Bobeddy
Bill S. Preston, Esq.
Made a Terrible Mistake
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Post by Bobeddy on May 27, 2024 10:08:06 GMT -5
2024 New Releases
#25 Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
While I don’t think it’s quite at the level of Fury Road, this was still an incredibly fun watch. There are 3 main compliments that I can give to it.
- It is a 2.5 hour movie that feels much shorter. - It is a prequel that doesn’t undermine the original but enhances it by adding depth to Furiosa’s actions in Fury Road. - It is the second movie in a reboot franchise that makes me keen to see a third entry.
The movie is a little slow on action to begin with, taking time to establish who everyone is and putting the pieces into place. But once things kick off, as before the action sequences are prolonged, bursting with creativity and immensely enjoyable.
One final piece, Anya Taylor Joy does a worthy job. Kinda like Tom Hardy in Fury Road she doesn’t have to do much speaking but her expressive face works overtime. But for me Chris Hemsworth stole the show as Dementus. He was such a fun villain and did a great job playing this grandiose, grasping, would-be warlord
VERDICT: If you’ve seen Fury Road and liked it then there’s plenty here to enjoy in this worthy prequel that fleshes out Furiosa and the world of Mad Max. If you’ve not seen Fury Road, go watch it, then go watch this!.
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Bobeddy
Bill S. Preston, Esq.
Made a Terrible Mistake
Posts: 15,156
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Post by Bobeddy on May 19, 2024 15:37:32 GMT -5
2024 New Releases
#24 The Strangers: Chapter 1
I knew going into the movie that this was Part 1 of a new trilogy of Strangers movies. Based on the title I presumed this was a the first in a series of prequel movies, when in reality it's actually a remake of the original movie. And this is pretty much beat-for-beat the same movie as the original The Strangers but completely lacking the tension or suspense. (For the record I only saw the original last year so this isn't nostalgia talking)
There are a few changes made to the setting and characters but for the most part I think these changes hurt the final product (e.g. instead of the characters being terrorised in their own home, their being targeted in a secluded Airbnb cabin in the woods). Credit where it's due, the scene that I found the most tense is one that is a completely new addition from the original. That said,I can't help but feel like it was lifted from a very similar scene which was in A Quiet Place.
With the next two installments coming out over the next 12 months, I feel like you should just watch the original film, and when Chapter 2 arrives, pretend they recast Liv Tyler with Madelaine Petsch.
VERDICT: Lacking in tension or scares, this is a significantly lesser, entirely skippable retelling of the superior 2008 original.
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Bobeddy
Bill S. Preston, Esq.
Made a Terrible Mistake
Posts: 15,156
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Post by Bobeddy on May 14, 2024 17:25:24 GMT -5
2024 New Releases
#23 Perfect Days
This movie follows the life of Hirayama as he spends his days working as a janitor for Tokyo's public toilets. That's the entire movie. We spend the duration watching our main character, wake up, do his work, go about his very ordinary life and go to bed. That's it really.
You could very easily watch this movie and say "Nothing happens", and in a way you'd be right. Hirayama's life is very unexciting and rigidly routined but amidst the mundanity, we regularly see true joy from Hirayama. He enjoys his chosen uncomplicated life and appreciates the little things like his favourite cassettes and the sight of light streaking through the leaves of trees.
VERDICT: An extremely understated movie exploring how true happiness can be found even in the most simple of lives.
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Bobeddy
Bill S. Preston, Esq.
Made a Terrible Mistake
Posts: 15,156
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Post by Bobeddy on May 14, 2024 16:54:09 GMT -5
Talk about timing on those last 2 lol Ha, I was just thinking the same! Glad to hear you enjoyed Rise. Completely agree on your sum up.
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Bobeddy
Bill S. Preston, Esq.
Made a Terrible Mistake
Posts: 15,156
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Post by Bobeddy on May 14, 2024 16:48:01 GMT -5
2024 New Releases
#22 Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
I really think the 2010 Planet of the Apes trilogy is criminally underappreciated. I really enjoyed them all when they came out and I recently rewatched them all and they totally hold up. Andy Serkis doesn't get nearly enough recognition for his portrayal of Caesar.
This latest entry is set centuries after the time of Caesar and it's really interesting to see how Caesar and his lessons have been remembered (or forgotten). The plot is the basic Hero's Journey 101, but it's done well enough and the characters and world are enjoyable to spend time with.
If you enjoyed the previous Ape movies, definitely check it out. And if you haven't watched the previous Ape movies yet, go watch them!
