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Great Story and Very Unique Characters
19 February 2016
This is an awesome film. It really appealed to me since the characters were not your normal Hollywood stereotyped roles. Teyonah Parris' role as Bellissima was interesting to watch. She was beautiful, raw, and had a unique sense of style that represents the current times. Brian White was handsome and presented a story that many athletes and leaders in urban communities can identify with. In real life many African American males in their communities mentor youth however, this is rarely shown in traditional films. I was happy to see his character contribute to a city like Compton. Media often portrays Compton as being a violent city and fails to acknowledge the fact that many professional athletes, musicians, and artists have come from Compton, California. I am tremendously excited that someone has taken on the responsibility to show Compton in a positive light. Having lived in Compton I have seen some great educators dedicate their time and efforts to support the youth in this community. The film is bigger than Compton but the setting was a very important element in this work. I was also pleasantly surprised with Macy Gray's performance as Helen. I often imagine Macy Gray as a party person. It was unexpected to see her play a serious role. Even though her role was serious her flair and personality still showed through in her mannerisms. I cant wait to see more films with her in them. Another surprising character was David McCain played by Leon. Leon usually plays a protagonist but this time he was the total opposite. The fact that he could make his character's actions feel so believable show his great range in acting. I loved that this film displayed all of humanity's emotions and that each scene is well crafted. The cinematography and editing are perfection. I can't wait to see this film on the big screen or Netfilx.
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The Revenant (I) (2015)
10/10
A Masterpiece Film -An Illustration of the human will
17 January 2016
This film illustrates the power of the human will. You can tell by looking at the scenes that the crew worked through harsh conditions but still they pushed through and finished what they started.I loved the indigenous characters in the film it showed their intelligence, bravery, and connection to their surroundings and family members. It showed how they suffered, lost, and fought to survive. The cinematography is amazing. The scenes were well planned and executed with creativity in each shot. The storytelling through images did not even need words because the frames spoke for themselves. Leonardo Dicaprio performance really gave me a new respect for him. He has played some interesting roles but for him to take on a role that challenged him physically and emotionally shows that he is growing as an even greater actor.His role in this film took his status as a celebrity and brought attention to the subjects of brutality,greed,violence,faith, and the power of the human will. I knew this film was going to be a great film since the first preview I saw at the theaters. The film proved to be everything I was hoping it to be. Salute to each and every person who contributed their time and energy to this project.
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Iris (IX) (2014)
10/10
Iris and Carl Really Know How to Live
4 January 2016
Iris amazes me with her wonderful taste in fashion. I also love her fashionably dressed and encouraging husband. Their relationship together is one that most probably can only wish for. I loved this film because I've never seen such a fashionable couple in their 90's. Plus I love ethnic clothes and brightly colored fabrics intertwined to create masterpieces of art. This film inspired me to pursue even more creative endeavors, to go out and explore the world, and to live life with more fun in it. So happy to see a film where older people are enjoying life and are lively.I Love how Iris and Carl's home is like a museum with so many unique artifacts.More films should definitely explore older people's lives because their stories are so interesting and have many lessons in them. Iris and her husband's style in clothing to me looks better than most people younger than me or even the same age. Their life is full of pizazz and it shows in their home, clothing, and personality. This film should be shown to all ages because it is a demonstration of how youth and elders can actually get along. It is a bridge between many generations.
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Tangerine (2015)
10/10
This film surprised the hell out of me
12 December 2015
I was expecting to see a female lead getting cheated on was surprised to find out the lead was a homosexual male dressed in a woman's clothes. I loved how the film had a lot of energy from the start. The fast paced wild music drew me in. The two main characters were amusing with their colorful vocabulary and straightforwardness. Some scenes were disturbing and graphic but it sheds light on an industry and lifestyle that needs to be explored. This film had many surprises or interesting takes on life in Hollywood. It is an interesting film that is one of a kind because the characters are not traditional cast roles or actresses. It definitely keeps viewers attention with the scenes that most people could only imagine but have not encountered first hand. I also enjoyed seeing so many streets and locations that I'm familiar with. This made the film even more interesting. It is informative to know that I past by these locations but still just see the surface and fortunately never had to encounter this underworld that takes advantage of people who are addicts or who do not feel as if they have to many choices available to them. Really enjoyed this film since it is so different from most films that are playing on Netflix.
