post watch notes

I write casual reviews of films I watch, anything from whatever’s on TV to the latest releases

I’m not a critic. On the contrary, I’m really not difficult. I just overthink, vent, and enjoy most things

I post when I can, I try to do 2 per week, but it's mostly after I watch a bunch in one week that I'll post

Warning: I will enjoy mediocre films unironically lol

✨ Likes, reblogs, comments, or just silent reads, all much appreciated :)

🎬 Going in Blind: A Beautiful Mind (2001)

It's an old film but still spoiler warning if you haven't seen it!!

This film… absolutely beautiful. If you know me by now, you know I love a good biopic, and this one really hit hard on the feelings. I picked it completely at random, went in blind, knew nothing about it or the people involved, which honestly made it even better, because I was completely gripped from the start.

It follows John Nash, a brilliant mathematician who, from the beginning, comes across as a bit unusual in a circle of very intelligent men. At first, I thought it was simply giving “possibly on the autism spectrum” vibes, which, especially at the time, would have just seemed like odd behaviour to people, since mental health and mental illnesses weren’t really talked about. But then things slowly unravelled.

What makes the film so powerful is how well it draws you into his perspective. I genuinely thought his roommate was a figment of his imagination, like an “imaginary friend” to keep him company, but then the whole spy mission plot kicked off, and I fully believed it was real. Honestly, right up until nearly the end, I didn’t suspect it was all part of his schizophrenia. I’m still shocked thinking about it. The fact that the film managed to make me fall for it too, shows how easy it is to understand how he could believe it.

The weight on his family, especially his wife and baby, was devastating to watch, the toll it took on them really hit me. But the fact that things did get better in the long run was so wholesome. That speech at the end honestly broke me in the best way, I was just sitting there like T^T.

This story hit close to home for personal reasons, so it was incredibly insightful, a reminder of just how much our minds can trick us. And I just admire Nash so much. I didn’t know about him before, but the way he learned to ignore these characters, to fight against what his brain was telling him… it’s truly fascinating and admirable. Of course the film condenses years of struggle into two hours, but even so, it conveys the weight of it beautifully.

It brought me to tears, and I’m so glad I saw it. I highly recommend it.

🎬 One of the Worst I’ve Seen: Idiocracy (2006)

Okay… I think I just watched one of the worst films I’ve seen in a very long time, maybe ever. The premise actually sounded kind of intriguing: “Average man gets frozen, ends up in the far future where everyone is stupid, and suddenly he’s the smartest person alive.” Could have been fun, right? Unfortunately, the execution was… the absolute worst it could have been, in my opinion.

Instead of clever satire, it was basically 90 minutes of college-boy humour that did nothing for me. It was very much “man with childish humour coded,” and I’m 99% sure, or at least I hope, no woman had any say in making this because the so-called jokes were… bad. Like, I’m sorry, but just saying “ass” over and over isn’t inherently funny. Not to me at least.

Also, yes, it’s an older film, but the slurs and plain sexism were rough to sit through. Seriously, it can be triggering if you’re sensitive to that kind of language.

The only positive thing I can say is that the central idea does work as food for thought. With TikTok, our overall social media obsession, and the way we’re glued to screens… you can kind of see how society might decline if we’re not careful. However, the film leans heavily on American influences in its execution. I saw a comment saying it was “basically a documentary on Americans,” and honestly? I see it. Sorry, Americans, but it kind of gives that vibe, especially right now.

It could have been a much better film if it had taken a more serious approach, perhaps starting with a few jokes at the beginning to set the tone and make the point, but then transitioning into a smarter, sharper satire. Instead, it just kept dragging the same humour on and on until it lost any real impact.

Going in Blind: Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

Spoiler warning if you haven't seen it!!

So this one was a total surprise watch, it just happened to be on TV (which is honestly how I watch half my films), and I had zero idea what it was about. No trailer, no plot summary, nothing. And you know what? It was really good.

It’s got that perfect indie mix of annoying characters who get redemption arcs (looking at you, Dad), some genuinely sad turns (grandpa’s death, the son’s crushed dream of becoming a pilot), and a whole lot of comedy to keep things balanced.

