GwendaGarrett

I'm not sure if there's already a movie created that's similar to this but I think Christopher Nolan might have created something original here. Nolan brought something fresh on the table with his exploration on dreams and the movie's concept of stealing and planting of an idea.

Despite the movie looking cool and massive, I can't help but get the feeling I had when I watch Memento. Similarly, I felt like I haven't seen anything like it before but it's basically just it. Both of the films, in my opinion, boasts in style but offers pretty simple plot (if you really think about it).

Simple plot is not a bad thing. But in the case of Inception, it felt so overwhelming complex and sometimes, tedious. It's visually beautiful but felt emotionally empty. The absurdity and rejection of realism is understandable but the moments of humaness feels lacking due to the constant chase and over-the-top visual effects.

Nonetheless, I still had fun watching it and would recommended everyone to see it.

I have been meaning to watch Top Gun Maverick due to its good reviews and high ratings, so I gave the first movie a go even if it is not a direct sequel as most people say.

Thankfully, I did not check its ratings online which I normally do, because I usually skip watching movies with low ratings. So I went to see it with zero expectations.

First of all, I think it's cool to see young Tom Cruise. He's a true action star and an entertainer and his on-screen charisma is undeniable. In terms of his emotional range as an actor, that I have yet to figure out since I don't watch a lot of his movies. But judging on this film, I would say it's just okay.

The plot is entertaining. Although it's kinda formulaic and a no-brainer type of film, in my opinion. But watching this in 2023, I would say the film's 80s aesthetic and soundtrack makes it more interesting than the plot. I don't think Tony Scott is trying to win an Oscar for this film.

I like the idea of fighter jets and dog fights, although in the film it could have given us more depth since it is what the film is about.

One of the best things about the film is Goose and Maverick's relationship. The connection felt real and effective. The death of Goose hit me in the feels. Goes to show how great Scott cemented their friendship in the story.

Overall, it's an average action film that's entertaining. Watching from a modern lens, I think some of the acting is a bit cheesy and dated.

It took me a long while to give this film a watch. I read a lot of good things about Taxi Driver. It's reputation being "highly-acclaimed" and a "true classic" hyped me so much that I prolonged my time so I can truly find the perfect moment to give it a go. Sadly, I felt underwhelmed after seeing it.

Taxi Driver is driven by the internal struggles of Bickle more than its plot. It provides a good character study within the context of social commentaries that the movie tries to explore.

Robert De Niro and Jodie Foster did a great acting job but the dramatization of the film for the most part bores me. I like De Niro's nuance acting but sometimes I expect more tension. I struggled to stick 'til the end but I did thankfully and I thought the movie was mid.

The plot is full of promise. Immediately starting the movie with a murder case is already an interesting start. The movie then takes its audience back to the beginning, way back to Kya's roots as an abandoned girl, who raised herself in the dangerous marshlands of North Carolina. This part is pretty engaging.

The love story sandwiched to the entire plot is endearing and too fairytale-like for my taste. Personally, this is where the movie gets quite absurd.

Kya grew up in a dysfuntional family and lives an unusual life of total isolation and self-reliance. She did not went to school hence she can't read or write. She sleeps alone in a swamp area where her home sits. She digs mussels and sells them for 50 cent to survive.

This characterization supposed to make her tough, gloomy, and depressing in some degree. But in the movie, Kya comes off as gentle and vulnerable. In addition to this, I find the choice of wardrobe and make-up for her character unsuited for her way of life that it contradicts the logic of reality. I feel Kya's character is made to look and be this way in order for the romance to work. She's almost flawless and charming for someone who has a dark and gritty way of life.

The love story is quite predictable but still touching in some sort.

As for the ending, it could have been a solid one only if we are able to see a glimpse of the murder taking place instead of merely suggesting the truth by showing the shell necklace toward the end. Tom Milton (Kya's lawyer) makes a solid argument in the court; to pull off a spotless crime while being in Greenville for work is unbelievable. But if this is in fact the truth, at least show how it played around.

It's my first time seeing this movie and it instantly became one of my favorites. I love Call Me By Your Name but this one is on another level. It's so special. It's so passionate yet so restrained at the same time, it's heart-breaking. Jack and Ennis' romance is truly a force of nature, strikes like lightning, so unpredictable and irrefutable.

The beginning is slow-moving and steady, but it does not bore. This deliberate phasing makes for Jack and Ennis first intimate encounter intense and impactful.

I love how the movie explores the romantic narrative between the two male leads rather than overtly being political. The movie doesn't appear as merely a propaganda, but rather explores the characters heartfelt love story.

Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger's chemistry is extremely good and they both gave such oustanding performance! The unique personality of the two male leads gave so much depth to the story. Ennis, being the silent and self-controlled one, while Jack is more passionate, expressive, and open.

The ending is absolutely heart-wrenching yet so powerful! The last line Ennis uttered broke my heart big time. I will definitely watch this again.

I just finished watching this and immediately headed over IMDb to check its rating. I was kind of disappointed that it only garnered a general rating of 7.7. This movie, in my opinion, is far more superior than some of those highly acclaimed films out there.

From Parasite to Memories of Murder and now this, I can say that Bong Joon Ho has quite mastered the art of unpredictability. A movie doesn't necessarily need to be unpredictable to be good. But Bong Joon Ho seems to have utilize his ability to create unexpected plot time and again making his movies engaging and thought-provoking.

Mother is an emotionally moving neo noir thriller. I love how Bong Joon Ho creates suspense without overloading it with action and movements. Oftentimes, the scenes are quiet and calm and then he breaks it with dramatic, bombastic scenes. The movie starts light and simple then gradually builds complex storyline, making it a fascinating watch.

Kim Hye-ja's performance is powerful and Oscar-worthy. Her subtleness and intensity is electricfying to watch. She's a hero to her son, a mother willing to do everything to save him from unjust imprisonment, but she's also a villain for letting an innocent person suffer in the end. Truly a mother's love isn't perfect. In this case it's honorable and beautiful yet it became corrupted and tragic.

I don't know where to begin. Maybe I should start by saying I am so in love with this film! The characterisation, cinematography, storytelling, and editing is just chef's kiss!

I've seen a lot of murder mystery movies and for me, Memories of Murder ranks among the best of its genre.

For a movie that tackles a serious subject matter, it impresses me how Bong Joon-ho successfully incorporates elements of comedy in this film. The first half of the film is seriously funny but done so beautifully that it does not interfere with the film's serious and dark context.

It also helps a lot that Song Kang-ho was chosen to play the role of a seemingly incompetent detective. I'm not exactly sure what's with Song Kang-ho's acting but I always feel like he has this great presence on screen. Together with other detectives, Kim Roi-ha and Kim Sang-kyung, the trio's onscreen chemistry is exploding.

While I admire the film's comedic touch, the element of mystery is equally impressive. The more the story unfolds, the more it gets puzzling.

The scoring is beautifully haunting, matching the film's mood and energy so perfectly. The cinematography is a work of art, bringing 80s rural Korea to life; a character in itself.

The last frame is one of the best ending I've seen. Song Kang-ho's stare at the end clip is like an open letter to the killer who's probably still out there, who could be watching the movie, who knows.

The story of Nic Sheff is different from the usual drug addict story we see in the movies. His addiction to drugs was not rooted from a dark past or any traumatic life experiences, but his curiousity and thrill-seeking personality had led him to spiral into a full blown drug addict.

This film highlights the agonizing journey of Nic Sheff's addiction particulary the dreadful cycle of his recovery and relapse. It highlights the point of view of his father David Sheff. As an audience, I felt great sympathy not just for the family but for Nic Sheff as well. I cannot remember how many times I said in my mind "Don't do it!".

One thing I don't like about this film is I think it's anticlimactic. I think it would have been nicer to see how Nic pulled himself out of his addiction. But instead we were just given a text on screen in the end credit.

The film can get emotional but it does not do enough to make it a lasting impact. The storytelling can get a bit boring at times, but thanks to ever amazing lead actors Timothee Chalamet and Steve Carell, they carried the entire film absolutely well. Timothee's portrayal of Nic was spot on! I can tell this by how much accuracy he got of Nic's expression and nuances when I watched Nic's interviews.

Nevertheless, Beautiful Boy holds a powerful and heart breaking message. It is absolutely painful to watch but we need more of this type of film.

When I saw the movie poster, I initially thought I'd be seeing an action-packed disaster film. I never thought I'd be in for an emotionally compelling and heart breaking masterpiece.

I read that some people find this movie boring. This is potentially due to it's slow-burn approach. Personally, it didn't bother me because I find the characters and side stories interesting.

I felt engrossed learning about the lives of fire fighters, especially hot shot crews, and at the same time being captivated with each character's personal stories.

Director Joseph Kosinski did a wonderful and effective job in arousing emotions in this film. I love the intensity in Josh Brolin's acting when he gets furious, the anguish of Jennifer Connelly, and Milles Teller's subtle acting prowess.

