Samual-M

Genius.

That's what I call someone who has honed their craft and does it effortlessly time and time again without repeating themselves.

When has Chris Rock failed to make you laugh?

I'll give you a second to think... never is the answer!

The structure of his routine was flawless. You can tell he's really honed this material over the past years and it comes out fresh, and delightful to the ears.

His addressing the Will Smith slap debacle was indeed hilarious. Especially since he explained what actually happened leading up to the incident. Every setup was perfect and the punchline was delicious.

This might be peak Chris Rock but then again, he is a genius.

Definitely watch this mirthful special!

A work of art should either make life more enjoyable or more bearable. This special does a little bit of both.

The jokes are classic Maron. From jew stuff to his cats you get the sense that he's super comfortable with his brand of comedy.

Seeing Marc be vulnerable regarding his past relationship was a brave crack. If it can enlighten us on what's it's like to lose someone you loved dearly & ease his pain then so be it. I don't feel he crossed the line but I guess that's not up for me to say.

Laughing is good and we all should do it more often as I did.

This comedy special is well worth the watch.

Orson Welles heard the title of Paper Moon & said Bogdanovich didn't even have to make the film because the title alone was genius. It is. But thank god he, the late Peter Bogdanovich, made this picture.

The directing was near perfect. I was drawn to certain compositions Bogdanovich chose as they were simple yet uncommonly beautiful at the same time. My favourite part of the entire film might be the black & white cinematography.

As for the story, it was a clever relationship and situation(s) to explore. Ryan O'Neal was a terrific choice in casting for the lead as he performed a convincing charlatan type. Tatum O'Neal did what the best child actors do when acting, which is being themselves playing.

The ending was satisfactory as we get to see the reunited relationship of Moses and Addie.

Steven Spielberg is a great director. But what does that mean? For me, it's more than choosing camera setups. To me, it starts with producing and having a vision. Spielberg digs deep into his memory to facilitate a story worthy of the big screen with the help of a great co-writer in Tony Kushner. But it doesn't just end there. Anyone can write words on a piece of paper. To bring it to life in a satisfying manner (to & for the audience) is the real challenge and is what makes a great director, great.

The film flowed smoothly from scene to scene, sequence to sequence. You really get a sense of what it must've been like to live in such a precarious environment for the young Spielberg.

The ending was superb. Having David Lynch portray John Ford was a treat as well as Spielbergs recollection of the horizon anecdote.

(That final shot was very clever.)

At two hours & twenty-three minutes, the story felt like it was just beginning but we have more than a hint of how it ended up for the newcomer Sammy Fabelman.

The only thing this film suffered from was a horribly cut trailer that didn't provoke any interest from me. I went on to watch because it's one of the greatest filmmakers living & was glad that he did not disappoint.

The team that crafted this film deserves to win awards for executing such a strong film.

Mazel tov, Mr. Spielberg!

Babylon marks Damien Chazelles long awaited return to the big screen and to none other than the film about films Hollywood sub-genre which is my favourite of all.

The first act was solid. Great character introductions and great directing. This should be of no surprise coming from the young auteur.

The second act slows down a bit but still delves deep into the characters providing rich developments and humorous scenes.

The third act features a good situation where Manny has to help Nellie out of a crisis. This leads us to an interesting part of the film where we are introduced to James McKay, played by the great Tobey Maguire. He nails his character and gives the third act the jolt of energy it needed.

The ending felt anti-climatic for a second but the ode to cinema via past films within the film was climatic enough for me.

The score was terrific and pounded the theatre speakers giving the film a fatty atmospheric quality.

Overall, Chazelle tells a story about characters we care about in a compelling manner.

Bravo.

So far, Fleishman Is In Trouble is a good show.

For me, the characters and situations are likable. Jesse Eisenberg was good casting as he fits the witty character who can deliver funny lines but also play serious drama to a degree.

At times it feels like a stage play with terse dialogue and at others, it can give you monologues and deep thought for which TV and film are known for.

One gripe I have is that the narrative can be confusing as to what is happening to whom whereas it started strong with clear points of view. This put me off during the second episode but am hoping that it turns around and fulfills the dramatic integrity of the show.

