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AgentPhoenixxx
Aspiring Artist, Author and Influencer.
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The Wild Robot (2024)
One of the most beautiful cinematic experiences you'll ever witness
"The Wild Robot" is a beautifully animated film that showcases the pinnacle of DreamWorks' storytelling. It's an emotionally powerful narrative that is also the greatest film of 2024. The story centers on a robot who finds herself lost in the wilderness and embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
The movie employs a watercolor aesthetic that pops with vibrant colors, and the visuals are gorgeous. The voice actors deliver exceptional performances, with every line written to be as powerful as possible. The music and sound design are superb, enhancing the immersion. The plot is perfect, it's a simple concept, but the delivery and execution create a warmth to the story. The pacing is consistent, giving viewers time to adapt to this world before introducing the gut-wrenching, emotional moments of the story.
I'm begging you to watch this film, it moved me to tears three times. It's a profoundly beautiful and emotional journey that people of all ages should experience. The Wild Robot represents the peak of cinematic artistry, and it's not an overstatement to say it is the greatest animated film ever made.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)
A slow start, but definitely worth the wait!
The sequel to the beloved classic, "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice," is an entertaining film that remains faithful to the original's tone and direction.
The majority of the original cast has returned, seamlessly reprising their roles as if no time has passed. Tim Burton draws you deeper into his eccentric world, with humor as bizarre and outlandish as anticipated. The story is straightforward but effective, quickly bringing new viewers up to speed. The visuals are impressive, with practical effects and costume design enhancing the experience, and the dynamic camera work often contributes to the comedy.
However, the film introduces too many minor plotlines and concepts that clutter the narrative, at times rendering it disjointed. The movie takes a while to get going, but your patience is rewarded.
Given that nearly 40 years have passed since the original movie's release, it's remarkable that so many of the original cast members were able to reunite for this sequel. Despite its gradual beginning, "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" honors the original's essence, and while it doesn't surpass the first film, it remains conservative enough to satisfy fans of the franchise.
The Last Airbender (2010)
Untrue to the show and an overall bad movie
An adaptation of the beloved Avatar: The Last Airbender, this version will disappoint fans and doesn't offer anything for any other viewers.
The movie is never boring, the plot is barebones but it's essentially the same as the show.
The actors don't convey any of the emotion or personality that you would expect. The dialogue is bland and once again drains the personality the characters had. Pacing is too quick and never gives the viewer time to care about the characters. The CGI feels delayed and uncoordinated with movements, this makes every fight scene slow.
Overall this movie disappoints, don't waste your time. You're much better off watching the Netflix adaptation or the original show.
Despicable Me (2010)
All the pieces work well together in this energetic film
Despicable Me is a movie about a villain trying to make a name for himself and stand above the younger generation of villains. Illumination created a name for themselves with this movie and it's a lot of fun.
The Protagonist is very likable and carries the entire movie on his shoulders. The story is very predictable but presented with energetic characters and a certain sweetness. Dialogue is tight and pacing is quick so the movie is never boring.
The setting of Gru's house is excellent but almost all other visuals feel boring aesthetically. The animation isn't bad but it's definitely a bit generic. I found the minions very bland and even annoying sometimes, but they will be very popular among certain audiences and I can't deny their popularity.
Overall, Despicable Me is a great movie that shines because of Gru and the voice cast. There's something for every audience here and although it's simple there are no reasons why one can't enjoy it.
Kaiju No. 8 (2024)
An intense shonen in an interesting setting
Kaiju No. 8 is the story of Kafka Hibino, a young man who is half Kaiju. His dream is to become a member of Japan's defense force...that kills Kaiju. It's an epic show with plenty of great fights and well written dialogue.
The voice cast brings tons of life to the series and the dialogue sounds very natural in dub. The anime uses a dull color palette and has an overall basic feel, this helps the series feel serious and the animation is very smooth. The characters are interesting although the protagonist is the only one to have a particularly deep arc so far. The action scenes are epic and the great sounds enhances these scenes. The opening and ending themes are some of the best out there!
The plot is fairly straightforward shonen with nothing particularly unique in the story itself.
Kaiju No. 8 is a great watch and features a unique protagonist. The sense of humor combined with the sheer power in action scenes make this something fans of the genre shouldn't miss.
