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thrillerrayne
Reviews
Riceboy Sleeps (2022)
A personal 90's movie made in 2022
One of my favorite Director ever is Richard Linklater. And watching this movie gave me vibes of the old Linklater movies. Though, this film is much more concise with an arc.
The movie is split into 3 part with 3 different moods. Begins as a coming of age story. Has the digital noise with a 4:3 aspect ratio. Colors are muted. And i thought at first it was just an artistic choice(being that it takes place in the 90's). However, it plays into the storytelling.
The things we talk about from our childhood after a certain age gets fuzzy. With every emotion turned up. The happy moments seem like the happiest one has ever been. While the sad moments are the worst.
The 2nd third, The colors and contrast changes. The cinematography is cleaner and warmer. But, still the aspect ratio is the same and still feels like 90s film with a slightly bigger budget. And it shows how the age of adolesence is quite a life turning experience. And the risks of escapism.
The final 3rd is much more modern. With a full screen ratio. And beautiful sweeping shots.
All in all. An amazing movie. Very well acted. The emotion is real and each moment with the characters is empathetic. Even some of the side characters are very endearing. A wonderful experience. And i recommend this to any fan of movies.
9/10.
Scream VI (2023)
Ridiculous fun!
As I've stated before, there are no weak entries in this franchise. Awesome at best, fun at worst. It's a great series to marathon. And this installment takes things back to the first one...AGAIN. Even though it's a tired cliche. It wasn't done in a boring way. The movie had alot of potential to outdo it's predecessors. But, instead it tipped the cap to the genre and let loose. The killers really don't care what setting they're at. Gone are the stealthy kills. And the suspenseful build up for the previous films. The gore is absolutely insane. And i had a blast.
Not the best.
Sidney was sorely missed. Now, i didn't think so at first. During, the opening. The movie began in such a clever and ballsy way. And i really wish it continued in the manner i had in mind(if you've seen the movie you know what i'm talking about). I think it would've been a better movie. And could have had the potential of being the best.
6/10 on par with 2 and 3 for me. The ending really saved it from being the worst in the series. But, it was a fun ride thru out.
Scream (2022)
On par with the OG
This movie does a great job in paying tribute to the previous films while being a great movie on it's own.
First one being about slashers. 2nd about sequels. 3rd about trilogies. 4th about remakes. This one about "Re-quels". And much like Halloween(2018), Rocky Balboa(2006), Star Wars: The Force Awakens(2015). This manages to breathe new life into a film series that remains as the strong as The Mission Impossible movies. Without a single weak entry.
I really liked the new characters. Aswell, as the usage of the legacy characters. The brutality and the comedy was well balanced enough to keep one from having a heart attack. Cause, the situations the characters were in, were nail-biting.
8/10
High recommendation!
Scream 4 (2011)
Finally a worthy sequel!
Being a big fan of The "Scream" franchise. I remember watching this film on opening day and having a blast. Years later this movie not only holds up but it was ahead of it's time. It predicted the future with social media influencers and it's power over society.
It had a great balance of horror and comedy. I always have fun whenever i get to this installment. And the more i see it the more i appreciate it.
Good characters, good story, good set up, good homeages and an awesome pay off.
Negatives: No Randy cameo(although we kind of get a replacement). Didn't like the opening. Didn't like The "Reboot" theme(but it's understandable with the influx of reboots at the time).
7/10 Fun time and a worthy sequel to The Original.
Scream 3 (2000)
Underrated
I used to think this was the worst of the series. And alot of people would try to convince me that it is. But, taking into consideration the movies that came before it. And the progression of the characters. Gale continues to have the best arc of the bunch. Dewie becoming a more mature character. Sydney evolving more and more to being a badass horror hero.
The opening is my 2nd favorite after the original. I love the movie talk and we get multiple scenes in a movie set. The feeling that anyone can be killed off. The twist at the end. Sure...it might've seemed obvious. But, i cannot say i saw the motive coming. This was the most fun i had watching of any of the series. It's not perfect. But, a fun ride.
Oh and THEY BROUGHT MY MAN RANDY BACK!!!!
7/10.
Scream 2 (1997)
The more i watch this the angrier i get!
For the longest time this installment was actually my favorite.
The first "Scream" movie i saw was "Scream 3". And when i went back to watch previous films. I did like this one the best. But as the years went on. And we got more "Scream". I started to dislike this more and more. The plot is fine. But, i notice something i didn't like here more so than the others. The comedy felt phony. Like it was trying way too hard to be a "Scream" movie. It was the equivelant of a kid in class copying someone else's homework.
This didn't "up the gore" or the "violence" like what my man "Randy" said in the movie. And boy did it do a giant disservice to my favorite character in the franchise.
