Rate the last movie you watched.

In theaters: Men followed shortly by Crimes of the Future. Both 5 to 6 out of 10 for me.

Neither is their respective director's best effort (imo that would be Annihilation for Alex Garland, and for Cronenberg gosh where to even begin). Men looks/sounds amazing though (also has a pretty incredible final act) and CotF has some interesting concepts for sure (and great nightmarish visuals) -it just does not come together all that well in the end.

Streaming: Bringing Out the Dead - 10/10

Amazing, unhinged, bizarre. Loved it. Navarro's IGN article spurred me on to finally watch this since it's been on my list since forever. My older sibling loathed this movie back in 99 (I guess they thought it would be a horror film???) so I was always curious about it. I think this was Scorsese's/Schrader's last collaboration, if so holy crap what a trip to go out on.

Bonus TV: Severance, BARRY s3. Both a 9 to 10 out of 10.

Severance is fantastically well constructed and it looks amazing. It's also a great conversation piece (really makes u think) and I highly recommend Waypoint's bonus episode where they discuss the entire first season. BARRY just keeps on getting darker and I love it. Bill Hader's really showing off his directing chops for action sequences and for tension building. I'm looking forward to whatever he does next once Barry is done.

Good stuff!

Ebirah, Horror of the Deep (2/5)

I really liked the cool lobster monster, but otherwise the movie didn't have as much soul as the previous Showa-era Godzilla movies.

Top Gun: Maverick (4/5)

Probably the best movie to come out of Hollywood in years. A fantastic thrill that sticks to it's strengths and in large parts exceeds the original movie.

Titane (4/5)

The most intense cinema experience I've had in a long while. Thoroughly uncomfortable to absorb but at the same time too absorbing to look away from. A menacingly disturbing pulp action film that's also a very delicate story of identity, family, love and parenthood. The way Agathe Rousselle is able to transform and morph her character through the movie is absolutely astounding and her performance can not be praised enough. I really enjoyed how the movie was paced and how it kept surprising me time and time again.

Enrico Piaggio: An Italian Dream (2/5)

A very predictable and straightforward movie about the invention of the Vespa. The story and acting performances were laughably shallow at times and visually the movie was kind of a mess. I can't think of many good things to say about this movie, but it was kind of relaxing to watch.

Eraser, 10/10, great documentary about what 1996 is all about. Also, rail gun.

I watched Old (2021) By M. Night Shyamalan -- 7/10

Really good premise that makes you want to keep watching, even though the acting and the dialogue is rough around the edges. It has a very campy feel to it, and the cinematography is like half documentary/half narrative which I don't think works well. Either commit to a style, or don't do it, don't half-ass it. But all that aside, the premise is strong enough to pull you through it, you want to know what happens next, even if the ending is a cliche.

Thor Love and Thunder 7/10.

Hilarious movie though I was disappointed with Gorr.

Last movie i watched is Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness this is one heck of a psychedelics and tripling experience. It is one of the most unique and different marvel movies ever.

Last movie I saw was Adieu Philippine, a 1962 film from French director Jacques Rozier. Very much in the vein of French New Wave, so of course it has some charming dance numbers, cute girls, hunky guys, and a love triangle. And of course, nothing much happens, but it's all very fun and I enjoyed the chaotic fun energy of it. It is very much of its time and would not pass the Bechdel test. Also features beautiful shots of the Corsican coast and a real shitty guy who kinda looks like a French Bob Hoskins. Recommended!

Nope 4/5

A fun genre bending mash up. Enjoy this movie quite a bit.

Currently I'm watching latest season I'm Groot and I found it comedy+fantasy in my opinion and And in the end I will share rating accordingly to my perception.....

Roman Polanski's Macbeth (1971) 5/5

"Fuck you, Game of Thrones on HBO!" was my thought after I finished this more dark fantasy flavored take on the Shakespeare tragedy. Nightmares, witchcraft and good action all packed into 140 minutes and you can get all shtick of GOT plus then some.

The Core [2003] (2/5)

Some profoundly dumb but fun early 2000's disaster science fiction. Bad acting, bad CGI and the flimsiest of plots, but it's clear that people had fun making this movie. It's in no way a good movie, but I still find it easy to recommend to most people as pure mindless entertainment.

20,000 Days on Earth (3/5)

This was so far the only outdoor screening I managed to go to this year. Nick Cave recounts his life and work in a well shot and structured musical documentary. The film is mostly carried by the charisma of Cave and his friends.

After Blue (3/5)

Humanity has escaped the hellish conditions of Earth to a new planet where all men have died from ingrown hair and balance is kept by restricting technology and by living in tribes segregated by nationality. That's only the premise of this erotic French science fiction western and things progress from there to some truly ridiculous destinations. The moist and foggy psychedelia of the film to be quite overbearing in the first third already and by the halfway point I was hoping for even a momentary respite from the absolute visual flood of colors and textures. My favorite part of the film was the imaginative and detailed set design which managed to punch through the kaleidoscopic cinematography. Not a great movie, but certainly a very memorable one.

