I agree. While the suspense is really good, it all comes down to a personal revenge which is fine but also quite underwhelming as I expected bigger confrontation. Perhaps they think the 'swift but tense final confrontation' with the cartel boss will have more shock value than a dozen bullets flying everywhere. I was more disappointed with Emily Blunt's role here, they probably meant to make her an observer and we viewers see the heinous world through her eyes, feel her emotions etc and basically feeling quite lost for 3/4 of the movie. But she was underused here. Expecting more 'active role' and then you realize her purpose was just to sign a piece of paper at the end of the day. Acting-wise, they're all great though. Nevertheless Sicario is still worth watching imo.

Room is brilliant. Highly recommended. The child actor Jacob Tremblay is amazing he should win an Oscar. Not forgetting Brie Larson who's also equally compelling. What amazes me is how the entire movie is carried by just the two of them and I get so invested in these characters in no time. I've just started reading the book too (but I realize that the movie has expanded Ma's character a lot more than in the novel, which is entirely in Jack's perspective). But nevertheless, I love the movie so the book should be even better.

I watched Carol and I think Cate Blanchett might have a huge chance of winning but to be honest, I prefer the story in Room and personally, I hope Larson wins too I'm more touched by her performance in Room. I've yet to see 45 years so I don't know how Charlotte did there, but she's a veteran so I won't expect anything less. Seems the competition is pretty tight.

Oh and thanks to your recommendation above, I've just finished watching Spotlight. Loved it. I like how it's serious and doesn't have overdramatic scenes and I did feel slightly annoyed when Mark Ruffalo turned so emotional in that particular scene, like...out of nowhere (even though I understand why he's frustrated) but it's a bit over. I think I like both Michael Keaton and Liev Schreiber the most among the cast. Rachel McAdams did great too but not sure whether it's impactful enough to grant her Best Supporting Actress.

off to watch the rest of the nominees

This post has been edited by avanpiper: Jan 17 2016, 12:39 AM

Experimenter starring Peter Saarsgard and Winona Ryder is actually very intriguing. Since I'm not a social student, I haven't heard of the Milgram experiment or Obedience Experiment, which is controversial, it seems. So this movie explained a lot of it to me and although it may seem boring at first, it gets more and more interesting towards the end. It's also unsettling how his obedience experiment revealed unpleasant truths about human nature. I think the movie's underrated. The director is obviously going for a different approach when he used blatantly fake backdrops and mixing this movie + documentary-ish style with Peter walking towards the camera and speaking to viewers. There's also the random elephant behind him. Surprisingly, I actually like the oddity of this movie which would otherwise, be more boring if done the typical way. Anyways, I enjoyed Peter Saarsgaard in this.

I'm probably the minority who couldn't finish Brooklyn. The first half is good but the second half starts to dwindle and gets really cliched and plain boring. I stopped around 2/3 of it. I mean, Carol was kind of boring too (in a way) but definitely not as dead as Brooklyn. The cinematography is visually pretty and all so I can understand why it got Best Picture nominee but I still think another movie would've deserved it more than Brooklyn. I try to feel the chemistry between the Italian guy (who speaks funny) with Saoirse but nothing so towards the second half, I don't find myself rooting for the characters anymore and couldn't care less about what happens to them so I stopped. I'm not entirely moved by Saoirse's performance as well, she sure has a great face and the director loves to capture her close-ups etc. but at times, I can't make out what she's really thinking or feeling from her facial expressions. For me personally, it's one of the weakest nominees for Oscars this year. The only Best Picture nominee I haven't watched is The Big Short, I hope it's not as boring.

This post has been edited by avanpiper: Jan 29 2016, 04:10 PM

Jurassic World
- Keep rolling my eyes on all the bad decisions they made throughout the entire movie. The two kids are super annoying I wish they'd just go away/die. So obnoxious. Also during the encounter with Indominus rex, they wasted a full 40 seconds and with it right in front of them, perfect for aiming and yet they let the raptors communicate with it instead. What?! *facepalm* Do they think the raptors can calm Indominus down and let them chain him back to the cage? After all the destruction it's done? All the lives it has killed?
Some of the comedy seem too forced too.
6/10

Such an underrated film. Unlike most post-apocalyptic movies, this is a really nice change of pace. It may be boring at first glance because it really just focuses on the two main characters, who are sisters, trying to survive after a sudden power outage and food/gas shortage. Don't expect zombies or military battles or anything huge like that. I find this unique because it's very character driven, moving and feels personal in a way (especially if you're a girl because there are some scenes where I think only girls will know/understand what it feels like). Amazing and heartfelt performance by both Ellen Page and Evan Rachel Wood. If not for their engaging and powerful acting, I might not have enjoyed this movie as much. I like how minimalistic it is and yet very surreal. Good cinematography and very touching ost too.

