What this movie thinks it is.
What it really is.
Pass.
Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep
Moderators: Buscemi, BarcaRulz, Geezer, W
Re: Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep
About Endlessness 3/10
What this movie thinks it is.
What it really is.
Pass.
What this movie thinks it is.
What it really is.
Pass.
It's like what Lenin said...I am the walrus.
Re: Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep
Luca 4/10
Pixar tries to do The Little Mermaid and the end result is perhaps their most tired and cliched film. Outside of a promising opening and end credits that suggest a better film was in the works, this is strictly amateur hour for the company, with a premise (mermen enter a race to buy a Vespa) that won't impress many older than ten. A lot of the non-Vespa story and elements are lifted from other, better Pixar projects and the villain plot is thin and often pointless. A lot of this might have been considered good for a rival (in fact, a lot of it made me feel like I was watching something from DreamWorks or even Blue Sky) but from Pixar, it's a massive disappointment.
Let's hope the next one is much better than this.
Pixar tries to do The Little Mermaid and the end result is perhaps their most tired and cliched film. Outside of a promising opening and end credits that suggest a better film was in the works, this is strictly amateur hour for the company, with a premise (mermen enter a race to buy a Vespa) that won't impress many older than ten. A lot of the non-Vespa story and elements are lifted from other, better Pixar projects and the villain plot is thin and often pointless. A lot of this might have been considered good for a rival (in fact, a lot of it made me feel like I was watching something from DreamWorks or even Blue Sky) but from Pixar, it's a massive disappointment.
Let's hope the next one is much better than this.
It's like what Lenin said...I am the walrus.
Re: Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep
The Dry 8/10
Entertaining murder mystery in which a Melbourne detective returns home to attend his old friend's funeral. After initially being told it was a murder-suicide, he begins to dig deeper and finds that is not quite true. Meanwhile, he must confront his past and find out whether or not his friend also murdered another friend of theirs 28 years earlier. It might sound complicated at first but it soon makes sense as the story goes on. Eric Bana, in what seems like his first film role in forever, does well as the sleuth who untangles this web of blood and stiff ale while the atmosphere is quite fitting for the stifling heat on this first day of summer. It's also smarter than many other recent thrillers.
Entertaining murder mystery in which a Melbourne detective returns home to attend his old friend's funeral. After initially being told it was a murder-suicide, he begins to dig deeper and finds that is not quite true. Meanwhile, he must confront his past and find out whether or not his friend also murdered another friend of theirs 28 years earlier. It might sound complicated at first but it soon makes sense as the story goes on. Eric Bana, in what seems like his first film role in forever, does well as the sleuth who untangles this web of blood and stiff ale while the atmosphere is quite fitting for the stifling heat on this first day of summer. It's also smarter than many other recent thrillers.
It's like what Lenin said...I am the walrus.
Re: Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep
Army of the Dead: 5/10
Zach Snyder's return to his zombie origins is a much weaker affair. It's a bloated, overlong, and silly film about a group of mercanaries who try to rob Vegas casino which happens to be infested by zombies, and they're not just random ones. The occasional good scenes are just ripped off from Aliens (with one or two lines of dialogue being the exact same), and lots of attempts at backstories and emotional journeys that fail.
The Conjuring 3: 5/10
While this attempts to be a little different (dealing with a court case in the 80s about a murder, as our heroes attempt to prove what's going on behind the curtain), it also becomes the least scariest and atmospheric, and its Maryland setting made it feel like an episode of the X-Files. It was my first cinema experience of 2021, and it wasn't a good one.
A Quiet Place Part 2: 6/10
Surprisingly accomplished sequel to a film I had a lot of plot and world issues with. Here, they seem less bothersome although John Krasinski still manages to make a story about how great he is. Still, this sequel which focuses on his kids has enough tense sequences to make it worth the watch, but only on the big screen where the sound design can be fully appreciated.
The Man Who Sold His Skin: 5/10
This was oscar nominated? It's like a poor attempt to remake The Square. Here, a Syrian immigrant is hired by an artist to have his Visa tattooed on his back, while he attempts to win back the women he loves. It's a messy film that can't decide if it's about a romance or a satire on the art world, with the last 10 minutes throwing in a few silly twists for bad measure. The lead actor lacks charm and charisma too, which doesn't help.
