mayhem

I can just imagine the pitch for this film. "It's like the movie "The Raid," where the hero is trying to get to the top of the building, to defeat the big bad. Except this one is set in a corporate building, filled with lawyers and office suits, plus they are all infected with a virus that makes people let go of their inhibitions. As you would expect, physical attacks against fellow co-workers are often displayed here; some sex scenes too, but primarily there are lots and lots of aggressive bloody violence.

The premise would be oh so shocking and terrifying like a horror movie, but the sheer pulpy thrashy nature of the direction by Joe Lynch, makes this more like a dark comedic romp through office madness. Or should I say office mayhem? bah-dum-dum. That's more or less the main reason to see this movie, for the insanity of it all, and wow where there some crazy scenes that just didn't hold back much. You could also go in for the story, but the plot is pretty straight forward and not that intricate. So don't put too much logic on the premise, because you should go into this movie just for the chance to see a scene where somebody would get stabbed by office tools. It all doesn't have to make much sense here. Anarchy! Anarchy! 

Another thing that makes this an enjoyable movie is the fact that the actors seems to really be having fun going all out with what they get to do here. Steven Yeun as Derek Cho is like the surrogate character of somebody finally fighting back against the place of employment that takes him for granted. It's hard not to root for the guy. On the flip side, actors like Steven Brand, Caroline Chikezie, or Dallas Roberts, also gets to go all out, hamming it up, in playing the people in charge that Derek has to deal with. Samara Weaving is also here as Melanie Cross, and she gets to do badass things as well. Unfortunately Weaving really seems to just be here simply to do badass things, and not that much more. Some of the random conversations she has with Steven Yeun do at least provide some nice character moments at least. 

While it's easy to dismiss "Mayhem" as a generally forgetful thriller that goes over the top with it's premise and characters, it's entertainment factor can't be denied. If you're the correct target audience for this movie, then you should find it to be quite the crowd-pleaser. 

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murder on the orient express

Straight up, I should give a full disclosure here first. I've never read the original novel, I haven't seen the previous film or TV adaptations, nor am I that familiar with the story. My reactions to this movie are purely based on the lack of knowledge on what's going to happen, which greatly differs from others' reactions who are familiar with the material. Now with that out of the way, let me go ahead and say that when I saw that they were going to do another movie adaptation of Agatha Christie's "Murder On The Orient Express," I was excited and a little concerned about it.

My concerns were primarily because of the huge cast, that involves Kenneth Branagh, Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Josh Gad, Daisy Ridley, Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench, Willem Dafoe, and many more. I was worried that the movie wouldn't know how to give each and every one of them an equal amount of screen time, which could result in an overly bloated narrative. It turns out that this movie wasn't concerned at all about giving each one of them an equal time on the screen. With that said, unfortunately this movie wasn't concerned at all about giving each one of them an equal time on the screen. 

One of my main problems in how the narrative plays out is that the movie does focus the most on particular characters, and everybody else are just relegated to the background like an after thought. So while the tagline for this movie does say that "everyone is a suspect," we know certain characters are likely not. Admittedly that's my own fault in thinking that way, but it's nevertheless distracting when participating in watching a whodunnit mystery.

As for the mystery itself, it is good, filled with twists and turns, red herrings, and what not. People will describe it as an old-fashioned murder mystery, and contains many familiar time honored plot tropes as well. I thought some of the coincidences took me out of the movie though. The other thing that took me out of the movie was this huge shift in the tone! The first half was filled with this energy and exciting build up to the murder. The second half which involves the actual procedural investigation itself dragged for me. I ended up frustrated and restless with the pacing. Which is odd, because story-wise it technically goes through a lot of intricate plot details in the time that was given. I have a feeling that I would be more forgiving if I had another viewing of it. 

