Posts

Addams Family Values

⭐ 8.5/10 (Originally written by Joseph) It's a little late for a spooky season recommendation by now, but I really loved this one. I knew nothing about the Addams family, but Jess has been a fan for years and this night she let me in on a very special entry in the Halloween pantheon. This movie is actually very funny and really felt like a great 2021 movie with all the girl bosses and edgy, dark humor. One strange quality this movie has is that I'm not exactly sure who the audience is. It plays mostly like a kids movie, but some of the jokes are pretty mature and others are VERY dark. But anyways, it's was perfect for me for a Friday night. It really was hilarious and I was not expecting that. Easy MVP to Wednesday, though Gomez and Morticia are really the heart and soul with their wild, sexy relationship that really oozes with BDSM weirdness. If Fester was a little less annoying here, this movie would be top tier.

Ted Lasso (seasons 1-2)

⭐ 10.0/10 (Originally written by hoodie_logi) Also realized that I never reviewed this absolute smashing hit. It has been so long since I've been this enthralled watching a sitcom for the first time. Ted is probably the most likeable character in the history of the tv, and the rest of the cast follows suit so well. My favourite part of the show is that it is so focused on positive and meaningful character growth. It's not cheap character development at all. Characters need to communicate, overcome their demons and wrestle with their own shortcomings in order to become better versions of themselves, which is Ted's mantra as a coach. And those that don't follow this path of becoming better in a community, take the path they chose and turn inward. All the growth just has so much real and raw emotions at stake. I found both seasons just as compelling as the other, and cannot wait to see more of this show!

Lifeforms - Angels and Airwaves

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by hoodie_logi) I still believe the best thing for Tom DeLonge's career was leaving Blink 182. Angels and Airwaves has been a band I've been following for years now, and their first album in 7 years did not disappoint. My favourite part of this band is their complete willingness to experiment and try new sounds. Everything they make sounds like pop-punk from another planet, and this album continues that trend with catchy choruses, meaningful lyrics and something just otherworldly about it that I can't quite explain. Where Blink has completely stagnated since reuniting in 2012, Tom continues to push the boundaries of the genre through A&A and other side projects of his.

coldplay - music of the spheres

⭐ 1.0/10 (Originally written by hoodie_logi) Here to balance my overwhelmingly positive array of reviews with a very poor experience. I have always liked not loved Coldplay, but did for the most part like their last effort. This one looked artsy enough and really fun, but it has to be one of the just blandest albums I've ever heard. Literally zero replay value. Betty's review was "sounds like elevator music". So yaaaaaaa, not really sure why wrote this review but here we are so enjoy.

Dune

⭐ 10.0/10 (Originally written by hoodie_logi) I don't think there's a lot I can add to the conversation here other than what's already been said, but I still feel compelled to try. First of all, as a massive fan of the Dune universe, and one who has been hurt by other book to film adaptations before (Percy Jackson, Eragon, the list could go on), but Denis Villenueve's vision and execution to this movie was so accurate to the source material. It truly did feel like a passion project made from a place of sheer adoration and love. The few changes that were made were carefully chosen and still worked well to honour Herbert's story. There was dialogue drawn straight from the book and didn't add anything that didn't need to be there. This is not always the case, so I was beyond excited with how this honoured the source material. Second, I have never seen a sci fi movie that looks or feels like this. Albeit, I have not seen Villenueve's other sci fi work, but i...

100 Foot Wave

⭐ 9.5/10 (Originally written by Tim) This is a 6-part documentary on big wave surfing. It follows Garrett McNamara, a surfer in pursuit of the biggest waves in the world. He uncovers the gem of Nazare Portugal, and builds a surfing scene there until now it is home of all the best big wave surfing competitions. To start, the cinematography here is 10/10. Every episode is filled with incredible footage of these unbelievable waves, which is something that has always inspired awe for me. Seeing this tiny person with a huge wave looming over them, the shadow of the wave slowly engulfing them, really takes my breath away. Garrett is the heartbeat of the show, and he is a great lead. A lot like Alex Honold in Free Solo, this is a guy who has a single purpose in life, and is driven crazy in pursuit of that goal. You watch him over many years as he battles injury and builds a family, and even after his biggest successes you can tell he is hungry for more. I wouldn't call him inspirational, ...

Squid Game

⭐ 8.0/10 (Originally written by Tim) A bunch of people in crippling debt join a hunger games style competition for tons of money. While the premise doesn't feel completely unique, and the second episode where everyone willing chooses to return to the game is completely unbelievable, this show really hooks you. The acting is great, the style is unique, and you have to keep watching to know what happens next! I do think my impression of the season is really hurt by the ending. It completely undoes the most emotional part of the season, and while I like a vague ending this one just felt silly, as if they were trying too hard to make a point or tie things together. They also introduce english speaking VIPs that take a smart show and then add in commentary that insults your intelligence. I liked the idea of the english speakers being the masked bad guys, and maybe them being dumb is part of it, but it completely changed the dynamic of the show for me. I also had 0 connection to anyo...

