Longlegs

Longlegs is a film I’m still on the fence about—I can’t quite tell if I merely liked it or absolutely loved it. A rewatch is definitely in order before I can fully decide. That said, I was really struck by the sound design and cinematography. It’s both stylish and gruesome, dynamic yet chillingly bleak.

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Alien³

After some research, I decided to watch the Alien³ Special Assembly Cut, as I heard it's much better than the theatrical version and offers a glimpse of David Fincher's original vision before studio interference altered the film.

I liked it—though it starts off a bit slow, it quickly picks up and keeps you on edge, wondering what will happen next. Alien³ is a solid film in its own right, especially for those who appreciate its dark, nihilistic themes and horror elements. However, it struggles to reach the near-universal acclaim of its predecessors due to production issues, creative decisions that alienated fans, and its more divisive tone and pacing. I thought Newt's storyline was setting up something significant for future movies, but that creative decision turned out to be a misstep for the film.

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Aliens

I've mentioned this before and will say it again: the sequel, Aliens, sets a new standard for follow-ups. The shift from a haunted space setting to a full-scale war, with Ripley stepping up as a true action hero, significantly elevates the entire series. The stakes are higher, the Xenomorphs are even more terrifying in large numbers, and the emotional connection, especially with Newt, gives the film a lasting impact. Aliens isn’t just a sequel—it stands as a masterpiece on its own.

If Alien was the slow, tension-building climb of a rollercoaster, where the fear builds as you approach the inevitable drop, Aliens is the drop, with nonstop action and intensity.

I love how James Cameron expanded the universe and cleverly turned Aliens into a subtle anti-war film, showcasing his storytelling brilliance while adding depth to the franchise.

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Alien

Alien has been a timeless masterpiece for me since childhood because of its sci-fi and horror elements. Now, I appreciate it even more because I understand the depth of the first movie. The story is simple but very effective, and the straightforward plot works so well because of the complex emotions and situations the characters face. The “less is more” approach keeps the audience engaged. It’s amazing that the film was made so long ago, considering how impressive the practical effects, miniatures, and cinematography are. These effects still hold up really well.

Alien has had a lasting impact on both science fiction and horror genres. It has inspired many films, video games, and other media. The Xenomorph and the alien environments are unforgettable. The alien creature is one of the most iconic and terrifying monsters in movie history, and its biomechanical design adds to its otherworldly horror.

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Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam

Like an Afternoon Dream

Dank Farrik, what a wild experience, This compact film, with its slow-paced screenplay, makes it feel longer than it is, giving you time to immerse yourself in the characters and the atmosphere. I absolutely loved it for its minimal dialogue and powerful visual storytelling, which created an almost dreamlike atmosphere that kept me engaged until the very end. It made me feel both sad and happy at the same time—something not many movies can achieve.

I really hope people don't overlook this film, even if the plot might seem simple and dumb
at first glance. It truly stands out in the cinema landscape, exploring themes of identity, memory, and reality, and makes you question their very nature. The film leaves a lasting impression and invites a multitude of interpretations.

I have to mention the technical aspect. While I'm not entirely certain, at times the technical elements of Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam seem to echo Studio Ghibli's approach, especially in their meticulous attention to detail and the use of visual storytelling to evoke emotion and atmosphere.

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Inside Out 2

Puberty hits hard. Just like the first one, I loved this so much. The score brings back so many memories, just like Riley, and like most people, my emotions are all over the place as I write this. I feel love, hate, anger, joy, fear, envy, and anxiety—all at once.

The film delves into how these new emotions interact with existing ones, reflecting the more complex emotional experiences of growing up. This approach challenges us not to take our emotions for granted and provides a deeper understanding of how emotions shape our lives during adolescence. By examining how these emotions affect personal growth, the film encourages viewers to appreciate the impact of their emotional development.

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Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In

No, this isn’t just any movie—it’s the movie. It’s not just about action; it’s a blend of many elements, with multiple dynamics unfolding at every turn. I was fully invested within the first 20 minutes itself. The action scenes are perfectly timed, and the visual effects are used precisely where needed, without any over do.

What really stood out to me was how the film develops its characters. It delves into the struggle for survival and the complex relationships between power, corruption, and justice in a place where official governance is absent. This backdrop reflects the broader anxieties and societal tensions of Hong Kong during that time.

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Watchmen: Chapter I

My opinion hasn't changed even after watching the animated movie—this adaptation is simply a better version than the limited series. Like the original film, the narration takes some time to orient you to the unfolding events and builds a narrative around the idea that the Soviet Union is the enemy poised to launch nukes on U.S. land. However, it subtly reveals that life in the U.S. is far from livable, and that's the whole point to begin with it.

