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Reviews
Cabrini (2024)
An Italian immigration story to the New World
A heartwarming film based on the true story of a ferocious, ambitious, and relentless woman who put her own life on the line in hopes of helping children and her Italian countrymen and countrywomen. It cannot be lost on the audience that immigrating to a new country was much harder back then given the safety net and other resources available to immigrants nowadays in the developed world. Back then, there was simply nothing, and the rats often lived in better conditions than some immigrants.
This story follows the life and works of Cabrini, but also casts light on the difficult life of the Italian immigrant , and also points to the darkness within the American society at that time which did not make life easy for them to integrate into a new country.
Highly recommended, well produced, and a great cast makes this film one of the best of 2024!
Poor Things (2023)
Superb acting but weird plot and not my kind of movie
I can appreciate the unique canvas that this "art" was painted on so to speak. Film as a medium can convey so many ideas, thoughts, and emotions. As such, I can appreciate the artistry that this film has.
The acting was brilliant to say the least. Emma Stone was remarkable as the lead, and William Dafoe and Mark Ruffalo also shined when on screen.
However, the movie is just too "out there". It's a bit bizarre, very weird scenes at times, very unorthodox and I found it difficult to really "like" the movie for those reasons. Despite my appreciation for directors who "push boundaries" and create screenplays and plots that aren't "the Hollywood norm", I have a hard time actually "enjoying" them. This isn't a film that I can say I enjoyed. It's a film I can appreciate for the caliber of acting and the uniqueness of directing.
The Iron Claw (2023)
Not just a wrestling movie. A fantastic film about tragedy and the importance of family
This was a fantastic film from beginning to end. The actors were cast perfectly, and it was not just a typical wrestling movie. It's a movie about family and the together. It's not a "wrestling" movie. I'd be surprised if Efron is not nominated for "best actor". Honestly one of the best films of the year.
I highly recommend this film, because of the seriousness and drama that had to do with living in a brotherhood and a tight knit family. Also the physical transformation of Zac Efron is remarkable. His dedication to the role was remarkable. A "human" film. Don't sleep on this one... Go, see it now.
The Holdovers (2023)
An instant, timeless classic with rewatch value
Excellent film from beginning to end. Perhaps the most underrated aspect of the film is in its ability to maintain some form of humor/'feel good' that ebs and flows beneath the surface through the entirety of the film.
The cinematography and excellent filming paying homage to the 70s was perfect. The film just "felt" like a trip through memory lane with respect to "an older time"... a time in which I didn't grow up in, but one that my parents often reminisce in. Where the focus was on relationships and people- not technology.
It's this backdrop of "people and relationships" in which the foundation of the movie is built. Everyone should see this movie. The acting is superb, the lessons are real, and it's heartwarming and often very relatable in a deeper sense.
Do yourself a favour- watch this film over the holidays and you won't be disappointed.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)
Entertaining and nostalgic film lead by Harrison Ford
Really a great movie from start to finish. Very nostalgic in many ways and a great finish to the series. Harrison Ford does not disappoint and the story was actually interesting. The ending of the movie was fantastic. The side characters were "okay"- but Harrison Ford makes the movie. I couldn't help but think while watching the movie that we were watching one of Hollywood's best actors go out in his last film I as one of the best adventure-characters Hollywood has created. You will not be blown away by the film but the story and writing is solid. The score throughout the film was also very good and I couldn't help but smile listening to the main theme while watching the film.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
A fun 90 minute ride through nostalgia
Great movie filled with nostalgia... Great animation, great soundtrack, and an overall very basic, rewarding storyline that was great from start to finish. I thought the voice acting was great, and I was not bored throughout the movie.
I am optimistic that most found it enjoyable, and not too harsh on it as it was a movie that probably had a lot of pressure to to be good. It clearly did it well in its execution and I thoroughly felt it "hit all the points" to make it work for both kids and adults.
Great 90 minutes to kick back and watch some nostalgia! I hope there is a sequel and I'm sure there will be!!!!!!
Elvis (2022)
Excellent biopic; doesn't shy away from the truth
Great biopic.
