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GhostlyAghast
Love a good story, cerebral and emotional.
There is hope in horror.
Reviews
May December (2023)
Alright, but it had so much more potential!
I think this was an interesting film that turned out okay but could have been great. That said, it's definitely still worth a watch! More in-depth review below:
In my opinion, something as complex as this would most likely best be explored through something like a small mini-series.
- I spent the whole movie being confused about the children (I guess the graduating teen boy and girl were "the twins" and they had an older daughter), those three being Joe and Gracie's, as well as Gracie's children from her past marriage. A mini-series could give us a more in-depth look at the family unit, where they were in this journey and how they were feeling.
- I really didn't care for Portman's character being an actress preparing for a role. That's just a personal one for me, but I also think that story-wise, something like a journalist or author writing a piece/book about their "relationship" in its early days while interviewing them in their present day marriage would lend itself better to presenting a fully formed story. Portman's character seemed a little suspect, so maybe that was a significant point the writers and director wanted to portray, which could be justification for this style, and I'm not even fully against it. I just think the story of this family is already messy, dark and complex as is. It has my attention and I care more about learning about them than I do another outside character. Let the journalist be more of a framing device than another deep character to explore.
- I would have loved things like flashbacks, old news stories on VHS being replayed, maybe old diary entries.
- I desperately wanted to learn more about Joe. I would have liked a really hashed out conversation or argument between him and Gracie where more was revealed (tastefully). While we did see Joe sort of possibly coming to some really horrific, traumatizing realizations that could lead to him seeking help and leaving Gracie, I think seeing a bit more of a light at the end of the tunnel for Joe and his kids in some final shots would have been satisfying and cathartic. Maybe we'd see Joe (or Joe *and* his kids together) sitting in a therapists office, about to tell his/their story to someone who can give him/them guidance and help. Maybe we see him wave his kids off to college and then board a plane alone to Mexico to go see the butterflies; maybe he's even texting that woman who also raises and releases butterflies, and we see that he's going to meet her there.
There was just so much more I wanted to know.
There is certainly a fine line between just the right amount and type of information, and overly-expository, exhausting scenes.
I can really appreciate that this was a film centered around a male victim of grooming and SA. Boys and men also face these problems in society, but due to the patriarchy and toxic masculinity, they often don't feel valid and/or safe sharing or reporting experiences like sexual harassment, assault, rape and/or grooming.
All genders and sexualities can face these horrors, and they deserve to have their voices heard.
As for the acting, of course it was great! But an absolute shout out to Charles Melton for truly bringing this deep character to life.
The Fall of the House of Usher (2023)
Monologue After Monologue
I couldn't possibly put this above a six, at best.
This was the opposite of the rather intimate portrayal of Fall of The House of Usher which has been adapted creatively by many, including T. Kingfisher in her book "What Moves The Dead" and the strange, unusual movie "Bloodhound".
Flannigan had an opportunity to provide something eerie and close knit , in a similar vein to Midnight Mass. Instead he chose a cacophony of characters, almost too many to keep up with or care about, most of them deeply unlikeable and holy moly, the guy went his heaviest on monologues ever. Everyone seems to have multiple. At unnecessary times. That's not how people generally speak, so when it's constant, it becomes evident and grating.
In Midnight Mass, Father Paul had plenty, but the actor had the talent and range to pull it off. He was also a priest, so, you know, sermons. The subject matter of that story allowed for poignant moments of prolonged speech.
This show did not. The 70's boss talking about his car, the detective with his overly keen eye, talking about how he can tell they have a kid - two! - and one of them is sick, and judging by those coffee mugs you've both been up all night. Just stop.
This felt devoid of real substance and I was immensely disappointed.
X (2022)
An Unexpectedly Moving Horror Film
X is a fantastic horror film. I love it!
It's also so much more than that.
X showcases ideas about youth, beauty, aging and intimacy in stark detail: at times gruesome, of course, but more surprisingly, heartbreakingly. I was surprised at how moved I was by this film.
