Thoughts on 5 Films

1. Pacific Rim: Uprising - I actually really enjoyed the first one - it was super dumb, but such a fun, loud, and visual spectacle. I did not like this sequel. First, I miss Charlie Hunnam (he wasn't the greatest choice for this type of movie, but for some reason it worked for me). Second, John Boyega is hit or miss for me, and this is a big dull miss (although the casting of him as Idris Elba's son is actually really great). Third, UGH Clint Eastwood's son really irks me. He just exudes this asshole presence that I can't get past. And, most important, fourth, the main girl is a Shailene Woodley wannabe. But terrible. The whole cast is just really stiff, none of them have any chemistry or screen presence - except, of course, Charlie Day, who is just as funny and chaotic as ever. And last, I absolutely could not tell you what the plot even is in this movie (other than the Kaiju's are back). It's just not fun or interesting at all, and it offers nothing new from the first one. I'm not really sure what the point was? I hope they leave it alone and don't attempt a third one.

2. Spider-Man: Far From Home - I have just about the same critique as from the first one, which is that Tom Holland is ADORABLE, as is the rest of the movie. I think the supporting cast is mostly strong - I really loved Michael Keaton as the villain from the first movie, but you really can't go wrong with Jake Gyllenhaal. From the previews, I thought for sure I was going to hate him in this (it just seemed below his talent), but I was very wrong. Even though the twist is obvious (we all know he's the villain), Jake plays it out with believable conviction. I still have problems with Zendaya - she's just really not believable at being socially awkward or a tomboy (I heard she's great in Euphoria. It's on my list!). I'm also confused as to what happened to Donald Glover? He had such a minimal role in the first one, so I assumed he would be a bigger presence in the sequels? Also, WOAH with the after-credits scene! That changes everything! I feel like people didn't really make a big deal about that, but it's a super important scene in regards to the future of the MCU.

3. I am Not Your Negro - I actually didn't know that this was a Documentary (UGH...), for some reason, I thought it was a Drama based on James Baldwin's memoir (did he even write a memoir? I have no idea. I'm clearly confused.). So, apparently it's a Documentary based on an unfinished project of Baldwin's. And, right from the beginning - I was very, very bored. The narration is so monotonous that the gorgeous poetry is completely lost. I think the success of the film is when it relates past event to the present - showing images of young black men being shot by police, etc., is very harrowing and unsettling when it's combined with Baldwin's written word. It's terrifying that not much has changed in over 60 years (I mean, a lot has changed, but the improvements are just moving so slowly). I also enjoyed watching Baldwin challenge debate on Carson (I believe it was Carson? But I could be remembering it wrong - I watched this movie a few weeks ago). I don't feel like there is any real political discourse on late night tv anymore, instead it's replaced with highly entertaining games with celebrities - even the more political shows have become more of a breeding ground for viral moments and sarcasm. Anyway, as Documentaries go, this one is satisfactory. I'm just really not a fan of the genre.

4. Greta - This movie is terrible. I haven't seen many movies released this year, but I'm assuming this will end up on my "Worst of" list (currently my "Best of" list just consists of Rocketman listed 10 times). It's actually fascinating how terrible this movie is, because it has a decent (but extremely unoriginal) plot and great actresses (Isabelle Huppert is a living legend). It even starts off pretty strong, but just descends into stupidity so quickly. The plot is very Single White Female -esque. *side note* I referenced this movie recently to my 24 year old employee who had no idea what I was talking about, especially that I used it as a verb (as in "did she Single White Female you??", which is a totally legit way to use it if you are my age. It is how we describe clingy female friends). Anyway, there are just way too many problems with the plot - 1. If you are on a subway in NYC and someone leaves a bag behind, you would call 911 (See Something, Say Something). 2. If someone is harassing you at your place of work, your employer has a responsibility to keep you safe. They would not just be like "oh well, she's a customer and you have to help her". 3. The cop completely lies to her, when he tells her there is nothing they can do. Stalking someone is a crime and if you report it, the cops HAVE to help you. 4. You can ABSOLUTELY file for a Restraining Order if someone is stalking you. Yes, it may take months, but they will file a Temporary Restraining Order until the case is heard in order to PROTECT you. Jesus Christ, this movie just completely ignores THE LAW. Finally, I'm pretty sure the movie is also shitting on New Yorkers - it implies that people from Boston are nicer than New Yorkers, and that is just not true. And it weirdly acts like her life is so different, but city life...is city life. It's not like she's from the suburbs. Oh AND, her apartment is ginormous!! That would be at least a million dollar apartment (there's so much room, that she can ride her bike inside of it).

5. Isn't it Romantic - Actually kind of cute? It's like Enchanted but, like, the opposite. There's just so much to like about it, and so many things that are just spot-on. I wasn't sure about Rebel Wilson in a lead role (I like her, but sometimes side-kicks are meant to stay side-kicks. I was wrong. She's terrific.). Adam Devine is adorable, but sometimes too adorable (it works for this movie). The film brilliantly pans Romantic Comedies, while also celebrating them (specific shout-outs to two of my favorites 13 Going on 30 and My Best Friend's Wedding). I like that it shows how superficial both sexes can be - she goes on a rant about finding love, but then lists all superficial things that she looks for (handsome, rich, etc.). It's great that when the "dream version" of Liam Hemsworth's character appears, he has his Australian accent (I mean, that is the dream, right? Hot guy with a Hot accent. Yes, please!), but then she gets really bored of him, really quickly. I also really enjoyed the Gay Best Friend character (absolutely killed me). There is also TWO fantastic dance sequences (possibly the best Rom-Com dance sequence since 13 Going on 30). I just smiled through this whole movie, and I would even watch it again, which is rare for me.