Change Your Image
vzudjoef
Reviews
Madame Web (2024)
ITS JUST BAD AS THEY SAID
Initially, I was skeptical about the early reviews claiming that this film was terrible, even though I could see from the trailers that it didn't look promising. But it turns out, the film is indeed that bad. I agree with the sentiments of others who've said things like "Morbius is better" or "This is one of the worst superhero movies."
Firstly, the story and plot, while generally okay (not terrible), are riddled with plot holes and contrived storytelling that just don't make sense, even within the context of fiction. The narrative is mediocre at best but executed terribly.
Then there's the characterization. While these characters are based on comic book characters, they should still have a clear "why" for being in the film. Unfortunately, "Madame Web" lacks clarity in this aspect. The main character's (Madame Web) existence is justified by an unclear plot device of "destiny and bestowed power." The three female characters who are supposed to become Spider-Women lack convincing reasons for their presence in the story other than the villain having visions (there's no further explanation for these visions or why they exist beyond a vague "curse"). As for the villain, it's typical for superhero films to overlook villain development, but this one is particularly bad. There's no explanation for the villain's initial motive, identity, or how they acquired their powers. Even with the villain's significant powers, it's odd that there's no backstory whatsoever (aside from a brief mention of betraying the main character's mother, which lacks context).
Regarding the dialogue, it's a mixed bag for me. Perhaps it's because the language is different from mine, but I felt the dialogue wasn't as strong as in other films considered good. This might be due to the forced nature of the script to keep the plot moving forward.
Lastly, the cinematography. It's not necessarily bad, but it's not impressive either. There are a lot of unnecessary zoom in/zoom out shots, and the CGI falls short.
Honestly, I hoped I was wrong about this film (I rated it well below 5/10), and I searched for positive reviews from others (on IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, even TikTok), but those who claimed the film was good simply said they enjoyed it without providing any substantial reasons. Enjoyment is subjective, and while a friend of mine said they found the film okay, no one has convinced me that this film is better than I (and many others) thought.
Now, I'm concerned about Sony's next film, "Kraven the Hunter," because starting from "Venom," "Venom 2," "Morbius," and now "Madame Web," Sony seems to be diminishing the quality of their films. I'm very worried about "Kraven the Hunter" (in fact, I might not even have any expectations for it anymore, like many others).
Single in Seoul (2023)
expect from the movie title
"Single in Seoul" takes audiences on a captivating journey of love and self-discovery as it unfolds the tale of a writer tasked with continuing a book titled "Single in Seoul" due to his status as a single man in the city. The film intricately explores the nuances of dating and relationships, offering insights into the perspectives of both men and women navigating the complexities of courtship.
The film proves to be incredibly enjoyable, capturing the audience's attention from the beginning to the midpoint. The cinematography stands out with its visually stunning scenes, providing a delightful feast for the eyes. The intriguing title and theme were what initially drew me to the film.
However, the narrative falls short of expectations associated with the film's title and theme. It lacks the depth one would anticipate, particularly in exploring the life of a single person, whether by choice or principle, who becomes entangled in situations prompting personal transformation or reaffirming their commitment to the single life. The film also misses a climactic moment.
"Single in Seoul" has its merits and delivers an enjoyable experience. However, personally (as a single individual), the film falls short in capturing the essence of the "single" experience, making it less relatable. I believe it could have delved deeper into the profound exploration of "single" themes, resulting in an overall rating of 7/10.
13 Bom di Jakarta (2023)
High Expectations, High Disappointment
"13 Bom di Jakarta" successfully crafts a tense and engaging cinematic experience, captivating audiences with outstanding action sequences that maintain momentum from start to finish. The film showcases a stellar cast, featuring top-tier actors whose performances significantly enhance the overall quality of the production.
However, my initial skepticism arose from the film's complex themes, encompassing cryptocurrency, terrorism, and hacking. While these themes initially raised concerns due to technical complexities widely discussed on the internet, the narrative skillfully pivots towards the action, easing some of these initial reservations.
Despite the film's strengths, characters like William and Oscar appear replaceable, lacking clear motivations for their actions. It feels as though the script propels them forward, rather than a genuine character-driven purpose. The villains, while displaying impressive actions and an intriguing backstory, fall short in establishing meaningful connections between their deeds, motives, and ultimate character goals.
A notable factor impacting my viewing experience was my dissatisfaction with the film's title, "13 Bom di Jakarta." It seemed more akin to a cryptocurrency advertisement than a meaningful representation of the film. This sentiment doesn't stem from the number of explosions (which is only three), but rather the perceived inconsequentiality of the bombs in the broader context of the story and the antagonist's actions. Additionally, the extensive promotional campaign, emphasizing practical effects, left me questioning whether the promotion served more as a gimmick than an accurate representation of the film's narrative (at least, that's how it felt to me).
Despite these shortcomings, there are enjoyable aspects to be found in the film, leading to an overall score of 6/10.
Kaibutsu (2023)
Perspective Unveiled
Who truly becomes the monster? A child not yet fully human, misunderstandings that disrupt the situation, or humans who judge with only one perspective? "Monster" doesn't just depict a simple event but contemplates its complexity through the lens of limited perspectives.
"Monster," despite narrating a seemingly simple story about a single mother protesting her child's school due to an unusual incident, showcases an extraordinary storytelling technique. The film unfolds unexpectedly by presenting more than one perspective on the same event. Each perspective provides a different context, delivering unforeseen plot twists to the audience. This approach prompts viewers to constantly reassess their thoughts throughout the film, culminating in an understanding of how perspectives significantly impact people's judgments of events.
The film's storytelling alone qualifies it as excellent. However, in my opinion, there are some drawbacks. Certain parts are perceived as slow, making the film feel lengthy in some segments. Additionally, I am not fond of scenes that seemingly portray a romantic relationship within the LGBT spectrum. While this is generally acceptable in many films, I believe portraying a strong friendship might be more suitable, especially considering the characters are still children. It's possible I misunderstood due to language differences and translation nuances influencing my perception of those scenes.
"Monster" stands out as a remarkable film that skillfully explores the intricacies of storytelling through multiple perspectives. Despite its minor shortcomings, the film's ability to engage and challenge perceptions makes it a worthwhile watch for those seeking a thought-provoking cinematic experience.