Sethtro Reviews

3 Idiots (2009)

The most meaningful goofy movie.

[7/10 · 1 November 2020]

Personal Rating: 7/10

I want to keep this review brief, unlike the movie. I tease... though it does have a runtime of 2hr 50mins. However, that time passes by quickly, filled by a series of "mini" movies contributing to the overarching storyline of this film. But that's all beside the point.

I went into this movie having not seen much Bollywood before, and thinking this was a twist on the 3 stooges. Boy was I in for a rollercoaster. I could tackle this movie as I usually do, dialogue, cinematography, set design, acting, and quality. If I did that, however, this movie would have a much lower rating. If I based my score off of how many people peed on a wall though... I want to acknowledge that this movie is old, many of the cuts and transitions are cheesy to the western world, most storylines were just there for the surprise, and some of the dialogue... "not it chief."

But,

that's not this movie. If you go in expecting Christopher Nolan you will surely leave disappointed. What makes this movie worth watching in my opinion, are the heavy topics, themes, that it covers in a comedic yet straightforward, not pulling punches, way. I don't want to give any spoilers but to name a view of the themes, the robotic flawed nature of the educational system, the issue of suicide caused by stress, parents pushing their dreams on their children, and pursuing things that make you happy. Just by that alone, Woah, this movie is gold. And the comedy, it's fun, keeps it a very enjoyable watch!

Major props to the Indian filmmaking culture for making this gem.

"All is well!"

WALL·E (2008)

A timeless masterpiece

[10/10 · 11 October 2020]

Personal Rating: 10/10 (Outstanding)

I still remember just how impactful this movie was on me when I saw it as a child. The visuals, storytelling, how it made you think. And 12 years later it still stands as one of the best movies Pixar has ever made, and truly a hallmark of animated films.

The start of this movie. I could watch on an indefinite loop. The emotions you feel, the bond that grows between you and a robot in the introductory minutes, is storytelling at it's finest. No words have to be spoken and yet this movie world builds better than most 2-hour-long fantasy movies where the characters don't shut up.

The visuals. The visuals in this movie are stunning, the way they direct the eye, immerse you in the world, make you laugh and make you cry, a huge credit to the artists who worked on this film. And also interestingly enough, to Roger Deakins, who contributed to the first 20 minutes of the film and to the animating team, as he consulted on how to light scenes, he's quoted saying "the natural world that we live in just isn't as well-lit as your typical animated world." So by darkening scenes, adding shadow and cutting the number of lights used, they added a huge layer of realism to WALL-E.

The story, how you learn and feel about the characters (who the majority of are robots), the music, it's all superbly done. I can't think of anything I would change. But all this alone isn't what earns it the 10/10 rating, it's the themes, the tones, the way this "for children" movie makes you think, that earns my full respect.

For the most part, humans choose what's convenient, sacrificing privacy, health, well being, relationships and the like for that. WALL-E showed that exact point like never before. It takes effort to overcome the norm, to work towards a goal, even when it's not rainbows and peaches when one is determined they can do amazing things. Which is why the ending of this movie isn't bleak, it's inspiring. (spoilers) Humans come back to earth because of one lonesome plant. But it's enough to give them hope, and determination, to work on transforming the planet. And that was just one of the themes explored beautifully. I already know I'll be watching this movie again, and again.

Thanks for reading my review.

"I didn't know we had a pool!"

Innocent Witness (2019)

An exploration inward wrapped up in a murder investigation

[7/10 · 25 September 2020]

Personal Rating: 7/10 (worth watching)

Looking at the other reviews for this film I feel like I need to address something right off the bat, this is not a romantic movie. If you came here looking to watch a relationship blossom between an older gentleman and young girl... this is certainly not it. A note of finality on this subject, the movie is categorized as "Crime, Drama" and that's exactly what it is.

Now that we've got that out of the way, onto the actual review. This movie is engaging from the get-go, barely giving you enough time to breathe before the inciting accident takes place, starting the whirlwind that is this movie. For a movie that's 2hr and 9mins long, the pacing was quite nice with some areas a little waning but always holding enough action to keep you hooked. It utilized the long runtime well with all the main characters being fleshed out nicely and having very fulfilling character arcs! The wrap-up at the end of this movie was one of the nicest I'd seen in quite some time.

But the reason I would implore you to watch this movie isn't the actors, story arcs, music nor cinematography. It's the journey you go on with the main character, Soon-ho. This is a movie about overcoming prejudice, prejudice you might not even be aware you have. Yet it gives you so many miny victories throughout, signs of progress and deeper understanding that you never feel so guilty you have to turn the movie off. In the end, it leaves you with much to think about yet real-world advice to help. As someone who has a few family members on the autism spectrum, I think this film handled the delicate subject tastefully and politely.