Strays (2023)
Not for everyone, pretty entertaining though.
Strays is a comedy movie about abusive relationships and overcoming them. There's aspects to like about this movie but the runtime devotes way too much time to repetitive jokes and shock value that gets old really quickly.
The voice cast is great, with their expertise on comedic delivery helping the movie along. The story and message is pretty great if you can actually find it. Most of the movie is shot with real dogs, which is a great choice for realism. CGI is used for the dogs talking, it looks incredibly bad but at the same time adds to the humor.
Some jokes are really funny, unfortunately the writers only have a few jokes and they overuse them throughout the movie. Most of the movie feels like unnecessary filler and the serious dialogue isn't very well written.
Strays is an okay movie at best, it's really for a certain type of audience. I enjoyed it but the quality isn't very good and the jokes that I didn't laugh at outnumbered the laughs by a lot. There's some heart in the story but it's a bit generic in presentation. If you like talking dog movies and raunchy comedies then you should check it out.
Hazbin Hotel (2019)
A musical drama with surprising heart
Hazbin Hotel is an indie television series about the Princess of Hell and her goal to redeem the sinners of hell so they can make it to heaven. Despite having a familiar art style to youth comedy it is actually a raunchy, musical drama that surprises at every turn.
The animation style is generic but the colors, atmosphere and lighting really make everything pop and there's plenty of creative character design. The cast is likable and bring tons of personality to their roles. The soundtrack is incredible and the lyrics are powerfully written to advance the story. The plot is very entertaining and even though it is predictable the presentation and music really helps elevate the story.
The dialogue is a lot better than the other show in this series Helluva Boss, but it still has moments where it feels poorly crafted. The show sometimes rushes the pace too much, particularly in the final few episodes.
Hazbin Hotel is an inspirational achievement to young creatives. The show needs a little more work, but so far it is excellent and the music is the shining star. This show truly shines when it defies traditional tropes from this genre of animation and takes itself seriously.
Mononoke-hime (1997)
A beautifully crafted masterpiece
Princess Mononoke is a thought provoking piece about natural beauty and industrial progress. The film follows Ashitaka, a young man who is traveling in search of answers.
The soundtrack is simple but iconic and it elevates every scene. The art style is pretty basic anime and yet the world has such breathtaking visuals that help you feel the scale of this world. The voice acting in dub is very good although a few line deliveries are a bit deadpan. The plot is complicated and has many layers so it is great for watching multiple times. The movie is long but it never feels that way, the pacing is slow but every scene adds to the narrative.
This is a movie you have to see! Princess Mononoke is emotionally complex and full of truths to decipher. Studio Ghibli is excellent about showing both sides of a conflict and allowing you to understand the complexity and truth of each viewpoint. I don't think I can name another animated film that has this level of scale and depth.
Inside Out (2015)
One of Pixar's best and beautifully relatable
Inside Out is a film about the emotions that control you. It uses imagination, colorful animation and the emotional depth Pixar is known for and creates a fun experience.
The voice acting is good and adds lots of personality to each character. The writers clearly have a great understanding of emotions and this makes the movie feel so natural. The animation is colorful and clean, providing a surreal atmosphere to the film, and for once the humans don't look horrible in a Pixar movie! The movie is quick but accomplishes everything it needs to within the runtime. There are some genuinely touching and emotionally engaging moments throughout. The music is simplistic but has an uplifting tone.
There are a few scenes that could have been used better and instead resort to generic tropes.
I'm generally not big on Pixar, so when I say Inside Out was charming, fun and a worthwhile watch i definitely mean it. This is a great movie for all ages thanks to how relatable it is.
Jaws (1975)
We're gonna need a bigger boat...and probably a scarier shark
Jaws is a thriller about a shark that has a taste for human blood, naturally this is going to be a problem as the summer season is actively approaching.
The actors don't really stand out but they play their roles well. The music is very well written and although most of the songs are forgettable, the main theme is pretty iconic. The dialogue is very effective at conveying the characters emotions in the moment feel very natural. The story is fairly basic and predictable but it has some interesting elements that keep it different. The movie does an excellent job building suspense, even though the shark itself isn't ever really scary.
The shark itself looks and behaves in ways that feel fake, especially in a scene near the end of the movie. It might be scary to some but for me it was rather laughable, luckily the suspense building and plot do enough to make up for that. A few characters never get enough development to be likable, in general characters are not particularly interesting.
