A delusional young man strikes up an unconventional relationship with a doll he finds on the Internet.
I knew this movie was going to be heart-warming, but it still suprprised me.
The way everyone sorrounding Lars treats him with such care, and respect, and love. Everyone's performance in this movie is a masterpiece. Ryan Gosling as Lars is the perfect heart of this movie, Emily Mortimer as Karin was so lovely, and empathetic and was such a beautiful character. I'm so used to watching characters be hard headed and stubborn just to add drama and conflict, but it can be so frustrating to watch sometimes, especially when you sympathize with the character they are not listening to, but this doesn't happen in this film at all.
It is such a lovely movie, it deals with psychology, and mental illness in such a kind and caring view. I highly recommend it if you haven't seen it ★★★★.5/10
This is not a love story. This is a story about love.
Tom, greeting-card writer and hopeless romantic, is caught completely off-guard when his girlfriend, Summer, suddenly dumps him. He reflects on their 500 days together to try to figure out where their love affair went sour, and in doing so, Tom rediscovers his true passions in life.
How to start?. There's two notes, the only notes, I wrote down when I was watching this film:
4 minutes into the film, a CHILD (his little sister) is called to take care of Tom, because he feels SO BAD he is breaking plates, and his ADULT friends can't get through to him.
Summer: emotional unavailability? Emotionally immature? (From the breakup scene at the diner)
This should be a good summary of what I think of the characters in this film. The film in itself I quite like, I like the narration, the style, it's authentic, and bold, although the non-linear storytelling was a tad difficult to follow, and made me feel like I was only watching certain parts of the story, and I would've liked to have seen more of this characters, maybe even see them face accountability for their actions.
I originally wasn't going to do this review, but after seeing so little takes that fulfilled my sensations after watching the film, I decided to contribute my thoughts.
Tom clearly idolizes Summer, and seemingly many, if not all, the women he has had an attraction for; see the first scene, where he is breaking the plates and his friends refer to his sister saying "It's Amanda Heller all over again". Clearly this is a pattern for him, he falls in love (debatable but let's buy into that for now), he rejoices in unmeasurable bliss, and then falls and crashes out when the relationship doesn't work out perfectly. He ahs done that before, he will do that with Summer, and he might even do that after Summer. As soon as he starts showing affection for Summer, his friends are concerned, take the scene at 13:31 for example: He says to his friend he is in love with Summer, and goes on to describe all that he likes of Summer, her laugh, her knees, I would say that these are very superficial things, especially if he is claiming to be in love with her, although I still am confused as to what stage they are at this point in the relationship, stil the point stands. He then starts talking, about how he feels in regards to the situation, he feels like anything is possible, like suddenly life is worth living. Clearly, this affair, this love, this infatuation, is his driving force, he might not know much about Summer, but this relationship is making him feel good. "I love how she makes me feel" . His friend's response to all that is "This is not good". Telling? Yes. This is Tom's thing, he does this.
Side note: I also find it interesting that when his coworker is first telling him about Summer, saying that she's a bitch, he immediatly buys into it, taking a stand aganist her as if he had personally seen or been part of an altercation with her.
Also his little sister's take is a complete foretelling of the whole film, showing that Tom is maybe lacking emotional maturity, or social skills, because his 12 year old sister is able to tell him something he takes the whole movie to find out, "just 'cause some cute girl likes the same bizarro crap you do, soesn't mean she's the one"
I'll try and summarize my thoughts on Tom, because this is getting long, and I still want to talk about Summer. he idealizes Summer, putting her and their relationship on a pedestal, missing her warnings of not wanting a committed relationship, he doesn't care about her as much as he thinks, clearly this relationship is making him feel better, more confident, more outgoing, more capable. "I don't want to get over her, I want to get her back".
I don't like Tom, but Summer isn't perfect either. Summer clearly has a habit of avoiding conflict: when she talks about "breaking up" with Tom, and he clearly doesn't like it, she is uncomfortable, and decides to shelf the conversation, turning to the food instead, almost as if nothing had happened. When they are talking about Summer's past relationships, she says the reason they broke up is "Life, what always happens". She does it again, when they come back from the bar where Tom started the fight, instead of talking about what she disliked, or how she feels, she kicks Tom out. The argument they have in this scene is very telling to both their positions in this dynamic. This aversion to talking about her feelings makes her seem even more unreachable to Tom, and doesn't help with this idealized perfect view he has of her, he doesn't know much of her, and when she opens up, he doesn't see her vulnerabilty, he sees a reward.
