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3 Thoughts After Re-Watching ‘Ace Ventura: Pet Detective’:
One of my favorite comedies of all time. This is when I (and perhaps the rest of the world) fell in love with Jim Carrey.
I love how they decided to make this character equally intelligent and zany. There was — usually — a method to Ace’s madness.
Ace needs a comeback and I think Carrey could still pull it off.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘The Empire Strikes Back’:
3 Thoughts After Re-Watching ‘Twister’:
This is a gem from the golden age of disaster films, made even better by the synergy between Hunt and Paxton. Hell, even Lois Smith elevated this with her effortless ability to infuse anything she touches with heart.
I remember seeing this and being in absolute awe of the visuals. You could’ve told me that the actors worked alongside real-life tornadoes and I would’ve believed you. And everything here still holds up!
So many iconic lines. But I don’t think anything beats “I gotta go, Julia. We got cows.”
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’:
Can we please have more R-rated Marvel movies?
I haven’t laughed like that in the theatre in a LONG time. SO much great humor, so many epic lines, that landed spectacularly well.
Cameo heaven. They took this extraordinary sandbox, built over literal decades, and played the shit out of it. Well done.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Saltburn’:
Wow, that was a journey. I wish I went in a little more blind. I definitely knew too much, but I was still very captivated by this story. It’s the kind that definitely lingers with you for a bit.
These two male leads. My goodness. First, Barry Keoghan is one helluva talent. That final scene is iconic. If it didn’t involve nudity, we’d be seeing it in future award show montages. He seemed fearless and absolutely nailed it. And to make me pity and cringe for Oliver one moment, and then rethink everything in a flash… masterful. Second… Jacob Elordi… lawd help me. That man overflows with such charisma and charm. And that voice. I fell in love with Felix too.
I have so many questions: Was everything part of the plan? Or was Oliver making decisions on-the-fly? Was he motivated by money and privilege? Or did he really desire companionship? Did he truly love Felix? I’d like to believe so. Because, before Felix discovered the truth, I believe he truly loved Oliver. Having a multitude of questions usually takes away from my experience, but I’m actually okay with these.
3 Thoughts After Re-Watching ‘Enchanted’:
Amy. Frickin’. Adams. She was born to play this role. The effortless way she channels whimsy, innocence, and pure optimism is the most powerful magic of this movie.
I love how, while it clearly pokes fun at Disney fairytale ridiculousness, it also celebrates it in the harsh realm of reality. It makes us want to believe Giselle, that absolutely anything is possible, even in the most hopeless of places. It’s incredibly touching.
The music. Not one single song falls short. They are all catchy and purposeful and endearing. The sheer title of “Happy Working Song” is genius.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Fear Street Part Two: 1978’:
This isn’t Hereditary. It’s not The Conjuring. And it’s not meant to be, in the slightest. It’s a film based on a young adult book series. When you truly grasp what this movie derives from, you can’t help but to be impressed by it. For what it is, it’s very well done. I absolutely loved it!
Speaking of impressed… I continue to be taken aback at how fantastic the characters are. The music and the “choreographed” feel remind me a little of Scream. And I am definitely enjoying the mythology of it all. This has the foundation to actually become a quality television series.
I never thought this would feel like an authentic slasher film. I was wrong.
Bonus Thought: My biggest qualm… they found that hand in the mall way too damn fast. I’m gonna chalk it up to them being drawn to its energy.
3 Thoughts After Re-Watching ‘Pinocchio’:
My first time watching this in its entirety as an adult — and it still has all the magic and more. Quite a jump in story and substance from _ Snow White_. And the animation is just gorgeous. A reminder that there’s a very special something lost in today’s digitally-dominated Disney landscape. My critical grown-up mind and my childhood heart fused together in much appreciation for this viewing.
Six words. “When You Wish Upon a Star.” The song that officially anointed Disney with the power of making dreams come true. Disney’s enduring theme that hope is alive in the strangest of places. Iconic is an understatement. This song is the best of us.
Oh, Jiminy Cricket, how under-appreciated you are. The original sidekick. I found myself living for all his quips more than ever. And I may have rediscovered a new favorite character. You are spectacular.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Greenland’:
I’m in awe of how fantastic this film was. This is what every disaster film should aspire to be. One of the best I’ve seen in a very, very long time. Nearly perfect pacing. Great acting. Nothing cheesy. Kudos.
It’s a tragedy that I couldn’t see this in a theater with a crowd. It would’ve been a thrilling cinematic experience.
Not one moment of this film was wasted or filler. Every moment contributed to the next. And every moment contributed to my anxiety. As it should have.
