RESPECT

POSITIVES…

  • Fans of Aretha Franklin should want to watch this. Those who aren’t familiar with her, should at least check this out. 

  • A series of historical scenes and significant moments in her life drives the narrative of this story well enough, but it’s the cast of actors that truly makes this movie. 

  • If it isn’t already obvious, Jennifer Hudson is one of the main reasons to watch this movie. She is amazing. Her singing voice is amazing. 

  • Forest Whitaker as Aretha’s Father is a commanding presence that isn’t easily ignored. 

  • Marlon Wayans is incredible as Ted White, and is just excellent acting besides Jennifer Hudson. 

  • Got to give a shout out to Marc Maron as Jerry Wexler. Definitely one of my favorite supporting actors in this huge ensemble. 

  • Speaking of special mentions, Skye Dakota Turner plays young Aretha Franklin, and she is awesome playing that chapter of her life. 

  • At a certain point in the film, it focuses more on the songs. We like more of the songs, so that was okay with me! 

  • I do like it when movies use the lyrics of songs to contextualize what’s going on in the story. 

  • The section focusing on Alabama, Musical Shoals, is arguably the most dynamic part of the movie, and I could have watched a whole movie just based on that.

NEGATIVES…

  • It's a movie biopic, and has all the flaws that are usually associated with them. 

  • Historical gaps and unnecessary details in the narrative are just some of the trappings that come with biopics. 

  • Real life or not, there’s a very familiar plot progression that you’ve seen before. 

  • There’s this whole scene involving racism that might be triggering to some. 

  • In addition, there is a loose end in the plot that I wished was resolved in the movie. 

  • Ultimately you really just want to only listen to Jennifer Hudson sing those Aretha Franklin songs, and everything else feels superfluous.

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

RESPECT - watched it IN THEATERS

Don't Breathe 2

POSITIVES…

  • The first “Don’t Breathe” challenged your perceptions of protagonists. If that’s what you are also looking for with the sequel, then you got it! 

  • If you are expecting to see more of that brutal violence, you got that here too! 

  • Sleek escapes and hiding places were a fun element from the first one. Still part of this movie! 

  • Tense and thrilling. Keeps you on your toes as to what will happen next. 

  • Solid visuals and fantastic lighting work. 

  • Of course the real main draw is seeing a blind man being so skillfully capable of attacking people. 

  • That blind man is once again played by the amazing Stephen Lang. That mix of physicality and emotions. Excellent. 

  • Madelyn Grace is his co-headliner, and she is such a phenomenal talent here as the young girl. What a trooper of an actress. 

  • Brendan Sexton III is pretty solid as the lead of the antagonists. 

  • Gotta mention that one-take scene that was nicely done. 

  • Kudos to Fede Alvarez and Rodo Sayagues for managing to stretch out this premise.

NEGATIVES…

  • Simply does not have the novelty of the first one to fall back on anymore. Now it just feels derivative and just not as compelling. 

  • Movie feels unnecessarily cruel and just overall unpleasant to watch. Not in an entertaining way mind you. 

  • The majority of the characters here are just so hateable, that it can be hard to care at times. 

  • There’s a plot point with a box that is just so stupid. 

  • I roll my eyes at that whole “white hair” thing. 

  • Did this movie just try and emulate Gary Oldman’s most famous line from Leon: The Professional? I shake my head at the attempt. 

  • doesthedogdie.com

loveditenjoyeditlikedit IT’S OKAY itsmehitsterrible

Don’t Breathe 2 - watched it IN THEATERS

Free Guy

POSITIVES…

  • I was really entertained by the general premise and ambitions of this movie. 

  • Surprisingly managed to grab as many favorite genre movie premises as it could, and mashed them all up into this one movie. Kudos to screenplay writer Matt Lieberman for pulling that off, and director Shawn Levy for keeping the narrative as comprehensible as possible. 

  • As an action-comedy, and it’s inherent meta self-awareness references, there’s a lot of fun to be had by watching this. 

  • I liked seeing the action choreography in the big set pieces. 

  • Fans of video games should find many aspects to like that is found in the movie. 

  • It exponentially just got more and more enjoyable as the plot unfolds. It’ll be hard not to want to see the conclusion. 

