4v291o
This review may contain spoilers.
Produced with funds from the Kishiwada City Teachers' Union, I guess my first question after experiencing Sea Cat is: what kind of kids were you teaching that compelled you to basically make Threads but with an anime cat?
I'm not necessarily a huge fan of doing plot summaries, but I think for my own sanity this is the best way to collect my thoughts.
Things That Happened in Sea Cat:
During the opening credit sequence we watch the names of people who worked on the production scroll past as in the background a mother cat nurses her kittens. Slowly but surely, each kitten is torn from the cat - lifted up in the air and separated as she watches in horror. The man taking the kittens places them on a piece of circular refuse, carries them to the river, and then pushes them away - forcing them down the river and abandoning them to their death as their mother watches.
A little girl sees the 3 kittens floating down the river and fruitlessly attempts to rescue them. She almost manages, but ultimately fails. She looks on as the kittens drift out to sea.
A storm at sea kills 2 of the kittens.
Dead Baby Animal Count: 2
The last surviving kitten is found by a dolphin. The dolphin goes to various different animals and asks if they know the kitten. Finally, a group of otters seems amenable to taking care of the kitten; a mother from the group recently lost her own child, so she has milk to spare to feed the kitten.
Dead Baby Animal Count: 3
The kitten slowly adapts to life in the sea; just as the kitten is finally finding its new place in the world it notices some strange objects: a ship and a nuclear submarine.
Animals witnessing the beginning of the nuclear apocalypse attempt to return in time to see their family. They fail. The world is slowly enveloped by the horrific fate humans chose. There is far more pink than I thought there would be.
The kitten is picked up by a UFO. It is saved from a gruesome death as it watches the earth's surface bubble and boil- ending all life on the planet.
Dead Baby Animal Count: Infinite?
The end credits show the kitten dancing with the little girl who attempted to save it at the beginning of the film. Of course, after the events of the movie the girl (along with everything else on earth) is now dead. Drawings and sketches of cats from various artists play in the background as the credits roll.
Look... I appreciate funding the arts. Independent cinema. Unique works and situations. All that jazz.
But if my teachers not only forced me to watch this, but also completely funded it with their own hard earned money I would immediately be asking my parents to transfer school districts.
]]>
Watched on Thursday June 5, 2025.
]]>
Watched on Wednesday June 4, 2025.
]]>
Watched on Tuesday June 3, 2025.
]]>
This review may contain spoilers.
A gorgeous examination of art, life, memory, and love - Millennium Actress is Satoshi Kon at possibly his most sentimental.
There are some stunningly dynamic animated sequences that are just as impressive in their brilliant transitions. The visuals combined with the thought provoking thematic work results in a piece that (like most of his films) makes me wish we got more from Satoshi Kon.
]]>
Watched on Sunday June 1, 2025.
]]>
Watched on Saturday May 31, 2025.
]]>
Watched on Friday May 30, 2025.
]]>
Watched on Friday May 30, 2025.
]]>
Watched on Friday May 30, 2025.
]]>
Watched on Thursday May 29, 2025.
]]>
Watched on Thursday May 29, 2025.
]]>
Watched on Wednesday May 28, 2025.
]]>
This review may contain spoilers.
The Black Vampire is a masterclass on recontextualization. New elements are constantly introduced to alter the audience's previous perception of various aspects of the film: the characters, their actions, lines of dialogue, objects in a scene - as well as using camera angles and cinematography to sway the course of the plot. It can be as simple as looking at something from a different perspective or introducing an object like a wheelchair to reframe a character, their motivations, and their relationships.
And for a remake of a film that most consider to be at least a classic, if not a masterpiece - being adept at reframing and recontextualizing seems like the best way to handle any controversies around modifying the work.
All of this is carried through with solid foundational aspects of film making - there are some absolutely gorgeous shots throughout the movie and some clever editing and sound design.
]]>
Watched on Monday May 26, 2025.
]]>
This review may contain spoilers.
Here are some quotes from the movie to help me express my feelings.
"It's like some cheap melodrama"
Yes. Yes it is.
"I'm in love with you, Shun."
"Umi..."
"Even if we're related, even if you're my brother... my feelings will never change."
"I feel the same about you."
