Sven’s watched in 2022
Everything I’ve watched in 2022
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- DirectorDenis VilleneuveStarsTimothée ChalametRebecca FergusonZendayaA noble family becomes embroiled in a war for control over the galaxy's most valuable asset while its heir becomes troubled by visions of a dark future.Jan 1
Beautiful looking film, decent performances and effects. The way the story is stretched out to make half the story take up 2.5 hours makes it feel like it’s never going to end. Could have been far better at 90 mins. 7/10 - DirectorEverardo GoutStarsAna de la RegueraTenoch HuertaJosh LucasAll the rules are broken as a sect of lawless marauders decides that the annual Purge does not stop at daybreak and instead should never end.Jan 2
This sequel is basically trying to eliminate the story of the other films. The 2nd and 3rd films seemed to respect the premise best. This one hardly feels like horror at all. 5/10 - DirectorTrey ParkerStarsTrey ParkerDian BacharStephen BlackpoolThe sole survivor of an ill-fated mining expedition tells how his taste for gold was replaced by that of human flesh.Jan 2
Bad acting, awkward dialogue and zero budget effects are all over this production. Somehow the songs are catchy and the humour is there no matter how silly. 8/10 - DirectorRodo SayaguesStarsStephen LangMadelyn GraceBrendan Sexton IIIThe sequel is set in the years following the initial deadly home invasion, where Norman Nordstrom lives in quiet solace until his past sins catch up to him.Jan 2
Everything that was great about the first film was lost in this one. The attempt for the over the top sick detail to match the first was lame. The intensity of trying to hide or get away from the blind creepy guy was non existent this time. 6/10 - DirectorJon WattsStarsTom HollandZendayaBenedict CumberbatchWith Spider-Man's identity now revealed, Peter asks Doctor Strange for help. When a spell goes wrong, dangerous foes from other worlds start to appear, forcing Peter to discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man.Jan 3
A great addition to the marvel storyline. Progresses the Spider-Man story nicely including some surprising use of old characters. It would have been nice to have some spider verse tie ins especially since it has some clear similarities to that story. Only negative is that it drags for a bit in the middle. A wonderful 4dx experience though. 7/10 - DirectorSarah SmithJean-Philippe VineOctavio E. RodriguezStarsJack Dylan GrazerZach GalifianakisEd HelmsThe story of Barney, an awkward middle-schooler and Ron, his new walking, talking, digitally-connected device. Ron's malfunctions set against the backdrop of the social media age launch them on a journey to learn about true friendship.Jan 4
A surprisingly fun a charming film. Especially for something that seemed to just come out of nowhere. A bit of a baymax feel without all the extra characters. 7/10 - DirectorBarry JenkinsStarsMahershala AliNaomie HarrisTrevante RhodesA young African-American man grapples with his identity and sexuality while experiencing the everyday struggles of childhood, adolescence, and burgeoning adulthood.Jan 7
Highly emotional story. The 3 part style is nice though the 3rd part is lacking in many ways. The ending is especially lackluster though more pleasant than the way you’d expect the ending to go. 9/10 - DirectorCary Joji FukunagaStarsDaniel CraigAna de ArmasRami MalekJames Bond has left active service. His peace is short-lived when Felix Leiter, an old friend from the CIA, turns up asking for help, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.Jan 7
The usual high speed action you’d expect from a Bond film. Missing many of the other aspects most bond films are known for. The story felt more bloated than it needed to be as between action scenes the pacing slowed down way too much. 7/10 - DirectorJames BobinStarsAmy AdamsJason SegelChris CooperA Muppet fanatic with some help from his 2 human compatriots must regroup the Muppet gang to stop an avaricious oil mogul from taking down one of their precious life-longing treasures.Jan 8
Love this every time. Some great songs, including one of my fav songs of any musical. Lots of cameos and laugh out loud moments. Some outdated muppets humour but mostly fresh. 8/10 - DirectorMattson TomlinStarsChloë Grace MoretzAlgee SmithRaúl CastilloIn a post-apocalyptic world rocked by a violent android uprising, a young pregnant woman and her boyfriend desperately search for safety.Jan 9
Not sure why this has such poor ratings on IMDb. The premise is a good one and the focus of a pregnant woman may not be unique but adds enough drama to keep the interest. Moretz is always great and this is no exception. 7/10 - DirectorAnders Thomas JensenStarsMads MikkelsenNikolaj Lie KaasAndrea Heick GadebergMarkus goes home to his teenage daughter, Mathilde, when his wife dies in a train crash. All appears to be a tragic accident until a mathematics geek, who was also a fellow passenger on the train, and his two colleagues show up.Jan 9
Danish revenge thriller with Mads Mikkelson. The odd mix of characters sets it apart from the usual revenge thriller. In addition some surprising moments cements the film as something special. An American remake thats a bit tighter could do quite well. 7/10 - DirectorJames BobinStarsRicky GervaisTy BurrellTina FeyWhile on a grand world tour, The Muppets find themselves wrapped into an European jewel-heist caper headed by a Kermit the Frog look-alike and his dastardly sidekick.Jan 12
Even more filled with cameos than the previous muppet movie. None of the songs are as catchy and memorable as those in the other film. 8/10 - DirectorJ.J. AbramsStarsElle FanningAJ MichalkaKyle ChandlerDuring the summer of 1979, a group of friends witness a train crash and investigate subsequent unexplained events in their small town.Jan 15