The rest of the Granite Mountain hotshot crews are delightful to watch. Their little silly conversations and goofy singing and dancing adds humanness to the film.

I know I'm part of the minority who likes Batman Begins more than The Dark Knight.

Obviously Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker is the stand out in this film. You'll surely pay attention when you see him on the screen. Personally, I wish there had been more backstory about the main antagonist to solidify his villain arc.

Cillian Murphy as Scarecrow is as usual, down right creepy. Sadly, his character doesn't have plenty of screen time. He's probably my favorite villain and I kinda wish to see him as the main antagonist in a Batman movie.

Love Aaron Eckhart's duality as both Harvey Dent and Two-Face and his descent to full madness.

Batman Begins' Gotham has more personality. Gotham City in The Batman Begins is a character in itself. I was kind of disappointed that Christopher Nolan abandoned that version of Gotham and went with a typical American city.

I didn't like Katie Holmes that much in the first movie, but I'd take her as Rachel than Maggie Gyllenhaal.

I love Batman Begins because it's certainly is a Batman movie. I will always love it for it's well-crafted origin story, great storytelling and balance pacing, character's arc, and remarkable dialogues.

The Dark Knight, on the other hand, is an enjoyable film that shines more light on his villain.

Every great magic trick consists of three parts or acts. The first part is called "The Pledge", the second act is called "The Turn", and the third part is called "The Prestige". And Christopher Nolan did it successfully in this film. The way that this concept mimics the entire film's storytelling is seriously mind-blowing!

The ending is one hell of a twist that left me completely speechless. As soon as the movie ended and the credits rolled, I couldn't stop thinking about the line "are you watching closely?". A lot of easter eggs hidden in plain sight that foreshadowed the entire plot, but like an audience to The Great Danton show, I was just staring mindlessly, waiting to be fooled. It's definitely one of those films where you immediately felt the need to see again after watching it.

The movie explores the themes of obsession, mastery, and rivalry, in such a playful and riviting way. And what a thrill to watch them outdo each other even to a point of sabotaging.

Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale is equally dazzling and did amazing job in their roles respectively. But I would say I am in absolute awe of Christian Bale's performance.

A solid 10/10 for me and for sure one of my favorite films of all time!

Having a Christopher Nolan binge right now. I've seen his short film entries. Was captivated by his first feature-film, Following. Had a good time watching his psychological-thriller, Memento and not to mention, his remake of the 1997 Norwegian film, Insomnia. It's been a great ride so far.

It's been 18 years since Batman Begins was released and I was able to see it just now, it's honestly embarassing. This movie by Nolan is astounding and truly not to be missed. It's my first 10/10 Christopher Nolan movie.

Gotham City is stunningly dark and atmospheric. It is so graphic that you can smell it's stinky, crime-ridden alleys.

The pacing, for me, is flawless. It does not drag nor lacks spotlight on interesting parts. Nolan took the time for Bruce Wayne to develop as Batman and it's worthwhile to watch. Before you get to the fun and action, you get to experience first Bruce Wayne's fear and grief.

Some of the scenes effectively evoked emotions that will linger for a good moment, thanks to Nolan and Goyer's satisfyingly good writing on the dialogues.

Batman Begins does not only entertain the viewer but it also opens them up to important moral issues which are faced by the characters within the film. You will leave the cinema not only amused by it, but you are also left pondering.

Will Dormer is a veteran LA detective, recognized for his investigative skills, noted by his peers as a good cop.

I was expecting a typical detective story with lots of puzzles and thrilling mysteries, hoping to see why Will Dormer is acclaimed for his job. But this is not really the focal point of the story. Just around 25 minutes in the movie, you'll already see a major lead about the suspect.

While I understand that the story begins after the foggy beach chase, I was left wanting for more build up and mystery in the investigation. It really felt rushed.

The first encounter with Walter Finch at the rocky beach put me in the edge of my seat. It's a pretty good cat and mouse chase but the real surprise is the accidental shooting of Hap that really sent me in shock.

I'm not really a fan of the ending. I think it's predictable and too safe for an interesting lead character. And Ellie Burr, towards the end of the film, suddenly became too soft for Will that she tried to cover up the truth for him.

Insomnia is a character-driven, psychological thriller. It explores the character's moral judgement on how they will navigate their way through difficult choices where their principles are at stake.