  • So packed to the brim with scenes and sequences that just grabs your attention every time. 

  • Trying to escape the mustached cop and the rabbit. 

  • Montage sequence of leveling up. Awesome! 

  • That scene when the movie reminds you that it’s very much aware that it’s owned by the Disney corporation. 

  • Ryan Reynolds plays the protagonist that you can’t help but root for. Charmingly delightful, with a dash of innocence and coolness. 

  • Speaking of charming and delightful. Jodie Comer and Joe Keery. Loved those two in this movie.  

  • Taika Waititi is wonderfully hamming things up in his role as Antoine. 

  • Solid work by Lil Rey Howery, Utkarsh Ambudkar, and the rest of this huge supporting cast. 

  • Channing Tatum. I want to give Channing Tatum a high five for that particular scene he is in with Matty Cardarople.  

  • Underlying thematic messages of this movie is something I am absolutely on board with. Thank you!

NEGATIVES…

  • Holy crap, can this movie officially be the king of familiar and derivative plot tropes and cliches? It was like it was written by an algorithm. 

  • Needless to say, it panders to the audience a little too much. 

  • Plays like it knows all about video games, but you realize that it’s only in a very superficial way. 

  • So many stupidly nonsensical ultra-convenient things happen in the movie that kinda cheapens the story telling. 

  • There are very huge caveats that supposedly justifies the ludicrous premise, certain plot points, and conceit of the story. Sorry, I can’t give this movie a pass for cheating. 

  • Some of the humor can just fall flat on its face. 

  • The real life twitch gamers felt very cringey. 

  • Honestly, there were many moments that I felt embarrassed by the movie. I wanted to either yell at the screen in protest or just do a facepalm.

lovedit ENJOYED IT likedititsokayitsmehitsterrible

Free Guy - watched it IN THEATERS

Nine Days

POSITIVES…

  • Interesting surreal premise that is like a philosophical exercise about life. 

  • The plot effectively relies on the plot threads presented in this movie, and the characters that appear in it. 

  • Character monologues and dialogue gives you some thought provoking subject matters. 

  • Those recreated moments. Just beautiful.  

  • Intercuts between the different characters are nicely done. 

  • Winston Duke is our main character and is a fascinating individual to observe. 

  • Benedict Wong is fantastic as the character that brings about the lighter side of things. 

  • Zazie Beetz is excellent here for the wise innocence she brings into her role. 

  • Loved Tony Hale here for his characters point of view that is far more interesting than you might initially give it credit for. 

  • Bill Skarsgard begrudgingly is the character that smacks reality into our minds. 

  • Underlying final message and social commentaries makes this movie worth watching. 

  • “Pull the chair!!!!!”

NEGATIVES…

  • The character of Will isn’t exactly somebody you will immediately warm up to, and he’s the main character!!! 

  • Emma. Hello manic pixie dream girl. 

  • Slow and monotonous most of the time. Try to stake awake if this isn’t your thing. 

  • Arguably a bit pretentious, and not what one might call “entertaining.” 

  • Some might call this “too artsy.” 

  • Arbitrary unexplainable logic and rules found in the plot can be frustrating to put up with. 

  • Speaking of frustrating, this is one of those movies that really doesn't want to give direct answers. I know many who don’t like that.

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

Nine Days - watched it IN THEATERS

Vivo

POSITIVES…

  • An animated musical that features songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda and stars a kinkajou? I’m in!

  • Colorful and dynamic animation with some stylish 2D segments inserted here and there.

  • Songs are generally solid and work really well within the context of the narrative. “One more song,” “Keep the beat,” “Inside your heart,” are some of the stand outs.

  • Lin Manuel Miranda as Vivo is excellent in this, and has a good earnest performance.

  • Ynairaly Simo as Gabi is fantastically energetic and really grabs your attention.

  • The heartwarming story is comfortably familiar within some fresh context and locations.

  • Gotta love those emotional tear jerker moments.

  • Light hearted humor, jokes, and sight gags, are generally amusing and entertaining.

  • The Sand Dollar Scouts.

  • “Not on my watch.”

  • Maybe this movie will actually inspire more people to take up drumming.