Casting was excellent and Tom Hanks who I thought was an "odd" choice initially turned out to be a great choice to play Colonel Parker.
For someone who wanted to know more about the story of Elvis, it's perfect. Not only captivating and such an interesting story, the movie is certainly not dull nor does it "drag anything out", yet it does have a slower pace to it. If you're looking for something riveting, this is not the movie for you. However, because I didn't know much about the Elvis story other than how "huge" of a star he was, it was great to see this story in movie form.
The last scenes really show the impact Elvis had on Americana and pop culture.
Big Daddy (1999)
A solid 90s comedy... predictable, but good-hearted and entertaining
Overall a nice movie. One of Sandler's better movies. Funny yet not outrageous compared to some of his other films. Time well spent but likely a film you'll only watch once.
The supporting cast was quite good, and it was very typical of a 1990s comedy... The cameos were quite good as well. The child actor did very well in this role in the movie was not too long.
It was a little corny at times, but you have to remember that a lot of the 1990s comedies or a bit corny with screenplay and soundtrack.
Overall, like I said a great movie, but not something that you would want to watch over and over again.
Jungle Cruise (2021)
Fantasy-adventure with decent humor
As an adult watching, I enjoyed the casting of this movie and the bits of comedy throughout. Although more of suited for a "pre-teens" audience, I enjoyed it but was getting a little tired at the end. It was good, but not amazing. Solid 2 hours of entertainment but not a movie that you would watch over and over.
The Lion King (2019)
An amazing classic that is just as powerful as the original
Enthralled with this movie from beginning to end. It had been years since I watched the original and Disney did a fantastic job reprising the animated classic. Voice actors were cast very well, and the important "life lessons" taught in this movie were so impactful.
Amazing. Well done!
The Great Gatsby (2013)
Well done; does the book justice
Very good movie. Leo and Toby both fantastic. Highlights the the themes of "appearances" and facades, the ease of being looped into being an innocent by-standard to others' chaos and problems, and the harsh reality that the truth isn't always roses and bright.
Well done movie overall.
Pig (2021)
A slow burn of Melancholy, loneliness and loss
The best way to watch this movie is with absolutely no expectation of what it "should be" or what you "think it should be". It's a movie that takes viewers on a slow, methodical train ride through the dark tunnels of loneliness and loss. Feelings that typical "blockbusters" or "Hollywood" movies don't want to highlight as to not bum audiences out. You can't help but feel for Nicolas Cage's character and he should be no nominated for an Academy Award for his realistic portrayal of how life can put people even the most successful people in very lonely places.
Danny Bhoy: Subject to Change (2010)
Hilarious, underrated comedian
Very underrated comedian I am surprised he doesn't have his own big network specials like on Netflix. If you haven't seen him, check him out. Doesnt rely on vulgarity for humour. Smart, cheeky, witty comedy that's good natured and laugh-out-loud.
Tiger (2021)
There are two sides to every coin- we only see one here
Unfortunately we only see the "dark" side of Tiger's story and there is very little content on people that remain close to him. Ex-friends, ex-girlfriends etc are in this but we don't see the other side. That's not to say it's not an engaging documentary... but that it is "unfulfilled" / incomplete in my opinion.
Searching (2018)
Captivating and light but keeps you thinking
I really enjoyed this movie. I wasn't expecting much but it had me interested from beginning to end. No scary thrills or suspenseful scenes, but more of a methodical pace that has you wondering "what happened to her and who was involved?".
I highly recommend this movie. A few turns and a movie that is very well written and has heart and emotion in it as well.
Your Honor (2020)
Emmy -award winning performance but the ending was rushed
Bryan Cranston was pheromonal throughout but the ending was rushed. I wouldn't say the ending was poor as it does provide some sort of "karma", but the ending feels more like a season finale than a series finale. It's frustrating because it leaves more unanswered questions that leave the viewer wanting more. It's a bit unsatisfying ... a "really, that's it?".
But Cranston's performance is A1 and the series is still worth watching. Just a bit disappointed with how it all seems to abruptly end.