This story is really interesting, and well-suited for a documentary. However, cringey dramatizations, out-of-place music, and sloppy editing made this film difficult to watch. Embarrassing for Netflix and production teams involved.
Posted by Jacob Hall
I'm so glad this wasn't another cruel narrative about how "awful" puberty is. Turning Red asks big questions about how new generations of women can redefine their identities, and not-so-big questions about how a giant panda could participate at a middle school birthday party. I grew up knowing Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and The Incredibles. Now I'm in my 20s, and Pixar is still producing some of the best films I've watched. With Domee Shi directing, they're telling stories with more nuance than ever, and I can't wait to see what she has in store next.
Posted by Jacob Hall
Reading about the making of this film, I learned that the animators were mistreated, and given far too little time to achieve the visual effects. I'm so impressed that, in my opinion, they pulled it off. Who cares if a human hand is visible, or if someone's feet doesn't quite touch the ground? The eccentric proportions of each set were weird in a good way. Feline features made the choreography more sensual, mysterious, and fantastic.
Posted by Jacob Hall
Held up nicely the second time! Each story is worth watching, with a few really stand-out moments.
Posted by Jacob Hall
Wow so Harry was a complete asshole the entire time and Sally somehow put up with him? No thanks
Posted by Jacob Hall
Don't let those three stars fool you: this is the best film I've ever watched.
Posted by Jacob Hall
Aw man I forgot how much I love this film. An adventure equal parts silly and meaningful, with strong social commentary just sprinkled right on top 🍨
Posted by Jacob Hall
Things that slap:
○ The sound effect that played every single time Ella's gift was activated
○ Pretending that the green screen shots worked well
○ Every scene with the snake
○ Giant farts
○ Critiques of capitalism in a 2004 kids movie
Posted by Jacob Hall
This film had me so stressed out! I agree with the reviews comparing it to Uncut Gems (2019): beyond Jewish themes, they share a relentless sense of panic. Shiva Baby felt more like a nightmare, with Danielle's friends and family crumbling almost as much as she is.
Posted by Jacob Hall
You know what? Encanto surprised me. It hit all the beats I was hoping it would, and tied the plot up with a lovely bow. Beside a few songs that felt rough around the edges, there was an attention to detail in this film that makes it worth watching.
Posted by Jacob Hall
Less San Francisco, more orphans and problematic feminism!
Posted by Jacob Hall
Oof. When I watch a film this bad I like to check and see if the budget was a limiting factor. $26M and you didn't put a second pair of eyes on the script? Once Mia got a makeover by a body-shaming asshole, her life turned upside-down with fame and power. With mediocre acting, flat cinematography, and a cliché Disney ending, I wasn't a fan! The star is for the few gags that made me laugh.
Posted by Jacob Hall
During the opening credits, music is mixed over the dialogue to make a confusing mess of noise. Things get more and more suffocating, as we watch Howard make one bad decision after another. An artistic and well-paced film that is hard to watch.
Posted by Jacob Hall
Every shot is stunning. The plot was less important than the exploration of meaning in relationships, architecture, and life. The dialogue was a bit rough at times, but beautiful at others. I recommend this film!
Posted by Jacob Hall
So much to like in this film! Sally Hawkins' performance was stellar, the visual aesthetic was dreamy, and I fell in love with Giles. There were moments of romance, excitement, and comedy all paced out very nicely.
Posted by Jacob Hall
Oh wow that was trash. I can't think of anything nice to say. Goes to show that an all-star cast and $17M budget does not guarantee a good film.
Posted by Jacob Hall
This film had a unique style to it, but I don't feel like it had much to say. Yay for mending some relationships on the last night of high school?
Posted by Jacob Hall
I've been excited to watch this film ever since I saw The Florida Project (2017) and Starlet (2012).
Tangerine grew on me. With fantastic acting, pacing, and camera work, this film builds a narrative that feels human and raw. By the end, I realized how invested I had become in the characters and their journey.
Posted by Jacob Hall
Cashback has some artistic moments, and some that don't sit well with me. It tried a bit too hard to be profound, and didn't clean up after itself. I love the aesthetic of setting a film in a supermarket though!
Posted by Jacob Hall
I got my Moderna booster, fed the dogs, got mildly intoxicated, and watched Palm Springs for the first time. And it delivered the exact vibes I was looking for.
Posted by Jacob Hall
I enjoyed some of the stories, but the animations that accompanied some of them really turned me off. I would have enjoyed this film much more if it was just interview footage.
Posted by Jacob Hall
Ugh I love romantic movies, and this one was so cute. I did take a few points off for how gendered the premise was.
Posted by Jacob Hall
Curious how hard middle-aged Danish men can go? Look no further! This film reads as nuanced commentary on Danish drinking culture.
Posted by Jacob Hall
Wes doin' what he does best. It was fun to see the same cast members from his previous movies, appearing like old friends to tell the latest story. I loved the sets, costuming, and mixing of b/w and color shots. I felt a bit lost by multiple plots held together by characters I didn't care about very much. If you enjoyed Grand Budapest as much as I did, you'll enjoy this one too!
Posted by Jacob Hall
