good imo). If I was only rating sns 1-5 I'd give it an 8 out of 10.
Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
Bye Bye Bye
So, we all saw the first Deadpool, and loved it! So then we waited with baited breath for the sequel (especially after the Ferris Bueller post credit scene of the first one). Then, it came out, and we loved the sequel even more!
(X-FORCE!!!) Then,, we waited for more,,, and nothing came. Until R. R. realsed the video of himself asking Hugh Jackman if he'd join him in the 3rd DP movie as Wolverine (if you didn't see it, look it up on YOUTUBE). So, we all jumped for joy, but immediately asked, "how's that gonna work? Logan died, didn't he?" Well, what good is a multiverse if it can't fix a problem like that, right?
Ok, I'll shut up now and tell you how it was.
Well, if anything was gonna make the MCU some big bucks this summer, this is without
a doubt the movie that was going to do it!!
I laughed so much I hurt! The action scenes were incredible as much as they were hilarious. The cameos (THE CAMEOS!!!!!!!!!) couldn't have been better (or at least Idk
how they could have been). I can't say too much without giving you a spoiler warning.
All I can tell you is that if you loved the first two, this one comes close to blowing them out of the water (and that's really saying something, cause I love them both).
*** Here is your spoiler warning.
Don't read more if you don't want to know
ahead of seeing it yourself.
Ok, I warned you,,,
Here are the spoilers -
We start off in 2018, with Wade trying to become an Avenger (he meets with Happy). However, that doesn't go his way.
Disillusioned and feeling without purpose, Wade decides to hang up the Deadpool suit, and live like a normal person.
Fast-forward to present day, Wade is working with Peter (X-Force guy) at CarMax, and is donning a lovely toupee (no, it's an obvious one) that he stapled on. (We also find out that he and Vanessa are no longer together, and that he is once again Blind Al's roommate. What?!?)
Long story longer, Wade's birthday party is disrupted by a knock at the door. Wade answers the knock and (hilariously) mistakes
a half dozen TVA agents for strippers. Anyways, they get Wade to the TVA where
he is given the opportunity to become the superhero he's dreamt of becoming. The only problem (as he is informed of by a man known as Paradox) is that Wade's universe
is about to become obliterated from existence, because (as it turns out) Logan
is no longer alive in it (if this is a spoiler for you,, then you obviously didn't pay attention in DP2). This leads Wade across the multiverse to find another Logan to help
him save his world (and all the people in it
he loves). So, he finds many different versions of Logan, one of whom is a quite different version (you could almost call him a "Man of Adamantium"). Eventually, Wade finds a version of Logan to bring back to the TVA, however, Paradox informs Wade that he picked the worst version of Logan in existence. One that let his entire world down.
Don't worry, I'm not going to tell you the entire movie. I will tell you that Wade & Logan as an onscreen duo are everything we could've hoped for and more. It's awesome!
I will also give you some more cameo hints of known characters that appear onscreen - A really hot guy / a woman who you could say is almost electric / a guy who has no trouble walking in sunlight / a girl who shares some common characteristics with a lioness / quite a few different versions of X-men characters / quite a few different versions of our titular character.
So, go see the movie. You will not be disappointed (unless you just have out of this world standards that will never be met).
Solid 9 rating!!
Fresh (2022)
!!!ches like you are the !!!!ing problem!
Noa is a young, 20 something, woman who is incredibly attractive without trying to be, but for some reason, has had no luck in the dating world. Just one loser after another, asks her for pics/sends her unwanted pics, and then back to dating app swiping & swiping. Ugh!!
Then, on a random trip to her local market, she randomly meets Steve, who charmingly makes an awkward fool of himself, but manages to get Noa's number.
Fast-forward a couple of dates, and Noa is smitten. Steve is the perfect guy. Handsome, charming, and a doctor to boot!!! A plastic surgeon, but still a doctor. Noa feels like she has finally found something worth having.