Ending may not make everyone happy. Initially, I thought it was a stupid decision too but on hindsight, it may not be that bad. I think it's bold and a good way to move on for the sisters. Another gripe is that they never explain the power outage but it doesn't really matter for me because sometimes, not everything needs to be explained. Overall I give this a 8/10.

P.S I don't know why but it reminds me of The Last Of Us, minus the adventure/zombies (if you know the game )



This post has been edited by avanpiper: Aug 22 2016, 02:27 AM

Midnight Special was tad disappointing to be honest. The first half and buildup are really good, there's that tension and suspense, it's like 10 Cloverfield Lane or Sicario (they're different genre) but you know something huge is gonna happen with the way they film it. So I was getting ready to be mindblown by whatever revelation or twist they're gonna offer, only thing is, I'm left with more questions at the end of it. With such a great buildup the ending just sizzles into nothingness and really make me go Michael Shannon is the only thing worth watching, apart from that boy actor. But even the kid with supernatural powers (glowing hands and eyes) doesn't make me empathize him. During the final scene, there's also this Tomorrowland-ish cityscape which I don't like. It left me thinking, why did I waste 2 hours watching this? That being said, it's draggy too. Even 10 Cloverfield Lane had a better ending than this (even though it's really wtf, at least they put in effort). The screenwriter probably didn't know how to wrap this movie up with a satisfying revelation.
Rating: 6/10


Kingsglaive has amazing animation from start to finish, which I feel is the strongest point of the movie. My only gripe is during some action scenes, they are too chaotic and fast-paced that I couldn't really see what's going on. That kept me from truly appreciating the action sequences. Anime like Fate Zero has better fighting scenes lol just saying. Anyways, I like the political plot and the protagonists sacrificing themselves for the greater good of the world (cliche but acceptable). The movie is a good promotion for the game and I feel even if you're not planning to play the game, you'll find something entertaining about it. Can't take my eyes off King Regis lol so handsome.
Rating: 7.5/10

The Man Who Knew Infinity is a biographical movie about a famous Indian mathematician, Ramanujan portrayed by Dev Patel. I think he really embodied the character and very convincing with his love for mathematics (and belief that they're God's words). "An equation means nothing to me unless it expresses a thought of God". Too bad mathematics has never been my favorite subject so I don't find them as fascinating. I'm waiting for future movies about biologists instead because I think we have tons of movies about physicians and mathematicians already. It's rather slow-paced so patience is needed. I really like the dynamic between both Dev Patel and his professor, played by Jeremy Irons. Love the English accent.
Rating: 7/10

This post has been edited by avanpiper: Aug 25 2016, 07:57 PM

Don't Breathe

The only horror suspense this year that got me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Normally horror movies don't do anything for me, maybe because I always have this conscience that ghosts and zombies aren't real so I don't get terrified. The usual jump scares in most horror flicks are predictable too.

BUT this movie broke that rule and actually made me nervous almost the entire time. It's really intense and when you think things are gonna cool down, they take it to another level. I'm glad to have found the best horror suspense this year.

There's a lot to like about this movie:

- The fact that it's shot almost entirely in a single location (confined space) with very minimal dialogue and still delivers, is really awesome.

- Very effective use of sound effects and every nook of the house!

- The actors are very believable. Body language and facial expression are top notch. When they squirm, you squirm alongside them. It's intense.

- The entire situation is very surreal. A blind man with a gun shooting wildly in a confined space can kill and you'll never know it's coming. That's the expression I get, which makes it very, very unpredictable.

Cons:

- Just a minor gripe and most people may have the same thought. There are few instances when they can overcome the blind man but I think if I were in that situation, I'd stay as quiet as possible too. Besides, they're not murderers to begin with and best case scenario is to leave the place, without committing murder.

Rating: 9/10

The Girl On The Train

Before I go into the movie, I read the book last year (bought it cheap at BBW). While the twist was okay, I was left slightly unsatisfied with the overall tone and characters. None of the them are likable and that's one of the major problems for me. When I read a book, I need to have at least a character that I actually like and would root for. I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't read or watched so I'll put them in the spoiler below.



Anyways, rant aside, the movie follows the book closely (if I remember correctly), so the twist and actual murderer is the same, nothing surprising. I've heard some reviews saying the editing is choppy, I don't have much trouble following (perhaps because I've read the book) but in a way, that's the whole point of the movie, to put you in Rachel's shoes and feel what she feels. Actually the book itself feels a bit disjointed too, it's probably meant to confuse readers idk.

Rachel reminds me of Emily Blunt's character in Sicario (in terms of confusion) but I personally think her performance here is way better in the sense that she explores something deeper and more harrowing than Sicario. Emily's performance sort of saves the movie for me. I didn't really enjoy the book so this movie is average to me too. I'm just curious how it would transpire in the movie. I still think Room (Brie Larson) is one of the best novel to movie transformations ever made.