I watched Prey

10/10, 5/5, 100/100 absolutely no notes.

It was so lean and well written, with only the necessary details needed to tell a very compelling story. Such a strong case for the 90 minute movie (when necessary).

Not just that but its time period introduced some fresh new ideas into the Predator universe, and some amazing moments (Bear vs Predator).

I enjoyed it immensely.

I recently watched: Everything Everywhere All at Once

10/10 very good sci-fi film about time paradoxes and family. 😁

also, it was very interesting watching the making of it on how well it turned out despite not having a big budget.

@xolotl: I somehow forgot that I had watched Pray too!

Pray (3/5)

My hot take is that this is the best movie in the Predator franchise. Good pacing, nice tense atmosphere and good practical effects. I especially enjoyed how exciting the hunting sequences with "normal animals" were.

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

It is a good movie; it is exactly what it needs to be and I would even say it a "better" movie than Top Gun. I hate to admit this, but in later life I think Tom Cruise acts well and his control as producer seems to pay off. There are thrilling moment, pointent moment, scary moments, and when Val Kilmer is on screen I felt weepy. Bravo to the director and producers (there were many) who pulled this movie off despite much of the production occurring during Covid-19. And teh reason I say this is a better movies is the personal story and the story or relationships is more realistic. If Maverick has baggage he was carrying around in his late 20, then that baggage he carries as an older man fills three sea-chest of regret.

As someone who had never seen the first Terminator before, I figured I'd rate it after the Films and 40s, but I was so bored watching it that I zoned out, like, half of it.

I give it a 10/10 for dongs though.

Funny Pages. 10/10.

So fucking funny and really crazy. Pretty much every character in the movie is weird and a honestly like half the cast are among the strangest characters I've ever seen in movies or tv shows. I'd liken them to someone on a level of "Brown" in Check it out with Dr. Steve Brule. And there is lots of male nudity. This description really sells the movie as a 10/10 doesn't it?

Movie festival season is back so I have and will be rolling in and out of cinemas quite frequently here in Autumn.

Barking Dogs Never Bite (3/5)

One of the last Bong Joon-Ho movies I had not seen. An unpolished work which nevertheless shows the future potential of this director.

Fitzcarraldo (3/5)

I'm glad I'd saved this Herzog movie to see it on a big screen. An epic undertaking that comes across great visually. Klaus Kinski gives another fantastic performance and the true star which is the Amazon jungle gets to shine in all its vibrant beauty and terror.

Sosialismi (3/5)

The last work by Finnish director and cinema legend Peter von Bagh. A somewhat scattered history of socialism told through a trove of footage from cinematic history. The viewpoint remains mostly balanced while perhaps not putting enough pressure on the worst horrors of the communist dictatorships of the 20th century.

The Hunt for Red October (4/5)

The first film I watched as a part of the Nextlander movie podcast series. I'd only seen this before under the age of 15 and with a bit more maturity my view on the movie definitely improved. A tense, fun and well-made submarine adventure.

Crimson Tide (3/5)

While the movie does somewhat get muddled in the mix of consecutive mutinies, I did really enjoy the more dialogue heavy parts of the film which focused on the core philosophical debates surrounding the use of nuclear weapons.

Isle of Dogs (3/5)

I've maybe watched too much Wes Anderson in the past months, but this really just did feel like more of the same. Some of the visual ties with Showa-era Japanese art were cool, but the plot was very predictable and there was maybe less nuance to the animation than in Fantastic Mr. Fox for example. Still a nice Sunday breakfast movie.

Rimini (4/5)

A fading Austrian singer entertains retirees at an off-season Italian resort town. A great dark comedy which lovingly touches on the subjects of loneliness, family and aging. Michael Thomas pulls of the leading role of Richie Bravo incredibly well and the cold and wet town of Rimini is shot nicely. Definitely a film worth seeking out.

Mariupolis (3/5)

Following the lives of people in anticipation of the attack on Mariupolis, Mantas Kvedaravicius captures all shades of the citizens of this city in waiting at close proximity. I was sometimes distracted by the ultra-closeups and shaky camerawork, but mostly it all worked in drawing me right into the lives of these people.

Mariupolis 2 (3/5)

A good account of the boredom and creeping stress that war brings to the civilian population of Mariupolis. Mantas Kvedaravicius focuses on filming the few remaining survivors taking shelter in the basement of a church, with all the rest of the city reduced to ruins around them. Because Kvedaravicius was killed by Russian troops while escaping the city, the film feels largely unfinished and seems to use practically every piece of salvaged footage. An important documentary, but not quite as cohesive as the first one.

