I think it’s time to get back to what’s important and that’s the “movies”. I haven’t written about movies in a while and I feel like I should be more appreciative of them while I still can. I have a lot going on right now and I think it’s time to pay more attention to something that’s actually helped me out throughout the years. So here are some of my thoughts on the last 10 films I’ve seen. Try some of them if you have the time. Cheers!
1) Brawl in Cell Block 99 (2017)
Hugely disappointed in Brawl in Cell Block 99. Vince Vaughn was superb but everything else is lackluster. It’s slow-paced early on, building up tension towards a possibly explosive third act. But it never goes off and it ends with more of a whimper instead of a bang. The poorly-choreographed fight scenes and the intentionally-shoddy practical effects didn’t help either.
Another brilliant science fiction film from Alex Garland. It’s a film that demands to be understood at a deeper level for it to really shimmer (There’s an in-joke there). Had a great time watching videos to try to understand and break down the themes and concepts that the film tries ,and in my opinion, successfully tackles. Particularly fascinated with the concept of humanity’s inherent tendency to self-destruct. But in all likelihood, this is probably just me trying to justify the self-destructive behaviors that I’ve done and will most likely continue to do.
Another impressive film from Taylor Sheridan and this time he acts as both writer and director. It’s fascinating how he utilized storytelling in Wind River to depict this naturally cold and harsh wilderness that the film was set in as a sort of metaphorical hell for its characters. I can’t recall another crime thriller that gave so much emphasis on its characters’ feelings and emotions the way Wind River did. The usual Sheridan staples of excellent dialogue and suspenseful stand-offs were here too.
I’m not entirely sure if White God was just about man’s lack of empathy or if it’s a reflection of Hungary’s social structure but I mean it has doggos and puppers so I gave it a watch. It attempted to be sad and scary in parts but I wouldn’t say it succeeded in doing so. It did convince me that dogs can act. I have newfound respect for dog actors after watching this.
5) The Eternity Between Seconds (2018)
The Eternity Between Seconds is like the Filipino version of Kogonada’s Columbus. It’s a dialogue-heavy film but in a good way. I loved the insightful conversations, the subtle jabs at millenials & that message of taking the leap & embracing the unknown. Made me regret my decision of not exploring the Incheon Airport the last two times I was there. I don’t travel much but damn that airport is beautiful.
I found the The Beguiled unintentionally funny. Not in an embarrassing kind of way but in a really, really amusing kind of way. Although it did lack an explosive climax, something that I was expecting from a movie with such a copious amount of sexual tension. I would say the best part of this film is the acting. Kidman, Dunst, Fanning and Farrell all carried their weight around. Good but not great, I honestly expected more out of this. This just goes to show how incredibly hard it is to pull off a great erotic film.
7) The Cloverfield Paradox (2018)
As a stand-alone film, The Cloverfield Paradox might have worked but even then it just feels like a much worse Interstellar. The attempt to make it a tie-in to the Cloverfield cinematic universe is far too ambitious. Sure, story-wise perhaps it can fit. But this is a huge drop-off in quality after the first two films. Incredibly disappointing for someone who’s been a huge fan of the franchise.
The word “fun” is probably the best way to describe this movie. Lacked the balance between comedy and drama that the first film had. That “Take on Me” purgatory scene between Wade and Vanessa was brilliant though. Perfect example of how to use music to elevate a scene. First one is still better though.
9) Super Dark Times (2017)
Super good! A hybrid coming of age, suspense thriller that shows how trauma can affect friendship and how we grow up during the days of our youth. Brings out the nostalgia and the thrills in equal measure, this is one of those films that will always be mentioned as underrated and rightfully so. It isn’t talked about much but I think it’s an excellent film.
A Polish musical where two bloodthirsty mermaids are the leads? The Lure’s premise sure is interesting enough but musicals are not really my thing and the story just goes all over the place towards the last act. Great visuals and production design but the execution of its themes and ideas are half-baked.
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