It's fair to say at this point that Jaws is a classic and if you haven't seen it before you should! It's flawed and I have a hard time understanding how this film genuinely struck fear into many but the presentation of the plot, suspense and theme help this feel very immersive.
Five Nights at Freddy's (2023)
Great for fans but also very basic.
Five Nights at Freddy's adapts the wildly popular game series to film for the first time. It's a lot of fun and it has some interesting elements that unfortunately aren't used to their fullest.
The music is excellent, borrowing electronic elements and eerie notes to set the tone. The acting is okay but Josh Hutcherson is the only actor that really shines in his role. The main character development is very interesting but everyone else is essentially a plot element. The lighting and CGI are excellent at setting the atmosphere, which unfortunately never gets used in the way it could have been.
The plot is very thin, if you are expecting a thought-provoking horror go elsewhere. This film barely counts as a horror film, there are some mild jump scares and scenes of violence but it never gets truly scary. This is very unfortunate because the vibe and pacing perfectly sets up possible jump-scares that never happen.
If you are a fan of the Five Nights at Freddy's games than you are in for a treat! There's plenty of cameos and moments you'll enjoy. For casual viewers it may fall short, with the cheesy encounters and generic plot it can be enjoyable but it won't vibe with everyone. Overall a pretty good movie, hopefully the sequel uses the horror elements better.
The Acolyte (2024)
Never reaches its full potential
The Acolyte is a story about the Jedi investigating a mysterious assassination pattern involving other Jedi.
The fight choreography is some of the best in the Star Wars universe and uses a wider range of force attacks than we are used to seeing. The two main actors Amandla Stenberg and Lee Jung-Jae play their roles wonderfully. The story is a mixed bag, it tries really hard to do something unique with a lot of unique moral intrigue, but it asks more questions than it answers and the pacing is way too quick. The CGI looks great and definitely benefits from the high budget the series has.
The dialogue is extremely stiff and often feels like it's written by a robot. Besides the main characters the rest of the cast is underwhelming. The music is possibly the most unmemorable I've ever heard in Star Wars, it's not particularly bad though. There are plenty of twists in the story and there's always something happening, although it rarely feels like an event has any weight to it. There is a constant feeling that a lot is happening and at the same time nothing at all. There are also a lot of loose threads left behind and random left-field twists late season that feel rushed.
It's really quite unfortunate that the execution of The Acolyte is so poor because it has a lot of excellent ideas. With a unique dark side point of view and some of the coolest new characters I've seen in Star Wars for awhile, The Acolyte is worth seeing and it truly isn't a bad show. It is worth noting that while flawed, the show is very overhated and doesn't deserve all the negativity.
Barbie (2023)
An entertaining journey through Barbieland
Barbie is a comedy movie about Barbie and Ken visiting the real world, while there they discover some good and bad differences between their worlds.
The actors play their roles flawlessly and the cats is stacked with celebrity cameos. The characters are really three-dimensional and the dialogue is well written. The sets and practical effects look extremely fake but that's the look the movie is going for, it's purposefully made with no CGI. The soundtrack features many famous artists and its excellent. Costume design is very colorful and perfectly suits the characters. The pacing is quick and the movie is hilarious. Certain characters are harder to like and there's a lot of sexist attitudes that will make some people wary of this movie, first from the Barbies and then from the Kens and then from the Barbies again. It's important to note that this is all done in good humor and it's not meant to be taken too seriously.
Overall an excellent comedy that has some deeply thoughtful and emotional moments. It knows its target audience but this is also a movie that anyone can enjoy!
Chainsaw Man (2022)
One of the best quality anime out there
Chainsaw Man is about a young man who has had little human interaction and doesn't understand much of the world. When he gets the chance to live a nice life thanks to his newfound powers, he jumps at the chance to live a little.
Visually stunning with smooth, creative and brutal animation. Dialogue is thoughtful and engaging with excellent delivery. Characters are varied and incredibly entertaining to watch. The story takes it slow in the first season but every single episode is packed and the OP is one of the best out there.
Overall a show with no real flaws so far, the plot hasn't really taken off yet but the first season is off to an excellent start. This is a must watch for anyone interested in something a little different with a few screws loose.
The Godfather Part II (1974)
A step down in quality but still very good.