The 8th: 7/10
An excellent documentary about the abortion referendum that happened in Ireland 3 years ago. While it mostly charts the main organiser behind the Yes movement, it also gives space for conservatives running for the no campaign, and doesn't present them in a negative light. This is how documentaries should be, giving time to the coutner-point. It's sad to see so many docs, particularly Netflix doc series, do the opposite and confuse opinion with truth.
Luca: 5/10
Netflix's latest isn't that bad, per se, but it's just a little forgettable. It's the story of a sea creature teen who wants to explore the world, and befriends another like him as they adopt a human form and investigate a small Italian village. It's one of the few Pixar movies with a confused message. Is it about friendship? If so, the plot involving participating in a triathalon (well, one that involves eating pasta) and its resolution doesn't really address this. Is it a metaphor about illegal immigration across the Med? Perhaps, but the friendship story doesn't say much about that. It's a shame because there was potential but the lack of laughs and emotional through-line really affects it.
In the Earth: 5/10
Poor Ben Wheatley. He made several great films. In fact I rewatched Kill List last weekend and it's so impressive, even today. But here, we get a film where we don't really care about the characters and we don't really understand the plot. It's set in a virus-riddled world where a scientist and a park ranger enter a forest to find a scientist, but things get sinister. But mostly boring. It's overlong, dull, and frustrating with only a few interesting psychadelic moments and great use of sound.
Zach Snyder's return to his zombie origins is a much weaker affair. It's a bloated, overlong, and silly film about a group of mercanaries who try to rob Vegas casino which happens to be infested by zombies, and they're not just random ones. The occasional good scenes are just ripped off from Aliens (with one or two lines of dialogue being the exact same), and lots of attempts at backstories and emotional journeys that fail.
The Conjuring 3: 5/10
While this attempts to be a little different (dealing with a court case in the 80s about a murder, as our heroes attempt to prove what's going on behind the curtain), it also becomes the least scariest and atmospheric, and its Maryland setting made it feel like an episode of the X-Files. It was my first cinema experience of 2021, and it wasn't a good one.
A Quiet Place Part 2: 6/10
Surprisingly accomplished sequel to a film I had a lot of plot and world issues with. Here, they seem less bothersome although John Krasinski still manages to make a story about how great he is. Still, this sequel which focuses on his kids has enough tense sequences to make it worth the watch, but only on the big screen where the sound design can be fully appreciated.
The Man Who Sold His Skin: 5/10
This was oscar nominated? It's like a poor attempt to remake The Square. Here, a Syrian immigrant is hired by an artist to have his Visa tattooed on his back, while he attempts to win back the women he loves. It's a messy film that can't decide if it's about a romance or a satire on the art world, with the last 10 minutes throwing in a few silly twists for bad measure. The lead actor lacks charm and charisma too, which doesn't help.
The 8th: 7/10
An excellent documentary about the abortion referendum that happened in Ireland 3 years ago. While it mostly charts the main organiser behind the Yes movement, it also gives space for conservatives running for the no campaign, and doesn't present them in a negative light. This is how documentaries should be, giving time to the coutner-point. It's sad to see so many docs, particularly Netflix doc series, do the opposite and confuse opinion with truth.
Luca: 5/10
Netflix's latest isn't that bad, per se, but it's just a little forgettable. It's the story of a sea creature teen who wants to explore the world, and befriends another like him as they adopt a human form and investigate a small Italian village. It's one of the few Pixar movies with a confused message. Is it about friendship? If so, the plot involving participating in a triathalon (well, one that involves eating pasta) and its resolution doesn't really address this. Is it a metaphor about illegal immigration across the Med? Perhaps, but the friendship story doesn't say much about that. It's a shame because there was potential but the lack of laughs and emotional through-line really affects it.
In the Earth: 5/10
Poor Ben Wheatley. He made several great films. In fact I rewatched Kill List last weekend and it's so impressive, even today. But here, we get a film where we don't really care about the characters and we don't really understand the plot. It's set in a virus-riddled world where a scientist and a park ranger enter a forest to find a scientist, but things get sinister. But mostly boring. It's overlong, dull, and frustrating with only a few interesting psychadelic moments and great use of sound.
Re: Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep
The Sparks Brothers 4/10
This is the longest Wikipedia article ever. Edgar Wright's masturbatory love letter to the Mael brothers is without conflict and is less a film and more a series of YouTube videos and fan testimonials strung together to make a way-too-long documentary. Wright, in what he intends to be the first of several music documentaries, does not understand the meaning of summarizing things and insists on breaking down everything as long and as slowly as possible. He also has a thing about inserting himself into conversations he has no right to be in, much like a hip-and-trendy version of Mark Cousins. And for a lot of the good that Sparks did, they kind of come off as pretentious jerks.