Stylistically strong film that feels like a classic Spielberg film. The humour, the mystery and the action all perfectly blend together. JJ Abrams did a great job but went a bit crazy with the lens flare. 8/10 - DirectorDerek DrymonJennifer KluskaStarsAndy SambergSelena GomezKathryn HahnAfter one experiment, Johnny turns into a monster and everyone else becomes human. Now it has to be seen whether they will be able to reverse this experiment.Jan 14
Not sure why this got to be a franchise. None of them were great. At least this wasn’t as bad as the 3rd one though. The story of humans being changed to monsters and vice verse at least allowed for a few fresh jokes. 5/10 - DirectorChloé ZhaoStarsGemma ChanRichard MaddenAngelina JolieThe saga of the Eternals, a race of immortal beings who lived on Earth and shaped its history and civilizations.Jan 15
Feels nothing like any other Marvel movie. It seems like Marvel is looking to change things up with some of the recent films between this one and Shang-Chi. While Shang-Chi was different in a good way this was different in a very bad way. Each of the eternals was a poor casting choice. The complete lack of humour was bad enough, but the length of the film with so little happening cements this as one of the worst Marvel movies yet. 4/10 - DirectorEthan CoenJoel CoenStarsTommy Lee JonesJavier BardemJosh BrolinViolence and mayhem ensue after a hunter stumbles upon the aftermath of a drug deal gone wrong and over two million dollars in cash near the Rio Grande.Jan 16
The moderate pacing is not at all a problem thanks to the masterful directing and the impactful dialogue. Even some bits of humour mixed in as per the typical Coen brothers style. 8/10 - DirectorDavid O. RussellStarsBradley CooperJennifer LawrenceRobert De NiroAfter a stint in a mental institution, former teacher Pat Solitano moves back in with his parents and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife. Things get more challenging when Pat meets Tiffany, a mysterious girl with problems of her own.Jan 16
Perfect performances from both Lawrence and Cooper. Fun and very unique love story. Loads of funny moments. Such well developed characters that even all the side characters left an impression. 9/10 - DirectorDavid O. RussellStarsChristian BaleAmy AdamsBradley CooperA con man, Irving Rosenfeld, along with his seductive partner Sydney Prosser, is forced to work for a wild F.B.I. Agent, Richie DiMaso, who pushes them into a world of Jersey powerbrokers and the Mafia.Jan 16
David O’Russell tends to have decent style but really upped his game with this one. It feels like a PTA film with all the camera movement. Can’t wait to see what his next film is like. 9/10 - DirectorJoachim TrierStarsRenate ReinsveAnders Danielsen LieHerbert NordrumThe chronicles of four years in the life of Julie, a young woman who navigates the troubled waters of her love life and struggles to find her career path, leading her to take a realistic look at who she really is.Jan 16
Not the most unique story or style, but it was well put together. The lead actress carried the film in a way that made her a sympathetic character despite some of the not so great actions. Some particularly odd moments especially in the drug scene. 7/10 - DirectorSam RaimiStarsTobey MaguireKirsten DunstWillem DafoeAfter being bitten by a genetically-modified spider, a shy teenager gains spider-like abilities that he uses to fight injustice as a masked superhero and face a vengeful enemy.Jan 16
The effects and overall quality don’t hold up to the newest marvel films. There is a very likable quality to these practical effects though. 7/10 - DirectorJonas Poher RasmussenStarsDaniel KarimyarFardin MijdzadehMilad EskandariFLEE tells the extraordinary true story of a man, Amin, on the verge of marriage which compels him to reveal his hidden past for the first time.Jan 16
I feel like I’ve seen several docs about people fleeing wars and the story of this one didn’t feel different enough. The style was certainly different. The choice to animate nearly everything makes it being a doc questionable at best. The occasional raw footage is the only thing that tips it to being a doc. Otherwise it’s just an animated film of a true story. 5/10 - DirectorPaul Michael GlaserStarsD.B. SweeneyMoira KellyRoy DotriceA temperamental figure skater and an arrogant former hockey player attempt to win the Olympic Gold Medal as a figure skating pairs team.Jan 17
I’ve seen this film dozens of times back when I was a teen. An old favourite. Plenty of cheesy moments throughout that don’t really stand up to the test of time. Still an ok sports movie with a fun love story. Add all the nostalgia to that and it’s still lots of fun. 8/10 - DirectorMike MillsStarsJoaquin PhoenixGaby HoffmannWoody NormanWhen his sister asks him to look after her son, a radio journalist embarks on a cross-country trip with his energetic nephew to show him life away from Los Angeles.Jan 18
Charming film about an uncle caring for his young nephew. Plenty of emotional moments between them. Happy, sad, humorous and about everything else. The barebones style and black and white filming elevated the emotion even further. 8/10 - DirectorFran KranzStarsJason IsaacsMartha PlimptonAnn DowdThe parents of both the shooter and one of the victims of a school shooting tragedy agree to meet and talk in an attempt to move forward.Jan 19
The strong performances in this film elevate it above what it might have been. The subject matter is clearly emotional no matter how it’s presented. Keeping the cast small and the location to mostly a single room helps to build the emotions and escalate them as it progresses. 9/10 - DirectorReinaldo Marcus GreenStarsWill SmithAunjanue Ellis-TaylorJon BernthalA look at how tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams became who they are after the coaching from their father Richard.Jan 20