The Godfather Part 2 is both a sequel and prequel to its predecessor. With part of the movie showing Vito's original rise to where we see him in the first movie, and the other half documenting the continued development of Michael.
The acting is still quite good. The characters are given a lot more to think about and we get to see them slip even further into desperation and ruining their relationships. There is a very clear distinction in tone and setting when switching between time periods so you don't get confused. The story is just as deep as the first and there's some great moments and revelations throughout.
The scenes aren't as consistent as they once were and the film would benefit from a shorter length. The movie feels a little rushed and it feels like a retread of things we've seen before.
Overall a great film, it still offers a powerful narrative and insight into the organized crime world. While it has noticeably more issues than the first film, it contains even more iconic scenes and is a movie every cinema fan should see at least once.
A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)
A unique worldview makes this entry stand out.
Day One is a prequel to the first entry in the series, it stands on its own perfectly well and doesn't require any knowledge of the other movies.
The actors play their roles really well, with excellent delivery of the limited dialogue and communicating with their facial expressions. The characters are unique and we get to see a particularly interesting worldview from the main character who assumes she won't survive the apocalyptic conditions. Visually the movie looks great, the creatures look very real and there was never a time where the CGI looked poor. The plot is very simplistic so the characters have to carry the story.
The jump-scares feel very light this time around, the trick these movies use is starting to show some wear. Similarly, the suspense feels lighter this time and more formulaic as well.
Overall this movie is even more artsy than the first two, the quality is exceptional and the story is very sweet. It's not as good as the first two but it works as a singular film extremely well with no questions left when it finishes.
The Godfather (1972)
An excellent foray into the world of crime
The Godfather is an iconic movie about a young man taking over the crime family, it's a beautifully executed film about depravity, suffering and desperation.
The pacing is quite thoughtful and despite the long runtime it never really feels dull. The actors bring their A-game here and the main characters are quite well written. Visually it looks very good for the time though some scenes are a bit stiff. The tension the writers are able to portray is masterful and the dialogue is meaningful.
Some scenes cut too quickly to each other and it can feel very disorienting, especially when it concerns a time jump. The movie is perhaps a little too long and could benefit from a few scenes being shortened.
Overall The Godfather is a classic for a reason it's a thought-provoking drama with excellent tension and twists. It's overrated for sure but that doesn't stop it from being a masterpiece of the time.
Shrek the Third (2007)
Still hilarious but the plot is a bit stale.
In this entry in the series, Shrek must find and convince a young Prince to take the throne of Far Far Away in his place. There's something about this movie that feels cheaper than the first two.
The voice acting is great as usual, with the iconic actors reprising their roles. Humor is arguably better than the second movie and it's always entertaining. The character development is okay, with Shrek being put outside his comfort zone again.
Visually this movie is lacking, with many of the new locations and models looking rushed. The plot is okay but it is also quite basic.
Overall this is another Shrek movie, it's a tad generic but if you like the series then by all means watch it, it's still hilarious and it's hard to go wrong with these characters.
Shrek 2 (2004)
Very funny and creative sequel.
Shriek 2 continues where the first movie left off, it follows Shrek meeting his in-laws and their reactions to his being an ogre.
As a comedy movie Shrek 2 stays on level with the original and contains the same hilarious, irreverent humor you'd expect. The plot isn't as deep as the first but it's still a lot of fairytale inspired fun. The characters are very fun and they have great perspectives and issues to overcome. The voice acting and soundtrack elevates the experience.
While Shrek 2 doesn't reach the quality of the first it gets really close and for some it will likely surpass the first. It's lighter on the plot but heavier on character development while having more moving parts.
Boku no hîrô akademia (2016)
Well-written Superhero drama.
In a world where most of the population has a superpower, My Hero Academia follows a teenager born quirkless who strives to be the greatest hero of all time. The anime is fast-paced and does an excellent job showcasing the world through the many deeply-written perspectives.
Voice acting and characters are some of the strongest aspects of the show thanks to some great writing. The animation looks great and it has many intricate designs, however the backgrounds sometimes look uninspired. The opening themes are great and the sound design is also great across the board.
One of the biggest pitfalls the series falls into is the inconsistency of the arcs, for every amazing arc there's one that is a bit hard to get through. None of the arcs are terrible but some of them could certainly be a lot better.
