It gets a little tedious towards the end, it feels longer than it is, but the Director's Cut was really really well done. The pacing was good, the suspense was out of this world, the acting phenomenal, cinematography, set designs, sfx, etc. Were all out of this world. The acting was super interesting to watch, because the production was such a complete disaster, you can tell everyone is frustrated as all hell before and while the camera is rolling. That being said I could see if you're someone that is interested in the characters of the previous 2 Alien movies, you would be upset by this, but I had an excellent time watching, for the most part. Minimal, but extremely well used CGI, but lots of practical effects and puppetry, and Fincher's special touch of "how in the world did they get that shot??" I love it, and would recommend it to sci-fi fans.
Reviews
48 Reviews
Crane World
(1999)
Timeless, sincere, and enjoyable
4 January 2024
Whoever is saying this movie is aimless probably didn't get it. Every scene has some significance that builds on the characters. It felt like it could have been made in any time period, it was so simple and relatable. The pacing was actually rather quick, I don't think there was a single scene over 2 and a half minutes. I didn't want it to end. Everything felt so tangible, the sights, the sounds. On certain shots the exposure is completely bonkers and I don't think it was intentional. Like some shots look like complete garbage, grainy, but for the most part the movie was actually gorgeous. Almost every scene was a static shot, and the movie did not need anything more than that. They don't harp on any one thing too much, and almost every shot has a different, and well thought out design. I didn't feel like a lot of the shots were repeats, except for where it was deliberate. A lot of beautiful images and scenes in this film. I watched it completely randomly while browsing Mexico Netflix (have no idea how that even happened lol) and it was just a treat. If you're a fan of film in general and want a nice relaxing watch, with little conflict, and the main character making friends this is the movie for you.
Heaven's Gate
(2020)
Leaves more questions unanswered
2 June 2023
I must say this doc is slow to the point, but it offers a truly inside look at this, almost entirely from first hand accounts. The music was great, with a great score, and soundtrack with some unexpected tunes from bands you know. One thing that this doc did right was the fact that they never broke the aspect ratio, as in they kept everything in 16:9 or relative, instead of going full Wes Anderson with the true aspect ratios of the different sets of film used over the years. In other words, they never broke the black bars at the top and bottom of the screen. This detail might not seem important, but it helped maintain the immersion and once I noticed I couldn't help but appreciate the tricks they used to make it work. Great editing, and a film that takes its time. It lets most of the anecdotes breathe and be felt with proper impact, and it did not feel like they were manipulating the testimonies for any sort of rhetoric or agenda, other than to take a very deep inside look into the strange minds of men.
Could have made it 10 or 20 episodes
9 May 2023
It's not 6 episodes like IMDB says, but I thought this doc did a really good job at staying mostly unbiased. There is a lot of imagery in this series that you will not be able to unsee. I honestly didn't expect to see such a shocking and honest depiction in this day and age. While they really skimmed over the war in Iraq, I didn't feel like the film makers wereaking me pick a side politically, which is tough when you're covering over 20 years and numerous presidencies. That being said the more recent events were not covered as thoroughly, which might be preferable seeing as it's a highly emotional matter that takes time to analyze instead of knee-jerk reporting. Technically, the editing was stupendous, not overly manipulating, and all of the shots had time to breath without it feeling rushed cinematically. I never felt for a second that the interviewees were being fed lines, however, I do feel like they could have stretched the series to 10 episodes without effecting the pacing or flow of information. Maybe it was a budget thing, but it was a solid watch. I just wish they would have covered the war and geopolitical interests more thoroughly.
Very underrated.
24 January 2023
This movie isn't Citizen Kane. It's not the best thing in the world. But it's a banana sandwich and a half. Very imaginative and unique. The CGI is out of this world. Again, there are better examples like Captain Marvel (which is NOT a good movie) but as mentioned before it's unlike anything ever seen put on film. A more recent film I would compare it to might be Moonfall, which is similar in its imagination and sheer scope of the picture. I'm not sure I would pay to see this movie, I think I saw it in 3D or the AMC-Dolby Digital viewing so it was probably a different experience than watching it at home. That being said if you like rather outlandish sci-fi/fantasy, this is a good flick. I think people expect a safe Disney blockbuster, and this movie is weird at times.
The Menu
(2022)
Triple backflip that ends in a belly flop
28 November 2022
I don't what happened here but the first 80 minutes of this film is a poetic sometimes beautiful piece of art, with terrific, cynical humor, that turns into what a 12 year old would think was cool. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what went wrong. The idea is original, the performances are phenomenal, the cinematography and lighting are on point, but then comes the dialogue. It becomes very ham fisted, over explaining a lot of the themes, without ever really doing a whole lot with the idea. It really took a nosedive. To where the events go from over the top, silly, to downright STUPID. The sequence at the end with "The burger" was quite touching and redeemed the film a bit, but overall the last 30 minutes turns it into a gigantic waste of time. For the record, I went in as blind as possible, without watching a trailer.