A by the numbers biopic about people I have no interest in. It says a lot about the performances that it was still a pleasure to watch despite those details. 8/10 - DirectorSam RaimiStarsTobey MaguireKirsten DunstAlfred MolinaPeter Parker is beset with troubles in his failing personal life as he battles a former brilliant scientist named Otto Octavius.Jan 21
These films really don’t hold up. Hard to believe they made a 3rd one after this. Uncomfortably silly with the effects, the acting and the goofy tone. 4/10 - DirectorKenneth BranaghStarsJude HillLewis McAskieCaitríona BalfeA young boy and his working-class Belfast family experience the tumultuous late 1960s.Jan 21
Felt much longer than it’s quick runtime. Despite that it was a beautiful black and white and an emotional portrait of the time. 8/10 - DirectorSam RaimiStarsTobey MaguireKirsten DunstTopher GraceA strange black entity from another world bonds with Peter Parker and causes inner turmoil as he contends with new villains, temptations, and revenge.Jan 23
Certainly an improvement over Spider-Man 2 but still a silly mess. Everything is surprisingly dated. Modern marvel movies have ruined these films. 6/10 - DirectorMarc WebbStarsAndrew GarfieldEmma StoneRhys IfansAfter Peter Parker is bitten by a genetically altered spider, he gains newfound, spider-like powers and ventures out to save the city from the machinations of a mysterious reptilian foe.Jan 22
Rewatching these I would clearly put Garfield ahead of Maguire as spidey. The Spider-Man action felt more realistic than in the originals. The villain was disappointing once again though. I’m not sure I like any of the Spider-Man villains in any of these old Spider-Man movies. 8/10 - DirectorMarc WebbStarsAndrew GarfieldEmma StoneJamie FoxxWhen New York is put under siege by Oscorp, it is up to Spider-Man to save the city he swore to protect as well as his loved ones.Jan 23
Some decent action scenes and Garfield was still good in the role. Unfortunately there were loads of problems with this one. The characters were too over the top which made them less realistic. The look of Green Goblin wasn’t great either. Nice they did away with the mask though could have gone with a better look. 6/10 - DirectorDenis VilleneuveStarsHugh JackmanJake GyllenhaalViola DavisWhen Keller Dover's daughter and her friend go missing, he takes matters into his own hands as the police pursue multiple leads and the pressure mounts.Jan 24
Good evidence of what a good director can do with a fairly typical crime drama. Despite there not being a ton of unique aspects in the story it is better than most. Strong performances all around. 9/10 - DirectorAaron SorkinStarsNicole KidmanJavier BardemJ.K. SimmonsFollows Lucy and Desi as they face a crisis that could end their careers--and another that could end their marriage.Jan 26
Some of the plot about communism added something more interesting to the film. The casting of both of the leads was a problem. Neither were convincing as the characters they were portraying. 6/10 - DirectorJared BushByron HowardCharise Castro SmithStarsStephanie BeatrizMaría Cecilia BoteroJohn LeguizamoA Colombian teenage girl has to face the frustration of being the only member of her family without magical powers.Jan 29
A cute Disney film with decent songs. Interested to see if it improves on a rewatch like Moana did for me. The extreme popularity of it has me thinking maybe it will. Similarities to Coco just had me remembering how much better Coco was. 7/10 - DirectorLee UnkrichAdrian MolinaStarsAnthony GonzalezGael García BernalBenjamin BrattAspiring musician Miguel, confronted with his family's ancestral ban on music, enters the Land of the Dead to find his great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer.Jan 30
Significantly more entertaining than Encanto. An emotional film right from the first scene. Colourful and creative in the world it creates. 8/10 - DirectorJoel CoenEthan CoenStarsWilliam H. MacyFrances McDormandSteve BuscemiMinnesota car salesman Jerry Lundegaard's inept crime falls apart due to his and his henchmen's bungling and the persistent police work of the quite pregnant Marge Gunderson.Jan 30
A perfect mix of drama, comedy and suspense thanks to the masterful coen brothers treatment. Great cast to deliver the smart script. 9/10 - DirectorStephen J. AndersonStarsDaniel HansenWesley SingermanAngela BassettLewis is a brilliant inventor who meets mysterious stranger named Wilbur Robinson, whisking Lewis away in a time machine and together they team up to track down Bowler Hat Guy in a showdown that ends with an unexpected twist of fate.Jan 31
I was surprised by this one as I’d brushed it off as an off brand knockoff not worth watching. Didn’t realize it’s actually a Disney film with time travel and a Disney style emotional story. The style of the characters is the biggest negative. Gives the feeling of an older tv series. 8/10 - DirectorSian HederStarsEmilia JonesMarlee MatlinTroy KotsurAs a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) Ruby is the only hearing person in her deaf family. When the family's fishing business is threatened, Ruby finds herself torn between pursuing her passion at Berklee College of Music and her fear of abandoning her parents.Jan 31
A perfect premise for an emotionally impactful film. Add the humour to that and you’ve got a winning concept. If they hadn’t gone with so many unrealistic bits and the perfectly predictable cookie cutter plot progression and ending then it would have been Oscar worthy instead of just Oscar nominated. 7/10 - 20211h 58mPG-138.0 (14K)96MetascoreDirectorQuestloveStarsDorinda DrakeBarbara Bland-AcostaDarryl LewisDocumentary about the legendary 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival which celebrated African-American music and culture and promoted Black pride and unity.
