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Like it a little less on rewatch as a few of the flaws within it started to show more but this is still such a fantastic entry into the franchise. One that is an absolute blast to see in any theater. The action set pieces, sound production and fight choreography are just as you would expect from a John Wick film. I would sacrifice my life for all that Chad Stahelski does for JW, what a legend. Same goes for Ana De Armas too — she’s such a badass in this and the vast amount of weapons she uses add to her aura. That flamethrower sequence in particular is one that i really adore. It’s batshit insane in all the right ways and i’ll be thinking about it and Eve for a good while.
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Such a treat to be able to watch one of the top comic book movies ever made on the big screen finally. The way that this is made is so captivating, moving between both past and the future is done unbelievably well. That and the narrative told here is so compelling. Themes of morality, good and evil and the choices that come with that are all prevalent throughout this comic book movie classic. The direction of Singer is particularly brilliant too — weaving between characters like Magneto, Wolverine and Charles Xavier to tell said story was amazing. That and the constant aura farming from Michael Fassbender as Magneto make for one hell of a movie that transcends just being a superhero flick.
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Despite having a strong bias towards this franchise and especially Keanu as John part of me had some doubts about this movie. Still i had this among my top 3 most anticipated releases of the year and oh boy. It did not disappoint me. Ana De Armas as Eve Macarro commands the screen with such a strong and captivating performance here. She completely brings to life the young ballerina turned assassin. I would love to see her cast in more of these type of roles, she definitely has the knack for it. Reminded me of her role in No Time to Die in some ways, just with a far more layered and vengeful character in Eve.
Len Wiseman’s direction here is also very solid, the added help of Stahelski as both producer and re-shoots benefited this greatly from a narrative perspective. The story of a young orphan similar to that of John but under different circumstances make for a simple but effective plot. One that also has all of the magic of previous John Wick installments — but also brings it’s own flair and style along with it. Speaking on Keanu here too, whether his cameo was added to the film for sales or not it felt natural and not at all forced for me. He adds a purpose. Also it’s just nice seeing one of my favourite ever characters again.
Probably a top 3 theater experience for me this year so far and one that i will revisit. Round two? Yeah.
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Probably the perfect film to follow up from the masterpiece that is Cinema Paradiso. Both are stories of cinema, family and relationships. The similarities between both is why i decided i was going to watch this now (and a rec from najma). Nonetheless, i really loved this and all it portrays throughout the 2.5 hour run time. The acting on display was brilliant, the visuals poignant and vibrant in showcasing the beauty of cinema. I also love how this film is directed. Brilliantly crafted on all fronts is all i can really say, definitely going to delve further into Spielberg’s filmography after this. His keen eye for details and insight into the characters he created here impressed me a lot. Overall, this was a fantastic piece of work and one that everyone here should be proud of. Especially Paul Dano, Michelle Williams and Gabriel Labelle. Shoutout David Lynch too i loved his cameo.
“Movies are dreams that you never forget.”
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Cinema Paradiso is a true love letter to the art of this medium in so many ways. It’s charm, novelty and consistent heart warming scenes moved me beyond words. The way it manages to encapsulate nostalgia and the memories that come with it gave me such a warm feeling throughout the entire run time. It almost serves as one long warm hug until we see that third act; which by the way was honestly soul crushing. To see a familiar and beautiful place that he grew up with now in ruin made me so emotional. The feelings of regret, sadness and grief that he felt i also felt along with him. Should he have stayed despite Alfredo telling him to leave and never look back? I’m not so sure but the great thing about this movie is that questions like that can be pondered for a while.
This film is also one hell of a masterpiece from a visual and cinematic aspect. The camera work on hand here for the time period it was made in floored me. It highlights such a beauty and grace about all of the reasons why we love cinema as a whole. The laughter, the tears and the amusement is why we all love visiting the movies to watch something to immerse ourselves in. Sometimes as an escape but sometimes to also relate to something that you may also be going through at that time or have gone through previously. In essence what i’m trying to say is that this movie is cinema at it’s very greatest. All of the things that i talked about above are just a few of the very many qualities that this film represent.
I’m just so grateful that i got the opportunity today to watch this on the big screen, but i’m also a little mad at myself for putting off watching this for so long. Though when i say that the fact that my first watch of this was in the movie theater as opposed to watching at home is very fitting and honestly worth the wait.
“Life isn’t like in the movies. Life is much harder.”
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Watched on Friday May 30, 2025.
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Watched on Sunday May 25, 2025.
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“I need you to trust me. One last time.”
