King Richard

POSITIVES…

  • Inspiring story about hard work, perseverance, family, parenting, class & social inequalities, and tennis. Who doesn't like a good sports underdog story? 

  • Since this story involves Venus and Serena Williams, you have to wonder how entertaining it is to watch the sport of tennis depicted here. I’m happy to say that it's very entertaining. 

  • Will Smith as Richard Williams is fantastic, and is perfectly complemented by the great cast that includes Aunjanue Ellis, Saniyya Sidney, Demi Singleton, Jon Bernthal, Tony Goldwyn, and more. 

  • Besides those exciting tennis scenes, the exchanges of dialogue that usually involves Richard Williams trying to make a point are one of the strongest moments in this film. 

  • Thematically solid with the true success story that this movie is based on, but I also particularly like the lesson behind Cinderella that is brought up.

NEGATIVES…

  • As much as the movie is able to create tension in a narrative sense, it doesn’t change the fact that we should already know what happens based on real life, which unfortunately does indeed kill that tension. 

  • Speaking of real life. I’m sure some people will take issue with some of the historical accuracy, liberties taken, and details omitted. 

  • Still speaking of things that may have actually happened, some of the more unbelievable moments seem too unbelievable at times? Life is stranger than fiction, sure, but sometimes that works against the movie. 

  • A little heavy handed at times, which I suppose couldn’t be helped considering the story, but still... 

  • I don’t know if it has to be said, but if you aren’t a fan of tennis, then this movie may not be for you, nor will it suddenly convert you into being a fan.

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King Richard - watched it on HBO MAX

Ghostbusters: Afterlife

POSITIVES…

  • If you were a fan of the original Ghostbusters films, then there’s a lot to like about this sequel. Get ready for all the fan service, references, and easter eggs. 

  • Might be a debatable thing to say, but this might just be the funniest entry in the franchise. All thanks to the witty dialogue, one-liners, comebacks, and Phoebe’s jokes. I loved Phoebe’s jokes! 

  • Excellent cast with fantastic chemistry together! Mckenna Grace really leads this movie wonderfully, Carrie Coon is a delight, Paul Rudd is just fun, Logan Kim is a scene stealer, Finn Wolfhard is good too, plus all the rest. 

  • I want to say that the very specific ways they included a particularly well loved character into this movie is just absolutely fantastic! Thank you!  

  • Entertaining scenes and set pieces to check out, from summer school classes, chasing muncher, Walmart, that third act, and just the whole process of these characters discovering the iconic Ghostbusters stuff for the first time.

NEGATIVES…

  • I get that this purposefully calls back to the 1984 original, but there are many plot points that come off as possibly too derivative of that. 

  • Kinda takes a while before it gets to the parts you really really want to see. 

  • There are some plot questions that you want to see answers to, but the answers never come. 

  • Plot conveniences that keeps the stakes a little lower than it should. 

  • Honestly wished there simply were more ghosts in this ghostbusters movie.

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Ghostbusters: Afterlife - watched it IN THEATERS

Red Notice

POSITIVES…

  • If you enjoy watching Dwayne Johnson and Ryan Reynolds playing the roles they usually play, and have them team-up in a buddy movie kinda way, then you might like watching this for those reasons alone. 

  • There’s this humorous running joke where Reynolds as Nolan Booth enjoys any opportunity to screw over Johnson's John Hartley. 

  • Then there’s Gal Gadot who is just a joy to watch playing it all up as the main antagonist in this story. 

  • The big heist sequence was kinda fun and enjoyable enough to act as the main set piece to look forward to in this movie. 

  • From the different distinct locations, the adventuring aspects of the narrative, lighthearted thievery, to some legitimately nice plot reveals, there are elements to this movie that are entertaining.

NEGATIVES…

  • From the cringe worthy jokes, the subpar CGI, the overly indulgent story beats, to the typical plot conveniences, this just doesn’t feel like it’s trying hard enough to be the good movie it thinks it is trying to be. 

  • Exposition. Exposition. Exposition. So many minutes dedicated to somebody monologuing an explanation about something. Augh! Just get on with it already! 

