#what2watch2night

[what2watch2night]

Watch To Watch Tonight: 2022 Movie Year Recap

Another movie year ended, all the awards possible big and small have now been bestowed, most have now been made available to all democratically and most have been watched! Even though there is still soooooo much from 2022 to catch up on or sadly unreleased or not made avail to the masses (like that underwater movie we won't mention...) But we all know a lifetime will never be enough to go through years' past watchlists, and we must accept it and move on to the next one as sadly we cannot live in a EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE multiverse where one would be able to do it all at once. So in that spirit let's take one last look at what made us want to live to see it, and that we won't forget because, as the Best Movie Quote of Movie Year 2022 (from THE FABELMAN) says: 'Movies are dreams that you never forget...'

And we sure won't forget these from another interesting 12 months that brought us a truly varied array of films, and although we might not have many “perfect” ones reaching perfect notes (well, nothing reached 9/10 or ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ for us this year,) it was satisfying, entertaining, and there was something for all the feels and emotions.

GREAT STORIES & GREAT FILMS

T’was a good time for wildly imaginative, to just wild and crazy stories from EEAAO to RRR to NOPE, APOLLO 10/2 or EO to even the quieter but less “bonkerz “ BANSHEES (what was it this year with fingers and donkey - definitely the “goat” of this year animal on film!) and the bold BABYLON or BARDO Then we also have our favorite with the “Eat the rich “ and “Let’s Revolt” varieties that NEVER.DISAPPOINT (We live for that sh!t!) with of course TRIANGLE OF SADNESS (that gave us great pleasure with the “I am the captain now” twist), the hit THE MENU, intense ATHENA, weirdos like FLUX GOURMET, MARCEL THE SHELL, WHITE NOISE… Anyway here are the movies that made our days/nights in 2022:

OuR Top Fave:

EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE 8.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐✨ *Bonus Most Every Everywhere All At Once Scenes! (And fight scenes no doubts) TRIANGLE OF SADNESS 8.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐✨ *Bonus Most Memorable Scene!

APOLLO 10 1⁄2 8.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ *Bonus Most Nostalgia Inducing!

BABYLON 8.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ *Bonus Best Party and Movie-within-a-Movie Scenes! ATHENA 8 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ *Bonus Best Crowd, moving, and Longtake Scene! BROKER 8 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

BARDO 8.25 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ *Bonus Best Dreams & Dreamy Scenes! BANSHEES OF INISHERIN 8⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ *Bonus Most Hilarious Dialogue! WHITE NOISE 7.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ *Bonus End Scene! NOPE 7.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

TAR 7.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

BOY FROM HEAVEN 7.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

ELVIS 7.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ *Bonus Music Scene! THE MENU 7.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

AFTER YANG 7.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ *Bonus Best Dance Scene! MEN 7.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ *Most WTF Haunting SceneS! ARMAGEDDON TIMES 7.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ EO 7.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ *Bonus non-human actor! DECISION TO LEAVE 7.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

RRR 7.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ *Bonus Best Genre Switch, Crowd pleaser, & Suspension of disbelief!

We could provide a much much longer list of films from 2022 definitely worth a watch but because frankly no one has time for that with the amount of new films coming at us everywhere here is the next 20 to 100 IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. Enjoy!

MEMORABLE ENSEMBLES There is very little doubt again that this prize should go to either EEAAO or TRIANGLE OF SADNESS. But here are 20 spectacular ensembles from 2022 movie year!

ARGENTINA 1985 ATHENA BABYLON BANSHEES OF INESHERIN BARDO BOY FROM HEAVEN BROKER EEAAO EO KLONDIKE MARS ONE PLAN 75 THE MENU THE SWIMMERS THE WHALE THE WONDER TRIANGLE OF SADNESS WAKANDA FOREVER WOMAN KING WOMEN TALKING

**Bonus: Kid actors ensemble blowing your mind 13TH LIVES AFTER YANG ALCARRAS ARMAGEDDON TIMES BLAZE CLOSE PLAYGROUND PUSSY / SOFT SCARBOROUGH THE SILENT TWIN TILL ​​TORI AND LOKITA

MEMORABLE INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES Well, Yeoh was the GOAT, De Leon was MVP, but if there is one that shine brighter than most and got snubbed it was Mia Goth because; because after all she is a star (PLEASE she is a starrrr!)

Adèle Exarchopoulos ZERO FUCK GIVEN Ana de Armas BLONDE Angela Bassett WAKANDA FOREVER Aubrey Plaza EMILY AND THE CRIMINAL Austin Butler ELVIS Bill Nighy LIVING Cate Blanchett TAR Colin Farrell / Brendan Gleeson BANSHEES Danielle Deadwyler TILL Dolly De Leon TRIANGLE OF SADNESS Eddie Redmayne THE GOOD NURSE Hong Chau THE WHALE John Boyega / Michael K. Williams 892 Keke Palmer NOPE Mia Goth PEARL/X Michelle Yeoh / Ke Huy Quan EEAAO Ram Charan RRR Vicky Krieps CORSAGE Vincent Lindon ANOTHER WORLD *Soooo many more more should did fantastic works from all over the world but we wont name anymore name as this list would be way to long!

STUNNING VISUAL Whether these movies captured the light perfectly, offered us EXTRAVAGANZA with amazing sets and wowing costumes/Hair/Makeup, had us at the edge of our seats due to the immersive action or poetic sequences, or left us emotional staring at gorgeously filmed vistas or simple shots of every day life….

There is no need to explain why EEAAO rules here! Also about snub: ATHENA was the biggest quagmire of this season, snubbed left and right even in France of all places... Sure the story is surfing on LES MISERABLE but it was quite different and the intensity and visual defo hit different too. The techniques (highly recommend watching the BTS) is mind blowing as in Nolan-level of wow every other long takes!