Maybe had Wright cut 45 minutes from this and made it a special for VH1 or Netflix, it might have been tolerable. But it its overly lardy form, it's a real waste of time but with good music. You would get the same effect from listening to their old albums and reading their Wiki while also saving $11.
This is the longest Wikipedia article ever. Edgar Wright's masturbatory love letter to the Mael brothers is without conflict and is less a film and more a series of YouTube videos and fan testimonials strung together to make a way-too-long documentary. Wright, in what he intends to be the first of several music documentaries, does not understand the meaning of summarizing things and insists on breaking down everything as long and as slowly as possible. He also has a thing about inserting himself into conversations he has no right to be in, much like a hip-and-trendy version of Mark Cousins. And for a lot of the good that Sparks did, they kind of come off as pretentious jerks.
Maybe had Wright cut 45 minutes from this and made it a special for VH1 or Netflix, it might have been tolerable. But it its overly lardy form, it's a real waste of time but with good music. You would get the same effect from listening to their old albums and reading their Wiki while also saving $11.
Last edited by Buscemi2 on June 25th, 2021, 6:12 pm, edited 1 time in total.
It's like what Lenin said...I am the walrus.
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Re: Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep
Some recent watches.
A Quiet Place Part II 8/10
The long-awaited horror sequel is a project that extols the sacred virtues of movie theaters film nerds like myself have been rambling on about at length since the experience was stripped away from society for over a year to the fullest possible extent. The way every little noise in this largely silent world slowly trickles through the booming symphony of speakers in the auditorium establishes a visceral sense of unease that never really subsides, how the big screen heightens the effectiveness of the giant monster action setpieces and of course, the undeniable power that comes from sitting in a room with a group of people that are all experiencing a suspense-and-jolt-fueled ride together makes this the commanding showcase piece theaters needed after enduring the darkness of the past 15 months.
Even if it wasn't the exact right film at the exact right moment for theaters, John Krasinski would deserve major acclaim for delivering a bigger, tenser sequel that manages to pave the way for another intrigue-filled installment without sacrificing the emotional backbone that makes A Quiet Place something more than just a cutting-edge technical showcase. If this storm that theaters are currently facing ultimately gets weathered, I hope the history books properly reflect the role A Quiet Place Part II had in saving them.
Cruella 7.5/10
Cruella is effectively a 70's London-set version of The Devil Wears Prada that replaces the romantic comedy elements with a spattering of crime/heist/revenge movie influences. Does that unusual mashup of genres paired with the required villain origin story beats and nods to 101 Dalmatians result in something that's extremely messy? 110%, but the slickness of Craig Gillespie's direction, perfectly-calibrated overacting from Emma Stone as the title character and Emma Thompson as the relentlessly cruel fashion tycoon who quickly becomes Cruella's arch nemesis and strong commitment to selling the flashy camp bullshit it so proudly revels in makes it a refreshingly energized, compelling foil to the depressingly soulless crap that typically comes off the Disney live action remake assembly line.
Plan B 8/10
This buddy road trip comedy from veteran character actor Natalie Morales does what a certain vocal minority has deemed to be an impossible task: make a hard-R comedy that is fearless, consistent and inspired in the delivery of its vulgar humor without ever being rooted in anything that's hateful or mean-spirited. Pair that strong humor with some pointed commentary on the immoral red tape American women face when attempting to make a decision about their own bodies -particularly in conservative areas of the country and a pair of relative unknown lead actors (Kuhoo Verma, Victoria Moroles) that handle everything from the sex gags to the heart-to-heart friendship moments with an impressively natural ease, and you have a great comedy that just might be the best original film Hulu has commissioned to date.
Awake 4/10
Here Netflix embraces one of the major Hollywood studios worst traditions: the throwaway thriller that baits viewers in with a cool premise (a mysterious auditory event has taken away mankind's electronics and their ability to sleep) and some familiar faces (Gina Rodriguez, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Barry Pepper, Finn Jones, Frances Fisher, Shamier Anderson) before unleashing a flat, generic project that doesn't even have the courtesy to be bad enough to generate an emphatic negative reaction. Considering how many movies they currently have in the can as a part of their jam-packed 2021 slate, giving something as forgettable as this a prime June release date makes no sense.
Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard 7.5/10
The beauty of The Hitman's Bodyguard was that it was this really pure throwback to the over-the-top buddy action comedies of the 80's and 90's (i.e. Tango & Cash, Midnight Run, The Last Boy Scout) where the entire movie was built around the odd couple chemistry between the leads and the breakneck energy in which the material was delivered with. The sequel is able to replicate much of that success in large put due to how seamlessly Salma Hayek blends in with the vulgar, manic dynamic that already existed between Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson and Patrick Hughes' ability to direct with great urgency and deploy silly little character quirks and old school physical comedy to spruce up the dark lowbrow humor.
F9 8/10
While there's a Rock-sized hole present in the central dynamic and some clunky pacing/tonal issues at various points (longtime scribe Chris Morgan was certainly missed here), F9 delivers another round of insane, creative and exhilaratingly over-the-top action setpieces that were a joy to behold on the big screen.
A Quiet Place Part II 8/10
The long-awaited horror sequel is a project that extols the sacred virtues of movie theaters film nerds like myself have been rambling on about at length since the experience was stripped away from society for over a year to the fullest possible extent. The way every little noise in this largely silent world slowly trickles through the booming symphony of speakers in the auditorium establishes a visceral sense of unease that never really subsides, how the big screen heightens the effectiveness of the giant monster action setpieces and of course, the undeniable power that comes from sitting in a room with a group of people that are all experiencing a suspense-and-jolt-fueled ride together makes this the commanding showcase piece theaters needed after enduring the darkness of the past 15 months.
Even if it wasn't the exact right film at the exact right moment for theaters, John Krasinski would deserve major acclaim for delivering a bigger, tenser sequel that manages to pave the way for another intrigue-filled installment without sacrificing the emotional backbone that makes A Quiet Place something more than just a cutting-edge technical showcase. If this storm that theaters are currently facing ultimately gets weathered, I hope the history books properly reflect the role A Quiet Place Part II had in saving them.
Cruella 7.5/10
Cruella is effectively a 70's London-set version of The Devil Wears Prada that replaces the romantic comedy elements with a spattering of crime/heist/revenge movie influences. Does that unusual mashup of genres paired with the required villain origin story beats and nods to 101 Dalmatians result in something that's extremely messy? 110%, but the slickness of Craig Gillespie's direction, perfectly-calibrated overacting from Emma Stone as the title character and Emma Thompson as the relentlessly cruel fashion tycoon who quickly becomes Cruella's arch nemesis and strong commitment to selling the flashy camp bullshit it so proudly revels in makes it a refreshingly energized, compelling foil to the depressingly soulless crap that typically comes off the Disney live action remake assembly line.
Plan B 8/10
This buddy road trip comedy from veteran character actor Natalie Morales does what a certain vocal minority has deemed to be an impossible task: make a hard-R comedy that is fearless, consistent and inspired in the delivery of its vulgar humor without ever being rooted in anything that's hateful or mean-spirited. Pair that strong humor with some pointed commentary on the immoral red tape American women face when attempting to make a decision about their own bodies -particularly in conservative areas of the country and a pair of relative unknown lead actors (Kuhoo Verma, Victoria Moroles) that handle everything from the sex gags to the heart-to-heart friendship moments with an impressively natural ease, and you have a great comedy that just might be the best original film Hulu has commissioned to date.
Awake 4/10
Here Netflix embraces one of the major Hollywood studios worst traditions: the throwaway thriller that baits viewers in with a cool premise (a mysterious auditory event has taken away mankind's electronics and their ability to sleep) and some familiar faces (Gina Rodriguez, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Barry Pepper, Finn Jones, Frances Fisher, Shamier Anderson) before unleashing a flat, generic project that doesn't even have the courtesy to be bad enough to generate an emphatic negative reaction. Considering how many movies they currently have in the can as a part of their jam-packed 2021 slate, giving something as forgettable as this a prime June release date makes no sense.
Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard 7.5/10
The beauty of The Hitman's Bodyguard was that it was this really pure throwback to the over-the-top buddy action comedies of the 80's and 90's (i.e. Tango & Cash, Midnight Run, The Last Boy Scout) where the entire movie was built around the odd couple chemistry between the leads and the breakneck energy in which the material was delivered with. The sequel is able to replicate much of that success in large put due to how seamlessly Salma Hayek blends in with the vulgar, manic dynamic that already existed between Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson and Patrick Hughes' ability to direct with great urgency and deploy silly little character quirks and old school physical comedy to spruce up the dark lowbrow humor.