Into the Ice (3/5)

A beautifully shot cinematic journey to the icecaps of Greenland. The documentary follows multiple scientists researching the effects of climate change on the ice sheet and gives a nice broad view on the subject matter. The real gem of the film is the footage shot inside moulin ice caves. There's probably not much new info here for most people, outside of the fact that the situation may be more distressing than previously thought. Still worth a watch for the visuals alone.

Lamb (3/5)

A well balanced and throughout captivating first direction from Valdimar Jóhannsson. The film is essentially a family drama disguised as folk horror. Beautifully shot Icelandic scenery, a well constructed story and some nice special effects.

Triangle of Sadness (4/5)

One of the funniest films I've seen all year. The audience in my screening was full-on howling with laughter at some points. While the anti-capitalist message of this movie is grotesquely blunt, there are some more interesting themes woven throughout that only fully reveal themselves in the third act. Great acting throughout, especially by Dolly de Leon.

Moonage Daydream (4/5)

One of the finest documentaries about an artist I've ever seen. David Bowie's life, philosophy and art is revealed through a very skillfully edited film. The visual storytelling and structure shifts and changes with Bowie's career and the use of footage from throughout his life is expansive. A must-see for anyone with even a passing interest on the life or music of David Bowie and a high recommendation for any fan of good documentaries.

Luckiest Girl Alive 3/5

Based on the best selling book, the producers stayed true to the plot and maneuvered well on the sensitive topics, however very predictable.

Smile 3/5

If you saw the trailer and were interested, you will like this movie. If you weren't interested, you won't like this movie. This was a pretty fun horror movie that I'm still thinking about.

Black Adam (1/5)

First thing that struck me is that it has a ton of onscreen violence (it preaches the necessity of justified killing) yet it feels like a children's movie (narrator is a skater kid wearing a cape). It mainly exists to setup a future "The Rock vs Everyone" movie. Not the best timing to needle drop a played out Kanye track in the climax, however the Paint It Black setpiece in the opening 30 minutes is the high point of the film. Everything that follows is a shoddily edited, orange saturated mess. The skater kid sidekick has a cringey scene that made me not want to rewatch the movie ever again. Disclaimer: I saw it pre-release so who knows if they made changes for the official release.

Raw (3/5)

A decent first full direction effort from Titane-famed director Julia Ducournau. Good practical effects, solid acting and the themes explored were nicely melded together in a body horror soup.

Bohemian Rhapsody (2/5)

A lackluster portrayal of the life of Freddie Mercury. There was nothing surprising, emotional or exciting about this. Rami Malek put in a good performance though.

Crimes of the Future [2022] (3/5)

Surgery is the new sex.

Christine [1983] (3/5)

I was amazed at the level and use of practical effects and still find myself puzzled over how some of them were pulled off. A generally entertaining movie full of that Carpenter magic.

I saw some movies on flights to and from Iceland!

• Everything, Everywhere, All At Once
  
  • 5/5 - Loved it! Grounded & touching story, interestingly told. The framework behind multiverse travel was smart and made the movie feel distinct and more entertaining to watch.
• Matrix: Resurrections
  • 3/5 - I thought it was fine. Even the 2nd & 3rd of the original trilogy couldn't follow up the first movie so I wasn't expecting this to either.
• The Devil Wears Prada
  • 4/5 - The performances made this move for me. The story feels very typical 00's including the ending but it was fun to watch everyone act out their roles.
• King Richard
  • 5/5 - Stellar performance from Will Smith. Story didn't surprise me, but the moment to moment drama still kept me engaged.

Prey on Hulu:

The scenery is absolutely stunning (filmed in Canada on reservation land, I don't recall which tribe); great acting (Naru & Taabe - Amber Midthunder and Dakota Beavers); the fight scenes / fight choreography is top notch; great CGI; a GREAT PREDATOR / Predator tech; and a great post-credits stinger.

A more than worthy addition to the Predator franchise.

Lyle Lyle Crocodile 9/10 It is BTW based on a children's book series by the late Bernard Waber about a sweet and kind crocodile that is not at all scary despite his looks. Shows of his origins and that over in the family that will adopt him the Primm's and his original owner, Hector P Valenti. Cute film and great musical there for the whole entire family.

Keep Sweet - 8/10. This is a gripping 4-part documentary Netflix series on Warren Jeffs and his polygamist fundamentalist Mormon church. I had heard the name of Warren Jeffs but I didn't know much about him or the FLDS community. Suffice to say, he is one of the most loathsome humans I've ever heard of. His life consists of rampant sexual abuse, emotional manipulation, and self-proclaimed holiness - to the point of claiming to be the only channel between God and the Earth. There is one part toward the end of the documentary that plays some audio clips of a sexual encounter between Jeffs and some (probably underage) girls in the "holiest" part of his enormous temple. It's not too explicit but it made me want to vomit and I wish I had never heard it. So if you watch this documentary, maybe skip that part. Ick.