This is the first Korean film I've ever watched and it set the bar quite high. The casting and acting were fantastic. The music was tasteful and yet not too bold, really complimenting whatever was on screen; there were a few abrupt cuts of the music but that can be chalked up to the editors' fault, or perhaps, style. I did watch the movie with English subtitles and was honestly quite disappointed in the translation. There were many moments where you could tell the actor or actress meant so much more than the English translation, also there were instances where because of the basic translation a few of the emotional beats weren't as impactful as I wish they would've been, again not blaming the performances but instead the subtitles and my complete lack of speaking Korean.

If you're still sitting on the fence, watch this movie. Soon-ho's father alone makes it worth it.

His Girl Friday (1940)

A film about screaming, I mean journalism

[5/10 · 22 September 2020]

Personal Rating: 5/10 (Average)

I wish I could chalk up my dislike for this movie to it being overhyped as 'the Grant classic that you must watch.' Yes, high expectations helped it fall further, yet the faults I find lie more in that there was hardly a single line of dialogue that wasn't shouted (please find me just one line). As well as the complete and utter lack of character arcs, with Hildy Johnson regressing past the point she was proud to have worked to at the onset of the film.

This movie had great dialogue, don't get me wrong. Fast, snippy and smart. Yet for a movie relying entirely on the dialogue, it fell flat. It had a major lack of visual storytelling, character arcs as was touched on. Nor any real consequences behind any of the actions. Relationship, didn't matter. Going to jail three times, just illustrated the same useless point over and over. For a film that stood out among others of the time in portraying the strength of women, with Hildy knowing what she wanted and working towards it as well as being gifted and well respected in her secular field, she was still pushed into a relationship she didn't seem to want (again!) at the end of the movie. With the last line of dialogue hinting at that, erasing any progress made up until that point. And the whole execution attempt going on during all of this, seemed merely just a confusing subplot that was there only to motivate dialogue and chemistry (If you could be so generous as to call it that) that furthered to develop between Hildy and Walter.

All said the acting is superb by Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell. So if you're going through all the Grant movies, chuck 'His Girl Friday' a watch, but otherwise, I wouldn't waste my time.

"Walter, you're wonderful, in a loathsome sort of way."

Vertigo (1958)

I'm running in circles trying to like this film.

[7/10 · 7 September 2020]

Personal Rating: 7/10

To cut to the chase, this movie didn't live up to my expectations. Coming off the back of 'Dial M for Murder' which I adored, I was excited to watch what critics argue to be the best film of Hitchcock's 'Vertigo', and I'm left feeling disappointed.

Why? Why am I not madly in love with the thing the whole world has touted as a masterpiece? The answer lies in the movie's name and one of its many motifs. Vertigo and spirals. This movie gives the viewer a sense of vertigo, packing many many spirals into its 2hr+ runtime so that by the end... are you truly any further than you were at the beginning? Example: Scottie chases "Madeline" around town following her, he then receives a piece of information, deepening the plot, and it starts up the next day, following her around. She falls, gets rescued (one of the most talked-about scenes: sexual tension, desire, lust, giving in, disillusionment, the whole shebang) and the following happens again the next day, with yet another piece of information to deepen the plot. Scottie becomes infatuated with "Madeline" and we think little of it, just like his going to Ernies and driving down a row of trees but when all of that happens exactly again later in the film more information has been revealed, the stakes are higher. This whole film is a spiral tightening in on itself. I mean the action the movie ends on is the exact action that occurred during the "climax" (middle) of the film. Talk about running in circles.

The fun thing about circles, is they're great to talk about, just read some of the reviews for this film, essays they really are. People project themselves onto this movie, some apply 21st-century values on this 1958 film, others attempt to see things from Hitchcock's perspective, everything. I'm not saying that's wrong, everyone's entitled to share how they interpret something! But I haven't found someone that just asks, were you satisfied at the end?

Perhaps I'm daft, not a true cinema buff, but for a movie to become a personal favourite for me I have to love the story, not just question it.

To conclude though, this film in all its other ways is spectacular. The score, beautiful. There's a point where 20 minutes pass with only a few words of dialogue, all you have is the score and it's magnificent. James Stewart and Kim Novak were incredible in their performances, and the cinematography, well, almost hurts how beautiful it is. Jaws eat your heart out, Hitchcock perfected the dolly zoom. And the use of colours (Green & Red), genius.

