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Fly Me to the Moon (2024)
Not for me.
Not for me. I found 'Fly Me to the Moon' to be a disappointment.
A sure sign of that being the case is that I don't have any positives for this movie. Well, OK, Scarlett Johansson is good, but there honestly isn't any other element to this that I can say I enjoyed. Johansson's co-star Channing Tatum feels miscast, I like the guy as an actor but here I didn't feel like he fit - visually his character didn't look or sound like someone out of the 1960s, in my eyes at least.
None of the support cast did anything for me either, though Woody Harrelson and Ray Romano are passable. Away from the cast, the story also didn't hold much interest for me. I feel like the moon landing bits, generally speaking, is all pretty standard and stuff we've seen before. The romance plot isn't merged in well, I didn't sense any chemistry between Johansson and Tatum. The music is also quite weak, almost TV-esque.
The run time is also too long, no way this 2024 flick needed to last over two hours! If I ignore all of that, then I guess I enjoyed it...
Kinds of Kindness (2024)
I really enjoyed 'Kinds of Kindness'.
Quite the thing! I really enjoyed 'Kinds of Kindness'.
I'm also someone who loved 'Poor Things' from these folk, so I guess me also liking this isn't any sort of surprise. It is a truly bizarre movie and I can see many disliking it, a thought supported by the fact that in a cinema with around 10 others alongside me, 3 left before the conclusion; 1 left at the end of chapter one, then a group of 2 left at the end of chapter two.
I'm personally absolutely cool with absurdity if the filmmakers truly commit to it, otherwise what's the point? Yorgos Lanthimos & Co. Evidently did just that and I was thoroughly entertained across the entire run time, which is impressive given it lasts for almost three hours; it flew by for me.
I'm already a big fan of those onscreen so didn't need much convincing to see them act again, and I'm glad I did because all those acting here are great. Jesse Plemons is the standout in my eyes, what a terrific showing from that man - such a top actor! Emma Stone is, obviously, excellent as well, as is the awesome Willem Dafoe. Margaret Qualley, Hong Chau and Mamoudou Athie merit praise too.
Gotta get 'The Favourite' watched at some point, all the while getting set for 'Bugonia' - Stone x Lanthimos is where it's at!
A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)
Extremely meh.
Unexpectedly, quite dull.
'A Quiet Place: Day One' builds some tension well and features very good sound design, though the story and its characters are a disappointment. I have no issues with Lupita Nyong'o and Joseph Quinn, they try, but Sam and Eric are written quite boringly. I felt like we were missing some major character development for both.
The plot is rather underwhelming. There is some additional meaning in there admittedly, but it's literally one lame objective and then the standard styled exit. It felt whilst watching that the movie had barely any flesh on its bones. The cat stuff is cute, though the obvious lack of true jeopardy for Frodo even hampers that from hitting for real.
There is at least a pleasing use of Nina Simone's Feeling Good. Overall, however, this left me feeling extremely meh, unfortunately. I am, it is worth noting, someone who doesn't love the original two movies; though I did like the first flick just about enough.
Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 (2024)
Surpassed my expectations!
'Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1' surpassed my expectations!
A three-hour western, which is only the first of many connected entries? Yeah, that doesn't exactly set the pulses racing! Based on that, I was anticipating it to be a slow-moving set-up to future chapters. However, to my surprise this opening installment is a lot of fun. For a film of such a length, it absolutely flies by; this felt like a 2hr, max, movie to me.
My main praise for this film is directed at the pacing (evidently), the visuals and the score - the latter is particularly outstanding. I will say there are a fair few scenes that I felt could've been lit better, mainly across the opening chunk - not a big deal, though.
There are so many characters in this, some may say too many but honestly I enjoyed all the different people portrayed onscreen. Kevin Costner is very solid, though to be truthful he isn't really involved all that much in this chapter - at least to how much I was expecting to see of him. I wouldn't say there is a main standout from the cast, but I don't mean that negatively.
Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Abbey Lee, Jamie Campbell Bower and Michael Rooker are some of the notable performers, though it truly is an ensemble because I can't really separate any of them based on their performanes - which is actually a good thing. Mind you, as good as he is, Rooker's Irish accent is awful, I gotta say - rather distracting.
