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Jolly Roger (2022)
Roger not so Jolly
Actually the movie starts with the multiple definitions of the title (words) ... so no pun intended with my riffing on that. So I reckon this is another Nollywood output/effort I kind of got tricked into watching. Now I am exaggerating a little bit - I saw this on Netflix and just watched it as it was available, so no one really "tricked" me.
That said, the movie is a nice little drama I reckon, but also has all the flaws I see in the low budget efforts that mostly make their way onto our screens. Acting is mostly subpar, stories seem flawed at best - but that is me, if you are a fan, I am not trying to knock you down or tell you anything about your taste. I am happy for you - but I think even a fan can understand that this is not for everyone ... rather for a few - and it has to be pointed out. Weird ending too - but maybe that was only my feeling.
Bad Comments (2020)
Better bad than worse
No pun intended - and it is true about the movie too. I really have to cut back on my Nollywood viewing - this is another example ... and it is one of the better ones I have seen. But like with Bollywood (though they do have better sets, more money, more value and more ... well things you see on screen, whether you are into those things or not is another topic) ... I am not really a fan.
The movie is quite predictable - has a bit of a highlight at the end ... which is quite over the top. Not just acting wise, but also from the story perspective ... not sure if we really need all that explaining either ... but we get it either way. Acting is not really top notch either ... but hey it is what it is.
Fool Me Once (2024)
One shot
No pun intended - also more than one shot, at least if you take it literally, which was not really what I meant ... I think. The story is quite out there - and I have to admit it had me ... well fooled for lack of better wording, in episode one. I thought it would go another way or route or whatever you would call it.
Acting is decent and the twists are actually quite fine. Still this is a bit too long (8 episodes) and there a few things story and character wise that had issues. Not the cop himself - I liked his ... let's call it characteristic. He had a thing ... and it made him different ... not sure if it was necessary for the story ... probably not. But it gave him something that made him different ... that made him stand out. But it is more about the woman ... and her story ... and his story .. his being her husband ... before he was murdered.
Not sure if there aren't some inconsistencies story wise ... but just suspend your disbelief ... and take the emotional ending for what it is .. it probably will even surprise you to a degree ...
Ging tin 12 siu see (1990)
Hard Boiled ... again, but before
No pun intended - this has a few titles. One of them (in the UK) is Hard Boiled 2 (in Germany apparently it was Hard Boiled 3!) ... even though it originally was released before the original Hard Boiled movie by John Woo. Now someone asked the distributor in the UK why they would do something like that ... well apart from this being an action movie and having a climax at a hospital ... they told him that they asked John Woo if it would be ok to use the title ... and he gave them his blessings.
Not sure if that actually is true (I believe the guy who told the story, that he asked and got the answer) ... I mean if they told the truth. Whatever the case, the movie is filled with action and comedy ... and as they say: you couldn't do a movie like this nowadays in China (Hong Kong) ... the Daka Lama is clearly the Dalai Lama ... blasphemous and apparently not something the government would let anyone get away with.
Andy Lau is always a treat - the supporting cast is also really good. I still prefer the original and only Hard Boiled ... but this is a great action movie too (stunt and otherwise)
It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963)
Treasure hunt
No pun intended - the movie has aged ... and certain things may not have aged in a great way ... but the comedy still works quite fine to say the least. The movie has quite the cast assembled - you even get Peter Falk (Columbo for those who may not know the name - they hopefully have heard of the show and the character) in a small role.
The movie is about a group of people getting an information about a treasure ... and then their race against time to get there first. Quite simple actually ... the mayhem that ensues is super funny. You have to suspend your disbelief for sure ... in many respects. Like a clear set design, where people throw themselves through (paper thin) walls ... you can't be mad ... at the movie for that! At least you shouldn't.
May be a bit too long - and may have an ending too many ... whatever that may be to you ... but overall it works! Old school charm ... just go with the flow and enjoy the ride (and flight) ... and the human nature when it comes to riches ... and money ... well the prospect of it at least ...