Nope 3/5

Jordan Peele's weakest film of the 3 that he has directed so far. I'll give him props for making this at least unique in concept.

Lamb 4/5

Dr Strange Multiverse etc... 2/5

Has almost a complete lack of a plot, uses alternate universes to create the most unimaginative scenarios possible, centered around a boring character played by a bad actor.

On the plus side Elizabeth Olsen puts in an amazing performance though i don't at all understand the motivations, probably because i don't have Disney+.

The mermaid (by the guy that did kung fu hustle)

Ridiculous in the best way possible. Highly recommend

Halloween Ends 2/5

Crimson Tide 5/5

Young Denzel is the best Denzel. Took a bit to get all the exposition out of the way and character introduction, but after that is nonstop crisis mode.

Fools Rush In 5/5

I love a good rom com, and this hits all the right notes. I really love Salma Hayek and the latin elements in the movie. I hope to find a girl like that someday lol

Home Alone. Watched it with the kids. They had a blast watching all the traps go off. 5/5 would Home again.

Home Alone 2 5/5

The best home alone.

Ticket to Paradise 8/10 if you are a Clooney and Roberts fan

Weird, The Al Yankovic Movie. A 100% true of an American icon that doesn’t play with the facts, it’s exactly how it happened. 7/10

Here's a few quick ones from recent weeks. Probably forgot a few.

It Came from Outer Space (3/5)

Surprisingly modern in pacing and storytelling for a 70-year old film. Visual effects which in some parts remain impressive to this day and a fun twist on the usual Red Menace storyline. Unlucky that the 3D projector had broken in my local cinema so we had to settle for a 2D copy.

Das Boot (4/5)

It had been a full decade since I watched this and I now found myself spotting further details and underlying themes. Remains an ironclad classic. My favorite scene remains the party sequence in the beginning.

The Imitation Game (3/5)

An Alan Turing biography which in most parts successfully balances the audience appetites for drama with deeper historical details. I was surprised at how well the ending pulled at my emotions.

Bad Black (4/5)

My first full experience of a Wakaliwood production outside of a few YouTube clips. I haven't experienced such raucous and full-bodied laughter from an audience in months. I also haven't been this entertained in a long time. A great example of the pure joy of movie making and absolutely on my list of future disc purchases.

Deadfall (2/5)

Quite a terrible movie, which is just about saved with a batshit Nicolas Cage performance and an overall unnatural vibe. Not a good movie at all, but one of those I can't stop thinking about and would actually like to watch again.

All Quiet on the Western Front (3/5)

Mud, blood and rats. An appropriately grueling depiction of World War 1 with some impressive cinematography.

Blade Runner (4/5)

A rewatch of this classic really cemented my views of it. Amazing atmosphere, visual effects and world design with some pacing issues that none of the edits have managed to fully resolve for me.

Blade Runner 2049 (3/5)

If you have a new 4K TV and want to show it off, put this movie on. The last third of this movie is still a letdown and I honestly think that it could have been a more interesting film without the resuscitation of Rick Deckard. Still visually fantastic and fully entertaining.

Leningrad Cowboys Meet Moses (3/5)

A sequel to Leningrad Cowboys Go America which I actually ended up enjoying more than the original. By far the best version of Kili Watch ever recorded.

Dr. Strangelove (5/5)

I probably re-watch this once a year and it continues to be one of my all-time favorite movies. Themes and topics which unfortunately are now as current as they were 60 years ago.

Children of Men (4/5)

I'd somehow not watched this since my late teens and oh boy if it doesn't hit differently after some life experience. A beautifully filmed gut punch which left me feeling hollow in the best of ways.

Shoplifters (3/5)

Great acting and a nicely constructed story about family ties and love. Some of the character stories could have had more space to breathe and the ending felt abrupt in an unintentional way.

Varjoja paratiisissa [Shadows in Paradise] (3/5)

Not my favorite Kaurismäki movie, but it's nice and short so I'm never opposed to a rewatch when someone suggests it. Unusually easygoing compared to the other films in the Proletariat Trilogy.

Tukdam (3/5)

A documentary on the phenomena of tukdam where the bodies of experienced Buddhist monks show signs of vitality days after death. The film balances the views of the religious advocates and scientists researching the subject rather well. Some unfortunate repetition in parts though and could have benefited from some further editing.

Druk [Another Round] (4/5)

Perhaps my favorite Mads Mikkelsen performance of all time. The film gives a frighteningly objective and fearless view on the use of alcohol and the multitude of characters and stories interwoven throughout are captivating. I'll definitely consider adding this to my Blu-Ray collection.