How annoying that we have to wait so long for the seque... oh, ''Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 2'' drops next month! Bring it on!
...oh, and I (unintentionally) watched this on July 4th - how American of me. Shudders.
The Bikeriders (2023)
All in all, it's very good and most certainly worth a watch.
It's a bit light on story, but 'The Bikeriders' is a film I enjoyed.
The stellar cast list is probably the main reason, because everyone onscreen do great work. Austin Butler and Jodie Comer are the obvious standouts as leads, both are good value throughout; even if the latter's accent is slightly grating at a few moments. Tom Hardy is, as always, terrific too, while it was awesome to see Norman Reedus appear.
As noted, I do think there's just barely enough there for a movie - it is a plot that is stretched as far as it could possibly be. It is all shot well and all that, the bikes look and sound ace. I also like how the film wraps up. All in all, it's very good and most certainly worth a watch.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024)
Still finds a way to produce the goods.
For a fourth outing, 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' still finds a way to produce the goods.
I enjoyed what I watched. The previous installment remains the clear standout of the series comparatively speaking, though I was pleased to see this one still deliver the nessacary entertainment; it's perhaps my second favourite from the franchise. It does have flaws of course, like I'd say it's more serious than humourous and the more sincere stuff doesn't always hit as intended; especially the bits about Howard.
Still, there's enough positive humour in there. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence continue to please in the lead roles, they are a great match. The rest of the cast are all decent enough, Ioan Gruffudd plays what feels like a typical Ioan Gruffudd character well. Jacob Scipio, meanwhile, is pretty solid.
I will say, though, that Rhea Seehorn is underused - she's way too good for these sorta bit part roles! There are also cameo-esque appearances from Tiffany Haddish and DJ Khaled, which sounds bad on paper but, actually, both of their scenes are actually quite amusing! Away from those onscreen, camera work and editing are both pluses.
Do we need a fifth 'Bad Boys' film? No. Would I watch a fifth 'Bad Boys' film? Yes. Yes I would.
Umshana (2015)
The choice to shoot it black/white is probably the film's only plus point, that and the short 50 minute run time.
Well... if you want drama, 'The Niece' certainly has that!
This movie from Eswatini fails to offer anything worth watching and isn't the most well made (though is a tiny indie flick, in fairness), admittedly the conclusion does portray events quite dramatically! I don't exactly mean that as a positive, but if you're gonna go haphazard then that is the way to do it. The choice to shoot it black/white is probably the film's only plus point, that and the short 50 minute run time.
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shoutout to those on the cast list of this: Mbali Dlamini Delani Dlamini Temakhosi Nkambule Fineboy Mhlanga Lisa Mavuso.
The Dead Don't Hurt (2023)
Didn't deliver for me personally.
I almost warmed to it by its conclusion, but I don't think I can describe 'The Dead Don't Hurt' as anything that I rate well.
I found no interest in anything that was onscreen, disappointingly. The story failed to grab me and the characters that portray it aren't at a good standard either, in my opinion of course. Vicky Krieps does her best and is probably the movie's standout. I do like Garret Dillahunt, albeit from other performances from his career - which seems to be seeing him typecast in these sorta roles, which is a bit of a shame.
Pre-watch, I wanted to enjoy this - westerns can be a lot of fun, especially on the big screen - but this just didn't deliver for me personally.
Cocaine Bear (2023)
Largely bores.
Some good death sequences aside, 'Cocaine Bear' largely bores.
I do like how many of the characters go out, in ways that are quite creative in fairness. The rest of the 95 minutes though? Underwhelming. There are a few minorly amusing moments scattered in there, though for the majority it kinda just meanders through its run time; whilst watching, I could feel myself losing interest fairly regularly throughout.
The cast didn't do anything for me, either. Keri Russell and Brooklynn Prince are alright, though they and the rest don't provide anything worth remembering. They, naturally, aren't assisted well by the rest of the movie, the comedy is quite weak and the characters aren't made all that intriguing.
It just has enough about it that I can see it working for some viewers in terms of mindless entertainment. I'm all for flicks that do that, but this one didn't really work me personally.
Dolemite Is My Name (2019)
Terrific!
'Dolemite Is My Name' is terrific!
