Children of Men's premise grabbed my attention the moment I read the synopsis. This is a film I have been hearing rave about for a long time now, and from the opening scene I understood the hype. This is a flawless masterpiece, which is something I rarely just throw out, but wow, this might have just entered my top five favorite films of all time. The tension this movie builds is legendary and the directing needs to be taught in film schools. This film has the contender for the best one-take sequence in film history, and it has many, and they work every. Single. Time. Michael Caine was phenomenal as Jasper.
Reviews
25 Reviews
Gravity
(2013)
I would sell my soul to see this in iMAX.
3 May 2024
Alfonso Cuaron is just too good. I can't comprehend how a filmmaker can put this much passion and care into his films. With Gravity, Cuaron crafted a true visual spectacle. I can't even imagine what it must have been like watching this film on the biggest screen possible with surround sound. I don't really see this as a film, more so as an experience. It sucks you in and never lets you go until the credits start rolling. Cuaron is a master of suspense. He shook me to my core with Children of Men, and my god, he did it again. Sandra Bullock and George Clooney carry this film on their backs, I mean, they're the only actors in the movie. What a picture!
Godzilla Minus One
(2023)
Pair this with Oppenheimer for the most explosive double feature ever.
3 May 2024
Monsters, death, destruction, mayhem. My sweet eyes were blessed. I've been a Godzilla superfan as far back as I can remember. I remember when I was like 5 years old, I would go on my grandpa's old laptop and I would watch Godzilla roaring videos. He is my favorite fictional character of all time and seeing him in this movie gave me chills down my spine. I've never seen a Godzilla this scary before. Shin Godzilla was close, but not quite. This one though, was candy for the eyes. Best design.
This movie absolutely steps on Hollywood with only a $15 million budget. I was blown away by the sheer ambition, the sets, the camera work, the visual effects. Hearing that iconic music again made me happier than I've ever been watching a Godzilla movie. This is also the first Godzilla movie that made me care for the human characters. You know you've made a legendary Godzilla movie when you add depth to your characters.
I dare say this was executed better than the original film, but at the end of the day, you can't really compare the two, because one was made in 1954, and the other in 2023. This movie was honestly terrifying with its themes. It has incredible social commentary about the consequences of humanity's selfish actions, and what those can cause. It's metaphorical in the most absurd way, but hey, it works.
Best Godzilla movie of all time, top 3 best films of the year and I'm not even kidding. I can't wait to watch it again. Masterpiece in every sense of the word.
This movie absolutely steps on Hollywood with only a $15 million budget. I was blown away by the sheer ambition, the sets, the camera work, the visual effects. Hearing that iconic music again made me happier than I've ever been watching a Godzilla movie. This is also the first Godzilla movie that made me care for the human characters. You know you've made a legendary Godzilla movie when you add depth to your characters.
I dare say this was executed better than the original film, but at the end of the day, you can't really compare the two, because one was made in 1954, and the other in 2023. This movie was honestly terrifying with its themes. It has incredible social commentary about the consequences of humanity's selfish actions, and what those can cause. It's metaphorical in the most absurd way, but hey, it works.
Best Godzilla movie of all time, top 3 best films of the year and I'm not even kidding. I can't wait to watch it again. Masterpiece in every sense of the word.
Son of Godzilla
(1967)
Minilla live execution
11 April 2024
I have seen a lot of people saying that this was their first Godzilla film. It is fun and pretty lighthearted at times. I loved the scene with the snow. Godzilla hugging his son was such a sweet sight from a side of Godzilla we have never been used to. Minilla is probably the ugliest and most disgusting creature I have laid my poor eyes upon. Whoever designed him needs to be put to jail and kept in solitary confinement. I nearly had a stroke just looking at him. Not to mention his irritating voice, he literally sounds like a donkey and I am 99% sure they used donkey sounds for it. I want this annoying piece of crap dead. Anyways, cute movie.
