I'm a sucker for the TV series so I had to check out the movie it's based on. It's like a parallel universe of the series with similar characters but a lot of changes. I'd say it's equal with the best episodes of the show! Not only is it the best vampire satire I know but it also feels like a fresh take on the genre with a bunch of clever ideas. Well-written, superb story direction, great dialogue, the jokes are hilarious, a bunch fun and the characters grow on you. The fourth wall breaking, the fakeness and the documentary style all work to it's advantage and creates great satirical comedy. This is how you do it!
I'm just sad there's no Colin Robinson!
First watch: 7/10
Very original sci-fi western horror-thriller. Great acting from everyone but Keke Palmer is the standout for me. Beautiful imagery and camera work. It does feel like there's two separate stories mashed into one movie and i'm not sure how the two are connected yet I'll need to do a rewatch. I went in not knowing much about the plot sinse I only saw the original teaser and I recommend doing the same.
Second watch: 8/10
Much better on a rewatch! Amazing characters, original story and something that marks you for life anytime you look at clouds. Without spoiling anything my favorite scenes are the barn and the rain. I pretty much got everything this time around but still don't get the shoe I might need some explanation on that one.
Undoubtedly a piece of art kind of movie with every frame having a special meaning. The cinematography, sets, costumes, score, sound... it's all peak cinema. The only problem is I didn't feel anything watching it. There's no real character arcs or story or even emotion (made me think of Skinamarink at times) it feels empty. The horror happening in the background thing and the scenes with the flowers are a brilliant idea. The sound is disturbing at first, sure, but I got over it after a few scenes and it doesn't have anything else to offer for the remaining runtime that's really worth experiencing except for the brilliant cinematography.
I want my four minutes of black screen at the beginning back!
I could listen to Benedict Cumberbatch talk all day but good thing this is a short because it was very tiresome. It was the perfect amount though and a type of storytelling I haven't seen much of (can't say i'm crazy about it). Same scrupulous sets, impeccable dialogue, symmetry in every shot, aspect ratios galore and carefully chosen color palette as the usual Anderson. It was very visual but I feel like judging the acting based on vocal performances, because holy shit was it ever vocal. Probably more words spoken than most 90 minute movies.
What in the hell?! I didn't expect this to be so bad it was just weird. Didn't like the humor I was laughing at the movie, not with it.
Take a shot every time you hear a joke about Canadians.
Mars Express doesn't reinvent anything in the genre but it's still a good concept and a highly enjoyable watch, it takes you right into it's world and doesn't let you go until the very end. Takes inspiration from Blade Runner, Ghost in the Shell, a sequence right out of a Terminator movie and I kept thinking of Robots. Great world-building and cultural complexities that doesn't spoonfeed you and leaves a lot to interpretation. The sci-fi tech and different robot builds are fascinating. The mystery didn't instantly grip me but it eventually did. The animation isn't the greatest but it more than does the job, it's very fluid and I like the character design. Carlos is the more developed character going through some complex stuff but I wanted a bit more from Aline. A bit slower in the second act but a wild third act with some solid action sequences and a good ending. I only wish it was longer and this would have done great in a series format.
Clay: "I was bringing her a jar of honey."
Parker: "Who are you, Winnie the Pooh?"
Fun, dumb, entertaining and violent. It's essentially a copy of John Wick, even Statham's character gives off John Wich vibes; quiet, impassive, a man of few words... not much of a performance BUT he's great in the physical scenes. It's a shame there's no unique style to it but the action is good nonetheless. The gas station and the final fight were pretty epic.
A simple story of revenge like we're used to, fast-paced and straight to the point. So satisfying watching scammers getting what they bee-serve. The villains are over-the-top and take ridiculous twists and turns. The dialogue is awful but the bee puns really sting, you know it's bad but can't help but chuckle. Bee puns are good for your health, they give you a dose of Vitamin Bee!
Overall not very memorable but I had a good time. I want to know more about the other Beekeepers but I don't think this is worth a sequel. Buzzing off!
"Show some enthusiasm. Thanksgiving is an institution here."
Scream goes on holiday. I'm a sucker for holiday horror and Thanksgiving is everything I wanted from a Thanksgiving themed slasher. It's very standard old fashioned 80s campy. You need to watch this with the intent of having fun cause it's a lot of fun.
Perfect intro with the Black Friday sequence, really well done. The kills are everything you want in a slasher; gory, fun, creative and memorable. Great effects. The oven kill was my favorite but they were all great. The 'sitting at the table' part was peak I had a huge smile on my face and the one-liners were excellent.