Summer very clearly doesn't like labels, her parents divorce made her dislike relationships, she doesn't believe in commitment, at least while she's with Tom, she likes Tom, but is scared to commit, and can't give Tom what he wants, but she likes to keep him within reach.
Basically, Tom wants a relationship with Summer, but he is so infatuated he doesn't realize she can't do that, and Summer can't do that because she sees that Tom is volatile, idealizing her and can't commit to that, because she is just not that into him, and he doesn't help his own cause.
Overall, a good film, kind of reminds me of The Last Five Years, wish it had been more self-aware, and less manic pixie dream girl-ish. Wish we had Summer's perspective. ★★★.5/5
Set in a dystopian 1970s, the film follows fifty boys in an annually televised competitive walking contest, meant to inspire viewers. Each boy must maintain a pace of three miles per hour (4.8 km/h) of nonstop walking for days, and failure to do so after three warnings results in death. The boy who lasts the longest wins a large cash prize and the fulfilment of one wish of his choice. Based on the novel by Stephen King.
There will be spoilers ahead!
This film. I'll start by saying I kind of knew what I was getting myself into, though I found out this was a Stpehen King novel right before watching it. Number one thing I liked was the anachronistic/timeless feeling. Loved seeing new (to me) faces, the only actor I knew was Roman Griffin Davis, and I actually watched the film for him almost, I wanted to see what he had been up to since JoJo Rabbit... I was in for a surprise.
I knew they were going to die, but it still was very surprising just how graphic this film was. Fitting, but I was not prepared. The title sequence coming in after Curly dies is such a good choice.
I found very interesting how, before the title sequence appears, the possibility (or more accurately the timing) of their deaths is a looming presence, (the silence that falls when Art says he's there to make friends, the gun in the back when one of the kids is tying his shoe) clearly because they know it's going to happen, but the audience, if they haven't read the book, doesn't, and even once the audience finds out it's still very tense, because you don't know when or who. I loved how this movie built tension.
I'd like to point out how to me, in the begginning they almost seemed cattle: the tags with just numbers, not the traditional army tag, the gun to signal the beggining of the walk, the dog barking at them, the dead cow at the side of the road, as an omen, a foreboding.
But also how they're seen almost as doing a service for the country: the police officers saluting them while they walk. Why would they be there?? Why would they take the time to stand and salute?? Because the boys are doing a sacrifice to their country. They are the sacrifice. I tought the phrase that Garrety said helped illustrate the situation in which they are: "Everybody puts in for it, 'cause we're so fucking desperate". He says this before anyone dies, so it builds tension super well. But also illustrates the sheer and desperate need that controls the population.
After we see what happens to Curly, and we hear the marching in the background, it's clear. That's when I started to feel physically unwell. I have never had trouble watching gory films, but this film plays with the caring and juvenile perspective on these boys and then absolutely destroys you.
The 100 miles being PAINTED on the side of a building was incredible, the whole situation was so... not ironic, but almost sarcastic, the sign off the side of the road??. None of these boys actually wanted this, nor knew what it would actually feel like to go through this.
Another moment I liked, after Barkovitch's death, when Garraty is looking at the horses, how they're distressed and walking together in circles, aimlessly, while confined, and you can hear Ray trying to keep everyone together. They almost mirrored each other.
Overall an amazingly written movie, amazingly acted, through and through, with an incredible score that built tension incredibly well. I could talk about it for hours, the metaphor for war and dictatorship is amazing. ★★★★★/5 Would watch again if I could stomach it. (Although I think these movies are better when you leave with that first impression)
P.S: I noticed how both the Major and the letter at the beginning just say Luck, not Good Luck, I know it's for a reason but I can't quite see the meaning of it, if anybody knows, let me know.
Detective Benoit Blanc teams up with an earnest young priest to investigate a perfectly impossible crime at a small-town church with a dark history.
Well, to say I am an absolute fan of the benoit Blanc trilogy. I have said before I am a sucker for films with an individual sense of style and personality. I will do a review of the other films in the series but since this was a first-time watch I'll lead with this one.
Number one thing I adore in this film: LIGHTING. Especially in the first scene Father Jud has with Blanc, the sunlight fading in and out absolutely floored me. It looked so natural and flowed so naturally with their conversation.
Also in that scene, Blanc calling Father Jud "Padre" at the end of a sentence and then immediately calling him "Son" at the beggining of the next. Beautiful, very Blanc-esque and sets up their future dynamic from the get-go.