3000 YEARS OF LONGING AFTER YANG ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT ATHENA BABYLON *Yes the party scene but also all other incredible to comprehend scene so left us dreaming like THIS

BARDO *Another maestro directing the hell out of another one, giving us possibly the most immersive oddities of the last season and surreal lyrical contemplations - one of our favorite thing in the whole wide world!

DECISION TO LEAVE DON’T WORRY DARLING EEAAO *They really gave us everything imaginable and we might never see a movie so imaginative visually... ELVIS EO GODLAND MEN *The beautiful imageries one will never forget! NEPTUNE FROST *We are also still here for that keyboard jacket NOPE RRR *The category is: Most Nonsensical Mindblowing Fights! THE NORTHMAN WAKANDA FOREVER *Will always win best costumes AND hair and Make up! WHITE NOISE *Props to the props and all those sets leading to that gran finale! WOMEN KING

**Here are other movies worthy for their look (but don’t be fooled, most of these have equally share, if not more, of substance… ) 13TH LIVES AMSTERDAM APOLLO 10 ½ BANSHEES OF INESHERIN BIG BUG BLAZE BLONDE ENTERGALACTIC INU-HO KADAISI VIVASAYI LEONOR WILL NEVER DIE MAD GOD MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON MATILDA THE MUSICAL NOTRE DAME BRULE PACIFICTION PEARL / X PINOCCHIO PREY SOMETHING IN THE DIRT TALE OF KING CRAB TED K THE BATMAN THE ETERNAL DAUGHTER THE HOUSE THE SILENT TWINS TOP GUN 2 TRIANGLE OF SADNESS TURNING RED UTAMA YOU WON'T BE ALONE

STIRRING SOUND It seems scores and OSTs were probably not as transcending as we would have liked in, but the Soundscape really outdid itself lately! Not sure if it is the advantage of watching almost everything at home with better sound in headsets that really let you drown in the sound. (and the non-annoyance of Cinema popcorn noise and often not optimal sound...) But no complaint on top of composers and supervisors giving us the right tunes at the right time conveying the right vibes, praises are seriously due to all that enhances things for our auditory pleasure from mixers to foley to engineer to musicians...

ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT (*How fitting that the first movie alphabetically is the one with thhose dread-inducing 3 notes! Most Memorable Notes of Movie Year 2022) APOLLO 10 1⁄2 ATHENA BABYLON BANSHEES OF INESHERIN BARDO BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER BLONDE ELVIS EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE INU-HO LIVING MEN PACIFICTION RRR TAR TED K THE STRANGER THE STRANGER WHITE NOISE

Bonus: Great Music Doc YOU'RE WATCHING VIDEO MUSIC BOX MOONAGE DAYDREAM

[what2watch2night]

What To Watch Tonight - The 2022 Series Edition

What a year! Some might complain we had more choices (too much?!) than ever but if this means we have the opportunity to watch a wide range of projects representing a diversity of people and genres, who are we to whine about something that does no wrong? Well, I guess this was also the year of FOMO and goodbyes since so many shows ended or got canceled… So we might as well enjoy the abundance of choices of series, miniseries, and other “made-for-TV” while we can as the future might look a little less generous.

So let’s celebrate and reminisce about some of those we liked this past year that brought us unadulterated joy when we needed it, got us SO emotionally invested and EMOTIONAL, pleasantly occupied our time in the background while maybe-doing-some-light-activity;), they were perfect for when we were bored/sick/relaxing/avoiding “extreme weather events” inside, they were here for us when we needed some fun cheering or a change of perspective, taught us a thing a two, and definitely entertained us to the max - and pluses and beyond!

BEST OF THE BEST

*best of 2022 out of around 150 selected shows…

ANDOR

10/10⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

Well, this is definitely one of those rare flawless shows.

Sure it helps that this was one of this year's STAR WARS series and prequel to *The best* film ROGUE ONE and manage to keep the same unsettling, exhilarating, grounded yet powerful same vibe, and that intensity hitting at the perfect moment.

And of course, it was visual marvel bringing multiple Best episodes of the year(the end of that first Adani blinding bringing us to the sky, the INTENSE final, to the escape from Alcatraz Narkina 5... )

This show excelled in every aspect from banging sound and score (they introduced house music, and a marching band with RE-INVENTED INSTRUMENTS so people could lose losing their minds on Twitter accordingly) We also had as expected incredible special and practical effects, grandiose scenes, and a production design that makes you want to go back to some scene to appreciate all the little details and easter-egg in the background. On top of that, the costumes were probably some of the best ever seen in the series, from the space-chic cocktail dresses to the fashionable impeccable authoritarian uniform, or the creative outfit with wild fabrics and edgy elements, the out-of-this-world yet looking realistic and practical enough that we can just picture ourselves casually wearing them... Enough to say that every single cast member, including extras, was making some serious fashion statement!

ANDOR got it all but obviously the storytelling and direction thanks to CREATOR Tony Gilroy back from ROGUE ONE and all other formidable collaborators and crews, but last but not least the pitch-perfect cast - including the secondary characters - delivered “Oscar-winning” monologues after monologues from the like of Stellan Skarsgård, Genevieve O'Reilly, Fiona Shaw, Andy Serkis... With so many quotable lines combo best deliveries… and timing... “Never more than 12”... 

HOUSE OF DRAGONS

9.5/10⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

Ah yes, the BIGGEST show of the year that hopefully, everyone watched religiously every year.

This GAME OF THRONE prequel might have outdone itself despite being focused on fewer (non-male) characters, stories, and locations. Yet the feeling of returning to something we all cherished was incomparable. Much virtual ink has been spilled on this one so we do not need to tell you how everyone in the cast deserves laurels for best performance, or how some DRAMATIC scenes (mostly involving swords and/or blood) stayed with us long after the episodes aired, or how the tales transported us to Westorosi lands and made us google way too many nonsenses about GOT “history” or fam-theories and so forth... 

But part of its charm was also undoubtedly the post-watch parties on social media with all the reactions and memes - so many memes - for years to come!