Bonus Thought: The mirror of humanity here was truly terrifying.
Now I understand why Phoebe’s winning all these awards.
Such a lovely, touching, heartbreaking and hilarious series. I want to see more so bad, but at least we know that she knows she’s loved.
Bravo.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Parasite’:
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Star Wars’:
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘The Little Mermaid’:
Halle Bailey IS Ariel. She was absolute perfection. From voice to vibe, she captured her essence impeccably. I believe a star has officially been born.
Melissa McCarthy had veryyy gargantuan tentacles to fill. And I think Pat Carroll would’ve been incredibly pleased with what she did with her sea witch.
I thought they built upon the original film’s story in all the right ways. Fleshing it out to make a little more sense. Providing more substance. While not everything was picture perfect, it worked and gave fresh magic to a beloved story.
Bonus Thought: I thought it was a fantastic movie to look at, especially under the sea. Gorgeous colors and visuals. Eye candy all around. And that includes Jonah Hauer-King. :pound_symbol:snack
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Fear Street Part One: 1994’:
Lemme tell you… I loved it! It was nostalgic. It was an homage to so much that has come before (that intro had ‘Scream’ written all over it). But it also had a hefty dose of originality. Great characters you cared about. It took risks. It surprised you. And it was a LOT more mature than I expected it to be. I loved the books way back when, and this made me wanna read them again. Bravo.
I LOVED the LGBT twist in the beginning! Did NOT expect that person to be Sam. Solid execution.
It had a bit of a Hocus Pocus vibe to me, which made the character deaths and the paths into “Rated R” territory that much more effective. It was a weird and welcomed mix.
Bonus Thought: I legit can’t wait for the next one. Super invested.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Swallow’:
The swallowing objects aspect took more of a backseat in the story than I expected it to. And it was also more disturbing than I expected it to be.
Every single character was either awful or odd. The husband, his parents, the “hug guy,” the girl who shouted Hunter out at the party, the therapist, Hunter’s mom and biological “father.” Hunter’s loneliness was palpable.
It was nice to see SUCH a bleak film end on a somewhat optimistic note. I was thrilled to see that girl eat a burger and fries — and find the will to survive on her own.
Bonus Thought: Great performance by Haley Bennett.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Wish’:
Gaston officially has a rival for the sexiest Disney villain.
My first major thought is how I don’t understand the disdain this film has been getting. This was a solid Disney story. A touching standalone fairytale, with great characters, gorgeous animation, and those signature Disney tunes. Yeah, there were a lot of Easter eggs. I loved ‘em. This is clearly a love letter to Disney history, to the man himself, and I was moved by it.
“Knowing What I Know Now” is a certified bop. And I was giving ALL the snaps when the queen joined in.
Yet another superb show that Netflix neglected and discarded.
Such a quality, quirky series with a fun take on the tired zombie genre, ending on a cliffhanger that’ll never get resolved. I thought it was FANTASTIC.
Between, this, Sense8, and The OA, I’ve lost respect for Netflix as a streaming service. I may still watch their other programming, but I’ll cheer their competitors on even harder.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘1917’:
How the hell did they even film this? A cinematic achievement, indeed. The scope of it all is insane.
The two young actors were fantastic. Cared about them and their fate almost immediately.
Other reviews mention the film lacking despite its technical marvels. I wholeheartedly disagree. The storyline may have been simple, but I found it compelling, emotional and inspiring. And the score was fantastic. It wasn’t only filmed well.
3 Thoughts After Re-Watching ‘Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan’:
Still equally uncomfortable and absolutely hysterical to this day.
The scene — THAT one — is still absolutely nauseating to this day.
SO excited for the sequel this month! But the bar has been set pretty damn high.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Doctor Sleep’:
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Borat Subsequent Moviefilm’:
Borat set a high bar 14 years ago that Sacha Baron Cohen dared to reach again, revisiting a gimmick that may have only been meant for its time. Turns out, it couldn’t have been a better time to don the gray suit again.
The addition of his daughter and, with that, a more emotional narrative, is what keeps this sequel fresh among those oh-so-familiar cringeworthy antics.
It ended super strong, perhaps stronger than the original: that perfect “twist” and the perfect guest star (who I love even more for participating). Borat is redeemed and comes full circle.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Dark’:
This show is one of THE most complex and intricate stories I have ever watched in my life. It’s often mind-numbing and frustrating because of it. But, I promise you, the ending makes up for everything... no matter how confused you are.
This series has some of the absolute best casting EVER, with different actors playing younger or older versions of a single character. The resemblances are incredibly impressive.
