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The Penguin: Cent'Anni (2024)
if this show called The Penguin then why are they focusing on less interesting side characters for 2 whole episodes....
As much as the first 2 episodes blew me away I can't help but wonder why they've decided to almost completely break away from the penguin himself and focus on Vic and Sophia last 2 episodes. This to me is why most series begin to falter and get side tracked. To me it squanders the momentum and focus of the main titular character. These subplots may be integral to the entire story but could be broken down in other ways with less drawn out exposition. To me it screams that the writers didn't have enough content. I wanted a series about Oswald not these other characters . While the episode is still decent they need to get back to basics and focus on Oswald's rise in Gotham.
The Penguin: After Hours (2024)
An absolutely outstanding first episode with an even more outstanding performance by Farrell.
As a Batman fan, I'm pretty biased, but if you measure the quality from purely a series standpoint, it's an incredibly well done introductory episode. I can see why they wanted to bridge the film into this and give Colin Farrell the reigns as the iconic penguin character he continues to play. It's better than most crime thrillers of the last decade in its first episode. That says something. The production level is stunning as well with the settings in Gotham being as palpable as possible. You really don't even care that Batman isn't in this because it gives you the perspective of the penguin which is a nice breath of fresh air.
The Penguin (2024)
The Penguin continues the grimy and bleak Gotham City setting and premise, and lets Colin Farrell powerfully waddle around even without the Bat hanging around .
The Batman, for my taste had simply the greatest portrayal of Gotham city put on film. The environment was disgustingly dank, and visually everything you'd wanna see for what it's known as. A large part of that was its mob underworld where Oswald a.k.a. Penguin was starting to take control. This series fully accelerates these aspects and perfectly builds off of the film. I can't say enough about Colin Farrell's performance in this and honestly, it may be his magnum opus. The guy gives the character the most gritty and Guttery feel he can and it's so well done it resonates . Even without the Batman, the intrigue from him is so strong you don't even notice it. The other side characters are pretty well done, though Some of the cast choices seem a little off for a few. I can overlook that though .This series perfectly continues to set Up this Batman universe And I can't wait to see where they go from here. One of the best series within the last decade easily. Give Colin Farrell all the awards he deserves for this role.
Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)
From timeless Masterpiece, to monumental troll job...Todd Phillips slaps fans in the face and insults our intelligence .
When Joker came out it changed cinema and the way people perceive the character. It transcended new themes and emotions associated with the legendary villain. It also gave way to Joaquin's best performance and Todd's best direction. It reaped a billion dollars at the box office on top if that. As time passed the inevitable sequel and the ideas were gaining traction. Ultimately it led to Lady Gaga being cast as Harley Quinn which was met with backlash as we knew they would make it a musical. Well they did and they made a Mockery of the entire property . It's as if Phillips wanted to pull a 180 on the entire first film and troll the fans . This is NOT a Joker film . This is a parody. Absolutely heinous and not even Joaquin could save it. The worst sequel I've ever seen.
Alien: Romulus (2024)
Should've Let Ridley finish the prequel trilogy instead of cobbling this tik tok Alien movie together.
Ever since the first trailer, I got an overwhelming feeling this was gonna be a younger generation alien film. Well, that's exactly what it is and no matter how much I enjoy Alvarez as a Director the overall product cant escape the dull uninspired cast as well as throwaway story. People critiqued alien covenant and Prometheus to no end because of lack of understanding for the deeper complexities and this is what we're left with. The whole thing seems like it was a made for MTV series from 2015. Yet again ruining another franchise Which is not a shock at all at this point. Ridley can't be happy about this.
Unsolved Mysteries: The Mothman Revisited (2024)
While the new iteration of the series is still massively inferior to the original, it seems people are forgetting Cryptozoology themes were a huge part of the original.
People complaining about them including a Mothman episode, which was one of the better episodes of the newer version seem to be clamoring and wanting more dull missing person cold Case murder episodes. If you really want that, you can watch dateline every week and see the same old stuff. People must be forgetting the original series head a balance that also dabbled into cryptozoology, paranormal phenomenon, and unexplained ufo themes . Not just missing people that were killed... The episode itself did a nice job of touching on a couple accounts of the Mothman and had some genuinely decent atmosphere. I would much prefer this kind of subject material. Hopefully volume two in a few months will be decent.