I will say though that the twist at the end did save the movie for me from being a bad sequel. Dewie was much more likeable here than in the first one.
I just miss the original cast from the original.
Randy should've been a lead. He was the one character that embodied the series. It's like making a Batman movie without Alfred.
6/10.
Scream (1996)
Still holds up in 2023
I just rewatched the movie for the first time in 5+ years. And it still holds up.
The opening is absolutely iconic. Drew Barrymore sells the situation set up for the rest of the movie. Neve Campbell is a great lead with alot of sympathy. Courtney Cox was a great "cut-throat" reporter. Jamie Kennedy proved to be The MVP of the franchise(In my opinion).
I enjoyed the twists and the false reveals. The killer reveal is great. The movie balances horror and comedy so well. It feels much more genuine than most of the copycats in future generations.
This movie is a must for every horror movie marathon.
It could've stood on it's own as a movie. But being a first entry for a film series. It's a powerhouse opener.
8/10.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)
This can be The Star Wars
I had so much fun watching the movie. The characters were fun. The plot was not too crazy. And it implemented alot of the D&D strategy. Like the filmmakers really knew what they were adapting.
The world created is beautiful to look at. And the FX were wonderful. Some of the CGI seemed cartoonish but it worked for the wacky realm they were going for.
I really think this can be the next big franchise(much like Star Wars, LOTR, Harry Potter, etc). There's alot to discover The D&D Universe that i really think this was just the tip of the iceberg.
I hope it makes enough money to really take off. For I'm always a supporter of imagination. And this had plenty of it.
What i didn't like:
-Not enough Hugh Grant and for us to really see his switch to being a villain.
-Not enough time in a single setting to really be immersed by it.
-The little girl playing Chris Pine's daughter. Was absolutely awful. And i couldn't even see the connection she had with the others.
7/10.
Evil Dead Rise (2023)
Way better than expected
I'm a huge fan of "The Evil dead" franchise.
I got my fix for gore and wacky FX. However this was more than that. For once i cared about the entire cast. Even the old neighbor with the shotgun.
Evil Dead Rise has very inventive shots, camera work, special effects, practical and CGI(sometimes not knowing the difference). And has a great score. The mood is perfect for horror movie late night.
That being said. It's not a great "Evil Dead" movie. It's one of those instances that i really wished they called it something else, like "Rise". Or "Cursed floor". It could've been it's own thing while still paying homeage to "Evil Dead". Because, there were beats and tributes for "The Shining" and even the old Dario Argento horror movies.
1 thing i really didn't like is the characters in the opening. They felt shoe horned in. Just to keep the viewer entertained. And not lose the interest during the slow build after the title screen(which was fantastically made).
8/10 for a horror movie.
6/10 for an Evil Dead movie(needed more comedy).
American Bistro (2019)
I like Chef movies but....
The other day a trailer for "American Bistro" showed up in my feed. I took a look. And it interested me. I'm a sucker for chef movies. "Rags to riches" stories. So i thought this would be up my alley.
I was incredibley dissappointed by the half way point. For up to that moment, there was stalling and lots of filler. And it wasn't even about "Poor people making it big".
I enjoyed the staff in the restaurant. Especially, The Hobo. And i wish more character development was made for the staff instead of the 2 leads.
The ending was way too preachy and didn't make sense. They shoved in split second flashbacks and wanted us to care.
Watch "Chef"(2014) or "Ratatouille"(2007). Much better chef movies.
Deadpool (2016)
Still holds up!
I've seen this movie multiple times. And everytime i see it, keeps getting better and better. Ryan Reynolds plays pretty much himself turned up too 11. The movie doesn't spend too much time on his origin. It's a simple revenge/love story. With a whole lot of action. This was the shot in the arm, superhero movies needed. After pretty much the Marvel formula out grew it's welcome. The only thing that i didn't like was the choice of X-men characters and their portrayals. Also the lack of Chimichangas(That's like Deadpool's trademark!). Besides my nitpicks. This was an excellent film. And even the most casual superhero fan would find enjoyment in.
Emma. (2020)
Fun but forgettable.
I'm not a big fan of the novels by Jane Austin. But, i do enjoy the movies adapted. "Emma" is a quirky, fun little period piece about a 21 year old stuck up match maker that loves to interfere in other people's lives to make sure she's in control of her social status. Without anyone actually succeeding in out staging her in anyway. The movie seems simple. Though, it twists and turns. And has alot more to say. Which i believe could've mostly been trimmed down. This could've worked as a tv show. Or a much shorter film. This was an hour long story that was stretched to 2 hours. By the hour and twenty mark. I felt really bored. Because, it didn't feel like much was accomplished. There were funny gags and interesting ideas thrown in. But, never anything that made the viewer sink their teeth into. The cinematography is absolutely stunning. And the actors did their job exceptionally. However, the script was too bland for it to be memorable.