ATLANTA

9.75/10⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

What a time to be alive indeed! This is what we told ourselves at the end of each episode (scenes!) of this last season of ATLANTA. The show we will definitely miss the most forever.

Sure last season was…A TRIP (to casually racist EUROPE lol!) but each entry of season 4 was wild wild rides unlike anything else out there and switched between styles, genres, and storylines...

But most importantly ATLANTA not only brought us the most incredible episode of the year but maybe the best ever with 'The Goof Who Sat by the Door'!

To talk about it would be to spoil the reason why it is so perfect but let's say every intrigued viewer was bewildered from the first second, jaws dropped to the floor, and we kept asking ourselves "WTF I am watching right now!"

(then probably followed by multiple “Oh Sh!!!!!iiittttt”!)

This was simply the most genuinely hilarious Brilliant and perfectly executed mockumentary or anything we had the pleasure to screen in 2022. So was ATLANTA as a whole.

It was a little touch of magic, fun, nostalgia, and philosophy every week, making us think and rethink various concepts and ourselves and we will now forever wonder if it was all real or a dream, and we are left with memories AND so many questions left unanswered ...

BETTER CALL SAUL

9/10⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

Another show we had to bid a sad sad farewell to... and this one hurts really bad since it was so bittersweet and many of us “grew up”(at any stage of life!) with those characters for more than 10 years…

This show, although using formulas from its sequel/prequel BREAKING BAD reinvented the wheel and was groundbreaking in its own way, with perfect editing, musical cue, props and costumes, entertaining writing, menacing characters, relatable deeply flawed (murderous/criminal) individuals topped by shenanigans and mindblowing plotting with accompanied montages that will forever be seared in our brain. 

We will miss Saul and all the beautifully executed scams by some of the most oddly bonkerz characters and we will miss the underrated Rhea Seehorn and all the other actors with their tour-de-force performances...

EUPHORIA

8.5/10⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

Ha yes, it had to be here as not only was it a grandiose season but it was definitely one of the buzziest show/pop culture events of the year (with HOD) Returning for a second season even more unbelievable in every way than its predecessor. The show managed to be even CRAZIER and more bold, with incredible chases (mostly while high), tense dramatic scenes worthy of the most dramatic drama, uncomfortable yet powerful meltdowns, and crises, and important moments appropriate for teens, YA, and adults of all ages alike, hilarious youngster shenanigans (also while high), but also a full-on high-school Broadway production basically recapping the show…Very meta!

EUPHORIA aesthetic is surely here to stay representing a very distinct period of our era but its appeal is wider as it is equally style and substance. It is the sort of immersive show that makes you want to tune in every week! (Yes it would have been the most binged show if it was avail in full tho!)

Now, not sure how they can top all the coming-of-age/adulting foolish beguiling nonsense, and that rebellious teenage spirit attitude next!

RESERVATION DOGS

8.75/10⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

We talked about this show last year but this is another case of sophomore season topping it up while staying authentic and fresh. 

RESERVATION DOGS is one of those rare shows managing to be a true dramedy, with scenes that will make you chuckle non-stop and others that will make you want to ball out... Sadly, it took so long for this sort of show to be on our screens but anyone can see that the uniqueness of the narratives offered has such a universal appeal.

Powerful scenes delivered by a cast that “live “ their characters, bleeding facts into great storytelling sublimed by the perfect wicked sense of humor and a heavy dose of surrealism, this is our kind of show!

*Although we had a few projects with a strong indigenous presence this year we can only hope this will become the norm.

PACHINKO

8.75/10⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

An epic tale about a Korean family fighting for its survival and success generation after generation. This series spanning decades set in Korea during the Japanese occupation, then in Japan, is a feat of cinematography and certainly a masterpiece.

Every episode looked like an Oscar-winning best picture, it was crafted with so much care and all actors elevated the already sweeping and potent material to new heights.

PACHINKO was a cinephile treat like no other...

THE BEAR

7.5/10⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Imagine the intensity of BOILING POINT in a series that you can binge in one go because you did not know any better!

THE BEAR made everyone who worked in the restaurant/hospitality industry justice, but also made some of us so glad we are not part of this special gratifying yet hellish work environment!

Despite being low-key and quite short it manages to bring the heat and make a mighty impact.

PEAKY BLINDERS

8/10⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another show we wish we did not have to say goodbye to but hey at least we got a movie coming our way!

The aesthetic, the mood, the brooding, the FACKING AMAZING cast, the costume, the scenery, the sets, the darkness of it all... It haunted our screen masterfully 

FIVE DAYS AT MEMORIAL

8.25/10⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A mini-series not for the faint-of-heart but of the utmost importance. Some might say it was too soon, but we can appreciate it even more now, particularly after these few years of pandemic and climate-change-related catastrophes. This show about helpers and all its heartbreaking complications is not one to overlook.

(Also not to overlook the incredible FX work and chaos of the set recreation of flooding) 

THIS IS GOING TO HURT

7.75/10⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Would make for the most miserable double-watch if coupled with the previous, but this show is indeed one that'll hurt you if you care about the state of the healthcare system, may it be in the UK or elsewhere as it says a lot about societies and nowadays life at large. 

FOR ALL MANKIND 7.4/10⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We slept on this show for wayyy too long but for every space fan, history fan out there this will be the most fascinating show.

WESTWORLD 7.5/10⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I guess we also have to say goodbye to WESTWORLD. Despite the many changes and twists no other show will ever be able to replicate the viewing experience and effect, it had on so many...