Trap (2024)
M. Night and the return of Hartnett in their sleek thriller ERA.
Leave it to Shyamalan to bank in and play on recent Swiftie hype of the past few years and create yet another clever original thriller to add to the rolodex. The unorthodox setting at first seems a bit unfit but in actuality it works perfectly into the particular stakes of the story. Carrying the most intensity is the main draw; Josh Hartnett. It's so damn refreshing to see such a charismatic actor back in the spotlight. He might even be at his most versatile here which is impressive after taking such a long hiatus . The way this film is also compositioned and shot is also impeccable and it creates its own personality in that aspect. M. Night's eye for detail seems to still be distinctly sharp. Overall, I'd honestly say this is better than the last few Shyamalan films which were all individually solid on their own. It's a great thriller with a great setting and an even better performance by Josh Hartnett.
Longlegs (2024)
Cage continues his legendary versatile renaissance in what is easily the most decrepit serial killer study in maybe decades .
Cage side quests of dedicating himself to any role thrown at him with sheer brilliance and utter passion is something to behold . This role even for him is quite uncanny and depraved unlike anything he's ever done . It's something he can truly say he's never come close to in a long list of projects and that makes this even more of an event to be witnessed . Sure he's been in some bizarre and intense films but this one takes the bar and raises it to new heights.
When I saw the trailer for this I will admit I thought it was another artsy attempt at serial killer horror . Stylish shots with tumultuous sfx and vibrant colors were intriguing enough. Then I saw a lunatic figure with a ridiculously wacky yet terrifying voice. I realized who it was and immediately verified Cage being part of it . I was completely on board .
After seeing this film and being well aware of the hype along with it, I must say it's one of the best of the genre in quite some time .The level of detail and thought put into crafting a more retro style serial killer study /horror is phenomenal here. The director seems to really nail the anachronistic niche. There's an overall feel akin to Silence of the Lambs and Prisoners with foreboding imagery and depressingly strange settings: it's everything visually you'd want for a film like this.
But what makes this whole thing fun is Cage giving it his absolute all to this provocative and twisted character full of nastiness and almost comedic idiosyncrasies. It's one of his most unique roles and that says something. The other supporting actors are solid in their own right as well.
This is easily the best horror film of the year so far so believe the hype this time . Brings me back to a time where psycho/thriller type films were top tier. Cage is masterful.
A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)
While Krasinski is involved within the story and production, the prequel sorely misses the star power of him or Blunt.
This franchise caught people completely off guard when it came out. Krasinski hatched a massive plan for an entire saga after the mega hit. While he was mostly absent from the story in the last film Blunt was still a strong force in keeping the audience captivated. We know that this is a prequel obviously so they wouldn't be here either way. However this overall story could've probably been consolidated into more flashbacks in the second film when they were delving into that aspect.
The aliens are still gruesome and as rapidly visceral as they always have been, so that is the main constant of their film. The visuals are incredible albeit cgi is much heavier in the city scape with more broad daylight scenes. The origin is substantially crafted and answer a few questions. The issues I have are with the main characters being extremely dull and interesting. Whether it be slightly poorly written or just plain uninspired performance, they don't capture the attention at all. If they thought those 2 will be a good fit they were wrong. Overall this is a serviceable prequel with problems and lack of quality comparable to the other films.
Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 (2024)
Costner once again proves he is one of the most important visionaries in American cinema with yet another epic showcasing old style western action in modern presentation.
Costner has been a legendary actor for nearly 40 years now as well as an amazingly talented director/writer on certain projects he spearheads. The man has a brilliant vision with no holds barred and runs with it every time. With his recent renaissance of the hit series Yellowstone , he is once again riding that high with this massive original project venturing in the historic western direction once again.
I don't remember the last time I've seen something in the genre this well done and thought out since maybe Bone Tomahawk or Hostilles. It's visceral and packed with bombastic action. The acting is phenomenal with a star studded cast. The level of dedication to make it look so authentic for the time portrayed is absolutely breathtaking.