There's no doubt in my mind I will watch this movie again. There are plenty of things done very well, it just is not an enjoyable movie as a whole for myself. Whether you agree or disagree, thanks for reading my review.

One is a wanderer; Two together are always going somewhere.

Dial M for Murder (1954)

Keeping you on edge the whole time.

[9/10 · 6 September 2020]

Personal Rating: 9/10

This is the one, I've watched a great many Hitchcock movies, but this is the one that proves to me he truly is a genius, a mastermind of suspense.

This movie takes mere minutes to kick into top gear, and it stays there for the entire runtime. Get your popcorn and go to the bathroom before pressing play because you won't want to pause as soon as the movie starts.

Ray Millard plays Tony so well, a marvel to watch. Never before have I seen so much confidence on the face of a sly man, walking the line of truth and lies you almost find yourself siding with him. Grace Kelly, as per usual, gives us a stunning performance adding so many layers to the plot. The similarity you could draw with all the characters, those played by John and Robert too, was that you could never quite tell what they knew. This is a movie of secrets and the actors support that superbly well.

With dialogue that's punchy and not overly wordy, Dial M for Murder sets itself apart from other Mystery movies. This movie throws the whodunit idea out the window, and does better because of it!

Finally, cinematography; taking place for the most part in one house the cinematographer found ways to light and frame scenes to make the same room feel cozy one moment, then confining and uneasy the next. Hitchcock's classic high angle shots, mixed with low and some slightly dutch were used wonderfully well in playing with your emotions and telling the story.

"I'm afraid my murders would be something like my bridge."

Life Is Beautiful (1997)

A beautiful film teaching love and a tank creates ambition.

[8/10 · 28 August 2020]

Personal Rating: 8/10 (very good)

This movie paints a picture of a beautiful day but then adds gloomy rain clouds. However, you don't have to look too closely to notice the rainbow, the thing of beauty, that shines through.

Right from the onset, you know what's coming, for over an hour you just wait, smiling through the highs, laughing at the humorous lines, and grow anxious during the lows, but nothing prepares you for how the movie concludes.

There were two themes this movie impressed upon me, two reasons I would implore you to watch this film. The sacrifices made by a loving parent. There's nothing that compares it goes beyond all human logic and reasoning because it's motivated by love.

Ultimately, life is beautiful. Having a beautiful life does not mean having a perfect one, always smiling and laughing, no, life has ups and downs that's what makes life life. It's up to us to decide whether or not to make life beautiful, to never let go of the highs and let them carry us through the lows. When you feel at your worse like you can't go on, it's focussing on how close you are to 1000 points, that will keep you going.

Win that tank.

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

A Beautiful and Moving Classic (Never remake this)

[10/10 · 22 August 2020]

Personal Rating: 10/10

Dear movie studios, never ever remake this amazing piece of cinema, it's touched so many hearts and will continue to. Thanks. Best regards, Seth.

James Stewart superbly played George Bailey, a performance that couldn't be replicated even if one tried. Frank Capra directed this film with feeling and don't get me started on the originality of the screenplay, fabulous. Though Act I may have dragged on at times, it's an easy thing to forgive when you're so enthralled to see where the story goes.

What I truly appreciate about this movie, and the reason why I will continue to rewatch it is the theme. "Each man's life touches so many other lives," A point we often take for granted without realizing it. This movie is the perfect pause we all need to take to self reflect, to see the areas in which we need to improve but appreciate the life we have lived and will continue living. George Bailey was not a perfect man, far from it, but he allowed himself to love, to care for others, to feel passionate about things, all aspects that make life worth living.

I watched this movie first when I was 10 and 8 years later it still has a deep impact on me, one that I'm sure will continue through adolescence and becoming an 'adult'. There is no specific age this movie benefits, it's for all, for all those who can appreciate a good story, wonderful acting, beautifully framed shots, and a timeless lesson.

(Side note: I tried watching this in colour, lasted five minutes, it's not worth it. Enjoy the black and white version, the original version, it truly does make you feel transported to the world of George Bailey.)

Castle in the Sky (1986)

A Beautiful and Timeless Miyazaki Film

[9/10 · 14 August 2020]

Personal Rating: 9/10

I last watched this movie when I was nine years old. Nine years later, I revisited it and fell in love with the same enchanting storytelling I did so many years ago.