Exquisite Corpse (2010)
It's a life
Or is it multiple lives? I reckon more likely to be the latter. That all said, this is a nice (s)low budget movie, if you are in the mood for it (no puns intended). It even has Tessa Thompson in it. I am not sure she looks back on this ... well positively. But maybe she had fun doing the movie, even though it does not look like a fun set to be on.
Could be wrong of course, because just because the movie itself is quite horrid and the main character despicable and horrendous ... the filming may have been "fun". The lack of a real budget shows though - it is ok (set design and effects), but nothing that will get you too excited. Also the filming/framing is well chosen to hide certain things. Cut it some slack and you may be entertained ... does not have too many redeeming things going for it - sorry for the pun.
Challengers (2024)
There can only be one
I think that was the very first summary line I thought of - actually it was party of one - either way this is a case of no pun intended. I was spitballing a few ideas (that is not a tennis term is it now?), but I think I am sticking with this one. And talking of sticking with one ... well you could say the characters here have issues with exactly that ... be it professionally or privately.
Zendaya herself took a bit of wind out of our viewing experience, when she said that the movie would not contain anything ... concrete when it comes to love making. Now there is still a lot of hotness and a lot of steamy scenes ... but I reckon it is nice to know, after the trailer may have riled you up a bit ... or a lot.
Talking of that, the movie walks a fine line. It could have gone south with it showing and introducing the female main character as this beautiful goddess. Almost like an item - but there is more to it and her of course. And it will show - every human is more complex than their exterior would suggest.
The timeline is a bit complex but very well edited. We have to guess - what is happening and when. We have visual clues apart from the written ones (a time stamp of sorts) - and we have one major callback ... but the movie makes us wait even for that. It is like ... ok now this will happen - and the other character will remember what that means ... it is the perfect ending they chose ... I reckon you can read into it quite a few things - I know what I am thinking.
This obviously is not Highlander - and no one will lose their head - well not literally at least. Some things can not be helped ... this is more a psychological chess game, a deep dive into human psyche ... than a love story (or multiple love stories - though it is that too) ... Game, set and ... is it a match?
Puppy Love (2023)
Doggy ... love?
I reckon they could not use a different title - it would not be the right ... style! No puns intended here as always. And this is supposed to be a romantic movie - and it is actually. Lucy Hale seems to be right for these kinds of movies and roles. She really is sweet, beautiful and talented enough to carry those movies.
Of course the scripts have to be at least good. And the movies I've seen with her - well she chose wisely I reckon. Of course you have to like these types of movies - makes no sense watching this, if you don't like ... well if you have to watch it, because your partner is into it ... that's a different story. Still try to enjoy it. It's light and fun - and yes predictable ... that never is really an issue here ... add some dogs and you get some more love out of it.
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
30 years later, still the Queen
No pun intended - I never watched the movie before now (well a few days ago). And I think I was wrong or had the wrong idea. I personally would never dress like that - it just is not something I am into. But that doesn't mean others shouldn't do it. And seeing how much fun people are having at events - why would you not want them to just do what makes them and others happy? I am not sure if we have moved enough from back then, but I do hope we will as humans evolve much further and accept any and everyone.
The movie and its actors also walk a fine line. They cannot be too cliche - and they have to be able to make us feel what the characters go through. Really remarkable performances - they chose the right actors for that. I am sure they had a lot of people who know what it is to be in that world ... to always have to fear for your safety (movie does not shy away from that either) ... to have so many insecurities ... you do not have to think something is beautiful, you do not have to understand something either! Just let people express themselves - especially if they are not hurting anyone. And they surely are not.
Great story, great performances and a beacon of hope overall .. for humanity. What is normal now was unthinkable hundreds of years ago - that's ok ... change is not easy ... a wonderful movie, with great songs and joyful sentiment overall!
O Lado Bom de ser Traída (2023)
Who's f... who ...