If you go into this expecting to receive something on the same level or better than Fallout, disregard that possible notion right now. As i said previously, nothing and nothing will ever match or sur the greatness that we received when that masterpiece was created. The Final Reckoning when it’s at it’s best produces a heartfelt, emotionally charged story driven by our attachment to many of the characters we’ve been on a ride with throughout the entirety of this franchise. However, when it’s not at it’s best it weirdly tries to force in some humour and comedic relief that can sometimes ruin the moment it’s part of.
I also think that despite their best efforts at trying to make him seem like a threat Gabriel, who serves as the main villain alongside “The Entity” just isn’t a very good villain. He’s too bland. We don’t know enough about him or his character aside from the bsckstory that is supposedly a retcon? Either way he just doesn’t touch the best of villains in Mission Impossible and that once again hurts overall film. The stakes while they are there and ever present just don’t hit the same when you have an antagonist like him. It should speak volumes when an AI has more presence than Gabriel shows in not just this but both of his appearances.
Now that i’ve gotten the bad out the way, let’s talk about the good. There’s a good amount of it even if it can sometimes get lost in the middle of a somewhat messy story narratively. The set pieces here wow. They’re batshit insane and arguably rank up there among some of the franchises best and most impossible level stunts that i’ve seen Cruise attempt. The submarine sequence is also fantastic, full of suspense and tension that had my mouth left wide open for many minutes. The rescue scene with Hayley Atwell was brilliant too. Proper heart pounding stuff.
The plane sequence where Tom Cruise’s hair looks like a wig? Yeah that was also pretty fucking cool. The fact that he’s doing stunts of that level at his age? He’s an animal. Built different in so many ways and that’s why we love him. The greatest action star of our time. Final Reckoning provides more evidence to prove that very statement. Another statement that is also furthered is how fucking awesome the ing cast still are. Ving Rhames in particular has a few scenes in here that nearly brought me to tears. Such an emotionally driven performance that captures the heart and soul of the movie so beautifully. His friendship with Ethan here is so beautifully touching.
Simon Pegg, Pom Klementieff and Hayley Atwell are also brilliant standouts that i’d like to mention here too. Specifically Pegg who’s role as Benji is that much more vital and important in this one. At times he’s THE most important. As for the newer cast additions in Tramell and Hannah, they’re alright. Nothing too special as their roles in this are pretty limited.
Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning by the end just about manages to bring it all together pretty well to give Ethan Hunt and his team a satisfying and emotional send off that me and ALL of the people around me nearly cried at in that theater.
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“Our lives are the sum of our choices.”
I’m still living my life in deep regret at having never been able to watch one of these on the big screen. Witnessing a spectacle like this in imax would have been an ethereal experience. Still, i had a lot of fun with this one yet again and i feel the large amount of hate it gets is due to many people comparing it to it’s predecessor. That’s where everyone goes so terribly wrong in weighing up their thoughts about this. Fallout is a generational action movie, some can only dream of making a movie that action packed, heartfelt and emotionally draining. So to compare that with Dead Reckoning sets yourself up to go in hating this before you’ve even watched it. For me i’ll always sit on the side that believe, while flawed this still has a great amount of enjoyment within it. It also carries that same iconic MI: flair with it’s set pieces.
The train sequence alone damn near gets my heart racing and pumping to levels i never knew were possible. But then you add to that the jump that Tom Cruise makes in this? Yeah he’s actually a man. My favourite man actually. His stunts movie by movie are just batshit insane and crazy to the average man. But Ethan Hunt is no normal man. Nor is Cruise. That’s why it works so well. The absolute chaos, carnage and destruction that occurs throughout these are why they are so loved. The spy element, found family trope and action are just added bonuses that make the Mission Impossible franchise that much more memorable and iconic. I genuinely couldn’t ask for much more if i even wanted to. I just love what these movies have been able to showcase and accomplish throughout each one of them.
Having now come to the end of my rewatch of entirety of this franchise part of me is saddened that The Final Reckoning will mark the end of them. I’m not sure that i’m completely ready to say goodbye to the world and these characters. Either way, tomorrow is when i get to see The Final Reckoning and i couldn’t be more excited that i not only get to see it early but i get to finally watch and experience one of these blockbusters on the big screen in IMAX format.
Ilsa Faust come home the kids miss you…
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“A storm is coming. I am the storm.”
Mission Impossible: Fallout might very well be the greatest modern action film of all time. Hell i would even go so far as to say that it’s one of the greatest action films ever made. Granted, i haven’t actually seen every movie in this genre but that sentiment really speaks to how good of an action flick this truly is. I have a profound love & bias towards the John Wick franchise but there’s no denying that the world, lore and overall story of Mission Impossible is just far greater than the former. That’s not me downplaying my favourite franchise by any means — if anything it just shows how brilliant this world and everything in it is. The consistency and brilliance that Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarries are able to create everytime they work together is honestly so astounding and is deserving of the flowers and iration it has.