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Trumbo (2015)
10/10
Excellent film on perseverance and brilliance
27 November 2015
This film should be best film of the year for many reasons. For one it challenges one's beliefs. Two it shows accounts of U.S. history and third it demonstrates great courage.Dalton Trumbo's life was a testament of the power of one's mind. Trumbo's life was amazing by itself but the film made an autobiography come to life. Trumbo accomplished more than most men ever will. He used his life experience's, his quick thinking, and brilliance in writing and politics to challenge the United States government. He also suffered because of his bravery. This film is a great reminder of how flawed this country can be despite being promoted as the land of the free. America has many accounts of being unjust and oppressing that it has conveniently for years hid. This film shows some accounts of this and spotlights a brilliant writer and his equally gifted family members who stood their ground and pushed forward against a system that for decades had went unchallenged. Dalton Trumbo's life is inspiring and his wife and daughter's characteristics seemed to mirror his dedication and bravery. This is a great time period film and a must see if you are part of the cinema community.
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10/10
Some of the best cinematography I've seen in a long while
24 October 2015
I loved this movie for so many reasons. The cinematography was amazing. The colors, hues, and the visual effects were gorgeous. I also loved the mysteriousness of the film.Plus the depth of witchcraft information that was included in it. It made the film believable. I love how Vin Diesel was able to play different characters than the usual ones that he is cast for. It was interesting to see him in costumes of various worlds and time periods. It had beautiful images in it that looked like they would be difficult to create but at the same time they were beautiful. The action scenes were fun and Vin Diesel looked very stylish in his coats. Gorgeous man in a gorgeous film. Regardless if you like witch stories or not you have to see this film for the richness in colors and special effects. I'm so glad I got to see this movie one of the funner movies I've seen all this year. I mean fun as in it was enjoyable to see all the elements blend together into a brilliant film.
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10/10
Surprise Ending Is Thought Provoking
14 June 2015
I am not a fan of murders and still have no understanding of why people idolize murders however most of us still are intrigued with trying to figure out what creates killers.This film was humorous,interesting,and made viewers pause and see that although some people kill they all have talents or gifts. People with potential without love and nurturing can waste their lives away and sometimes take others with them. Great film ideas that I did not see coming great twists to story that I'm sure many more film enthusiasts will love to watch. Impressive film. Great work. This film will do great on big screen and on dvds. Very interesting topic and most importantly serves as a reminder of what both good and evil capabilities people have. It also showed a perspective on Manson family that although his acts were horrible he still is a human.
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Blackfish (2013)
10/10
It amazes me how white men exploit every thing from humans, to mammals, to insects for monetary gain.
14 May 2015
ONCE AGAIN I'm totally disgusted with people who exploit others for money. I doubt I'll trust anyone ever again if I can't even trust Sea World one of my favorite places as a child.How dare you tear whale families apart and allow a whale that has killed a person be close to thousands of unknowing families. This film brings to light a subject that has been hidden from Sea World guests for decades. Animal abuse, isolation of whales, starving of whales, violence towards whales.The story sounds just like slavery. Praise to the people who made this documentary and animal activists who post on a regular to bring attention to the inhumane treatment of whales by greedy and selfish companies like Sea World. I can not believe that Sea World hides the truth from customers and use lies to cover their involvement in deaths of animal trainers. THAT IS A TOTAL INSULT TO THE WHALE TRAINER'S FAMILIES IF THAT WAS MY CHILD AND YOU PLACED THE BLAME ON HER AFTER SHE WAS KILLED BY A WHALE THAT YOU STOOD BY AND WATCHED IT BE TORTURED OR ISOLATED. I WOULD USE EVERYONE DAY OF MY LIFE TO SHUT YOUR COMPANY DOWN AND EXPOSE YOU FOR THE MONSTERS THAT YOU ARE.GREAT DOCUMENTARY KEEP PUSHING FORWARD UNTIL ANIMALS ARE NO LONGER TORTURED, RAN OUT OF THEIR NATURAL HABITATS, OR KILLED.