Costner may very well be the most important western story teller/actor in decades and as genre focus shifts from that over the past decade, the fact that he is making this mammoth Epic makes it all the more galvanizing. He truly is resurrecting the American western.
The Exorcism (2024)
Just when you thought 15 possession/exorcism films a year weren't enough, now you get Russel Crowe being typecast as the go to Exorcist in different IP's...
I know that this film was technically being worked on before the serviceable pope's exorcist last year, but I find it funny that Crowe took both nearly exact roles as an exorcist in a 4 year span. This is a guy that won an Oscar that was once held as a top five actor in the 2000s. That's not to say he still can't act well because in both of these films, he carries it with his tenacious intensity and dedication to the character. It just seems peculiar that he's not in really any other films.
While, this film doesn't do anything particularly different and the cliches run amok . It's still a passable exorcism movie with captivating enough visuals and ok story to keep you intertwined. The supporting cast is actually rather great as well. Sam Worthington proves once again he's quite underrated and never truly got the respect he deserved. Crowe of course pours every bit he has into these films and while I'd like to see him get other roles if that's even possible, he has found a particular niche As the go to aging exorcist.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)
Quite possibly the most underrated franchise once again offers a powerful and triumphant tale of morality.
The classic planet of the apes films are revered as sci/fi staples and while they do get substantial recognition, they aren't looked at in the same vein as other franchises. I say this even more so with the last Caesar Trilogy which for my taste is THE most underrated trilogy. It still doesn't seem to garner much universal attention and acclaim imo. When those films were over I wondered when they'd pick up again because how powerful and striking they were.
Finally we have a new beginning far into the future where apes have overtaken completely with brand new characters and new stakes. The presentation is just as effective and monumental. The visuals are incredible and will leave you nearly breathless in excitement. I can't stress how impressive it is to see them nail the portrayals of ape action through the continued motion capture work and state of the art cgi. What really leaves an imprint is the true heart and emotion of this new story to fight for morality against overpowering forces. The villain in this might be even more sinister than Koba which was a feat in itself . The varying characters keep the intrigue going throughout.
Overall I'm thrilled to have a new trilogy for the franchise and hopefully more people will take notice of this terrific franchise.
Arcadian (2024)
Essentially a discount Quiet Place yet nearly as effective, and exceptionally more brutal.
Most people I'm sure saw the trailer and thought; Oh look a ripoff of A quiet place. Well they wouldn't be completely wrong but it does survive on its own accord even having similarities especially in plotting and visuals . The settings are also like minded. What this particular film does differently is with the bloodshed and gruesome factor. The intensity and threat is much more on display with creatures that might even be even more grotesque than even its influence . As far as the main draw, Cage is always entertaining. The other cast is solid as well. What really shines in this will be the fantastic bleak settings and disgusting creatures . Sometimes movies that borrow can do certain things better than the originals.
Files of the Unexplained (2024)
Another meager attempt at the "unexplained" genre with regurgitation of past failed attempts like haunted and unsolved mysteries reboot. Netflix has to do better.
The unexplained subject is not hard to delve into in show form . Unsolved mysteries with Robert Stack and more recently the unexplained series with William Shatner prove that. Those shows are on a level of their own with intriguing hosts that hold the whole thing together and amazing lot detailed accounts and research. The interviews feel real and not staged by paid actors. This show feels like it's a bunch of paid average joes recounting their dull recounts of unexplained phenomena with even more uninteresting lack of research and attention holding content . This show is like watching paint dry.
Indigenous (2014)
What could've been a passable chupacabra themed film turns into a wasted opportunity with terrible representation of the legendary cryptid.
We still wait around for a competently made chupacabra film. This film had decent potential and an all around fantastic setting but the glaring problem was the actual portrayal of the creature itself . They seemed to have used the most basic makeup that could be a bad Halloween costume or a weak cosplay. I can't imagine it could've costed them much more to invest in some better effects and costume design. Maybe it was just a budget issue but either way it kills the film's goal entirely. The acting is somewhat decent here too which was shocking. Overall I'm not sure when we will get a competently made chupacabra film but hopefully we do.