How to Be a Man (2013)
I'm gonna rag on this movie too much. And I'm not gonna praise it like crazy.
"How to be a man" is a film that was recommended to me by one of my friends. And i figured "why not?". It seemed like an interesting movie to check out after reading a quick synopsis.
I was never a fan of Gavin McInnis(never even heard of him before seeing this). After watching this, not much changed my mind. Gavin plays a former stand-up that decides to document raw footage of "how to deal with the world". Because, he believes he's going to die soon from his breast cancer. He gets the help from a young man he jokes to be his "son"(which goes nowhere by the way). The first 45 minutes of this movie seemed like it was heading towards a good direction. But, after the second act. It falls off a cliff like a giant rhino driving a truck. The awkward jokes may seem funny. And there were good jokes. But, the reactions were so bad. This felt like the straight to video American pie movies. But, i held out hope. Just hoping that the ending would save the whole thing. I was incredibly disappointed. The ending betrays everything leading up to it. And i felt I've wasted my time. On the plus side, this movie is only an hour and twenty minutes. By the hour mark, i was checking my time code just waiting for this end.
4/10. Not a horrible movie. But, very skippable.
Plastic (2014)
Worth a watch at least once
This was a quite enjoyable movie that i really didn't expect myself being entertained by. The plot seemed simple and the idea of 4 college student having such a scam that really no one has caught on sounds far-fetched. But i was willing to bite since the acting was great and the atmosphere was very stunning. Whenever i pull back from the movie thinking it's dumb they pull me back in with realistic dialogue and inventive action. I might watch it again to have better review but seeing this for the first time it's a fun time and i totally recommend this to anybody that just wants to watch an entertaining flick. But recommend the film even more to those who are gonna watch it with friends. You'll love it even more. Bust out the candy and microwave those popcorn packets. You're totally in for an amazing night.
7/10(i would give it an 8 only if the movie was just 10 minutes less, if i could i'd give it an extra 0.5)
A Home of Our Own (1993)
Kathy Bates is the best female actress in the world!!!
This woman keeps churning awesome movie after awesome movie. It's just so unbelievable. In this movie she plays Frances Lacey. A mother of 6. After being fired from a job in a chips factory. She decides to take her family out of her broken down studio apartment, and move them to a better home. I'm not going to spoil anymore to you because this movie teaches you about patience better than any cliché you can find in a cookie at your local Chinese restaurant. Everybody in this movie was absolutely amazing. Edward Furlong(who you might know from Terminator 2) plays her eldest son and he plays a trouble teenager better than most around this era of film making. It's so sad knowing his peak is far behind him. Indeed a very underrated actor. So overall i give this movie a 10/10. I don't usually give a 10 out unless something is done spot on. And this was it. There wasn't a dull moment here, everything connected beautifully and was so real that i got lost in the characters story.
Willow Creek (2013)
This will haunt you for days
I didn't know about this film till i was searching online for horror movies. So i so this on IMDb and thought to myself "hmm..found footage film about a couple searching the woods for big foot". I always was interested in the myth of The Sasquatch. Is it real is it not? Well this movie delves into the idea. Going to a country side where people cash in on the legend and merchandising like crazy. It quite amazing how a movie this simple can garner this much attention from me. Cause usually i'd be turned off by the idea of talking about the same topic for an hour and a half. But here they found a way to mix humor and realism to the point you feel like you've known the couple all your life. And as for the ending. All i have to say is, never in my life have i ever felt so scared watching a horror movie. The final 20 minutes is probably the scariest I've ever been. I had to pause the movie 5 times and go outside for a breather. That's how scary it was. You can call me a wussy or whatever. But the truth is this movie creep-ed me out. And with that I can't help but applaud it for over delivering on it's purpose.
9/10
El laberinto del fauno (2006)
An amazing adventure with Guillermo del Toro.
I will try to keep this review short and to the point without containing any spoilers(i don't like spoiling movies for those who haven't seen it).
Guillermo is an awesome director/writer. Whatever he visualizes is reflected on film in a way that it feels like you're in his brain. And this movie is no exception. The story is set in 1944 Spain. And i have to say i'm not much of a movie buff but it's filmmakers like Mr Del Toro that really suck me in to their work from the first minute mark(no matter what the topic is). I love the visuals and being that i don't understand Spanish it didn't feel like a foreign movie because in a way you can understand everything that's going on. The acting the movement. It translates well to any country. This movie i feel can be enjoyed by any age demographic. Sure there's a little blood and violence. But i do believe the message is there outweigh whatever negative a parent can find. I thoroughly enjoyed myself watching this roller coaster ride of emotions. Because (trust me when i say this) you will be glued to your screen the moment you see beautiful Ofelia.
8/10