The main reason for me to re-watch this, would be for Kenneth Branagh's performance as the great eccentric detective Hercule Poirot. I thought it was a fun character to watch, and I was genuinely entertained by the fact this movie primarily revolves around him. I also really appreciated the somber and tragic conclusion, plus the overall theme of the story, which honestly encourages me to retroactively forgive the flaws I had with this movie. For the time being though, I thought it could overall have been a better movie than what we've got. 

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goodbye christopher robin

For a movie that's based on the true creation of the lovable kid-friendly character of Winnie The Pooh, this can be awfully melancholy and just plain depressing to watch at times. The overall seriousness that surrounds this story definitely shows that this movie is reaching for a much more ambitiously dramatic depiction of these events. From plot points involving Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, criticizing war, resentment, neglect, family dysfunctions, and the pitfalls of childhood stardom, all combine into an admirably compelling biopic about A.A. Milne his son Billy Moon, and Winnie The Pooh of course.

Needless to say, this might not be the movie you are looking for. However, if all those plot points interests you after all, then this movie will definitely grab your attention from beginning until the end. Just seeing the journey of when and how Winnie The Pooh started, and when and how it ended up to where it is now, is undeniably fascinating to me. Throughout the movie, there are scenes that feel like Easter eggs filled with hints on how they influenced the iconic character and his friends. Those can be a bit too on-the-nose, but I thought Director Simon Curtis provided a good balance with all that. 

Domhnall Gleeson is excellent as A.A. Milne, and Will Tilston is amazing as the 8 years old Christoper Robin. Their relationship as Father and Son is the heart of this story, although there are stretches of scenes that may only involve one or the other character. Those scenes of the two in the forest alone are some of the best things to show off about this movie though. Although the media attention and the fanfare surrounding Christopher Robin alters the movie's narrative a little bit, it still comes down to the interactions between the characters. I should also give credit to Kelly Macdonald as the nanny Olive, and Margot Robbie as Daphne Milne, as both of them add a lot to this movie as well. 

While some might complain that "Goodbye, Christopher Robin" lays it on too thick with it's emotionally triggered premise, or about how it's not jovial enough, in the end it's still very much worth checking it out. 

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novitiate

There were many moments in this movie when I was thinking that the depiction of how passionate a person can be for their faith can be truly moving. These were young girls who want to be Nuns, because they love God that much. However there were also moments when it's shown that the steps of becoming a Nun are incredibly tough; almost too cruel, to the point that I was thinking that this doesn't really help encourage somebody to want to be a nun. Those harsh moments makes it seem like this movie is actually an indictment against the faith after all. "Novitiate" really tows the line by not really picking a side on that argument. Although I would argue that it definitely leans more towards one side. 

Fascinating and thought provoking. This is a film that will and should push some people's buttons. It's filled with scenes that should trigger an emotional reaction from movie goers, as well as encourage people to have a conversation about what it is they just saw. Even though this may seem like a straight forward drama, there are enough mature provocative scenes that complicates it from having an easy narrative. Certain people might even call those scenes blasphemous. Either way, Writer-Director Margaret Betts successfully makes this film feel very intimate in observing what the characters do in this story. 

This movie has a strong set of female actresses, with Margaret Qualley doing a fine job as our main protagonist that we're suppose to be rooting for here. While Qualley is technically the lead character of this story, it's Melissa Leo's portrayal as the Reverend Mother that steals the movie from everybody. Wow what a commanding performance from Leo. It's true that her role as the super strict Nun in charge, plays on the stereotypical tropes a little too much. She plays that role so well though. When the Reverend Mother is in full rampage mode, I myself felt like I needed to be on my best behavior from sheer fear that she will jump out of the movie screen just to punish me. 

Clearly I have some issues with the overall themes of the movie, as well as how certain characters are depicted here. I know a couple of questionable plot turns during the second half of the story made me think that this movie was just going for the easy route and opted for overly familiar plot tropes. Plot tropes that I didn't agree with. Despite all that though, the incredible cast, the compelling story, those tense scenes, made the experience of watching this enjoyably gripping. "Novitiate" is definitely not for everybody, but it sure successfully made me feel and think things; just like I'm sure they intended. 

