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Reviews
Twin Peaks: The Missing Pieces (2014)
Why couldn't they let David cook?
Not that the majority of the cut scenes were essential but they make the delivery of the story far smoother. When I first watched FWWM it felt like I was missing pieces so to speak, which isn't foreign for mysteries, much less Twin Peaks, but in more of a narrative sense. The nearly 4 hour uncut vision would have been a delight to experience but I guess this is the next best thing. After watching the original series and return season for the first time recently I can see how David was in a predicament with this film, not knowing if he'd ever make a follow up it was hard to justify adding questions that wouldn't be answered or even remotely touched on. But in hindsight keeping in those seeds that eventually grow to be entire basis of the return was absolutely the route to go. I think now that the story has concluded the least studios could do is give us an uncut physical release of FWWM.
It Chapter Two (2019)
King's vision adapted
People are way too hard on this movie. While the first film has a smoother plot and pace I believe it is more a matter of the material. The adult actors do an incredible job embodying the younger versions of the characters. There are some scenes and plot elements that could have used some more thought and planning, but ultimately it is a faithful adaptation of kings novel. Most audiences don't seem to enjoy the more mystical elements of the story. If you're a fan of the story you will like this one. If you just like stranger things and couldn't care less about king's original vision, this won't be for you.
Halloween Ends (2022)
The final piece to the puzzle
I am not shocked by the response to this move however I am shocked by the amount of people not on the side of this movie.
Personally I think this was a unique and satisfying final entry into a series that has exhausted itself many times. It decides not to be the same Halloween movie we've seen 11 times before. I understand why people are upset but if you want to see a unique Halloween movie that explores different concepts other than Michael killing nameless people, you'll have a good time.
Spoilers:
I didn't care for Halloween kills the first time I saw it, I thought some kills were mean spirited and the victims were all insufferable. After watching this film I still don't care a whole lot for Kills but I do appreciate it more. The mythology it establishes that Michael gets stronger the more he kills sets this film up perfectly. We get plenty of kills in this film and the plot develops in such a way that we can see Michael in a weakened state and also see some kills.
Also I personally really enjoy the idea of Michaels evil infecting a damaged soul, someone who is down and stepped on and that's how he spreads his evil, not only is it unfortunately accurate to real life but it also adds to the presence of Michael Myers.
Possum (2018)
Effective
This film is exactly what I was hoping for, a dark tale about a man confronting the ghosts of his past. As a massive horror fan I feel I've unfortunately become jaded to scary imagery, then along came possum. If you feel numb to scares in film, watch this movie. Everything I dreaded, exactly what I was scared to see, this movie delivered. If you're looking for the next step in experiencing the scariest imagery film has to offer then do yourself a favor and watch this film. Plus it's fun to show your friends and watch them freak out.
Unhinged (2020)
A total blast
Far cry from a classic, but boy did I have fun watching this. Crowe chews every bit of the scene in the best sense of the term. The main character is a total imbicle but odds are you aren't coming for the protagonist. The violence is surprisingly brutal and satisfying, a combination of practical and digital effects create several convincing accidents and fights. Exciting, simple, and fun. Nothing more, nothing less.
First Reformed (2017)
A beautiful character study on human behavior
Finally got around to seeing this one, got it recommended to be by a friend. The plot revolves around Reverend Toller (Ethan Hawke) and his current state of increasing despair. Head of the First Reformed Church, which has more or less become a novelty, Toller meets a member who's having a time of crisis, Mary (Amanda Seyfried) speaks to Toller about her husband and his worrying passion for environmental conservation.
What surprised me the most about this film is the deliberate, and incredibly appropriate, slow pace and somber tone. This is not a feel good film, for the majority, as we watch Toller struggle with his past, present, and future. A brilliant character study saying more about human actions in regard to religion and climate change rather than addressing the topics themselves.
A perfectly shot, immaculately written movie with a slow pace and satisfying sequence of events.
Dragged Across Concrete (2018)
When violence loses its luster
Please do not make this the first S. Craig Zahler film you watch. Zahler's style takes some adjusting and this film is no exception.
This film has been heavily criticized for it's depiction of graphic violence. The way shootouts are handled can be seen as boring to some but it's done so for the sake of realism. When a character is killed it is often done in a wide with little to no score or sound, there's no Hollywood glamorization here, just the brutality of human nature.
Dragged's characters all fall on a spectrum of moral ambiguity, similar to what our reality often is, in real life people are neither completely good or bad.
A major citicism of this film is it's behemoth run-time, while it can be quite grooling upon the first viewing it's purely for the sake of realism. Stakeouts often take hours of sitting around leading up to a climax that's just as fast as it is dangerous, that's how Dragged plays. We spend time with these character so when there is action we understand the choices they make, without any explanation necessary.
I would highly recommend not only watching this movie but to do so twice, the second viewing is a far more satisfying and better paced experience.
Uncut Gems (2019)
Bet on Sandler
Uncut Gems is just that, a raw gem of a movie.
The plot kicks in immediately, introducing the driving force of the events in the film. The story quickly gains momentum and maintains it until the credits roll, even then you're unsure if you can relax yet or not.
An element of filmmaking that doesn't often get highlighted is the score, and this film has a great one. The persistent score is the only thing that will remind you that you're watching a movie, giving the film an etherial and almost futuristic feel.
Last and certainly not least is the dialogue, I cannot remember the last time I heard dialogue that felt so real, natural, and believable. People talk over each other, have to repeat themselves, and above all they talk like people do. This helps add to the constant intensity of the film and the overall gritty realism.
Get yourself some popcorn and an extra stick of deodorant and go see Uncut Gems now. It's worth it to see Sandler's performance alone. This isn't the perfect movie, however I believe it perfectly executed the film it was trying to be, making it deserving of a 10/10.
Midsommar (2019)
Full Of Thunder With Little Lightning
I walked into this movie wanting it to be my favorite horror movie. I loved the cinematography and direction of Hereditary and this film thankfully offers the same vision. I was thoroughly disturbed throughout the entire experience however this is also the basis for one of my few issues, the film makes you feel very disturbed with very few disturbing images. This is a praise to the cast, director, score, and everything in between, but it is a personal issue I had. What makes me enjoy this film more than Hereditary is the essence, Ari Astor goes for it and nails it perfectly. This film will leave you disturbed without much basis for why, and if you're like me it will leave you inspired to make films.
Dexter: See-Through (2007)
Perfectly balanced, as all things should be...
This is my 3rd time rewatching Dexter and I forgot most of the show. This episode is one of the exceptions, partly because its part of the best season of the show. This episode has all the fixings of a great Dexter episode, great Dexter drama, developments with Rita, Debra subplot, and a subplot for a character in the precinct. The Doakes storyline honestly deserves to be an episode of it's own, it adds to his character as well as advancing the development of his character. This episode is definitely in my top 10 of the show, at the very least an honorable mention.