F9 8/10
While there's a Rock-sized hole present in the central dynamic and some clunky pacing/tonal issues at various points (longtime scribe Chris Morgan was certainly missed here), F9 delivers another round of insane, creative and exhilaratingly over-the-top action setpieces that were a joy to behold on the big screen.
BRING BRENDAN FRASER BACK TO THE BIG SCREEN DAMN IT
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Check out my blog http://maitlandsmadness.blogspot.com/
Movies,Music,Sports and More!
Re: Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep
Netflix has been doing that for a while. Look at things like The Open House and How It Ends. Also, I'm sure 90% of movies featuring a Game of Thrones actor in a major role is a sign that it won't be good.
It's like what Lenin said...I am the walrus.
Re: Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep
Werewolves Within 8/10
This might be the first horror movie I can recall to open up with a Mr. Rogers quote. This cross between horror comedy and a murder mystery based on an obscure video game (which also makes it probably one of the best video game adaptations) might be a little obvious in places but it's fun and is a far better werewolf movie than last year's The Wolf of Snow Hollow. It's also a better environmental horror film than the recent In the Earth. I mainly came into this for Milana Vayntrub and she doesn't disappoint, bringing a much-needed chipper attitude to an often dark and grimy genre as we gradually out she's the werewolf. If you enjoy the Lily ads but feel they needed more blood, this is the movie for you.
This might be the first horror movie I can recall to open up with a Mr. Rogers quote. This cross between horror comedy and a murder mystery based on an obscure video game (which also makes it probably one of the best video game adaptations) might be a little obvious in places but it's fun and is a far better werewolf movie than last year's The Wolf of Snow Hollow. It's also a better environmental horror film than the recent In the Earth. I mainly came into this for Milana Vayntrub and she doesn't disappoint, bringing a much-needed chipper attitude to an often dark and grimy genre as we gradually out she's the werewolf. If you enjoy the Lily ads but feel they needed more blood, this is the movie for you.
It's like what Lenin said...I am the walrus.
Re: Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep
Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It 8/10
An episode of the American Masters series on PBS released theatrically, this is Rita Moreno telling her life story and all of the obstacles she faced in her decades-long career. The material presented is very fascinating and Moreno is pretty awesome. And a lot of things in the documentary are things you more than likely never knew, such as the fact that she was with Marlon Brando off-and-on for eight years. If you're willing to forgive the TV trappings of the documentary, give it a shot.
An episode of the American Masters series on PBS released theatrically, this is Rita Moreno telling her life story and all of the obstacles she faced in her decades-long career. The material presented is very fascinating and Moreno is pretty awesome. And a lot of things in the documentary are things you more than likely never knew, such as the fact that she was with Marlon Brando off-and-on for eight years. If you're willing to forgive the TV trappings of the documentary, give it a shot.
It's like what Lenin said...I am the walrus.
Re: Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep
Summer of Soul (...or When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) 9/10
Another rediscovery of long-forgotten footage, this exciting and informative documentary focuses on the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival and the series of concerts staged that brought together much of New York City with some of the most talented musicians that ever lived. The documentary is also put together with testimonials from those who attended the shows, some of the original performers, and commentary by historians who lived the era. It's a 117 minute history lesson that goes through all of the emotions and never lets up as it is entertaining and leaves you wanting more. I was disappointed that it had to end as I would have loved at least another hour of these performances.
Another rediscovery of long-forgotten footage, this exciting and informative documentary focuses on the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival and the series of concerts staged that brought together much of New York City with some of the most talented musicians that ever lived. The documentary is also put together with testimonials from those who attended the shows, some of the original performers, and commentary by historians who lived the era. It's a 117 minute history lesson that goes through all of the emotions and never lets up as it is entertaining and leaves you wanting more. I was disappointed that it had to end as I would have loved at least another hour of these performances.
It's like what Lenin said...I am the walrus.
Re: Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep
Black Widow
Most of the first act after the credits is rather uninteresting. The movie starts getting interesting again when they arrive at the house. Everything after they are taken is gripping, although it was obvious the daughter was the one in the blue suit. Ray Winstone was creepy. I'm glad there was finally a movie about her character, but I did wish they wouldn't have set up her sister to be the antagonist of whatever comes next.