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wonderstruck

Considering this movie is called Wonderstruck, it kinda leaves itself open to ridiculous puns if it turns out to be a disappointment. I could say that it struck out. I could say that I was wondering when the movie was going to actually get good. I could also call it wonder-suck. Of course the movie could avoid me making fun of it's title if it turns out to be a masterpiece. By the end of the film, it struck me that the narrative simply lacked the proper amount of wonder that it needed to have to truly wow me with what it was trying to do. 

On a visual level, I still have to give Director Todd Haynes credit for making the experience at least pleasing to look at. There are many scenes that purposefully linger, so as to allow us to breath in the settings and the items being showcased. The movie has a huge theme about museums and history, so having a focus on seemingly innocuous locations and objects seemed appropriate enough. I appreciated what this movie was trying to do in that regards, but you have to understand why many might find that boring to watch. 

As for the story itself, it seemed to rely heavily on these mysteries that are introduced to us throughout the narrative. The story intercut between the character of a young girl in 1927, and a young boy in 1977. The 1927 story is done like a black & white silent film, while the 1977 story is in full color with lots of sounds. Both characters go through an adventure in the city, encountering different characters, and different objectives. The thing about this story however is that it constantly lays out situations that are out of context, and we're suppose to be compelled enough to care about that mystery before it is actually revealed. It's like it's suppose to be this fun and exciting game of "guess what's going on," but instead becomes a series of frustration, impatience, and disappointment. If I cared enough, it would have worked, but I just didn't care enough. 

Not to disparage writer Brian Selznick on his film adaptation of his own best-selling novel, but I just didn't find the conclusions to all those mysteries to be that satisfying; although I have to say that the final act is probably the best part of this movie. While I overall have issues with the narrative, at least the cast is fantastic. From Oakes Fegley, Millicent Simmonds, Jaden Michael, and Julianne Moore, their presence in this movie should at least get your attention. 

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tragedy girls

Putting a twist on the slasher movie genre is something every film maker tries to do. How often do you watch one from the perspectives of the killers though? Not only that, but the killers are two High School girls. Plus, if you're a fan of comic book movies like Deadpool or the X-Men films, well those two girls are played by "Negasonic Teenage Warhead" and "Storm," Brianna Hildebrand and Alexandra Shipp, respectively. Is this something you'd like to check out? 

Considering the premise of this movie, I'm glad it didn't opt for the darkly serious take of the story, and went for a more entertaining black comedy style direction by Tyler MacIntyre. I suppose we could have gone for a more dramatic and earnest look into what would happen if two teenage girls decided to try to raise their social status by way of secretly killing people, but where's the fun in that? If anything else, there's a twisted macabre sensation of being entertained in how teenagers try to murder people in gruesome ways. Several of those gory deaths looked bloody fantastic too. 

Despite the grim social commentary about how being narcissistic and obsessed with social media, can encourage people to do dastardly things, this movie is also about friendship. The BFFs i'm referring to are of course Hildebrand as Sadie, and Shipp as McKayla. Both actresses are good in their roles already, but it's their chemistry together that truly makes this movie worth checking out. Besides the excellent murder scenes of course. The supporting cast from Kevin Durand, Craig Robertson, Jack Quaid, and Timothy V Murphy, are all good in this movie as well, but it's still all about Hildebrand and Shipp here. Oh, and the killing. All that killing. 

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thor ragnarok

By now it should be expected that Marvel Studios movies tends to pepper comedy bits into their superhero films. This one in particular however, takes it up a notch quite a bit. Although I wouldn't call this third installment of Thor to be a full blown comedy, this one definitely embraces it a lot more than the others. So did they make the right call in going that direction? I would say, yes and no. Yes, in the sense that the jokes do add a lot to the entertainment value of the movie. No, in the sense that it makes the overall tone lop sided when it focuses on the more serious moments. Of course like everything with comedy, the jokes are hit or miss. I did like most of the jokes at least. 