- DirectorEnrico CasarosaStarsJacob TremblayJack Dylan GrazerEmma BermanOn the Italian Riviera, an unlikely but strong friendship grows between a human being and a sea monster disguised as a human.
- DirectorMegan ParkStarsJenna OrtegaMaddie ZieglerNiles FitchHigh schooler Vada navigates the emotional fallout she experiences in the wake of a school tragedy. Relationships with her family, friends and view of the world are forever altered.
- DirectorTony ScottStarsDenzel WashingtonChris PineRosario DawsonWith an unmanned, half-mile-long freight train barreling toward a city, a veteran engineer and a young conductor race against the clock to prevent a catastrophe.
- DirectorJohn LasseterStarsTom HanksTim AllenDon RicklesA cowboy doll is profoundly threatened and jealous when a new spaceman action figure supplants him as top toy in a boy's bedroom.
- DirectorDavid PriorStarsJames Badge DaleMarin IrelandSasha FrolovaOn the trail of a missing girl, an ex-cop comes across a secretive group attempting to summon a terrifying supernatural entity.
- DirectorJohn LasseterAsh BrannonLee UnkrichStarsTom HanksTim AllenJoan CusackWhen Woody is stolen by a toy collector, Buzz and his friends set out on a rescue mission to save Woody before he becomes a museum toy property with his roundup gang Jessie, Prospector, and Bullseye.Feb 8
Not a bad film but still my least favourite of the toy story films. All the scenes with the collector are lacking what makes toy story great. A very blah character without the interaction of the toys to follow along with him. 8/10 - DirectorMichael SarnoskiStarsNicolas CageAlex WolffAdam ArkinA truffle hunter who lives alone in the Oregon wilderness must return to his past in Portland in search of his beloved foraging pig after she is kidnapped.Feb 8
This seems to be the year of the painfully slow moving films. Found myself bored from beginning to end on this one. 5/10 - DirectorPaolo SorrentinoStarsFilippo ScottiToni ServilloTeresa SaponangeloIn 1980s Naples, young Fabietto pursues his love for football as family tragedy strikes, shaping his uncertain but promising future as a filmmaker.Feb 10
The director is certainly consistent. This felt the same as his previous films and not in a good way. The film had some decent moments and the director can manage some decent scenes. Overall it is very draggy though. 5/10 - DirectorJean-Pierre JeunetStarsIsabelle NantyElsa ZylbersteinClaude PerronA group of bickering suburbanites find themselves stuck together when an android uprising causes their well intentioned household robots to lock them in for their own safety.Feb 12
The idea of a new Jeunet film seemed promising. Unfortunately this was a huge step down from his previous films. Lacking both stylistically and story wise. Overly silly. 4/10 - DirectorDan GilroyStarsJake GyllenhaalRene RussoBill PaxtonWhen Louis Bloom, a con man desperate for work, muscles into the world of L.A. crime journalism, he blurs the line between observer and participant to become the star of his own story.Feb 12
Extremely odd character/performance from Gyllenhal. The story is unique and draws the viewer in right from the start and doesn’t let up til the impressive ending. 9/10 - DirectorDrake DoremusStarsNicholas HoultLaia CostaDanny HustonIn contemporary Los Angeles, two millennials navigating a social media-driven hookup culture begin a relationship that pushes both emotional and physical boundaries.Feb 12
Unconventional love story if it can even be called that. More frustrating than romantic. The 2 leads were effective in their roles. Unfortunately the story was lacking as it didn’t add the emotion that would have been necessary to make it a proper love story. 5/10 - DirectorMaggie GyllenhaalStarsOlivia ColmanJessie BuckleyDakota JohnsonA woman's beach vacation takes a dark turn when she begins to confront the troubles of her past.Jan 12
Slow movie film with little story to speak of. The top notch performances from both Leda’s are what made the film worthwhile. 7/10 - DirectorCharles KinnaneDaniel KinnaneStarsKevin JamesTaylor LautnerRob SchneiderNew Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton coaches his son's 6th-grade football team while he is being suspended for the entire 2012 season as a result of his role in the Saints' Bountygate scandal.Feb 13
All the typical sports movie stuff but still manages to add some differences to keep it fun. More sports movie than comedy. A fun kids movie either way though. 6/10 - DirectorTraci CurryStanley NelsonStarsArthur HarrisonCarlos RocheTyrone LarkinsThis unnervingly vivid dive into the 1971 uprising from Emmy® winning director Stanley Nelson sheds new light on the enduring violence and racism of the prison system and highlights the urgent, ongoing need for reform 50 years later.Feb 13
The events that took place at Attica are ideal for the documentary treatment. The way it was done failed to evoke the emotion it should have. Perhaps a lack of sufficient footage from the time is the main culprit there. 6/10 - DirectorRidley ScottStarsSigourney WeaverTom SkerrittJohn HurtThe crew of a commercial spacecraft encounters a deadly lifeform after investigating a mysterious transmission of unknown origin.Feb 13
