Luca

POSITIVES…

  • Charming coming of age story that just happens to be about merpeople. 

  • Perfect movie to watch to get you in the mood for the summer season. 

  • Wonderfully colorful and vibrant animation. Looks almost like claymation. 

  • Fantastic Italian location and setting for the movie. 

  • Love the daydreaming sequences. They are very visually imaginative. 

  • The two boy leads that are Jacob Tremblay and Jack Dylan Grazer, as Luca and Alberto respectively, are excellent in this. Get invested with their characters. 

  • Emma Berman as Giulia is an energetic dynamo that deserves all the kudos. 

  • Great supporting cast that includes Maya Rudolph, Jim Gaffigan, Marco Barricelli, and Saverio Raimondo. 

  • Along with the good pacing and narrative, are the complimentary plot set pieces, montages, and the situational comedic moments. 

  • Very satisfying conclusion. 

  • Has worthwhile universal themes and lessons that I can absolutely get behind. 

  • “I need you to punch his heart. The red one. Harder!”

NEGATIVES…

  • Expect some plot cliches and plot conveniences that just serve to move the story along. 

  • The ending may not be seen as endearing, but rather and probably unbelievable. 

  • Ercole is just too annoying and obnoxious of an antagonist for me. To the point that he just isn’t even entertaining to watch anymore. 

  • Some might think that this Pixar film isn’t ambitious or spectacular enough.

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Luca - watched it on DISNEY+

Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard

POSITIVES…

  • If you enjoyed the previous installment, then you’ll probably really enjoy this sequel. It’s exactly what you likely expected to get. Outrageous, irreverent, humorous, and lots of action flick violence. 

  • The combo of Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L Jackson, and Salma Hayek, is just pure chaotic entertainment. 

  • Ryan Reynolds continues to be spectacular trying to be the straight man of this dysfunctional trio, that hilariously always gets the short end of the stick. 

  • Samuel L Jackson is Samuel L Jackson. ‘Nuff said. 

  • Salma Hayek might easily be the main highlight of this movie, what with her vulgarity, aggression, unpredictability, and ability to steal all the scenes she's in. 

  • Fantastic supporting cast of Antonio Banderas, Frank Grillo, Tom Hopper, and... surprise cameo? (I didn’t know he was in it!) 

  • Action scenes. Comedic scenes. Flashback scenes. Chase scenes. That scene with Tina Turner’s “The Best” playing in the background. Lots of good scenes all around. 

  • I got whiplash from all the different locations this movie takes place in. 

  • Lots of banter, quips, insults, sight gags, physical comedy, and pop culture references, that were just too fun. 

  • Several running jokes that constantly hit the landing. 

  • “Your mouth needs an exorcism.” 

  • “What if somebody is upstairs.” 

  • Gary and Johan.

NEGATIVES…

  • The premise and story isn’t exactly unique, or completely stand out, so don’t be surprised to see some derivativeness to the movie. 

  • Some might find this too obnoxiously loud, in the visual and aural sense. 

  • Being that this is mostly a lighthearted dark comedy... Does this have cartoony violence to laugh at, or is it an OMG the violence is not in tone with the movie?! 

  • Certain parts were just too improbable or impossible. Suspend your disbelief! 

  • Plot conveniences. Of course. 

  • Look. If you’re going to constantly have scenes where people are just horribly bad shots, when they probably shouldn’t be, then for chrissakes don’t write those situations into the movie! It just makes it dumber than it has to be.

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Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard - watched it IN THEATERS

Untitled Horror Movie

POSITIVES…

  • Don’t underestimate this quarantine lock-down made movie that’s mostly just a Facetime call. It’s creepy and scary when it needs to be, and it’s genuinely funny for it’s premise. 

  • Love the self-awareness and the very meta vibe to the whole thing. 

  • While you might already have an idea where this story is going, it still manages to be enjoyable seeing how it plays out in this film. 

  • The excellent cast that includes Luke Baines, Claire Holt, Timothy Granaderos, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Darren Barnet, and Katherine McNamara, all deserves kudos for their performances in this movie. 

  • A lot of what worked with this movie is the chemistry and the interactions between the characters. 

  • The different archetypes of the characters actually adds an entertaining dynamic to the story.  

  • We complain when characters do stupid things in horror movies, but it somehow makes sense and seems believable for this film. 

  • Despite the fact you’re mostly just watching a video group call on a movie screen, the editing and the pacing, actually helps keep the visuals engaging enough to look at.  

  • Pop culture references! This uses them effectively. 

  • “I was listening to Kevin Smith on the Joe Rogan podcast.” 

  • “Nothing bad ever happens in Pasadena.” 

  • “That’s kinda long for a hashtag.”

NEGATIVES…

  • Yes, this is another movie in the “screenlife” genre that’s basing a whole movie on a video group chat. It’s not for everybody. 

  • Shaky cam warning. It doesn’t happen all the time, but it does occasionally happen. 

  • You might find it annoying how stereotypically “Hollywood” the characters are in this movie. 

  • Comedy is subjective, so I would say that not all the jokes hit their landing. Especially the meta inside-jokes. 

