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Reviews
Infinity Pool (2023)
I am shocked
I am shocked, I am speaking about peoples reaction to the film.
What this film did for me is something unique that I rarely experience in a film, it had me exploring its ideas for days after.
I do think this film is more than what many say, it does have shocking violence, I actually think it is some great prosthetic effects make up despite what someone said.
I think it is a chaotic film, but one that works for me, especially the ending, at first I was puzzled by it, then I found meaning in it and honestly it moves me.
I do feel that some of the psychedelic sequences could have been more carefully created with more flowing, delirium inducing editing and effects, but some of I enjoyed.
Some say the main concept is about how being rich makes you do bad things, I really saw a lot more going on here, but that is definitely part of it.
The desire for power over others, to be included, to have excitement even if it costs you the most important things in life, to have safety, what would you do? What would it be worth?
So for me, it is more to discuss the human condition than to simply say "rich people bad"..
I do not think it is a perfect film, but for me it had impact, made me explore my own actions and beliefs about who I should be or what I should do.
I hope people go into this knowing that Brandon likes to experiment, he likes to be shocking and visceral, he wants to poke at the exterior façade we wear to keep safe, if you are up for something messy, strange and shocking with some deep ideas, then go for it.
If you want something easier to take that is more calm and collected, go for one of the many mainstream regulars.
White Noise (2022)
Daring unusual satirical spectacle
Some low scores, people complaining about the parts not connecting, I wanted some past elements to come back, but this is an adaptation of a novel, I have yet to read said novel, although I assume the film does not veer hugely from its course!
Are you then complaining about the novel?
Or about this adaptation?
Both?
Or did you just expect something different?
Do you want something less daring and strange?
Do you want something that fits like a glove?
Then we have just the thing for you!!!
Buy it now, only $59.99
Will fix all your daily living problems, it is a solution for everything!!!
An adaptation of a highly respected novel!
A veer from the norm for Baumbach!
It is (not) a disaster movie!
It is (not) a thriller!
It is (not) .....
A satire on commodity, on our need for things, for security, for a sense of safety, a way out from this perilous existence we all share.
Would such a satire give you the ending you were expecting?
Or the coherence?
No, because it is not the point, nor is it the curve.
Some great performances, cinematography, set design, the art department did a great job!!
Many great elements come together into a strange (purposely) incoherent cerebral play on modern human existence.
"If people stop believing, the world will end"
Let the Right One In (2022)
Why?
Really not sure why so many like this, the rating is way higher than I would expect, from what I saw, a lot of it is quite amateur, badly written, directed and shot.
But there must be something I am missing?
This, I understand, is perhaps not a useful review!?
But I am just baffled at the rating!
A side plot that was not in the book or previous films, some questionable choices in the writing, near the start of the film there is an event that is not logical and I do not know why it happened the way it did, no good explanation was given.
The cinematography, Lighting, costumes, casting, script and performances of the first film adaptation worked so well, had a great melancholic atmosphere, I do not see that present here!
If I had seen the trailer or some clips, or an episode, without knowing of the book or film, I would not have given this as long as I did, it is... just terrible in many ways.
This has NONE of the artistry of its origins, I really wish it did!!
I wonder how many people have read the book first?
There are some major differences from the book, even from the book to the original film.
I think you can enjoy this if you enjoy trashy tv shows, but I am always looking out for artistry, I feel like they made this... to make something.
If you do not like chemistry between actors, good cinematography, good lighting, good direction (from experienced directors), informed writing with the wisdom of what is important to each character and the plot as a whole, if you do not like any of these, then this show is for you!!
Still, people did make it, they put much time and energy into it, peoples lives, peoples money, peoples effort and time went into this, so I commend them, some of them, maybe all of them, loved it, or liked it, or are they doing it just to do it?
Because finally they are doing a big series?
I do not know.
I just wish for a more faithful, carefully made, deeper portrayal of the source material with writing that doesn't ring so many alarm bells as this did.
I can only recommend the book and first film.
Devil in Ohio (2022)
Servant cash-in attempt failure?
Way to similar to Servant, although not as weird or intriguing.
Some terrible script writing, screenplay writing, direction and performances let this down, it does occasionally have a glimmer of hope to be something more, in my opinion it never makes it.
I really feel this was a waste of time, perhaps some will enjoy, perhaps some will even love it.
To me it is too ridiculous and full of holes to recommend to anyone.
The best element was the first sequence in the corn field, that was shot nicely.
I suggest watching Servant or another series out there that does it better.
What a shame because with some tweaks this could have been something very interesting, poor direction, writing, casting, cinematography and more, let this down in a big way, Netflix are loosing their grip?
Only Murders in the Building (2021)
Where did my life go?
I found myself binging the show, I wanted to switch off, numerous times I was so irritated and annoyed by this show, many absolutely stupid things happen, you can forgive them because the whole show is light and doesn't really care all that much.
There are some decent elements to the show, It is quite fun in some ways, but its mind numbingly bad in others, most of the jokes are cringe worthy, some of the events are downright nonsensical and either written like that because "who cares, its a light comedy mystery show with big name stars" or they really are stupid and don't care, the police in the show are stupid I guess.
If you want to switch off and not care and just have some light fun, it could work for you.
If you want something a bit deeper with some realism and decent jokes, Id suggest passing on it.
The Deep End (2022)
Is that even her name? a colour and a bird?
Please do not make a rating based on Teal Swan, make it based on the quality of the documentary!!
I remember people telling me about Teal Swan, I saw some of her videos and felt uncomfortable, there was something I found off-putting, very interesting to now know there is a docuseries, I now see there is at least one other doc on Teal.
I used to listen to so called spiritual teachers, Teal never even seemed like one to me, she seemed to just be saying her own ideas mixed with stuff she had perhaps read or learnt from others.
I have had experiences with other supposed spiritual teachers and felt some kind of connection, what they shared was always very simple and direct.
Teal to me seemed complicated and convoluted.
I now think that we are reality itself, so no one knows the absolute answer, anyone can have ideas and or experiences of an existentially profound nature, it is not something for a select few, you may wake up tomorrow feeling more in touch with the universe than before, more awake and aware that you exist, that it is all interconnected and you can never put it into words.
No one can own it.
Thanks.
Black Conflux (2019)
It played with my head
Did not enjoy all the performances, did not believe the girls relationships in the first half much.
Other than that, some beautiful cinematography, great ideas in the writing, reminded me of one film in particular that also played on my mind in a similar way.
Another reviewer mentioned nothing happening in the end, actually it does, something happens earlier in the film that is supposed to contradict the setup and at the end another contradiction to the setup, these could be missed and seen as nothing happening, in fact, it is the best thing about the film in my opinion.
Nice soundtrack too.