True Detective: Night Country: Part 2 (2024)
After trying to see the positives of episode 1 and hoping some of the aspects I didn't like were more refined, episode 2 shows me this season will be a slog to get through.
After episode 1 there were many things that I enjoyed as well as some I didn't. The second episode seemingly solely focused on the ones I didn't like even more. Instead of actual detective work and tracking down what's causing certain crimes, it focuses on relationships and sexuality and attempts at some deeper social commentary to fit agendas. Jodie is solid as usual but the rest of the cast is starting to monotonously drone on and become uninteresting. I don't quite get how last season and this season are hijacked by these similar downfalls but now it just seems the true detective name is slapped on to keep people hoping for what the series was but just likely isn't be again.
True Detective: Night Country: Part 1 (2024)
True detective returns after hiatus with the legendary Jodie Foster, darker subject material, and more suspenseful mystery.
The last 2 seasons of TD have not lived up to the classic first season in any iota though both had solid aspects. After hearing Jodie Foster was starring this season and the Alaskan setting I knew the season could be a darker and more unsettling entry. One episode in and I can say it's the closest to the first season already in atmospheric brooding suspense and overall foreboding feel. Something of which I didn't feel in the last 2 seasons. Foster is of course fantastic with her intensity and dedication. The cast overall has plenty of great supporting roles as well. What really separates this is the visual appeal with all of the frozen and bleakness throughout. It's the type of environment needed for mystery and crime subjects. Overall off to a great start . Can't wait to watch the rest.
Night Swim (2024)
A shallow concept at first, with an actual deep backstory and solid scares.
Another January Blumhouse dart at the box office wall. Last year m3gan hit a bullseye or at least close. While this may not be as overall effective or memorable, it certainly has its moments of the horror visuals people crave. It doesn't do anything innovative for the most part but does have an interesting backstory that saves it from being too cliche. The setting is limited but is executed rather well with creativity in angles and presentation. The film has remnants of other movies but still owns its identity. Overall a solid entry in Blumhouse Rolodex that never feels too dry and is slick enough to keep stride.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)
If this is it for what we know as the DCEU, let's make sure Gunn will continue Wan/Momoa era Aquaman in some way.
Aquaman blew me away in 2018 and my expectations were extremely low. I was huge fan of James Wan but I wondered how it would translate to the comic to adaptation movie world . To this day I still think it's the strongest effort of the DCEU of course not counting The Batman. This continuation of the story highlights the visual ocean of vibrant colors and outstanding performances from Momoa, Wilson, and Abdul-Mateen. The story is nearly as strong as the first and expands into more territory with much more variety and world building. Wan's keen eye for detail is unmatched. To me overall there's no way Gunn can honestly throw this portion of the DCEU away . I believe it's the fan favorite character and he will have to grow the universe for it to live on.
Napoleon (2023)
The Napoleon Complex in full effect through another Oscar level performance from powerhouse Phoenix, and visual/anachronistic master director Scott.
Ridley Scott seems to be able to transport the audience into historic past times and events as if we existed during those revolutionary times. His keen eye for distinct detail and historical set pieces is imo the best of any director of all time. His films are epic in every sense of the word. Then you add the brilliance of once in generation eccentric and enigmatic talent like Joaquin Phoenix and you have a powerful combination full of sheer visual power.
If you're like me, the usual history biopics aren't exactly exciting and edge of the seat. Ridley Scott's however are always bombastic, brutal, and brazen. The aspects that are sometimes glossed over in books or documentaries . Scott isn't afraid to show what bloodshed and true stakes were and that is so commendable in a world where thats getting less and less. Ridley's honest portrayals are just cinematic rides.
With a Napoleon bio, you also need a juggernaut actor that can capture the truly outrageous yet fascinating personality of such an infamous person in history. Joaquin was a perfect selection and honestly delivers another Oscar worthy performance full of ambition and versatility. The entire cast is as focused and well put together as they could be. On top of that the visuals are nothing short of insane and massive. Fully immersed into the environment of napoleon's conquering.
Overall Napoleon is a fantastic holiday biopic, maybe the best of the decade so far. Scott still has it and Joaquin continues his dominance.
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (2023)
Monarch shows Monster potential with astounding set pieces, obliterating visuals, and possibly more intrigue in story/cast than some of the actual films.