  • I wouldn’t say that it’s an actual scary movie either. 

  • There are some derivatives and familiarities to the story.

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Untitled Horror Movie - watch it on VIDEO ON DEMAND

Wish Dragon

POSITIVES…

  • Premise is very familiar, but is executed so well that I really enjoyed it’s earnestness and commitment to it’s story about a peasant boy, the girl he likes, and a dragon that grants three wishes.

  • Has a simple but cute and pleasing looking animation style.

  • Liked the silly lighthearted comedy.

  • Enjoyed the visual gags.

  • Not above toilet humor!

  • Has some excellent sequences from the chase scenes, the intro montage, a birthday party, to a dragon battle, etc...

  • It’s got good action set pieces, as well as good fight choreography too.

  • Jimmy Wong is solid as Din, and Natasha Liu Bordizzo is awesome as Li Na. How could you not root for Din and Li Na?!

  • Long Zhu, as voiced by John Cho, is very entertaining. The things he says and suggests!

  • Shout out to Constance Wu, who plays Din’s Mom.

  • Love the very Asian cultural touches to the story and the visuals.

  • Appreciated the themes and lessons this story has to offer.

NEGATIVES…

  • Very very very very very similar to a particular animated Disney movie starring Robin Williams….

  • Speaking of that very similar movie, are we seriously going through the same plot progression too?!

  • Yes, it’s very derivative and familiar.

  • Plot conveniences? Sure.

  • There are even some big unexplained yet very relevant plot holes that we’re all just supposed to ignore?!

  • Main antagonist is also very underwritten.

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Wish Dragon - watched it on NETFLIX

In The Heights

POSITIVES…

  • Great movie musical with a premise and narrative that focuses on multiple characters of immigrant families in a very specific block in New York. 

  • Story feels very grounded and relatable, that’s sentimental and inspirational. 

  • Anthony Ramos is an excellent lead to a fantastic ensemble cast that includes Gregory Diaz IV, Corey Hawkins, Olga Merediz, Jimmy Smits, Daphne Rubin-Vega, and many more. 

  • Specific shout out to Leslie Grace and Melissa Barrera who both just absolutely shine and are spectacular in this. 

  • You know that a huge reason to watch this movie is for all those big song and dance numbers, and they are pretty awesome. 

  • Really loved several of the song sequences, like “Benny’s Dispatch,” “Breathe,” “Pacienca y Fe,” and “Carnaval del Barrio.” 

  • While this film is based on a stage musical, I give all the kudos in the world to Director Jon M Chu for not making it look like it’s just a stage musical on screen. Good use of Washington Heights as the actual location for the movie. 

  • I appreciated how this story dealt with culture and social political themes. 

  • This is a movie for those struggling against all odds trying to chase their dreams. 

  • “The scratch on the record is my favorite part.”

NEGATIVES…

  • Songs that are predominantly upbeat fast rapping might make it hard for some viewers to keep up with the story telling. 

  • Hate to admit it, but there aren't enough catchy songs for me here. 

  • Hope you don’t mind that they don’t translate all the languages spoken or sung here.

  • You know what, it’s got slow parts too that impedes the momentum of the narrative. 

  • There are two romantic plots here, and I honestly didn’t care that much for one of them. Maybe it was just too cliche for my taste.

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In The Heights - watched it on HBO MAX

Infinite

POSITIVES…

  • Say what you will about the movie, but I won’t deny that I genuinely like the idea for the overall premise. 

  • Gotta give it to Director Antoine Fuqua for all the outrageous action set pieces in this film. I more or less enjoyed seeing them. 

  • The gleeful wanton destruction that is demonstrated in this movie is pretty entertaining. 

  • Pacing and plot progression is generally quick. 

  • Mark Wahlberg is good at playing the same type of character that he always plays in these action flicks. 

  • Jason Mantzoukas essentially playing Jason Mantzoukas. 

  • Chiwetel Ejiofor is the highlight for me here however. He is unabashedly chewing the scenery, and looks like he is having fun with how over the top his character is. 

  • There’s a cool shotgun and there’s a Japanese sword. Nifty weapons and gadgets here. 

  • “Spiritual equivalent of “better luck next time.”

NEGATIVES…

  • Those outrageous action set pieces? Could be seen as way too cartoony. 

  • Plot really leans into your familiar action movie plot tropes and cliches. 

  • So much clunky exposition. 

  • Had so many obvious questions about the plot and premise. So many illogical things. 

  • I shouted “That is so stupid, dumb, and unbelievable!” more times than I probably should have. 

  • Could have used more Dylan O’Brien. 

  • Take a shot whenever you see the infinity symbol. They really really like that symbol in this movie.

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Infinite - watched it on PARAMOUNT+

Flashback

POSITIVES…

  • Lives up to the title of the movie in a way that is quite interesting and unique.

  • Fascinating and mysterious plot should give you some incentive to keep watching.

  • The first act should pique your curiosity. The second act should grab your attention. The third act is absolutely a love it or hate it thing. Either way. Writer-Director Christopher MacBride is undeniably giving you a fresh experience in a usually derivative movie genre.

  • Conclusion should definitely give you something to think about.