Surprising that this was as good as it is with the effects for 1979. Holds up quite well overall. 8/10 - DirectorGuillermo del ToroStarsBradley CooperCate BlanchettToni ColletteA grifter working his way up from low-ranking carnival worker to lauded psychic medium matches wits with a psychologist bent on exposing him.Feb 13
Stylistically strong and deserving of the production noms it received. The characters were also effective but the story and pacing was really lacking. 6/10 - DirectorAlexandre AjaStarsKaya ScodelarioBarry PepperMorfydd ClarkA young woman, while attempting to save her father during a category 5 hurricane, finds herself trapped in a flooding house and must fight for her life against alligators.Feb 15
Creature horror meets environmental disaster film. Completely unrealistic for most of the film. Would have benefitted from a broader set instead of being closed in a house for most of it. 6/10 - DirectorLee UnkrichStarsTom HanksTim AllenJoan CusackThe toys are mistakenly delivered to a day-care center instead of the attic right before Andy leaves for college, and it's up to Woody to convince the other toys that they weren't abandoned and to return home.Feb 16
My fav of the Toy Story series. The daycare is a great setting to introduce new characters and it’s high on emotion with Andy going to school and leaving toys with Bonnie. 9/10 - DirectorJosh CooleyStarsTom HanksTim AllenAnnie PottsWhen a new toy called "Forky" joins Woody and the gang, a road trip alongside old and new friends reveals how big the world can be for a toy.Feb 16
Another change of scenery helped keep it fresh. Forky was a lot of fun. The emotional
impact isn’t as much as in the other 3 though. 8/10 - DirectorJessica KingdonThe absorbingly cinematic Ascension explores the pursuit of the "Chinese Dream." This observational documentary presents a contemporary vision of China that prioritizes productivity and innovation above all.Feb 17
A surprisingly entertaining doc considering it doesn’t have a singular focus or even an angle. Nice visuals and plenty to keep me entertained. 7/10 - DirectorJames CameronStarsSigourney WeaverMichael BiehnCarrie HennDecades after surviving the Nostromo incident, Ellen Ripley is sent out to re-establish contact with a terraforming colony but finds herself battling the Alien Queen and her offspring.Feb 17
Still impressive 35 years later. Loads of action and horror to add to the already impressive sci-fi aspects. Bill Paxton is terrible though. 9/10 - DirectorBob PersichettiPeter RamseyRodney RothmanStarsShameik MooreJake JohnsonHailee SteinfeldTeen Miles Morales becomes the Spider-Man of his universe and must join with five spider-powered individuals from other dimensions to stop a threat for all realities.Feb 18
I think this might be my fav Spider-Man film now that I’ve gone back and rewatched them all. Perfect humour and near perfect animation style. If only they’d avoided the weird blurring effect. Even the characters I don’t love like Peter porker and Peni Parker still added something worthwhile to the film. 9/10 - DirectorLana WachowskiLilly WachowskiStarsKeanu ReevesLaurence FishburneCarrie-Anne MossWhen a beautiful stranger leads computer hacker Neo to a forbidding underworld, he discovers the shocking truth--the life he knows is the elaborate deception of an evil cyber-intelligence.Feb 19
Some of the action and effects didn’t feel so fresh after all these years, but it still works as a futuristic sci-fi action spectacle. Some of the comments about neo make me surprised that Keanu didn’t catch more slack for this role. 8/10 - DirectorAndrew StantonStarsBen BurttElissa KnightJeff GarlinIn the distant future, a small waste-collecting robot inadvertently embarks on a space journey that will ultimately decide the fate of mankind.Feb 20
So impressive how a film about 2 robots with very little dialogue for much of the film can be so impactful. Those characters are completely engaging. The world created on earth and on the ship are well formed. The live action bits worked in perfectly. 8/10 - DirectorDavid Blue GarciaStarsSarah YarkinElsie FisherMark BurnhamAfter 48 years of hiding, Leatherface returns to terrorize a group of idealistic young friends who accidentally disrupt his carefully shielded world in a remote Texas town.Feb 20
Probably better than some of the previous sequels/reboots. Nothing really memorable but at least there was an attempt to modernize the story some which led to a decent setup. The kills were bloody though rushed. 6/10 - DirectorNicholas McCarthyStarsTaylor SchillingJackson Robert ScottPeter MooneyA mother concerned about her young son's disturbing behavior thinks something supernatural may be affecting him.Feb 21