Besides the comedy bits, another thing that makes this movie quite entertaining is the sense of adventure in the story. Jumping from one different location to another different location, meeting different characters to more different characters, works really well for our protagonist's journey. It brings a little bit of unpredictability to the story, and allows us to appreciate a variety of creativity by the film makers. From a land where random objects fall from the sky, a gladiator ring, magic users, to army of warriors, this movie has a lot to offer. 

With that said however, I felt like the movie still could have gone further with the premise. The main relationship plot between the siblings of Thor and Loki is still the greatest strength of this franchise, and this installment thankfully capitalizes on that still. The whole story surrounding Thor, his responsibilities to Asgard, and the shadow of his father Odin, are still just a bit on the more simpler side. It's all just fine, but it's getting repetitive. Those plot threads simply could be more interesting than it actually is, which still keeps these movies from becoming a great series, as opposed to just a good one. 

What that leaves us with are the action sequences. They're good. Fast paced. Lots of flashy stuff. Especially when Hela is involved. Speaking of which, Cate Blanchett as Hela is great whenever she is on screen. Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie is also great to watch here, and her interactions with Thor are very enjoyable. Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner / Hulk is also a lot of fun to watch here, and they are all excellent additions to the cast of characters. 

As an adventure film with a diverse group of characters, under the direction of Taika Waititi, "Thor: Ragnarok" is definitely a crowd-pleaser. It's enjoyable in all the right ways, even if it doesn't necessarily reach for new great heights in terms of story telling. Either way, I like my Thor and Loki to do funny things, and going on adventures together. More of that please. 

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the killing of a sacred deer

If you're familiar with the work of Yorgos Lanthimos, then you know that his movies can be pretty divisive, and are definitely not for everybody's enjoyment. In fact, on my screening, at the beginning of the end credits, a lady behind me proclaims "well that's 2 hours I want back!." I on the other hand was still reeling a bit from what Lanthimos just showed me on screen; especially that final act. I myself felt like that was a unique 2 hours of my time that I'm appreciative to have been able to experience. Needless to say, that was definitely a revenge film like I've never seen before, and that's as much as I want to divulge about the plot, without dangerously getting close to spoiler territory. 

"Odd" is definitely a word that easily describes this movie, but that is to be expected from Yorgos Lanthimos. He really has a unique style to capture that oddness on screen. The stilted emotionless dialogue is still one of his signature styles, but for the uninitiated it might just seem like the actors are reading their lines horribly. That's going to be a turn off for many people, while others will find that style to be more along the lines of a dark comedy. It's almost amusing to hear a character proclaim that somebody is dying in a matter-of-fact way. There's also a scene where a character has to announce their intentions of revenge in a rushed manner, because the other person is in a hurry and needs to leave. How courteous... 

Considering the premise of this revenge flick, the tone of this movie can be unnerving and menacing. There's a sense of helplessness and desperation that occurs in the second half of the story, that leads to a series of scenes that come off like a fascinating social study of what people are willing to do when faced with the notion that they will die. Some of what the characters are willing to do come off as ironically hypocritical and dementedly outrageous. It all just gets twisted and off-putting, and there are those who will be captivated with what they are seeing on screen, while some others are going to find it all too disturbing for their tastes. Either way, both camps will find themselves unable to keep their eyes off the screen. 

While I appreciated the intricate themes and plot progression of "The Killing Of A Sacred Deer," the subject matter is actually simpler than meets the eye. The story and characters go many places, but in the end the movie's messaging isn't as confusing as some might think it is. Even so, I liked the story, and I also have to give kudos to the actors like Colin Farrell, Barry Keoghan, Nicole Kidman, Raffey Cassidy, and Sunny Suljic, for embracing this material and putting it all out there on screen. 