So one night, while at Steve's place, they are having some drinks. Steve is being charming as ever, and Noa is ever more smitten. That is,
until Noa notices that her vision is becoming a little blurry, then really blurry,, and she passes out.
Noa wakes up to find herself chained to
the wall, and that Steve's charm has turned
to something a bit more sinister,,,
Holy crap!! That's the best way to describe my thoughts during the majority of this movie. As if dating isn't scary enough, this movie makes me that much more suspicious of everyone's intentions, lol.
Stan brings his best sociopathic prince charming here. He's awesome! While I'm not familiar with Jones, I will definitely be keeping an eye out for her. She's incredible. The rest of the cast rounds out the film very well.
If you're incredibly squeamish, and can't compartmentalize (the fact that it's a movie, and not actually happening in front of your eyes), then this movie is not for you. I mean, Steve isn't Hannibal Lecter, but they share the same tastes (hint hint). I'd give it a 6.9 rating if that were an option.
Shot Caller (2017)
The fact is, we all started out as someone's little angel.
Nikolaj Coster-Walder (or Jaime Lannister as we know him) brings his A game in this one.
Jacob (Coster-Walder) is a mild mannered white collar worker living his American dream with his wife (Bell) and their son.
One night, after having a few too many, Jacob runs a red light and causes a wreck, which ends up killing his friend (who was riding in the back seat). Jacob's lawyer works out a plea deal for him to serve 16 months on the charge of vehicular manslaughter.
Once inside prison, Jacob quickly finds out that the outside world's rule of law doesn't apply.
**Now, for the spoilers,, you've been warned.
Jacob joins a white supremacist gang. Before he knows what's happening, Jacob begins getting his hands dirty for the gang. Doing all
of this in order to survive his time in prison and make it home to his family in one piece. The only problem with this is that the more as his prison time goes by, Jacob begins to realize that he can never go back to the life and person he was before. In his own words, "some things just don't go back together." Not after a person is driven to commit acts they've never even considered possible before. Just in order to survive.
This movie also features the talent of Lake Bell, Jon Bernthal, and a whole host of familiar faces (can't remember all the names) that make this one powerhouse of a feature film that any fan should see at least once. A solid 7.5 rating at least.
The Rental (2020)
Decent film for first time director.
Charlie and Mina are coworkers. They spend
a lot of time collaborating together and are very comfortable with each other. They have
a huge business deal coming up at work, so they decide to take a vacation to a seaside air b&b for some relaxation before they get started. So Charlie, Michelle (Charlie's wife), Mina, and Josh (Charlie's brother, and Mina's boyfriend, who has a history of violent outbursts that he has done time for) all head to their seaside cabin getaway.
Upon arriving at the cabin, they are greated by Taylor (a middle-aged white man), who shows them around the place, informs them about the check out procedures, and really gives off a weird, uneasy vide to the group (especially to Mina).
After getting settled in, the four of them start drinking, and even break out some drugs.
What could possibly go wrong?
Considering that this is Franco's first time in the directors seat, this was a pretty decent little thriller. Minimal cast, minimal locations, and without a doubt, a very solid cast. It's not amazing, or life-changing. It's decent. If you want to watch a movie you haven't seen before, this'll work for ya.
Pearl (2022)
I don't feel... well.
This prequel takes place in 1918, during the Spanish Flu pandemic of the early 20th century. During that time (as we all did in 2020) people took to wearing cloth masks when out in public, and isolated themselves at their homes as much as possible. This (much like 2020) led
many people to feel unbearably lonely and depressed. Then again, you have other people like Pearl,,,
Pearl is a young woman who lives on a secluded farm with her German immigrant parents (while her husband is off fighting in WWI). Pearl hates everything about living on the farm, and spends most of her time dreaming of becoming a star, like the dancing girls in movies she watches at the theatre in town. Pearl also spends her time indulging the darkest parts of her mind by killing small animals and feeding them to the alligator in their pond. Pearls relationship with her mother is very strained, seeing as how they both care for her invalid father, and are just trying to survive the pandemic, all of which factors into Pearls flights of fancy and murderous fantasies.