Hayao Miyazaki is a master at his craft, creating a universe that lives on the edge of realism and idealism that captivates you. The visuals are stunning, it's impossible to compare them to the likes of Disney and Pixar because it's just so different, it's as if every frame could be a piece in an art museum. Coupled with an enchanting story, likable characters (even though some were quite shallow), fantastic pacing, and an incredible score by Joe Hisaishi. This is a movie you should go ahead and buy because you can watch it over and over again without it ever getting old.

Okay, I have to go on about the score, it's beautiful. It was the music that brought back so many memories for me of when I watched this movie as a child. It was the music that had stuck with me all these years. Joe Hisaishi creates feelings not just sounds.

The Girl Who Fell From The Sky - Joe Hisaishi

Le Dîner de Cons (1998)

A Must Watch French Comedy!

[8/10 · 1 August 2020]

Personal Rating: 7.8/10

I imagine if Mr Bean was more carefully planned, actually funny, and took place in one room, this movie would be the result. This movie centres around "dumb humour" but executes it better than anything I've seen before.

The story is engaging, not at all what I expected from the get-go. I was setting myself up for a turn-brain-off-movie and was pleasantly surprised to find the opposite. There were fulfilling character arcs and hilarious dialogue. I found myself laughing many times throughout this movie! Without French being my first language (I relied heavily on the subtitles) the actors played their roles so well it crossed any lingual barriers.

A few too many shots were handheld and many of the wide shots had some wicked barrel distortion. But I nitpick, those technical matters didn't subtract from the story in any way.

With as short as this film is, the fact it primarily takes place in one room and has a premise that could've led to a very boring movie. Le Diner de Cons stands out as a fantastic comedy built upon a foundation of amazing actors/actresses, a great screenplay, and quick-paced story beats. A movie I can confidently recommend.

Ernest & Celestine (2012)

Beautiful, short, and full of heart.

[7/10 · 29 July 2020]

Personal Rating: 7/10

I would like my review to mimic the example set by this film. So instead of analyzing, and talking technicalities, I'll try to be gentle, to the point, and imaginative.

Ernest & Celestine is French animation about an unlikely friendship that blossoms into a beautiful one, breaking societal barriers. Every frame is a light and airy masterpiece with its watercolour-like art style being unique and genuine. This is not a deep mind-bending movie, it's a poetic tale of friendship fit for children and adults alike. The soundtrack is cutesy and fitting, helping the movie feel as though you're watching a storybook. And really that's how I could best sum this movie up, it's a storybook. With each minute you feel as though you're turning a page of the book excited to see what pictures and words wait to continue the heartful adventure you're a part of.

Your Name. (2016)

"I feel like I'm always searching" and with this movie I found it.

[9/10 · 27 July 2020]

Personal Rating: 8.6/10

I went into this movie with average expectations. I walked away with a newfound respect for a whole other culture, art style, way of expressing things, and a new all-time favourite movie.

I am in no way an anime fanatic, studio ghibli being the furthest I've gone with the genre. But with this film, I think I might be in love. The visuals are stunning, moving. You feel emotion from the sweeping scapes and this film doesn't mind showing you more than the character sees. It's a very expansive and fluid lens you view the world through, expanding your appreciation for the sights, landscapes, and locations.

The characters. My goodness. This film juggles two protagonists and builds them better than most movies build just one. You quickly identify with both characters, mimicking their emotions throughout the movie. A credit to the wonderful storytelling. Characters are often where movies fall apart for me, but in this film, the arcs, motivation, everything is beautifully thought out.

The soundtrack delicately balances sweeping orchestral pieces with pop-rock, each song fits the moment, influencing the perfect rollercoaster of emotions.

Were there some imperfections, yes, why do both protagonists not have passwords on their phones? Also, the sequence of exposition halfway through was on the nose and could've had more shown than said, but this movie is already 2 hours long, so it's hard to fault this. They masked the sequence with humour and fast-paced transitions making it feel more bearable.

This movie can be enjoyed or it can be loved. It can be watched on a surface level, or you can dive into the depths of the themes and complicated storyline. For a movie to do both so well shows how expertly crafted it was, it wasn't a blueprint film, it was a passion project.

To summarize, I can't believe it took me 4 years to watch this movie. Do yourself a favour and watch it right now so you know what you've been missing out on.

Theme of Mithusa - Kimi no Na Wa

North by Northwest (1959)

One of the best good movies I've watched in a while

[8/10 · 18 July 2020]

Personal Rating: 7.5/10

This movie is a fantastic good movie. Will it leave you thinking about it days on end, no. But my goodness will you enjoy the time your butt is in your seat watching this film.