Those are all the things I managed to write down to talk about because for the rest of the film I was swept up with the story. This case feels very different to the rest, I'd have to re-watch the previous films to see if it really is all that different or if it's just my imagination, but having so much introduction time with Father Jud really worked. He is a really beautiful character. Very complex, but set in his ideals and morals. Costume and makeup department did an amazing job, his tattoos are an amazing detail and serve as a reminder that he isn't the traditional priest, that he has lived a lot before becoming part of the church and that makes his conviction all the more powerful.
Back to the story(telling?). I felt it different, not bad, just different. I think that the organization of the film did a good job of not making me miss Blanc too much. I was scared that I'd leave the film wanting more, but I didn't. While I'd love to have more iterations of the Blanc series, I feel satisfied ith this being the last one. It felt more convoluted than previous films, and it was very entertaining, I had my own suspicions of what would happen, because it makes you think it's one thing, and then it's another completely, but it makes sense. The real way a plot twist works. (Little detail I loved, the way it ties back to him writing from the beginning to "in-real time", really scratched and itch, it was super fun)
I liked that they didn't make Officer Geraldine a laughing stock, or an outsider, or an obstacle. Usually that's the role of an officer of the law next to a private detective. That said, I do wish she had had more of an active role in the film, maybe be even more of a threat, or more of an ally.
The way this film talks about organized religion, and hatred, and maybe even cult-following, is masterful, and a very interesting watch. I'm not from the US, but I can see just how relevant this is for so many places in the world.
Overall, loved this film, would def watch again
P.S.: Blanc is cannonically friends with Sondheim, so even though I appreciated the show tune appearance, I wished it hadn't been Andrew Lloyd Weber.
 The film stars Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, and Christine Taylor, and tells the story of a wedding singer in 1985 who falls in love with a waitress. Spoilers under the cut!
So, this film I watched after 50 First Dates, because I needed something sweet, and this film came through. Both Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore are at their most adorable. Again, their chemistry is lovely.
The humor of this film I quite liked, keep in mind, it's from 1998, set in 1985. It can be quite random at times but I found it funny.
The storyline is so sweet, and loved seeing how sensitive the male characters of this film are. Especially Robbie, he was a super soft man, who cried, and felt fully. The thing about him is that the rest of the characters we see in this film aren't like him, there are some pretty weird men in this film, but it also presents Robbie, in contrast. It was so refreshing to see. Even the womanizer-type has a moment when he talks about how he feels, deep down. This film is def going in my top rom-coms. ★★★★.5/5
I have been wanting to watch this film for quite a while, so here is my review!. Spoilers under the cut!
 It follows the story of Henry Roth, a womanizing marine veterinarian who falls for an art teacher named Lucy Whitmore. When he discovers she has amnesia, and forgets him when she falls asleep, he resolves to win her over again each new day.
Now, I have to talk about a few things first. Most of the actors in this movie are white. This movie takes place in Hawai'i. Rob Schneider plays Ula, a local. Rob Schneider isn't Hawaiian. I don't think that the character he plays is based on stereotypes or anything, but it's an uncomfortable watch. To have a very odd, almost gross Hawaiian character be played by a non-Hawaiian actor, for laughs, was awkward. He isn't necessary for the plot at all. Adam Sandler's character could've definitely had a different friend to talk to and lean on, and the plot wouldn't have suffered. But, it IS a 2004 comedy film with Adam Sandler, and friends. Some humor has aged.
Apart from that, I think that the story is well told. I love the acting, Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler have amazing chemistry and they are the heart of the film, next to Sean Austin and Blake Clark, who play Lucy's brother and father. It truly is a very touching story, and I love the ending.
I think that the portrayal of what it's like for Lucy's family to adapt the way they have to her memory loss was very real. You can see how much everyone in this film loves Lucy, and how far they are willing to go for her. All of the main characters in this film are so sweet, (except for Ula and Henry's weird co-worker, what's the deal with her?) they really make the film worth it, despite the aged jokes.
I read someone complain about Adam Sandler-isms. In my opinion, his humor is what makes this film be watchable without it being too heavy. He really manages to find a middle point between humor and authenticity and I really enjoyed his performance. I believed him.
Anyway, I think it's a really nice film. It's from the 2000s, yes, but it's nice. I cried a lot. ★★★.5/5
I am not a big fan of superhero movies, but from what I had heard of this film I thought I'd give it a go.
I very much enjoyed it, sometimes the exposition felt a bit much, but overall it was very fun.
I loved this take on Superman, David Corenswet played a very sensitive, kind character, which I feel we all need right now. Having Lois be the one who softens and opens herself to being with superman and understanding him was very well done, we all need a reminder to soften every now and again. I have loved Rachel Brosnahan since Ms. Maisel and her take on Lois was nice, I would've liked to see more of her in depth.