What also deserves flowers is the side characters of this franchise, it may very well be one of the best ever assembled in a franchise this large. No matter how long a character is present for within this franchise they all seem to serve an important & integral purpose to overarching story that is continued film after film. Ilsa Faust, Benji Dunn, Luther Stickel and Julia Meade are just a few among my favourites throughout these movies. Each of them no matter how little screen time they endure have such depth and characterisation to them. Only further adding to the scale and stakes that are included in every mission that they are involved in with Ethan. Even some of the recent additions (White Widow & Grace) are really good characters that add to the lore.
Now that i’ve rewatched this i can definitely say that this is the undisputed magnum opus of the Mission Impossible franchise in it’s entirety. I know that i’ve still got Dead Reckoning to rewatch before i take The Final Reckoning for a spin but from what i of the former it doesn’t come close to this one at all.
ETHAN HUNT YOU ARE THE GREATEST EVER.
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“Hunt is the living manifestation of destiny.”
Where do i even begin to start with this one then? Arguably the second best installment after Fallout which is far and away the best to me. On rewatch, this aged even better and may honestly be on the or around the same level as Fallout. I’ll have to see about that after i rewatch the latter. Either way, this is an absolutely fantastic action movie on all fronts. The pacing, action sequences and overall story to this one is incredible. Never once does it let up, and that’s what i truly love about this franchise. Each installment does it bigger and better than the last. A testament as to how consistently great these Mission Impossible movies become when not only McQuarrie is at the helm but when Ethan Hunt becomes an actual character with depth as opposed to previous films.
It’s also no coincidence that Rebecca Ferguson’s addition to the franchise brings along the best on screen chemistry between Ethan and any other love interest. I would even go as far as to say that she sures that very definition as future installments will be proof of that sentiment. Not just that but Ilsa Faust is one of the most badass, well written and gorgeous faces of this entire franchise. I would also chase down assasins, hold my breath under water and kill multiple men just to spend a second with her.
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“We all have our secrets. Don’t we, Ethan?”
Tom Cruise once again proves why he’s not only one of the best action stars of our generation but one of THE best actors ever. Ghost protocol is yet another example of this franchise becoming better with each one of it’s installments. Although there’s a distinct lack of Luther Stickel in this movie the increased involvement and screentime of Benji absolutely makes up for that. Jeremy Renner also gives a very fine performance as William Brandt and Paula Patton is absolutely stunning and badass as Jane Carter. One thing this movie does at a much higher level than it’s predecessor is the action. It’s grander, more daring and absurdly tense. The villain is also very solid here too — not quite nearly as impressive as PSH, but who is? Rogue Nation, we will soon meet once again.
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For me this will always be the film that ultimately kickstarts the entire mission impossible franchise. It has a ton of heart, good quality action and great characters. Philip Seymour Hoffman is also just an absolute powerhouse of a villain throughout all of this. His performance and character add so much to the stakes and vulnerability that we see Ethan go through for so much of this films run time. He’s the type of antagonist that really nails home the tension and suspense that these movies are known best for. I also love the way that Benji was introduced in this too. Subtle but very important to the plot, especially in that third act where Michelle Monaghan is one of the most beautiful badasses i’ve ever seen. It may not be the most grandiose, jaw-dropping installment of the mission impossible franchise but it gets the job done well and i’m glad it exists given what comes after.
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Quite remarkable the amount of slow-mo, erotic moments and explosions this has throughout the course of it’s run time. It’s never Zack Snyder bad with the slow-mo but it is pretty excessive to the point where you wish it wasn’t used. On rewatch, suffice it to say that this movie does not age any better but it was worthwhile to remind me how 2000’s this movie really was and still is now. Corny writing, lots of explosions as i mentioned early and an outlandish batshit insane third act are all straight out of that era’s playbook for action movies. But hey, atleast we got to see Ethan Hunt flirt with another beautiful women.
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Some will look at this movie as one of the mcu’s surprise packages and while it is surprising given their recent history i always knew they still had this in them. As one of the ride or die mcu fans, part of me will always hold a level of interest in whatever marvel decides to release. That might just be due to heavy nostalgia and capeshit attachment but i don’t care. It’s who i am and it’s who i’m always going to be no matter what. I’m not sorry. I’m also not sorry for the glaze that i’m going to give this movie whenever someone brings it up. They cooked here.
To make a film this good about villains, anti-heroes and bob was so refreshing to see — even more so after the bad taste brave new world left in my mouth. Not only does this exceed in every aspect that doesn’t but it brings fresh ideas to the table and some really good writing with it too (something marvel has lacked recently). It almost acts as a complete character study, but instead of one person it’s a whole team. Every character arc was good and serves the story.
