Friday, March 16, 2018

3 Thoughts on Thoroughbreds



1. As a debut feature - I am stunned that this is a debut feature for writer/director Cory Finley. I wasn't as impressed with the movie as some critics, but for someone's first try??? HOLY MOLY. I can't wait to see what this guy does next. Everything about it was top-notch: the script, the acting, the perfect musical cues and sound design, the pace, and the cinematography. Honestly, if felt like a Sofia Coppola film, but, like, actually good (I want to like her films, I really do!). There was still something a little off about it, that I can't really put my finger on. It's not a film that I think I'll remember in a few years, nor do I want to watch it again. However, it is an extremely well-made film.

2. The leads - If you asked me to list my favorite young female actresses, both Olivia Cooke and Anya Taylor-Joy would be on it. Olivia Cooke is probably in my Top 5 - she was spectacular in Bates Motel (and not even a touch of her British accent was heard through the entire series), plus she reminds me of a mix between Rachel Leigh Cook (who I adored as a teen in the 90s) and Winona Ryder (one of my all-time favorites). Anya Taylor-Joy was the only reason to watch The VVitch (sorry, that movie was booooooring as fuck), and she stood out against one of the best performances of last year (James McAvoy in Split). She is going to be a star. It was a treat to watch these two actresses in a film together; one that relies heavily on their likeability, but also their coldness (hard combination to perfect). Also, this was Anton Yelchin's last role - he died only 2 weeks after filming this movie. Such a sad loss.

3. True psychopaths - The film touts the description as "Heathers meets American Psycho", and, well they're not wrong. It does definitely have a Heathers feel (especially with Cooke resembling Winona Ryder so much), and these girls could definitely live in Patrick Bateman's psychopathic world view. The creepy scenes of them practicing crying, emotionless tales of killing animals, and ease of lying to others is fascinating to watch. I like that they hatch a plan to kill someone who is supposedly "evil" - but they never really give the audience a reason to root for his death (yes, he's a dick, but he doesn't deserve to die for it). Speaking of, I spent the film trying to figure out how I recognize the step-father, until I could finally look it up when it was over - it's the guy from Waco (that I had just finished watching a few days earlier). Anyone watch it? I thought it was interesting, but also very frustrating. Anyway, I really enjoyed this movie right through the very satisfying ending. Unfortunately, it's a 2017 listed film even though most didn't have access to it until now. I don't think it will make into my updated list, but I think this is going to be like The Lobster with people including it in both years so maybe I'll include it for this year.

Thoughts on 4 New TV Shows

1. Good Girls - I've only watched the Pilot episode so far, but I AM IN. First, I will always watch a tv show with Mae Whitman. Fact. She's terrific in everything she does. Second, out of all the memorable moments in Mad Men, my two absolute favorite moments are with Joan (the "I want to burn this place down" moment in the elevator, and "Surprise! There's an airplane here to see you!"). I'm interested to see Christina Hendricks in a different role, because she was just about perfect as Joan and I can't really picture her as anyone else. Third, the concept is ok. There are going to be a lot of copycat Breaking Bad type shows where the main character is breaking the law, but none are going to do it as well. Fact.

2. A.P. Bio - UGH. I watched this show for Glenn Howerton. I thought this show had to be amazing if there's a chance he might not return to one of the greatest sitcoms of all time (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia). I was extremely mad at first, but then I thought that if Glenn found another show that fulfills him, I should support it. Side-note: I did not watch The Mick for Kaitlin Olson because that show looked like a train wreck (and she never threatened to leave It's Always Sunny). I thought this show looked at least looked cute. It's not. It's also not funny. I thought it was just a rough Pilot episode, but so far I've watched 4 episodes, and by the 4th episode I was so bored that I started cleaning the house. I'm going to cut my losses now, and take the show off of my rotation (aren't you proud of me?!).

3. 9-1-1 - Another Parenthood alumni that I will follow everywhere, the wonderful Peter Krause (and actually he was first a Six Feet Under alumni that I've followed since. NO WAIT...he's actually a Sports Night alumni! Does anyone remember that show? It was so good. One of my all-time favorites). Anyway, I also really like the rest of the cast (Connie Britton, Angela Bassett, Aisha Hinds, and Kenneth Choi). The biggest reason why I was looking forward to this show, though, is because it's a Ryan Murphy/Brad Fulchuck project (let's face it, Krause has done some TERRIBLE shows - most recently, The Catch. *shudders*), but Murphy and Fulchuck have a pretty strong resume. Unfortunately, this show blows. I can't even keep track of how many times I roll my eyes during every episode because of how ridiculous it is. The "emergencies" are so over the top (and they claim they are all based on truth - which is a valid claim, but the fact that all of these INSANE emergencies happen in the same city and the same group of people are the heroes is the ridiculous part). It has a little bit of potential, though. They are doing a good job of character development, which is why I've continued to watch. They just need to tone it down. A lot.