Much of the film felt like any other evil kid horror film. At least it gave some different motivations to set it apart from the others somewhat. Despite this it’s still nothing special. 5/10 - DirectorRon ClementsJohn MuskerDon HallStarsAuli'i CravalhoDwayne JohnsonRachel HouseIn ancient Polynesia, when a terrible curse incurred by the demigod Maui reaches Moana's island, she answers the Ocean's call to seek out Maui to set things right.Feb 21
So close to being a 10. Amazing songs and some nice differences from the typical dead parents princess love story. 9/10 - DirectorJoel CoenStarsDenzel WashingtonFrances McDormandAlex HassellA Scottish lord becomes convinced by a trio of witches that he will become the next King of Scotland, and his ambitious wife supports him in his plans of seizing power.Feb 21
Some decent use of style with the black and white and minimalist backgrounds/sets. That choice combined with the original Shakespearean dialogue was killer for a non Shakespeare fan though. 4/10 - DirectorPablo LarraínStarsKristen StewartTimothy SpallSally HawkinsDiana Spencer, struggling with mental-health problems during her Christmas holidays with the Royal Family at their Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England, decides to end her decade-long marriage to Prince Charles.Feb 24
Completely uninteresting retelling of a few days of Princess Di’s life. Kristen Stewart was decent in the role though I’m not sure it’s the best casting for the role. 5/10 - DirectorJohannes RobertsStarsMandy MooreClaire HoltMatthew ModineTwo sisters vacationing in Mexico are trapped in a shark cage at the bottom of the ocean. With less than an hour of oxygen left and great white sharks circling nearby, they must fight to survive.Feb 25
Simple setup with a small set piece despite being in the ocean. Good job keeping it interesting even while all around a small cage. 7/10 - DirectorPedro AlmodóvarStarsPenélope CruzMilena SmitIsrael ElejaldeThe story of two mothers who bond in unexpected way after giving birth the same day.Feb 26
Strong performances but a completely boring film. Nothing worthwhile with the story at all. A disappointing Almodovar film. 5/10 - DirectorJohannes RobertsStarsSophie NélisseCorinne FoxxBrianne TjuTwo sisters diving in a ruined underwater city quickly learn they've entered the territory of the deadliest shark species in the claustrophobic labyrinth of submerged caves.Feb 26
Subpar sequel but still some cool creature moments. Far too small to compete with the great creature features. 6/10 - DirectorChris BuckJennifer LeeStarsKristen BellIdina MenzelJonathan GroffFearless optimist Anna teams up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven in an epic journey to find Anna's sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter.Feb 26
Rich characters and memorable songs. The premise with the ice powers is a good one that allows for some impressive scenes. 8/10 - DirectorRoger AllersRob MinkoffStarsMatthew BroderickJeremy IronsJames Earl JonesLion prince Simba and his father are targeted by his bitter uncle, who wants to ascend the throne himself.Feb 27
Classic Disney that brings back loads of nostalgia from watching this endlessly in my high school and college years. Hold up perfectly. Super catchy songs, drama and humour. 9/10 - DirectorChris BuckJennifer LeeStarsKristen BellIdina MenzelJosh GadAnna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven leave Arendelle to travel to an ancient, autumn-bound forest of an enchanted land. They set out to find the origin of Elsa's powers in order to save their kingdom.Feb 27
A couple strong songs and lots of Olaf fun. The story of this sequel feels overwrought though. Hard to continue caring by the halfway point. 7/10 - DirectorRodrigo GarcíaStarsMila KunisCarla GalloGlenn CloseA mother helps her daughter work through four crucial days of recovery from substance abuse.Feb 27
Mika Kunis is unrecognizable as an addict trying to break the habit. Emotionally affecting with the mother daughter dynamic. 7/10 - DirectorBradley RaymondStarsNathan LaneErnie SabellaJulie KavnerTimon the meerkat and Pumbaa the warthog retell the story of The Lion King (1994) from their own perspective.Feb 27
Fun concept for a sequel. Mainly a retelling of the story from the original but from the perspective of Timon and Pumba. The new characters added aren’t great but the concept makes it worthwhile. 7/10 - DirectorFede AlvarezStarsJane LevyShiloh FernandezJessica LucasFive friends head to a remote cabin, where the discovery of a Book of the Dead leads them to unwittingly summon up demons living in the nearby woods.Mar 2
Decided evil dead would be appropriate to watch for Ash Wednesday (even though this one doesn’t have Ash in it aside from a post credits moment). Wonderful gory horror that’s enjoyable every time. 9/10 - DirectorSam MendesStarsKevin SpaceyAnnette BeningThora BirchA sexually frustrated suburban father has a mid-life crisis after becoming infatuated with his daughter's best friend.Mar 3