Having Superman have this "being kind is punk rock" ideal was very validating, not going to lie. I think this movie came out at a time it was needed, I'm very happy for all the people that are going to watch it and get it.
I'd like to see more of this universe and this Superman, so far I like it very much. ★★★★.5/5
I love Sandra Bullock in this film, she is so charismatic and likeable, she grounds the plot really well. I was scared that it'd be a chain of miscommunications for an hour and 40 minutes, which it kind of is, but it wasn't frustrating to watch at all. It was lovely to see how it all played out. By the hour and a half I was getting restless, 'cause I had seen the wedding scene already and I thought it was later in the movie.
I wish we had seen more of Ashley Bacon and her actual husband, that was a wild 10 seconds of appeareance.
I adored Jack and Lucy's chemistry. The lean discussion?? Gagged.
It's a film that is full of questionable choices made by the character, made from a deep sense of need and shown in such a loveable way that you can't help but love her too.
I think it's a good film for my generation to watch. We have grown too accustomed to having very well pruned characters, and/or heavily criticized characters (both in-universe, meaning, during in the actual piece of media, and out) if they have flaws. This film is a good way of finding a character that makes questionable choices and doesn't make you hate them.
Lovely rom-com, the 90s and 2000s and earlier is such a lovely era for this genre, would watch again, maybe during the holidays. ★★★★/5
Hi! This is my first review, and I decided to start with a bang, pun intended. Yesterday I watched Secretary for the first time and I obviously have thoughts. (spoilers under the cut)
Secretary follows Lee, (played by Maggie Gyllenhall) and her relationship with her family, and boss (played by James Spader), who she meets after leaving a mental facility and starting to work in a law firm as a secretary. There she discovers the world of sadomasochism. Can I write that on Tumblr?
First of all I loved it. I love films that are unique and aren't afraid to show personality. The set design was wonderful and so was the costume design. I love a color coded character and seeing Lee in purple for the first like 20 minutes of the film was lovely. I love that purple rain coat.
Many have spoken about the sign at the front of Edward's office, but I particulalry noticed the differences between Lee parent's house and Edward Grey's office. Lee's house is so stimulating, and not in the way you think. There's so many colors, purples and pinks and blues, and so much clutter. I don't know if it's just me but it felt so much to look at. (To clarify, I love this design though, I don't mean all this as a critique, I recognize that it's on purpose), but when we get to Grey's office it's all earth tones, muted greens, and browns and wood tones, and it's so simplistic.
Speaking of Grey, let's just get right to the point. I love Edward and Lee's dynamic, and also their personal dynamics: starting with Lee, I really like the take on her mental health, and portrayal of self-harm. It's respectful, and real without it being over-dramatic and heavy. It's just what she does, and she has a complicated relationship with it, but also it lets you understand her, and root for her when she finds fullfillment with this relationship with Grey and their and mechanic. I really like that Grey is shy, and very awkward, there's something so comical about James Spader's face in those moments where Grey panics. He fumbles so many times in the movie, and that is so special to me. I really like that he isn't comfortable with this side of himself, that even though he enjoys it, he feels guilty, and wrong. Lee is just the right person to love him without making him feel wrong. It works just right for the both of them.
I saw a little clip of Maggie saying in an interview that the little detail of the pinky when they both had their hands on the desk was her way of adding consent, and I noticed it while watching, and I really think that is very beautiful. Situations and depictions like this in media can be tricky, kinks can be very stigmatized and/or untruthfully represented. Now, I don't know if this movie is a faithfull representation, but I think that moments like that, and the scenes with Lee confirming that attraction, are very smart ways of showing consent.
(Also that little scene with Grey treating? the orchid, I honestly have no idea what he was doing, but when Lee walks in his office and he's very carefully taking care of an orchid flower. That is a very important scene. That shows to us that he's careful and soft, or that he can be if necessary. Orchids are very complicated and delicate flowers, if he can take care of them, that says a lot about the care that he can put into things)
And as a small little tought, i think that this is a film that depicts very well the grand spectrum of female erotica, and it does it very beautifully and honestly, completely true to who Lee is as a character.
I think that is very well written film, it shows situations that, to me at least, are uncommon, and can be very weird to suddenly see from such an intimate perspective, but I found myself enjoying it very much, and rooting for these characters to find fulfillment in each other and within themselves. It completely sets up both Grey and Lee for total success, obviously, and lets them be together happy and without guilt.
All in all, very beautiful film, enjoyed it very much. Would watch again. 4.5 ★★★★½
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