One afternoon, Pearls sister-in-law tells her about a dance audition their church is holding. Whomever the judges choose as the winner(s) will travel around their state performing for
the soldiers returning home from war. So, basically, the winner is guaranteed a shot at becoming a star.
Could this be Pearls big break, or will this break Pearl?
Whether you have or have not seen the first movie in this horror trilogy, Pearl is a must see for any fan of horror, or just movies with good performances.
I do wonder about Mia Goth, though. Is she just that good at playing crazy? I certainly hope so, lol.
The rest of the cast in this movie is very good as well.
So if you're like me and you want to see actors/actresses acting well (and you're not squeamish), then you need to see this.
Men (2022)
Forbidden fruit.
Harper arrives at a rental house in the English countryside for a much needed retreat. There, she sees an apple tree in the front yard and helps herself to a sample of its delicious fruit. As she makes her way to the front door of the house, Geoffrey, the owner, opens it and greets her as his guest.
After showing Harper around the house & property, Geoffrey leaves and Harper sets out to explore her vacation spot.
Harper hasn't come for this retreat just bc she wanted to get out of the city, or anything like that. Harper is in need of healing from traumatic events that have occured in her
life. Her husbands death, in fact.
As Harper wonders about the countryside on a walk, she comes across this tunnel, where she plays a wonderfully musical game of echoes (as a music teacher, myself, I quite enjoyed this part). (She does this believing she is the only person in the tunnel) All of the sudden,
a man appears at the opposite end of the tunnel,,,
Later, when she's back at the country house, Harper sees a naked man in the yard, picking an apple from the tree.
Harper visits the local pub, and all the men therein seem eerily similar,,,
More oddities and unnerving things continue to happen,,,
A24 has certainly offered up some "interesting" movies, haven't they. Well, this one is definitely "interesting." First off, Buckley and Kinnear are absolutely incredible in their performances. Really spectacular. That being said, this film is not for the faint of heart or someone that watches mainly old Disney movies. It is a true mind bender and quite the allegorical piece.
Now, for a few spoilers -
Harpers husband kills himself after she informs him that she's filing for divorce. (Whether or not he intentionally kills himself or not is left unanswered, seeing as how he falls from the balcony of the 2nd level of their apartment. The question of did him jump, or merely fall plagues Harper throughout the movie) He tells her that is what he is going to do if she leaves him. Then they argue/fight about what has led them to this point, and eventually he hits Harper. This leads her to throwing him out, saying she doesn't care what he does to himself, that he'll never see her again.
In the countryside village, Harper sees every man (and one boy) wearing the same face. They're all slightly different (different nose, hair, etc), but still, they have the same face.
While I was watching this, I knew that much of what happens in the movie was more than likely allegorical, and I was right. Now, whether or not I agree with everything the director/writer was trying to convey, idk. However, this movie is really well made, and makes you pay attention and think. I'm sure everyone will have different opinions on what happens and why.
I cannot give it a higher rating bc of the fact that it is just too disturbing for many. However, if you are a fan of what A24 has done before, or just an actor who wants to see good acting, well then this is one to view.
Madame Web (2024)
Are you all immediate family?
Cassandra Webb, known as Cassie, works as an NYC EMT, with her coworker Ben. She grew up in the foster care system due to her mother dying in childbirth. Cassie's mother was doing research on spiders in the jungle at the time of Cassie's birth. This research could've led to hundreds of cures for diseases.
Cassie is somewhat awkward, and doesn't really respond to others in a normal, friendly way. While she cares for those she works with, she is closed off emotionally. All of this changes when Cassie has a near-death experience after drowning (well, she drowned after falling off a bridge during her shift as an EMT). She begins to have clairvoyant visions of the future. All of which involve three teenage girls named Julia, Anya, and Mattie. Along with a man named Ezekiel, who knew Cassie's mother.