Speaking of the son, his arc was tragic but also incredibly wholesome. He didn’t let himself stay down for long. He could have just given up, but instead, he kept going for his sister. I actually found him the most inspiring character. Especially at the end, when for most of the film he’s been a bit self-isolated, saying he hates everyone, and then he’s one of the first to defend his sister and even join her on stage. So sweet.

Frank (the sister's brother) also stood out for me, going from being severely depressed to slowly rejoining the family dynamic was heartwarming.

Also… maybe I’m just too European for this, but that beauty pageant scene? Absolutely nightmare fuel. These poor little girls lol

Still, overall it’s such a charming, feel-good film. A little bittersweet, a little awkward, but very human. I’m glad I stumbled on it by accident.

TOP GUN (1986) - REVIEW

So… I finally watched the first Top Gun! I’m already obsessed with Top Gun: Maverick, so I knew there’d be some spoilers for the original (obviously), but I still wanted to check it off my movie bucket list.

First impressions? Pretty bittersweet. Seeing Iceman on screen, knowing Val Kilmer’s real-life story, hit differently. Also, Maverick’s whole way of treating the female professor… yeah, very “of its time” and should stay of its time if you get what I mean. Was a bit hard to watch at the beginning, but it settled quickly.

But overall? Actually pretty fun! Goose’s death though… oof. I knew he died from it being mentioned in Top Gun: Maverick, but the way it happened, during a training exercise, because of a malfunction in his ejection seat, was just tragic and just wayyy more brutal than I thought it was. The fact that in Maverick, they nailed the casting for his son (the resemblance, the moustache, the style) makes it even more uncanny.

Also, can we talk about how aesthetic the movie is? Those warm tones, sunset shots, and 80s vibes are just chef’s kiss. The only thing that didn’t hold up for me was the flying scenes, I get it was the 80s and maybe it looked amazing back then, but compared to Maverick, it felt like they were just… spinning around a lot? Didn’t make much sense to my non-expert brain and was kinda boring.

Still, it’s an iconic film for a reason. Glad I finally watched it. One more classic ticked off the list ✅

BRING HER BACK (2024) – REVIEW ⚠️ Content warning: this film contains themes of child abuse, child weaponisation, and intense grief. It is deeply unsettling, emotionally heavy, and not suitable for all viewers. ⚠️ 🎬 Horror / Psychological Thriller

This is not your standard horror film; it’s a raw and emotional, it's the exploration of a mother’s grief and the terrifying lengths she’ll go to in order to feel close to her daughter again. It's heartbreaking, cruel, and deeply human.

The horror isn’t just in the scares, it’s in the manipulation, the emotional damage, and the slow unraveling of reality. The mother’s actions, driven by desperation, grief and denial, are evil in their consequences. The cruelty of it all, especially towards children, is genuinely disturbing.

Andy’s storyline especially broke my heart. It wasn’t one moment, it was everything. Scene after scene, he’s let down, manipulated, gaslit, and used. He was such a kind and gentle character who deserved so much better.

One huge strength of the film is the cast, and especially the child actors. They were phenomenal. Jonah Wren Phillips as “Oliver” really stood out to me.

Now, that said, horror-wise, it left me wanting more. It was creepy and unsettling for sure, but a little slow in parts. I just needed one or two more scenes that really made me feel the horror physically, goosebumps, gasps, the works. That’s probably just my personal taste, though.

🎬 Materialists — My Emotional Rollercoaster Before Even Watching It this is a long one, sorry...

Okay, so let me tell you about the ride I went on before I even saw this film, lol. As soon as I heard about the cast, Chris Evans, Pedro Pascal, and Dakota Johnson, in a romantic movie?? I was so hyped. I love Chris Evans, I love Pedro Pascal, and while I didn’t know much about Dakota before, I totally adore her now.

The trailer looked decent, not the most original plot ever, but honestly, the cast had me so excited. Then came the press tour… and wow. They were hilarious, had such amazing chemistry, and made me think this movie was going to be iconic. I was all in.

Then it came out in the US.

And people were... disappointed.