If you know the band 2 Live Crew, my summary line might make sense to you - still I will go on the record and say once again, whether you get it or not: no pun intended. I reckon even without knowing the song, you can guess what I was saying there (or rather writing).
And the same is kind of true for the story of the movie - maybe I should have written "story". Because there is not really much here. It may surprise you at one point or another - but overall it is easy to predict. The movie is categorized as steamy and while you may have to wait a bit for it to really get hot ... there are some glimpses right from the start ... but the movie does withhold the goods ... well not those goods (nudity), but you know what I mean.
The main actress is really good looking - as are the costars. So this does more or less what you might expect it to do ... and who can be mad at someone who is so gorgeous? Well not me apparently ...
Fuga de reinas (2023)
Getting her(s)
Actually more like theirs - but I wanted to make sure it is clear it is female driven (which I reckon one could call the second pun I make already - no pun intended for either of them of course). The movie is weird - and funny at times. Some jokes land, some others ... could have been better. Overall the movie itself seems unsure what it is - there does not seem to be a clear through line or whatever you would call it.
So you get different vibes from this. The actors are fine overall - and there is some mayhem towards the end that I really loved (it went beyond anything I would think it would do) ... it is female empowerment and it may just be exactly right for you. I am not going to tell anyone they are wrong in loving this - same is true for those who were not able to find much to like in this ... I wanted to like this more and it is endearing in some respect to ... so there is that.
Code 8: Part II (2024)
More codes
No pun intended - actually this is just one other one, but I could imagine that there will be at least another one of those. The story (set in the future) goes from where the first movie left off. If you think the two main actors look a bit alike ... well you are not really wrong. They are cousins - I thought they were brothers, close enough I reckon.
The effects take it up a notch, when you look back at the first movie. But it seems they had a bit more money for this one, so it makes sense. And as with the first movie, this may be set in the future, but it does deal with stuff we have going on at the present. Society always goes through stuff ... and how people will react to that ... well will be a testament of time and history ... bring on the next one I guess ...
Code 8 (2019)
(Code) 8 for me too
No pun intended - and no I did not choose my rating to make this pun (well at least not intentionally, which again circles back to my statement above). I did actually like this - it seems to be a low budget movie that has a fine idea. I doubt this is a future we will ever see or that will ever happen (evolution wise), but who really knows? If this actually happened - remember I am not Kostradamus.
But back to the little movie that could. That is story but also effects wise. And like many good Science Fiction movies, it may be set in the future, it may have things that seem out of this world, but it has topics that are more than relevant when the movie was made.
Acting is ok too - story may be a bit predictable, but it works nevertheless. What people may not have known back then ... this spawned at least one sequel ...
Back to Black (2024)
Once you black ...
Inconceivable you say? Wait I do not think this means what you think it means - I may be paraphrasing here - also no pun intended as always. Black stands for blackout here of course - or general losing ones ability to stand up after falling - which I guess is more or less the same.
I did not know too much about Amy - her personal life that is. Her struggle with quite a few things, family but also personal issues. Her songs all are personal, another thing I was not that aware of. I mean yes Rehab - but even within that song, the lyrics make even more sense when you know the backstory. Or even parts of it.
Great acting - I personally think she did a great job playing Amy - being her even. And the singing was really great too. But the other actors are great too. Her toxic relationships - and not apparently so, as in her love/man. Amy seemed to have done everything with all of herself. Which I guess is quite draining.
Someone said, she would have hated a movie about herself - and if you watch the movie you get that feeling. She surely is not a Spice Girl (and no I am not calling her Shirley)! I am now intrigued to watch at least a documentary about her now. And there seem to be a few. Maybe it will fill a few more blanks - as it is, this was great as standalone too.
Aku wa sonzai shinai (2023)
Time also does not exist
No pun intended - the movie starts off and sets the mood right away. This is nature, this is life here. Do you have the patience to follow, to just watch? The first 10 minutes or so "nothing" happens. Chopping wood, collecting water - but again this is supposed to get your mindset into the tune of the movie.