As I currently process the finale, I’m realizing more and more that this show is probably smarter than I ever gave it credit for. (but there’s gotta be actual plot holes in there somewhere! lol) Kudos!
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Fear Street: 1666’:
For the first 20 minutes of this final entry, I honestly wasn’t sure I’d be happy with the direction they were taking everything. I eventually realized how stupid I was.
I haven’t been this excited about a horror franchise in a very long time. Literally can’t remember when the last time was. So excited for more!
I truly didn’t see the entire twist coming. And it wasn’t just a twist for twist sake. It was earned. It was thought out. And everything came together beautifully.
Bonus Thought: Great cast! Great characters! Great music!
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘The Invisible Man’:
Oliver Jackson-Cohen is a treasure that should never be invisible, ever.
I enjoyed the new take on the story. There were definitely a few predictable moments, but some solid surprises as well.
I loved how the movie began, getting right into it. I was literally on edge from the start.
My Review of ‘Misery’ in 3 Sentences:
After this rewatch, I was reminded even more how incredible Kathy Bates is.
After this rewatch, it dawned on me that Paul Sheldon handled everything rather calmly the entire time.
This will always be one of the best Stephen King films.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’:
The scenes before the beginning credits led me to believe this would be an intolerable, corny, cheese-fest of a film. I was wrong. This was heartwarming, well-done, and didn’t shy away from much. And I would love to revisit these characters again.
It was great to see Uma Thurman! Her president’s reaction to her son’s news was EVERYTHING. Sincerely beautiful.
I particularly enjoyed the scene of them texting / talking to each other while separated, the way it was put together. Envisioning them in the same room, the same bed. Appearing and vanishing. That’s when I started to realize this movie was actually pretty smart.
Bonus Thought: That journalist is a total POS. We’ve all met this guy.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3’:
The Guardians have always been my favorite bunch within the MCU. Their films have consistently stood out from the typical Marvel fare. There’s just something incredibly relatable about them and their stories are filled with such heart. This one was no different. A solid send-off.
The High Evolutionary may just be the most purely-evil villain of the entire MCU so far. It was very easy to hate him.
Ugh. That scene. With the cages. Rocket and his friends. How can someone get so emotional over CGI talking animals? Yeah, that was rough.
Bonus Thought: Albeit sad, I like what they did with Gamora. It would have been somewhat predictable if she didn’t go back to the Ravagers. She’s simply NOT the same Gamora, and I’m glad they stuck with that.
Extra Bonus Thought: Will Poulter can get it.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Scream VI’:
I’m not thrilled with what they did to Gale. You remove a franchise-worth of character growth by having her write that book. Gale was the opportunistic b:asterisk_symbol:tch who grew a soul, and you back-peddle this right after Dewey’s death? Bad timing. And now, every time I watch Scream 6, that poignant ending where Gale promises to let the killers die in anonymity, and to write a book about Dewey instead, that ending will now lose its luster. This didn’t necessarily ruin the new film for me, because you can just say that “some people never change,” but it doesn’t feel right after ALL this time. Rant over.
What did I love? That opening scene showing us the burgeoning killer’s POV for the first time. Gale vs. Ghostface. That Kirby wasn’t the killer (I was very prepared to be very annoyed). And Melissa Barrera’s vastly-improved performance. Homegirl gave us PRESENCE here finally. Was very refreshing to see.
I’ll never forget watching Scream 2 and feeling that absolute shock and heartbreak when Randy was pulled into that van. Drew Barrymore’s immediate kill in the original was iconically shocking. Tatum’s death was a jaw-dropper. Dewey’s death would’ve been shocking if it weren’t so predictable. My point, especially with this installment, is that Scream is getting a little too safe. If I’m counting correctly, not counting the killers, only one person in the main cast died. One. I’m happy we get to see more of these characters, but it’s at the detriment of one of this series’ greatest strengths: shock.
Bonus Thought: I still adore this franchise. And Neve was truly missed.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Host’:
Bravo, Shudder. You got me. I was rightfully on edge for most of the film’s runtime. Supremely spooked… and that doesn’t happen often. A lot of it may be due to watching it alone in my apartment in the middle of the night. Still, solid flick.
It’s hard to believe this was just under an hour. They really made such great use of the time. It felt like a full-length feature film.
We only got a glimpse of that demon thingy a couple times… and that was enough. I didn’t wanna see it again. Total nightmare fuel.
3 Thoughts After Re-Watching ‘Brüno’:
Sacha Baron Cohen is the bravest human being in entertainment.
On par with Borat, but in a VERY different and a bit more extreme way.
My favorite part: “Has anyone ever told you you look like Enrique Iglesias?”