It's mind blowing to see how far streaming service material has come, and shows like this put it on full display. The effects are cinematic caliber on a huge scale. The cast is strong and doesn't feel filler like most streamed shows. Most importantly the story actually builds and develops well and gives us more background on Monarch than we have ever seen which to me is captivating. Overall, first two episodes and it's giving a lot of hope for the rest of the series and franchise outside of just the movies. Also the actual CGI for the monsters is something grand and fantastic that I didn't think would have the same level of quality for a streaming show..
Thanksgiving (2023)
Without question, the Gore Master Eli Roth's best and most well executed film in years maybe of his career. A throwback film poised to be a new holiday horror classic.
Roth has always been an enigma to me. He's clearly got the eye for sheer brutality and putrid gore. He knows what buttons to push and create throwback style horror . But then on the other side of the ticket, his overall stories suffer from dull plots and fizzled potential. None of his films aside from the Death Wish Remake awhile back have been fully effective IMO until Thanksgiving.
He takes a concept that was conjured up for a bonus trailer styled element within a different movie from 16 years ago with Grindhouse. You wouldn't think the concept could translate to a full feature length but it really does . He does his best 80s slasher impression that actually feels legitimate and not forced. A new age potential iconic slasher is introduced and will absolutely be a new staple of horror genre.
The setting is ambient and perfect for the theme and provides a great visual feast. Roth has upped his game in making sure all attention to detail in presentation is covered and even implements a more complete film. The brutality is unleashed and doesn't hold back along with disgustingly fun gore. The cast is also shockingly well put together which is rare in most horror now.
Overall a new age holiday themed classic that shows what Roth can offer with the right amount of focus and time. And remember ....be thankful.
Goosebumps: Night of the Living Dummy: Part 2 (2023)
I really tried to give this series a chance and continue on, but this was the last straw. An utter embarrassment to the property.
After the first five episodes, I really was mixed on just about everything with the show so many cons yet a couple shreds of ambitious elements kept my attention then when Slappy finally came around, even though he should've been included from the get-go, my interest peaked and I thought the show is getting on track. The last three episodes have been nothing short of dreadful, and the Biddle story has gone off the rails completely as well as the writing. I don't even think I can watch the finale. The show belongs on the CW and the writers should be ashamed of themselves for butchering a classic property.
Goosebumps: Night of the Living Dummy (2023)
More than halfway through and while it's picked up momentum with the Slappy/Harold backstory, still can't help but feel bored at times with the cast and overall story arc .
This episode was clearly the bait after the cliffhanger from first 5 mediocre to decent at best episodes . Using Slappy finally and keeping the interest of the viewer pays off with a relatively serviceable origin tale and extension on the overall Harold arc. What I still can't get over is the cast being so mediocre aside from Long and maybe a couple characters. The 90s themed desperation comes off a bit forced at times as well. I'm still slightly annoyed they are going to use the most interesting parts of the series so little. Slappy and Justin Long should be THE main focal points at the core while other classic tales are told around them intertwined for a story arc style and it feels like they take a backseat to the uninteresting Teeny cast and their uninteresting romances . While the remaining 4 episodes could build off the momentum I'm still very skeptical. Either way solid episode and best so far .
Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)
Killers of time and more Scorsese dragged on brilliance/boredom in dialogue and drawn out imagery.
We all can agree Master Scorsese can do what he wants at this point and he definitely does with his new yet again near four hour attempt at an Epic Tale. Unfortunately that doesn't mean it yields groundbreaking results or withstanding impressions like his past films of his prime. This film much like his last The Irishman is chalk full of brilliant actors and dialogue something that's usual for his films. Leo is always delivering an Oscar worthy performance. Where this movie can drag lies within its slow as molasses story. I'm not expecting shootouts and incredible heists from a based on true events tale but for the length of near four hours there's only so much talking and staring that can be withstood. While it most likely depicts what it needs to it could be cut in half and be more effective that way. The scenery is magnificent and the overall visuals are immense and worth the watch alone. The bottom line is that it's clear Scorsese wants to film talking more than anything which is fine for 2 hours but a bit winded at 4.