VERDICT: Not as good as the high points of the previous trilogy but still very enjoyable and certainly good enough to make me interested in what seems like an inevitable sequel.
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Bobeddy
Bill S. Preston, Esq.
Made a Terrible Mistake
Posts: 15,156
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Post by Bobeddy on Apr 30, 2024 7:20:24 GMT -5
2024 New Releases
#21 All You Need Is Death
The premise of this one really intrigued me: A group collecting rare folk ballads secretly record an old-Irish song and in doing so commit a great taboo, unleashing an ancient evil.
The movie starts strong. The highlight of the movie is definitely when our group encounter the bizarre witch-like woman who delivers the haunting and forebody ancient song and the movie has a closing scene that should stick with you and feels very appropriate for a folk-horror. Unfortunately however everything in the middle-section of the movie sort of falls off. The effects of the curse don't make for the most interesting cinema, the pacing feels off and I kept getting taken out of the movie with questions that had nothing to do with the mechanics of ancient Celtic evils but were more along the lines of how did characters find themselves in certain places beyond the script needing them to be there.
VERDICT: A really strong beginning with an enchanting performance by Olwen Fouéré, but a meandering middle means this doesn't live up to its really strong premise.
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Bobeddy
Bill S. Preston, Esq.
Made a Terrible Mistake
Posts: 15,156
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Stitch
Apr 24, 2024 4:10:22 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by Bobeddy on Apr 24, 2024 4:10:22 GMT -5
I think part of it is probably down to timing. Lilo and Stitch came out in 2002 so for kids that were born in '92-'98 the movie could've been one of their formative childhood movies. All those kids would be in their mid-20's to 30's now and if there's one thing Disney Adults love it's spending money on merch.
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Bobeddy
Bill S. Preston, Esq.
Made a Terrible Mistake
Posts: 15,156
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Post by Bobeddy on Apr 22, 2024 9:17:40 GMT -5
2024 New Releases
#20 Abigail
I remember being disappointed with M3GAN last year, feeling like the movie had been sterilised in order to hit the PG-13 market. This movie certainly did not do that and is far far the better for it. It's basically the same set up as Don't Breathe (group of criminals stuck in a house where the tables get turned), but the overall tone is much more like Ready or Not. It's over the top, almost slapstick at points and it has plenty of blood splattering.
All the criminal characters are fun in their own ways, but Alisha Weir is the absolute highlight as Abigail. If you'll pardon the expression, she sinks her teeth into the role and looks like she had a ball doing it. Her performance is creepy, threating and when her character is fully unleashed she makes the ensuing carnage very enjoyable to watch.
I wouldn't at all be surprised if blood covered ballerina vampires become a staple of trick-or-treaters in the Halloweens to come.
VERDICT: A refreshing addition to the well trodden vampire subgenre, this an over-the-top bloody romp that was a super fun watch.
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Bobeddy
Bill S. Preston, Esq.
Made a Terrible Mistake
Posts: 15,156
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Post by Bobeddy on Apr 20, 2024 4:56:09 GMT -5
2024 New Releases
#19 Civil War
The film is not an action packed battle heavy feature as the trailer might suggest. Nor does it really delve into the opposing sides or explore the reasons for why modern day America has collapsed into a state of civil war. There are a handful of passing references to fictional events that can help fill in some of the blanks but ultimately the 'Second American Civil War' is just a framing device for the movie's real story which is much more focused on war journalism and the ethics involved. Are those that document these scenes of barbarism impartial documenters or complicit bystanders?
By far the highlight of the movie comes towards the middle of the feature during an incredibly tense confrontation between our characters and a militiaman played by Jesse Plemons.
Verdict: While it wasn't the movie I was expecting it to be, I still enjoyed this well enough. An interesting exploration of war journalism and the morality involved.
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Bobeddy
Bill S. Preston, Esq.
Made a Terrible Mistake
Posts: 15,156
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Post by Bobeddy on Apr 16, 2024 11:53:02 GMT -5
Michael Jackson’s parody “Beat It” of Weird Al’s “Eat It” is still the bigger song. I'd argue that "Amish Paradise" is also a longer lasting hit than the original. I think you overestimate the mainstream appeal of Weird Al. I still regularly hear Gangsta's Paradise getting played on radio stations.
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Bobeddy
Bill S. Preston, Esq.
