3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Nope’:
I kept waiting, and waiting, for this film to get good. For the moment when things kick into high gear and it earns that price of admission. For me, it never got there. It always teetered on the edge of something fun and edge-of-your-seat… but it remained uneventful despite its seemingly-momentous scenes.
The pacing was all sorts of wonky. It felt like there were a lot of disconnects here, a lot of questions. Scenes that went on too long. Unrealistic character reactions and decisions. My scalp is sore from all the head scratching. I just wish this were a more structured story with all the ideas it contained.
Great cast, but the character of OJ was incredibly bland and emotionally flat. A more compelling lead character may have risen this film above all its flaws.
Bonus Thought: What was the significance of the mysterious balancing shoe?
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 ‘Oppenheimer’:
Much of the film, particularly in the beginning, felt more like a montage than a movie. The scattered-ness of the scenes created a disconnect that made it difficult to absorb what exactly was going on.
Why the black and white? What purpose did that serve? I’ll probably find out at some point, but it’d be nice to know in real time.
I certainly didn’t expect Nolan to give us Oppenheimer for Dummies, but I really wish he would have. Performances were clearly impressive (I’m looking at you, Cillian), but they’re hard to fully appreciate when everyone is having rapid-fire conversations about fairly complex situations — and you’re too busy trying to keep up. This being my biggest qualm.
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 ‘Talk to Me’:
It peaked with that brutal scene, when the game took a violent turn (I straight-up gasped), which was fairly early on, and the rest of the film never really reached that level of shock again.
Was it just me, or was the audio pretty awful? So many conversations were unclear. I couldn’t understand how the mom died. She took too many pills, on accident, and then clawed at the door? How does that work?
I really liked the concept of the hand (albeit somewhat confusing). And I think it’s interesting to see it used as some sort of party game. But when characters are dumb enough to revel in something so awful, it’s difficult to care about their fate. I wasn’t fully invested in them.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Barbie’:
It started off strong and wonderfully ridiculous. It should have stayed ridiculous. Instead, they tried wayyy too hard to convey some deep message that got lost in the shuffle. There was a missed opportunity to be incredibly poignant but, once it became Kens vs. Barbies, it became rather cheesy.
As impeccable and otherworldly-endearing as Robbie is, I feel like Gosling was the one who really shined here. He delivered the best laughs, solidly, and he’s generally SUCH a terrific performer. I loved his little ditty and almost forgot about his La La Land skills.
I really liked the music! Lizzo’s intro was hysterical, the dance scenes were super fun, and I can’t get Billie Eilish’s closing ballad out of my head.
Bonus Thought: I see you, Allan.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Halloween Ends’:
You’re tasked with creating a franchise-ending chapter of a legendary horror series with the iconic star/character that started it all, and this is what you put together? A “final” Halloween film that’s barely about Michael Myers. GTFO. Missed opportunities GALORE.
The relationship with Laurie and her granddaughter starts out healthy and promising. A nice setup for chaos to ensue. Two seconds later, Allyson is ready to ditch her family for a random dude. So many out-of-character moments that made zero sense.
This wasn’t the film to introduce (and focus on!) a character like Corey. Maybe mid-franchise this could have been done to mix things up a bit. Friday the 13th kinda sorta did that, where the killer wasn’t always Jason. But NOT this time, not when you’re touting a final face-off between Michael and his Final Girl. You’re setting your fans up for disappointment.
Bonus Thought: I’m officially pretending that this new trilogy never existed, back to when Laurie Strode was Michael’s sister and everything made sense.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Hellraiser’:
After all these years, it’s nice to understand more, certainly not completely, what the heck that damn box is all about. I very much appreciated a more linear, fleshed-out story with this incredible mythology.
While this new film got creative with the gore, there’s something about the practical effects from the original that unsettled me a bit more.
I missed Bradley’s iconic Pinhead vocals, but I’m very pleased with Clayton’s take here. Her presence was different, yet strong and formidable. I’d definitely like to see her return to the role.
