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Reviews
Joy (2015)
The Trouble Is
This movie feels like a highly energetic, unfocused masterpiece by an artist who had the seeds of a great idea. Most of the movie is very straightforward in Joy's journey to power, but then sudden fantasy sequences pop their way in. What do they have to do with the overall story? Tons! But it takes a moment to figure that out.
There's a parallel with a fictional, high-stakes, daytime soap opera. As the characters revealed their unnecessarily complex web of relations, everyone in the theater laughed. Then, cut to a scene of Jennifer Lawrence trying to fuse the explosive relationship between her divorced parents, who nearly avoid a domestic disturbance in front of two children. That's what kind of movie this is.
But the relationships are real. The mother is believable. The father is believable. Joy's family situation is ridiculous, but highly possible and highly entertaining. On top of that, it's striking how memorable this family is. They want to look out for each other, but have to look out for themselves. Oh, the dramatic possibilities! The biggest disappointment, though, is Joy herself. Not Mrs. Lawrence, who delivers her star-power in spades; but the character of Joy, who feels so restrained. Even during scenes of high intensity, her emotions are so subdued that Bella Swan would be jealous (how's that for a dated reference?). And that is why the movie feels empty. That climactic moment where Jennifer Lawrence goes crazy never...
And that's the movie in a nutshell. It has a lot to offer, and will divide a lot of people. It could insight riots, begin wars, and charge the internet with love it/hate it debates. If you want to join in on the fun, I'd say go see it. But you decide if it's worth your time.
Tomorrowland (2015)
I was shocked
I didn't want to see this movie, but someone else paid for my ticket, so I went. I was taken by complete shock.
But...
Is it a plethora of shameless product placement? Is it a two hour Disneyland ad? Is it a showcase of the intensely expansive Disney-owned properties? Does it air on the preachy side? Yes to all of those.
But...
This movie was not only entertaining from start to finish, but climaxes with a very important message which deeply resonated with me. Though it may be one of the most violent family movies I've ever seen (which kids will love), the visceral encouragement the movie provides would render it important to show my unborn children. I don't know about you or your family, but I will certainly remember this movie for a very long time. Brad Bird has done it again!!
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
Really???
The beginning was good. The fighting was good, although the movie needed more booby traps and big boulders (metaphorically speaking). The set decoration was fun to look at and even the lighting was very good. Everything about this movie was pretty good... except the story and concept.
I don't go to Indy to see aliens. I go to Close Encounters or E.T. for aliens. Not Indy. I watch Indy for the mystical yet realistic treasure and the "spirituality" behind it. Raiders had the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom had the stones and Last Crusade had the Holy Grail. Even the original Star Wars had the force. Has Lucas completely forgot what Joseph Campbell taught him??? Seriously???
When I see Indy, I want ancient curses and mystical treasures that could be out there. Not some sci-fi alien crap.
Psycho (1960)
Though not my favorite Hitchcock movie, it's the most well done film ever.
Though not my favorite Hitchcock film (that would be Rear Window), this movie is brilliantly crafted. It still holds the capability to shock, and even scare a modern audience. The only problem with the film is that, for my personal taste, it is too dark (which is why I prefer Rear Window, it's a much lighter movie) and this laves me with an ugly feeling. However, it is still fast-paced and entertaining. I do consider this movie the most well done for the following reasons: 1. Janet Leigh-HUGE star for her time. Killed off in the middle of the movie.
2. Hitchcock spread rumors about casting the mother...who is actually dead.
I could go on. But, to boil it all down, he misleads the audience, increasing in their involvement. Truly a masterpiece.
Elephants Dream (2006)
Eye candy...but that's it.
As said before, the visual effects are stunning. They're breathtaking. I personally use Blender and graphics like that are not easy AT ALL. But that's all this movie is. Not only is the plot confusing, but the overall conflict is not clear. For example, in the first scene, Proog and Emo are trying to run away from who knows what. The conflict seems to be between man and nature here. Later, when they enter the room of the bottomless pit, Proog explains that "one step out of place and (you're dead)". Here, there's a more precise conflict between the careless man and nature. As the movie progresses, it's clear that a conflict exists between man and nature. But suddenly, a conflict exists between man and man when Proog, out of nowhere, murders Emo. Proog immediately changes from being a caring guardian looking after a lost child to being a "sick man". He betrays us. Not only is this depressing, but we don't care because the conflict between the character's thoughts and actions is not developed. It's not a story about someone, through struggle, emerging stronger. It's depressing and has not point because there's no great truth about the human soul or about the world brought to light like a great drama does. In my opinion, the movie is severely underdeveloped in all aspects. However, the graphics are stunning, but a movie is so much more than mere eye candy. There's no truth, no struggle and a bad surprise ending. In conclusion, an underdeveloped movie without a point. ...but the graphics are good.