If Hitchcock can be used as an adjective I'd describe North by Northwest as one of the most Hitchcocky films he made. The imagination and talent behind each shot is suburb. This movie was shot during the wild west of movie making and Hitchcock used the camera in many outstanding and creative ways during this film.

Cary Grant, my goodness, I couldn't tell if I was watching acting or if that was just him. Grant truly embodied his character and had fun with it, pulling the audience further into the compelling plot.

Talking about the plot, this movie tells a story where if I was to describe any bit of it, it would spoil everything. So I'll just say that it felt fresh, new, and exciting. Even 60 years after this movie was released.

Now my beef. The female protagonist isn't introduced until almost an hour into the movie. It felt as if this film had been holding in all the romantic commentary and substance-less conversation and just exploded as soon as the female character was introduced. Though a lot of it plays into the plot, boy was much unnecessary and dragged on for an eternity. Adding to the already too long run time of 136 minutes.

Overall, a fantastic movie that keeps you quite engaged throughout the run-time. Cary Grant and Eva Saint playing their characters very nicely, and Alfred Hitchcock pulling out all the stops.

The Painting (2011)

A feast for the eyes, just not the mind.

[7/10 · 13 July 2020]

Personal Rating: 6.6/10

I'd like to give credit where it's due, the art style in this movie is simply magnificent, with the wonderfully imaginative Jean-François Laguionie at the helm. This film explores many worlds each connected yet stunningly different. It was truly a feast for the eyes.

I want to break down my rating further:

• Style: 10/10, I simply fell in love with the whimsical yet purposeful nature of the artistic style.
• Score: 7.5/10, Repetitious in many instances but overall pleasant to the ears and motivated nicely throughout the movie.
• Story: 5/10, The story is where this movie falls flat for me.

Let's uncover the story a little more.

• The theme was executed well throughout the movie, but it had to beat you over the head with it, it wasn't even 10 minutes in before a character expressed word for word the theme, lazy writing.
• There's a lack of solid motivations behind actions, with the plot only moving forward because of conversations like this: "we should find the painter","Maybe we should, I've been wanting to for a while." That's it, then they just go off on an outer world expedition.
• It was as if we were forcibly being spoon-fed throughout this movie though we could've very easily held the spoon for ourselves.
• There was much dialogue that was repeating what we could see in the frame, show don't tell.

Now the following is a bit of further nitpicking, though it could be because I watched this movie in English and not the original French. Because of this, I'm not subtracting points because of the following:

• Sound, The dialogue most of the time was loud on the right side, echoey on the left. With sound effects and score being perfectly balanced, making the poorly mixed dialogue sound even worse.
• Speaking about dialogue, much of it was on the nose and could have easily been put in a more interesting pleasant way.

Overall this movie is a wonderful journey of artistic expression, visually stimulating, just paired with a cold porridge-like screenplay.

In a Lonely Place (1950)

Ripe with conflict, a film that makes you think, not smile.

[6/10 · 4 July 2020]

Personal Rating: 6.4/10

This isn't a movie I would necessarily recommend nor watch again, however, I don't regret watching it, it leaves a good amount of food for thought.

The performances of both Gloria and Humphrey Bogart are wonderful, with emotion that really pulls you into the story, even when you'd rather stay at arm's length away. There was something about how the story and acting came together that made you feel uncomfortable. Not to say it's inherently a bad thing, it demonstrates the power this movie wields. Humphrey Bogart played perhaps one of his darkest roles, disturbingly well. Disturbing is the only way to put it, I felt so much respect and fear towards his embodiment of Dixon in this movie.

There are, widely accepted, six main types of conflict. This movie chose to focus on an external conflict, man vs. man, which it does so in many cases, quite well. Whether it's between the police captain and Dixon, Gloria and Dixon, the book author and Dixon, etc. But if I could fantasize about one thing, I would've loved to have seen this film take on a more internal man vs. self approach to the conflict. I understand that that would've been quite progressive especially considering the time period, but all the building blocks were there for it. Dixon struggles to contain his anger, always has as was pointed out many times in the movie. Dixon even acknowledges it and promises to restrain himself multiple times, he sends gifts to all he hurts, and yet his arc never goes past that. Disappointingly Mel mentions that "it's as much a part of him as his eyes... if you want him you take the good with the bad." To a certain degree, valid point, however, I felt like it erased what little progress was made in this movie on the front of controlling anger.

And it's at this point that I want to declare my main issue with this movie. Where are the character arcs? Dixon hasn't learnt to control his anger anymore than he had at the start. Laurel essentially runs away on Dixon putting her in the exact situation she started the movie in. It's this lack of character development and failings in the story that make the most emotional words, the theme of this movie, fall down flat.