Florence Pugh and Lewis Pullman were obviously the two most impressive performers but for me David Harbour also deserves his flowers in this. His comedic timing and humour just works so well here. Quite a refreshing statement to be said about current mcu humour i think. They even gave Bucky his aura back on that bike with the glasses (until Sentry ripped his arm off). All in all, this is a massive improvement for Marvel and a step in the right direction for sure.
That post credit scene got me so geeked too, i speak for everyone when i say we WILL be there for The Fantastic Four: First Steps on day ONE.
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This might be the most fun i’ve had watching a movie in theaters for some time now. Easily the most i’ve had while watching a recently released movie. Jon Bernthal providing hilarious comedic relief aswell as an electric brotherly dynamic with Ben Affleck was so entertaining. I was fully locked in for the entirety of the run time which was a bit longer than the original but fully utilised it to an even greater level. In every facet this sequel does most if not everything bigger and better than it’s predecessor. Quite a rare thing to see in action franchises these days bar the obvious exceptions. Overall, not only was this a fantastic action comedy it’s genuinely a great film that i wish more people would give a chance in theaters. The timing of this release and the overall popularity of the original probably don’t help it’s case but if you want a fun time at the movies go out and this please.
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“I’ve always wanted to be a gangster.”
Saw this was being re-released back in theaters and even booked my tickets a month in advance. That’s how excited i was to get to experience this mafia classic back on the big screen. To me this is easily up there among Scorsese’s best films and it wouldn’t come as a surprise if many have this as their #1. In my eyes this Casino and The Irishman are the absolute peak of the Mob/Mafia genre. It’s important to note that i am specifically only speaking about films because The Sopranos is without a doubt the best and most compelling piece of Mafia media ever made. Speaking of The Sopranos though, i couldn’t help but notice so many of the actors that were in that to also appear in this. It felt like an mcu movie the way so many of them made cameo appearances.
I could go on and on about how brilliant of a film this is but i’m sure that most if not all of it has already been said to show praise and appreciation for this masterpiece in filmmaking and storytelling. Scorsese flexes his director skills in every way imaginable and seeing it in all of it’s glory on the big screen enthralled me. I was fully locked into everything that was happening at any given time. The writing? Fuhgeddaboudit. The acting? Fuhgeddaboudit. The score? Fuhgeddaboudit. Even the cinematography here tells a story, whether it be the dark, grimey scenes of characters being whacked or the visual eye sores that were the burying scene or airport. It’s a true cinematic experience across the board and i’m so grateful for both it’s and Scorsese’s existence.
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“These guys are trained to be ghosts.”
Been a while since i watched this and all of the other mission impossible films so i thought best to give myself a refresher on each one of them before Final Reckoning arrives. This first installment builds up the world and lore as well as establishing Ethan as a character very very well. However, for me it’s a little dull, slow and dialogue heavy. While i can see that much of it is needed to build up and establish things it could have been done in a way that was a little more engaging to me. I don’t hate the film by any means but i’m sort of indifferent to it even after a rewatch — one in which i had hoped would increase my love for this movie but sadly i was wrong. It’s still a strong introduction of course, but for me it’s one that i was left wanting yo enjoy more than i actually did if that makes sense. Still, i’m very grateful that it was the start of this beautiful franchise that i’ve come to love.
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“Just for a few hours, we was free.”
What a treat this was to experience in an imax setting, which to me is the *only* way this should be viewed in for your first time watch. The score is booming, cinematography vibrant but never afraid to get dark when the moment calls for it to be. Not only that but the performances of this are all so impressive across the board — not one single bad performance in any of the ensemble. MIchael B. Jordan’s performance in this might just go down as my new favourite of his. He commands the screen so well as both Smoke and Stack respectively, offering a dynamic and charming performance as the two cousins. While he’s certainly the standout of Sinners, there are a number other people that offer tremendous value to this film with their performances that i would like to shoutout too.
Hailee Steinfeild, Jack O’Connell and Miles Caton are the three that not only match MBJ’s acting chops but in some of the scenes exceed his talent. Caton’s voice is absolutely breathtaking in this aswell every musical number with him singing was tremendous. Ryan Coogler did an excellent job in casting all of the above for this as every last one of them delivered. My praise for him doesn’t just lie in the casting of this either — his talent as a director is pretty apparent at this point not just in the quality of said projects but the variety, range and overall brilliance he shows in each one. Black Panther, Creed and now Sinners are all magnificent pieces of work and his prowess as a director will only grow as he spends more and more time behind the camera. I just hope we won’t have to wait long periods of time between each one of his projects as i thoroughly enjoy seeing him at work.