The tone is probably my biggest criticism, it's too serious at times when really you want this kind of movie to be silly. The fun parts are too distanced apart, more fun and less teen drama would have been great. The characters are hard to root for and the teen actors are all cringe. I actually predicted who the killer was for once but I think it was pretty obvious.
No leftovers.
"Scary stories make life less scary."
Haven't watched Murder on the Orient Express yet and thought Death on the Nile was boring but I really enjoyed A Haunting in Venice.
It's very slow but kept me glued to the screen the whole time. Good story and mystery but the characters are what drives this, they're interesting. The interview format got a bit repetitive at some point but it works for the most part and it elevates Hercule Poirot as a character every time. I didn't predict the culprit but the clues were definitely there! A criticism; I'll be vague but the mystery solver felt a bit overpowered and the problem solving unearned.
The supernatural and horror twist is what really elevated the experience for me, we even got a few jumpscares and it's spooky. The palazzo set is perfection and the dark, rainy, stormy atmosphere is always a great choice. The imagery is absolutely stunning, amazing lighting, stylish camerawork and great cast.
Worth watching in a theater but at the same time I would save this for the Halloween season—i'd consider it a Halloween movie. I had no expectations going in but overall this was a good murder mystery!
"Chaos is order yet undeciphered."
Like every good Villeneuve: complex and confusing. Every time I watch Enemy I learn something new about the movie, it's just the perfect puzzle. Like every good puzzle: inviting, not unsolvable but challenging, and rewarding. Definitely one of my favorite psychological thrillers and my favorite from Villeneuve overall. A psychologist's wet dream of a movie, there's just so much on the plate here and the character study is top notch. The mystery is engaging but perhaps even more engaging is Jake Gyllenhaal. It's not an extravagant performance but he really excels in the more subtle things; facial expressions, body language and line delivery. Great score, brilliant metaphors and such a unique concept. The ultimate 'commitment' movie. Villeneuve is a genius!
If you're trying not to lose your mind putting the puzzle together, this one's THE explanation to go for: https://youtu.be/v9AWkqRwd1I
Afraid of heights?
Everything in the Burj Khalifa tower (Dubai) was top tier spy stuff, the elaborate meeting, the cool spy gadgets, the fights and Tom Cruise hanging in mid-air at 1700 feet—now that's an impossible mission! (at least for me). Sandstorm sequence that followed was intense and Mumbai looked amazing. Compared to the first three movies, Ghost Protocol has some real team work (Ethan, Jane, Benji and William) create some interesting dynamics. Simon Pegg really shines here, his character is lighthearted and comedic which creates a balance with Cruise's more serious character. Jeremy Renner is fine as an actor but his character is too simplistic and forgettable. Excellent score that always matches the country we're in (Mumbai one is my favorite), phenomenal stunt work, interesting story, grand set pieces and forgettable villain. Great ending. Best entry in the franchise yet!
The exorcism genre certainly hits as generic these days and while I can't quite say this isn't generic, The Pope's Exorcist is a big upgrade from the recent schlock we've had in recent years. It's very self-aware and isn't afraid of bringing the story to ridiculous places, which is what's required at this point because who even takes these seriously anymore (The Exorcist 2023, please prove me wrong!). I was never bored, there's always something happening it's very entertaining. The comedy and cringe is on the menu, the set was nice, some twists I didn't see coming and so much ridiculousness especially in the third act.
Russell Crowe plays one hell of a cool priest, cracking jokes and drinking whiskey. Liked his character and performance. The boy wasn't half bad for a kid playing being exorcised but the words never sync with his lips and that kinda takes me out of it. The sidekick priest was so generic I kept forgetting he was there.
Lining up for a sequel it seems. I'd be up for it, as long as they keep doing crazy ridiculous entertaining stuff.
"Do you believe in monsters?"
Trapped in a town with no way out (Under the Dome), with monsters that can kill your favorite characters anytime (The Walking Dead), having to solve an intriguing mystery (Lost).
A great balance of "getting your hopes up" and then crushing it with "dark, scary and gory". The characters are what's so good about From, they're very The Walking Dead-ish, easily and quickly loveable. The monsters are nightmare fuel, I had a couple nightmares of my own about them. They're humanoid and familiar but can either tear you to shreads in a split second or slowly torture you, and they do it with a smile. They always leave a trail of disturbing (but beautifully made) gore behind. The mystery gets me so invested and intrigued - i'm addicted!
Highly recommend!