NEGATIVES…

  • There’s an overall familiarity to the plot progression.

  • Unsurprising plot tropes and conveniences.

  • So many unbelievable moments and plot devices that takes you away from the movie.

  • I can see people absolutely hating on the song “My Own Drum.”

  • Arguably doesn’t have truly memorable songs that can live beyond the movie.

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

Vivo - watched it on NETFLIX

The Suicide Squad

POSITIVES…

  • Do you want more chaos, comedy, and corpses, with your Suicide Squad? Then this is absolutely the movie for you. 

  • Scenes and sequences are visually kinetic, dynamic, colorful, and just beautiful. James Gunn is indeed a visionary. Shout out to cinematographer Henry Braham as well. 

  • Those sweet chapter break title cards. Another nice touch done by this movie. 

  • Narrative definitely has a randomness to it, and the plot progression can get ridiculous. 

  • From the dialogue, banter, and the sight gags, this movie is pretty funny. 

  • Briefly touches on some social political commentaries, but the final message of this story in particular... Bravo James Gunn! Bravo! 

  • Just about all the action sequences and set pieces are bloody violent. Good times! 

  • That big solo Harley Quinn action sequence. Just amazing. Flowers. 

  • Speaking of characters, this does indeed have a fantastic huge ensemble cast, that includes Idris Elba, Daniela Melchior, John Cena, Margot Robbie, David Dastmalchian, Viola Davis, plus so many more! 

  • That rivalry between Bloodsport and Peacemaker. Fun stuff. 

  • Nanaue. AKA King Shark. Easily one of the stand-out characters in this movie. 

  • Sebastian! I loved Sebastian! 

  • Weird special super powers. This movie showcases a lot of that, and they are awesome! 

  • Drinking game idea. Take a shot whenever somebody dies in this movie. Take a double shot when it’s a member of the Suicide Squad. So much death. 

  • Needless to say, this is the best Suicide Squad movie out of all of them. Just might even be in the running as the best DC Comics movie since the Dark Knight trilogy.

NEGATIVES…

  • While there’s a general freshness to the direction, the actual plot itself isn’t exactly unfamiliar. 

  • Some questionable plot points. 

  • That subplot with Harley during the second act. Felt like it grinded the movie to a full stop. 

  • For a James Gunn movie, the soundtrack isn’t all that this time. 

  • There’s animal cruelty here. CG kind of course. But still… 

  • A warning on those who have musophobia. 

  • People with trypophobia might have to worry too.

lovedit ENJOYED IT likedititsokayitsmehitsterrible

The Suicide Squad - watched it on HBO MAX

Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning

POSITIVES…

  • Delivers a stellar finale to this series of live-action movie adaptation of Rurouni Kenshin. 

  • Not only is it a solid Japanese sword fighting film, but it’s the unconventional love story that makes this movie as good as it is. 

  • Sword fights are indeed amazing to watch. Love the choreography. 

  • Seeing hitokiri batousai unleashed. Fans have been waiting for this. 

  • Appreciated the appropriate tone and pacing, that balances the violent action sequences, with the delicate relationship between Himura and Tomoe. 

  • Takeru Satoh is once again so good at portraying Himura the Battousai.  

  • Kasumi Arimura is such a wonderful element of this film with her beautiful portrayal of Tomoe.  

  • Not to be outshined, but I also can’t get enough of Yôsuke Eguchi as Saito Hajime. 

  • Another aspect I really liked with the story are the philosophical statements that Tomoe brings up to Himura. 

  • That combo of poetic themes within this thrilling war story is just expertly done. 

  • Some incredible imagery to go along with the spectacular set pieces. 

  • The way it ends is going to make it hard not to just immediately start rewatching this series from the very first film.

NEGATIVES…

  • I did mention that this is an unconventional love story as well, and it does rely on the audience to buy into it. The plot trope aspect of that tale is just more pronounced if you’re not on board. 

  • A flashback, to a flashback, to a flashback? Come on now. 

  • Not for those who can't stand some bloody violence.

lovedit ENJOYED IT likedititsokayitsmehitsterrible

Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning - watched it on NETFLIX

Batman: The Long Halloween, Part Two

POSITIVES…

  • If you've seen Part One, you're going to want to see how this story concludes. 

