Meet Cute

POSITIVES

  • If you think the world is just taking turns for the worst, you're feeling alone in it, your mental health can't take it anymore, and you're having an existential crisis, well this is a time loop / time travel movie that might be just for you. 

  • The offbeat nature, the clever directions, the choice of locations, the wacky logic, the dramatic turns, and the endearing chemistry between the two leads, really makes this movie much bigger than its simplistic nature. 

  • This movie is about those plot reveals, and creative changes, that liven up the premise, but there is the half-way point development that really lit a fire into it all. If that doesn’t grab your attention until the very end… 

  • Playing things loud and over the top, Kaley Cuoco is absolutely electric in her performance. Subdued and reserved, Pete Davidson is the perfect counterpoint to balance out the couple. 

  • That final conclusion and final message of this story is as poignant as it should be. Makes it completely worth checking this film out. 

NEGATIVES 

  • It's not really a romantic comedy, even if it appears to be. So you might be disappointed with that fact. 

  • Probably takes longer than it has to before it really gets going. 

  • The pacing and tone can be a little all over the place. 

  • Arguably repetitive to the point you might want to just give up watching. 

  • You’re going to ruin your experience watching this if you try to apply too much logic into the premise. 

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

Meet Cute - watched it on PEACOCK

Avatar: The Way of Water

POSITIVES

  • Better and does more than the first Avatar movie, complete with the inclusion of its phenomenally stunning CGI world that is Pandora. Those underwater scenes are just breathtaking to watch, and at one point it felt like a half hour slice of life documentary about this water way of life. 

  • Similar to the previous installment, a huge part of this movie is the wonder of discovery seeing this world. The world building of the environment, the people, the culture, the creatures, the sci-fi elements, the technology, are all quite fascinating to see come to life. Then plop in entertaining action sequences on top of all that? This is a crowd pleaser, and it’s fantastic! 

  • With its focus on the Sully family, the plot gives us a more emotional connection with the story. Fantastic motion capture cast over all, which includes Britain Dalton, Jamie Flatters, Bailey Bass, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Stephen Lang, Zoe Saldaña, Sam Worthington, plus a big kudos to Sigourney Weaver for pulling off playing a teenage girl in this. I have to also give a shout out to the Tulkun named Payakan, which is a CG character that I couldn’t get enough of, and loved that particular plot involving him. 

  • For a movie that is over 3 hours long, it actually did not feel long to me. The plot and immersion was engaging enough that I wouldn’t have minded another hour. I know I’m really looking forward to Avatar 3 now, much more than I was prior to seeing this sequel. 

  • Thematically covers some familiar but still interesting ground of commentaries that really drives the narrative forward. It’s hard to ignore what this movie is about as it wears its heart on its sleeve, and that’s actually part of the appeal. 

NEGATIVES

  • Familiar themes and commentaries that are technically derivative? Yeah, if you’re tired of that be warned, because it’s pretty up front and obvious about them. It’s also arguably thematically contradictory at times, plus it does “have its cake and eats it too” going for it.

  • Speaking of familiar, there are some obvious plot tropes all over this story. This does not break new grounds in story telling or anything like that if that’s what you were hoping. There are even plot conveniences and gaps in story telling just to drive the narrative forward. At a couple of points I was going “Why didn’t they just…,” “What happened to…,” “Did they really have to…,” “Well that’s a stupid decision,” or “of course the Sullys are the special ones, why wouldn’t they be?” While on the subject of story telling… The story and immersion didn’t really get going until at least 45 minutes into the movie, which is a huge first chunk that felt like a muted experience to me, and was a hurdle I had to get over. 

  • For those who are huge fans of Neytiri, I’m afraid to say that you won’t see her as much as you might expect you would. 

  • CG animals were harmed during the making of this film. There’s a whole sequence of just that which felt exploitative. Not to mention all the people who are visibly shown getting killed right there on the screen for little kids to watch. 

  • I did watch this in the High Frame Rate 48 FPS experience. While I really loved seeing it in HFR, not everybody will. If you don’t like HFR, then you may want to see it in a traditional 24 FPS screening. 

lovedit ENJOYED IT likedititsokayitsmehitsterrible

Avatar: The Way of Water  -  watched it IN THEATERS

Terrifier 2

POSITIVES

  • If you want to see more slasher film mayhem and disturbingly insane violence as found from the first Terrifier movie, then you're going to get a kick out of this installment. It's just evil. 