Other must-watch and honorable series:

FLEISHMAN IS IN TROUBLE

ONLY MURDER IN THE BUILDING

UNDER THE BANNER OF HEAVEN 

LITTLE AMERICA

INDUSTRY

OBI-WAN KENOBI

IRMA VEP 

THE CROWN

RAMY

MO

THE ENGLISH

SEVERANCE

HANDMAID'S TALE

RINGS OF POWER

MOON KNIGHT

THE WHITE LOTUS

WE OWN THIS CITY

SHINING GIRLS

BLACK BIRD

DARK WIND

DHAMER

WEDNESDAY 

RUSSIAN DOLL

ARCHIVE 81

SHANTARAM

(with special mentions to the entertaining and must-watch show about the villainous “visionaries” and such disturbed individual

WE CRASHED

THE DROPOUT

INVENTING ANNA

PAM & TOMMY

SUPER PUMPED

CHIPPENDALES

PHYSICAL

SERPENT QUEEN

THE OFFER

*BONUS soundtrack of the series year

The White Lotus Opening theme - the remix

[what2watch2night]

THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD

THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD is Armando Iannucci's latest feature “inspired” by the cherished Charles Dickens’s story.  Of course, like many of his projects, it is a comedy film, but being based on the novel - and although “a-la modern woke sauce” - the film is still set in the Victorian era which allows for some drama, dramatics, and historical antics!  We follow the titular character, David Copperfield, in his present-day telling a packed audience in a theater (and us viewers) about his eventful journey since birth. The rest is history but with many twists that Iannucci turned into a literal tale. Not your usual fairy tale but a surprising and sometimes filled with bizarre wonders. THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD is a movie like very few, so because 7 is a magical number,  here are 7 reasons why you should watch it!

   1. The genius casting…

For this new adaptation, they decided to opt for a colorblind casting. Which frankly, should be the standard for all the classics that already had their go with the "appropriate looking cast" more than once (or 10 times!) But here, they really pushed it to the limit of supernatural by also not caring about logic and science! And the result was marvelous and kinda believable (if you believe most people in that era were adopted and racism was never a thing!) We have father-daughter or mother-son and many more members of the same family being from different ethnicities ( a Chinese dad with a Black child, a Black mother with White child) It is a fantastic combination that one can only wish more historical retellings, with or without twists, will adopt but as of now, THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD is the ultimate blind-casting fantasy!

     2. The genius casting...of this cast... 

So not only they managed to make us believe in the impossible but due to this creative casting direction, we end up with a phenomenal cast of British creme-de-la-creme actors. Of course, many of the director’s favs and muses are here among other Tilda (well, she is the muses of them all; the muse of many many directors for our viewing pleasure!) or Hugh Laurie, and the ALWAYS excellent Nikki Amuka-Bird easily shining all in this very large ensemble; if not for Copperfield himself, Dev Patel!

 If the film had to be summed up in one word, or just two, it would be (Sir) Dev Patel! (Yes, we said it: sir! Cuz you know it’s coming sooner or later mate!) Sure we might not get that actual knight movie (but we NEED it!) we’ve all been waiting for since the trailer dropped anytime soon, but hey this is still a good shot for Patel awards and career recognition! (would not that be grand; although apart for the BIFA, the lack of love for the film at UK’s awards is not encouraging) Patel might not be at his best in the comedy bits but the dude managed to make everything so emotional and making people connect to his character 100%.

  Talking about comedy...

    3. The genius casting...of this cast...(being all “commedia dell'arte” and quirky!)... 

THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD might not be as riotous as Iannucci's THE DEATH OF STALIN  as this is more "family-friendly" but the cast truly accepted the challenge and went all in! It is refreshing and also shows their versatility (if we did not know already). And although some might not be sold on this style  (more on this later) it makes this project quite unique or one of the few in this particular field.

    4. The genius...casting of this cast...(being all “commedia dell'arte” and quirky!)...telling this story...  

We are not gonna tell you THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD is not weird especially in its specific subverting of Dickens' beloved story. One might find it outrageous, another one ridiculous, and another sort of charming!  It could be all of the above depending on the scenes but this David Copperfield modern take cannot leave one indifferent as the filmmaker surely made “decisions”!  We still have major elements of the book incorporated and being key to the narrative (him being an orphan, dysfunctional found family, betrayals and hardship, love, the countryside, the autobiographical aspect) but others, and on top of, that “ things happen” for better or worse!

    5. The genius...casting of this cast...(being all “commedia dell'arte” and quirky!)...telling this story...in this surreal setting...

One might say since the filmmakers decided to opt for something a little surreal they could have gone way, wayyyyy, more bonkers and surrealist! Yet the ALICE IN WONDERLAND type of decors, sets, and touches of magic realism here and there, were much much appreciated. (Particularly the beach house with whimsical proportions) It is not really consistent, which is possibly the film's biggest flaws but it helps elevate the material enough so one knows we are drastically departing from the original. 

   6. The genius...casting of this cast...(being all “commedia dell'arte” and quirky!)...telling this story...in this surreal setting...might not be for everyone...

 The use of slapstick, comedy, satire, and massive changes twisting a famous classic is a perfect combo for not being everyone's cup of tea! As one might not like one of the former or all of them… 

Slapstick humor, in particular, is a very acquired taste, but it has a huge potential and many fans all over (C’mon most comedies are suffering because of this… that is the opinion on the matter here like it or not!) 

Satire, on the other hand, when refined might be more niche BUT can produce greatness! ( see THE FAVOURITE or the director’s previous THE DEATH OF STALIN).

Then, taking a Classic and completely throwing important details, or essences of it, out of the window will surely infuriate many! *Especially if “cherry on the dry cake” it is filled with POC!!! Guess conservatives or purists tend to have their - hummm, racist - preferences in the name of tradition and “accuracy”...

   7. The genius...casting of this cast...(being all “commedia dell'arte” and quirky!)...telling this story...in this surreal setting...might not be for everyone...Yet it is one of the best films of the year

 THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD might finish in many best of 2020 lists and it might stay there - or even stay in the top tier of those lists - unless release galore like an avalanche falls upon us or if theaters truly decide to open ( and, if we are still here by year-end and not contaminated through sticky seats, galloping mice, and covidiots moviegoers) 

But, so far, 2020 has been…a trip and it goes crescendo with all sorts of things/events coming up in the next few months worldwide, so who knows if there will still a point to all of this by the time award-season kicks (sometimes) in 2021. Hey, let’s not be gloomy hence if you have not watched it THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD it will surely cheer you up :) And that is something of a bonus as it will transport you to its universe and make you forget what’s up with now!