Bonus Thought: I loved the way the doors to the other realm opened up in various scenes, especially in the back of the truck.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Halloween Kills’:
If I had to hear “evil dies tonight” or one of the many other melodramatic one-liners again, I was going to scream. This film tried wayyy too hard — and it failed, miserably. Awful writing. I believe this is the worst contribution to the franchise and, considering a few of them, that’s saying a lot.
Intro and score aside, this didn’t feel like a Halloween film by any means. The theater was constantly laughing — and not in a good way. Michael Myers took on characteristics and acted in ways that were very unlike him. For example, our classic Michael was always super stealth. Barely ever seen. That was what was creepy about him. Frankly, we saw way too much of him here.
I hated how “deep” they tried to take this incredibly-jumbled plot. Insinuating that Michael was ultimately out to turn the town against each other, bringing out their evil. No. That’s not Michael. It’s quite a stretch. And the side plot of the escaped patient was random and ridiculous.
Bonus Thought: I’m honestly not at all a fan of this timeline. I think their biggest mistake was taking the connection away that Michael and Laurie were siblings. It provided motive and stakes and the family element that was always a part of the mythology.
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 ‘Evil Dead Rise’:
This was standard. Fairly typical horror fare. That was my initial thought when leaving the theater. It wasn’t bad by any means. But it also doesn’t do much that’s new. I didn’t hate it.
I kinda wish the Evil Dead mythology was a little clearer. There doesn’t seem to be a rhyme or reason as to who gets possessed and why. I was expecting the aunt to turn after getting injured multiple times. I’m not entirely sure how the woman at the end gets possessed and is then able to mosey on down to the lake with her friends. I thought she’d find the book and bring it with her. Did Beth beat the evil after throwing them into the shredder? How about the other possessed folk still in the hallway? I dunno… my OCD brain needs more rules as to how this all works.
There were definitely a solid number of creepy visuals (many spoiled in the trailer, unfortunately… what else is new). And that was quite possibly the most blood I’ve ever seen on film. But the mom provided the best moments. She was creepy AF.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Disenchanted’:
I absolutely loved revisiting these characters — and Amy Adams nailed it once again — but this film failed them. The wicked stepmother premise was a fantastic idea, but the execution was ultimately disappointing and the plot got a little sloppy. Many things didn’t connect. (Why exactly was Giselle dying at the end???) And Dempsey’s character had a ridiculous, unnecessary arc.
That production value. Wow. The difference from the original film is a bit jarring. I know this was a straight-to-streaming project, but many films that go this route still feel like a cinematic experience. This felt like a mediocre episode of Once Upon a Time. It deserved better.
None of the music stuck. Again, in complete contrast to the original, zero songs were catchy. There was more than enough time to create a solid soundtrack.
Bonus Thought: Enchanted was a film with so much heart and humor. There were glimpses of it here, but SO much of that was missing. Super bummed fan here.
My Review of ‘The Lighthouse’ in 3 Sentences:
I feel like I just watched a two-hour bar fight.
Even great cinematography can’t save a movie.
The farting was absolutely unnecessary.
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.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Skinamarink’:
Just, no. I went in with an open mind. But no. This was way too random for me. I need some semblance of a story, not a string-out of creepy visuals and sounds. If I hadn’t read the synopsis, I would’ve been even more lost than I already was. The toy phone scene is a perfect example of something eerie that existed for no particular reason other than to be eerie. No.
The interactions and reactions were not realistic enough. I understand this film was more of a mood than a story. More of a dream than reality. But there were too many characters talking to other characters without a proper response, if that makes sense. And no child would be wandering that house alone.
There is something here, somewhere. An original idea that may inspire future horror films. The familiar glow and hum of a TV that we wake up to from nightmares. That momentary feeling of helplessness. It was all supremely atmospheric, for sure. But there was zero payoff.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘I’m Thinking of Ending Things’:
I was beyond excited to see this after reading the book — a book that kept me on edge and creeped out the entire time. The ending was wild and left a lot up for interpretation. I was hoping the film would address so many of my questions. Instead, it became something I ultimately didn’t even care about. An awful adaptation.