"I was born when she kissed me. I died when she left me. I lived a few weeks while she loved me."

However, this movie rewrites it as: "I was born when I kissed her. I exploded when she left me. I wrote for a few weeks while she loved me."

Rear Window (1954)

This review won't be as long as the movie.

[7/10 · 1 July 2020]

Personal Rating - 7.5/10

I want to start by saying this is a perfectly good movie. If you're looking for a good oldie to spend the night watching, don't even read my review just watch it, I doubt you'll be disappointed.

Now to those still here I'll convince you further why you should watch it. The dialogue reminds you that there was an era of movies where the screenplays weren't written by a class of kindergarteners. The back and forth, quick-witted comments fly so fast it's hard to catch all of them at times, so bring a butterfly net. The acting is alright, James Stewart and Grace Kelly playing the characters nicely. In classic Alfred style, the shots in this film are long-winded but wonderfully crafted with hidden details all over. Though long it's hard to get bored during this movie.

Are you still here? Okay, let me explain why I didn't love this movie. The story. Don't get me wrong the plot is new, fresh, nicely done; a murder spied by one man who can only stay relatively stationary throughout the movie. But the murder itself is unfulfilling and unsatisfying. I finished the movie wondering why I didn't feel amazed. It's because, for a movie revolving around a murder, you learn nothing about it! What was the real motivation behind it? What was the man's wife truly like, how did she become the way she acted in bed? Why was she said to be bed bound but was walking in one scene? Where was the man going next? Who was at the other end of his telephone? How many people were in on it? Did they get caught? I could go on and on, but no the movie wants you to be satisfied with the relationships that are solved by the end of this movie, the Grace and James, the musician and lonely bottom floor lady, the weird balcony people and a new dog. But that doesn't do it for me! To sit for almost 2 hours, I need more than a little fairy tale ending.

Anyway by this point I'm just rambling. It's a perfectly good murder movie, just not a great nor legendary one.

12 Angry Men (1957)

A simple story told perfectly.

[10/10 · 26 June 2020]

Personal Rating: 10/10

If someone asked you to create a compelling film, shot in only one location, black and white, a dozen actors, no fancy camera work, almost non-stop dialogue, and based entirely on an argument, could you do it?

Well, 12 Angry Men rises to that exact occasion. If you're one that appreciates some mystery, drama, a rollercoaster of a ride, you'll enjoy this movie. Granted it's not for all, its lack of action, romance or Michael Bay explosions may have some falling asleep, but to those who appreciate a good thriller, it'll have you on the edge of your seat the whole time.

It's easy to become desensitized today about what truly makes a good movie, with CGI a norm, relying solely on A list actors and actresses instead of a good screenplay prolific, we forget just how powerful well-written dialogue is. It's that dialogue that transports you into this movie, that thrusts you into the whirlwind of plot and emotion and doesn't let go until the movie's over. You walk away from this film in awe, not thinking well if 100 million dollars falls in my lap I could make a movie like that. No, you start thinking, damn, I have no excuse, this movie proves that it's story that matters, not extravagant displays of big budgets. And I feel that needs to be celebrated, acknowledged, and loved.

Charade (1963)

Trying too hard to be a romantic comedy & mystery it just became a disappointment

[6/10 · 24 June 2020]

Personal Rating: 6.4/10

As a kid, did you ever look at a slide and think I can't wait to go down that, it has plenty of twists and turns. But come to find out there's no slip to the slide, you have to scoot yourself down the whole time and you end up looking back up at it with distaste?

That might be too specific of an illustration but it sums up my experience with Charade. I had high expectations going into this film based on the star-studded cast and while Hepburn and Grant had some alright performances, it certainly wasn't their best.

In multiple places, the film felt lacklustre, with camera work that lacked intention. The story told while giving you whiplash with unexpectedness, I felt leaned too much on the "didn't see it coming" element and forgot to tell a deeper story. It's not all doom and gloom as the dialogue in many places was quite witty and refreshing.

I do have to mention, though I don't have much to stand on as a male, I felt the portrayal and treatment of Audrey's character did not age well and is quite distasteful by today's standards.

One example was the constant changing of opinions based on the frivolous come and go emotion of "love" in this movie from Hepburn for a character (Grant) mysterious and nothing more than a pretty face: "I love you", "you're a murderer", *let me kiss you a thousand times*, "who are you", all of these changes in feelings based on nothing left me quite confused and dissatisfied with the breadcrumbs of character development here.