MORAL OF THIS STORY:  7.5/10

So, we highly recommend you watch THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD because of “the genius casting of this cast (being all “commedia dell'arte” and quirky!) telling this story in this surreal setting might not be for everyone...Yet it is one of the best films of the year!

[what2watch2night]

LA LLORONA...Coming To Terrorize Those Who Got Rich & Powerful by Abusing - Or Worse- Others (And Those Who Stood By Them Saying Nothing...)

Jayro Bustamante Back at it again this time delivering the only LA LLORONA one should watch (forget the stupidly laughable film that was released last year please...)

WHAT IS IT ABOUT:

Before talking about why it is THAT good and why you should watch it (tonight!?)maybe it would be good to know a little more about it, although our motto here is: 'when it comes to film, the less you know the better!'

But since LA LLORONA title says it all but at the same time can be misleading, it is good to set the record straight.

Yes as the title indicates we are talking about the ‘ Weeping Woman’ or a weeping woman that a retired and aging army general can hear at night disturbing his sleep and the lives of those in his house. It could be his old age playing with his head or something otherworldly… The man is under a lot of stress (but surely not enough! ) since he is in the middle of a trial where he is accused of ordering, or participating, or not denouncing a Mayan genocide. That should be enough for you to imagine how the film would play out, but nevertheless, LA LLORONA checks the boxes in an unsuspected terrific way. Where one would await for something very gory and bloody to happen, they are confronted with something much scarier, for example, “how grandpa started sleepwalking with loaded guns in the house” sounds much more plausible and alarming than a witch is hiding in the closet ready to give you predicted jump scares.

Blending, politic, folklore, magic, family drama, socio-economical issues, and the concept of ‘justice getting done and reparations’ into play, a lot is going on here and the layers in the movie might not have been subtly, well” layered”, but the end result is nonetheless punching! (and the ending is sooooooo SATISFYING! Well now, this is one of the most satisfying ending ever. Kind of making it up for great films with great messages but ragingly unjust endings - think PARASITE! ) 

So all in all, it is definitely not your typical horror flick but more of a slow-burn, dread-inducing, psychological drama, full of gripping and unsettling scenes with a peculiar eerie visual and spot-on performances acting this powerful and significant story.

To be honest, it felt more like a Mubi movie rather than a Shudder one, but in this "horror renaissance era" where there is a collective reimagining of what is horror is about (realistic horror vs slasher, or a good combo of both!) LA LLORONA could have a rightful place anywhere as it can appeal to those looking for a great film that makes them think, and also to those looking for their daily dose of ...well dread! 

On one hand, it is the kind of film that reminds us that nothing is more spooky than (evil white) man guilt. Which feels very timely particularly due to the colonial mentality legacy at play here with a public reckoning. 

On the other hand, frankly if we go from the “eat the rich” movie trend to “since there’s no justice in this world let’s terrorize those who got rich & powerful by abusing -or worse- others (and those who stood by them saying nothing)” (whether that involves witchcraft or not!) then that’s a trend we should all gladly get by no?! Disturbing and effective...

MORAL OF THE STORY:  8/10

We waited a year to see this one, so expectations were high but it did not disappoint. Not one bit, to the contrary, it overreached those expectations! Not only it is one of 2020 finest releases so far, but it is also one of the best films going straight to the top #10!

LA LLORONA is no doubt an Oscar level quality, Bustamente missed the spot with his wonderful feature debut IXCANUL - that was Guatemala first official submission, -  and then the very good TREMOR last year was perfect in its own way but last year we saw an abundance of international releases so fair game, but hopefully this time there will be a spot for his  LA LLORONA. Again the only LA LLORONA one should refer to form now on ( apart from the song!)

[what2watch2night]

AMERICAN ANIMALS : A 2018 Must-See

AMERICAN ANIMALS tells a seemingly "made-for-movie" idealistic story of a robbery gone wrong; except, everything that happened is true and we have the real people (perpetrators and victims) to back it up with facts and emotions! As it says in the beginning: "This is not based on a true story, this is a true story" and we have to see it to believe it...

The Story We follow, mainly, the 2 protagonists, Spencer and Warren - themselves and they fictionalized selves played by Barry Keoghan and Evan Peters-  telling the tale of their journey from their day as university students, to petty thieves, to grand thieves, to a somehow redemption path by sharing and analyzing the events via this same movie...Very meta but also very effective!

At heart, AMERICAN ANIMALS can be seen as a(nother) story of the struggling youth and how scarily easy it is, especially at these ages and in this situation, to watch your life get tangled in something you cannot get away from. It is a motif so accurate and well illustrated in many coming-of-age films or movies contemplating teenage/adulting life... Our boys both knew that there were doing something wrong by deviating from their given path to follow a "foolish dream", but they persisted anyway while secretly hoping something/someone would stop them before it was too late.

This story is not uncommon and is something we've on-screen before; whether set in small town, centering around socio-economic/poverty factor or just showing us what happens when kids have nothing to do and get bored. They will often do stupid things and we end up with plots involving drug, crime and, sadly, sometime guns... Isolation and abandonment issues are other patterns shared by these kind of stories that are visible here, especially with Peters scenes.

Watching the film, we come to the understanding that everyone in the group decided to steal those expensive books for various reasons; sure boredom and money were at the forefront, but it was about looking for a "way out". May it be out of town, out of the routine, or the dullness of life thought as perhaps pathetic and common, and while one was looking for excitement or a spark that could contribute in making him a "true" artists (like suffering and pain are supposed to be badges of honor for the gifted creative kind...), one would want to break free of the norm by being or doing special.