Dark, disturbing, philosophical, ethical, complex. Prisoners is the ultimate test of faith, morality and what it takes to put these aside in order to save someone. A frightening look into the prisons people find themselves in, in order to cope with, or reject these circumstances. A warning that taking matters into your own hands isn't always the best way to go about it. Creates a fascinating character study mixed with a conventional detective story, constantly making you question and look for hints. Stellar performance from Jake Gyllenhaal and especially Hugh Jackman who's at his absolute best. The pacing isn't it's best quality and the movie feels overlong. Perfect tone and direction. The tension never lets go until the end. Loved the constant raining and dampness throughout it really creates gloom. One of, if not the best dark crime thriller. A perfectly constructed puzzle with so many twists and turns and an experience that leaves you thinking.
"Because we're always innovating, and we fear irrelevance, here's an update to a classic..."
Impeccable dish served with the utmost original and delicious ingredients! The Menu exposes the whealthy and the critics on a platter for you to judge, taste, savor and digest. It makes you choose a side between those who give and those who take. The social commentary is very unsubtle and in your face pretty much the whole time just like the dishes which all have a distinguished message to tell. One of my favorites was the Breadless Bread Plate, I thought it made an interesting metaphor with industry workers, the accompaniments don't mean much without it. The acting is astonishing, the dishes look intricate, the thrills are thrilling, the story is predictable and the dark comedy is hit and miss but one thing's for sure it'll make you think and question. Please don't eat The Menu, taste, savor and relish it.
An ancient troll awakens in the Norwegian mountains and wrecks havoc and panic.
Godzilla meets Troll Hunter in this fantasy action that explores Troll folklore and actually has a good political message. Great design for the Troll and the CGI looks amazing. The dialogue is cringe at times and it's predictable. Acting was ok. Had some fun watching this, the pacing was satisfying and wild third act. Decent action flick, what's there to Troll about?
Hey man awesome list i've been referring to it for years. Thanks for being such a great example on how to make my own lists. Keep up the good work!
Off topic but we live 25 mins apart I live in Lachute. Je sais pas si tu parle français mais c'est cool de voir des québécois sur le site :slight_smile:
Quite the butt-clenching, nail-biting, edge of your seat experience! It looked so realistic and the landscape was beautiful. The two leads did great. It does suffer from being overlong and lost some heat in the third act.
Quite funny and I liked the characters. Keanu Reeves' Batman was the standout they should give him a spin-off movie or something. Lulu makes me think of Mew with Jean Grey's powers which is cool. Seeing a pig with a Wonder Woman costume kinda traumatised me. Too much Taylor Swift!
"CIA and DIA... Alphabet soup motherfuckers..."
Went in expecting what the title promises and ended up enjoying this from start to finish, so... Land of Good. Granted it doesn't reinvent the genre by any means, it's all stuff we've seen before and not much of this is memorable (except for an explosion scene and any scene in the dark and filth), but Land of Bad is action packed all the way. Explosions galore, gun fights, missiles, grenades, hand-to-hand fights and some gory bloody kills.
The story is so generic and the characters (apart from maybe Russell Crowe's) are very generic, what do we even know about the main character except that he likes Froot Loops? I enjoyed the change of scenery and characters between the acts, kept it captivating. I think they could have trimmed it a little in the second act in the forest though, it was overlong. My favorite moments were the hand-to-hand fight in the house, the explosion and anytime our characters were filthy in the second half.
That was the longest NBA game in history
Absolutely shocking moments of gore with awesome practical effects. They really show everything too, doesn't shy away from killing kids and animals in the worst imaginable ways. The story in between these moments are incredibly boring to me though. Annoying dialogue, frustrating decision making and unnatural character interactions—or is it culture shock?! I doubt it cause it's awful, I hope nobody thinks like these characters. The superstitions and religious beliefs are also overly exagerated to the point of becoming comedy. Too much melodrama and exposition in the third act. A frustrating watch. It's too bad because I really enjoyed the beginning of the movie and the epic gnarly gore scenes.
A capitalism critique disguised as an alien invasion. Original concept, entertaining and so weird. A bit of comedy but I didn't laugh much, except when Josh Hamilton was on-screen. The social commentary and themes (class, wealth, race, art, colonisation...) are very on the nose but they're what makes this standout. Mix that with weirdness and you get something similar to Sorry to Bother You. The way it deals with it's themes felt like a very cynical approach, almost nihilistic in some parts? The world-building is worth mentionning, love the sci-fi weird score and good looking special effects. Characters are not the most interesting and it has a hard time with the pacing. The YA romance was the least appealing to me but it was necessary for the setup.