Godzilla: Final Wars
(2004)
THE FINAL CHAPTER
21 March 2024
GODZILLA FINAL WARS is probably the most fun and entertaining film I have ever seen in my life. It is exactly what makes a Godzilla superfan like me happy. It is the "Avengers: Endgame" of Kaiju movies. EVERYONE is here, including a 1998 Zilla, who gets absolutely one-shotted by the big G himself. It has exciting fights between various monsters like Gigan, Anguirus, Mothra, King Ghidorah and finally, the unstoppable Monster X. One of the things I love about this film outside of the action, is the characters who, while not treating us with the best acting and they were also given incredibly cheesy one-liners (who I actually liked) are most importantly, really fun.
Godzilla vs. Megalon
(1973)
Who said the Showa era is bad?
21 March 2024
You know, I've been a Godzilla fan since as far back as I can remember. I can distinctly recall myself looking at clips from various old Toho films. One of my favorites was the infamous drop kick, that happens to originate from this miracle of a film that is called "Godzilla vs. Megalon".
This film gave birth to the flamboyant Jet Jaguar, who went on to appear in multiple other projects (well, I guess not a lot). It also solidified the opinion that Godzilla can be both a terrifying monster that rips whole cities to pieces in a blink of an eye, and a humorous and silly goofball that punches other big monsters. Real Godzilla fans love both!
This film gave birth to the flamboyant Jet Jaguar, who went on to appear in multiple other projects (well, I guess not a lot). It also solidified the opinion that Godzilla can be both a terrifying monster that rips whole cities to pieces in a blink of an eye, and a humorous and silly goofball that punches other big monsters. Real Godzilla fans love both!
Spaceman
(I) (2024)
Wasted potential
1 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Spaceman is Netflix's brand new science fiction film starring Adam Sandler in another serious role. Everyone wanted another serious Sandler role after the success of Uncut Gems, and we got it... but at what cost? This film is very boring and not interesting at all. It's the perfect movie to put on if you want to fall asleep very fast. Adam Sandler is fine, but it seems like he's not even trying here. No emotion whatsoever. Carey Mulligan's performance was pretty terrible if you ask me, and that's a shame because she's a great actress, I loved her in Maestro. Finally, Paul Dano voices a giant CGI spider that is inside Sandler's ship???
The Boy and the Heron
(2023)
Hayao Miyazaki's magnum opus.
7 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
The Boy and the Heron is legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki's swan song, except that's what everyone thought, until word came out that he has ideas for one more. Whatever the case, this film is exceptional in every aspect. I find it interesting how it serves as both a bittersweet coming-of-age story and an old man's farewell.
Just like in every other Studio Ghibli film, this one has gorgeous visuals and scenery and the world building is second to none. My favorite scene in the whole movie is (spoilers) its ending. The film ends with Mahito refusing to pick up his great-grand-uncle's legacy, which leads the old man to accept the fact that all things must come to an end, and lets his world crumble. I believe this serves as a metaphor for Miyazaki's career. It's obvious he loves making movies, but he's gotten pretty old at this point and it's time to retire.
Just like in every other Studio Ghibli film, this one has gorgeous visuals and scenery and the world building is second to none. My favorite scene in the whole movie is (spoilers) its ending. The film ends with Mahito refusing to pick up his great-grand-uncle's legacy, which leads the old man to accept the fact that all things must come to an end, and lets his world crumble. I believe this serves as a metaphor for Miyazaki's career. It's obvious he loves making movies, but he's gotten pretty old at this point and it's time to retire.
Saltburn
(2023)
Strange.
7 January 2024
I've been seeing a lot of people on social media being traumatized from this film and calling it the weirdest movie ever, and to those I recommend watching any David Lynch movie. And I don't mean that Saltburn isn't a bizarre movie, because it most certainly is. THAT scene everybody's talking about is gross, even coming from a person like me. I try to respect everyone's piece of art, because at the end of the day, every movie is people coming together and making art.
Barry Keoghan is now getting type-casted in weird psychopathic roles, but it suits him. Overall, if you plan on watching this movie, beware, as you need a strong stomach for some of the scenes.
Barry Keoghan is now getting type-casted in weird psychopathic roles, but it suits him. Overall, if you plan on watching this movie, beware, as you need a strong stomach for some of the scenes.
Wonka
(2023)
Exceeded my expectations.