Rating: 6.5/10
I sincerely think Emily Blunt's performance is Oscar worthy here. Other than that, an average whodunit movie. I don't really like to compare every single thriller to Gone Girl (which seems to be the case ever since) but if anyone asks, GG is still better.

Overrated novel, I don't know why so many people are so into it when there are tons of crime/thrillers out there worthy of being made into movies.

This post has been edited by avanpiper: Oct 8 2016, 12:21 PM

Recently watched Nerve. Love the soundtrack, fits the movie very much. Overall, the adrenaline rush is good. Only gripe is they take things a tad too far in the final part. Other than that, I enjoyed it for what it is.

7.5/10


Blue Jay (2016)

Beautiful movie about two former lovebirds who meet again after 22 years at their hometown. It's a trip down memory lane as they chat about the past and catching up. I love this movie so much. Such a wonderful simple minimalistic indie movie shot in black and white, shot in just 7 days and still able to surpass so many other movies out there. I need more movies like this rather than cheesy superficial romance.

This feels very raw and surreal, the chemistry between Mark Duplass and Sarah Paulson are incredible. Flawless performances. They nail the awkward intermittent pauses so well. Needless to say, it's a dialogue heavy movie but that's the strength. I can watch these two talk forever and would still love it. I don't normally dig romantic films but this one is utterly heartwrenching in the most beautiful way ever.

10/10



This post has been edited by avanpiper: Oct 16 2016, 05:52 PM

Oh man, Amy Adams is giving me headaches with Arrival and Nocturnal Animals. In a good way.

As a fan of thriller, suspense and mind-bending movies, the kind that makes you google "___ ending explained" after watching, I have to say both of these movies are strangely satisfying.

Arrival - I was fooled from the beginning and I'm sure a lot of people would be tricked. It goes to prove that our human brains are wired to perceive certain things certain way. By the time the major plot twist was revealed, a sudden rush of wave came over me because it means, I've been watching or interpreting the entire movie the WRONG WAY. This is the kind of movie that makes you rethink again and again. It sort of reminds me of Predestination for some odd reason (though it's a totally different genre). Anyways, it can be a bit slow for some and it's obviously not an Independence Day type of alien invasion action movie. So if you're looking for action, you won't get it. You need to wreck your brains for this and I love the twist. There are a few plot holes but I can forgive them at the end.

Nocturnal Animals - Amy Adams doesn't have much to do here tbh, I think Jake and Michael, even Aaron who acts as the villain are amazing. They really make the movie a whole lot better. As for the plot, I really feel for Jake. He went through something so terrible and I don't think the entire scene at the middle of nowhere when it happened (trying not spoil anything) is gratuitous in any way, it's quite necessary to make audience feel Jake as if we were in his position and that will justify what he did at the end. A story within a story done with style. The open ending did make me go for a while, it's basically open for interpretation. Some movies that don't explain every single thing may be frustrating to watch, but this one is At the end, it's pretty self-explanatory.

Not to be missed.

Lion (Dev Patel, Rooney Mara, Nicole Kidman) is a tearjerker from start to finish. Eyes were leaking so much. There's not much dialogue in the first hour, just focusing on the child version of Dev Patel, his relationship with brother and mother on the streets of India. Just the sequence alone is powerful enough to showcase the child's misfortune and the reason why he got adopted. Heartbreaking through and through. Child actor is amazing (reminds me of Room's Jacob Tremblay). A very well done retelling of a man's journey to trace his family and home while struggling and coming to terms with the past and present.

Tried La La Land, the musical part is sweet and all but it's just not my cup of tea. I do like how most of the musical scenes look as if they were taken in one shot (not sure if they really were) but that's pretty cool to watch. Or how spontaneous everyone is as they burst into musical mode. I can understand the huge number of nominations. It's just not for me.

Split is a slow-burner psychological thriller and you need patience. James McAvoy is brilliant and deserves recognition. The final confrontation when he switches between several personalities are amazing. I like the ending. There's a particular quote that gets to me "The broken are the evolved." Or something that goes along that line from the confrontation with the girl. Plot is so-so but it's really the performance of James McAvoy that makes this worth watching (most likely his best).

This post has been edited by avanpiper: Jan 29 2017, 11:35 AM

Hacksaw Ridge - Highly recommended. Felt like watching Saving Private Ryan again, realistic war sequences and great acting all around. Andrew Garfield was splendid, he's at the top of my Best Actor list atm (though it seems Casey Affleck is the fav to win Oscars). Even Vince Vaughn was convincing as a sergeant without making me laugh. Worth watching, regardless of its religious theme.

Hidden Figures - Had more humor than I expected, quite a few laughs A look at segregation in 1961 where even bathrooms are separated into white and colored. I almost cheered out loud when Katherine gave her piece of mind to her racist colleagues. The 3 actresses did very well. A nice surprise to see Big Bang Theory's Jim Parsons there.