The film within the film AMERICAN ANIMALS is one of the best heist movie out there - and it is not like this year is short of them across various genre from SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY to OCEAN 8 to MUSEO to DEN OF THIEVES tothe very obvious HURRICANE HEIST (should be known as "Gon' Wiz Da' Wind & Skull-Monster-Clouds Galore"! ). Maybe, what makes it so, is the fact that they actually (as in: facts!) watched a lot of classic heist motion pictures beforehand, hence replicating a cinematic version of what a robbery should look like... 

But as seen here, in real life, things don't go according to plan and it created a couple of the most remarkable moments in the feature: 'The day of the robbery' .01" was so perfect with the Tarantino nod, props, montage, music, all very Hollywood, but then life happens and we are treated to the fatidical event of 'The day of the robbery' 0.2 OR when we realize that Warren did not take care of the library...

The Cast The whole cast is delivering in a way that we do not think about alternatives and nearly just assume they were the chosen ones.

With characters as entertaining and peculiar as the real people, the film also surprisingly features some of the "best-weirdest" actors of their generation, adding conveniently, to the cinematic layer.

We have Barry Keoghan, known to some of us as the odd kid from DUNKIRK or "the scene-stealer creepy kid" from THE KILLING OF THE SACRED DEAR (from Lanthimos who excels in bringing super creepy performance in utterly and totally bonkers movie! And we had Barry being one of the few who managed to "out-creep" Kidman -  who was perhaps/sadly underused in this one -) and at the center of this project we have Warren or his younger incarnation in Evan, of the "school of Ryan Murphy weird and creepy performances" (truly this is a good school for anyone who wishes to up their game in giving disturbing or dramatic performances like a gift that keeps on giving!). Some might say it was about time to see Peters in a movie deserving his abilities, and while this might not be the one where it get to shine for all; considering the real character he portrayed, he was definitely the right choice. Although while watching the present Warren animated and lively in such a way, some would say a young Mathew McCaugnohey would have been the most exact guy for the job! ( It is almost as if the real dude is totes channeling MM alright alright alright !?!)

And we also have Ann Dowd, as she is now known to most as "aunt Lydia" it was really hard to shake the ominous vibe emanating from her but she fit the librarian profile to the tee.

The Sound Another component that shine from the movie part and the whole, is the the soundtrack. The music and score at time almost felt too good for the true nature of the film and blurred the line even more between what we might not believe real and what might have occurred as the built-up would overwhelm all senses captivating us, thus clouding the analysis for a more experiential viewing. Also not to be disregarded, the "Tensity" of the score and use of sounds (tik-tok of the clock) would not only make a Chris Nolan proud but might as well makes this one of the best composition of the year so far.

Moral of the story: AMERICAN ANIMALS might not be the best film of the year but it is nothing like seen before and a must-see

These events took place not that long ago, yet it felt like a story of an era past with all the timely references sprinkled here and there taking us by surprise, such as THE MATRIX. It seems completely surreal now but this was a time when these kind of schemes were "rationally thinkable" as precious books and people alike were not scrutinized and observed under camera or cellphone lens... The director, Bart Layton, did not choose to exploit the parallel of anchoring the event in this context but made a film appearing rather in the now. It seemed almost experimental in its documentary approach but it is hard to imagine another way around considering the task that was at end and the satisfying aspect of the finished product.

Nevertheless, as great as it reaches to be, the film suffers from some inconsistencies; it is also a little all over the place at the beginning but find its rhythm quickly trying to balance real and reconstitution. There are also a couple of cuts and tone changes creating confusion (like the scene in the principal room) floating between comedy and a tense thriller. Futhermore, it is for better and worse following some kind of blueprint and methodically "ticking boxes" of what we are supposed to see. The documentary aspect of the movie helps to levitate this rather ordinary approach making it less "predictable", yet, as a whole, AMERICAN ANIMALS is as refreshing as it is conventional, which might not be a bad thing and contribute to its accessibility to people who are less prone to "experimental" experience.

This film is blurring facts and fiction - like all films do - and as everything gets more and more unreal and the intertwined interviews add additional coating of confusion with confounding memories; it is hard to tell if the real event went this way or if they "dramatized" a tad too much for maximum cinematic effects.

[what2watch2night]

6 BALLOONS: A Must-Watch "Feel-Bad" Movie...

WHAT IS IT ABOUT: Actually, 6 BALLOONS  is the kind of film better appreciated when less is known... But in a nutshell, it is a story about addiction, the reality of life as an addict and more importantly how it affects the life of the people around; and how everyone get caught in a viscous circle...

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH IT: 6 reasons to watch 6 BALLOONS

1. The Feel

Some says that the best films are the one that stay with you after you watch them; 6 BALLOONS is another example of these movies that managed to make you feel things, feelings, no matter how bad it feels... Because as good as it is on a cinematic point of view and telling an interesting story, the film is deeply rooted in sensate and in feeling. To watch it is a painful and frustrating experience where you can "feel" the agony and torment of the character.

6 BALLOONS is the kind of film that can give you anxiety... While watching it you may feel a ball forming in your stomach, and although unsure about its formation, as the movie progress you realize its sensorial effects on you and, at the end, processing what you just saw, this feeling and this "ball" might not go away.

You can sleep on it and the next day you will still reminisce about it strongly. Surely it might affect in a stronger manner people who are or have been close to similar subject or addiction of any kinds, whether through their personal lives, their friends/relatives, their work, or simply because addiction story can affect anyone as it is real thing, it is a illness.

Actually last time a movie had such an emotional impact leaving the viewers stunt by its intensity, "realness" and its "human aspect" was 120 BPM. Not that AIDS and addiction are to be considered the same ( they are not one is a transmitted immune disease while the other is more behavioral), but at the end people some people die, go through hell and the people around either watch powerless or help the fight to the best of their abilities, trying to get all the help they can get... This idea of being powerless of fighting a perilous fight resonate deeply in 6 BALLOONS as its focus is on the "helper" in a need of help.