  • Explain this to me movie, why are there way too many times when I had to yell at the screen “that doesn’t make sense!” or “that’s just stupid!” or “of course THAT would happen because it’s too hard to actually be clever!” 

  • Take a shot whenever you come across the lame product placements and pop culture references in this movie.

  • Are Dwayne Johnson and Ryan Reynolds forever stuck playing their usual stock characters? People are getting tired of that by now right?

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Red Notice - watched it on NETFLIX

Belfast

POSITIVES…

  • Kenneth Branagh outdid himself here with this lovely film. Kicks off with an explosive opening and just keeps your attention for the rest of the story. From bringing Belfast to life, the personable story, to the characters’ journey, told in a spectacular narrative, and done via a tightly paced 97 minutes that doesn’t waste your time. 

  • There’s a very distinct fragile contrast in tones between the two intersecting storylines of the childhood innocence as seen through the eyes of Buddy, and the very real complications of adult’s lives as shown to us via the perspective of his Pa and Ma. That delicate balance only strengthens the noteworthy themes and lessons of this story, about family, community, social politics, hope, and love. 

  • What a fantastic cast! Jude Hill as Buddy is an incredibly delightful lead character that is easily the main highlight of this film. Caitriona Balfe is simply amazing in the role of Buddy’s Ma, and Jamie Dornan brings a lot of charm and emotions as Pa. Two other standouts that have to be pointed out are the wonderful Ciarán Hinds and Judi Dench as Pop and Granny respectively. Those conversations between Pop and Buddy are just one of my favorite things about this movie. 

  • While there are some deeply serious topics, poignant commentaries, and heartwarming moments that this story covers, it still absolutely does not shy away from just all out entertaining us with enjoyably fun sequences and humorous conversations. 

  • This black & white picture, the brief moments strategically filled with color, how certain shots are framed, to the Van Morrison filled soundtrack, this movie is also a visual and aural experience to be had.

NEGATIVES…

  • Hope you can understand the Irish accent or have access to subtitles, because that’s the whole movie. 

  • There’s a particular stand-off during the third act that looked way too conveniently staged for me. 

  • Not every plot gets the follow-up or conclusion that you might have been hoping to see. 

  • Needless to say, if you’re not into Black & White movies, then this is probably not for you. 

  • I shouldn’t even find this to be an issue, but Dornan and Balfe stand out way too much as seemingly the only handsome/beautiful couple in Belfast.

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Belfast - watched it IN THEATERS

Spencer

POSITIVES…

  • First and foremost, Kristen Stewart perfectly captures this Princess Diana who is filled with uncomfortable anxiety, awkwardness, and random manic moments. Easily the reason to see this film, is to just be captivated with what Diana is going to do next.

  • It’s fascinating to see the Royals in this light, Diana’s situation with the family, and all those traditions, procedures, and all the operational details.

  • Timothy Spall, Sally Hawkins, Sean Harris, and Jack Farthing, are excellent in their supporting roles, and are instrumental in certain memorably great scenes with Diana.

  • Filled with lots of beautifully shot cinematography, and I’m sure there are those who will enjoy the different dresses that Diana gets to wear.

  • If they wanted the tone and soundtrack to make it seem like this is some psychological horror film, then they succeeded!

NEGATIVES…

  • There’s a restless, aimless, meandering narrative to this film that will not work for everybody. There isn’t quite a traditionally told story here that covers these three days during Christmas, and that too will not quite work for everybody.

  • Some might be disappointed with the liberties taken in this movie.

  • Had to put up with several weird, random, innocuous, and silly scenes. Oh, and those seemingly indulgent montage sequences.

  • At certain points in the film, I found myself thinking that this heightened melodrama is just too unbelievable.

  • Hate to ask this but am I suppose to show sympathy for Diana or be completely annoyed with how bratty she is acting? I’m leaning more towards the latter, which unfortunately affects my overall enjoyment of the film.

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Spencer - watched it IN THEATERS

Love Hard

POSITIVES…

  • Romantic situational comedy about catfishing? Despite that problematic premise, the movie actually found a way to make this a likeable enough experience to watch. Pleasantly surprised! 

  • There are two reasons to see this movie. The back and forth between Nina Dobrev and Jimmy O. Yang, plus the comedy that is Nina Dobrev and Darren Barnet. 