Before i end off this review though, i want to touch on the topics and ideas that are put across in here — themes of racism, supernatural beings and musical history and the important of it all play a vital role in the way this film and Coogler express itself. The action scenes when they come on screen are everything you want in a classic vampire flick too. Full of blood, gore and impact to the moment of the film they are used in. The musical sequences of this thing are otherworldly too — another massive reason to watch and experience this masterpiece in imax as those speakers really do enhance the score by quite a bit. Ludwig Goransson yet again proves why he’s one of the best in the business here too with another thrilling score that thumps and rocks throughout.
Overall, this film is without a doubt 2025’s best of the year and it’s gonna take something quite spectacular to sur. It came at the perfect moment too as part of me was growing increasingly tired of watching these “turn your brain off” fun movies that have been this years main theme thus far. Get out to the cinema and see this in IMAX format asap. You won’t regret getting lost in the sauce of Coogler at what some may consider to be the peak of his powers as a director.
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Blumhouse did not drop the ball with this did they?
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Watched on Wednesday April 16, 2025.
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I would also lose all composure for Anya Taylor-Joy
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2025: the year of crazy murderous unicorns 🦄🩸
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Had to go for round two for my pookie Shadow
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“You can still die. You’re not wolverine.”
Jack Quaid being the leading man of 2025 so far was never on my bingo card — but man does he play a goofy, comedic and sometimes arrogant loser so well. His role in Companion earlier this year is proof of that and while this tends to lean more into the unserious side to an action film it still works well enough to further that statement. A solid action comedy that provides you with a fun time at the movies and sometimes that’s all a man really wants, as well as Amber Midthunder who is as gorgeous as ever here.
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“I just heard you play and i wanted to..”
A story of two people both chasing their life long dreams who just so happen to meet each other at the right and then the wrong time in one anothers lives. Just as one thing seems to be going right for one of them it turns out to be going ever so wrong for the other. As cliche as this sounds the phrase “Right person wrong time” has never been more appropriate to use when speaking about La La Land. The way this is directed expertly by Chazelle coupled with the effortless spark between both Gosling and Stone provides us with what is an undisputed masterpiece. Certainly the best in it’s genre and it’s highly unlikely that this will ever be topped by something with the same authenticity and charm that this produces. I’m so so grateful to have been able to experience this beautiful film on the big screen as it was always intended. In another life, Mia and Seb are raising a family and living their dreams out together.
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Gut-wrenching from start to finish delivering some of the strongest acting performances i’ve seen in a while. It’s honestly a big shame that Netflix tend to waste so much time and money on slop instead of consistently producing great stuff like this. Ashley Walters, Stephan Graham, Owen Cooper and Erin Doherty are among the main standouts but i’d be lying if i said the entire main cast didn’t impress me. Same goes with the cinematographers involved with this, they did their thing and the fact that most of this was shot in just one take is astounding. That drone shot in particular for me was done so well and i’d love for Netflix to take note of how much of a success this was and make even more content in this style — though i’m definitely not blind in knowing that they probably won’t. Either way this was really captivating to watch and definitely worth giving a shot.
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The type of movie where the moment you think one thing it completely turns everything on it’s head to make you think the complete opposite. Which for me just speaks to the very magic and genius that you can only get from watching stuff directed by David Lynch. The way he puts across his ideas and connects with everything he creates is so artistic and unique. Such a shame he ed so early as i truly would have loved to get inside that brilliant mind of his to peel back some of his thoughts that compelled him to create such incredible & innovative pieces of work like this.
I will for sure be rewatching this once maybe even a few times in future just to understand and appreciate how brilliant of a film this actually is. There are so many questions that were left unanswered just from this first watch and i firmly believe that as i rewatch further my appreciation for the greatness of Lynch and Mulholland Drive will grow just as he intended.
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Samara Weaving was made for horror movies
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Watched on Thursday March 20, 2025.
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Amber Midthunder is so mesmerising in this
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Watched on Friday March 14, 2025.
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Given that this franchise is my all time favourite action franchise it’s long overdue for me to finally get to see the ones i haven’t in theater (1-3). Now that i’ve finally had the opportunity to watch this first installment one thing that remains is my love for this film. It perfectly sets up the forthcoming sequels and establishes John as a character so well. Keanu, despite having very little dialogue gives a strong and fitting performance to welcome “The Baba Yaga” to our screens. It more than holds up as a great action flick and i’m hopeful that i will in future have the chance to catch both 2 and 3 in theaters should/when they re-release those. (btw the club scene in this fucks even harder seeing it on the big screen)
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Despite not being a big fan of Longlegs i went to this with an open mind and gave Osgood Perkins another chance. After finishing it, i’m still not too sure if i lean more towards liking him as a director or disliking him. I feel like he has potential but at the same time he’s also one of those filmmakers that feel sort of niche in the way that his movies speak to a certain audience. And for me, that’s both a criticism and point of praise for him as it means he’s divisive and not just some flat director with no feeling. Which to me is always better than watching a director who gives you absolutely nothing to think about or contemplate afterwards.