27 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Wonka is a prequel that tells the story of how Willy Wonka beat the chocolate cartel with the help of an orphan girl and an Oompa Loompa, and made his dreams come true of being the best chocolate maker in the world, building his chocolate factory. I can see Paul King making a second film, where they adapt the classic story once again.
First thing I want to touch on is Paul King as the director. He is famous for directing the Paddington films, which were amazing. This movie has a similar vibe, and I have to say the direction here was excellent. Same with the pacing, you never get bored, the film never loses its footing.
Timothee Chalamet had no right being this good of a Wonka. He had the charisma and whimsical nature of Gene Wilder, while also lending some weirdness from Johnny Depp. But at the end of the day, this is a completely different universe they're building here, with a completely different Wonka. Sometimes Chalamet was a bit too much of a silly Willy for my taste, but you quickly forget about that.
Chalamet is not the only great actor in this film, because the whole cast was absolutely perfect. Olivia Coleman best suited this slimy role, Rowan Atkinson (whom I wanted a bit more of) had the whole theater laughing, Keegan Michael-key was funnier than ever in this role, and last but certainly not least, Hugh Grant as the Oompa Loompa was a very strange choice to say the least, but I loved him. Heard he didn't though.
The biggest thing everyone's talking about, is the fact that Wonka is a musical. I have no idea why they didn't advertise this at all, maybe because they thought less people would go see it, but then again, the original 1971 film had a ton of singing in it too. Anyway, the songs were all fantastic and catchy, Timmy needs to improve on his dancing skills but overall I loved every song. "Come with me, and you'll be, in a world of pure imagination" hit.
Run to the cinema to watch this movie, it's the perfect film for the holidays, the kids will eat this up.
First thing I want to touch on is Paul King as the director. He is famous for directing the Paddington films, which were amazing. This movie has a similar vibe, and I have to say the direction here was excellent. Same with the pacing, you never get bored, the film never loses its footing.
Timothee Chalamet had no right being this good of a Wonka. He had the charisma and whimsical nature of Gene Wilder, while also lending some weirdness from Johnny Depp. But at the end of the day, this is a completely different universe they're building here, with a completely different Wonka. Sometimes Chalamet was a bit too much of a silly Willy for my taste, but you quickly forget about that.
Chalamet is not the only great actor in this film, because the whole cast was absolutely perfect. Olivia Coleman best suited this slimy role, Rowan Atkinson (whom I wanted a bit more of) had the whole theater laughing, Keegan Michael-key was funnier than ever in this role, and last but certainly not least, Hugh Grant as the Oompa Loompa was a very strange choice to say the least, but I loved him. Heard he didn't though.
The biggest thing everyone's talking about, is the fact that Wonka is a musical. I have no idea why they didn't advertise this at all, maybe because they thought less people would go see it, but then again, the original 1971 film had a ton of singing in it too. Anyway, the songs were all fantastic and catchy, Timmy needs to improve on his dancing skills but overall I loved every song. "Come with me, and you'll be, in a world of pure imagination" hit.
Run to the cinema to watch this movie, it's the perfect film for the holidays, the kids will eat this up.
Elf
(2003)
Top 5 Christmas movie.
26 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Elf is a film I watched pretty late in my life. I never grew up with it, I was always a Home Alone person, but a couple years ago, I watched Elf for the first time, and I completely fell in love with, and I watch it every Christmas since. Will Ferrell brings to life this pleasant character that brought so many smiles to so many people's faces. This film gave us lots of iconic moments, such as Buddy the elf eating spaghetti with maple syrup and marshmallows, and the "Thanks, Mr. Narwhal!". Jon Favreau is notorious for making The Lion King live action remake which was pretty terrible, but don't forget he made gems like this.
One Punch Man
(2015– )
A big step-down from the first season.
25 December 2023
This is review for the second season of One Punch Man;
Basically everything I loved about season 1, is dialed down in season 2. Firstly, the animation. The first season of One Punch Man is possibly the best animated season in all of anime. Season 2's animation is still great, but it's very disappointing. Secondly, the comedy. OPM is the funniest anime I've ever seen and it was probably the biggest thing I love from it. In this season, I didn't laugh once. Thirdly, the antagonist is super one-dimensional and lacks good writing. His motives were lazy and I couldn't care less for him. Lastly is the sheer enjoyability. It still got me entertained but I don't think I'll remember anything that happened in a week.