Even after seeing this several times it’s still feels fresh and surprising. Artistically impressive from the performances to the music and everything else in between. The suspense of how he will die adds to an already intriguing story. It really is too bad Spacey isn’t able to get proper roles anymore. 9/10 - DirectorAlan ParkerStarsBob GeldofChristine HargreavesJames LaurensonA confined but troubled rock star descends into madness in the midst of his physical and social isolation from everyone.Mar 5
Amazing music and a creative mix of animation and live action to show much of the meaning of the film. Some of it feels dated but still fun to watch and try to interpret. 8/10 - DirectorJoel CoenEthan CoenStarsTim RobbinsPaul NewmanJennifer Jason LeighA naive business graduate is installed as president of a manufacturing company as part of a stock scam.Mar 6
Beautifully stylized film. One of the best from the Coen brothers in both style and story. Would be a 10/10 if not for the stopping time ‘Angel’ part. 9/10 - DirectorTakashi MiikeStarsKen'ichi EndôShungiku UchidaKazushi WatanabeA troubled and perverted family find their lives intruded by a mysterious stranger who seems to help find a balance in their disturbing natures.Mar 6
Delightfully weird. Many times early in the film it feels weird but it then it continues to one up itself through the rest of the film. 8/10 - DirectorTom TykwerStarsFranka PotenteMoritz BleibtreuHerbert KnaupAfter a botched money delivery, Lola has 20 minutes to come up with 100,000 Deutschmarks.Mar 6
High intensity film with some creative use of style and story elements. Satisfying ending especially considering the path it took to get there. 9/10 - DirectorPaul Thomas AndersonStarsAlana HaimCooper HoffmanSean PennThe story of Alana Kane and Gary Valentine growing up, running around and going through the treacherous navigation of first love in the San Fernando Valley, 1973.Mar 7
Split thoughts on this. Still bad by comparison to Andersons early films but better than his more recent outings. It was a rough year for films all around which is the only reason this deserves Oscar consideration. The tone and pacing is reminiscent of Boogie Nights though without the interesting story or the top notch style. 7/10 - DirectorMatt ReevesStarsRobert PattinsonZoë KravitzJeffrey WrightWhen a sadistic serial killer begins murdering key political figures in Gotham, Batman is forced to investigate the city's hidden corruption and question his family's involvement.Mar 8
It seems like every DC movie needs a directors cut to get good. As is this was a 3 hour movie that should have been 2 hours. The action was great, as was the style in those scenes. Problem is that the dark style was over applied to the entire film. Bruce Wayne should be warm and inviting when not Batman. Instead in this version everything was dark and antisocial. Bruce was just as goth as Batman was. 6/10 - DirectorJoe WrightStarsPeter DinklageHaley BennettKelvin Harrison Jr.Too self-conscious to woo Roxanne himself, wordsmith Cyrano de Bergerac helps young Christian nab her heart through love letters.Mar 9
Surprisingly strong take on the whole Cyrano de Bergerac story. Worked well with the adjustment of it being about a little person instead of somebody with a big nose. One of my favs of the year for 2021. Too bad it wasn’t nominated for some bigger awards. 8/10 - DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsAnsel ElgortRachel ZeglerAriana DeBoseAn adaptation of the 1957 musical, West Side Story explores forbidden love and the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds.Mar 14
Despite the smart updates to the film, much of it was too much the same as the original. It could have felt more fresh if they’d updated the time period at least. Songs were as good as you’d expect having seen the original before. The effort to avoid one gang seeming like the obvious good guys was appreciated though it went too far in the other direction and villainized them too much. 7/10 - DirectorJames GunnStarsMargot RobbieIdris ElbaJohn CenaSupervillains Harley Quinn, Bloodsport, Peacemaker, and a collection of nutty cons at Belle Reve prison join the super-secret, super-shady Task Force X as they are dropped off at the remote, enemy-infused island of Corto Maltese.Mar 15
Certainly better than the first one. Still lots of issues though. It was more silly than anything. Often without a good punchline or payoff. Some of the over the top violence was a lot of fun. Harley Quinn was really good once again though maybe the only consistently good part of the film. 6/10 - DirectorRob ZombieStarsScout Taylor-ComptonMalcolm McDowellTyler ManeAfter being committed for 15 years, Michael Myers, now a grown man and still very dangerous, escapes from the mental institution and immediately returns to Haddonfield to find his baby sister, Laurie.Mar 15
Superior in every way to its predecessors. The biggest difference is the way his childhood is portrayed in so much detail. 9/10 - DirectorRidley ScottStarsLady GagaAdam DriverAl PacinoWhen Patrizia Reggiani, an outsider from humble beginnings, marries into the Gucci family, her unbridled ambition begins to unravel their legacy and triggers a reckless spiral of betrayal, decadence, revenge, and ultimately...murder.Mar 15