Beast
(I) (2022)
Some of the best "monster" CGI ever put on film
23 November 2022
Not sure why this movie is rated so low. The performances are fine, and the movie has it's heart in the right place. You get exactly what you pay for, but it just so happens that the film makers knew exactly what they were doing. The characterization, and raw menace of the lions in the film is out of this world. Most of the time, the "monster" is shown in fake glory with bad CGI and execution. Most marvel movies have CGI villains less believable. Yes, even Thanos looked extremely fake. The lions in this movie feel huge, and powerful, and each and every story elements is earned. It's not some shoehorned boardroom flick, where they have to hit all the beats. The film takes its time, developing and giving you time to have an investment in all the characters. And while it's not the best film in the world, I recommend it to everyone, as a good flick with a great "monster".
The Banshees of Inisherin
(2022)
More peculiar than I thought
23 November 2022
As usual, I went into this one blind. "Two friends quarelling" was all I knew, and good gravy was it interesting. First off the tone was very strange. At first I wasn't sure where the story was headed. It's a simple, grounded, and very very human story that doesn't try hard to make you stop and think, although I felt it was quite existential. Everyone played their parts perfectly, with true abysmal Irish cadence and gossip. I didn't expect as much humor in it, but it really made for a very special experience, especially when the movie starts to, how should I say, go in its own direction. I'm definitely going to be thinking about story elements of this movie for a long time. I would like to see Brandon Gleeson winning an Oscar for this. It really is a memorable performance, to say the least. I recommend it if you like a good old fashioned film with lots of undertones. Put away your phone, shut off the lights, light a candle and sit back. It's a good flick.
Hard Eight
(1996)
10 years later, still very hard to find on DVD
3 August 2022
Paul Thomas Anderson's debut film is just as grand as the rest of his features, all things considered. It's a full fledged version Cigarettes and Coffee, the director's previous short film, and it extends and excells everything that's tense about that short film. One can only dream of creating something as polished and engaging as Hard Eight. That being said it's not perfectIt definitely does not harm the film's quality, but it took me a long time to see it because it's difficult to find on DVD. I would gladly pay 20 dollars for it on blu ray or DVD.
Great movie! I think most people would enjoy it, if they give it a chance.
Great movie! I think most people would enjoy it, if they give it a chance.
The Grandmother
(2021)
Creepiest movie since Hereditary
29 July 2022
Don't go in expecting an American style jump scare movie. It's not easy to get under my skin with movies, but there were a few parts in this movie that almost made me sick. The music is reminiscent of Mandy, and the sound design is terrific and subdued. Repeat it is not an American style film lol It's very quiet and atmospheric. That being said it definitely pads its own runtime, but it's definitely worth it for the horrific and mysterious experience. I'd rather it take it's time than be a rushed 80 minute feature.
Definitely gonna recommend this one to my friends.
Definitely gonna recommend this one to my friends.
The Godfather Part III
(1990)
CODA
6 April 2022
Never saw the original cut, but Coppola's restoration fits perfectly. I had the pleasure of viewing all three in the theater, and the ending of the trilogy hit me like a ton of bricks. Again, I never saw the original version of part 3, but I have almost zero problems with this film. Other than maybe the fact that you can simply tell by the clothing and production design that the third installment was made 15 years later. SEE IT. EMBRACRE IT. LOVE IT.
Cowboy Bebop
(2021)
Better than the original?
5 December 2021
I thought the original anime was overboisterous and tried extremely hard to be cool. I mean it's so COOL. The main guy is super cool too. He smokes to cool music and shoots baddies. The live action was just as stylized but more simple and not as pretentious. I think the 40 minute runtime does a huge service to the flow of the episodes, because I always felt unsatisfied at the end of the 20 minute anime episodes. I'm surprised it has a 6.8/10 on this site. Although I assume it's because of the die hard fanbase of the anime, and the fact that certain fanbases are impossible to please. Give it a shot. It's a fun show.
The French Dispatch
(2021)
Well. It's a Wes Anderson film.
11 November 2021
This is definitely one of Anderson's weaker films, and it feels directionless and jumbled at times. But that being said Anderson is STILL evolving as a film maker. It's astounding and this film does not lack visual suprises, deadpan explitives, and many of his now seemingly landmark stage play-esque set direction. Most importantly, the film does not lack emotion, with some genuine tear jerking scenes done in a way only Wes Anderson is capable of. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you probably haven't seen a Wes Anderson film. And if you haven't- What are you doing! Go watch a Wes Anderson film! You will thank yourself for giving truly unique art some of your time. Cheers!