The script even recognises this fault when Gary Grant says: "One minute you're chasing me around the shower room the next you're accusing me of murder"

By now you are quite aware of the faults I find with this film, but don't get me wrong, it's certainly not the worst thing I've seen. If you're looking for some light-hearted mystery with a great cast this is the film for you. Avoid it though if you're seeking something that you want to stay with you days later.

Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

Appreciate the fireflies

[9/10 · 20 June 2020]

Personal rating - 8.5/10

I understood going into this movie that it wasn't a happy feel-good kind of film. But nothing prepares you for the harsh depths of reality this movie explores.

The name, "Seita" is still ringing in my mind, yelled by Setsuko as tears streamed down her face. Haunting is certainly the only way to describe it. The relationship between the two siblings that are the protagonists of this film is beautiful, for anyone with younger siblings this movie hits even harder, believe me.

I want to briefly talk about fireflies. You'll never look at them the same after this movie, the symbolism and visuals tied to those small creatures was breathtaking. Proving it's usually the overlooked things that shine the brightest but fade the quickest. You have to appreciate what you have before it's gone.

I don't want to dive too deep that I get into spoiler territory, so let me just highly recommend you watch it. If anything the level of appreciation this film imparts for just simply living is worth it. Couple the hauntingly enchanting story with a beautiful soundtrack Studio Ghibli is so known for having, wonderful artistry, voice acting, and the piece of history this film is; it's a must-watch, but never watch again movie.

Disclaimer: I watched the original version with English subtitles, and the emotion behind the original vocal performances alone left your heart breaking.

Midnight in Paris (2011)

You need to get a little lost, to appreciate what you have.

[8/10 · 19 June 2020]

Personal rating - 8.2/10

Is this movie perfect on a technical level? No. Is there possibly too much of Woody Allen in this film? I believe so. But does it make you feel something, transport you to a different era? Absolutely. An easy to recommend film for those looking for something a little more relaxed and visually stunning.

To truly appreciate this movie you have to get lost yourself, climb into the cab and become Gil Pender.

The modern-day characters revolving around Gil, his finance, her clan and parents, felt hollow and predictable only existing to belittle the protagonist and little else. It's a good thing this movie isn't about them, but instead Gil, a character you can get lost in.

This moves nails making you feel something, especially if you're already a sucker for jazz, Paris, French culture, or the 20's. The protagonist is quite likable and easily understood. Though some of the exposition is quite on the nose the acting and visual storytelling makes up for it twofold.

The theme itself, use the past not as an escape but as fuel for the present, was beautifully told in a moving way, leaving the viewer with food for thought once the movie ends. I believe if a film manages to lodge itself in your mind after the TV gets turned off, so that you continue to ponder on it positively, you know it's good.

To Catch a Thief (1955)

Hitchcock, Kelly, Grant and a fun story. What more do you need?

[8/10 · 19 June 2020]

Personal rating - 7.8/10

To catch a thief is a timeless movie driven by a story that commands your attention. Though having a run time of an hour and 47 minutes, there isn't a dull moment I can think of. Between fast cuts, snappy dialogue, quick-paced storytelling, and your own desire to solve the mystery this movie presents makes the film absolutely fly by.

Grace Kelly and Gary Grant are absolutely marvellous in this film, embodying their characters and bringing the story to life. The dynamic between the two is fantastic on screen which the dialogue further complimented by being so well written, a real tribute to the screenplay as well as delivery.

The scene of the world has certainly changed since this movie came out so there are some questionable lines from male characters to female, I mention this merely as a disclaimer and not to lessen your view of the movie, as you do have to take into consideration the era in which it was made.

It should be noted that the camera work isn't mind blowing, editing merely okay, and multiple parts that could've done with less exposition and more storytelling through visuals. But that aside, you're here to watch a good story, and that this film is!

It's a watch again kind of movie for me!

Diabolique (1955)

A movie you watch for the plot twist, not much else.

[6/10 · 18 June 2020]

Personal Rating: 6.3/10

To be frank, I felt the casting to be mediocre with performances wobbling between alright and easily seen through, camera work was average, and pacing, terrible. However, the story told is quite a fun one, carrying this film on it's back.

The movie has a 1hr 57min run time with Act 1 taking up the majority of that time (55 mins). It's as if this film acknowledges how long and drawn out it is and in response sticks its nose up and tells you to shut up, to be fair though the pay off in the end is quite nice.

Though the story was well thought out, I never felt anything during this movie. I'll blame it on me watching the subtitled version and not speaking French.