Made a Terrible Mistake
Posts: 15,156
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Post by Bobeddy on Apr 12, 2024 17:01:48 GMT -5
2024 New Releases
#18 Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire
I've enjoyed the Western Godzilla movies well enough. Yes they're nowhere near as interesting or layered as the recent Japanese movies, but give me Godzilla lumbering while his theme plays or him charging up to unleash his atomic breath and I'm happy. Unfortunately, despite having top billing, there's not much Godzilla in this Godzilla.
As usual there's a bunch of human characters we follow for most of the movie, but they're pretty unremarkable. We do spend a good chunk of the movie following Kong. I enjoyed the first Kong: Skull Island movie but here we follow him on a personal journey (which sounds ridiculous typing it out) which sorta 'humanises' him and also does a good job in very much removing a lot of his mystique.
And to be honest there's a lot of that in this film. Lots of delving into the origin of the creatures and let's face it, has anything mysterious ever been made better by over-explaining where it came from and how it works?
VERDICT: Too much human characters, too much explaining, not enough Godzilla. For me, this was the least enjoyable of the Monsterverse movies.
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Bobeddy
Bill S. Preston, Esq.
Made a Terrible Mistake
Posts: 15,156
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Post by Bobeddy on Apr 12, 2024 10:55:44 GMT -5
2024 New Releases
#17 Blue Giant
An anime movie all about playing jazz, this is a really enjoyable, easy watch.
The story focuses on Dai who is determined to become the greatest jazz musician of all time. Forming a band with a prodigy pianist and amateur drummer, they grow together to push themselves and make each other better musicians.
As you can imagine, a film like this lives and dies with its soundtrack and the music in this movie is amazing. Even someone like myself who only has a passing appreciation for the genre found themselves fully caught up in the sound. And the visuals on display accompanying when the players lose themselves in the music are wonderfully vivid.
VERDICT: A brilliant jazz soundtrack drives this gentle movie which beautifully depicts the magic of music and how it affects people.
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Bobeddy
Bill S. Preston, Esq.
Made a Terrible Mistake
Posts: 15,156
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Post by Bobeddy on Apr 2, 2024 7:00:53 GMT -5
What with being away on vacation and then recovering from jetlag, I've not had much time to keep on my New Release reviews, so here's a condensed version of the last few.
2024 New Releases
#13 Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
I had a great time watching this movie! Though I feel my enjoyment was massively boosted by the fact I was watching it in a 4DX screening. Once I remove all the excitement of being thrown about in a rollercoaster-like chair with water and smoke spraying everywhere, my memories of the actual movie aren't as generous. I enjoyed the previous Ghostbusters: Afterlife enough to make me interested in seeing a second entry. Having now seen a second entry, I'm less likely to check out a potential third. One of my main issues with the film is that there are SO many characters. You could have easily dropped Finn Wolfhard and the two returning sidekicks from Afterlife entirely and nothing would've been lost. Honestly, had they done that and given that time to James Acaster and Kumail Nanjiani, I wouldn't complain.
The story is fine, it's your standard looming paranormal sci-fi doomsday threat. But the pacing is a real slog with a lot of talking about how bad things will be, which leads to the strange scenario where you find yourself actively wishing for the apocalypse to hurry along so that something might actually happen.
VERDICT: Nowhere good as the originals and disappointingly not as good as Afterlife. A perfectly fine movie to pop on if you're stuck for something to watch, but by no means a must-see.
#14 The Holdovers
I probably watched this movie in one of the worst places you could watch a movie, in the back of a airplane seat whilst on a transatlantic flight. I think it speaks volumes that even with a small screen, less than optimum sound, interruptions of flight announcements, turbulence and the tiredness that comes with crossing timezones in the middle of the night, I found The Holdovers to be an immensely engaging watch.
There's little I can say that hasn't already been said countless times over by others at this point, but you should check this film out if you get the chance. All three of the main performers are fantastic, but Paul Giamatti especially is wonderful. Even at the beginning when his character is at his most condescending and abrasive, he delivers it with such pomp and relish that you can’t help but be endeared. Watching his cloistered curmudgeon gradually soften and allow himself to be vulnerable is incredibly satisfying to watch.
VERDICT: A wonderful three-hander character piece with outstanding performances all around led by Paul Giamatti in a career highlight.
#15 Immaculate Immaculate is the latest in what appears to be an influx of Christianity themed horror in mainstream cinema over the last year or so. Off the top of my head, in recent years there’s been The Nun II, The Pope’s Exorcist, Prey For The Devil, The Exorcist: Believer, as well as the upcoming The First Omen. It’s easy to see why, the dressings and rituals associated with organised religion already have a foreboding feel to them and inverting or corrupting these is an effective means to make us feel uncomfortable.