I'm going to be honest - wasn't really in the mood for a possible-incest-romance story line. Even if I was, these lines of dialogue come from a scene with about 20 minutes remaining in a 90 minute movie. The rest of the movie treats the information of if they are or aren't siblings as a plot point to be resolved, but given their feelings... does it really matter?
They don't care. The results are still the same for both parties:
Siblings = Fuck
Not Siblings = Fuck
So treating it as a conflict when it isn't is weird. The conclusion of From Up on Poppy Hill has a fair amount of these types of moments.
The soundtrack was also overbearing, completely suffocating some scenes. When it wasn't doing that, the movie was using music as an emotional crutch. If you're going to make music that important then maybe just make a musical?
Barely finished this and don't plan on ever watching it again.
]]>
This review may contain spoilers.
One last ka-chow for the road
Kind of an odd one. Thinking about the film thematically and the overall messaging (finding and accepting a new place in life as one gets older, dealing with change, becoming a mentor and ing the torch to the next generation, etc.) it all seems to be a little bit... old? Mature? For a franchise about talking cars with eyes so big they'd make anime characters blush (shout out to Tex Avery's One Cab Family and Little Johnny Jet as well as Disney's Susie, the Little Blue Coupe for the inspiration).
The overall structure of the story makes sense to me, but has some weak points - especially the parts that feel like poorly done retreads of Cars. It also feels nitpicky to get into character arc and motivation stuff for a children's movie, but I found it difficult to believe someone that is both best friends with a dipshit like Mater and went through the plot of the first film would have issues "getting" Cruz. Plus both villains are unimpressive.
But I guess it is believable that Lightning McQueen might be too blinded by his current situation. And it sets-up a conclusion where some of the conflicts from those character moments and training scenes come back into play.
There is some good and bad here - probably fitting for the Cars films. And the reality is that a child who watched the first movie in 2006 is likely closer to being an adult who needs something different in 2017; so despite being kind of a sloppy conclusion, Cars 3 does an adequate job of finishing the franchise.
]]>
Watched on Saturday May 24, 2025.
]]>
Watched on Saturday May 24, 2025.
]]>
This review may contain spoilers.
It's probably a little inane and reductive to say "there's a lot here" about a documentary that is over 9 hours long (especially one as lauded as Tie Xi Qu), but it can definitely feel overwhelming finally finishing something of this scope. I really don't know where to begin - or end.
West of the Tracks is a monument to the misery and heartlessness of the transitory nature of existence. It's a document of a very specific time and place, yet universal in a lot of its themes. It's a showcase of a director and his ability to capture humanity in its most unrefined and honest form. It's gorgeous and grimy - at times the sounds of trains and machinery cacophonous and overbearing; however at other times it can be reserved and sincere - quiet moments between friends, co-workers, or family that the filmmakers were lucky to record.
But that sounds kind of depressing and maybe a little pretentious doesn't it? And I think for a lot of people engaging with that for over 9 hours would be an experience that might drive them to suicide.
The truth is, if Tie Xi Qu: West of the Tracks was like that, then I wouldn't have finished it.
There are scenes of men in break rooms and what comes with that: boasting of sexual prowess, drunken fights, stupid and funny stories, and a whole lot of naked dudes not caring about the camera.
And I learned some fun new insults during a particularly brutal verbal back-and-forth between two groups of children.
But yeah - it is long. And probably not the best introduction to Wang Bing for most people. Other films such as Bitter Money which is shorter but similar thematically or Three Sisters which is also more manageable in size and deals with a story people might find more engaging. Hell, even Youth (Spring) which is the first in a trilogy of films similar to Tie Xi Qu might be easier.
For me though - this thing was awesome. I really enjoyed it and I'm glad I chose it as my 3,000 film to watch for Letterboxd. Wang Bing's ability to capture a moment in time as it irrevocably changes before his very eyes is a cinematic gift.
]]>
This review may contain spoilers.
An early 90s retrospective of George Romero and his history with the city of Pittsburgh, this short documentary overflows with the usual endearment Rick Sebak holds both for the region and the people that made local history extraordinary.
While it features appearances by bigger names such as Stephen King and Mister Rogers, the interviews with his crew and collaborators highlight what made George Romero a truly spectacular individual.
]]>
Watched on Monday May 19, 2025.
]]>
This review may contain spoilers.