So,, this film is not good. It's not bad either, but it's definitely not good. I saw one review that said this movie made Morbius look like the Dark Knight. Lol, well I wouldn't say that exactly, but it's certainly not too far off. Imo, Morbius was REALLY GOOD by comparison (I actually liked Morbius, just didn't think it was near as good as it should've been).
This movie suffered from bad writing, bad direction, no investment in characters or development of them either, and a lot of bad acting. Don't get me wrong, their are some "ok" moments. I just don't get how Johnson is still working. Yeah, she's not hard on the eyes, and not a terrible actress, but that in no way equals good either. Sweeney did a good job of making herself seem like a teenager (I continue to like her more the more I see her in things). The other two actresses were perfectly fine, and of course Roberts & Scott were great. The Ezekiel actor was aslo fine, but not a great bad guy either.
Overall, there just wasn't enough here to make this movie good.
Get Smart (2008)
Missed it by that much
Imo, this was one of the best comedies of the 2000s. No idea on earth why the sequel fell through the cracks.
Maxwell Smart (Carell) works as an analyst for a US counterintelligence agency by the name of Control. Over the years Max has worked there, he has made many attempts to become an agent, only to fall short due to his physical fitness (no, not in a Steve Rogers pre-serum way,, he was massively overweight). Finally, after getting his fitness under control and making high scores on his qualification tests,
Max gets his chance to become an agent.
At this same time Control headquarters is attacked, during which many Control agents are killed across the globe. This leads to Max and his new partner Agent 99 (Hathaway) being tasked with traveling to Russia to infiltrate KAOS (Control's nemesis) and find evidence of nuclear weaponry.
Will Max do well and complete his first mission?
As I said, I think this was the perfect way to both honor the original Get Smart, as well as introduce it to a new generation. I so badly wanted a sequel, and then another. They had such a good cast for it. I mean, Carell, Hathaway, Arkin, Johnson, Crews, just to name a few (if they'd done 3 movies, within 10 yrs of the first one, Arkin probably could've been in all of them. He was such a great part of every movie he was in, or at least all the ones I've seen). Such a shame it didn't go that way. I'd give this movie a 7.5 rating, if that were an option.
Poor Things (2023)
My empathy is creeping towards what I would describe... a contemptuous rage.
I'm not going to tell you what this movie is about. You can read the plot summary and watch the trailers to see about that.
I will, however, tell you that this film is not at all for the faint of heart.
This is the second film I've watched by this director (having viewed The Killing of a Sacred Deer on two separate occasions), and I can tell you that both films are incredibly different from most films being directed during my lifetime.
The cast is more than superb in their performances, especially those of Stone, Dafoe, Ruffalo, & Youssef. If you are an actor or actress, then you may want to watch this, if nothing else, to study their performances and interactions with each other.
Now, do I think the movie, itself, is good? Well, that's a question not easily answered. Obviously, I think there is a lot of good about this movie (performances, visuals, the musical score), but as a whole I don't think I can recommend this movie to just anyone. It's a lot to take. Not long ago, this would've been rated X for the amount nudity and sex involved in this film (there's a lot). There's also a lot of terrible language. Not to mention the crazy experiments of Godwin Baxter (animals with wrong heads on wrong bodies). So, there's a lot of moral wrongs to deal with throughout the film.
I can't give it a higher rating simply because I found it disturbing in too many ways, despite my admiration for the acting, visuals, and score.
Eileen (2023)
I live a little differently than most people.
Eileen (McKenzie) is a lonely young woman who works as a secretary/aide at the local juvenile detention center.
She left college to help to care of her mother who'd fallen ill, and later died from said illness.
Her father (Shea Wigham) is a retired police officer, who spends his retirement drinking himself into an early grave.
