More Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story

POSITIVES…

  • How much about Pat Morita do you actually know? Definitely watch this and find out. 

  • Those archival footage and photos, especially ones you've never seen before, are just incredible. 

  • Interviews with people who shared stories and thoughts about Pat Morita. 

  • Good narrative that's based on Pat's manuscript of his autobiography, and from the perspective of his third wife Evelyn Guerrero-Morita. 

  • Pat Morita as a comedian. 

  • Mr Miyagi on the Karate Kid. Iconic. 

  • Segments about the internment camps he lived in when he was young, and his twilight years. Heartbreaking. 

  • "Why open a Chinese restaurant? Because Japanese food wasn't popular there?" 

  • Social issues like racism and alcoholism are of course addressed, and importantly so. 

  • Hearing Pat Morita doing voice impressions gave me big smiles.

NEGATIVES…

  • Essentially just a basic straight forward enough biographical documentary. 

  • There's a huge segment dedicated to yellow face acting; while an important topic to address, it felt like a side plot that distracted from the overall focus on Pat Morita. 

  • Kinda wished we got interviews with his children, or his first two wives. 

  • Felt like it could have gone in even more depth than it actually did. 

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More Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story - watched it on VIDEO ON DEMAND

The Yin Yang Master

POSITIVES…

  • The fantasy filled premise and mythological world building is entertaining enough to keep my interest. 

  • Solid plot progression that doesn’t waste a lot of time in keeping the story moving. 

  • Ensemble cast is good in this, which includes Chen Kun, Zhou Xun, Qu Chu Xiao, Shen Yue, and more. 

  • Despite the minimal developments, it was easy to find attachment with the characters in this story. 

  • Some enjoyable action sequences that mixes martial arts with magical aesthetics and superheroics. 

  • That one scene involving those shoji screens was pretty cool looking. 

  • Set design and costumes looked great. 

  • If this is just a giant promo to look into the Onmyōji novel series, video games, or anime, then it fulfilled its purpose.

NEGATIVES…

  • Plot conveniences and familiar tropes galore. 

  • Characters are generally just archetypes without too much nuance. 

  • "OMG he's such an idiot." Phrase I used often while watching. 

  • Visual effects for the monsters don’t always look the best. 

  • Ending could have been more satisfying.

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

The Yin Yang Master - watched it on NETFLIX

Happily

POSITIVES…

  • Fun opening scenes, that makes a very compelling beginning to this movie. 

  • Twisted humor and weird situational sensibilities that I really enjoyed. 

  • There's an unpredictability to the plot progression that I really appreciated. 

  • Those quick cuts, the tonal changes, the conspicuous soundtrack, and the overall direction by BenDavid Grabinski really kept my attention throughout. 

  • Joel McHale and Kerry Bishé are fantastic in this. I was completely all-in with trying to figure out the situation they are in. 

  • Whole ensemble cast which includes Natalie Zea, Paul Scheer, Natalie Morales, Jon Daly, Shannon Woodward, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Charlyne Yi, and Breckin Meyer, are great. 

  • That sequence of events in the first act with Stephen Root's character. What movie am I watching? 

  • "Not fully sure why we needed to see you act all of that out…" 

  • Social commentary about relationships should be of particular interest to couples. 

  • Joel McHale is ripped!!!

NEGATIVES…

  • Might be too bizarre for some people. 

  • Comedy is subjective. 

  • Some moments that seem unnecessary? 

  • Logic can be put into question.

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Happily - watched it on VIDEO ON DEMAND

Zack Snyder's Justice League

POSITIVES…

  • The hardcore fans demanded their more earnest and darker Zack Snyder cut version of Justice League, and they've got it! It’s definitely better than the theatrical cut. 

  • That Wonder Woman action scene at the beginning is awesome! Gal Gadot is absolutely one of the major highlights of this movie. 

  • Ezra Miller as the Flash is a breath of fun fresh air in this primarily serious movie. 

  • Return of Superman is one of the best sequences to see here. 

  • Who doesn't love seeing these iconic superheroes interacting with each other? 

  • Who doesn't love seeing these iconic superheroes doing superhero stuff?! 

  • Jeremy Irons, Joe Morton, Amy Adams, Diane Lane, JK Simmons, and a few more, were all excellent in supporting cast roles. 

  • Who needs an after credits when you can just have a 20 mins long epilogue filled to tease you with all these ideas and possibilities? 