  • Knowing what you’re getting into with this movie, I’m pretty sure the kill scenes are what you are curious about. This delivers absolutely. Some are viciously quick, but then there are the more elaborate ones that really take things in demented places. That Allie bedroom scene is easily one that stands out the most. Writer Director Damien Leone is a creative guy that's for sure, if you know what I mean. 

  • Practical effects used for the bloody disgusting brutal gory moments are just incredible to see in action. If you like that sort of thing of course. 

  • Art The Clown is definitely one of the best Horror movie characters in cinema today, and David Howard Thornton is phenomenal in the role. Huge shout out as well to Lauren LaVera who immediately proves what a scream queen she is with her role as Sienna. 

  • Beyond just the death and mutilation, there is actually an interesting plot and mythological story that builds on the world of this movie. Looking forward to seeing where the story goes with Terrifier 3. 

NEGATIVES

  • Needless to say, this is absolutely not for everybody. Not for the faint of heart at all. 

  • In those torture scenes, when they are brutally mutilated, how aren't they dead just from the shock? Felt a bit cruel and mean-spirited, and maybe a little too outrageous. 

  • Some rather indulgent sequences that felt unnecessary. 

  • It honestly takes its time before it gets to the terrifying parts of the story. 

  • 137 minutes seems a little too long for a slasher film.

lovedit ENJOYED IT likedititsokayitsmehitsterrible

Terrifier 2 -  watched it on VIDEO ON DEMAND

Emily The Criminal

POSITIVES

  • Thought provoking subject matters and an interesting look into a crime that I’m sure has caused many people problems in real life. 

  • Engaging plot progression that is a rabbit hole of situations that go from bad to worse. You're going to be invested to see how it all plays out by the end. 

  • The criminal methods and procedures explained and demonstrated in this movie are fascinating to watch. Arguably the most interesting thing about this movie. 

  • Aubrey Plaza is fantastic in the role of Emily, and she perfectly gives us a nuanced performance filled with frustration, anger, and determination. She makes this movie better because of what she gave to the role. 

  • Has several provocative ideas and commentaries. Cautionary tale? Sure. But it’s also an indictment against this capitalistic society. 

NEGATIVES

  • If you’re not in the mood for a downer of a movie, you probably don't need to see this. 

  • You’ll probably have an idea where the story is going to go. You've seen this kind of movie before. Not exactly an unpredictable premise. 

  • Didn’t really care for the second act, and the unnecessary sub plot that came with it. 

  • Not exactly the most visually stylish cinematic experience. 

  • It could be argued that Audrey Plaza's portrayal of Emily is too nuanced to the point where it seems to be a one note performance. 

lovedit ENJOYED IT likedititsokayitsmehitsterrible

Emily the Criminal  -  watched it on NETFLIX

Guillermo Del Toro's Pinocchio

POSITIVES

  • You've never seen the Pinocchio story done this way, and it's visually and narratively spectacular! The stop motion animation is simply top notch, and easily one of the best I’ve ever seen. 

  • Part of the appeal and interest in watching this adaptation is the plot progression and the journey this story takes, as well as just the sheer curiosity to see what Pinocchio will do next. 

  • The tried and true plot elements of this classic story are present here, but the creative and inventive touches added to it are quite welcome and even provocative. Plus the character designs are just fantastic!

  • Voice cast is stellar. Excellent work by Gregory Mann, David Bradley, Ewan McGregor, Christoph Waltz, Ron Perlman, Finn Wolfhard, Tilda Swinton, Cate Blanchett, and many more. 

  • While it still has that expected family friendly thematic lesson here to drive the narrative, it's not afraid to tackle some heavy subject matters that should definitely give you lots of food for thought. 

NEGATIVES

  • For those who have been waiting for an accurate adaptation of the original Pinocchio story, you will unfortunately still be waiting. 

  • Pinocchio might come off as looking a bit creepy and or just an annoying character that some people might be turned off by.  

  • The musical numbers seemed unnecessary? 

  • There are some plot conveniences that verge on the edge of being too cliché. 