Eileen longs for connection and friendship, and often spends spare time parked by the lake, watching couples make out/etc, using this as a mastabatory aide.
One day at work, Eileen meets the new Juvie Prison Psychologist, Rebecca (Hathaway).
The two develop a work friendship, that eventually leads to outside work, and turns both of their worlds upside down.
For starters, the trailer for this movie is deceptive. Just so ya know. It does not go the way you think it will. Now, that can be a great thing for movies to do,, but it doesn't really work in this movie.
Hathaway & McKenzie work together very well, and really are a joy to see onscreen together. That being said, they are the only real good part of this movie, and the only reason I'm giving at a 4 rating instead of lower.
The last 20 mins or so of the film go to a very disturbing place, and then the end just doesn't really fit. It's kind of a mess of an ending, actually. I was left thinking, "for real? That's how this ends?"
If you want to see a blonde Hathaway being a powerhouse of a mysterious kind of seductive character (to a certain extent, at least), and McKenzie showing how good she can be, even at her young age (she was sooo good in Jojo Rabbit, wasn't she), then yes. Go ahead and watch. That part is good. However, the movie as a whole? Not so much imo.
The Iron Claw (2023)
the rankings can always change
Whether someone is a pro wrestling fan or not, the name Von Erich is one you've probably heard of at some point.
Fritz Von Erich taught his boys (Kevin, Kerry, David, & Mike) how to be the best at what they do, and what the Von Erich boys do best is wrestle. In the Texas pro wrestling world, no family held higher esteem than the Von Erich family. From Kevin wrestling Harley Race, to Kerry becoming the WWF Intercontinental Champ, the Von Erich brothers personified pro wrestling. However, the family also suffered just as much as they thrived. From losing brothers due to injuries, accidents, or addictions, then to the only surviving brother being Kevin, the Von Erich family may have indeed been cursed. Then again, they may have just been pushed, and/or pushed themselves too hard.
This movie has a lot of great performances
in it, especially those of Efron, White, & McCallany. The rest of the cast is great
as well, but those three shine the most imo. This story is based on the real lives of the Von Erich family, so obviously some things happened differently in real life. That being said, if this film's interpretation is anywhere close to correct, then ole Fritz needed a whooping imo. It's a good thing to encourage, and yes, even push your kids to do their best, and be the best they can be,, but this guy went way too far. Having your kids ranked as to who is the favorite based on their ability (to wrestle, or perform as an athlete in general), and keeping them in suspense by telling them the ranking can always change? Seriously? I realize Fritz was also thinking about the business in this as well, but come on. These are your kids. Don't coddle them, for certain, but you're always supposed to protect your kids, or at least try. Imo, from this movie's depiction, Fritz cared more about his legacy and living vicariously through his boys than he did about their well being. Such a shame.
Overall, I'd give this film at least a 7.5 rating. If you want to watch because you're a wrestling fanatic, or just a fan of good movies, you'll enjoy this.
Hail Satan? (2019)
Deceived
Found this documentary on Prime, and since I've been seeing a rise in Satanism amongst people, I figured I'd give it a look (fyi, I am a born again Christian).
A group called The Satanic Temple, headed by a guy known as Lucien, have become both a religious and political organization in recent years and have chapters set up all throughout the US (also many throughout the world). They say that they don't necessarily follow Satan as an "entity" but rather they see Lucifer as the ultimate opposition to the status quo. The ultimate rebel against tyranny and oppression. They see him as a symbol for rebellion rather than a real being
(That, of course, doesn't stop them from constantly saying "Hail Satan!" to each other, or performing black masses and other satanic rituals with terrible visuals, such as full frontal nudity, etc). This group spends a great deal of the documentary's run time in a legal fight with the state of Arkansas (my home state) about whether a 10 commandments plaque can legally stand in front of the capital bldg. If so, they make a case to have a statue of their Satanic faith put right next to the plaque (called Baphomet, a 'figure with a Goat head, and Pentagram behind it).