It succeeds as a horror film all on it's own, but if you care to look deeper, it is filled to the brim with things that will effect us all, that many of us fear: things like aging, our ability to care for the ones we love and be intimate with them in the ways both parties desire.
There is more than one type of horror in this film.
Ah-ga-ssi (2016)
Enrapturing! GO IN BLIND!
This movie absolutely blew me away.
I went in almost completely blind other than having read the little blurb about it. I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND GOING IN BLIND. READ/WATCH NOTHING ABOUT THIS!
The story and it's layers was completely engrossing. The acting was superb. The wardrobe and set design were lovely! The cinematography absolutely stunning. I fell more and more in love with this movie as it progressed.
There were so many moments when I thought "oh great, they're gonna ruin the whole thing here" or "it's gonna go off the rails and fall apart in the next scene" but I was (HAPPILY) so wrong! It was meticulous and beautiful. Every second is worth your time.
I had been looking for a hidden gem to watch and found a full-fledged diamond instead. 10/10.
Broadcast Signal Intrusion (2021)
Intriguing Basic Premise, Failed Execution
I only watched part of the trailer so as not to spoil the film, so I had this nebulous idea that the film would be more about the main character focusing on the lore of the tapes, maybe interviewing several people about them, trying to find the origin not for any hero's journey, but out of a deep curiosity or obsession, hell, even some sort of academic thesis kind of thing similar to Candyman, but sadly, that's not what this was.
Firstly, I want to be fair: my internet was glitching, so there were a lot of pauses during the film, including some of my own when my attention wained (and it did wain...), so I feel like there is a possibility that I missed some things. I definitely wasn't fully immersed in it but once I realized that it was headed in a kind of convoluted direction, I'll admit I lost interest.
With that said, I can't tell if I missed some serious plot lines (I know I missed some) or if it was really *that* messy causing things to not make sense and not pan out properly.
I feel like keeping this simple would have absolutely done the trick but adding in the (kind of unexplained?) disappearance of his wife, other women, the support group woman friendship/relationship that goes nowhere, the pirates (not the sea kind, lol), the woman who works with him for a bit and whatever the heck happened in the last like 20 minutes of the film was just a mess.
What I did like: I think the main character did a pretty good job with the role he was given and I'd love to see him given a chance at something more coherent. I also appreciate that the main character is a POC as we need much more diversity in media.
I LOVED that they used an actual creepy YouTube video(s) (I believe they go by a couple names but they're often recognized under the title "I Feel Fantastic") as inspiration for the videos in the film. The aesthetic style is very reminiscent of IFF and does give you the creeps, adding a little extra oomph to the videos without it being overkill. That was great!
This was based on a short film (I believe written by the same writers) but I have yet to watch it. There's the possibility that it really just didn't need to be a feature length film and it succeeded as a short film, or, that is to say if you weren't a fan of the feature length film.
I hope this type of idea isn't totally scrapped but is simplified into a really personal story rather than something that felt so open and scattered.
Metamorphosis (2022)
Why Does This Have So Many High Ratings?
I have no idea why this has so many positive reviews.
I absolutely love a slow burn. This was not that. This was just slow.
The writing wasn't the worst thing in the world but there were some cliché lines that I finished in my head before the actors could say them aloud.
I struggled to stay awake for this film. I *paid* to watch this film, but I finally fell asleep and didn't bother to finish it. I've seen enough horror movies (and gave this one plenty of time!) to recognize when one isn't going to go anywhere, where the characters aren't going to surprise you or make you feel anything much at all and when a movie is going to leave you with nothing.
Even if there was a big twist at the end (I made it a little over 49 minutes in), I don't care because I never cared about the characters. Their issues were never properly addressed. At one point the wife asks her husband if he's seeing a therapist, in a seriously accusing tone, as if getting help for his issues would be a bad thing. He gets mad that she went through his things.
Nothing substantial happens and the characters are bland and boring. I wouldn't recommend this.