Some of the weirdest aliens i've seen!
I hate being negative about this show but these are getting worse and worse. This felt like an abandoned Netflix script that got scrapped for a reason. It's downright boring and unimaginative, especially for a Black Mirror episode. No social of technological commentary, just a mindless horror piece. Zazie Beetz is wasted talent here, she had nothing interesting to do and any actress could have filled her shoes. The last 12 minutes was wild and great special effects though.
Indy: "Wear your jewels to bed princess?"
Willie: "Yeah... and nothing else. Shock you?"
Indy: "Nothing shocks me. I'm a scientist."
The first 20-30 minutes of this are non-stop well-thought out action, it just doesn't let up. One event leads to another which leads to another. Temple of Doom for me, beats Raiders of the Lost Ark to a pulp... the kebab kill, the plane crash, the weirdly disgusting dinner, the bugs, the more macabre themes, the wagon chase, the bridge scene, the father son-ish synergy with Short Round and what a unique tone—it goes from silly to more serious to creepy to straight out comedy but I never felt like it was too much, it just gives you a bit of everything. Short Round is a great addition he's the perfect squire. Willie is incredibly annoying at times but she made me laugh more than once. Some of the sets actually look creepy with the voodoo shit, the skulls and the fire. Brillant cinematography. Incredible score. Perfect pacing. What an adventure!
I too would have passed out at the monkey brains part. Yuck!
Escapism, isolation, intimacy, love and lots of dick in this queer indie horror thriller. The body horror is strong, had me squirming and sitting uncomfortably. What's interesting is the body horror happens inside the body so it isn't graphic, it doesn't directly show you what's happening you have to imagine what it's like and that's more horrifying in some way. The story stays realistic the whole time, it's very slow in some parts but keeps it well-paced. Some very thrilling and nail-biting moments that had me on the edge of my seat. The performances are a treat, everyone did so great I can't pick a favorite... although seeing Mark Patton again was such a blast he was strangely comedic but equally psychopathic and unpredictable. It lost some heat towards the middle but I admire the risks it took and I was left satisfied by the ending. Went in blind and I believe that's the way to go with this one sinse the first half relies strongly on the mystery.
Rented on YouTube
Be prepared for every bodily fluid to be layed out on the screen!
Infinity Pool introduces some interesting sci-fi elements mixed in with some horrifying thematics and a rich exploiting everything subplot (we needed another one of those). Everything is there for an interesting watch until these ideas fade into the background to become a weird-ass porno trying too hard to be stylish and layered. The second half of the movie felt like it was going absolutely nowhere and it reduced it's main character to pretty much nothing, leaving the viewer with nobody to root for except Goth's performance. Mia Goth once again shows her acting chops (among other things), she's unhinged, wild and horny. Goth and Skarsgård made a captivating duo on-screen. Unfortunately even their amazing performances couldn't save this movie - or rather they were this movie. Beautiful trippy disturbing visuals, hypnotising camerawork, psychedelic score, brutal kills and stellar acting. The movie ended and I was still waiting for the plot to show up but it never did. It absolutely went for style over substance and ruined it's great potencial.
By the time you get interested in the story, they bring in a completely new narrative. The segments feel disconnected and it was all over the place. Couldn't get into it at all. Third act was ridiculous. Only segment I liked was the one with the cloud and the family on the road.
Four thieves break into the wrong home and end up being hunted for sport by the owners. Not as good as The Hunt (2020) and nothing new but still very enjoyable and a satisfying game of cat and mouse. It went by pretty fast I was never bored. Our main characters are easy to root for and the villains are interesting and entertaining. The kills were all well-crafted enough and unexpected. I would of liked a little less running around and a bit more confrontation.
I'll be honest I wasn't aware Al Yankovic existed, never really heard a song from him. I have no idea if some of the events are true or an absolute parody of reality but the last third of the movie is clearly fiction. It's not from my generation but I had an absolute blast of a fun time with this!
Pretty much everyone is perfectly cast; Daniel Radcliffe's really got it! He's hilarious, weird and emotional when needed. There's so many fun cameos throughout and they're all well done and relevant to the story. The humor is well-written there's lots of funny and clever one-liners. There's probably a few jokes I didn't get but if you're someone who lived during the 70s-80s there's lots of in-jokes. I think it's actually a movie for all ages you don't really need to be familiar with Weird Al to enjoy it!