Now, for my thoughts on this doc. While it is done really well (direction, editing, etc, which is the only reason I'm even giving it a 3 rating), I find the subject matter in it appalling. I mean, I literally felt sick the entire run time. These people have been so deceived. They think they're just rebelling, but they are selling their souls. They're also going after kids through school programs (just watch, you'll see what I'm saying).
Anyways, these people are angry. Looking to fight against the establishment, and whatnot.
This movement encourages them to express themselves and their anger, through lifestyles, dress, protests, etc. However, looking at them, they are obviously still sad, and still angry. It's all just a giant delusion, and they can't see it (or don't want to see).
Watch to be more informed, but be warned that it's a tough viewing.
Road House (2024)
"That's the joke. It's a roadhouse, but it's call the Road House. Get it?"
Well, I went ahead and watched this crapfest to save you the trouble.
Elwood Dalton (Gyllenhaal) is an ex-mma fighter, who's notorious in ring demeanor is well-known to the entire world. Once a championship contender, Dalton has fallen
far from the limelight.
One night, after a fight, Dalton is approached with a job offer. A Florida Keys Roadhouse owner needs help. Local thugs have terrorizing her place, leaving it in ruins
every night.
Not having any better prospects, and in great need of the payday, Dalton eventually agrees. Upon arriving at said Roadhouse, Dalton quickly realizes that the job isn't going to
be a walk in the park.
Okay,, now on to my thoughts about everything. This is yet another remake that didn't need to happen, at all. The original is
an 80s classic, that stands right up there with all the other good ole action, tough guy flicks.
Now, are the cast in this movie bad? No.
Not at all. In fact, it's got a really good cast. Gyllenhaal, whether he is or isn't a good guy in real life (obviously, idk the guy personally), is one of the best actors walking around today. The guy is phenomenal. I enjoyed seeing Melchior (loved her as Ratcatcher 2 in the Suicide Squad) as Dalton's love interest. Even McGregor was good as the character he played (pretty much playing himself more than likely, but still). What's bad about this movie is writing, the direction, the fact that they made the dang thing. I'm sure there was a way they could've done a remake and made it really good, or even outdone the original, but that's not the case with this movie. It's
fine if you just wanna turn off your brain and watch something, but that's it. Nothing good or new going on here. A flat 5 rating at best.
Supernatural (2005)
The driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole.
Late one night in the early 90s (in Lawrence, Kansas to be exact), a young boy races out of
a burning house carrying his baby brother in
his arms. They are followed closely by their father, who grabs both boys in his arms and hurries them to safety.
In the present day, Sam Winchester is a pre-law college student, who's been preparing
for his interview to get into law school. One night Sam and his girlfriend Jess wake-up to hear someone breaking into their apartment. Sam is surprised to find the intruder is none other than his older brother, Dean. After a brief moment of shock, Dean informs Sam that he needs his help in tracking down their father, John. Dean tells Sam that he hasn't heard from their Dad since John went on a hunting trip.
(Full disclosure, I'm only referring to the first 5 seasons here, because that's where I think the show should've ended. Not saying that the rest of the show is bad or anything,, I just never watched all of the other seasons bc I just couldn't stick with it/didn't care for where they took the show/etc.)
Imo, this show is one of the most
bingworthy shows out there, not to mention that it completely dominated my tv screen during the mid to late 2000s (along with Smallville). The duo of Sam and Dean, fighting monsters, saving lives, and occasionally stopping the apocalypse, it's all quite the entertaining ride. An 8 rating for certain.
(P. S. - I came up with my own ending of the show at the end of sn 5. That's just me. If you love the entire 15 sn run, great)
School of Rock (2003)
UGH, WHAT DO THEY TEACH IN THIS PLACE?