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suburbicon

When you watch the marketing trailer for this movie, you immediately get the impression that this is a quirky film. Yes, it does have quirky qualities. You get the impression that it's a bit offbeat with it's story. Yes, the premise can definitely be considered offbeat. You also get the impression that this is going to be a fun romp of a movie watching experience. As an experience watching this movie, I can honestly and personally say that this wasn't a fun movie. Some of the first opening scenes for this movie covers the topic of racism, and another topic about home invasion, for crying out loud. Just in case you're wondering, NO they weren't done in a quirky or humorous way either. 

For a movie that's filled with big name talented actors, and big name talented film makers, how did it become such a mess? I suppose I can blame the directing by George Clooney, in how bland the whole thing feels. This movie has violence, and cursing, and plot surprises, and yet it all somehow still felt so boring. Where's the energy and excitement?! The story itself actually has a uniqueness to it, was technically intriguing, and genuinely had some important themes to tell us, but all that seems to be more of a "looks good on paper" kind of deal. Seemed like such a waste of several good story ideas, that could have been used on a better movie. 

The actors themselves are technically good in this, although Matt Damon's character is sorely underwritten. Didn't much care for Gardner Lodge at all. Julianne Moore's part in this is good, although I wished they went even further than they did with her here. I liked the character progression of Nicky, played excellently well by Noah Jupe. I especially liked Oscar Isaac as Bud Cooper, who genuinely brought this movie to life, and looked like he was having fun with his role. 

With an off-putting tone, the poor attempt at dark humor, and misguided directions, "Suburbicon" is unfortunately not a movie I would recommend. It did have potential to be good too, but they just couldn't stick the landing. 

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the florida project

If you are looking for a movie that has a straightforward story that has a clear beginning, middle, and end, then this might not be the movie for you. It does however actually have a story, but it just doesn't have the traditional narrative structure that you normally see in movies. Think of it more like a stream of consciousness slice of life tale, in the summer months, about a community of people who are trying to live to the fullest as much as they can, despite their financial station in life. 

There are three primary characters to follow in this story. Moonee, the trouble making girl who loves to go on some adventures around the city of Kissimmee, Florida, and who manages to annoy people in the process. Brooklynn Prince is amazing as Moonee by playing her in such a naturalistic way as a young kid, that it's captivating seeing her light up the screen with her energy. Halley is Moonee's Mom who acts like she has no care in the world and does as she please, who also manages to annoy people in the process because of that. Bria Vinaite is also amazing here as Halley, who has to balance that care free caustic attitude with the fact that she still has to make us want to root for her.

Co-Writer / Director Sean Baker successfully gives us a fantastic contrast between the things you hate and like about Moonee and Halley, and it's that kind of complicated characterization that compliments the themes of this movie. One of the themes being that these are people just trying to make ends meet, who are constantly reminded at how well off some other people are just across from them in the luxury resort that is Walt Disney World. The juxtaposition of having scenes of a little girl who has to con her way into getting free ice cream, and seeing some wealthy person in a helicopter flying away everyday from her motel room, is showing us that stark divide that exists in our world. 

Less you think I forgot to finish my earlier point, there is that other third character of the movie that we follow here. That character is Bobby, the manager of the Magic Castle motel; which is a real life place by the way. There will be those who say that Moonee is the true heart of this movie, but I would argue that it is Bobby. Willem Dafoe does a remarkable job as Bobby, in a way that deserves recognition. As the thankless manager, he has to balance being the person in charge of the place that has to give rules and regulations to everybody there, and yet still finds it in his heart to care enough about those people even though he doesn't have to. It's a moving character piece that once again feeds into the theme of this movie about the contrasts between the haves and have nots. 

Although "The Florida Project" can sometimes act like it's just home made videos that are just stitched together into a full length feature, it is still a cinematic experience that should resonate with you. The awareness it brings to people like Moonee, Halley, and Bobby, is an admirable thing for this movie to do. This isn't exactly a documentary, but it may as well be. 

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