The movie critiques the use of power and authority, reflecting on how superheroes, far from being purely heroic, can embody the dangers of unchecked power. This adaptation continues to explore these issues, making them relevant to modern political contexts, such as surveillance and state power, while deconstructing the superhero genre. As a result, the animated film is not just a retelling but a reflection on political and moral questions that resonate even at present.

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Twisters

Wow, it's been a while since a movie made me feel this connected. Although it has its cheesy moments, I have to say it felt incredibly authentic. With a stellar cast, a story and characters brimming with charm and sincerity, and some interesting themes, it really stands out.

At some point, the movie resonates with progressive values, highlighting the importance of social responsibility, corporate accountability, and the need to prioritize human well-being over profit. It could also serve as a broader commentary on the dangers of capitalism, where the relentless pursuit of profit can lead to exploitation and unethical behavior. You don't profit out of people's tragedy, period.

"Tornadoes, bulls, same thing. Fear's the reason you do it. You don't face your fears, you ride 'em."

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The Birthday Boy

Watching this movie is one thing, but realizing it's not just fiction is another. No one really knows what exactly happened—still, the exact truth remains a mystery. Everyone has their own version of the story, but it's undeniably brutal. Taking matters into your own hands is always a terrible way to seek revenge—it only makes you as bad as the person you're trying to punish, especially when you've already seen the consequences by the time the movie ends.

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Batman: Bad Blood

That family reunion was wild! Seriously, can we get the composer of this score to work on the next Batman movies? The music is everything. I really appreciate how DC, unlike Marvel, gives each character on screen the importance and respect they deserve. I absolutely love that about them.

I couldn't help but laugh when Nightwing quipped, "that would make them Nunjas," after Batwoman shouted, "Nuns with M60s and Katanas."

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Justice League: Throne of Atlantis

It felt quite rushed overall, but one positive aspect of the movie is the Queen of Atlantis, Arthur's mother. She has a well-developed character arc, and her dialogues are impactful and well-suited. I'm not sure why writers and creators often feel the need to kill off characters like her.

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The Death of Superman

Not going to lie but this is one of the best "The Death of Superman" faithful adaptation of the iconic comic storyline, capturing the emotional depth and impact of Superman's death. Not only that the action sequences were so intense, grand in scale, and meticulously choreographed, the animation breeds fluidity and realism, though the emotional stakes add depth to the battles, the pacing maintains tension and excitement, and on the top sound design really enhanced the impact.

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Pudhupettai

People often refer to 'Pudhupettai' as a cult classic but rarely explain why. Here’s why: the film’s gritty, realistic portrayal of the underworld and its depiction of gangsters from the slums, combined with the concept of "survival of the fittest" in the cutthroat world of organized crime, make it stand out. It shows how Kokki Kumar navigates a ruthless criminal environment where only the strongest and most strategic survive.

Additionally, it is the first Indian film shot in Super 35 format. Dhanush’s intense performance as Kokki Kumar and Yuvan Shankar Raja’s evocative soundtrack greatly enhance the film’s emotional impact. What sets the movie apart in Tamil cinema is its unique narrative style, along with impressive cinematography by Mari Selvaraj and editing for its time.

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Manchester by the Sea

It doesn't get any better than this.

Manchester by the Sea is a compelling drama that explores themes of grief, loss and family dynamics. The film follows a man dealing with an inexplicable personal tragedy and the burden of unresolved grief. Through further unexpected tragedy, responsibility forces him to confront his painful past and the events that led to his self-imposed isolation

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Ullozhukku

"Undercurrent" ("Ullozhukku") as the title metaphorically refers to the hidden or underlying currents, emotions, or tensions that influence the behavior and interactions of the characters.Christony Tomy did a phenomenal job portraying the typical subtle, often unseen forces that drive the plot and character development rather than a straightforward story. I totally loved how he experimented with manifesting unspoken conflicts, suppressed desires, and invisible influences, which in turn shaped the storyline and the characters' decisions.

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Deadpool & Wolverine

Man, what a m̶o̶v̶i̶e̶(cameo). Cameo this, cameo that—no crazy plot or even a plot to begin with. I tried looking for a plot the entire movie and didn't find one. But it did have wild 3D effects, a crazy score, and a little bit of fun, and that's it. I think the movie never took itself seriously, it's just you. Gambit and Blade nailed it. I just went to the movie for Gambit and Wolverine.

Marvel's self-aware humor is negatively impacting their films in every possible way. It was already problematic when it targeted kids, but it's even worse when aimed at adults.

