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frankqb

A bit of a ham-fisted attempt to talk about fate/destiny. Sure the cinematography is mostly beautiful, but it also uses very clichéd movements and framings to show loneliness (one shots in dark hallway) and togetherness (two shots in various guises).

spoiler

The thesis of the movie being stated aloud by a character in the first few minutes: spoiler

It’s all a little Oscar-baity.

Overall it’s fine, but Hae Sung comes off as spoiler

4 stars out of 5
2 months 3 weeks ago
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frankqb

A fascinating study of epistemology and an interesting courtroom discussion tied to a family drama.

Great performances and confidently directed. I do think they could have shaved a few minutes here and there.

Ultimately, it’s a film about learning to operate in doubt, and the film provides ample room for that.

4.5 stars out of 5
2 months 3 weeks ago
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frankqb

A study of character study that is extremely uncomfortable. None of it makes any sense ultimately, but the performances are intense.

3.9 stars out of 5
2 months 4 weeks ago
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frankqb

A real story about dealing with trauma — both personal and societal. The monster works on multiple levels as a metaphor and real literal danger.

Human and emotional, the film nonetheless packs a literal kaiju punch when Godzilla makes his wrath known.

Wonderful cinematography with some impressive shots. Strong performance from the lead.

Loved it. 5 stars.
3 months ago
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frankqb

A ridiculous low-budget pulp that nonetheless manages to tell a somewhat coherent story - notwithstanding how the Rojos gang manages to hear the bullets being shot at the small house which is clearly at least a mile away over some mountains.

It’s fine, and maybe it was groundbreaking at the time, but it does nothing for me. Moreover, the weirdness of the American/Mexican dynamic just doesn’t play well in modern times.

It’s odd, but it’s fine.

3 stars
9 months 4 weeks ago
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frankqb

Phenomenal. Touches on so much with so much existing beneath the surface in looks and trauma. Absolutely riveting and vital. I cannot fault it. All performances are Oscar worthy. What a film.

5 stars
1 year 1 month ago
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frankqb

A visual triumph with a strong-ish story. Too bad it stars a Scientologist. Decent script (if simple) throughout, though it does fall into some pretty hard Hollywood tropes in the third act. Still, great fun.

4.5 stars out of 5
1 year 1 month ago
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frankqb

The story is a bit simplistic, but Spielberg could put a story about making a ham sandwich to film and it’d be compelling, delightful and fulfilling. The Fablemans is all those things. Plus Michelle Williams is excellent.

5 stars
1 year 1 month ago
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frankqb

Excellent costumes, FX, cinematography, acting and an important story. It can drag ever so slightly, but it’s great.

5 stars
1 year 1 month ago
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frankqb

A lovely parable for how human connection is eroded until uncivil deeds make civil hands unclean.

5 stars out of 5
1 year 1 month ago
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frankqb

Austin Butler is amazing, Hanks is fine. The lavish, showy Baz Luhrman overproduction of the opening is intentionally scaled down as the film progresses and the story becomes sadder. While a cool thematic trick, it does nonetheless make the third act a bit of a slog. It just kind of gets stuck in the mud. Caught in a trap, even. Appropriate, but dull.

3 stars out of 4
1 year 2 months ago
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frankqb

Heartbreaking and vivid! The backdrop of fascist Italy is an interesting choice, but doesn’t really mesh with the rest of the story’s themes. There’s an odd element of “not obeying” that kinda works and kinda doesn’t. The animation is gorgeous and the story is sweet. It’s still a bit all over the place, but it’s still very good.

Three stars out of 4
1 year 2 months ago
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frankqb

A solid idea and lovely acting that is largely let down by some lacklustre cinematography/editing. Moreover, the story sort of splits its focus in terms of who it wants as a main character. As such, it feels a bit directionless. I’m glad this movie was made, but I’m disappointed it’s not better made. I think without Viola Davis’ name attached, this film would be hardly looked at.

3.5 stars out of 5
1 year 2 months ago
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frankqb

Entertaining but lacking the subtle social commentary of the original.
1 year 2 months ago
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frankqb

Just astounding from start to finish.

5 stars
1 year 2 months ago
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frankqb

Decently funny, but not gut-bustingly so. Still very clever, just like the person it’s about.

3 stars out of 4
1 year 4 months ago
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frankqb

Fascinating and a vital portrait of what it is to be human and to live justly.
1 year 7 months ago
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frankqb

Such a great script and brilliantly delivered. This film is a celebration of one-liners that would be a famous quote in any other film. Some of the excuses to keep putting the cast in the same room tend to be a bit thin, but who cares? It’s great. Highly recommended if you listen closely to the dialogue. So much going on beneath the surface in every scene.

5 stars
1 year 7 months ago
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frankqb

Great fun and great visuals. Recommended!
1 year 11 months ago
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frankqb

Long, untraditional in pacing, but amazing performances and a really unusual structure. Fascinating throughout, but I can’t say I loved it. Nonetheless, there’s so much being said and discussed here and the parallels between art and life are at the heart of it.

3 stars out of 4
2 years ago
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frankqb

A charming film that doesn't really deserve to be charming. The love story is super weird and creepy. I have no idea why this film exists, but it was well made as a tribute to the early 70s L.A. scene told through a series of vignettes -- none of which are particularly interesting or form a cohesive plot. It's a thing that exists and is well made. I have no interest in seeing this film again, but I hope Hoffman keeps making films.

3.5 stars out of 5
2 years ago
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frankqb

Overflowing with Spielberg's stylistic panache and vivacious visuals, the West Side Story remake also manages to look decidedly retro in its film quality. The only problem is that Spielberg doesn't seem to have the flair for musical theatre choreography's blocking requirements on screen. So many times the musical flourishes paired with choreographed visuals were only half seen or underwhelming.

Is the movie enjoyable? Yes. Is it better than the original? No.

4 stars out of 5
2 years 1 month ago
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frankqb

Interesting use of animation to cover the personal nature of the story, and an unflinching look at the journey of a refugee. I still felt there was a little bit missing though.

4.5 stars out of 5
2 years 1 month ago
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frankqb

Gripping personal drama and real history in the making. Riveting and personal to the core.

5 stars
2 years 1 month ago
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frankqb

Fascinating, moving and important. Summer of Soul’s Harlem Cultural Festival carries the political importance that Woodstock could only aspire to.

Part history, part celebration, and all awesome.

5 stars
2 years 2 months ago

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