As I am sure you have noticed, I love movies and watch a lot of them. I don’t review everything I see, as a lot of the films have been covered, BUT once in a while it’s fun to give a big rundown of what I have seen, and here we go:
Sheep Detectives
Hands down my favorite movie of the year so far. It’s heartfelt and surprising in how it handles grief and loss. What seems like a silly kids’ movie is elevated by sincerity toward the characters and faithfulness to the mystery genre. It’s great.
Backrooms
I have been a fan of the web series for a bit now, and it gives a vibe I adore. I wasn’t quite sure how a feature film would capture the expansive lore of the series, but instead of trying to answer every question, it offers a fresh look into that strange and chilling world while also expanding the lore in unexpected ways. I loved it, and if you are a fan of slow-burn, big idea horror, you will too.
Faces of Death
Aside from having seen the fourth entry in the series at a midnight screening, I can’t say I have sat down to watch any of these mondo movies. My taste for watching people die faded when I left my teens. The new film takes the IP and reframes it into a new idea, using the original series as its basis. It’s a great idea that almost feels obvious. It doesn’t change the game, but it’s a solid film with a great lead. I enjoyed the heck out of it.
Send Help
Even as a huge Raimi fan, I have to admit that I wasn’t feeling this one. I am not sure. It just didn’t catch my attention fully. I was finally able to see it, and found it was exactly as I anticipated. It’s very well made, and well acted. It’s got some great moments. And, overall, it’s fun. My problem was that it just felt by-the-numbers. It felt like it had no real wrinkles to add to what you expect it to be. It’s fine. It’s decent. But it’s utterly forgettable.
Undertone
Great premise, with a creepy, slow-burn intention that just doesn’t work at the end. It’s super creepy, and has some great moments, but, like “Send Help,” it feels like there’s no surprise to be had here. Some will love it. I thought it was OK. Again, forgettable.
Moana
In my mind this film is like going to see a really cool classic rock band you like, but which only has one member of the original members left. They play the same songs, they do the same stuff, but it doesn’t feel the same. It feels like a greatest hits by a cover band. And that’s what this is. The lead is good, the use of indigenous actors was great, but it just doesn’t give you enough to warrant remaking the animated classic so soon. It feels like Disney is desperate, and maybe they are.
Ready or Not 2
A really fun sequel to a great first film. While not as good as the first – it’s not really a story idea that can be replicated with the same energy – it is a very fun time. The film starts exactly where the first ended, and is a freight train from there. If you liked the first one, you’ll like this one.
They Will Kill You
Another movie I went in with no expectations for, but which wowed me. It’s a simple premise we have seen before, but the film’s actors, and direction give it its power. It’s so weird, and mean, and fast-paced that it’s another favorite from the first half of the year.
Minions & Monsters
While not as good as the other entries in the side-series of films, this is a great introduction to cosmic horror and old movies for kids. The movie meanders a bit, but it’s great seeing all of the nods to classic movies and strange space horror. Not essential viewing, but it’s a good time. (I will say that this falls into the – why is this in there – sort of thing I am finding in films aimed at kids, with a scene of a beheading in this one. Why?).
Masters of the Universe
I had some He-Man figures as a kid, but can’t say I was a super-fan. MAN, though, this film nails the vibe of the original cartoon. Silly, heartfelt, and full of really epic scenes, fans of the old toys, and cartoon should love it. It isn’t perfect, but man, is it fun.
Iron Lung
A very well made, creepy movie that is a lot too long. It is the definition of slow-burn, but the acting is good enough to keep yuo invested. Not a necessity, but it’s pretty decent.
Obsession
I wasn’t sure what to think at first, as there are some very cringy moments in the film. The thing is, they are intentional. This is a story of wanting something without understanding what you want and why. The film is about the strong feelings the main character has for a woman he is friends with, feelings he defines as love, but which don’t have the depth of an adult love. The film tells the story of four friends who are adults, but not quite acting like it fully. They gossip, they lust, they betray, they conceal, and they do everything but come to one another honestly. The movie is powerful in that it raises a lot of questions it doesn’t bother answering, leaving you left sorting things out for yourself. For me, every character has the flaws of that age, and experience, but its our main character who gets exactly what he wanted, and quickly regrets it. I liked the film, but your mileage may vary.
And there you have it. Lightning round reviews.
Phew.
What are you watching this year?
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