With Immaculate, the plot is focused on Sydney Sweeney as Sister Cecilia, a young nun who has recently arrived at an Italian convent where all seems well but soon sinister secrets and nefarious acts soon come to the fore. So far, so Suspiria, which seems appropriate as there are certainly some shots and lighting choices that feel very Argento-y. My only prior exposure to Sweeney’s work was Madame Web, in which she was fairly bland and forgettable. However here, she is fully convincing in everything that’s asked of her. From Cecilia’s shrinking demure beginnings, to her mid-movie desperation and resignation, to the final manic climax, she fully delivers.
VERDICT: With so many studios going to this well, it’s easy for the water to run dry quickly. Thankfully in this case Immaculate certainly quenches the thirst for religious tinged terror. Sweeney goes from
#16 Late Night with the Devil This is a movie I’d heard about during the festival circuit last summer and had been looking forward to seeing. It’d been getting really strong buzz from the festival screenings and the premise certainly sounded interesting. On Halloween night 1977, in an attempt to boost ratings, talk show host Jack Delroy invites a supposedly possessed girl onto his program.
David Dastmalchian is front and centre and he fills the role of Delroy flawlessly. Watching him hold court with his audience and delivering quips, you feel he could easily transition into being a talk show host in real life. But what I loved most was seeing how he perfectly portrayed the insincere sincerity hosts often display, which made the times when true sincerity (and fear) came through all the more effective.
The recreation of the 70’s TV show is pitch perfect. From the set design, costumes, the fictional titles and credits of the show itself, it’s all on-point. The special effects appear to be mostly practical as opposed to digital which again feels appropriate for the setting.
This is a slow burn of a movie, with breadcrumbs being dropped and portents of danger suggesting our host, in his quest for success, is meddling with dangers he doesn’t fully comprehend. As you can imagine, it all goes predictably wrong.
VERDICT: A highly enjoyable, original take on the found-footage and possession subgenres with an amazing central performance from David Dastmalchian.
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Bobeddy
Bill S. Preston, Esq.
Made a Terrible Mistake
Posts: 15,156
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Post by Bobeddy on Mar 12, 2024 19:54:16 GMT -5
I see your Abe Lincoln breakdancing and rapping about cable and raise you...
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Bobeddy
Bill S. Preston, Esq.
Made a Terrible Mistake
Posts: 15,156
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Post by Bobeddy on Mar 10, 2024 21:38:43 GMT -5
I was hoping American Fiction would pick up a win but, oh well It won for Best Adapted Screenplay
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Bobeddy
Bill S. Preston, Esq.
Made a Terrible Mistake
Posts: 15,156
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Post by Bobeddy on Mar 10, 2024 21:30:18 GMT -5
Did they cut to the studio before the dog shat or pissed on Matt Damon’s star? I think the dog's leg was up so as to look like it was peeing on Damon's star. Kimmel and Damon are friends and Kimmel tends to make him a butt of a lot of jokes.
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Bobeddy
Bill S. Preston, Esq.
Made a Terrible Mistake
Posts: 15,156
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Post by Bobeddy on Mar 10, 2024 21:08:56 GMT -5
Well done Tommy Shelby! Is that the first Irishman to win Best Actor(not counting DDL who is English with Irish citizenship)? Yup, there's DDL as you said but Cillian is the first Irish born actor to win Lead Actor. We've wins in the Supporting Actor and Actress categories with Barry Fitzgerald and Brenda Fricker.
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Bobeddy
Bill S. Preston, Esq.
Made a Terrible Mistake
Posts: 15,156
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Post by Bobeddy on Mar 10, 2024 21:06:44 GMT -5
Delighted for Cillian Murphy. For so long I felt he was underrated by so many, so it's great to see him get the highest recognition that can be given.
I'm half certain that he said the line "I'm a proud Irishman" as there's been so many press junkets and news articles where people call him British.
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Bobeddy
Bill S. Preston, Esq.
Made a Terrible Mistake
Posts: 15,156
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Post by Bobeddy on Mar 10, 2024 20:30:56 GMT -5
The design of the soundscape for Zone of Interest was absolutely harrowing. A very well deserved award.
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Bobeddy
Bill S. Preston, Esq.
Made a Terrible Mistake
Posts: 15,156
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Post by Bobeddy on Mar 10, 2024 19:53:14 GMT -5
Godzilla Minus One was by far and away one of the most amazing depictions of a larger than life creature I've ever seen.
A very deserving win!
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