I did find the opening 30-40 minutes to be lesser, still perfectly good but just nothing all that noteworthy. However, the following 60-80 minutes is top notch, I found it thoroughly entertaining. Eddie Murphy is great fun, while Da'Vine Joy Randolph stars behind the aforementioned. Wesley Snipes is amusing too.
Gotta check out the original Dolemite movie at some point, intrigued to see how it'll translate as a film on its own footing. This 2019 flick portrays the making of that 1975 flick in very enjoyable fashion. The pacing is perfection and the comedic elements are certainly humorous. Well worth watching.
Luther: The Fallen Sun (2023)
Give me that sequel!
Love the series, now I love the film.
Took me way too long to get this watched, been on my immediate watchlist ever since its release well over a year ago; in fairness, I was avoiding Netflix due to their prices, but got a good deal with 'em atm. This is classed as a crime thriller and it certainly thrilled me, I had a great time with it. Really enjoyed seeing the story come together.
Sometimes these sorta movies show 'the event' super early on and just drag out the cat and mouse 'when will they catch them' act for pretty much the whole run time. Now, don't get me wrong, of course it is a cat and mouse thing of sorts still, but I rate how there are events constantly throughout which keeps elevating the threat; the plot always felt fresh to me whilst viewing, which is a major plus.
Given I'm a big fan of the television show that this follows, it is no surprise to say that Idris Elba is one of my favourite actors - the guy is phenomenal, I won't hear otherwise. He is fantastic all the way through 'Luther: The Fallen Sun'. Away from the lead, Andy Serkis is menacingly excellent, they sure made his character the worst of the worst! Cynthia Erivo and Dermot Crowley lead the rest very well.
Give me that sequel!
Atlas (2024)
Overall, I liked this.
Better than expected!
I saw one or two still images from 'Atlas' in the lead up to watching it and I wasn't getting good vibes. Happily, I actually really enjoyed this 2024 movie - another reason to not judge a book by its cover and all that. Of course, it is nothing near perfection and has a couple of issues, e.g. A slightly overlong run time and an underwhelming villain, though overall I liked this.
I do tend to enjoy seeing Jennifer Lopez, looking at the films I've viewed her in (nine titles with this one) she hasn't let me down yet; this is another showing worth watching, in my eyes at least. As noted, elsewhere Simu Liu's antagonist is forgettable. That isn't all his fault, his performance could've perhaps been better but it's more so the way the character is made to act visually that facilitates the dullness.
I'd recommend this, though a quick look around on the usual movie sites suggests that isn't a commonly held belief. Shrugs.
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)
It's a good film - and one that is distressingly unforgettable.
Not convinced this is a greatly made movie, but it sure does pack a punch!
'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas' makes for good viewing for the majority, though that ending really is quite something - startling in fact, and that's even with me sensing it. The aforementioned is because, as well as the way the film builds in general, I'm pretty certain I watched this at high school; just not sure if it was snippets or the whole thing, the fence scenes are the only ones I vaguely recall seeing.
The low acting level of the youngsters did take me out a bit, no dislike to Asa Butterfield and Jack Scanlon, obviously, but they aren't the best. Though they aren't helped by the dialogue for them, which doesn't feel natural at all. It's written in a way that is simply to tell the viewer about what's happening. The adult actors are great, though. Vera Farmiga stands out, though David Thewlis, Rupert Friend and David Hayman merit a mention too.
All in all, it's a good film - and one that is distressingly unforgettable thanks to that one moment.
Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult (1994)
Weakest of the trilogy, though fair amusement is still produced.
'Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult' is the weakest of the trilogy, though fair amusement is still produced.
Leslie Nielsen is so good in the lead role that I don't think it's really possible for these films to drag, at least alongside the decent gags and short run time. Admittedly this third entry does meander a tad, though my interest in events never waned into negative territory. The ending is the strongest part, that facepalm scene (which I knew of before) is gold.
Overall, this is a good franchise. I'm quite looking forward to hopefully checking out Liam Neeson in the 2025 remake, as long as the writing is suitable I think he can absolutely make it work.
The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear (1991)
Not as good as the first time, but...
Not as good as the first time, but 'The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear' still delivers enough entertainment.