  • Josh's family is a great addition to this movie. Got a lot of entertaining and fun moments from them. 

  • There are some enjoyable scenes to check out, from that "I will do anything for Love" scene, breakfast rock climbing, Christmas caroling, and more. 

  • Soundtrack is fantastic, and it doesn't even use holiday songs as a crutch that much either, especially considering this is a Christmas themed movie.

NEGATIVES…

  • The basic premise is absolutely questionable for a romantic comedy. I felt like I was watching a movie from the previous century. 

  • You've seen this movie before. It hits a lot of the usual derivative plot tropes. The most clever thing about this is the reason it's called "Love Hard." 

  • Cringey embarrassing humor and some serious moments that can kill the mood. 

  • That reminds me… They did a "Baby, it's cold outside" gag? Seriously? Several of the pop culture references in this movie felt kinda tired. 

  • Movie kinda hits you over the head about it's themes and lessons. They are good themes and lessons, but we get it movie! We get it!

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Love Hard - watched it on NETFLIX

Finch

POSITIVES…

  • A road trip story that includes moral life lessons learned in a post-apocalyptic setting and through a robot. It's (the always good) Tom Hanks, a robot, and a dog! How's that for a movie premise? 

  • The robot is a fantastic CG character played by Caleb Landry Jones, and is the best accomplishment by this movie. Gotta love those moments when the robot tries to get along with the dog. 

  • Watching the relationship, interactions, and conversations between Finch, the robot, and Goodyear the dog, is at the heart of what makes this a good watch.

  • That whole scene involving a diner and learning to drive could have been a short film unto itself, as it was so excellently made, and encompasses everything this movie is all about. 

  • Fascinating, entertaining, heartwarming, and emotional. This simple movie had far more to offer than I initially would have thought. It moved me.

NEGATIVES…

  • Hey look, it's yet another post-apocalyptic movie. Hope you aren't tired of that just yet. 

  • Inherently has a depressing premise for a movie with sad stories to tell. That is not for everyone. 

  • Certain predictably familiar plot turns will pop up here. I'd like to see a post-apocalyptic story that doesn't do the typical things for a change. 

  • Some contrived plot developments and conveniences here and there. 

  • The plot-reveal during the last 30 minutes may be considered too unbelievable. I know a certain group of people will be rolling their eyes.

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Finch - watched it on APPLE TV+

Eternals

POSITIVES…

  • People said that the MCU movies are starting to feel too similar to each other. Well folks, here’s a different kind of story to tell in this cinematic universe, filled with different kinds of interesting and provocative themes and concepts. Are you happy now?! I know I am. I wanted more, and couldn’t get enough of… 

  • The characters. What a delightful cast of wonderful actors playing these roles, and all with great chemistry. Gemma Chan as Sersi, Lia McHugh as Sprite, Richard Madden as Ikaris, Brian Tyree Henry as Phastos, Barry Keoghan as Druig, all are standouts, but give it up to the scene stealers that are Kumail Nanjiani as Kingo and Harish Patel as Karun! The whole running joke with the documentary. Loved the…  

  • Imagery. Beyond the wonderfully diverse locations featured, or the sleek looking outfits being worn, I want to specifically point out how the visual representation of a particular character is just… wow. Talk about… 

  • Scale. I am impressed by the grand scale of the overall story being told in this movie, that it’s almost too overwhelming. It can be pretty dense, that you might need some… 

  • Time. These unfamiliar characters in this unfamiliar story gets a 2 hrs and 37 mins film from the get go?! Honestly, I was so enthralled by the movie, it really didn’t feel too long for me at all. That I would say is a sign of a good time at the cinema.

NEGATIVES…

  • The most different feeling in tone and style out of all the MCU movies? Probably true, and that just might be considered a turn-off. 

  • Exposition. Exposition. Exposition. The reason this movie is as long as it is is due to all the dialogue required to explain so many things. All were necessary though? Sure? Can feel repetitive? Yes? 

  • Due to the huge cast, it’s easy to say that there are some characters that just didn’t get the amount of screen time you would have hoped. 

  • “Not enough action sequences, too much talking.” I’m pretty sure that’s going to be a common criticism to make of this. 