The insight I had from the book kept me watching the film. I can’t even comprehend how ANYONE who didn’t read the book could make it all the way through, let alone understand how everything was connected.
The best parts of the book (yes, I can’t help but keep comparing) were the horror elements. These were completely removed. I’m all for a reimagining, but for the better. There was so much potential here. And with incredible talent. All lost.
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 Watching ‘Jurassic World Dominion’:
It was pure nostalgic joy to see the original cast together after all these years. Their chemistry is still magic, and they were clearly the highlight of this film. I even liked the direction they went in with Grant and Ellie. I was hoping for that outcome since the beginning. We JP fans are lucky to see our OG trio finally reunite.
Despite a few solid action scenes and some brief moments of greatness, this ultimately did not FEEL like a Jurassic Park film, something the earlier sequels still managed to somewhat achieve. And that’s what bothers me the most. The first half felt very much like a Mission: Impossible flick. I could have done with less espionage and over-the-top characters like Santos.
That plot didn’t deserve Ellie, Alan, and Ian. For a film that was meant to bring together two generations and serve as an epic Jurassic finale, it was sadly a fail. So many missed opportunities. There was no sense of true closure. No impactful full-circle moments. I tried explaining the storyline to my sister and it proved difficult. I may have lost her at kidnapped clones. All a bit forgettable. It wasn’t terrible, but it missed the mark for such a beloved franchise.
Bonus Thought: They should have stuck with the classic dinos. These hybrids left zero impact. And I would have been pissed off if T-Rex died in the end.
Extra Bonus Thought: Was it just me or was Dodgson terribly-acted with the worst dialogue? There were so many moments from him that fell so flat.
Extra Extra Bonus Thought: One blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment I appreciated was when the T-Rex walked behind a circular structure and provided a brief nod to the iconic JP logo.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Smile’:
Very The Ring. Very It Follows. Very Drag Me to Hell. It doesn’t venture into any new territory but, as with these other films, it’s a sufficiently-creepy ride with very convincing performances and a terrifying monster.
Many of the scares were basically ruined by the film’s trailer. I nearly saw every smile coming.
While the monster was definitely creepy — especially in it’s true form — I feel like it would’ve been better if it didn’t speak at all, and just smiled in silence the entire time.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Circle’:
Was there supposed be some deep meaning at the end? Did I miss something? Pretty sure I didn’t. And all the anticipation was directed towards the conclusion. Disappointing.
It was a simple, yet intriguing premise, so I didn’t hate it. But there was so much more potential to have been reached. I thought there’d be some big twist with the guy who never spoke or killed anyone. That would’ve been cool. But nope.
I was often confused by the logic of some of their decisions. There were AWFUL people in that room who stayed around far too long.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘A Clockwork Orange’:
What a journey. I’m not entirely sure what I just watched, or what I think about it. But I’m definitely intrigued by Kubrick’s twisted mind.
I kept waiting for the moment when I realized the reason for the film’s title. It never came.
McDowell kept reminding me of Evan Peters the entire time.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar’:
I didn’t want it to end.
Part Austin Powers. Part Romy and Michele. Pure sunshine.
It was ABSOLUTELY ridiculous — but somehow, some way, it worked so well. Loads of humor and heart. The perfect tonic after the past year. It makes me miss going to the movies even more.
Bonus Thought: I cannot WAIT to go on vacation again.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Spirited Away’:
I can appreciate the imagination and whimsy infused into this film, but it just wasn’t my cup o’ tea. And I reeeally wanted to like it.
I sincerely cannot understand the high rating. There is simply not a cohesive storyline here. It was kinda all over the place. So much was random, nothing was really explained, and it was often difficult keeping my attention — especially with the long runtime.