  • Those fanservice moments should get those hardcore fans really excited. 

  • Congratulations to Zack Snyder, for having the most Director's Cut Film out of all Director's Cut Films.

NEGATIVES…

  • I know people wanted the #SnyderCut, but this is more like the #SnyderNoCuts. 

  • It's a 4 hours movie, and it unfortunately felt like it. Really needed to be edited down. I mean, there are actually boring parts in this. 

  • Is there such a thing as too much exposition, character introductions, and story build-up? Yes.

  • Doesn't really get going until about 1 hour 50 minutes into the movie. Let me repeat that. It doesn't really get going until about 1 hour and 50 minutes into the movie! 

  • Incredibly indulgent on scenes that felt like their only purpose is for fanservice or just to look pretty. 

  • There is also that unavoidable aspect ratio that you'll have to put up with.

  • Things I could nitpick.

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

Zack Snyder’s Justice League - watched it on HBO MAX

Another Round (Druk)

POSITIVES…

  • An entertaining, compelling, and moving story that’s based on Finn Skårderud's hypothesis? Now that's a fascinating idea for a movie. 

  • Alcohol drinking aficionados will probably appreciate this film. 

  • As the plot progresses, the more it gets you interested in seeing how it's going to handle the conclusion to this story. 

  • Fantastic performances by Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Magnus Millang, Lars Ranthe, and Maria Bonnevie.

  • There's a certain joy and relatability seeing four friends having inebriated fun together. 

  • I would never have guessed that several of the best moments in this film are all about teaching. 

  • One fun scene had a history related test that you should participate in while watching. I'm proud to say that I knew the answer.  

  • "We only drink during work hours." 

  • Thematically has some solid commentaries about life worth addressing. 

  • Those of you who’ve only seen Mads Mikkelsen as a serious tough guy or menacing villain, really need to see his range in this. Just that last scene alone...

NEGATIVES…

  • First act moves at a deliberately slow pace, which might make some impatient. 

  • Considering the subject matter, there are sequences you all probably expect to see in this movie, and yeah it's a bit on the conventional side. 

  • It's subtitled. I know some people see that as an automatic negative. 

  • There will be people who will unfortunately learn the wrong lessons here.

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Another Round (Druk) - watched it on HULU

Crazy About Her (Loco por ella)

POSITIVES…

  • Immediately hooks you in, with an opening of a wild one night random meeting of BSing and disruptive fun. 

  • The premise is essentially a romantic comedy with slight variations, but appealing in its lighthearted nature. 

  • Alvaro Cervantes is great as Adri, who grows to be our lead protagonist that you’re going to end up rooting for.  

  • Susana Abaitua is fantastic as Carla, who is our mysterious but captivating leading Lady. 

  • Supporting cast is excellent here. Luis Zahera, Aixa Villagran, Paula Malia, Clara Segura, and more. 

  • Well paced plot progression and situational comedy bits keeps you entertained. 

  • There are scenes that are legitimately touching and heartfelt that are a most welcome part of this movie. 

  • Can never get tired of the funny lines, and clever dialogue, which are littered throughout the movie. 

  • "I've got to perfect my Dr.Ramirez" 

  • Ultimately has solid messaging that is worth listening to.

NEGATIVES…

  • Can’t avoid those plot conveniences and derivative tropes. 

  • There’s a familiar predictability to the story. 

  • It's not a full on romantic comedy as you might have expected from it. 

  • Some might think the puns about mental illness are too obvious and might just be a little insensitive. 

  • While it’s heart is in the right place, the messaging can seem superficial too.

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Crazy About Her (Loco por ella) - watched it on NETFLIX

kid 90

POSITIVES…

  • For a lot of people, the primary reason to see this documentary is for all those archival footage that Soleil Moon Frye took, and they do not disappoint. Especially if you were a kid in the 1980s and 1990s. 

  • It’s like a cross between just watching home videos, to seeing a narrative about a young person experiencing growing up. 

  • We’ve seen a lot of tales about kid celebrities' lives, but this still has a perspective that is worth exploring. 

  • Appreciated how personal and open Soleil Moon Frye was in this.

  • Commentaries by Brian Austin, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, David Arquette, and so many others were great additions to this. 

  • The whole “punky boobster” thing. A lot of girls can probably relate with that. 

  • This documentary does get really serious and tragic at certain sections. Important subject matters to think about.  

  • Is Soleil Moon Frye the original youtube video blogger before youtube was even born?