The english title can mean a few things. As in nothing evil exists in this part of the world. We do not even see a police station or anything of that sort. And while there is no reason for one (no apparent at least), you could argue that once the "intruders" come, it would make sense to have them there - just to show presence or for safety reasons.
So the community seems to work without any higher power - there may not be a mayor either. We do not see a clear leader here. We see different types, a wise one, a hot headed one and so forth. And our main character from the beginning who seems to connect or be connected with most people. And animals for that matter.
We do not get too much backstory for the characters (the viewer has to fill in the blanks for them and a few other story and character beats) ... just one from that community who says at a meeting that she came from the town, but feels like she is part of everyone in that village now.
Nature vs. Men .. and nature within men (and women for that matter of course). The movie may be a slow burn, but it does a great job telling a story and giving us a check. Have we forgotten where we have come from? Is money more important than the well being of others? Because whatever happens at the top, is having consequences to those at the bottom (that come after them) ... yes this is not only true for rivers, but for society as a whole too.
A movie that may test your patience, but will reward you in the end ... speaking of which: while the cinematography does a great job (and may suggest certain things I reckon if you look long and hard at some of the "pictures"), it puzzles us a bit ... what actually happened? What do we believe is going on? This will be in the eye of the beholder. Do our eyes conceive us? I reckon we will see or rather interpret what we want - morally and otherwise ... way more interesting and intriguing than you may think after the first couple of minutes ...
Fainaru fantajî (1987)
Wasn't Final after all
No pun intended as always of course. I never played the game when it was first released, in hindsight and playing it on my console (Playstation), I imagine I would have really loved it. And I would say that I quite enjoyed the game even after all that time - and the ... well not very fine ageing when it comes to the graphics - yes this was not redone, so wash your eyes or whatever you would say.
That all said, the game is about a group of heroes ... heroes who we pick and name. And we also choose their class - it makes sense to pick and choose different characters/abilities to come with that. Since I am new to this game series, I cannot do too many comparisons. I did start playing FF7 that I think was called one of the best in the series? Might have gotten that wrong, but I know the fan base is quite big.
The game is called the same in Japan if my translate search was correct. Which is not always the case - see Resident Evil which was originally called Biohazard in Japan when it was originally released. Also the games, that much I know, are not playing in the same universe. So you get different stories, but also different people every time you play. Not sure if the movies or show portray any crossovers or if they focus on single games. .. or even tell original stories.
One thing is for sure, if you like strategy games that are round based (every character has time to choose their action for the round, if they are not dead or have an effect/spell on them) ... you will love this. I know people who don't like this .... they like it to be real time ... both have their flavor and things you like or don't like. It really is about what you make of it.
With number 7 I saw that they kind of broke that a bit and you could fight whenever. I am sure I can change it back to round based only - but it works so I'll keep it. But however old this is, the game works. And in some respect better than the original part 7 (they have done rebirth and whatnot with it) on Playstation. I could save wherever I want with that - also the map is there for me to know where I am something that seems to be missing with part 7 - at least the version I am playing.
Those who are savvy with role playing games (no pun intended, you know what I mean), may like the fact that you can level up and change the stats of your hero(es). What you may have liked ... to do yourself: do the upgrading yourself. But the game does that for you. At least you can see what is being upgraded.
The foes/enemies spawn whenever and you can level up quite nicely. The story is really nice (go find stuff, equip your troop with the best items and magic where applicable) .. but it has to be your cup of tea. Especially because it is pixelized and all that ... a lot of hours can be put into this too - so time consuming, fair warning of sorts. Final(ly) I played it myself, how about you?
The Woman in Red (1984)
Men will be men
No pun intended - when a prominent figure talked about "locker room talk" a couple of years ago (and his followers picked that up to defend him) ... well you get quite a bit of this in the movie right here. So morally the movie is questionable at best - in a way that you should say do not try this at home. I also would not be surprised if the movie had a warning placed beforehand ... about views and the time this was made ... and it's only 40 years old.