8 out of 10
Most of the first act after the credits is rather uninteresting. The movie starts getting interesting again when they arrive at the house. Everything after they are taken is gripping, although it was obvious the daughter was the one in the blue suit. Ray Winstone was creepy. I'm glad there was finally a movie about her character, but I did wish they wouldn't have set up her sister to be the antagonist of whatever comes next.
8 out of 10
It's not destroying. It's making something new.
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https://nerdist.com/annihilation-shimmer-ending-explained/
Re: Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep
Pig 8/10
A unique twist on the revenge genre, with Nicolas Cage as a hermit who ventures into Portland to find who stole his beloved truffle pig. Along the way, he reconnects with his past and confronts his inner demons that led him to his current life. At first, it might seem like your typical Cage Rage product but it's a surprising subtle and touching drama that's more than just Mandy with a pig. It's a thriller with an emotional core and is more in tone with something Bergman might have done. A nice surprise from Cage.
A unique twist on the revenge genre, with Nicolas Cage as a hermit who ventures into Portland to find who stole his beloved truffle pig. Along the way, he reconnects with his past and confronts his inner demons that led him to his current life. At first, it might seem like your typical Cage Rage product but it's a surprising subtle and touching drama that's more than just Mandy with a pig. It's a thriller with an emotional core and is more in tone with something Bergman might have done. A nice surprise from Cage.
It's like what Lenin said...I am the walrus.
Re: Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep
Boss Level 1/10
Can we finally retire the time loop sub-genre? This is pretty much if Free Guy had been made by angry fourteen year olds and instead of making it a comedy, it tries to be dark and edgy and fails miserably. The film wants to be Grand Theft Auto but seems to have been written and directed by people who didn't understand why those games worked. Frank Grillo is a boring lead and I have to wonder why Naomi Watts stooped this low.
I cannot understand why critics and audiences liked this. There is no reason why this film should exist.
Can we finally retire the time loop sub-genre? This is pretty much if Free Guy had been made by angry fourteen year olds and instead of making it a comedy, it tries to be dark and edgy and fails miserably. The film wants to be Grand Theft Auto but seems to have been written and directed by people who didn't understand why those games worked. Frank Grillo is a boring lead and I have to wonder why Naomi Watts stooped this low.
I cannot understand why critics and audiences liked this. There is no reason why this film should exist.
It's like what Lenin said...I am the walrus.
Re: Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep
I Carry You with Me 4/10
Boring drama that has no idea of whether it's a film about two men in love, a story about crossing over to fulfill the American dream, or something about a guy who wants to see his son again. It tries to be all three and it ends up being a confusing mess that jumps all over the place. You never seem to know when in the story the film is. And for some reason, the last third is shot (poorly) like a documentary even though the first two-thirds are staged more like a film. I have no idea what the director was thinking with this decision.
There are some good ideas here but the whole thing ends up being a pale, Americanized imitation of films such as All About My Mother.
Boring drama that has no idea of whether it's a film about two men in love, a story about crossing over to fulfill the American dream, or something about a guy who wants to see his son again. It tries to be all three and it ends up being a confusing mess that jumps all over the place. You never seem to know when in the story the film is. And for some reason, the last third is shot (poorly) like a documentary even though the first two-thirds are staged more like a film. I have no idea what the director was thinking with this decision.
There are some good ideas here but the whole thing ends up being a pale, Americanized imitation of films such as All About My Mother.
It's like what Lenin said...I am the walrus.
Re: Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep
Old 2/10
Lame probably would have been a better title for this one. Shyamalan's latest has him attempting to make something like his influences from the 70's but it ends up feeling more like a bad 2000's horror film with a twist that puts it into Black Mirror territory. The characters have little depth while the script lifts from other, better films from years' past. It's not awful like The Happening but it certainly could have used some unintentional laughs, and not just when Shyamalan shows up.
A real waste.
Lame probably would have been a better title for this one. Shyamalan's latest has him attempting to make something like his influences from the 70's but it ends up feeling more like a bad 2000's horror film with a twist that puts it into Black Mirror territory. The characters have little depth while the script lifts from other, better films from years' past. It's not awful like The Happening but it certainly could have used some unintentional laughs, and not just when Shyamalan shows up.
A real waste.
It's like what Lenin said...I am the walrus.