At first, influencers and early viewers seemed to love it. IMDb had it rated over 7/10, solid! But then the score kept dropping. I think it’s now around 6.5? Which isn’t terrible, but definitely not great considering all the hype. A lot of people were saying they thought it was going to be a rom-com and were disappointed that it wasn’t funny at all. And honestly… that’s where the press tour kind of backfired. Because those three were so funny together in interviews, people assumed the film would reflect that vibe.

So it got me thinking, would this movie have been better received if the promo hadn’t focused so much on the fun dynamic between the actors? Probably. It’s another case where the press and trailer set up expectations the film didn’t match (kind of like when I watched The Monkey, everyone was hyped after the trailer, but the film didn’t deliver). Honestly, modern press tours are kind of wild. They do so many interviews and talk shows, and while it’s fun to watch, it must be exhausting for the cast!

Anyway. Back to the movie itself...

Because I’d already heard that it wasn’t a rom-com, I went in with different expectations, and honestly? It was good. Not super memorable, but still enjoyable. What I liked is that it reflected (in a slightly extreme way) what dating looks like nowadays. What matters in a relationship: money? Stability? Looks? Feelings?

It also highlighted an interesting gender gap. The women in the film, while shown as seeking tall, rich men, could still be moved by genuine emotion. Meanwhile, most of the men couldn’t look past physical traits and age; once their "checklist" wasn’t met, they just moved on. That contrast made Dakota’s character feel very real, torn between the “ideal” man (Pedro) and a less-than-perfect relationship (Chris). That whole dynamic felt nuanced and very current.

That said, parts of the film felt rushed. I wish we’d gotten more backstory between Dakota and Chris’s characters; their relationship felt a bit shallow, like we didn’t see the spark that supposedly existed. So when she had to wrestle with her feelings, I was like, but… why were they even together to begin with?

Also, I love Pedro (rich Pedro?? yes please), but we didn’t see much of him. Same with Chris, actually. Despite the way the film was promoted, this wasn’t a trio story; it was very much centred on Dakota. Which is fine! But again, the press tour made it seem more ensemble-driven, and I wish we got more time with each of them.

The matchmaking company angle was fun because of how over-the-top and cliché it was. As a non-American, I kind of imagined New York would be like that anyway, so it didn’t shock me too much. Side note: why were there no male matchmakers?? Just something that crossed my mind.

Overall, it was a good film! Not amazing, not terrible. The plot was predictable and not very original, that classic “rich perfect man vs. poor soulmate” trope, but I still enjoyed it. It felt relatable in a way, like a genuine and current debate people actually have when choosing relationships.

I do think a bit of comedy would’ve helped, everyone looked so serious and tired, which felt odd in a film about dating and matchmaking. A few light-hearted moments would’ve made it more enjoyable.

One last thing that bugged me, while the hype around Pedro Pascal is huge (and he’s great!), I found it a bit sad to see so many comments online putting Chris Evans (and Dakota Johnson) down. Things like “Who would even hesitate when you’ve got a rich Pedro in front of you” or “If she chooses Chris over Pedro, I’m out”, it just felt unnecessary and kind of missed the point of the film. Especially considering Pedro’s role is more of a secondary one, it’s literally “and Pedro Pascal.”

So yeah, a bit of a messy review for a bit of a messy experience, but I’m glad I finally watched it!

⭐ Rating: 7/10

HEADS OF STATE (2025) – Review 🎬

Possible spoiler warning ⚠️

Right so. This film was so much fun. Like full-on, switch-your-brain-off, enjoy-the-chaos. 10/10 had a blast.

John Cena absolutely leaned into the most cliché version of the loud, chill American dude, constantly showing off, bragging, acting like he knows what he's doing when he absolutely does not. His character comes from an action-acting background with zero actual combat training, which made it even funnier knowing he’s a former wrestler irl. He was made for this role.

Idris Elba was spot-on as the grumpy British ex-military minister who somehow ends up being stuck with the obnoxious American and having to deal with Cena’s character's nonsense. Their dynamic was so good, the running jokes between them never got old. They somehow found the perfect tone where it didn’t feel forced or too over the top. Just consistently funny.