In of this film, The Monkey serves it’s purpose well and the concept behind it is one of originality and uniqueness — though the full execution of it could have been better. To that point i think the main pros of this film lie in both the lead performance and the kills. Some of the things that happen in this made my skin crawl — the kills in here are crafted perfectly and all of them feel unique to the scene they’re in. All i would say about why i’m still a little in the middle on Oz and this film in general is about how this would hold up on a rewatch. I feel once the shock value is removed, the subject matter of what happens isn’t actually as compelling as it could have been.
Still, Theo James shines in this thing both as a nerd and a psycho so if there is one reason you’re looking for to give this a shot then that is one of them. (along with the gore and blood thirsty monkey)
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I don’t think it’s an exaggeration at all to claim that Robert Pattinson is one of THE next great actors of our generation. His versatility, comedic timing and character work greatly raises the overall quality of this film. That’s no sleight on Bong Joon-Ho either as he delivers a very well crafted satirical comedy dystopia here. His ability is unquestionable at this point in his career but he still manages to give us something fresh, exciting and vibrant with Mickey 17. I was undecided on whether to see this in standard or imax for my first viewing but after watching i can’t help feeling like i may have made the wrong decision. The sound and production quality of this thing was astounding — hearing some of that stuff in imax may have enhanced the viewing experience by quite a bit.
Still, all in all i had a blast with this and though some of the humour doesn’t hit and it’s a bit wacky at times i would definitely recommend this to anyone and everyone. Just don’t go into it expecting Parasite levels of filmmaking or you’ll be setting yourself up for disappointment and doing this film a disservice.
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Watched on Thursday March 6, 2025.
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The camera quality, visuals and sound in this film reminds me of the many blackberry phones i had during my childhood, though i think any of those still had better quality than this provided. To me, visuals and how a movie looks are not always the most important thing but at times in this it’s hard to make out what’s happening. Honestly though i think this was almost definitely done on purpose and not just due to the low budget they had here. I can’t say that i loved that choice but it definitely works — especially during that ending scene which almost represents the renewed hope for Jim, Hannah and Selena. Cillian in particular shines throughout as expected but it’s still an impressive performance so early on in his career.
(p.s don’t watch this movie at night i nearly had a heart attack from the amount of jump scares in here)
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It’s a shame that even after all of the reshoots and time put into making this movie this is the absolute best they could come up with for Anthony Mackie’s first outing as Cap on the big screen. He deserved so much better than whatever this had attempted to be. With that said, i’m still dumbfounded as to what it is they thought they achieved by making this the way they did. The plot is dull, lacks originality and doesn’t pull you in emotionally as much as it should. And for a film that marks the debut and full establishment of the new Captain America leading up to the Avenger’s films it misses the mark by a wide margin.
I’m not even hating to hate either, i love the mcu and marvel in general but this is slop. Other than the chemistry between Mackie, Ramirez and Lumbly i found myself largely uninterested in whatever was happening. As for Ford, while he is good here i don’t think his performance as President Ross is anything to write home about. Same for Giancarlo as Sidewinder, who merely serves as a generic side villain mercenary when he could have been so much more. Total waste of his talent and time. Don’t get me started on that Red Hulk fight either, so utterly disappointing bar a few cool looking and well-shot action sequences.
Overall, while i don’t think this film is anything to rush to the theatres for i do still hope this makes enough of a profit for marvel to give Mackie another solo film with actual good material further down the line.
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Watched on Friday February 14, 2025.
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“I’m done saving you.”
The story and exploration of the planet cybertron has been long overdue for this franchise and now that i have actually given this a watch i can finally speak to the brilliance of this and how overlooked it was at the box office. It deserved better even if i myself was one of those people that wasn’t so interested in watching this at the cinema and now that i have i regret not doing so. Even though that is largely due to the poor marketing for this thing — i should have atleast given it a chance even if my interest wasn’t so high for it.
Now that i have done so, it’s so very clear to see that this is a love letter to the transformers community and everyone that loves the franchise definitely has a deep love for this movie. And for me, honestly i’m kind of in the same boat even if i haven’t watched all of the films in this franchise. Everything here is genuinely just so perfect, from the acting ensemble to the narrative and story this thing just hits every possible note in the right way. The animation in this thing is so unique too, really sets itself apart from so many other art styles and forms in animation.