Modern Family (Season 5)

⭐ 8.5/10 (Originally written by Tim) I'm docking this show half a point from last season basically because nothing has really changed, but for comfort watching this is a 10/10. There are a couple down episodes, mostly when they try to copy the formula of an earlier episode, but for the most part it is consistently funny. We have also come full circle - in the beginning all the kids were not good, now they are older and fine, but Lilly is older and cringey now. The circle of life. People keep telling me the show severely declines, and I am glad we haven't gotten there yet. Phil remains the MVP.

Dune

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Joseph) Lots of love for this movie here, so now it's time for a REAL critic to come on and give you all a reality check, someone who wasn't brainwashed into thinking the smelly old book was actually good. Okay yeah the movie was actually really good. But I do attribute it a lot more to Villeneuve's vision rather than Herbert's. As far as the audio/visual experience goes, this is exactly the kind of movie I love. Loud noises, massive ships, eerie yet epic music. This movie has it all! Definitely one of my favorite moments of just sitting back and taking it all in from the big screen for two hours. I also think this movie did a lot to not necessarily simplify the narrative, but to at least focus on the things the audience cares about. By the end of the opening scene, you get it. In the same way, the world is much more realized here and takes on a really unique, darker, almost dystopian sci-fi identity. Where I felt the book just described,...

Dune

⭐ 10.0/10 (Originally written by Will) Was this objectively a perfect movie? No. Was it everything I hoped for after waiting years for it? Absolutely, except for the fact it ended after 2.5 hours and we're gonna have to wait forever for part 2. Visually this was clearly a Denis Villenueve movie, with slow lingering scenes all over the place that really let you take in the scenery. I loved Chalemet as Paul. Oscar Isaac + Josh Brolin are so sexy and charismatic it's unfair. Baron Harkonnen was fantastically terrifying and disgusting. Shout out to the one Sardaukar who talked - for whatever reason I loved that guy. The spice harvesters, ornithopters, and sandworms were all super cool. Objectively, there were a few imperfections. I would have loved subtitles myself, so if you haven't read the book you might be a little clueless. There wasn't enough screentime to give to so many great actors. Everyone's uniforms/suits were so similar it was a bit hard to tell factions ap...

Dune

⭐ 10.0/10 (Originally written by Beans) I wasn’t going to review this until after I had watched it a second time but by golly I feel convicted to spread this gospel! Holy shit this was good. I think this will easily be my favourite movie of the year. I had read the book within the last 3 years so it was still fairly fresh for me, but it was also cool to see the producers make some innovative and creative changes within the story. This movie is so grand: the plot, the scope, the landscape, the music. Everything feels huge and important. The technology looked incredible and it was all better than I could have imagined. The cast also blew it out of the water. Oscar Isaac is so damn good looking and such a good father. I find it rare to see a male be that masculine and caring at the same time. Rebecca Ferguson felt felt mysterious and capable, exactly like Lady Jessica. Josh Brolin was so dominant and commanding, and Jason Mamoa was bad ass as usual. I really loved his and Timothy Chalamet...

Squid Game

⭐ 9.5/10 (Originally written by Joseph) I guess I'm a little late to this by now. And before i say anything, can I just say how terrible Netflix's release schedule is? How much fun would this show have been watching one week at a time? I swear they would've blocked off streets for block parties by the finale. Anyways, this show is awesome and you don't need me to tell you that. It is certainly not perfect, especially by the end, but very few shows have made me feel what I felt watching this. Both through the edge-of-your-seat action and the soul destroying drama, this show is a masterclass in how to get an audience to care about characters. I freely admit I cried many tears during that episode. Of course this show isn't for everyone. I would describe the violence as basically as bad as anything I've seen, and as disturbing as anything I've seen. I think the premise is a little silly (the one thing I know humans like more than money is not dying a horrific de...

Dune

⭐ 10.0/10 (Originally written by Tim) Probably the most highly anticipated movie of my lifetime, I had to wait an extra year through delays to finally see it. And boy oh boy, was it worth the wait. This is a perfect adaptation. It follows the book incredibly closely, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for some artistic flairs or smart improvements. It takes a vast and epic story, and while it remains epic it does a great job of setting the table. Character motivations and relationships are clear, and while the book can drag a bit this was a non-stop ride. From the moment the cast was announced I thought they were all perfect, and every single character lived up to my expectations. My only reservation was Jason Momoa as Duncan Idaho, but he helped keep this serious movie upbeat and a bit lighter, and his relationship with Paul was believable. Oscar Isaac is maybe the hottest dad in the history of film, and I fully believe that him and Rebecca Ferguson would have a kid that l...