  • Why does this young boy's Father look more like his Grandpa? Also, how fast do pine trees grow now? Hope you don’t mind all the unexplained factors in the story telling. 

lovedit ENJOYED IT likedititsokayitsmehitsterrible

Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio  -  watched it on NETFLIX

Spirited

POSITIVES

  • Has an inventive cool take on the Christmas Carol story that is very self-aware and filled with meta pop culture humor.  

  • Production value is top notch, and visually adds a lot to this movie’s versions of the “hauntings,” especially with all those transitions.  

  • Fantastic cast led by Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds, Patrick Page, Sunita Mani, Octavia Spencer, Tracy Morgan, Marlow Barkley, and many more. Of course it's the chemistry and interactions between Ferrell's and Reynold's that are the main reasons to check this out. 

  • Musical numbers are entertaining enough, and has good ones like for “The View From Here,” "Good Afternoon," and "That Christmas Morning Feelin' (Curtain Call)"" 

  • You’re familiar enough with this classic premise of a Christmas tale, so expect that enduring thematic message (but with a modern twist) that is absolutely worth heeding. 

NEGATIVES

  • It’s a musical. It’s not just that there are songs here. It’s got the whole dance numbers, and dialogue through song lyrics and all. So this is not for everybody. 

  • In regards to being a musical… I’m afraid to say that the songs could be more catchy. Not only that, but at a certain point it forgets that it’s supposed to be a musical for some reason? 

  • The jokes and humor are unfortunately more miss than hits. 

  • Movie felt like it was way too super obvious with showing how clever it thinks it is. Just comes off a little like it’s trying too hard.  

  • Plot conveniences, illogical developments, and inconsistent details. All just to move the narrative forward. 

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

Spirited  - watched it on APPLE TV+

Violent Night

POSITIVES

  • If you combine Santa Claus with Die Hard, a little bit of Home Alone, and a nicely typical Christmas lesson, you get this movie. So if that sounded good, then by all means check this out. 

  • I rather enjoyed how they changed up the mythology of who Santa Claus is and what he can or cannot do. That kept things fascinating and made me want to know more about who this version of the character is. 

  • David Harbour really gives it his all in this particular Santa role, and gives us some nuanced performances, as well as the physical aspects that this movie required. Some kudos to some of the supporting cast who made the most of their roles as well, like John Leguizamo, Leah Brady, André Eriksen, Mitra Suri, Brendan Fletcher, Cam Gigandet, Beverly D'Angelo, plus several more. 

  • Seeing Santa Claus in physical combat or dodging bullets never got tiring for me. 

  • This movie embraces this outrageous mash-up of a premise and just goes with it. There are references, self-awareness, silly humor, as well as your expected entertaining plot tropes. It’s all in good fun and that’s what counts the most; if you like this kind of thing, 

NEGATIVES

  • Considering the name of the movie it shouldn’t be a surprise, but some people might be taken aback at how violent this actually can get. 

  • The B-movie level cheesiness might not be for everybody. 

  • Try and ignore all the plot conveniences, plot holes, and plot inconsistencies. 

  • As creative as it can be, it still feels a little undercooked and relies too much on the gimmick of the premise, and arguably it’s desire to be a franchise movie with its world building teases. 

  • Whatever Alex Hassell thinks he is doing with his performance here, well... it's not working for me. 

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

Violent Night - watched it IN THEATERS

Bones and All

POSITIVES

  • A mixture of characters finding each other, a bloody horror angle, and a road trip movie through rural America. Compelling premise. Considering what that is, I appreciated that this film doesn’t romanticize it, because this isn’t fun and games at all for these characters. 

  • Carefully moving pace, grim tone, and a hint of danger lurking around the corner, this movie sucks you into this world quite remarkably. Especially with the interesting world building and mythology that is established with these particular type of characters. 

  • This movie has some rather unforgettable moments that will either fascinate you or haunt you. That moment with the finger. That first encounter with Sully. That carnival and the aftermath. That conclusion. Plus several more. 

  • Excellent performances by Taylor Russell and Timothée Chalamet as Maren and Lee respectively. They make it easy to get invested with what happens to them. A special shout out to Mark Rylance for the creepy stand-out role he plays as Sully. 

  • The themes really weigh heavily on the characters plot direction and the movie does a great job making you feel it. 

NEGATIVES

  • Found the romance to be more out of plot convenience than a naturally formed story progression. It made sense on paper, but I didn’t feel it on screen. 