Porno (2019)
A Good 6.5 of Fun!
I thought this was a lot of fun. The actors did a good job with their quirky characters in this very strange situation and you get some twists, turns and laughs along the way.
There were probably a few scenes that could have been a little shorter or faster in pace but it wasn't anything significant in my opinion. It's a fun movie to just relax to.
I'm sure there *could* be more jokes, more rapid fire banter, but I found it enjoyable and endearing and I did have some good laughs. It's campy fun!
The Requin (2022)
Baffling
I love lost-at-sea movies like Open Waters and The Reef. I figured this would be a pretty inaccurate depiction of shark behavior similar to The Shallows or the many inconsistencies of 37 Meters Down; both being fun films but not particularly realistic. I thought this would be that.
This was not that.
This was just downhill. Not only do sharks not act that way, people don't either. Why were the sharks simultaneously killing machines (of greatly varying sizes) while also being made of such little constitution that Alicia (God bless her) could slice into them with a lackadaisical poke of broken board causing huge blooms of blood in the water?
Why did one shark come so far up it would have - realistically - beached itself? Why was the bite only on the front of her leg and not all the way around?
Why would that man in the raft insist on sewing up her leg rather than immediately paddle them to land for help? And further delay help by deciding to check to see if he caught any (I'm guessing) lobsters before possibly heading to land?
I am baffled. I am mystified.
And the CGI just gets worse and worse to the point of looking like Microsoft Paint at the end.
Alicia deserved better.
Life & Beth (2022)
Stunning Performances, Beautiful Story
This was a beautiful, moving and funny story that dealt with breaking away from what makes you unhappy, revisiting traumas, working through pain and finding yourself. I was very moved by Schumer's writing and acting, which are very different from her more crass comedy (some of which is still good if you're watching critically!) while still retaining who she is.
The first couple episodes are a bit boring but once you make it through those, it gets SO much better!
There are plenty of people who hate on Amy Schumer, from Republican's that don't like her political activism, people who don't like her style of humor, people who don't understand some of the poignant humor that had her show "Inside Amy Schumer" get nominated for a Peabody award AND WIN, whatever their reason, some people are stuck in their ways, believing a public persona/one side of a person is their only side. They'll be missing out on a beautifully written, acted, directed and filmed TV show.
~~~~SPOILERS BELOW~~~~~~
Michael Cera's character, who, though never explicitly diagnosed or given a label on the show, is based quite
a bit off of her husband who is on the Autism spectrum.
In one of her comedy specials, she breaks from the joking to talk about him, saying that it was many of the non-typical (my words, not hers, she phrased it better) about him that made her fall in love with him. Both Schumer and Cera play that beautifully and it is truly moving.
I loved it.
Eight for Silver (2021)
Terrible
I'm being generous with my rating.
I love a slow burn- this was not that. This just fizzled out.
The story was incredibly dry and boring with no stand-out acting. The most interesting parts of the story are held back or not explained properly. And the monotony! We're told/shown the same things so many times over.
There is no originality in this script.
The editing even manages to fail with its jump-scares.
I thought this movie was quite terrible.
False Positive (2021)
Rosemary's Baby This Is Not
This was neither the worst thing nor the best. It's a solid "meh".
Some of the writing was too on-the-nose and gave things away. The lack of subtlety blew it.
There were plenty of plot holes and ways this could have been a lot better with even just slight adjustments.
The big reveal was a let down. It wasn't a creative creepy thing, it's something that actually happened. I don't think that makes it a no-go zone, I'm saying more that I expected something out of left field but instead I got something right down the middle.
The only part I really felt some respect for was the very ending. While I would have done it a little differently (because it almost seemed like they shot two versions of the end and then left them both in, I would have chosen the first), I appreciated that Glazer wrote something creepy and a bit rough, rather than the "this is what you're stuck with, so you just have to live with it" type of thing.
But Rosemary's Baby this is not. Rosemary's Baby is an incredible film. There is no comparison.