Basically everything I loved about season 1, is dialed down in season 2. Firstly, the animation. The first season of One Punch Man is possibly the best animated season in all of anime. Season 2's animation is still great, but it's very disappointing. Secondly, the comedy. OPM is the funniest anime I've ever seen and it was probably the biggest thing I love from it. In this season, I didn't laugh once. Thirdly, the antagonist is super one-dimensional and lacks good writing. His motives were lazy and I couldn't care less for him. Lastly is the sheer enjoyability. It still got me entertained but I don't think I'll remember anything that happened in a week.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
(1995–1996)
A universal experience.
25 December 2023
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a series I always heard a lot about, but never knew what it was actually about. I was familiar with the EVAs, the big robots which the protagonists enter to fight the bad guys, but I was surprised to learn that this series is way more than big kaiju fights. It is deeply philosophic and metaphorical. So many layers to this story that require multiple viewings to completely digest. I, myself need to watch this series again at a later date, as I understood very little, if not nothing. It's incredibly retro-anime which can turn some people off, I didn't mind it, although I do agree sometimes it's a bit too much.
Migration
(I) (2023)
Lighthearted and funny.
24 December 2023
Migration is Illumination's second film this year, after the huge success that was The Super Mario Bros. Movie. It tells the story of a family of ducks, that want to migrate to Jamaica, but instead they end up in New York City, where they meet other types of birds.
I thought it was a hilarious film, Danny DeVito carried. The kids will surely love this, it's the perfect family film for the holiday season, lighthearted fun all around. The animation is pitch-perfect, I like how they tried to do something different this time, instead of giving us the usual 3D animation like they have done with literally every other film.
A lot of people are complaining about Awkwafina being in this movie, and while I too got extremely annoyed when I heard she was going to be in this, as I find her voice very irritating, I must admit I really did not mind her.
I thought it was a hilarious film, Danny DeVito carried. The kids will surely love this, it's the perfect family film for the holiday season, lighthearted fun all around. The animation is pitch-perfect, I like how they tried to do something different this time, instead of giving us the usual 3D animation like they have done with literally every other film.
A lot of people are complaining about Awkwafina being in this movie, and while I too got extremely annoyed when I heard she was going to be in this, as I find her voice very irritating, I must admit I really did not mind her.
Dream Scenario
(2023)
Surreal.
23 December 2023
Dream Scenario is one of many of Nicolas Cage's roles this year, however this one stands out more than the others. In this film, Nic Cage plays a teacher who keeps popping up in everyone's dreams, and we see him progressively lose his mind. This is one of those films where after it ends, you immediately think "wtf did I just watch?". The weirdness of it all makes for some hysterical and uncomfortable scenes, that prove Cage was the perfect choice for this particular film. In addition, Kristoffer Borgli takes this already clever concept, and elevates it even more with sharp camera angles and intriguing cinematography. One of the year's best. You should definitely add it to your radar.
Star Wars NOT found dead in a ditch.
22 December 2023
Zack Snyder failed so miserably with this film. I see the vision, I really do, but with binoculars. Rebel Moon could have been so much more, they had gold in their hands, yet they failed to give the audience good material. This film is all over the place. ALL OVER THE PLACE. It can't stand on its own two feet, such a half-baked story with rushed character introductions, that it could not make me care for anything that was happening on screen. I didn't spend enough time with these characters to really understand them and care for them.
Now, dear Zack Snyder, cool it with the slow-mo. Yes, I agree they're cool and you like them, I like them too, but only when they're earned and feel satisfying. When you're literally giving me a slow-mo every ten seconds, it's only normal that I'll get sick of it after a while. I laughed a handful of times during this movie, and it wasn't with the movie, more so AT it.