2.The Story

Not only this story conveys powerful emotion but it is one of those "simple" story polished yet raw, stating the fact letting the viewers as observer...also helpless. As mentioned before, the story show the addiction not only show from the point of view of the addict but the emphasis is actually on the person who is desperately trying to help...which in itself is a form of addiction. Family, friends caught in this terrible spiral when they think they have to help or they choose to help "the wrong" way when sometime this is not the right solution for anybody... It is a story that might have been told before but never through this specific lens without seemingly obvious dramatization or grand gesture, but again, simply beautifully and masterfully, showing the viewer what is happening while following the protagonist.

3. The Addiction 6 BALLOONS should now be in the canon of "drug and addiction movie" and is definitely one of the best film about the subject. It is not as grand or disturbing as REQUIEM FOR A DREAM (although this one is a masterpiece of disturbing by simply being an Arronofsky!) that defined the genre at its best,  but its impact and message is as valuable; and as it is more grounded, 6 BALLOONS will bring to mind movies such as CANDY, or more recently SMASHED, who also dealt with the subject similarly.

4. The Performances A film like this might have not work if the actors (mainly Abbi Jacobson and Dave Franco) work did not feel genuine. Here, we believe what we see and the emotions involve in the portrayal of the character are just ( again only for the main 2 characters as maybe, sadly, the acting/directing choice was not aligned this way for the other minor characters who sometime where a bit overdoing...) Jacobson's character emphatic struggle is the soul of the movie and what give it its infection "feels", and Franco riveting range between the frantic high and agonizing low are believable in a way that will make viewers bite their nails...

5. The Format

Some movies need to be seen on the big screen to be appreciated justly, but other do not, and although it is always preferable to watch a movie on a big screen with an eager audience, it is not always bad thing . Watching 6 BALLOONS on Netflix, alone in the comfort of your home cinema or in bed will not take anything from this movie. In fact, it might accentuate the feeling of loneliness, dread and anxiety the movie convey. In this situation*, you cannot take comfort in knowing that you will get out of this room soon and breathe, you cannot idealize that you are at a movie just watching art, you have to confront it more personally, fully and for people familiar with the subject, watching the film in a familiar surrounding might even play on the psyche and magnify its emotional appeal. That being said witnessing these film on a big screen when they premiere and the audience know nothing of it is also an ideal scenario, when it comes to screening/theater viewing it's always a matter of having a fair (or no expectation) *(That is for people who stream in  "serious" mode to reflect the cinematic approach you might have watching film in theater, not hitting pause for a break or a call, or having the film in background while answering email)

6. The "Viewing Context" Simply, 6 BALLOONS is one of the best film of the year so far, and while not being what most would consider a "masterpiece" it is an important and meaningful film that is impossible to forget. So even though it is quite early and surely there will be plenty of great movies pouring in (hopefully) as month goes by and festival delivers, this film will always be somewhere in our minds when thinking about the films of 2018. Some scenes will fade other will stand and related to what said earlier, the performances might have a shot at being recognized later, at independent film oriented awards and ceremonies...  Now, for sure, 6 BALLOONS is one of Netflix best film

MORAL OF THE STORY:  6 BALLOONS is a must-watch for all with an interest in the subject and cinephile. As hard or frustration an experience the viewing might be for some its originality and honesty will nevertheless seduce all viewers while other might even find an appeal in the a state of distress the film convey.

There is not much to say about a film like this, there is no theory talks to have afterward, no questions left unanswered, no Easter eggs and hidden message for you to decipher, no need to go into deep thinking and cogito, but just to watch it passively and feeling it... Sometime the simpler things have unexpected consequence...

[what2watch2night]

ATOMIC BLONDE Or Your 2017 Summer Winner And An Addition to the Cult-Classic Genre

Late posting (vacay obligations!) but this only add up to the fact that, after much deliberation or time to think and rethink, and quite a lot of meh-summer-movie-watching, ATOMIC BLONDE is without a doubt the highlight of this past few months at the movie (excluding DUNKIRK who is clearly award-season oriented and more of an “early Oscar release” than a holiday (*preferably not at a beach!) kinda movie!

What a movie! 

Possibly one of the most satisfying films seen this year or ever! Because when we might qualify movie as great that does not necessary means they are satisfying, these “great movies” can be tedious/draining – in a good way- and sad and confusing  and so frustrating (  usually a good Oscar winning  combo). These great films might have flaws but there a grand gesture in them so grand that it eclipsed the rest. On the other hand we have the satisfying movies like ATOMIC BLONDE that excel in fulfilling their purpose thus the viewer. It is quite often an adjective that would be more suitable for the action, adventure/fantasy genre as they might have a more simplistic approach to things ( for better or worse) hence the expectation is clearer and/or more defined. ATOMIC is actually going above or beyond this expectation of checking the box of its genre, it does not encapsulate what would be “perfection” but it is just a delight to watch it and leave you with a jolly feeling of having done something useful! Obviously plot in action movie always suffers the most and in this case, the film did indeed have a bit of a plot issue (especially with so many “spy-movie-related-twists”) that if it wasn’t for the superb execution would have probably lost more than one… This execution is everything in ATOMIC BLONDE! The combination of ideas and talents is sometime all you really need to keep people engaged...

So in 1.2.3 

1.       First thing first: ATOMIC BLONDE is a very fine movie in its own right and possibly be one  of the best comic adaptation of this kind since the first SIN CITY. It might not be revolutionary in its approach but in the current movie landscape it is a breath of fresh air or more like a good slap in the face. Every aspects of the film are polished to the maximum effect from the costume to the lighting and of course, fight choreography... And the one and only Atomic Blonde: The Chalize Theron

As if she is the “queen” made for this kinda shot!

2.       So, let’s talk about the dame shall we!? ATOMIC BLONDE made us forget that we had a Wonder Women on screen already this year! Not that Lorraine is doing wonders (although she is kinda-maybe fighting the good fight for an important cause and in the process saving lives of other agents) but she embodies all what we expect of a Wonder Woman of the modern time; she is the ultimate lady fighter!