Let's talk about the story, though lengthy and drawn out there is a satisfying plot twist at the end. One that's hardly expected and that's coming from an Agatha Christie fan. I would put this movie in the basket of soft thrillers, as it's more intriguing than exciting.

So would I recommend this film? If you had two hours to burn and you wanted a fun twist, sure. If you're a little more pressed for time, there are much better movies to watch in this film's run time.

Dead Poets Society (1989)

The 9/10 movie I'll never watch again.

[9/10 · 17 June 2020]

Personal Rating: 9/10

This movie shattered me. There's the expression that something "tugs at your heartstrings," well this movie ripped mine out.

I'll be honest, I could find things to critique about this film, the instance of a scene that was used twice and felt sloppy perhaps; but this movie never claimed to be perfect, just to be emotionally moving, and that it certainly is. This review is written by a boy who also finds himself on the edge of adolescence and adulthood, does that mean I'm biased, absolutely, but everyone who watches this film is, everyone can relate. Your feelings I can assure you will be the same as mine when the credits start rolling, rolling like the tears down your cheeks.

This movie makes you think. Conformity is easy, conformity is comfortable, conformity gets you good grades, trust me you're listening right now to a past perfect GPA teacher's pet. The thing conformity doesn't give you though, is a life, one worth living. For something to be beautiful it must also have a side of danger, and that's what freedom of thought is, as is mentioned in the movie "we must constantly look at things in a different way," and that's beautiful! Yes, it means at times we don't agree, yes it means you might give this movie a 4/10 but I'll be damned if that changes my opinion of it.

The themes this movie explores such as, never letting a moment slip by where you don't think for yourself, where you don't seize an opportunity, it does so beautifully. Robin Williams was not acting he was believing, everything in this movie comes across as genuine, a slice of reality, a harsh but beautiful one at that.

Will I watch this movie again, I don't think so. But please, please watch it just once, you won't ever regret it.

Carpe Diem.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

This film is a visually stunning music video.

[4/10 · 14 June 2020]

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

• Personal rating: 4/10
• Cultural impact rating: 10/10

Dir. Stanley Kubrick

Where do I begin, it's 2:27am.

I feel guilty to admit how high my expectations were going into this movie, I didn't know anything about it except it was old, it was unconventional, and a masterpiece. After watching the movie I can say it fulfilled all those three beliefs, just not in the way I had hoped.

I've broken my rating of this movie down two ways: My personal rating, would I watch this again, hell no. My cultural rating, did this movie influence just about every single movie made afterwards to this very day, yes.

Here are some of the thoughts I had during the movie:

• "Ten minutes in, just making sure I'm watching 2001 and not some b rated national geographic channel. What does this all mean? Also I'm missing the human voice, wish I wasn't wearing headphones to listen to this movie."

• "There may be no sound in space but there certainly is a lot of singing."

• "If I hear another Opera singer yell he or ah I will lose it."

So let's dive in:

This movie is a visually stunning music video. The story this movie tries to tell could've been told in thirty minutes, but you don't watch this movie for the story, anyone that tells you otherwise is stroking their ego. It may be due to my generation's short attention span but I found many shots to grow boring, yes they were visually stunning, yes groundbreaking, but you don't need 9 camera angles and 6 minutes to show someone floating into space, we got the point with the first shot. The amount of time I spent listening to a crappy recording of a man breathing made me, honestly, relieved when he died, something you don't want your audience to feel about that act of unfairness.

With each event in this film I thought, ooo I wonder what this is building to, I can't wait to get some answers, the payoff is going to be amazing, oh man there's two minutes left it must be coming up soon... and then I got a floating baby.

To appreciate much of what I did enjoy of this movie I had to pretend I was living in 1963, computer generated effects were practically unheard of and man had not yet stepped foot on the moon, then, then this movie shines. But a good film shouldn't have to rely on the circumstance of time to be enjoyed.

Let's give credit to where it is due, the actors did a fabulous job with some impactful performances. The score is incredible, and the visuals, the "effects*", and camera work is stupendous, simply groundbreaking. Each shot you can tell is wonderfully crafted. This movie blew open the gates to a genre and will forever remain a landmark, hence the cultural rating of 10/10.

Imagine a book where the pages were made out of gold, they were beautiful, fabulous, stunning, but the story written on them was disjointed, boring, and left more questions than it answered, is this a good book? I believe this film is such a cinema darling because some people are happy to look past the story and at the pages, so to speak, of this movie, I just can't bring myself to.



*Everything was practical, yes everything, this movie could be hailed as the reason VFX was created. It is magnificent and holds up over fifty years later!