It feels like they tried really hard to tug on the heartstrings, but there was such an emotional disconnect for me. I was not invested into these characters at all, sadly.
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 ‘Frozen II’:
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Elemental’:
One would think that such a creative idea of elements as characters, opposing elements falling in love, would make for a dazzling, emotional story perfectly-fit for Pixar. Alas, it was all a bit bland as there was no true focus. This may actually be Pixar’s messiest project.
The pacing was off from the start, as I initially struggled to stay awake. Our blue water lead, Wade, had a moment when he tells his fiery Ember that they changed each other’s chemistry. But their relationship, their struggle, never properly evolved. There was no chemistry.
The characters themselves were cute, no doubt. I found the excessive crying from the water clan particularly amusing. But, placed in a lineup with the rest of Pixar’s roster, they’re sadly sorta forgettable.
Bonus Thought: Everyone made a big stink that fire and water simply cannot mix. To me, that was supposed to be the big conflict, a major part of the story that would culminate in some epic revelation. But they basically gave each other a high five and all was well. Underwhelming.
3 Thoughts After Re-Watching ‘The Purge’:
I really like this film because it’s such an intriguing and horrifying concept. It’s a quick watch, but it’s super original. It birthed a whole franchise (albeit somewhat underwhelming) and eerie visuals that inspired a slew of Halloween masks I now see every single year.
There were missed opportunities here. And that’s always frustrating when an idea is so great. During this rewatch, I realized that much of this movie is spent walking through a dark house with a flashlight. With such a short runtime, we should’ve spent more moments getting to know these characters, especially the über-creepy leader dude who died way too quickly/easily. Very anticlimactic.
I could watch that scene where Lena Headey bashes her neighbor’s head into the table a hundred times lol. Immensely satisfying.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’:
The best parts of the movie were, hands down, all the nostalgia… the reunions, the music, and the easter eggs. And I thought the tribute to Harold Ramis was beautiful — and incredibly impressive.
I kinda hated the complete lack of any Ghostbusters 2 recognition.
It was a cute movie, and I enjoyed it, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed. I’ve been scratching my head to decipher what exactly was lacking… but, honestly, I just think the story itself is simply forgettable. It started out with potential, but ultimately wasn’t strong enough for such a legacy. I can appreciate revisiting Gozer, but it felt like a miss to me. I think I would’ve preferred more of an original story than what felt like a rushed rehash.
3 Thoughts After Re-Watching ‘Aliens’:
Many people hate on this sequel because it turned classic horror into an action film. I understand, but I don’t see how that’s necessarily a bad thing. They took an incredible film, an original story, and expanded on it perfectly. The scale here is extraordinary and it feels like it was absolutely meant to go in this direction.
Perfect pacing. Just perfect. One helluva climax. And just when you think it’s over...
So many amazing visual moments. So many iconic scenes. FX that still hold up today. Eye candy galore.
Bonus Thought: Sigourney IS the Sci-Fi Queen.
3 Thoughts After Watching ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’:
It was a fun superhero film, but I’m on the fence on how I feel about it. Something was off. I don’t know if it’s because something was missing, or if it was too much more of the same.
Jake Gyllenhaal made for a good villain. He was definitely a highlight for me. AND it was GREAT to see J.K. Simmons back as J. Jonah Jameson!
Long Thought: Nothing has ever felt quite right to me about this particular Spider-Man series. Tom Holland is great and the character is fantastic when paired with The Avengers. But as standalone films, they’ll always stand in the shadow of Tobey Maguire’s Spidey. So much more depth. Iconic scenes (aka the “upside-down kiss”). I felt more emotionally-invested in the older, more heartfelt Aunt May. I’m not digging such an emo MJ. I dunno. I can’t help but to compare.
That final scene with Spidey swinging along with MJ kinda sums my feelings up. It was fun but shaky, a little uncomfortable, and - when they finally landed - nobody around them batted an eye. The impact was just “meh.”