Robin Williams as Walter Finch doesn't appeal to me that much but I love every bit of Al Pacino's acting as Will Dormer. Those sleep-deprived eyes, hunchback posture, and piercing stares look so authentic you can feel his weariness. Overall, it's a decent film but I'm not obsessed with it.

Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce) suffers from short-term memory loss, after his head being slammed at a wall by a house intruder, for trying to protect her wife who was raped and murdered while he was asleep. Determined to avenge his wife, he sets on a journey to look for the killer. But the challenge is this, how can Leonard succeed in this quest if he can't remember a thing that happened 20 minutes ago? The story unfolds from here if you try to understand it from chronological perspective.

As the film unpacks itself, we realize that there are other more truths to what we are made to believe in the beginning. One of the great reveals that I like in this film, is the fact that her wife actually survived, lived, but died due to coma that has something to do with Leonard himself.

Some are pissed off by this film for being too confusing. Some are mind-blown by it's ability to confuse that they regarded the film brilliant. It's a great film and it's pretty well-made but I gave it a score of 8. I enjoyed watching it. It's original and captivating. I just don't believe the amount of hype it is getting.

In the beginning of the film, we are made to believe that this is a guy who got the justice he was looking for. But was it really the right guy though? (Thinking maybe he might be wrong because Teddy is telling him so). Then the film eventually moves forward, but in reverse*. So right at that moment, you should already get the idea that everything that's about to happen next is what really happened before, not the present. The challenge to the viewers is to really pay close attention as possible so you will not miss any key details.

The gimmick in the storytelling is that it is being told in chronological order but completely reversed. It's not confusing, it's just unconventional way to tell a story. The gimmick works because of the layers Nolan added. Leonard's character having a short-term memory loss, makes for the reverse storytelling to work, which I think is absolutely genius.

It's a great film although I think it's a bit overrated.

I gave this film a 9 because of how incredible it turned out to be despite its limitations in budget and production.

No special effects or gimmicks. No fancy lighting or high-budgeted shoot locations. Just a good story to be told and a masterful way of storytelling. That's the heart of this film.

I specially enjoyed the non-linear storytelling. I paid close attention to the film as soon as I realized this, and boy, as I reached the ending, everything that happened in the first few parts of the film just made sense.

Some of the acting looks unrealistic such as the beatings and Bill and Cobb's fight scenes, but overall, it is still a great movie!

This movie made me wanna roll up my sleeves, get into work, and immerse myself in my craft.

Whiplash is such a phenomenal film that will motivate you to stir up the gift that is inside you, not settling until you get to the point of mastery.

The film presents the questions of whether how far are you willing to go for your dreams and to what costs? How bad do you want it? And if you are ready to pay the price to make those dreams and aspirations a reality?

This movie will keep you glued to the screen with all the tensions and the twist and turns of the events. One moment, the atmosphere will loosen up and you'll get a sigh of relief for Andrew when he finally gets the part. And then the next moment, the protagonist, yet again, will be presented with a new challenge.

The acting is superb and J. K. Simmons' Oscar award is well-deserved. You'll hate his character in this film but you'll love him for how good his acting was. Miles Teller is a gem. You'll see him immerse himself to a point of obsession, it's believable. His acting is sometimes intense, occasionally subtle. Overall, just the perfect match to Simmons.

If there's one thing I do not like, it's the intense gratification of Fletcher's teaching style and how the film failed to addressed Fletcher's abuse, with no resolution.

Despite this movie being a romcom action film, I got really bored watching it. The story is shallow and offers nothing new to the table.

Chris Evans and Ana De Armas, despite being great actors in their own way, has zero chemistry here. The romantic connection between these two actors is non-existent and forced.

The punchlines are so cheesy and cliche, it will really make you cringe. I struggled to watch Chris Evans throwing out 'silly' punchlines. The acting just couldn't salvage the bad writing.

They put a lot of cameos but honestly, what's the point? All those guests appearances serve nothing and doesn't add value to the film.

In conclusion, this movie is flat and basic. Definitely not recommending this.

The timeline feels a bit convoluted making it challenging to piece the backstory together. But just like flashbacks can occur in real life and how we recount past events in our life, it's not always smooth and in order.

They could have at least use time or sequence indicators like color grading or text that could help us figure out what's taking place when.

Wendy's hair and make up doesn't help her look any younger.

Bruce watches Louis die after he cheats on Del with the feds and yet Bruce does the same thing anyway knowing what could happen to him.

Losing a baby and not being able to get a job were already enough stressors, why add more by getting involved in a drug cartel business?

I enjoyed watching Agent Petty's backstory.

Just an okay episode.