The Maine

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Benjamin) When i listen to this band, it feels like they've taken my guitar ideas book from the past 20 years and made real songs out of them. I'm kind of jealous, but also it makes it really enjoyable to listen to, even when hearing one of their songs for the first time because it kind of feels like i already know the song. I tend to not pay too much attention to lyrics, and like them to be more abstract. But i love the singers' voices in this band. But mostly, i love their guitar parts😍. Sometimes, probably like 5 subtle parts happening at once. And not cluttered, just beautiful. Really nice distortion/gain on their electrics, nice harmony, simple solos, and nice builds. Here are a bunch of tracks from various albums I've pressed 'like' on my music app, but there are many more i really like listening to: Flowers on the Grave Heaven, We're Already Here Face Towards the Sun April 7th Am I Pretty Slip the Noos...

Squid Game

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Magdalene) I guess I was still in the mood for some Korean darkness and action after Train to Busan , because I started watching this right after. Over 400 people who are deeply in debt sign up to play some games for money, but soon realize losing a game means death. This show really hits you with the blood and violence in the first episode, and those aren't my favourite things, but I was still hooked right away. This show has some very, very interesting takes on a lot of issues in Korean society. The main themes are of course money, greed, and desperation, and does a great job portraying different sides of it through the different characters. It is a little too close to Hunger Games for it to feel like a truly new and unique premise, and it's definitely not for sensitive viewers. All of the deaths did make me upset, but I can't deny it was a compelling show from start to finish. I hope we get a second season because I still have questions!

Train to Busan

⭐ 8.5/10 (Originally written by Magdalene) Many zombies in a small space! There's a zombie outbreak in Korea, and we follow what happens to the people on a train travelling to Busan when it gets infested. It is very intense, so it's great if you like being on the edge of your seat for almost two hours straight. I thought the intensity and sense of tension was really well done, and there's a real sense of danger because people you like are getting bitten right and left. It's a great look at what people will do in life-or-death situations and your true self comes out. The final scene is extremely effective and I'm still thinking about it. As a thriller zombie movie it was really good, but I sure do wish not so many people died!

Reunion - Bruxy Cavey

⭐ 7.5/10 (Originally written by Joseph) Boy it's never easy reviewing a book written by your best friend. But really I just have two major points with this one. 1) I genuinely think this book is great. It's essentially an overview of the Christian faith, it's major tenets, and what it means for us today. Because it's from Bruxy, the focus is the life and teachings of Jesus over anything else. Greg Boyd tweeted out once that he thinks this is one of the most essential books for a person entering the Church to read, and I can totally get behind that idea. 2) I'm not a new Christian, so this book never felt like it was for me. Moreover, I've followed Bruxy for a lot of years, and this book doesn't really introduce any new ideas, nor does it really focus on any one idea for long. It really is just a surface level overview to the major themes one should know if they are a Christian. Sometimes a review of the basics can be really nice, and this was at times, but ...

Beetlejuice

⭐ 6.5/10 (Originally written by Joseph) This movie is really Tim Burton unleashed, so I guess it depends on how much you like Tim Burton. I... don't really? Most of his movies are too weird for me, and this one is DEFINITELY too weird. I really can't imagine how he comes up with the ideas behind this movie. It was still a fine spooky season entry. I've never seen Michael Keaton in this kind of role, and he really is quite good. It's his version of Jim Carrey in The Mask (or really any other Jim Carrey movie) where he's unhinged, talking a mile a minute. It's a weird mix of trying to be a silly kids movie, but also a movie that was pretty creepy in some serious ways. I wouldn't want my kids to watch it...

Drive (2011)

⭐ 8.5/10 (Originally written by Joseph) An hour and a half of broody Ryan Gosling driving fast cars while wearing a leather jacket with a scorpion on it? Great performances by Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan and Bryan Cranston?? Where has this movie been all my life! And yeah, this movie basically lived up to its billing. It has a very minimalist story for the most part, focusing more on this moody, noir atmosphere, but then changes up to a bit of a gangster movie by the end. It has this amazing, snyth-heavy, almost dystopian soundtrack that compliments it perfectly and makes it a pretty unique experience. Especially with the Gosling connection, it felt a bit like Blade Runner. The only thing holding it back in my mind was I didn't really connect to the ending, or at least I wish the end was more like the beginning. It is rated R for "strong brutal bloody violence" and it's not often a movie gets all 4 of those in one go. I like killing as much as the next guy, but the la...

Train To Busan

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Beans) This is a 2016 Korean action/horror film about a man and his daughter travelling on the train when a zombie outbreak occurs. This movie is NON-STOP - in a good way though. A lot of running away from zombies, some great scenes of fighting their way through train cars filled with the undead, and overall badass-ery. The lead is incredible and I’d let him ruin my life. But also the daughter was such a good actor and the supporting characters were all cool and loveable. This movie defied a lot of my expectations of what I thought would happen. There were a few really good jump scares. However, I still had a lot of questions about the zombies, outbreak, survivors etc. I think the producers were kind of portraying that humans can sometimes be the worst monsters we know. It was awesome.