My Hero Academia is one of the most successful anime franchises out there and it definitely deserves it! It can be a bit tough to get through sometimes. But in a good arc the writing shines and you'll never want it to end.
Halo (2022)
A mixed bag but always interesting.
Halo is a show loosely based on the hit video game series. Before I go into any detail I'd like to note I've never played a Halo game, with that in mind let's move on.
The story follows the super soldier Master Chief as he begins to recall memories of his past and begins to realize the war he is part of is more complicated than he previously thought.
The acting cast is very talented and they play their roles quite well. The CGI in the first season is trash (except Cortana who actually looks better in the first season) especially when it comes to backgrounds, this improves drastically in the second season. The pacing is thoughtfully slow and there's always some twist or interesting character to keep you entertained.
The first season tries to do something unique with the plot and perspective, it doesn't quite land but it is the better season. The second season chooses to undo a lot of character development and leaves a lot unsaid, all while using safe, generic sci-fi cliches heavily in the plot.
Overall Halo is a well-made show that doesn't take the source material very seriously. The first season was too risky and the second too safe but it's consistently entertaining and the great cast and characters carry the show.
Haunted Mansion (2023)
Hilarious but forgettable.
Haunted Mansion is a comedy/light horror about a mother and her son recruiting a large cast to escape from the mansion. It's based on the theme park ride of the same name and does enough to be worthy of the name but it isn't anything particularly special.
It has a Stellar cast, which is easily the strongest part of the film. The CGI is good and it has colorful tones that give it a unique vibe. The story is interesting but quite forgettable.
There are a few pacing issues and the editing cuts scenes to the next too quickly. It's worth noting that Haunted Mansion hardly qualifies as a horror movie, don't expect to be on the edge of your seat. It's more accurate to call it a comedy with a horror backdrop. The setting is suitably spooky and some ghosts are rather unsightly, but the presentation isn't enough to truly feel the stakes.
Haunted mansion makes up for it's shortcomings with good character arcs and hilarious dialogue. Overall it's a suitably eerie and fun Halloween movie, great for families who want to introduce their kids to a mild horror.
Mary Poppins (1964)
Captures Disney magic in a live action setting.
Mary Poppins is a story about a magical nanny. When she gets a job watching two children she attempts to bring light into their lives and repair the family dynamic.
The movie is full of catchy music, although forgettable. There's plenty of charm, humor and great character development. Mary Poppins features a colorful cast played by talented actors. The environments aren't much to look at, but the animated parts are very good for the time.
The movie is a little too long and could do with some tighter pacing. The kid actors are a bit annoying, but it's nothing too bad.
Despite the bleak setting of London, Mary Poppins perfectly transfers the fun of Disney into a live-action musical. It has great characters and it's sure to entertain anyone who can be a little patient and just enjoy the ride.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
A great entry point to the saga
The Phantom Menace is the first prequel movie in the Star Wars Saga and while it's a flawed entry it's still a lot of fun. The story follows a Jedi master and student as they attempt to free the planet of Naboo from tyrannical rule.
There are plenty of iconic characters introduced here, for better or worse. The visual effects are groundbreaking for the time, especially in the CGI department. The action scenes are well shot and have great choreography.
The immersion can be broken sometimes due to overly flashy attacks or general tomfoolery. There's also multiple cringy moments throughout the film. The dialogue can be a bit messy and the delivery can sound forced, but this does lead to plenty of iconic lines. The point is also quite slow in certain segments.
This film is a great watch and an excellent way to introduce Star Wars to new generations. It does have quite a few issues but these aren't exclusive and they plague most of the prequels. Don't let the negativity keep you from watching the movie though, the deep political plot presented with the fun of Star Wars works really well.
Mulan (1998)
Beautifully elegant and mature
Mulan is a movie about a young woman who takes her father's place in the army to save his life, knowing that if it's discovered that she's a woman she will be killed. It surprisingly tackles mature themes such as honor and gender and does so flawlessly.
The movie is hilarious thanks to the dragon Mushu. Excellent fight scenes and beautiful classic Disney animation elevate the already deep story. Mulan makes an excellent main character, she has to work harder than any of her peers to rise to the top and this makes every triumph matter that much more.
Mulan is an instant favorite, With excellent songs, mature concepts and funny characters.