But because I don't want to completely bury this film, I'd like to give props to the production design and the people who worked on the visual effects, because they are magnificent (with a few exceptions). This is Netflix's most expensive film ever, and you can tell. There's clearly a ton of work put into Rebel Moon.
Sad to see Zack Snyder's attempt at a Star Wars film fail so miserably. I hope the 4 hour long Snyder cut does it justice. Waiting for part 2.
One more thing, there was an Irish guy in this movie who's name I forget because of course, and he was annoying af.
Now, dear Zack Snyder, cool it with the slow-mo. Yes, I agree they're cool and you like them, I like them too, but only when they're earned and feel satisfying. When you're literally giving me a slow-mo every ten seconds, it's only normal that I'll get sick of it after a while. I laughed a handful of times during this movie, and it wasn't with the movie, more so AT it.
But because I don't want to completely bury this film, I'd like to give props to the production design and the people who worked on the visual effects, because they are magnificent (with a few exceptions). This is Netflix's most expensive film ever, and you can tell. There's clearly a ton of work put into Rebel Moon.
Sad to see Zack Snyder's attempt at a Star Wars film fail so miserably. I hope the 4 hour long Snyder cut does it justice. Waiting for part 2.
One more thing, there was an Irish guy in this movie who's name I forget because of course, and he was annoying af.
Maestro
(I) (2023)
Bradley Cooper's next step in becoming a great filmmaker.
22 December 2023
Maestro is writer-director Bradley Cooper's second film, in which he succeeds in telling an compelling and interesting story. In the films, he stars as maestro Leonard Bernstein. His performance was excellent, not as captivating as Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer, but he gave a fantastic performance, along with Carey Mulligan. This film solidified Cooper for me of being both a great filmmaker and actor, he undoubtedly has impeccable talent in film. In my opinion, the biggest disadvantage of Maestro, is the lack of originality, in the sense that it felt a little repetitive, and similar to a lot of previous biopics. It didn't really bring anything new to the table when it comes to the technical aspects of the film.
A solid entry in the Hunger Games franchise.
21 December 2023
First thing's first, this film is a jumpscare musical and I can't believe we got two of them this year. That being said, after the shock wore off, I actually didn't mind the songs and they were pretty good for the most part. Props to the production designers for this film, they did an amazing job. Our two main leads are dynamic, with good chemistry. All in all, the entire cast was fantastic, ranging from Viola Davis, to Peter Dinklage. Jason Schwartzman is having a great year, all three of his roles were tremendous, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Asteroid City and now this film. My main gripe with this film is the pacing and structure. That's because the first act is replaced with the third act, the second with the first and the third with the second. Basically, the climax happens during the first 45 minutes, and after that, the story loses its focus and becomes way too uninteresting and boring. But that is all backed up by great visuals and a moving score.
The Creator
(2023)
A visual spectacle
20 December 2023
Gareth Edwards, who brought us the 2014 Godzilla film which I actually love unlike most people, and the brilliant Rogue One: A Star Wars Story which I consider to be the best Star Wars movie after Empire Strikes Back, is back with his science fiction masterclass epic, The Creator. This is leaking of gorgeous visuals, stunning cinematography and incredible special effects. Hans Zimmer also wrote the score for this film, which is of course amazing, and he will definitely be nominator for an Oscar by default, and I'm not even remotely mad about it. He won't win by any means, Oppenheimer and May December's scores both demolish this one's, but he will be nominated. John David Washington was great in The Creator, and I believe he has the charisma to do comedies. The comedic timing he was given in this film was executed very well. Also, the Radiohead song got me levitating.
Berserk
(1997–1998)
One of the greatest anime of all time.
20 December 2023
Before watching this show, I was expecting an awesome medieval dark fantasy story filled with sick battles and horses. And for the most part it is, until episode 23. Because after that, this gets very dark and twisted, very quickly. Adapting the Golden Age arc from arguably (not) the greatest manga of all time, written by Kentaro Miura. This is a massive world filled to the brim with likeable characters and epic scenes. Guts is my favorite character from any animanga. This is one of the greatest stories us humans have created as a species. This is the single greatest revenge story of all time. Right now, I'm talking about mostly the manga, but it goes for the anime as well.
