Joel Charig
VIP
2

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Toronto, ON, Canada
28

Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts

Damn, that was moving! Having grown up with the Potter films (and books), this really tugged on the heartstrings.

Especially when the names of the deceased cast and crew appeared on screen

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Hacksaw Ridge

What a man - Ghandi 2.0.

If you ever need to show someone with an obsession for masculinity the power of compassion: this. This is what they need.

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The Pianist

The most harrowing film I’ve ever seen. A must-see for anyone, purely for the history.

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Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

Just as brilliant as the first.

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Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

Perhaps one of the best adventure films I’ve seen. And (Captain) Jack Sparrow - perhaps one of the most charismatic and loveable protagonists to ever grace (or, more aptly, stumble around in) a pirate film.

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Sound of Freedom

Horrifying that this is actually happening in the world. And mind boggling that more people are affected by slavery now than when it was legal.

It also sickens me that they had to battle for 5 years for this film to be shown.

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Gravity

A great experience: tense, butt-clenching moments throughout. It really gives you a sense of how hostile space is and the kinds of dilemmas that astronauts could face.

I do wish there was a bit more of a build up to the drama though, maybe see more of the characters, their relationships, and the mission before all hell breaks loose.
On the other hand, it's obvious the aim was to show how fast things can go wrong, which, it turns out, can be very fast.

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Big

Brilliant comedic performance by Hanks, and just a wonderful feel-good atmosphere throughout the entire film. The kind you’d watch to cheer yourself up after a bad day - charming and wholesome, with a few giggles along the way.

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Black Mirror: 6x01 Joan Is Awful

Love how Netflix (kind of) puts itself in the firing line this time!

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Pig

A Nicolas Cage film that isn’t terrible :hushed:

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Unsolved Mysteries

A really sinister feeling to this docu-series, covering some horrific and truly mystifying deaths and disappearances. Some episodes really do make you wonder who’s out there and how things can actually be possible.

They really do need to cut out the paranormal and mythical episodes though, they just don’t have the same level of solidity as the concrete “this person was murdered/disappeared” episodes. A lot less about facts, a lot more about speculation and believing in unlikely sightings seen by a very select few people.

But for those episodes, I’d rate the show a 9, or, if feeing generous, possibly even a 10.

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The Hand of God

I love the way this film captures family, ugly bits included. Brotherly love, parental fondness, loony relatives, bitter relatives. Humour and laughter.

First time I’ve seen sex in a film that…wasn’t arousing, intentionally.
Aunt Patrizia, though…

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Dune

Chalamet again fulfills his usual broody character role, leading the cast in a gritty and authentic world.

The only qualm I had was the ending, as I didn't feel it was particularly solid, and I was left with no sense of direction for where the narrative will go in Part 2.
This may have been a result of watching the film after a full day of work, however - dialogue and details slipping past me. A second viewing on a weekend may be in order.

Despite feeling left in the dark, I look forward to my return to the world of Arrakis.

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Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

A little hard to follow the motives behind everyone - which seem to chop and change - but this is a pirate narrative after all, so it’s rather apt.

Other than that, yet another great continuation of grimy pirate adventure with some hearty chuckles thrown into the mix.

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The Lighthouse

Insanity, broken spirits, sailor cursing - pure madness. Pattinson’s and Dafoe’s nutty performances were brilliantly convincing.

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Aladdin

On par with the original, in my opinion. Brilliant music, colourful and exotic visuals, and laughs abound.

Will Smith was a perfect cast for the Genie, level to Robin Williams’ performance.

These live-action Disney remakes - I think people are seeing them as an attack on their treasured originals. They may feel sentimental towards the 20th century animations (myself included), but these remakes don’t have to be treated as replacements! Give both versions a chance as individual entries.

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Coco

Colourful and artistic, the warm visuals of this film will make you feel like you’re in sunny Mexico yourself.

I didn’t find the narrative particularly compelling or special, but the twist towards the end was pleasant, invoking an “Oh, didn’t see that coming!” moment.

And great music! I downloaded the soundtrack as soon as the credits started to roll.

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Marriage Story

Authenticity at its finest. Phenomenal acting, portraying raw emotion about an extremely trying stage some people go through in their lives.

Not a perfect film, however. I do wish the opening ‘What I love about you’ scene was extended, so we became more familiar with the happy Charlie and Nicole. I think this would have served the film well, deepening the attachment and emotion we feel for them throughout the divorce.

Despite how depressing this sounds, the big verbal fight between the (ex) couple was the highlight of the film. Rarely have I seen such credible and deep emotion in a performance. I was transfixed.
I wish we saw more of this kind of atmosphere throughout the downward spiral of the divorce process.

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Midsommar

If you’re after weird, this has you covered…and then some.

This is horror done well. There is no darkness, no creepiness and, (thank the lord), there isn't a cheap jump scare in sight. This type of horror is made up of…well…pure horror. Horrific ceremonies, horrific traditions, horrific visuals, horrific drug misusage, and no escape in near-constant broad daylight while your friends drop off around you one-by-one.

It doesn’t sound scary, but if this film doesn’t leave you with a sickening feeling of horror, I don’t trust you.

One last mention - I love how effortlessly this film makes me feel someone else’s pain. Especially so early on after the first tragic event.

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CODA

An interesting insight into the struggles of an almost entirely deaf family. It is clear that growing up as the spokesperson of your family whilst simultaneously being the youngest member would be a challenge.

The beauty of the film is boosted by Ruby’s pretty vocals, once she comes out of her shell, and there are few comparisons for something more heartwarming than a family working things out and a character breaking the chains to pursue their dreams.

Nothing uniquely special, but it’ll still hit you in the feels now and then.

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Mulan
8

Shout by Joel Charig
VIP
2
BlockedParentSpoilers2023-05-08T20:42:37Z

Some enjoyable fight sequences. Seeing Mulan finally accepted for who she is at the end was a delightfully heart-warming experience.

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Army of the Dead

Some ace visuals and really scratches that zombie film itch. Definitely worth a watch if you have that itch.

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The Call

Felt like I was kept on my toes throughout.

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Nefarious

An absolutely stellar performance from Sean Patrick Flanery. Terrifyingly good, literally.

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Revenge

So many injuries that made my skin crawl :sweat_smile: Surprised this film didn’t cause a world shortage of fake blood.

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The White Tiger

A fascinating poverty-to-prosperity journey with some good acting and authentic scenery (really brought me back to the time I visited India).

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The Sea Beast

Beautiful visuals, as expected, and a delight to watch as a whole. But there were no characters I was particularly fond of by the end of it, which detracted from the adventure.

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The Batman

Think I prefer the Nolan films, but this was still very enjoyable.

The atmosphere of Gotham was palpable - really dreary and dark-looking.

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News of the World

A film with beautiful scenery, following the adventures of Captain Kidd (a truly wholesome character, in true Tom Hanks fashion), this film makes me want to jump back in time into the wild west during the 19th century, so I can explore the dusty plains and wilderness for myself.

The only element I found this film lacking in was action; more of it may have kept me on the edge of my seat to a greater extent. Although the shootout included was an enjoyable one, and besides, Captain Kidd doesn't seem the kind of person who resorts to violence unless being forced to.

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The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf

A nice bit of backstory to the origins of Vesemir, Geralt’s father figure.

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