The movie overall also is a bit of a mess ... there is so much wrong with it (apart from the morality) ... and yet the actors/cast really is able to make you root for the movie and them in a way. As long as you remember this is just a movie. Gene couldn't be Wilder I guess ... and I am sure he never heard that one ... all kidding aside, he is mesmerizing ... doing many forms of comedy ... not everything works ... the talking to the wrong person bit is funny at first for example but quite redundant towards the end ... especially the way it is portrayed. The actors are the last ones to blame for that mind you.
But all the flaws aside, the movie does have one of the most recognizable scenes ever put on film ... parodied so many times ... but I had forgotten that Wilder himself had a shot at it ... trying to take the wind out of it of sorts (sorry for the pun). Kelly is quite the force in this ... as is the wife of Wilders character.
Hits and misses ... with an ending that is exactly that too ... have we learned anything? No I am actually asking!
Desaparecer Por Completo (2022)
Since you've been gone
Wait: you have been gone? No pun intended - also I don't remember the group that sang that song. But it doesn't matter because I only used that for my summary headline. No other connection in that sense. The movie is very well shot - and quite moody! The shock effects are really well chosen too.
If you like slow burning and really character driven stories ... well look no further! The movie that dares ... and dares you the viewer too. Towards the end you may think your sound system has issues ... but what you hear ... it is intended! So kudos for being brave and doing this ... it may lose the movie some viewers ... but it will on the other hand give it strong support from those who will absolutely love it ... we need movies to test limits and go beyond ... which could be seen as a pun I reckon ... intended? Well you'll be the judge ... from bystander to main figure ... what would you do? Strong images - beware.
Red River (1948)
The river runs ... actually it doesn't really run
So no pun intended as always. Another classic western as they say ... from Hawks and Wayne! And I just read that Hawks liked the shorter cut better - I did watch the longer cut! Which means I have to go back one day and watch the real "directors cut" as Bogdanovic is suggesting.
That said, the movie has many classic things in it - which also means that it does have things that not aged well. This is about Waynes character and his ... let's call him protege! Plus a lot of sidekicks - the major older one also acts as comic relief. The things that nowadays probably feel cringe: portrayal of certain groups of people ... or genders. Even though I reckon a woman towards the end is showing more common sense than the two men that lead (no pun intended here either).
Also we never really get the perspective of the native Americans (here called a word that I will not write down - the "I" word I reckon you could call it) ... I never thought too much about the role they were playing in many (most) western movies ... until I watched one where they were the main characters ... it really opened (and blew) my mind.
But again this is not what the movie is about ... this is about family, exploring, doing cowboy stuff ... and growing up ... and even a sort of "bromance". Good soundtrack, nice shootouts (even with the cliches) and great cinematography - black and white. The pacing was a bit ... well the long version definitely is too long. But more about that once I have seen the other version ... whenever that will be.
Great acting too - showing us the depths and the nature of (hu)man .... John Wayne was not afraid to show off weakness or flaws ... which makes this all the better of course. Let's go on a trip then ...
Culpa mía (2023)
Watch your Step ... Bro
No pun intended - I guess with more families being ... or rather coming together (not in that sense, get your mind out of the gutter ... well mostly not like that), it was only a matter of time that movies would pick up on something like that. And apart from the legal point being "clear" ... there still is the fact that it feels wrong.
And the movie plays on that notion ... and teases us ... multiple times! It almost happens ... and then almost happens again ... and again. There is a saying, whatever loves each other has also to nag each other. It's a German saying - not sure if it exists in Spanish or English (or any other language for that matter). I only know that the big bad (strong) guy needs to be tamed by our sensitive girl ... both beautiful of course ... we couldn't have it any other way. Be aware what you let yourself into ... and act accordingly ... of course this is predictable ... still the ending was ... quite interesting to say the least.