I wish the brief description was more inviting because the current two are not enticing at all. The concept should be clearly stated so any confusion can be avoided. Luckily, I went on despite my doubts and was rewarded with a fun time.

Watch this if you like drama and good comedy.

The story of Amsterdam is straightforward & goes about telling itself in a non-convoluted way. The plot logically progresses until the very end which was neither a bad or good or surprise ending.

The directing is seamless & is accompanied by everything beautiful: actors, costumes, locations, lighting.

My favourite part is when the friendship of Burt, Valerie and Harold starts to coalesce and the adventure begins.

David O. Russell took on the hard job of writing something semi-original and in my opinion, pulls off a good tale.

This film deserves an eager audience.

I don't have any negative criticism.

The most hollow and low-stakes feeling Bond film ever.

What's disappointing is that this film had potential, not to be great, but to be good. It just flew by with zero regards for the story or character relationships/development. I don't know what is happening or why.

Dropping in to say that I thought that this story was poignant. The acting of Buddy was superb, allowing him to be the center of the film was genius. Secondly, the directing is top-notch. The camera is always in the right spot at the right time which really makes the film stand apart from other directors this year who capture the common setups. Bravo, Branaugh.

Just watched this film. I loved it! So did my family. This message movie isn't depressing but rather a clever cautionary tale as to what can happen when we ignore irrefutable evidence that disaster is on it's way for which we, humans, should have a joint response in solidarity against said disaster.

10/10. Genius handling of this subject with great performances all-around, especially Leonardo DiCaprio.

Tremendous talent.

Each minute is filled with quality material and Buster never lets up.

This is my first Keaton film and I was thoroughly entertained.

Always in awe of this depiction of Christ.

The most beautiful story ever told.

I love Jesus.

The content is basic but gets its point across in the day in a life format and the form is impressive in its own right.

Kubrick showed early - at 23-years-old - that he had a keen eye at various points throughout.

Visceral follow-up from Tom Ford. Riveting throughout.

Top 10 film of the 2010s.

A better love story than Romeo & Juliet.

The form is outstanding, stretching this incident into a real-time feeling and the story prevails.

Aesthetically pleasing but with little thrill.

Martin Sheen & Sissy Spacek narrate a stodgy abrupt story that doesn't fully explore its potential.

10/10 for Malick's style, though.

I declare Whiplash the best film of the 2010s.

The character relationship of Andrew & Fletcher is one of the most memorable in recent memory. The film is punctuated by two moments that symbolize the themes of Andrews and all of our lives: love, that being his conversation with Nicole in the diner on how she would jeopardize his career, and hard work, that being Fletcher and Andrew in the jazz club debating what it would take to be the next great. Both relatable. Something that may be on our conscience. As for the form, it doesn't get sharper than this. The directing style doesn't miss a beat - no pun intended.

This is art that doesn't lie or flatter.

Incredible debut from Damien Chazelle at 29-years-old!

Good first effort from Fellini exemplifying the lust for love in both partner & work.

The best rendition of my favourite American. Yes, this means Fonda edges out Daniel Day-Lewis despite both performances shimmering with magic.

Would consider this a Top-5 John Ford film.

Denis strikes gold once again!

The story is excellent & feels more inviting than Blade Runner.

Insipid.

Ari relies on unpleasant set pieces to conceal his inept writing abilities. He's no Stephen King by my or your stretch of the imagination.

My favourite Western.

I rewatch this film often for the Daniel Plainview baptism scene alone.

What can one add to the discourse when all has been said?

The best film of all-time. It does everything right.

Glad Fincher has returned to the feature length medium and to my favourite genre: Hollywood.

Directing is meticulous along with great detail in terms of production design.

Amanda Seyfried is captivatingly charming as Marion Davies and my favourite part of the whole film.

Witty script.

The relationship of Mankiewicz & Welles isn't surprising but still interesting to watch the inner workings of the business.

Music captures the times to Trent Reznor's credit.

Will say the film feels scattered but always comes back to some point.

Nothing about this pilot is good. Yet another show that has little intrigue but is lauded by the masses.