Fitting for the subject matter, there is some sleight of hand being pulled by this documentary. From the title one might think that this is an investigation divided in equal parts between the personal history of Ricky Jay as well as his primary inspirations.
However there isn’t much here beyond the historical coverage of his mentors; most of what the documentary engages with is tangential to those subjects rather than an intimate portrait of the man himself. There are some anecdotes from friends and collaborators, but if you’re expecting a great deal more than what has been covered in Ricky Jay’s books then you’ll most likely leave disappointed.
]]>
Watched on Sunday May 18, 2025.
]]>
This review may contain spoilers.
Chuck Billy and The Marvelous Guava Tree, based off the Brazilian comic strip "Chuck Billy 'n' Folks" (that is a spin-off of "Monica and Friends" which Adam Sandler did a crossover with to promote the 2015 film Pixels), is an environmentally-focused entry into the "Kids Rule!" genre of children's entertainment.
There's nothing notably innovative or groundbreaking here, but aspects of the film get their individual moments; some particularly clever writing, well-timed comedic editing, and a few gorgeous shots stand out - even if it feels like it never truly comes together and might overstay its welcome for the intended age demographic.
]]>
Watched on Sunday May 18, 2025.
]]>
Watched on Sunday May 18, 2025.
]]>
Watched on Saturday May 17, 2025.
]]>
Watched on Saturday May 17, 2025.
]]>
This review may contain spoilers.
In your moments of doom what will you claim as your own? Your vanity? Your despair?
Will you distract yourself with frivolities? With routine? With taxi rides, windows open as the sounds of the city tango with the chatter of the radio? Or maybe with a bed full of kittens?
Will you avoid bad omens? Treat superstitions as signs of things to come - seeing ill portents as interminable truths?
Will love give you strength? Or make you question your faltering beliefs?
Will you let the color of your world dim to black and white? Will you let the music that used to fill your soul instead destroy you piece by piece?
Your head explodes with innumerable questions. When all you want is one answer.
And when the answer finally comes.
Well…
]]>
Watched on Saturday May 17, 2025.
]]>
Watched on Friday May 16, 2025.
]]>
Watched on Friday May 16, 2025.
]]>
Watched on Friday May 16, 2025.
]]>
Watched on Friday May 16, 2025.
]]>
Watched on Friday May 16, 2025.
]]>
Watched on Friday May 16, 2025.
]]>
This review may contain spoilers.
Ah, yes - the 1970s. When men were idiots or assholes, women were bitches or whores, and you could win a best actor Oscar for doing nothing. At least according to Harry and Tonto.
d as a road movie, but takes too long to get on the road. Harry and Tonto plays out like a worse version of Make Way for Tomorrow or Tokyo Story. A lot of talk with not much to say.
Also the cat dies in the end and Harry barely gives a shit. Probably because the actor its that he never liked cats. Which you can tell from Art Carney's Oscar winning performance.
]]>
This review may contain spoilers.
The language of the contemporary action movie eludes me.
Bombast and chaos impersonates thoughtful choreography in the same manner the unearned melodrama permeates every dialogue driven scene. Filled with inane characters with motivations more befitting a poorly written video game than a feature length film.
During one of the later action scenes, when bodies were piling up in a manner similar to a horror movie, I had to it I started to feel a bit envious; if somebody burst into the room and shot me then at least I wouldn't be watching this movie anymore.
]]>
Watched on Thursday May 15, 2025.
]]>
Watched on Wednesday May 14, 2025.
]]>
Watched on Wednesday May 14, 2025.
]]>
Watched on Wednesday May 14, 2025.
]]>
Watched on Wednesday May 14, 2025.
]]>
Watched on Tuesday May 13, 2025.
]]>
Watched on Tuesday May 13, 2025.
]]>
Watched on Monday May 12, 2025.
]]>
Watched on Monday May 12, 2025.
]]>
Watched on Sunday May 11, 2025.
]]>
Watched on Sunday May 11, 2025.
]]>Favorite films that I watched for the first time in 2025.
- Cléo from 5 to 7
- Ikiru
- Tie Xi Qu: West of the Tracks
- Homework
- The Black Vampire
- The Night of the Hunter
- Anatomy of a Fall
- Witches
- Hello Life
- Touch of Evil
...plus 16 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.
]]>The list of films viewed and discussed for Film Club 2024
-100 Years Ago : Sherlock Jr.