4. The Resident - As you can tell, I'm extremely influenced to watch a show if it has an actor that I like - and Matt Czuchry is just ADORABLE. I loved him on The Good Wife, and of all the terrible boys that Rory dated on Gilmore Girls, Logan was clearly the best of the worst. Czuchry is one of those actors that just exudes charm - you can't help but love him. I thought the pairing of him, and another fantastic television actress, Emily VanCamp, was a great idea (although they kind of look like siblings to me). The show, as a whole, is a little cheesy and predictable. I don't think they've done anything new with the medical drama genre. It has potential to grow, though. I do enjoy the intrigue surrounding the other doctor's suspicious Cancer clinic. I hope the build-up is worth it, otherwise I am going to get really frustrated.

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Thoughts on 5 Films

1. The Cloverfield Paradox - First, let's talk about Netflix. As I quickly touched on in my Mudbound thoughts, I really appreciate the direction that Netflix is going. I think it was absolutely genius to surprise "drop" a movie on a platform that is easily accessible for millions of people. I was wondering how J.J. was going to surprise us, considering how the previous Cloverfield films were released in such a surprising way. It's getting harder and harder to keep an audience guessing and to be innovative, and J.J. still managed to nail it. Second, as a film fan, I can understand the negative aspects of releasing a film on Netflix. We are losing the theater experience; there is no denying that. I saw both of the previous Cloverfield films in a theater and it proved to be a very intense, claustrophobic experience. It's impossible to get this same experience at home. However, I have been so frustrated at the cinema because the audiences have been so disrespectful and inconsiderate, it's not even worth the frustration. The fact that I can now watch new releases at home, IN PEACE, is a relief. Now, let's talk about this movie because, man, is it a rough one. Both Cloverfied and 10 Cloverfield Lane were in my Top 10 films for their respective years. I'm pretty sure this one might end up in the bottom of my 2018 list. It's so unexpectedly unoriginal. Everything about it is so obvious (*spoiler* of course her children are alive in the other dimension. DUH!). The cast is great, but no-one really stands out. I don't even have anything else to say about it. The end was alright, I guess...

2. It - Maybe I just don't get it, but I thought this movie was so dumb. I've never really understood that whole scary clown thing to begin with, and I don't even remember the original mini-series (I watched it when I was a kid and I wasn't scared one bit). I also think it's almost identical to Stranger Things just with a clown (which, yes, I realize is heavily inspired by Stephen King stories). However, it's not nearly as funny or entertaining as Stranger Things. This film felt forced - the humor, the camaraderie, the story, just everything about it. After I first watched it, I thought it was decent, but the more I think about it, the more I dislike it. However, I am slightly excited for the second one - featuring the adult versions of these characters. The casting is going to be key (and I've heard that Jessica Chastain is the current front-runner for Beverly and...um...no thanks? She's much too good for this. Amy Adams is more appropriate. That seems like a diss, but I adore Amy Adams. I think she's actually more versatile than Chastain.). Also, after reading a few reviews, I've realized that I don't think I've read the book. My New Year's resolution this year was to read more, so I think I'll add this to the list.

3. Thor: Ragnarok - Well, it's certainly funny. If that's what they were going for, then I guess it's successful. I just don't think the full-on comedic approach for the MCU is appropriate. It is about a million times better than the previous Thor movies (both Thor movies are at the very bottom of my MCU ranking. At least this one is in the middle somewhere. Maybe I should do an official ranking? That seems like such a daunting task.). One thing is for sure, I would love a Valkyrie stand-alone movie, and that's the first time I've said that about ANY of the female characters (Black Widow is so boring. Sorry, not sorry.). The story seems a little pointless in the grand scheme of things, but ultimately I was entertained so I'm not complaining. The effects seemed a little cheap to me, which is weird because I've seen people raving about how great the film looks. It's odd how people see things so differently. Anyway, on a side-note: Chris Hemsworth looks a thousand times better with short hair (as most men do). Like, I actually think he's hot now. Still boring, but at least he's much hotter now.

4. War for the Planet of the Apes - WAIT...this is only the third movie?? I feel like I've been watching these films for YEARS. I thought it was the fifth installment, at least. So, is this the final one? It still felt a little bit open, but I don't really think there is much more to say. I didn't really enjoy this one like I did the first two (really? only two? SO WEIRD.). This one was a little bit boring and even though there are some really nice moments, it didn't feel as Blockbuster-ish as the first two. War is never the interesting part; it's what leads to the wars that I find interesting. I did like the symbolism of the little girl as the savior - it feels very relevant to our world and children being forced to rise up and do what's right.



5. Brawl in Cell Block 99 - I read a really good review about this movie from a movie buff that I usually trust, which is the only reason I moved this movie up my long, long list. I am extremely disappointed. It's really bad. Like, really, really bad. After I watched this, I read some more reviews, and it's so odd that they are mostly complimentary, especially of the violence. I'm sort of stunned, because NOTHING HAPPENS for the first hour and 50 minutes (yes, the whole length of a movie), and then when this so-called brutal violence occurs, it looks extremely fake. It's not realistic in any way. The acting is probably the only thing I would say is okay (mediocre at best), but I might be biased because I love Jennifer Carpenter. I don't usually update my worst list from previous years, but if I did, this would surely be on it.