I Care a Lot (2020)
Rather Abrupt
I turned this on as something to semi watch. For some reason I was under the impression this was a new series and that's exactly how the movie played out: like the first episode of a mini series. Right down to the last second.
I moved to click the button to go to the next episode to see how all this lead up would pan out but, to my surprise, there was nothing else.
*SEMI-SPOILERS BELOW*
The acting was good, the cinematography was good but the story was something that needed to be fleshed out. Parts could have been cut, others altered to make this a rather exciting thriller series that didn't need a bunch of other stuff happening with diamonds and the mafia and whatever other junk was going on.
This had potential but it didn't work out.
The Dead Don't Die (2019)
Welp...
I'm really not sure what to say about this. It was such an odd film.
There were certain parts that were deadpan and hilarious and some beautifully absurd moments that really could have made a GREAT movie.
Then there were the scenes that went on for too long, for no reason. Characters that never had anything to do with anything. Parts that were meta/self-aware and I don't know why. It wasn't a plot point. Just one guy says something here and there that point out that they're in a movie.
It takes half the runtime to even really start.
This had such potential and even editing it down could help.
The cast was great and they all did a good job with what they were given. I just wish they had been given a true film.
I'm Thinking of Ending Things (2020)
Read The Book First
The book was excellent. It does not betray itself. It leaves breadcrumbs while telling a great story.
The movie, however, is missing so much key inner dialogue, full of purposefully confusing cutaways and overly obvious clues.
The book is not chaotic. It is mainly linear and coherent. The movie is confusing, full of things that never happened in the book.
I also hate who they cast for Jake, as he is pretty much the opposite of his description in the book.
The book elicits thoughtfulness but the movie just seems confused.
The acting is great, the set is lovely, etc. but it just doesn't do justice to the novel.
The Sweetest Thing (2002)
Hilarious Adult Fun That Beats Superbad or Sex Drive Any Day!
I honestly love this film. Much of it is silly, hyperbole and adult themed but that is what makes it fantastic. It's campy fun!
And while it is certainly silly, the loving friendship between the women is the best part. Though some of it is played up, there are moments I completely recognize from my own life: calling friends and yelling song lyrics or private jokes into the phone, having "your song" come on and dancing dramatically with a friend, sharing details and laughing over bad dates, doing crazy things with your best friends because it is fun and fills you with joy.
At the time of writing this review (6/21/20), I see a lower rating here for The Sweetest Thing (2002) (at a 5.2) than I do for things like The Hangover (2009) (a 7.7) or Superbad (2007) (a 7.6 WHAT?!) and I can't help but think it has *at least* a little to do with the lack of female representation in sex-positive/sex-oriented comedy films that may be up to the same level of crassness.
For instance, Sex Drive (2008) comes in at a 6.5. Both Sweetest Thing and Sex Drive have a group of friends on a road trip with the main goal being sex/romance. Both include hyperbolic, crazy situations, raunchy comedy, silly fun, cute moments and camaraderie. The only difference being that the one in search of sex/love is a young man and his buddies instead of a young woman and her friends.
They are very different movies but key aspects are the same. Yet a narrative centered around male sexuality is still given over one whole star higher.
And frankly, I'd much rather watch The Sweetest Thing again and again, while Sex Drive I can only handle once every several years. And Superbad? Once was one time too many.
I understand that this style of humor isn't for everyone but it is telling when the same type of humor is lauded when it revolves around men and demonized when it revolves around women.
Yup. Misogyny and the patriarchy attempt to ruin the party once again, but I've got this one spinning around in my DVD player when I want a good laugh!
Unplanned (2019)
Christian Propaganda
All this is is Christian propaganda. It's just a bunch of pro-birthers, misogynists and lies.
The Iliza Shlesinger Sketch Show (2020)
I Usually Love Iliza But Tji
I usually love Iliza. Her standup is hilarious. This sketch show though... it's not good. I got a few chuckles but it's mostly just a mess. Certain bits will run on for a really long time and some have no punchline or story.