All in all, i enjoyed this and i’d definitely recommend it to anyone who hasn’t checked it out yet as it deserves it’s flowers after a sombre and disappointing run at the box office this past year. Here’s to hoping that performance doesn’t mean we won’t get a possible trilogy to this thing further exploring the story and journey of the Primes and Decepticons alike.
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Final scene had my stomach in fucking knots
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I love movies starring cgi monkeys more than life
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The sound of people eating can be so traumatic
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“What is real? How do you define real?”
Far and away one of the very best films to come out of cinema and absolutely warrants it’s genre defining reputation. There’s just no other way to describe a movie that not only provides many of the greatest action sequences put to screen but also boasts such a powerful, unique and thought provoking narrative. What also floors me about this is how well this still holds up visually? For a film made in ‘99 this still stacks up pretty good against all of these modern day blockbusters and even puts many of them to shame.
For the people who got the sheer pleasure and joy in watching this opening weekend i envy you with every fibre of my being. This re-release gave me some of that experience but part of me will always know that it could have been even greater if i was just born a decade earlier. Imagine seeing this for the first time opening night and every scene you get to witness the aura, sauce and awesomeness of Morpheus, Trinity and Neo for over two hours. I’m not ashamed at all to say my seat would be leaking after experiencing greatness like this, especially in a packed theater.
Lilly and Lana Wachowski, take a fucking bow for you both will always be ed in the history books for the greatness you were able to create and put onto the big screen for every sci-fi/action fan alike.
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“You know, you’re kind of an asshole Bob.”
Takes it’s time to get into the groove of things as most biopics usually do but once it does it fucking rocks. The sound design on this btw, wow. It has to be experienced in the theaters no questions asked, to hear it for the first time at home on streaming or otherwise would be a complete disservice to the work done here. Massive props to both the sound team behind that and the production crew because both of those aspects raise this film’s quality by a whole lot. I won’t speak to the authenticity of this because this was my first look into the life and music of Bob Dylan but what i saw i ended up liking for the most part.
That couldn’t be more true than when you speak of the performances of this thing. My word the casting here is ever so special and the performances speak to that very essence. Timothee Chalamet absolutely transforms himself into Bob Dylan here and the oscar buzz around this performance while warranted don’t hold a candle to his mammoth performance in Dune 2. One thing i do wanna touch on though is his mannerisms as Bob, i really wasn’t expecting him to be so nonchalant and cocky but he does it so well.
Every member of the ing cast also do their part but the two main standouts have to be Elle Fanning and Monica Barbaro. Both are the two main female characters in Bob’s life and although i wish they had been developed a little more i was still thoroughly impressed. Most especially with the latter, i don’t know much about her character but she was definitely a vital part in all that Bob does — being of the musical sense or with their relationship together.
The flaws with this though, mostly come from a slow paced film which kinda takes you out of the film as the plot sometimes just moves too slow and the length of this starts to weigh on you a bit. I am guilty of checking my phone a couple times throughout the run time due to this. The direction by Mangold here too also kinda leaves you wanting more? Especially when it pertains to Bob as a person. Timothee does the heavy lifting but i would have liked to know more and feel some sort of personalisation with him.
In summary, whether you love or hate Bob Dylan this is definitely worth seeing at the cinema. It’s a movie tailor made for that experience and if you can, maybe even take this for a spin in imax. (i wish i had)
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“Let me keep this memory. Just this one.”
At a loss for words with this one but i’m gonna do my best to try and describe how much this means to me the best i can without sounding like i’m just rambling. I want to start off by thanking whomever is responsible for this masterpiece releasing back into theaters. Watching this on the big screen for the first time was such an ethereal experience and one that i’m likely never going to forget. It may sound cliche but i genuinely mean it when i say my life has been changed after this. Whether or not that statement is for the better or worse remains to be seen. (it broke me into little pieces and i will never recover.)
Michel Gondry’s vision here is remarkable but the acting and performances from both Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet to execute said vision is truly remarkable. My hat is firmly lifted off the ground in praising both actors throughout this as the way they weave their way through the story is so compelling. There’s a massive sense of relatability in both of the characters but for me it’s Joel who is the more relatable of the two. Not just because i’m a man in the sense that i share so many personality traits of his. The social awkwardness, loneliness, shy but also kinda chill energy are all major characteristics to myself. If there was ever a “literally me” character Joel may be the closest representation that i’ll ever see.