  • Movie is a bit cerebral and philosophical, with lots to say about memories, nostalgia, perception, time, life, and desires.

  • There’s some sentimentality in a certain plot point that I appreciated.

  • Dylan O’Brien is very good in this. He is a huge reason as to why the movie is worth checking out.

  • Excellent use of quick edit scenes that serves the narrative really well.

  • The illustrations. Really liked those.

  • Nice reminder for kids to take drugs responsibly.

  • Maika Monroe as Cindy Williams is there for those of you with “tsundere” fantasies.

NEGATIVES…

  • I can see people saying that this is actually pretty dumb and just pretentious.

  • Actors in their late 20s playing high school students…

  • The slow methodical pacing is not going to be for everyone.

  • Extended strobe effects scenes is something to warn you about.

  • Sebastian character is just too much.

  • Cindy Williams is just too underwritten of a character.

  • Felt like the movie also didn’t do Hannah Gross’ character of Karen the justice it only thinks it gave her.

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

Flashback - watched it on VIDEO ON DEMAND

The Water Man

POSITIVES…

  • This is a solid coming of age type story with an adventurous inventive element to it. 

  • It’s a family friendly movie, but it isn’t afraid to tackle heavier topics involving life and death. 

  • I liked the animated graphic novel bits here and there. 

  • Excellent work by the young lead actors. Lonnie Chavis and Amiah Miller as Gunner and Jo deserve the kudos. 

  • Part of the hook of this movie are the interactions between Gunner and Jo, and following their journey in this story. 

  • Good adult cast too. David Oyelowo, Rosario Dawson, Alfred Molina, Maria Bello, and several more. 

  • Narrative has some nice pleasant surprises to offer you. 

  • Worthwhile thematic lessons here. 

  • Fantastic colorful cinematography throughout. 

  • The kid has a Japanese sword. That’s pretty cool.

NEGATIVES…

  • Still has some familiar plot tropes and cliches. 

  • Plot conveniences too. Certain story beats were just glossed over. 

  • I can just imagine some people not liking the Amos and Jo characters that much. 

  • Leans on some adventurous elements for the premise, but the movie itself could have showcased more adventurous situations than it actually did. 

  • Bugs!

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The Water Man - watched it on VIDEO ON DEMAND

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It

POSITIVES…

  • You go into a “The Conjuring” movie for the scares, but you really end up sticking around because of Patrick Wilson’s and Vera Farmiga’s Ed & Lorraine Warren respectively. This one is no exception. Gotta love those two. 

  • Good work by the supporting cast as well, which includes Ruari O'Connor, Sarah Catherine Hook, Eugenie Bondurant, Julian Hilliard, and John Noble. 

  • Premise for this installment, plays off more like a detective crime mystery thriller, which is a nice change of pace to the franchise. 

  • Fascinating plot point of bringing the court of law into The Conjuring universe. 

  • Plot progression and narrative is engaging and interesting. I don’t know how you wouldn’t be compelled to see this story through. 

  • Opening scary set piece was an incredible beginning to this movie. 

  • It still knows how to properly build tense anticipations for the scares. 

  • There’s also this cool special visual effect found during the third act. 

  • Little bits of levity and humor here and there were unexpectedly welcome. 

  • “Introduce you to Annabelle. If you’re not convinced, we’ll butt out.” 

  • Took a while to get to the underlying theme of the story, but I genuinely appreciated it when it was revealed what that was.

NEGATIVES…

  • Probably the least scary installment so far. 

  • Some unbelievably improbable moments here and there. 

  • May just not be as remarkable of a movie as you wished it would be. 

  • Arguably too visually stylish at times, that makes you forget that this is a movie in The Conjuring franchise. 

  • Rats.

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The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It - watched it on HBO MAX

Oslo

POSITIVES…

  • As an intellectual political historical thriller, this is such a relevant film to see when considering current events.

  • Premise revolves around several meetings that will literally change the world, and this movie captures that importance in full effect. 

  • Part of the entertainment in watching this are the twists and turns on where the narrative takes this story to. 

  • Tonal shifts that will throw you on a loop is perfectly demonstrated by a scene about telling jokes and eating waffles. 

  • That “Declaration Of Principles” montage. 

  • Introduction of Uri Savir is an amazing turning point. 

  • Then the introduction of Joel Singer is also another huge game changer. 

  • For a movie that’s primarily people talking or yelling at each other, this still manages to be quite the gripping story to watch. 

  • Ensemble cast is amazing, and includes Ruth Wilson, Andrew Scott, Salim Dau, Jeff Wilbusch, Waleed Zuaiter, Doval'e Glickman, Igal Naor, plus more. 

  • Appreciated how this film demonstrates the power of diplomacy. 

  • “Garbage and Taxes is what a government does.”

NEGATIVES…

  • Not exactly the most blockbusters of movies. 

  • It’s basically a talking heads film, which is not for everybody. 

  • Plot shortcuts. Didn’t appreciate them, but I do understand the need for them. 

  • Felt like it kept us in the dark at times, for scenes that I expected to be privy to.

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Oslo - watched it on HBO MAX