Easily more enjoyable than most of the films nominated on the top categories. Disappointing that it didn’t get better praise. 7/101 - DirectorMichael ShowalterStarsJessica ChastainAndrew GarfieldCherry JonesAn intimate look at the extraordinary rise, fall and redemption of televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker.Mar 18
Considering I have no interest in the characters portrayed in this film it was surprising how much I enjoyed it. Chastain’s performance was the best part but it was also an interesting story. 8/10 - DirectorBilly WilderStarsHumphrey BogartAudrey HepburnWilliam HoldenA playboy becomes interested in the daughter of his family's chauffeur, but it's his more serious brother who would be the better man for her.Mar 18
Anything with Audrey Hepburn is a pleasure. I remember this being a great romance film. Still really enjoyed the film but the romance wasn’t so great after all. 8/10 - DirectorStephen ChowStarsStephen ChowWah YuenQiu YuenIn Shanghai, China in the 1940s, a wannabe gangster aspires to join the notorious "Axe Gang" while residents of a housing complex exhibit extraordinary powers in defending their turf.Mar 19
So much fun every time. Stylistic action and lots of humour. Disappointing that Steven Chow went so downhill after this. So many stylistic directors who move away from their style after a couple films. 9/10 - DirectorMilos FormanStarsJack NicholsonLouise FletcherMichael BerrymanIn the Fall of 1963, a Korean War veteran and criminal pleads insanity and is admitted to a mental institution, where he rallies up the scared patients against the tyrannical nurse.Mar 19
So many recognizable actors, some in their first appearance. Emotionally charged, funny and charming. Not surprising that this is one of only 3 films to have won the top 5 Oscars. 10/10 - DirectorLuc BessonStarsLouise BourgoinMathieu AmalricGilles LelloucheAn adventure set in the early part of the 20th century and focused on a popular novelist and her dealings with would-be suitors, the cops, monsters, and other distractions.Mar 19
Fun action adventure film reminiscent of the mummy and Indiana Jones. Creative and ridiculous in the best ways thanks to Luc Besson. 8/10 - DirectorDavid ZuckerStarsTrey ParkerMatt StoneDian BacharTwo childhood friends are pro athletes of a national sport called BASEketball, a hybrid of baseball and basketball, and must deal with a greedy businessman scheming against their team.Mar 20
The comedic combination of Abrahams, Parker and stone makes what would otherwise be a lame comedy great. Still laughing out loud after dozens of times seeing it. 8/10 - DirectorPawo Choyning DorjiStarsSherab DorjiUgyen Norbu LhendupKelden Lhamo GurungAn aspiring singer living with his grandmother in the capital of Bhutan dreams of getting a visa to move to Australia.Mar 20
Mostly predictable though that’s not really a problem when you have a touching story like this. Not worthy of the Oscar now but a nice story that makes it worthwhile. 7/10 - DirectorJake SzymanskiStarsAndy SambergKit HaringtonFred ArmisenA fictional documentary-style expose on the rivalry between two of the greatest tennis players of all-time who battled it out in a 2001 match that lasted seven days.Mar 21
Brilliant mockumentary that is great to watch with somebody new or even just to rewatch. Raunchy, cheesy and a whole lot of weird. 9/10 - DirectorMatt Bettinelli-OlpinTyler GillettStarsNeve CampbellCourteney CoxDavid Arquette25 years after a streak of brutal murders shocked the quiet town of Woodsboro, Calif., a new killer dons the Ghostface mask and begins targeting a group of teenagers to resurrect secrets from the town's deadly past.Mar 22
The best Scream movie since the original if not even better. The horror references are great. Though I can’t get behind the comments about Babadook. All the meta aspects and how it all connects builds on it too. 8/10 - DirectorRuben FleischerStarsTom HollandMark WahlbergAntonio BanderasStreet-smart Nathan Drake is recruited by seasoned treasure hunter Victor "Sully" Sullivan to recover a fortune amassed by Ferdinand Magellan, and lost 500 years ago by the House of Moncada.Mar 23
Fun action film that is overstuffed with plotholes. Thankfully the cast is strong which forgives some of the other issues. 7/10 - DirectorGareth EvansStarsIko UwaisAnanda GeorgeRay SahetapyA S.W.A.T. team becomes trapped in a tenement run by a ruthless mobster and his army of killers and thugs.Mar 24
Perfect action film from start to finish. Great combination of gun and hand to hand action. The simplistic story allows the focus to stay on the action. 10/10 - DirectorGareth EvansStarsIko UwaisYayan RuhianArifin PutraOnly a short time after the first raid, Rama goes undercover with the thugs of Jakarta and plans to bring down the syndicate and uncover the corruption within his police force.Mar 24
Loads of amazing action scenes. While the sequel adds lots of story it’s not as tight as the first. 9/10