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Cars

Re-watching this movie was truly refreshing and thoroughly enjoyable; it felt deeply meaningful. The film teaches valuable lessons that people often overlook, especially about collectivism. Individualism doesn't get you far; it's the community that helps you learn, inspire, and grow together. That's precisely what the movie conveys. I relate to Lightning McQueen—not the racing aspect, but his journey from being a one-man show to appreciating the power of teamwork and aligning himself with people and being a part of a community.

"Float like a Cadillac, sting like a Beemer."

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Kill

Violence has always been the best revenge plot for Indian cinema, but "Kill" stands out because its portrayal is diverse: it's slick, gory, technical, creative, relentless, and spatially savvy. These attributes elevate "Kill" as a standout action movie. Yet, the choreography also manages to critique the viewer for enjoying the action. It demonstrates cultural awareness, a conscience, and a heart—nothing is more powerful than a bleeding heart.

If you ask me what I like most, it's that it severely strikes all the right chords with its inventive choreography, relentless tempo, intense gore, clever use of space, raw physicality of the actors, and a tangible, real-world fury.

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Stand by Me

The freight woke up the other guys and it was on the tip of my tongue to tell them about the deer. But I didn't. It was the one thing I kept to myself

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The Raid

My immune system is so strong that it fights off my smile muscles, and for the past 100 minutes, I didn't crack a single laugh. This film had me seriously hooked, not because of its humor, but because the action sequences were just that compelling.

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The Machinist

Unresolved guilt and trauma can manifest in disturbing ways, leading to a deteriorating mental state. Ultimately, it serves as a meditation on the consequences of living with deep-seated remorse and the importance of facing and resolving past traumas to achieve peace.

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The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

It's a logical, captivating mystery where everything clicks into place.

This movie is smart. It is symmetrical in its execution in many ways: starting and ending with Blomkvist’s corporate corruption story, and showing men and women accused of racial exploitation and subjected to violence. Some scenes are viscerally grotesque in their contrast, highlighting the theme of consent. It was physically difficult for me to watch, especially in the contrast, and I thought that made it very effective.

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Kumbalangi Nights

The movie is rich with emotions and hidden meanings. One standout scene is when Soubin's character courageously asks to see a therapist, highlighting the film's exploration of personal struggles and openness.

The film depicts a family dealing with issues like masculinity, emotional vulnerability, and economic inequality. It touches on socialism's ideals of equality and collective well-being, showing how societal norms and economic factors influence people's lives. Each brother represents different societal roles: the unemployed, the ambitious entrepreneur, the struggling with masculinity, and the observer. Their interactions reveal broader societal challenges, questioning traditional ideas of success and masculinity. The movie also critiques how capitalism affects personal relationships and community solidarity, emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding, and collective support in building a fairer society.

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Hundreds of Beavers

#HundredsOfBeavers is a slapstick comedy about a drunken applejack salesman battling hundreds of diabolical beavers. It's a brilliantly hilarious and creative film that keeps you laughing throughout. A must-see!"

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Blue Giant

"Blue Giant" was a pleasant surprise. It's about three friends who love jazz and face challenges together. The animation is lively, the music is central, and it shows how much music can change lives.

It feels rough and uneven, with parts that don't quite fit together well in its animation and story. It moves quickly, sometimes stopping suddenly, which makes these different parts clash unexpectedly, leading to intense emotional moments.

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Burning

"Burning" is a movie that shows how people from different backgrounds can feel disconnected from each other. It follows Jong-su, who feels left out because he's not as wealthy as Ben, a mysterious man Hae-mi meets. The film explores how Jong-su's growing fixation on Hae-mi and distrust of Ben lead to intense emotions and complicated relationships, showing the impact of social status on personal connections.

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The Banshees of Inisherin

The Banshees of Inishjx¥]*{!9@iN is a very dark comedy that uses it narrative to make you think and talk about how complicated relationships are and what drives our actions.

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Bheeshma Parvam

I like how it took references and interweaves elements from the Mahabharata, the Bible, and 'The Godfather,' scattering them throughout to create a complex narrative with deep character parallels.

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Thallumaala

Get, set, and ego.

Wow, what a film! Pure adrenaline rush. "Thallumaala" is one of the best non-linear movies I've ever seen. It's not just the non-linear narrative that hooked me; the film takes a different approach by using fight scenes as catalysts to propel the storyline forward.

It might not be just me, but the movie feels like a comic book movie at times, with its transitions and paneling making it even more unique. The filmmakers clearly know what they're doing. The last 15 minutes are a literal mic drop

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