And Priyanka Chopra?? Absolute icon. She looked so badass, all while having to listen to the two of them fight. It was so funny. The perfect trio.

Also. Jack Quaid. Literally stole every scene he was in. Completely unhinged in the best way, weird, over-the-top, just perfect. Loved every second of it.

Minor spoiler but: they definitely left the door open for a sequel and honestly? I’m in. Gimme more explosions, dumb jokes, and this weird little team. I’m ready.

BAYWATCH (2017) – REVIEW 🌊 Action/Comedy (kinda short review this time)

Okay, so I finally watched Baywatch (yes, the 2017 one with The Rock and Zac Efron), and honestly? It was way funnier than I expected. I went in with super low expectations, but it surprised me in a good way.

Sure, it was cliché, the plot was predictable, and some moments were totally over the top, but you know what? It was still really entertaining. I laughed more than I thought I would, and the cast had great chemistry. Everyone played their role well, and it didn’t take itself too seriously, which I appreciated.

Also, I just have to say: Alexandra Daddario, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Kelly Rohrbach, and Ilfenesh Hadera are gorgeous. Like wow. That alone made it worth watching.

It’s one of those films you think will be terrible, but once you actually watch it, you end up having a great time. Definitely not a cinematic masterpiece, but very solid for a chill, silly, feel-good evening.

THE MONKEY (2025) – REVIEW ⚠️ Possible Spoilers & Horror film – not for everyone, quite gory.

Okay, so I watched this mainly out of curiosity (and for Theo James, let’s be honest), even though the IMDb rating was pretty low… and honestly? It was kind of fun. It felt like a simplified and chaotic Final Destination, with bizarrely elaborate and random deaths popping off one after the other. Very silly, very over the top, and I sort of enjoyed that? But also yes, the Monkey is creepy.

Yes, the deaths were totally unrealistic and laughable, and no, I didn’t really understand the how or the why behind the monkey’s choices. I kept hoping for some deeper meaning or logic behind it all, but… nothing. Either I missed something, or they just didn’t bother explaining. It’s a shame, because in Final Destination, it kind of made sense. Here? The only logic seemed to be “if you turn the key, you don’t die.” I think there was a sort of family lineage thing going on, but then random people around them also died, so I don’t know. Honestly.

Also, why was everyone so calm?? People around them kept dying in gruesome ways, and Hal (Theo James) just… accepted it? Moved on?? Even his son barely reacted. He was more upset about not being told his dad had a twin brother than about all the people dying around them. (He was a bit of a brat, I must say, not a fan of his character.) That really bugged me, it pulled me out of the story a bit.

That said, if you're in the mood for a no-brain-needed horror flick that's more chaotic than actually scary, this works. I had fun with it. Just don’t expect logic or depth.

Apparently, the trailer got people hyped, which might be why so many felt let down by the film itself. I didn’t watch the trailer, and maybe that’s why I enjoyed it more than most. So my advice? Skip the trailer and go in with zero expectations.

🎬 28 Years Later (2025) – REVIEW

⚠️ SPOILER WARNING

I was hoping for more, honestly. I didn’t love 28 Days Later when I watched it recently, so I figured 28 Years Later would either change my mind or at least raise the stakes. But the trilogy format seems to be hurting more than helping. We get no real logic, no explanations, and nothing particularly satisfying.

As with 28 Days Later, I liked the visual style a lot, it’s visually striking while the plot is unoriginal and unserious, almost. The whole thing comes off as shallow, and the ending really proved that.

Also, it’s not that scary. The trailer had me hyped, especially that viral “boots boots boots” audio, but the tension never lasted. Every scare was over before it started. The first part was promising, but once the mother became central to the story, things just stalled. I really wanted more from her, we get that amazing scene in the church where she kills a zombie with her bare hands but then… nothing. As soon as she finds out about her illness, she’s just out. No real moment with her son, no thoughts about her husband back on the island, just gone. And worse, she could’ve told her son the truth herself or had someone on the island tell him but instead put everyone in danger just to let someone else do it?? Make it make sense.

