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Reviews
Lonely Planet (2024)
Meant to be like Lost in Translation
It strikes me that this movie has the same plot framework as Lost in Translation with a few twists, gender/age reversals and a lack of nervy wackiness that only Bill Murray can lend. Another reviewer mentioned that none of the characters are likable. Not so. But neither are they unlikable. They just don't rank our emotional attention. It's like watching an attractive couple argue in the middle of the crosswalk: entertaining until the light turns green and then they're just annoying. The cinematography is picturesque enough, but it isn't used to proper benefit. Uh...hmm desert, a la Lost in Translation where whilst in the vastness of Tokyo, we are claustrophobically confined to tight quarters. In short, a decent film that could have done much more,
House of Spoils (2024)
Not my favorite food movie
It's not my favorite food movie, but I liked it and was surprised it has generally received such low ratings. I always enjoy the cooking process, and I feel that represented in the chef and her desire to challenge herself. I also liked the idea of sourcing and how it soured and this maybe delusion of haunted food from a haunted garden. That was cool. And then all that super anxiety and intensity of opening a new restaurant just scattered. It could have been like The Shining meets Burnt, but someone or someones lost their vision if they ever had one. The plot takes a quick turn to the absurd when the Maitre'd locks her in the wine cellar.
Five Blind Dates (2024)
Not uplifting
As a 3rd generation Chinese American, I am offended by our depicton in the movie. When people say the movie is for tea lovers, I am beyond confused. It's about racism which is still rampant in your country. Why don't you address that fact. Recently. There have been so many gorgeously wonderful Asian films, and I do understand not everyone has the budget, but I'd like to think you at least had some sense of modicum. Someone reviewed this move and rated to at 10. A 10! Think on the last great move you've ever seen. Does this compare or exceed? As an Asian American, I find this film somewhat insulting and overall underwhegmining.
The Brothers Sun (2024)
We gettin' there
I wouldn't say that this was my childhood, as far as the triad content, though that was definitely in place. There was no gungfu, but I had many uncles and aunties. I never learned how to play mahjohng. I was the first born, male, which automatically screws you royally. That pressure. I was 20 years old and asked if I wanted to marry my 2nd cousin from Hong Kong. Very early in my life everything is family. Period. That gets beat into your head again and again and again. Family is not just immediate. Uncle or Aunty is not necessarily anyone related, just someone who cared. As a Chinese/Japanese American, I am over the moon to see films.
Don't Worry Darling (2022)
Chill thyself
I'm writing in part as a response to a previous review who ranked the film quite higher than I. First, I'm a desperately huge fan of Ms. Pugh and was wonderfully happy to see Harry get his acting chops for the 2nd time.
There was definitely a psychologic distance. That is her forte. She did that in "Midsummer" and "The Wonder."
Movies are not meant for us to simply, "sit back and enjoy". Seems contrary when this reviewer went on to say we should all think about the world we live in today and how "truly how some men want life to be." It's a confusing film as metaphorical films are. I see a couple, caught in a fish pond. She was smart, he didn't to be.
Countdown (2019)
Underwhelmed
It might at least have been somewhat unique. The actors were, given the fact, pretty adequate. The writers might have considered the intelligence of the audience more, which is something that annoys me to no end, that is to say that no normal person would ever react in such a profoundly idiotic way. Panicked, yes. Stupidly no. That, I suspect is not a spoiler. I do gather that it's part and parcel of what we now call "Thrillers", and that is a shame insomuch as we as a culture seem to need to hardline the adrenaline, e.g. The Saw movies. I think this one was just trying to make a buck. That is pretty sad when you think over it.