That’s not me saying that Clem isn’t also a very very relatable person because she is — probably even more so compared to Joel. But to me it’s that raw, authentic and genuine traits to both of these characters that make them feel so real and special. Sure they’re simple and somewhat boring representations (Joel) but they speak volumes with both their dialogue andstory. Speaking of story, i can’t help but acknowledge just how brilliant the screenplay to this is. It’s beautifully written in every conceivable way and i haven’t felt such a deep connection to two people’s lives and since watching the before trilogy. To me this is probably a better film than any of those 3 and one that i hold closer.
“What do we do now?
“Enjoy it”
A simple but effective reminder that every moment we spend with one another only lasts for a really short period of time so we should cherish every last one of with the people we love while we have them.
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Perhaps the biggest surprise package from this last years releases as i honestly didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as i did in the end. It’s messy, chaotic and stress inducing structure paired with the electric performances by the whole cast make for an absolute blast. The pacing while fast always manages to keep you fully engaged and informed on almost everything that’s happening given the speed it’s occuring at. If i had to sum this up in a few words i’d refer to it as the cinema equivalent of cocaine for almost 2 hours. Also i can’t help but mention how mesmerising Rachel Sennott was here despite having not so much screentime. With that being said hey lol…
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I’m absolutely baffled at how a movie made with such a little budget ($20 million) manages to look this stunning visually. Every frame of this felt like i was constantly looking at a picasso painting that’s how damn gorgeous this was on the eye. It’s not a sleight at all to say this is very much deserving of it’s best picture nomination by any means. Ralph Fiennes steals the show here of course, but honestly i was thoroughly impressed by every member of the ing cast here too. This is honestly a brilliant picture on all fronts and though this genre of cinema isn’t my favourite i do have strong iration and a heavy appreciation for all that this represents.
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Struggled to find many redeemable qualities from this besides the cinematography and score hence the low rating. As a concept this could have been executed so much better but all it really amounts to is a wattpad esque fanfic all bundled together by countless scenes that don’t seem to connect. The acting is even worse here too which took me by surprise considering Nicole Kidman tends to be seen as a great actress, but i found zero connection to her character nor did her performance wow me at all. Same with Harris Dickinson who doesn’t every really offer much to the film other than cool dancing scenes and abs. Overall, this lands itself in the worst releases of 2024 and i’m not even exaggerating when i say it’s one of the worst movies that i’ve laid my eyes on. Waste of time.
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“Like justice, it existed in theory.”
Utterly thought provoking and emotionally draining comes Nickel Boys directed by Ramell Ross. For a movie that i went in pretty much blind to i left the cinema feeling awe stricken, compelled and almost brought to tears. The first pov directing on hand here was such a perfect choice by Ross and the way he executes it throughout the run time is masterful. Constantly made to deal with the feeling that you’re inside the characters shoes at any and every point of this story and it’s so devastatingly beautiful.
In particular for me when you’re looking through both Elwood and Turner’s pov you can grasp such a differing sense of outlooks that in a way is what binds both of them together at Nickel Academy. Which by the way, i never even heard of before watching this so for that reason this film alone already holds so much weight to it. Not only by shining such an expressive and harrowing light on what went on during this time in history but doing so in such a grounded way.
Overall, this was beautiful and i can’t thank Najma enough for recommending this to me as i really have missed that feeling of being completely immersed and connected into a films narrative. A masterclass in filmmaking and the acting performances are just as impressive as the former here. Please go out and this if it holds a theatrical release near you, it’s well worth the trip to see this on the big screen.
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]]>subjective ranking (will update as i see more)
- Sinners
- Ballerina
- Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
- Thunderbolts*
- The ant²
- Mickey 17
- Companion
- Drop
- Novocaine
- One of Them Days
...plus 9 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.
]]>this list will self destruct in 5 seconds.
]]>list of every movie i’ve yet to watch but eventually will.
]]>subjective ranking of every release i watched.
- Dune: Part Two
- The Substance
- Anora
- Nosferatu
- Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
- Nickel Boys
- Challengers
- Deadpool & Wolverine
- Sonic the Hedgehog 3
- Transformers One
...plus 34 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.
]]>subjective ranking of all mcu films
- Avengers: Infinity War
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
- Guardians of the Galaxy
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier
- Avengers: Endgame
- Captain America: Civil War
- Spider-Man: No Way Home
- Thor: Ragnarok
- Thunderbolts*
- Deadpool & Wolverine
...plus 25 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.
]]>list compiling of my all time favourites. (unranked)
- Interstellar
- Training Day
- John Wick: Chapter 4
- The Batman
- The Dark Knight
- Mission: Impossible – Fallout
- Mad Max: Fury Road
- The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
- Terminator 2: Judgment Day
...plus 54 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.
]]>- Fight Club
- Gone Girl
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
- The Social Network
- Se7en
- The Killer
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
- Panic Room
- The Game
- Zodiac
...plus 1 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.
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