Leslie Nielsen remains brilliant as Lieutenant Frank Drebin, such a fun character to see him portray. George Kennedy and Priscilla Presley do well, while Richard Griffiths and, slightly less so, Robert Goulet are positive newcomers. I will say that I don't think the comedy is as strong in this one, the gags in particular seem a little more in your face with additional winks and nudges.
Still a good time, though. Now to find out what 'Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult' had to offer...
The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988)
Leslie Nielsen kills it in the lead role!
'The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!' is very well done. Amusing viewing!
Leslie Nielsen kills it in the lead role, I hear that Liam Neeson is doing the remake next year and, you know what, I can see it. O. J. Simpson and Priscilla Presley are quite the interesting other cast members, while George Kennedy is a good fit for his role alongside Nielsen. Ricardo Montalbán works well too.
I do like this sorta dry slapstick comedy, where the gags are constantly scattered throughout without being overtly pointed out by those onscreen. I also prefer this to "ZAZ"'s work from eight years prior in 'Airplane!', I'd say this one has better humour and a better story to accompany it.
I hope the sequels were as good!
Red, White & Royal Blue (2023)
They make it work.
Everything about 'Red, White & Royal Blue' screams bad movie, yet somehow it manages to make itself watchable.
I've not entirely sure how, as there honestly isn't one element of it that I'd class as absolutely good. The run time is too long, the acting is just OK, the story is (or should be, I guess) lousy and the dialogue is genuinely terrible, like toe-curlingly so. It, too, has the cheap feel of a Hallmark-esque film, well without that company's obligatory straightness, obvs. However, there's no doubting they make it work.
I haven't got anything more to add, doing so would just be listing further reasons why this should suck but, evidently, doesn't. Pardon (the turkey?...) the pun btw. ;)
Hit Man (2023)
'Hit Man' is fun!
'Hit Man' is fun!
Glen Powell and Adria Arjona team up to form a strong acting chemistry, I enjoyed seeing them both feature all the way through - two great performances. On the note of the cast, good to see Austin Amelio appear; I like that guy from his 'The Walking Dead' days.
This movie is paced very well, the two hour run time did not feel of that length at all. It holds an interesting and fairly amusing plot, one brought to life by everyone involved on and off screen very nicely. It's goofy in certain ways, though that is only a positive to be honest. I also thought it was going to end slightly differently, but again that's not a negative.
This Is the End (2013)
It is just not one I can say I liked, all things considered.
Mediocre middle hinders.
'This Is the End' adds some uniqueness alongside the standard apocalyptic fare, the mass cameos are amusing and the fact that the characters are playing exaggerated versions of themselves is a good touch. The apocalypse elements are done well enough, though the bits at the start are where it peaks.
The middle of this movie dragged a fair bit for me, I didn't really find it all that comical; the beginning, again, has the most amusement, as well as a fun end piece featuring that Floridian boyband. This is based upon a short film, so I guess it was always likely to feature lull moments - after all, Seth Rogen type flicks do tend to play off quite thin premises anyway.
Speaking of Rogen, he doesn't actually stand out that much here, surprisingly. To be honest, none of the cast really do all that much, come to think of it. I wouldn't even say there is a star performer onscreen, which is disappointing given the big names involved.
All in all, not necessarily a terrible picture but it is just not one I can say I liked, all things considered.
The Watchers (2024)
Holds some promise with its premise, though unfortunately it never really clicks into gear.
A real disappointment.
'The Watchers' holds some promise with its premise, though unfortunately it never really clicks into gear - in my opinion, at least. In fact, the longer it went on the more bored I felt whilst watching. I was waiting for the arrival of the end credits, which I thought were coming after 'the event' seemingly ends... yet the film still goes on for a little while yet.
No-one on the cast did anything that could save this, either. Olwen Fouéré is decent, her character starts off fairly interestingly but by the conclusion I didn't really care for her either. The only positive I have for this 2024 flick is the score, which actually is quite good. Aside from that, this Ishana Night Shyamalan directorial debut underwhelmed me a lot, sadly.
Sting (2024)
Sufficed for me
Good viewing.
'Sting' gave me what I desired, albeit without properly enthralling me at any point. It's a well done horror flick, I do prefer these sorta ones where it is more the characters getting unsettled rather than the audience with cheap jump scares etc. The run time of around 90 minutes is astutely chosen, also.
