Dec 31, 2024

Fanatical: The Catfishing Of Tegan And Sara (2024)

 

As a fan of Tegan & Sara and someone who has been catfished, this documentary was right up my alley. Really sad this happened, but also terribly interesting to see the scope. Be careful online everyone! 


Rating: C


¡Casa Bonita Mi Amor! (2024)

 

As a lifelong fan of South Park, it was a blast to see Matt & Trey crossover into the real world with another passion project. While fiscally irresponsible, in a way these two rich guys have given back to the community. The restaurant serves as a museum, cultural landmark, and entertainment center. I enjoyed learning about the history of the restaurant and watching the transformation. 


Rating: C+


Apocalypse Z: The Beginning Of The End (2024)

The best zombie movie to come along in some time comes from Spain; the first in a trilogy it seems, although a sequel hasn’t been announced yet. 


These speedy zombies come from a virus, that quickly brings civilization to a halt. The film does an excellent job of showing the breakdown from start to end. Some handy survival tips to be culled for sure. 


The action is fast paced, with lulls for character development. I hope there’s a next one. 


Rating: B-


The 4:30 Movie (2024)

 

Kevin Smith is officially washed up. This was terrible. Looked like it was made by a couple of horny, nerdy, high school teens over the summer. Not funny or interesting. 


Rating: F


Will & Harper (2024)

 

Friendship. Exploration. Understanding. Empathy. Anxiety. Humor. 


Rating: C+


Dec 19, 2024

The Substance (2024)

 

Perhaps there were some life lessons to be learned from this movie, but the closing sequence will have erased them from your mind. There’s a decent story in the first half, which descends into a gonzo freak-fest in the second. Demi Moore put her whole self into this character. It’s something to behold, although you may wish you hadn’t. 


Rating: D+


Revenge (2017)

 

The pacing and cinematography will hold your attention, but the setup is a bit preposterous. I enjoy a good revenge flick as much as the next guy; this one was simply too implausible. 


Rating: C-


The Wild Robot (2024)

 

Creative and funny enough for adults to enjoy. They worked in some good messages for the kids. 


Rating: C+


Mountain Queen: The Summits Of Lhakpa Sherpa (2023)

 

What an incredible story of determination, grit, and overcoming adversity. People are capable of great things and shouldn’t be overlooked based on gender, ethnicity, or circumstance. The documentary is inspiring and informative. Grab a Kleenex at the end. 


Rating: B-


Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)

 


I’m glad I watched the first one right before seeing the sequel. Tim Burton brought back a lot of the original characters and gimmicks. Crazy that Keaton basically looks the same after 36 years. Fun to see a continuation of the storyline. 


Rating: C+


Beetlejuice (1988)

 

First time seeing this since I was a young teenager. Fun walk down memory lane. The movie holds up. I don’t remember Keaton’s character being so perverted. Doubt my parents would have approved me seeing it back then. Tim Burton’s stamp is all over this film. The ridiculous gags are part of the fun. Going to watch the sequel right now. 


Rating: B-


Alien: Romulus (2024)

 

The franchise came up with some creepy versions of the space monsters. It’s stress inducing to watch, but mostly empty calories. 


Rating: C+


The Killer’s Game (2024)

 

I don’t necessarily mind that I’ve already seen a bunch of movies where hitmen try to take out a top hitman. It just needs to be entertaining. Killer’s Game had moments. Started losing interest toward the end. 


Rating: C-


The Platform (2019)

 

My thoughts turned to Cube and SFW as I watched this Spanish puzzle play out. It’s certainly frustrating that no mysteries are revealed, but the execution of the concept was very well done. I heard the sequel sucked.


Rating: C+


Twilight Of The Warriors: Walled In (2024)

 

Set in the walled city of Kowloon, Hong Kong in the 80s; gangs duke it out for turf control and revenge. There is a lot of Chinese quirkiness to overlook, but it’s an ok watch. Fight scenes sometimes bordered on ridiculous. 


Rating: C


The Batman (2022)

 

Gave this a watch because I wanted some extra backstory for HBO’s The Penguin series. It was quite long, but entertaining enough. 


Rating: C


Oct 22, 2024

Twisters (2024)

 

A fun one to see in the theater. Nothing special plot-wise. 


Rating: C


Thelma (2024)

 

The film is torn between being an elder action flick and a study on the process of aging. They should have leaned into the former. 


Rating: C


Kill (2023)

An Indian bloodbath. One of the most violent films I’ve seen in some time, and that’s saying something. Crazy fight scenes full of creative deaths. The amount of punishment our hero takes, while continuing to fight to the end, is pretty unrealistic. But if you choose to watch this, I’m sure you’ll be willing to overlook it, like I did. 


Rating C+


Sep 2, 2024

Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes (2024)

 

It’s an ok addition to the franchise, but didn’t have the same level of storytelling that some of the earlier ones did. One way to kill a Tuesday night. 


Rating: C