Hopefully the next thing she makes is up to her usual level of awesomeness.
The Twilight Zone: Not All Men (2019)
Totally Here For This!
A no-holds-barred story that shows the nature of toxic masculinity and the ability that, while you do actually have control over your actions, plenty of men just don't even want to try.
And while some may have wished this were more subtle, I see time and time again that men don't acknowledge subtlety and are actively hostile towards women who address them forcefully, so seriously, let's use a heavy-handed approach.
Also, for the commenters who said this was "SJW propaganda", two things:
1. A social justice warrior is not a negative thing, as they believe in equality and justice and
2. You think that the epitome of being a radical liberal is NOT MURDERING AND RAPING PEOPLE?! Yeah. *Real* crazy.
Assassination Nation (2018)
As A Woman On The Internet
As a modern woman on the internet, this is an accurate portrayal of the human embodiment of the threats of violence women are subjected to every day.
It might be gory and explicit at times, but so are the things that are said and done to us.
I loved this film for giving a physical representation of the monsters we encounter.
Always Be My Maybe (2019)
Such A Sweet Movie
Ali Wong is hilarious, as always, just like the rest of the cast. This is a wonderful, feel-good rom-com.
The Act (2019)
Irritating Voices
The show is... fine. That said, I have some issues with it.
1. The creators of the show did not ask Ms. Blanchard if they could use her traumatic life story for a TV show. Not only that, but she will be receiving no compensation despite all the people involved profiting off of her circumstances.
2. I think there are some factual errors which is bothersome. If you're going to base something on a true story, do just that. Adding certain aspects to keep the storyline going is fine, but some of it is just gratuitous and unnecessary.
3. I cannot stand either Dee Dee or Gypsy's voices. Dee Dee is always moaning on about how she's not appreciated and then making annoying, whiny, breathy noises.
Gypsy sounds like a person doing a baby voice and I hate it. I know that that is seemingly how the real Gypsy speaks, but it is awful.
The OA: Invisible Self (2016)
Love it!
It seems like this show is kind of love it or hate it, with a lot of people being displeased with the ambiguous ending.
That said, the events at the school are incredibly relevant to our times and it was a beautiful show of unity, bravery and friendship.
The ending may leave you frustrated and wanting answers (if you watch Brit Marling's other works, you'll notice a very similar theme), it leaves you with hope and challenges you to come up with your own answers and theories.
Room 104 (2017)
This Is Not What You Think It Is
Going in, I thought the whole series would be of the horror genre, but most definitely not. For some episodes it's horror, some thriller, a couple whatever's and WTF's, some sentimental.
Honestly I think my favorite episode was the one with Judy Greer and Michael Shannon because (somewhat abstractly/hyperbolised) that is like every disappointing date from online dating ever and all women who online date have BEEN THERE.
Maniac (2018)
A unique look into grief and mental illness
This is show that you can watch multiple times to catch things you missed before, which is something I love.
It was a unique look into grief, mental illness, pain and relationships. And I know this seems to be a show that people either love or hate, but I think that creating new worlds in which we can work through things like grief and mental illness in different ways than before is always a welcome edition to fellow films/TV shows. It's art and art is connection. So if this reaches someone who is hurting and helps them find the right words to explain what they're feeling, to not feel so alone, it is a job well done, in my opinion.
It also has subtle (and not so subtle) humor, fantastic acting and everything is like the 80's but futuristic, so yeah, I highly recommend it.
You Were Never Really Here (2017)
Joaquin Phoenix is the only good thing about this
Joaquin Phoenix is the only good thing about this. His performance is amazing, as usual. That said, this movie is a choppy mess. You keep waiting for it to get off the ground and move with fluidity, but that never happens. It's severed chunks of story, jolting and confusing.
It turns out that this is actually based on a book, so it's possible the book has a real story with inner dialogue and proper pace, but if so, this story did not do well as film.