  • For some people, this movie might be the tipping point to how overwhelming the mythological aspects of the Marvel Cinematic Universe can get.

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Eternals - watched it IN THEATERS

The Harder They Fall

POSITIVES…

  • If you’ve been itching for a Cowboy Western movie with all the familiar plot tropes, plus shootouts, but also want one that can offer a different kind of perspective, then this film is going to check all those boxes very nicely. You will likely enjoy watching the premise, along with some running plot lines that are so much fun to see play out in the story.

  • This has a fantastic ensemble cast, led by the amazing Jonathan Majors, along with Regina King, Zazie Beetz, Danielle Deadwyler, RJ Cyler, Idris Elba, LaKeith Stanfield, and so many more! They are playing so many distinctly memorable characters in this movie too, with several of them based on real life historical figures. 

  • My favorite aspect about this movie by far is the writing. The dialogue, the verbal exchanges, and quips between the characters. Loved them.  

  • Visually, this movie is way too excellent. The set locations, the cinematography, colorful, camera work, to just watching those tightly directed set pieces and action beats. Your eyes will be glued to the screen.  

  • It’s got an awesome soundtrack! Worked so well with this movie.

NEGATIVES…

  • Can feel a little indulgent. Take its sweet time. Really doesn't have to be as long as it is. 

  • Occasionally has those slower kinda boring scenes between the intriguingly exciting plot.  

  • The coincidences once again of the background characters being bad shots. 

  • There is a whole plot development that just seemed dumb. So dumb it ruined the movie's integrity a bit for me. Seemed like an excuse to lead to… 

  • ...Maysfield. Was that whole sequence just pandering to the audience? Seemingly all that for the silly visual and caption joke relating to that sequence?

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The Harder They Fall - watched it on NETFLIX

The French Dispatch

POSITIVES…

  • Love the narrative structure of this film being an anthology of different visualized stories based on tales written about the fictional French city of Ennui-sur-Blasé. The interestingly distinct characters, the world building, to the cleverly written dialogue, makes this quite a charming film. 

  • Visually this movie is a delight to watch. The deliberate framing of the scenes, the quaint settings, “live” still shots, animated sequences, to the fact that it looks like I’m watching a stage play with the most elaborate sets ever. The switching between aspect ratios also worked really well for this film. 

  • I really enjoyed the amusing, witty, sharp, tongue in cheek, sometimes cartoony sense of humor that is actually done in a subtle way that made me chuckle multiple times. Liked those visual gags too. 

  • There’s a certain uniquely unexpected randomness to certain sequences that entertained me a lot, and only made me even more excited to see what else this film is going to show me. 

  • The cast. The ensemble cast. The ohmigod this is a huge cast of actors with brief roles! Gotta give some stand-out kudos to Benicio del Toro, Léa Seydoux, Adrien Brody, Frances McDormand, Lyna Khoudri, and Jeffrey Wright. Fantastic work by all!

NEGATIVES…

  • It’s easy to criticize a Wes Anderson movie as being somewhat pretentious, overly quirky, a bit precious, too intellectual, kinda elitist, pretty artsy, and just full of itself. This film can check all those boxes if this isn’t your cup of tea. 

  • I get the reasoning behind switching between color and black & white, but wow there’s a lot of black & white in this one. I wouldn’t complain so much if it wasn’t for the fact that the scenes with color are beautifully colorful to look at, and I wanted more of that. 

  • Your results may vary, but out of the three main stories, I loved the first one the most. This unfortunately means that I liked the rest of the movie slightly less than the beginning parts. Not that much less mind you, but it just didn’t quite live up to what I loved from that first act. 

  • In “Revisions to a Manifesto – by Lucinda Krementz,” just about all the cast surrounding Timothée Chalamet’s and Frances McDormand’s characters are speaking in French (with english captions). I get why McDormand has to speak in English, but it honestly kinda bothered me and took me out of the movie whenever Chalamet continued to speak in English during conversations that clearly should be fully in French. Chalamet is fluent in French ain’t he? We Anderson, why did you make that choice?! 

  • You prudes will probably balk at the nudity that’s featured in this film. Especially those full frontal ones.

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The French Dispatch - watched it IN THEATERS