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laurenjfree
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movies I watched in 2021
movies I watched in 2020
Reviews
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Daunting, Tragic and Ultimately Remarkable
I dont watch many war movies, but when I do, I rarely enjoy them. "Saving Private Ryan" however, is the exception. From the moment it started to the moment it finished I couldn't look away from the screen, no matter how hard the scenes were to watch.
I was born after this movie was released, so the only knowledge I have of war is what I see on TV and learn in school. That being said, 2 minutes after the movie started the screen disappeared and I felt like I was there. I've never related so much to a movie that I have nothing in common with.
Spielberg never ceases to amaze me. It's hard to watch, but is a must see. "Saving Private Ryan" is an exquisitely written and directed film with perfect performances.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
Bad. Just Really, Really Bad
I could write thousands of pages about everything wrong with
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, but I'll try and keep it short and sweet.
For starters, there was absolutely no need for old Daisy. It became painfully annoying having to listen to the dying woman in the hospital bed gasp for air and ask her estranged daughter to continue reading the book every 15 minutes. It reminded me of Titanic and old Rose. By removing those scenes the movie could have been 30 minutes shorter, and thus, far more enjoyable.
Perhaps I just have no empathy, but I didn't feel bad for Daisy when she was hit by the car. What did she expect would happen when dancing in the middle of the road? It could have been far more impactful had they better built a relationship between the characters and the audience. I wouldn't go as far as to say Daisy deserved it, but I was far from heartbroken.
The CGI on Brad Pitt's character, Benjamin, when he was young (but looked old) was just plain creepy and distracting. I kept wondering how they made him look old and young at the same time, I actually had to rewind the film a couple times because I wasn't paying any attention to the dialogue.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button reminded me of Forrest Gump because of how the main, good hearted, character partook in major historical events often by accident. How they found their soulmate young, and even if they tried not to, were destined to fall in love. Had it been a good movie I would be okay with the similarities, however it was not.
I love David Fincher, particularly Fight Club and Seven. I hope he sticks to those types of movies, and keeps a safe distance from the drama/ fantasy/ romance genre.
The movie had a nearly 3 hour duration that I pray I never have to relive. I honestly wanted to like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button so badly, but from start to finish, it was an unpalatable experience.
The Craft (1996)
Just Another Below Average Teen Movie From the 90s
The film started off quite strong. It was obviously far from winning any Oscars, but was relatively enjoyable. However, the second half took a turn for the worst. As the plot progressed the story line went from mindless and amusing, to a dreadful and confusing train wreck. The bad casting and less than mediocre dialogue became rapidly apparent by the 50 minute mark.
At first I enjoyed the supernatural story, yet quickly realized that if they weren't witches, the structure of the plot just average. That being said, if you're looking for a movie like Legally Blonde or Clueless, but with a twist, you'll probably find it more watchable than I did.
The Craft is a 4/10 movie through and through.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
The Ultimate Movie
Ever since I was very little it's been a tradition to watch ET every thanksgiving weekend. Having seen it upwards of 15 times, I know the movie better than I know myself, but I can confidently confirm it only gets better. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial never fails to make me laugh, smile and cry. This timeless classic has a little something for everyone.
The family friendly story of Elliot and his out of this world friend is a must see. Anyone who dislikes this movie is lying and should not be trusted.
Django Unchained (2012)
Another Home Run From Tarantino
I've watched Django Unchained a billion times, but I've never once gotten bored. Tarantino combines the right amount of funny, serious, and of course violence, in a next to perfect film. Each character was so intricately and meticulously thought out, creating one of his most unlikable villains and lovable heroes.
Its not all the time you a find as passionate of a director as Quentin Tarantino. I could feel his dedication, devotion and love of cinema in every single scene.
Django Unchained is debatably the directors best film. I believe anyone over 13 would enjoy this movie.
Boyhood (2014)
Not Terrible, but Disappointing
For a movie that took over a decade to make, I expected a little more. By no means was it terrible, but the plot was essentially the same as any other coming of age movie. I'm not going to waste time naming all of its good parts, so here are my problems with Boyhood.
First, the character development. Aside from Patricia Arquette (who was absolutely phenomenal), all the characters remained very one dimensional. Especially Mason, who kept the same philosophical perspective on life in every single scene. I would have liked to have seen him try new things and experiment a little more.
Also, in the beginning of the film, it felt like the actors had never seen the script before. Much of the dialogue felt very unnatural. The younger actors eyes darted around a little too much, but that's understandable considering how young they were.
My third problem is about the script. When Mason and his sister were still very young, all the adults talked to them as if they were in their 20s. After awhile it started to become annoying, and was a continuous reminder that it was just a movie.
Overall, it was a good movie with a few faults. I wish Richard Linklater had spent a little more time working on certain scenes. This movie is relatable to people at all different points in life.
A Star Is Born (2018)
A Heartbreaking Masterpiece
A Star is Born didn't just break my heart, it shattered it, then chewed it up, spat it out and then scorched it with a flamethrower. None the less, I loved every second of it.
The acting, directing, editing, cinematography and of course the music was absolutely impeccable. Furthermore, the chemistry between Gaga and Cooper was so real, I still can't believe it was just acting.
I only have two complaints, first, some scenes dragged on a little longer than they needed to. Second, it was too sad, I've watched A Star Is Born 3 times now and it always ends with me bawling my eyes out for hours.
The film exceeded my expectations, I highly recommend to anyone and everyone.
Ava (2020)
More Boring than a Bowl of 3 Day Old Mashed Potatoes
Jessica Chastain has given us many remarkable and award worthy performances. Unfortunately, no amount of good acting could ever fix this mess, Ava was destined for disaster before the script even got the green light. I didn't watch this movie with particularly high hopes, but i was left speechless at how tasteless and bland this movie actually was. The only part I enjoyed was guessing what was going to happen next, because I was always right.
The fight scenes were bland and the dialogue was laughable. I dont recommend unless you're home sick with nothing better to do.
The crime genre is notorious recycling the same cheap scripts, and Ava was no exception.
Keeping Up with the Kardashians (2006)
the best reality show ever
Everybody always complains about how spoiled the Karjenner sisters are, but that's the whole point!! the show would be terribly boring if they were a middle class family shopping at GAP and Old Navy.
I love watching their messy relationships and toxic friendships. I love watching them spend $300,000 on a coat and purse. I love watching this show!
You can rant about how fake, selfish, spoiled and greedy they all are. You can send them hate comments and threats. You can write them awful reviews on IMDB. No matter how hard you try to dislike them, we watch the show and feed off the gossip.
They're a funny family. Of course its staged and scripted, but it never fails to make me laugh, smile and cry.
Would You Rather (2012)
a train wreck from start to finish
A painfully predictable ending with an overused plot. no creativity or thought was put into this movie. i felt sorry for the actors who had to read those nauseatingly bland scripts.
DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME!!!
there are thousands of better horror movies. watch Saw or literally anything else. i wish i could take back the 90 minutes of my life i wasted watching this.