Dewey Finn (Black) wants to ROCK!! He has big dreams of winning the local battle of the bands, winning 20 grand, and getting a record deal with his band. That is, until his bandmates get tired of his antics and boot him out.
Also tired of bailing his old friend out (and tired of being nagged by his girlfriend), Dewey's roommate Ned (who works as a substitute teacher, btw) demands that Dewey come
up with his share of the rent. Having no clue and/or no prospects of how to come up with the money, Dewey takes on one of Ned's substitute teacher jobs when a prep school calls. Who knows,, maybe Dewey will find a new calling (or some new bandmates).
Black brings all of his wacky comedic brilliance in this one, and the kids melt your heart just a bit. It's a ton of fun.
I, Tonya (2017)
I was loved for a minute, then I was hated. Then I was just a punch line.
No matter whether you payed attention to olympic figure skating or not, everyone knew her name.
Tonya Harding's story (as told here) is not pretty. As the line in this movie states, she
did not come from a "wholesome" American family. She was a bit of a redneck (not that there's anything wrong with that). She had a monster for a mother, she fell for the wrong man, and then she becomes involved in an attack (on a fellow figure skater) scandal referred to as "the incident." All of this in the pursuit of winning figure skating gold.
The Oscar nominations & win (Janney is always amazing, but she absolutely kills it here) were well deserved with this movie. Robbie, Janney, and Stan really delivered outstanding performances in this based on a true story movie. The supporting cast is incredible as well,
especially Nicholson and Hauser.
If you enjoy great movies, then this is a must see.
The Vampire Diaries (2009)
Damon Salvatore - "I DO believe in killing the messenger. Why? Because it sends a message."
(Full disclosure, I only watched half of the series all the way thru. Then I watched a little here & there for the other half, until I got to the last few eps of the series)
Our story takes place in the town of Mystic Falls, Virginia, where Elena Gilbert and her younger brother Jeremy are about to begin their 11th & 10th grade school year. Still adjusting to their new lives with their young Aunt as their guardian (due to the death of both of their parents in a car crash offscreen), the two teens hope to resume something resembling a normal life in returning to school. After reuniting with her best friends Caroline & Bonnie, Elena notices a new face in the hallway of the HS. A handsome young man named Stefan Salvatore.
Okay, if you are at all familiar with the show, or can read the title, you know exactly what's going on here. Stefan is an almost 200 yr old vampire. He's returned to Mystic Falls with the intention of getting to know Elena Gilbert, and little does Stefan know, his older, dangerous brother Damon (also a vampire) has returned as well. What could possibly happen?
I enjoyed the first 3 sns of this show very much. Great characters. Interesting episodes. Then in the 4th season (while still plenty enjoyable, but) I started getting a little bit bored. It seemed like the same story line regurgitated over & over. Nothing terrible, but it didn't keep my attention as well. So for the 2nd half of the series, I jumped from beginning, middle, end of the seasons until the end.
Overall, it's plenty enjoyable (if you're not burnt out on supernatural tv shows yet).
Bones (2005)
I need subtitles walking in here.
Dr. Temperance Brennan is an anthropologist who works for the Jeffersonian Institute, assists the FBI in solving murders, and is also a very accomplished novelist (in her spare time). Her FBI contact/partner is Special Agent Seeley Booth, who dubs her as "Bones", rather than calling her Dr. Brennan. These two, along with the other lab techs (Hodgins, Angela, Sayroin, etc) at the Jeffersonian (which Booth labels as "squints"), solve murders, catch bad guys, even nab the occasional serial killer in this long running tv show.
While (imo) the show ran a little bit too long, it's a great show to enjoy. I believe the first 6 sns were the top, and while it was in no way bad after that, it did begin to go down in quality/became stale after sn 6.
(For those who have warched the show, I think it was better before the two leads got together. I think there was always chemistry between them, but they did better not as a couple. Just my opinion)
7.5 rating overall.