The cast are positives. Alyla Browne produces a sturdy showing, while Ryan Corr is good too. The likes of Penelope Mitchell and Jermaine Fowler support nicely. Robyn Nevin's Gunter character was the only I didn't really rate. Away from them, the effects for the spider are effective, I like how it changes throughout.
There perhaps could've been some more fun had with the kills, though what is there sufficed for me to be honest.
Just My Luck (2006)
It narrowly did enough for me to enjoy it.
'Just My Luck' runs a little thin, but it narrowly did enough for me to enjoy it.
Lindsay Lohan and Chris Pine don't, in my opinion, share as much onscreen chemistry as is generally needed for a romcom, though they are both likeable and produce solid enough performances that I was happy to watch them act throughout. It's amusing seeing McFly - a very good band, back then at least - billed as "Introducing..." given UK audiences would've 100% known who they were at the time of release.
The movie does get a bit repetitive as the plot is, as noted, extremely simple, but again there's just about enough in there that I had a positive time watching.
Kevade (1969)
I personally didn't really click with this 1970 Estonian picture.
'Spring' is a decent watch, if nothing all that more.
I personally didn't really click with this 1970 Estonian picture. I imagine that has a lot to do with the fact that I am, indeed, not Estonian and/or not from this sorta era, as it is a movie that is heavily nostalgia-driven. I will say that it is well made for its time, at least. The main reason for my lack of connection, aside from the aforementioned, is actually the main characters, both those portraying and being portrayed.
I found the kids quite annoying, all of them in fact; especially the more, eh, 'emotional' ones. The flick does go for the 'kids will be kids' angle, but even so I don't think they needed be quite so irritating. The actors aren't the best either, though I can look past that without the noted issue. The adult actors are the better cast members.
As somewhat of a completionist, I now feel the need to check out the three sequels; which, interestingly, were released in 1976, 1990 and 2020; ought to make for an interesting time capsule of sorts through Estonia's recent movie decades.
Debbas (2014)
Given I didn't dislike watching it I can't really say it's anything worth filing under 'bad'
Not a good movie, though honestly it kept me watching.
'Debbas' is an evidently low-budget film out of Eritrea, one that I actually think does a better job than expected, relatively speaking. It does at least attempt something above ordinary, which I respect. The effects used for the titular character are effective enough, albeit not high quality.
Awet Abraha is a decent lead, while Rusom Kibri certainly commits to his role. Those elsewhere are all fine, none of which took me out of events onscreen via their acting ability. The pacing is alright too, I wasn't ever bored or longing for the credits. Of course, there are many, many improvements to be made, but I think there's a watchable story in there.
Honestly, for what it is, I'm cool with this movie. Most definitely not able to be classed as 'good', though given I didn't dislike watching it I can't really say it's anything worth filing under 'bad' either.
American Fiction (2023)
There are a range of emotions to be felt throughout.
Great movie!
This only solidifies my desire to view more, if not all, of Jeffrey Wright's filmography, such a fantastic actor to watch. In this he is no different, he is outstanding all the way through. Not that he is by any means the only strong performer, because Sterling K. Brown is also superb. Tracee Ellis Ross and Leslie Uggams impress, too.
There are a range of emotions to be felt throughout, the film entwines humour into events supremely well - it's much more amusing than I was expecting, especially given what happens early on. The latter is part of the sadness that constantly rears its head as well. No matter what, though, it is all seamlessly put together onscreen.
One scene in particular actually had me welling up, which is extremely rare for me; mentioned it before, unimportant long story short: I can't help but look at movies as fiction, so my brain just doesn't associate real physical emotions with films. Anyway, the scene is with Cliff (Brown) and Lorraine (Myra Lucretia Taylor). Proper touching!
Every now and then a film manages to break through! Probably a character flaw and all that but it is what it is. Fwiw, proof of the rarity is that the only other time I remember a film making me well up for real was, randomly, 2014's 'Two Days, One Night' a few years back with an (relatively) equally non-major scene with Timur Magomedgadzhiev. 2022's 'The Whale' did come very close, mind!
Back on track... I remember hearing positives about 'American Fiction' when it came out and thankfully it delivered; 'twas unfortunate that it didn't line-up with me to watch it at the cinema on release, though. But hey, I belatedly have it logged. A quality picture!