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