Venom
(2018)
Unserious, but really fun
20 December 2023
The Venom movies will always be in the category of films I understand aren't great, but I love them. Biggest guilty pleasure, I'll always laugh with everything Venom says in these movies. He's always been my favorite Spider-Man villain, I thought he was the coolest villain of all time since I was a little kid. This movie does not take itself seriously at all, but I think that's just what makes it stand out from other Spider-Man films. It knows what it is trying to be, and achieves that. Tom Hardy is great in the titular role of Tom Hardy and he has great comedic timing. The villain Riot, played by Riz Ahmed, could use some improvement, I thought he was way too one-dimensional in this film, and the whole thing with she-Venom did not work at all.
An original premise executed flawlessly.
20 December 2023
I didn't know this show existed until just a few days ago, and that's thanks to a YouTube channel called "Super Eyepatch Wolf". (by the way he's great go subscribe to him, he makes great video essays). He made a video where he basically talked about his favorite things that came out this year, and in this video he talked about this anime.
The first thing that grabbed my attention was its clever and original premise. The idea of a guy trying to survive during a zombie apocalypse, as he makes a bucket list of 100 things he wants to do before he gets turned into one, instantly grabbed my attention.
Another thing I love about this show is the goofiness of it. There is a zombified shark with human legs in this.
The first thing that grabbed my attention was its clever and original premise. The idea of a guy trying to survive during a zombie apocalypse, as he makes a bucket list of 100 things he wants to do before he gets turned into one, instantly grabbed my attention.
Another thing I love about this show is the goofiness of it. There is a zombified shark with human legs in this.
Dragon Ball Z
(1996–2003)
Epic, funny and nostalgic.
20 December 2023
I'm a huge fan of anime but for some reason I never got the hype for Dragon Ball Z, or Dragon Ball in general. I never really cared for it and I never put in the time to watch it. However, that was mostly because I was super into One Piece at the time, and now that I'm fully caught up with One Piece, I was thinking of starting DBZ.
I was familiar with the world of Dragon Ball, just like everyone else because of the many power ups and dynamic characters.
This is a review for just the Saiyan saga of the anime, because I haven't seen the entire thing yet. It's great, I think it's a tiny bit overrated, but then again, I totally get the hype, because this is something else. I wish I grew up with this.
Going forward, I'm excited to see Super Saiyan, and Vegeta's whole character arc.
I was familiar with the world of Dragon Ball, just like everyone else because of the many power ups and dynamic characters.
This is a review for just the Saiyan saga of the anime, because I haven't seen the entire thing yet. It's great, I think it's a tiny bit overrated, but then again, I totally get the hype, because this is something else. I wish I grew up with this.
Going forward, I'm excited to see Super Saiyan, and Vegeta's whole character arc.
Godzilla vs. Hedorah
(1971)
A monster movie masterclass.
16 December 2023
Get this: Godzilla flying freaking backwards with his atomic breath. There's a reason why this is in the Criterion Collection. It's a meticulously crafted near masterpiece. The best film in the Showa era. I know it might sound weird that I'm calling this a masterpiece, but I just love movies like this. From the first scene of the movie I knew I was gonna love this. There are songs in this, and good songs. The villain Hedorah, or "The Smog Monster" is yet another clever representation and personification of humanity's actions. He's quite literally a big pile of goo. This film is also one of the only Godzilla films that have interesting human characters. They're really likeable and have strong comedic moments. Overall this is a fantastic film with very well crafted scenes, on a technical aspect.
Priscilla
(2023)
A quiet film that needs more attention.
16 December 2023
Sofia Coppola tells this story from a completely different point of view. This movie is not an Elvis movie, there is a lot of Elvis in here, but the main focus is Priscilla herself and her relationship with Elvis. Cailee Spaeny is fantastic as Priscilla, and Jacob Elordi blew me away with his performance. He's no Austin Butler by any means, but you can't really compare the two. Butler gave a more energetic and chaotic performance, whereas Elordi gave a more calm performance. Coppola's directing made for some terrific scenes and when the credits started rolling, I felt satisfied. All in all, a terrific film that more people need to watch. Don't skip this one!
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