Now, the zombie lore, I’m intrigued. The idea of new types (alpha, crawling, even pregnant??) is weird but cool. It feels like the infected are becoming more and more human again, which is confusing given the whole “pure rage, no thoughts” idea, but I’m curious to see where it goes. Hopefully, we’ll get real answers by the third one.

I’ll give credit where it’s due: the visuals and the soundtrack are amazing. Really beautiful stuff. It’s just too bad the plot doesn’t live up to it.

So yeah… a bit of a letdown. But then again, 28 Days Later wasn’t that great either. Maybe the full trilogy will make it worth it. We’ll see.

THE BRUTALIST (2024) – REVIEW ⚠️ Possible spoiler warning! ⚠️

This film was heavily talked about during awards season, so it felt like I had to see it. I should mention that I watched it in four parts; it’s very long, and I happened to start it during quite a tiring week. It’s not exactly the most high-energy or engaging film in terms of pace, so I spaced it out.

What to say… it wasn’t what I expected, but also, in a way, it was? It’s very much film-festival coded, artistic, big themes, with beautiful visuals and a genuinely striking soundtrack. The story begins in quite a dark and melancholic way. Every time a moment of hope or happiness found the main character, László Tóth (played by Adrien Brody), something bad followed. He could never catch a break.

But for me, the film went downhill after the first half. I lost interest in László as a character; he became difficult to watch, both in how he treated himself and the people around him. The story grew more confusing, his actions less coherent, and I struggled to stay emotionally invested.

Also, SPOILER: the fact that they never explained or showed what happened to Harrison was incredibly frustrating. I wish we’d at least had closure on that point. That said, I did find the epilogue interesting; it gave us a glimpse of László’s later success, which softened the sour turn the film had taken.

The acting, though, was excellent throughout.

So, is it a must-see? Honestly… I don’t think so. It does address important topics, war-time immigration, capitalism, addiction, and the role of art, but it often felt like key parts were missing or underdeveloped. I also heard they used something called “enhancement AI” in the film, and while I’m not sure how exactly, it’s a bit disappointing for a story so centred on the human spirit, art, and architecture.

Boston Strangler (2023) – Review (SPOILER WARNING ⚠️)**

This is exactly the kind of film I love. Thrilling, based on a real story, and packed with emotion. I don’t know what it is, but I always enjoy a film more when I know it’s based on true events, it just hits harder.

And this story? Insane. Yes, it happened in the 1960s-70s, but honestly? It still feels disturbingly plausible today. Women being targeted? Upsetting. Women being dismissed at work? Upsetting. Women being expected to put their careers on hold for their husbands? Also upsetting. All of it felt so real because it is.

What really made the film stand out was that we follow the woman journalist investigating the case. It’s not just about the crimes; it’s about her. Her persistence, her ability to see through the corruption, the cover-ups, the pressure to stop… and the fact that she didn’t give up. It was powerful. Aspirational. Inspiring. Everything.

Also, can we talk about Keira Knightley? She was so good in this. Her acting was spot on, subtle but strong, and she’s just stunning on screen. I don’t know if I somehow missed all the promo for this film, but I had never even heard of it before watching it, which is wild for such a recent release. It deserves way more attention.

Still, it’s heartbreaking to think this is all true, and that some people never faced consequences. But that’s why films like this matter. They remind us.

FILM REVIEW: FANTASTIC FOUR (2025) ⚠️ SPOILER WARNING (INCLUDING POST-CREDIT SCENES) ⚠️

Just came out of the cinema and honestly? Not bad at all. It was fun, visually gorgeous, and definitely entertaining. The aesthetics of this universe?? Stunning. Super stylised in a way that really worked, kind of dreamy, retro-futuristic and crisp. I was into it.

The tone overall was lighter than expected. Sure, there were a few dramatic moments here and there, but nothing too heavy. It had that fairytale energy, like everything felt just slightly too good to be true. Not a complaint exactly, but I did catch myself waiting for something to really hit.

That said, MAJOR SPOILER WARNING (but no details): the first post-credit scene? Now that’s the sprinkle of drama I needed. I actually gasped.