Spencer
(2021)
Great visuals and performances - questionable ending
11 November 2021
I'm not sure who this movie was made for. It's funded by some very wealthy people and it almost feels like it was made personally for them. By doing this I think it gave the director more range, the shots are very relaxed and open. Beautiful costume and set decorations, and of course Stewarts fantastic perfromance. One thing I loved was they kinda gave some of the frames a sepia retro feel, which felt very authentic especially with the clothing from the 90s. I would recommwnd it if you want a smooth watch, there's not a lot of action and it's definitely eye candy. On a side note, I could not unsee Naomi Watts in Kristen Stewart. Specifically in Mulholland Drive. It's freaking uncanny! It didn't harm the experience but man. They are two very beautiful ladies.
21 Jump Street
(2012)
Surprisingly hilarious
11 November 2021
I never had any desire to watch this movie, but my cousin made me watch it and I was really surprised at how funny it was. It's pretty typical humor, but the deliveries and execution made ot the great comedy it is. Lo and Behold it's by Lord and Miller. Well done, lads.
Nobody
(I) (2021)
Best action movie since 2019
6 June 2021
This movie was a delight. John Wick-like (Wick-like? New term?) Action. The story is actually engaging, and although not very original, I actually cared about the characters. It reminded me of Uncut Gems but I enjoyed this movie far more. Plenty of good gore too. Always a plus!
Tropic Thunder
(2008)
So good it doesn't seem real
6 June 2021
It's not necessarily the best comedy of all time, but it feels like it comes from another universe. Every actor in the film is an A-lister. And the absurdity and yet substantially high brow concepts in the film is truly surprising from the kind of fart and blabbermouth humor in the rest of the film. Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr. Give incredible performances, as well as having a ton of action and explosions. The perfect formula when done right. This film does it right Highly recommend for any fan of the art.
You
(2018–2024)
First season is well worth the watch
6 June 2021
You can tell with the second season that it was written by a team of writers and not the author of the original story. Also the final episode of season one is a disaster. But I binged and quite enjoyed it nonetheless.
Goodfellas
(1990)
Gets better with every watch
6 June 2021
I feel like this movie gets better every year. It's nearly impossible to avoid comparing it to its predecessors, but the film is perfect in nearly every way. This is one of the classic examples of music enhancing the film. Great acting by Liota, Pesci, and a brilliant amount of the Sopranos cast. Love going to see it every time it's playing in the theater.
Fire in the Sky
(1993)
What a trip! Don't watch trailers!
19 May 2021
My friend recommended this and it was really great. The acting is comically bad at times, but the story and actually the emotion were just as good as the main attraction. Highly recommend for any sci-fi or 80's horror.
Those Who Wish Me Dead
(2021)
Stop and go
19 May 2021
They had a really great thing going. The suspense kept getting stalled. The scene with the lightning. Just WHY. Its a fine film. Great villains amd acting all around. Some fantastic gore, Taylor Sheridan's use of lighting and suspense building is impeccable. I feel like this movie was hindered in editing. Every movie set to be released in 2020 has this fault. It's nobody's doing. The world got screwed. Unfortunately that means the pacing of movies is being crammed. Remember when people were clammoring for 2 and a half hour plus superhero movies? I think those days are gone.
E.T.
(1982)
Should have seen it as a kid.
8 April 2021
Even as a kid I thought this movie looked dumb. Lo and behild hearing all these adults rave about how it's such a good movie... It's not. If Spielberg didn't make Jaws, I am confident this movie would have sunk. It would be unwatchable if it weren't for the actor who played Elliot. He's the only thing that makes the movie feel real. I know it's 2021, but how did ANYONE think that E. T. puppet looked good? John Carpenter's the Thing had way better special effects for less money and a year prior. I know this is a kids movie but still... Doesn't hold up at all. Escpecially after a decade of just as cringeworthy ripoffs like Mac and Me that no doubt muddle the experience when seeing it so many years later. I'm glad it's here, and I'm happy so many people love it. But I've spent my whole life imagining how dumb this movie would be, and it's just as dumb as I thought it would be. Literally nothing original or special about this movie except for John William's absolutely soul-stealing score. What a beauty that is. I'm starting to think that people have rose tinted glasses on when they talk about Spielberg.
The Social Dilemma
(2020)
Very very light 8/10
18 December 2020
This movie was a pretty interesting experience. The deepest of your suspicions are all true about social media. This movie lays it out in an easily digestible information in one bite size. We have enough documentary series. It was really nice to have it as just one feature. Main gripe, the intro and the acting at the beginning is kind of painful, but the information and the rest of the execution is outstanding. I would definitely recommend this documentary.
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