The Donor Party (2023)
Getting it
You go girl - no pun intended. Is this an instant classic comedy? No - but is it light fun to watch? I would argue that it very much is exactly that. And with the actors on board ... it really is entertaining. Feels like the script is tight too and it does not hold its punches. US movies usually stray away from the ... let's call it saucy stuff - and it's not like you will get stuff here, that will get you hot and bothered (well very unlikely, also scenes are way too short, but hey, whatever floats your boat) ... but it shows a woman going for it.
Or coming for it I guess ... now is it morally questionable? You bet! Is it a movie and have male characters done and been portrayed in way more nefarious circumstances? Again a resounding yes! Just sit back and enjoy a comedy that dares ... and teases ... and finishes off ... well not all - but enough! So no pun intended - unless you can't take it up ... the jokes that is.
Jan Dara (2001)
What comes around ... has issues (coming ... around)
No pun intended - I know the saying goes differently than I suggested in my summary headline. The movie is quite ... open in its sexuality and there is quite a lot of nudity. Just letting you know, in case you are sensitive about things like that. Something you could say the main character is - well he had to endure quite a lot from early on. And we get reminded time and time again about that.
That said, the movie is well told and edited .. and the inner struggle and torment of ... well you could say everyone involved is quite interesting too. Acting is good for a movie with a topic like this. There are some shock factor thrown in for good measure ... and quite a few cliches too. Not sure if this is based on a true story. There seem to be other movies with the same character (name) ... this was the one that I got on my streaming platform, so I went for this ... seen worse for sure.
The Possessed (2021)
The power of ... JJ compels you
Well hopefully it does, because otherwise there is not really that much more to keep your interest up. So no pun intended - John Jarrett ... you may know him or of him, from the Wolf Creek movies (there is a third one in the works and he will be quite happy to return).
But he is switching sides here - he is "good" in this one. Also plays a real person (I do hope Wolf Creek or rather his character in it is not based on a real person) - someone you can see during the end credits by the way ... and the real person seems quite ... I am not quite sure how to put this ... but I thought the "scenes" they were showing were parody ... or bloopers. It felt like someone who lost their mind - I reckon you could argue the movie may have prepared you for that ... I guess it didn't in my case.
I didn't think someone would get away with ... well I'll call it nonsense ... on the other hand, I don't know what he managed to achieve, so there is that ... low budget horror with some decent acting and some good special effects too.
Head Above Water (2021)
HaW at it
No pun intended - another example of me coming up with my summary line on the spot. For better or worse. The documentary series took way more time in preparing their efforts and their interviews and the how they structured the whole thing. Since this revolves around four athletes - how much time everyone is going to get, when and where and all that jazz ... or swimming if you prefer.
Australia does have a lot of beaches - I may not be good in Geography but even I know that an island has that going for it. So the cliche of swimming before walking could kind of be true in this case (is also being picked up and addressed here). You have to love the topic I reckon and if you do, you will have a good time. The 4 episodes are rather short (around 40 minutes), so you can binge this quite fast.
Good interviews and well edited - with some interesting insights and fun stories. Also not connected in any way with the Harvey Keitel/C. Diaz movie of the same name. Just saying.
Girls on Film (2023)
Make it ... Rain
No pun intended - see the main character calls herself Rain, so ... well you understand I think without me having to tell you what I mean. As with another movie I saw recently, I was wondering where this was going - Cam girls, the profession and the person behind (the camera) are an interesting subject - they reveal quite a bit of themselves, but maybe not the really important things.
No puns intended here either - and if you worry one way or another: there is nudity - with a few scenes that could be described erotic. But this is more about human depths - emotional scars and connections ... and the lack thereof. Being connected - yet disconnected.
Being together yet far apart (metaphorically speaking and all that). I think you can tell where this is going early on - still interesting to watch it unfold. The actresses do their best - still not sure the script helps them that much (at least as I see it unfold in the movie, no offense) ... you decide if you have and can spare the time to ... watch!