  • Opens immediately with raised stakes for the plot, and carries throughout the rest of the movie. Thrilling stuff. 

  • Twists and turns and surprises should keep you engaged. 

  • Action beats are solid enough. 

  • Art and animation style is still excellent to look at. I still love the simple but beautiful character designs. 

  • Jensen Ackles continues to provide a fantastic voice for Batman. 

  • Josh Duhamel as Harvey Dent / Two-Face is great here. 

  • Catwoman / Selina Kyle. From her plot involvement here, to the awesome voice work by Naya Rivera. 

  • Fans of Batman's rogues gallery should have some fun watching this. 

  • That after credits scene. 

  • Arguably fixes a perceived plot hole from the original graphic novel story that this movie has adapted.

NEGATIVES…

  • To be honest. I was a little underwhelmed by the overall direction. 

  • Narrative felt a little too rushed. 

  • Certain plot threads were either nonsensical or just had unsatisfying conclusions. 

  • Batman's character is a little less capable in this than some may like. 

  • Certain characters were given inadequate development. 

  • Some characters were just annoying. 

  • They showed the Batman origin story again?! Talk about derivatives.

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

Batman: The Long Halloween, Part Two - watched it on VIDEO ON DEMAND

Stillwater

POSITIVES…

  • This hearbreaking premise is less of a murder mystery and more about how far a Father would go to save his Daughter from a horrible existence. 

  • There’s also that foreigner in a foreign land trope that can be entertaining to watch. 

  • Contains some powerful scenes and sequences, like a dialogue with a particular bar owner, that cautionary advice given by Allison, to that inquiry about a basement and the results of that.  

  • Tense build ups and moments. 

  • Fantastic cast includes Matt Damon as Bill Baker, Camille Cottin as Virginie, Lilou Siauvaud as Maya, and Abigail Breslin as Allison Baker. 

  • One of the best things about this movie is the connection that Bill Baker has with Virginie and Maya. 

  • All the scenes with Allison also resonate really well. 

  • Great visuals capturing Marseille, France. 

  • I can only hope that the conclusion and the plot-reveals in this movie will encourage many to be introspective about how they look at people and culture. 

  • Not without some levity. Like that toy robot scene, or that “Did you vote for Trump” question. 

  • Appreciated the fact that there’s an underlying theme and social political commentary about Americans and the American way, that is done from a global cultural perspective.

NEGATIVES…

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

Stillwater - watched it IN THEATERS

Jungle Cruise

POSITIVES…

  • Action adventuring in the jungle. If you’re looking for your fix for this familiar premise, well here you go! 

  • Big thrilling and exciting set pieces are entertaining to watch. 

  • I especially appreciated seeing the thrilling Buster Keaton inspired stunts. 

  • All the scenes, moments, and mentions, that pays homage to the Jungle Cruise ride experience at Disneyland. Puns and all. I actually didn't hate it. 

  • Speaking of puns and all. I generally had fun with the overall lighthearted comedic nature and tone. 

  • Drinking game idea. If you hear a pun. Take a shot. 

  • The whole chemistry, dialogue, and interactions between Lily and Frank is one of the main highlights in seeing this movie. 

  • Emily Blunt is a trooper in this as Lily. Your strong willed and oh so capable adventurer. 

  • Dwayne Johnson is as charming as you expect him to be here as Frank. 

  • Jesse Plemons is awesome at chewing the scenery as Prince Joachim. 

  • That CG leopard. 

  • Metallica's Nothing Else Matters.

NEGATIVES…

  • All the familiar derivative plot tropes you expect from this are here.  

  • Some baffling plot points that might annoy you. 

  • Sophomoric humor and physical slapstick comedy can fall flat on its face or just be cringe worthy. 

  • If you don't like puns. Well, you'll be hearing a lot of it in this movie. 

  • Have ophidiophobia? Probably shouldn’t watch this. 

  • Honestly, this plot really did not need the brother character for comedic relief. 

  • Yes, men back then were really misogynistic. We get it!

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

Jungle Cruise - watched it on DISNEY+