NEGATIVES…

  • Obviously the old video footage isn’t of the highest quality. Get over it. 

  • Could have used more timestamps to when these footages were taking place. 

  • Some could just dismiss this as yet another privileged child star story. 

  • Seeing young celebrities being wild with drugs and alcohol is just so typical and doesn’t really add anything new to the narrative. 

  • Would have liked to have seen this film go even more in depth of certain topics featured in it. 

  • Wished it was longer actually.

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

kid 90 - watched it on HULU

Cherry

POSITIVES…

  • Compelling character study of the self-destruction of a disenfranchised person. 

  • Tom Holland is fantastic in this as our lead character. 

  • Ciara Bravo is captivating as Emily. 

  • Provocative story that takes you places with it’s varied plot narratives. 

  • Liked the 4th wall breaking and monologues. 

  • Visually stylish and knows how to grab you. 

  • The whole Army basic training section of the story is quite entertaining to watch. 

  • Appreciated this critical commentary about our veterans of war. 

  • When you feel like pulling out of the movie, the relationship between our two lead couple will encourage you to see this through. 

  • Take this heartbreaking story as a cautionary tale. Please.

  • Enjoyed how this movie had fun with character names, business names, name calling, etc…

NEGATIVES…

  • Plot progression and story can be seen as a bit cliché. 

  • Seems a little pretentious at times. 

  • It can be a little challenging to care that much for the lead characters. 

  • Cynical nature of the story is not for everyone. 

  • All that vulgarity can be a little much. 

  • It's a 140 mins movie that could very well have just been a TV limited series.

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

Cherry - watched it on APPLE TV+

Boss Level

POSITIVES…

  • Those looking for a bang-boom-pow action flick done in the time-loop genre should definitely check this out.  

  • First 8 minutes. Highly choreographed action sequence, a light-hearted montage, with cartoonish ultra violence? It's a great introduction to how entertaining this movie can be. 

  • Best use of Frank Grillo as an action star? Yes. I think it is. He is awesome here as our protagonist Roy Pulver.

  • Fantastic ensemble cast of supporting actors. Will Sasso, Selina Lo, Sheaun McKinny, Ken Jeong, Naomi Watts, and many more. 

  • I appreciated the overall self aware tone to this, of it seemingly knowing what kind of movie it is, and just has fun with it. 

  • The voice over monologue works perfectly for this narrative. 

  • As expected, watching Roy finally figure out what's going on, and proceeds with a game plan, is enjoyable to watch, and gives you that drive to see through this movie. 

  • Fun pop culture references. 

  • There are some solid well written lines in this that you'll want to quote. 

  • "I am Guan Yin. And Guan Yin has done this."

NEGATIVES…

  • Yes, I know, it's yet another time-loop movie. So if you're tired of that, well I guess this might not be for you. 

  • Kinda wished it was balls to the walls action, but there are slow parts that drag that momentum down a bit. 

  • Plot conveniences? Sure.

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Boss Level - watched it on HULU

Raya and the Last Dragon

POSITIVES…

  • A premise that mixes quest adventuring, martial arts action choreography, and magical mythologies? Yes please.  

  • The Southeast Asian inspired world building and the imaginative creativity, are all absolutely fantastic. 

  • Enjoyed seeing the different locations that offered a good variety of visuals. 

  • Love the character design of Raya. Looking forward to seeing the cosplay of her. 

  • Speaking of which, Kelly Marie Tran as Raya is excellent in her role. 

  • Awkwafina as Sisu is a delight, and adds humor to the movie. 

  • Gemma Chan plays a good nemesis as Namaari. 

  • Ensemble cast is even more complete, with the solid work by Izaac Wang, Benedict Wong, Daniel Dae Kim, Sandra Oh, Alan Tudyk, and Thalia Tran as the scene stealing baby with her Ongis. 

  • One particular action chase sequence was fun to watch. 

  • That final act was simply wonderful. 

  • Thematically has some solid inspirational things to say.

NEGATIVES…

  • Some familiar Disney plot tropes. 

  • Plot conveniences? Sure. There’s some of that too. 

  • Honestly, the movie could be a little longer, as the narrative felt a little rush at times. 

  • Would have appreciated a few more scenes to let things breathe, and get more needed character development. 

  • I know this is an animated fantasy movie with a talking dragon, but there is one particular character that does push your buttons in suspending your disbelief.

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Raya and the Last Dragon - watched it on DISNEY+