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Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
At times it felt like The Retconning of Skywalker, such time does JJ and the film spend undoing the groundwork laid down by Johnson. As the foundation is upended and replaced, the film frantically begins to establish its own mythology with mixed results.
There's no denying it has its crowd pleasing moments, and many a great panoramic shots and eye catching battles, but fan service isn't enough to make this installment memorable. The twists and reveals aren't really earth shattering, and although there's no Death Star, JJ once again reaches into his tired bag of tricks for a 'orbiting weapon of mass destruction'.
With the trilogy now complete, I think Disney should use the hiatus to properly lay out the inevitable next trilogy and form a clear sense of direction before a single scene is shot.
3/5
Two keepers fighting and arguing?
Sometimes you have to look a little deeper into a film. What you see on the surface isn't usually the only thing a film has to offer. I'm not sure why you would have seen that one. I could have told you it wasn't going to be for you. Did you watch the trailer? A slow-paced, black and white film by the guy who directed The VVitch? That should have been a red flag.
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I'm dying to see The Lighthouse.
Only the gentle are ever really strong.
Good Time
Decided to check this out to get me prepped for Uncut Gems. It's a kinetic, neon-filled nightmare that turns the most pedestrian of situations into unbearably-tense filled encounters. Unfortunately, it amounts to little as the film ultimately ends on a whimper. Still, the technical skills at the Sadie brothers' disposal help elevate the film and I'm excited to see how they keep progressing.
3.5/5
It's that time of year again. My Favorite Films of 2019!
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Yahoo! I'll give it a read later, Mike.
A NEW GAME BEGINS
Nice list! Not surprised at the #1 but sad to not see The Farewell, which may be my #1 when I do my list.
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Check out my website: PopCulturedwithMovieMike
Add me on Letterboxd: https://www.letterboxd.com/MovieMike80/
Here is part one of my hidden gems of the decade
https://matthewblivingston.wixsite.c...dden-gems-pt-1
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The Lighthouse wasn't around long by me, but I'm eager to see it. Knives Out, too. I just got Spectre from Netflix, so either that or The Irishman, I think, is gonna be my first watch of the new year.
I also really enjoyed Crawl and Brightburn (which was much darker than I think I was expecting).
I missed Captive and I am Mother, though, and am saving Cold Pursuit for a snow day.
A NEW GAME BEGINS
Uncut Gems:
I'm not a fan of intentionally shaky camera work, and frenetic claustrophobic cinematography. I understand that these methods were chosen to show the fast paced-in your face lifestyle Adam Sandler lives, but after over two hours I was a bit worn down. This story of a NYC jewelery dealer who is a gambling addict, a philanderer, a cheat, and a liar is of course like watching a train crash. One can't avert their eyes, but you know it's going to end badly.
4.5/6 beers on the RFSRS
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If you guys like the noisy parts of Uncut Gems, when I get home I'll find some YouTube clips of tea kettles whistling, babies crying and nails on a chalkboard for you. You know, as a late Christmas present.
Finally got around to seeing Spectre last night. Overall, I really, really enjoyed it. The plot was easy to follow (yet not simplistic), fantastic opening (the whole first third of the film was fantastic, actually), great action sequences, score, humor, and I think this was the best Bond has been, both in Craig's acting and portrayal in addition to the character work. My only negatives would be a little bit of a lag in the middle and the villain not quite doing it for me (his explanation for doing what he did felt a little childish to me and he didn't quite feel as villainous as he should've. And his confrontation withSpoiler:was a little too short and anticlimactic for me). I'd probably rate it a solid 8.5/10.
If I had to rank Craig's Bond films, I'd go:
4. Casino Royale (I know I'm in the minority here)
3. Quantum of Solace
2. Spectre
1. Skyfall
A NEW GAME BEGINS