Also, can we talk about the Silver Surfer?? Absolute star of the show for me. So charismatic, powerful, and just plain badass. Definitely my favourite. Every time she was on screen, the visual effect was just so good and lowkey satisfying somehow. Obsessed.

That said, I did feel kinda sad for Johnny (this is my pov, maybe others didn't feel the same way). He was clearly getting sidelined most of the film, people talked over him, brushed him off... even though (spoilers!!!) he was the one who translated Silver Surfer’s language, he was the reason she turned on Galactus, and still... nothing. Sue, his sister, is the only one who eventually acknowledges him, and even that felt late. Made me lowkey ache for him. But maybe it's just me, idk.

Also, again, idk if it’s just me, but I kept looking at the babies they used?? It was hilarious seeing these big emotional speeches or tense scenes while there’s a baby on someone’s hip jiggling around or picking at their face. Totally unbothered. It added such an odd and funny contrast, I kinda loved it.

The humour overall was pretty good, got the room laughing a few times, and most of the jokes landed with at least a smile. I enjoyed the humour for sure.

And finally, I have to mention H.E.R.B.I.E., the little robot. So cute and funny, definitely coming in as a close second favourite. I loved the chaotic energy, how innocent and sweet he was, just adored him.

Overall? A solid Marvel entry. And coming from someone whose expectations have slowly deflated over time, this one felt like a promising little bounce back.

Film Thoughts: A Complete Unknown

Just watched A Complete Unknown with Timothée Chalamet and okay. I was super reluctant to see it because I don’t know anything about Bob Dylan, and I’m not exactly a fan of country music. But I do like biopics in general, and this one? Honestly really nice.

It’s not like Rocketman or Bohemian Rhapsody where you feel like you “get” the artist at the end. This one keeps him distant, mysterious, like he’s still an “unknown” even after the credits roll. Which, weirdly, I liked? It’s different and kind of refreshing, you’re watching more of a mood, a person you can’t quite reach but still want to follow. It kept me interested even when the music wasn’t really my thing (sorry, country music lovers).

Also Timothée?? Actually sings in it. And he’s good. It’s quiet and a bit sad, it fits the tone. And the whole '60s vibe, the atmosphere, the relationships, the kind of fragmented way it shows his life… it worked for me.

So yeah. Even if I didn’t expect much, I ended up enjoying it a lot more than I thought I would.

Novacain (2025) – Review (SPOILER WARNING ⚠️)**

Now that’s what I call a fun and entertaining action film. Novacain was giving “realistic Deadpool” energy and I loved every second of it.

Like I’ve said before, I’m not picky when it comes to films, and this one hit just right. It was genuinely funny, from the dialogue to the actual action, just a blast to watch. I’m not usually into gore, so yeah… had to look away a couple of times 😅 but it wasn’t constant enough to ruin anything.

The plot? Actually solid! Nice little plot twist, and the characters were surprisingly good too. And okay, the final blow? Using his own bone (if you’ve seen it, you know)… absolutely wild. It was the perfect mix of funny, brutal, and just the right amount of “ew” to make you wince and laugh at the same time.

Definitely something I’d rewatch in a few years when I’m in the mood for that kind of chaotic action energy. Just overall a great time if you’re into slightly insane action films that don’t take themselves too seriously.

Manhunter (1986) – Review (SPOILER WARNING ⚠️)

Watched Manhunter the other night… and yeah, not gonna lie, it didn’t really do it for me.

I don’t mind older films at all, but this one felt a bit rough, maybe because it’s clearly part of a larger story. I’ve been told it makes more sense if you watch Silence of the Lambs first, which I didn’t, so maybe that’s on me. But still, it just felt confusing most of the time, and I never fully got into it.

That being said, it is very 80s coded, the music was intense and kind of over-the-top, which made it weirdly fun. The dramatic zoom-ins with tense synths every time something “important” was happening? Iconic in the most goofy way. It definitely has that vintage crime thriller vibe going.

But overall… not the most exciting or gripping film. I wouldn’t say it was a waste of time, but I’d definitely say: lower your expectations and just let the 80s energy carry you through. Then you’ll be fine. 😅