Plus Theron went 100% in and it shows! Sometime overdoing it is what it takes and showing all the bruises, pains & suffering and the not-so-pretty side of it is good (although comics/material obliged some insane outfit/heels combination and unrealistic fighting happens but dammit it looks sublime when she does it so we will take it for "cinematic purposes" you know!

SOoooo talking about another dame; or the big "shame...shame....shame" fact is very poorly they used Sophia Boutella special skills...

Not that we want to typecast her into role where she use her" skills" but c'mon the movie beg for it and to give her character a better arc than the sexy french damsel in distress  ;)

3. Talking seriously about the "meaning" of all this; so much as we are seeing an indie-horror revival, the action revival of action done not involving heavy-lifter action figure/superhero trope is the key to success at the BO this summer or in general. Not that it is revolutionary or new-new in any way as in BLADE/MATRIX did for their entire genre. First came the man, the legend; the JOHN WICK; then THE BABY DRIVER and now THE ATOMIC BLONDE.

WE.WILL.TAKE.IT! Cuz’ a little revolution is still a revolution!

MORAL OF THE STORY.

Behold the winner of this summer! Actually, it is a winner both in term of summer-flick attributes as in the general best film/ cinematic sense due to its many qualities, and, in fact if it wasn't for DUNKIRK, which is you know, not-your-usual summer movie (as in depressing and "Why so serious AF")  ATOMIC BLONDE is your guy/lady/person. Well some might argue ‘but what about WW?’ but what about the babe, but think of it as this film being the GET OUT of the period, the one making, the wave, the buzz, the let’s-forget-our-minds-at-work (unless this is your work ;) and why the plot is not so plot-able! hey)  and just enjoy the ride!

[what2watch2night]

A TAXI DRIVER: Another Film Proving Us That One Way or Another a Korean Movie (or 2) Will Find Its Way to Our “Best Movie of the Year List”!

Having no knowledge of the facts prior watching the movie, one would immediately think at the end - or while watching it - 'this film better get some rewards!' and that Korea should finally get a spot at the foreign shortlist table with a movie like this; engaging and accessible while being crafted admirably...Sound quite Oscar worthy isn't it!?

So now that it is picked as the South Korea Oscar's submission for the 90's Academy Award, let's see how fierce the competition will be and how it will compare... Well, in all honesty the foreign film pick is always the hardest one, as these films usually are all so great and unique that they deserve equal chances...Hell most of the time the submissions entries for some countries are better than some titles in the Best Film category! And in recent year Korea proved to be one of these countries alongside heavyweights such as France or Italy. Alas what (some of) the people wants is rarely what (some of) the people gets...)

Seriously, for the last few years Korean titles -who were released oversea or screened principally at international film festivals- have been amazingly beautiful and entertaining. Sometime very auteur-like / "made for fest!" geared to critic/specialty BO  (THE HANDMAIDDEN or THE BACCHUS LADY) and sometime they are just what you would expect of a great Hollywood type movie  (TRAIN TO BUSAN or OKJA, although this last one is technically also "Hollywood"! ) And now, A TAXI DRIVER, which is a perfect combination of everything that makes a movie great for audience and critic alike with the very nice Korean touch!

Indeed this particular sensibility with a specific brand of humor, spread genuinely all around, that would have seem opportunistic if done otherwise and/or played by other is what make the film so fresh and unique. The mix of high production value and capable talents in front/behind the camera (and this delicious music!) makes the film significant and effective on so many level.  

A TAXI DRIVER, in addition of being a solid film on a cinematic point of view, and, notwithstanding few hiccups that some would blame on the "Korean humor style" or the "blockbuster appeal” / hard-to-believe action scenes or useless reiterations that really highlight the "Emotions" in a maybe less-than-subtle-way (cue the violin/slow-mo/show of violent violence/brave innocent/ and small folk hero making history... you know the drill!); has few other good points on its side regarding its content and form. 

First, this is another movie in a line of inspired by / based on real events "important” movies or historical/period piece carrying a great deal of knowledge and information that many might -or might not- know but that re crucial to the understanding of the world we live in; such as historical events (usually international/foreign or on foreign soil/non-US) that were of great significance at the time and shaped nations or change the course of history... 

These films might not usually classify as ‘war movie’ ( generally related to WWI, WWII Vietnam, Civil War, Medieval Europe/British/French ), although the events they treat derived from them (war) or are closely linked, but are often imbued with the same values, codes and theme...Uprising, injustice, violence, oppression of the innocent, (mass) killing, desolation/despair, fight for survival, fighting "for a greater good", making the world a better place... Sadly this is the reality of this world and A TAXI DRIVER is no exception when it comes to portraying the life of the people during the 1980 Gwangju Uprising.

At the center of the movie lies, the taxi driver who inadvertently driving a foreign reporter to a place he had no knowledge of the dangerous state and not knowing the risk he took beforehand; a bumpy ride for a peculiar duo that will grow into something bigger that a basic cab assignment. 

Kim is, in another word, an unexpected participant and spectator of the event that unfolded in Korea, just like us viewer; however he will slowly but brutally get involved in a series of (unfortunate) events that changed forever his life and lives of millions others... 

This driver being your somehow typically flawed hero for a good portion of the movie (at time almost immoral, coward, "apparently-not-so-good-parent, selfish, foolish and borderline simple-minded... Well, that's quite a lot for a hero but he is remarkably played!) redeemed himself in the most unforgettable manner, that, despite seeming as clumsy as our "hero" is sincere and sobering.

MORAL OF THIS STORY: A TAXI DRIVER is a touching and poignant movie that exceed expectations with a surprisingly fitting inconsistent tone, that might not make it perfect (as it is not its purpose) but make it all the more entertaining, satisfying and appearing true to the story feels and character emotions; which is what this film is all about: telling the story of a man, a few good men, a people, humanity, a page of history.

No trailers or summary or anything else you can thing of can do this movie justice, so if you have to pick a few subtitled films to watch this year, A TAXI DRIVER should be one of them; in fact it is one of the best film of the year already!