  • The horror aspects of this film might be too gross, disgusting, and disturbing for some people. Absolutely has content that isn’t for everybody. 

  • It’s got a slow burn of a pace that not everybody will appreciate. Plus with a decently lengthy movie at 130 mins, there was a time when I went “wait, it’s not over yet?” and then later on asked “oh, it’s really not over yet?” 

  • This is not above skipping over some important plot details just for the purpose of keeping the story moving. The movie is long enough I guess. No point in making it longer. 

  • Why isn’t their main priority to immediately clean up all that blood on their body? There’s a lot of obvious blood that should stand out big time. 

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

Bones and All - watched it IN THEATERS

The Fabelmans

POSITIVES

  • This is as close as we’re going to get to a biopic about Director Stephen Spielberg’s life that’s directed by Stephen Spielberg. 

  • Biopics that do not feel like they are just a two hours plus montage of a person’s life is a huge positive in my book. Spielberg knows how to space out the narrative so it actually feels like we’re seeing the character’s life journey, as opposed to just a routine bullet points of important life events to cover. 

  • As a family drama and coming-of-age story, there are some choice set pieces and scenes that are quite noteworthy, and that’s without even mentioning the scenes when Sam Fabelman is filming. A lot of people will definitely talk about the final concluding scene, but prior to that there are other moments that truly stand out. The camping scene, the Uncle scene, the locker hallway scene with the Jock, Jesus scene, and just about most of the scenes between Sammy and his Mom, plus many more. 

  • Gotta give lots of kudos to the cast, with Gabriel LaBelle in the lead as Sammy Fabelman and a strong performance by Michelle Williams as his Mother. Great actors here which includes Paul Dano, Julia Butters, Seth Rogen, Chloe East, Sam Rechner, Jeannie Berlin, Judd Hirsch, David Lynch, plus many more. 

  • All those Fabelman movies that foreshadow Spielberg’s successful catalog of films are very entertaining to see here. Not to mention the fact that those mini-films shown in this movie are recreations to what Spielberg made himself at that age. 

NEGATIVES

  • I understand that a lot of events and situations that happen in this movie are derived from real life, but it still doesn’t change the fact that they can still feel a little derivative at times anyway.  

  • If you’re going into this not expecting it to be a full blown family drama and coming-of-age story, then this is not the movie for you. Some people might find the slice of life plot progression and narrative to feel a little aimless or uninteresting. 

  • Long movie to watch? Maybe. There’s definitely a little bit of indulgence in stretching out this film with certain scenes. 

  • Ultimately there will be some scenes or plot points that you expect to see in the movie, but disappointingly won’t. 

  • Felt like the monkey plot line just came and went, which makes me ask why that wasn’t just edited out of the movie. 

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The Fabelmans - watched it IN THEATERS

Strange World

POSITIVES

  • I’m all for a fun and imaginative science fiction adventure animated movie, and this serves that purpose nicely. 

  • Can’t be understated that this animated movie is visually appealing and so very colorful. The characters, worlds, tech, and creatures are all very nicely designed. 

  • Besides the sci-fi adventure premise and all that fantastical colorful world building to grab your attention, the two other aspects of this movie that makes this entertaining are the Family dynamic of the Clades, as well as those exciting action sequences. 

  • Excellent ensemble cast of compelling characters played by Jake Cyllenhaal, Dennis Quaid, Jaboukie Young-White, Gabrielle Union, Lucy Liu, Alan Tudyk, plus many more. . A special shout out to Legend the dog. I love that dog. 

  • Appreciated the thematic messages of this movie, which really drives the plot and resolution. I feel like that big plot revelation is the most memorable thing about the movie. 

NEGATIVES

  • Despite its imaginative premise and compelling characters, this movie still feels like it’s going through a check list of derivative plot tropes and revelations. 

  • One could argue that this movie just does not stand out enough and just isn’t that memorable. 

  • For a movie about adventuring through the unknown and discovering new things, that element of discovery isn’t completely conveyed that well to us in the audience. At least I myself didn’t get that wow factor that I was expecting (except for that one plot point). 

  • There is a plot point where I just couldn’t believe the switch up to some of the characters' motivation. 

  • Oh you know there will be those who will unfortunately have issues with a certain character’s sexual identity and just can’t get pass that.  

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

Strange World - watched it IN THEATERS