-Anime Outside Ghibli : A Silent Voice
-Box-Office Bombs : Blade Runner 2049
-Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon : Tremors & Footloose
-Halloween Movies - Comedy : Young Frankenstein
-Sexy Snowmen and You : Hot Frosty
-Winter Holiday Movies : National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
-Year in Review 2024 : Hundreds of Beavers & Nosferatu (2024)
-Fuck Nazis : Brazil
-James Bond is Dead, Long Live James Bond : Goldfinger
-The 1950s and 1970s : Seven Samurai & The Sting
-Choose Your Own Adventure : From Up On Poppy Hill & Sweet Home Alabama & Love and Friendship & SKI & Cleo from 5 to 7
- Sherlock Jr.
- A Silent Voice: The Movie
- Blade Runner 2049
- Tremors
- Footloose
- Young Frankenstein
- Hot Frosty
- National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
- Hundreds of Beavers
- Nosferatu
...plus 9 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.
]]>List of films removed or possibly to be added in the future to the top 30 list. In no particular order.
- Tokyo Story
- Raiders of the Lost Ark
- Cléo from 5 to 7
- City of God
- M
- Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
- The Raid
- Stranger Than Fiction
- West Side Story
- It
...plus 18 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.
]]>- A Brighter Summer Day
- In the Mood for Love
- Paris Is Burning
- Whisper of the Heart
- Almost Famous
- Princess Mononoke
- Rashomon
- 12 Angry Men
- The ion of Joan of Arc
- Metropolis
...plus 20 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.
]]>- Nosferatu
- Alice in Wonderland
- Roman Holiday
- Rear Window
- Sabrina
- The Trouble with Harry
- 12 Angry Men
- Some Like It Hot
- North by Northwest
- La Jetée
...plus 238 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.
]]>The list of films viewed and discussed for Film Club 2022
-Modern Romance : Sleepless in Seattle & In The Mood for Love
-Reality, Lies, and the Truth : Rashomon
-FOOTBALL : Friday Night Lights
-Wonderful Family Films : The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit
-The Delightful Madness of Fan Theories : The Shining & Room 237
-Mean Girl Forever - Lindsay Lohan : Falling for Christmas
-Rick Sebak Is My Homeboy : Pennsylvania Diners and Other Roadside Restaurants
-Alternative American Animation: Don Bluth & Ralph Bakshi : The Secret of NIMH & Wizards
-Year in Review 2022 : Everything Everywhere All At Once
-Documentaries & You : Paris is Burning
-Musicals: Classic & Modern : Fiddler on the Roof & Labyrinth
-Tales from the Frozen Pond: Hockey Movies : Goon
- Sleepless in Seattle
- In the Mood for Love
- Rashomon
- Friday Night Lights
- The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit
- The Shining
- Room 237
- Falling for Christmas
- Pennsylvania Diners and Other Roadside Restaurants
- The Secret of NIMH
...plus 6 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.
]]>The list of films viewed and discussed for Film Club 2023.
-SPIN THE WHEEL : In the Name of the Father
-Contemporary Critics' New Found Classics : Portrait of a Lady on Fire
-Olivia Newton John is the Best : Xanadu
-Dogme 95 : The Celebration
-Halloween Movies - Family Edition : Corpse Bride
-Greatest Years in Film History: 2007 : Persepolis
-Far Off Places & Strange Stories : Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom
-Year in Review 2023 : Bottoms
-Modern Masters - Philip Seymour Hoffman : The Savages
-In Theaters Near You! : Dune: Part Two
-iring Meryl Streep : Death Becomes Her
-Choose Your Own Adventure : True Lies & Mission:Impossible & Road House (2024) Point Break & Road House (1989) & Asteroid City & You've Got a Friend
- In the Name of the Father
- Portrait of a Lady on Fire
- Xanadu
- The Celebration
- Corpse Bride
- Persepolis
- Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom
- Bottoms
- The Savages
- Dune: Part Two
...plus 8 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.
]]>Favorite films that I watched for the first time in 2024.
- Taste of Cherry
- Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters
- You've Got A Friend
- All About Lily Chou-Chou
- Hundreds of Beavers
- Black Girl
- Daaaaaalí!
- Bitter Money
- An Elephant Sitting Still
- Three Sisters
...plus 36 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.
]]>