65 (2023) Review

 

This is one of those films that truly terrified me. Not in your traditional “Horror Movie” way but in more of a subtle way. I spent the whole film on the edge of my seat. I literally had no clue or idea as to what was going to happen next or how it was going to end. This film surprised me beyond measure and it is one that I could watch again and again.

If I’m being honest it didn’t really have much of a story at all. It boiled down to just being about two people trying to evacuate a planet before it was hit by an asteroid. The relationship between them, however, was pure gold. Blocked by a language barrier their communication was limited but as they spent time together their understanding and bond only grew.  

The writing was simple but that is all this film required. The special effects, however, were top notch. Outside of the Jurassic Park films I have never seen anything like this before.

This film truly surprised me in a way that I will never forget. If you haven’t watched it yet then do yourself a favor and do it. While it isn’t the best film of all time, or even this year, it is still a damn good movie that everyone should experience.

9 out of 10

Tombstone (1993) Review

 

The movie “Tombstone” knows what it wants to be and follows the Western greats paths almost to the letter. The film itself is rather generic, though. It adds little to nothing new or unique to the genre, however what it does do it does well. You have your western staples, games of poker, working girls, guns and shootouts and how it handles these tropes often had me wondering what was going to happen next.

The writing and acting was perfect even though they mostly stuck to the western cliches. But in this case this turned out to be for the better. The acting itself was phenomenal and really had you believing the story of what was going on. The writing, too, breathed personality into the characters. They were all unique and brought something to the table. Yeah, a lot of times it was generic. The film mostly boiled down to Outlaws and Lawmen and rarely shifts from that but it still tells a good story.

Overall this film is a great Western that all should see. It doesn’t tell an epic story or, for that matter, have anything meaningful to say at all. It is just a fun film to watch. Is it the best Western? Not even close but it is one that you should see. Just don’t go into it expecting a masterpiece as you’re not going to get it.

8 Out of 10

The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) Review

 

When I first heard they were doing this film I honestly had no clue as to how it would turn out. And even though I really didn’t have any expectations for the film I must admit that I was still surprised. What they did was take a beloved character out of an iconic video game series and turn it into something greater than its former self. They did an amazing job of humanizing them. They were greater than their former selves. They had substance and character. Bowser in particular was more human than beast. He was guided by more than an innate urge to control the world. He was in love with Princess Peach and was willing to do anything to get her. The Toads, too, were not just frightened husks. Some of them had courage and strength. And they showed how by sticking together with friends and family you can conquer all.

This was a Super Mario Bros Movie so don’t go into this expecting an Oscar for best writing and directing but what it lacked in those departments it gained in others. The world and environments were bright and colorful. You could almost feel the wind on your skin and how it blew through your hair. You picked up on the scent of the woods and felt the peace they had. In short, this was less than a film for your eyes but was more for your soul.

The acting, too, was phenomenal. Jack Black did an outstanding job as Bowser, really turning him into someone almost relatable. Their voices fit their figures perfect ably and I can’t imagine anyone else playing them.

This was one of those films that you can watch over and over again. One of those great films that the whole family will enjoy. I have very little to say with its faults as finding them was actually hard to do. Overall I would highly recommend this film. It breaks the habit of really bad movies based on video games and comes out as truly magical.

9.5 Out of 10

Howl's Moving Castle (2004) Review

 

This is one of those films that is larger than its settings, than its set pieces and than its story. This is one of those films that resides in your heart. Both caressing you and frightening you. Holding your hand in the dark and then shoving you into it. This is a story about love and war and this is a story about how treacherous both can be.

In typical Ghibli style the animation is flawless. It is perfection at its finest. The colors are bright and vibrant. The characters oozing personality. Not just the main cast but all of them. The monsters breathed life just like the flowers and all were just as interesting to look at.

The writing was fantastic as well and the characters were deeper with more personality than you would have expected. They were three dimensional and complex. You never really knew how they would react to situations. Sophia, the shy girl with little to no self esteem often surprised me with her actions. Over the course of the film the characters changed. Each one becoming more than they were in the beginning.  

The story, too, was just as beautiful as its animation. The love between Howl and Sophia breathed life into it and into your heart. You didn’t really know what was going to happen next but you knew they would be a constant. Always together no matter what happened.

This is one of those films that really moved you and in many ways it may have changed you, too. It shows the horrors of war and selfishness, How what the human heart wants isn’t always what it needs. And it tells a story of love and what it takes to have courage. In short, this film is a masterpiece and one that everyone needs to see.

10 out of 10

House of Wax (2005) Review

 

House of Wax is not a film I would call good. However, in all honesty it was still a hell of a lot better than I was expecting. The good parts, while standing strong on their own, were oftentimes overshadowed by the bad. The scares were genuine but were often blocked out by its bad writing and mostly horrible acting.

The characters, while not deep, did possess a sense of humanity. How a character acted and responded to any particular situation was not so much set in stone but was fluid. Their actions and words responded to their character as they grew.

The writing, however, was just terrible and the acting didn’t help any either. Their characters, though, were still written in a way to convey their independent personalities. They weren’t just cookie cutters of each other. They were genuinely different and each brought something different to the film.

The scares were pretty good, too. You never really had a clue about what was going to happen next. There were times where I was literally shocked. Parts of this film, however, did feel a little lazy. There were a few opportunities where the cast had a chance to take out the antagonist but failed to do so. It’s like, in some instances, they didn’t even try.

Parts of this film were kinda predictable but that didn’t really take anything from it. The ending, while subtle in its execution, was legitimately terrifying and opened up the opportunity for a sequel.

While this film is by no means a masterpiece it is still worth a watch. Just don’t go into it expecting it to be the next big thing. Just go along for the ride.

7 out of 10

Princess Mononoke (1997) Review

 

Princess Mononoke is a film that stands above the average film in its genre. Telling an epic tale of Gods and Demons. What mankind will do to the earth out of greed and how they will fight anything that gets in their way. The characters were heartwarming and three dimensional. Full of heart and drive. Their personalities different than they initially appear. Each one grew and became better versions of themselves. Closer friends and bridging the gap between enemies. The musical score was fantastic but that is to be expected with a Studio Ghibli film. The writing was full of warmth and character. Everything seemed alive. From humans and animals to the Gods and Demons. Even the plants themselves brought life to this film. The movie, however, is a long one. And, in all honesty about half way through it I wanted it to end. However, having stuck to the ending all I can say is that I am so glad I stayed. The ending fit the story like a glove and brough much closure to the story. Yes the film is a long one but the wait is totally worth it.

9 Out of 10

War Horse (2011) Review

 

There are very few movies that I would call perfect but “War Horse” is one of them. It tells the story of a horse as he traveled from working in the field to being on the front lines. How the horse reacted to it and how he helped all those who came into contact with him.

The art direction fit the grandeur of the film. It had an epic story to tell and visually we were not disappointed. The writing, too, was phenomenal and the characters fit their actors very nicely. Their portrayal fitting like a glove.

The whole trip was an emotional ride full of ups and downs. Several scenes had me tearing up. Not just at the sad scenes but oftentimes the good ones, too. You found yourself cheering for Joey, the horse. You wanted him to succeed. You wanted him to be happy and that desire is what pushed me to finish the film.

This film is a Masterpiece. Very few movies even come close to this. This film is gonna pull at your heartstrings but you will be smiling the whole way through.

10 out of 10