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10/10
Surprisingly delightful film
6 April 2015
I volunteered at the Los Angeles International Women's Film Festival and I saw a great majority of the films being played there. Many were great. However, The Sisterhood of Night in my opinion was the best film of them all. It had great messages in it about friendships, adolescence, love, lies, and the power of media. This film is a masterpiece of interwoven fine art. The dance scenes, the music, the visuals, and the location all combined make one excellent display of what great film artwork should look like. I loved how the main characters friendship made me reflect on my own teenage years and brought me visions of my lifelong best friends. I loved the mysterious rituals of the film. The errieness of the dark and unknown. The woods, the serenity, night scenes, and rain reminded me of some of my best high school memories in Washington state. The vide ographer did an amazing job of filming light in darkness. The main character was intriguing and powerful with her unique look and care free spirit. I can not believe this film is not on the big screen. Most of the scenes look much better than large budget films. I came home telling my teenager about it and told her she missed out by not attending the festival. I also told her that I hoped this film would be available on a DVD so she could watch it. Overall this film on the sisterhood of teenage females is long over due. Hats off to the writer, the crew, and cast. This film is meant for the big screen just showing at festivals does not do it justice. Loved it so much had to follow the actors and crew on Instagram. The people that are a part of this production are just as amazing as the film. I plan on sending this film once available to my nieces and other loved ones.
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Maleficent (2014)
10/10
Brilliant twist on Sleeping Beauty
5 April 2015
I absolutely loved this film and the fairytale scenes. Plus I'm a huge Angelina Jolie fan. She made a gorgeous evil Fairy Godmother. I loved that this film gave a character that is supposed to be evil a new insight in to why she became wicked. Not only did the film give a reason of why she went from being peaceful to evil it gave Maleficent a chance to redeem herself. Not many films or even in life are people given that opportunity. I heard some bad comments on this film and so I thought film was not going to be as good as I imagined it to be. But to my surprise the film was excellent. It had many unexpected plot twists, a lot of action, and showed a different take on the definition of true love. Both young and mature audiences will appreciate this story brought to life via film. Great views on greed and great references on how society can and should live together in harmonious relationships.
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Cesar Chavez (2014)
10/10
Cesar Chavez film reveals aspects of Mexican and Filipino History in the United States that should have been told decades ago
28 July 2014
I was in awe when I viewed this movie. Finally a film that brought Cesar Chavez's story to life. I am from Phoenix, Arizona and often heard stories of Cesar Chavez. I even met some of his family members and supporters while working at Chicanos Por La Causa but still had no idea how much violence he and his party encountered. This film angered me and brought me tears on more than one occasion. I have viewed this film so far four times to take in all of it. This movie touched me and hit home since my mother is Filipino/Mexican-American. I did not expect to see Filipinos in this film at all. I had no idea that that they were part of the movement. To see the harsh treatment and environments that my ancestors encountered enraged me. I would have never known about these acts if I did not read about it in a book. Since I was not moved to read about Cesar Chavez I am glad that this film was made otherwise I would have no knowledge of this part of my history.Due to this movie I have more respect for Cesar Chavez and his supporters and their efforts. I also see why President Kennedy is known for being a great leader. He to was an intelligent and amazing man. I am a former Civil Rights Compliance Officer/Investigator for the Arizona Attorney General's Officer and marched in several Immigration and Dr. Martin Luther King Marches with a background in History, Ethnic Studies,and Law so I am thrilled that this movie brought Cesar Chavez,Mexican-Americans, Filipino-Americans plight in the United States story to life. It also demonstrates how powerful law, faith,community, knowledge, and unity is. Wonderful film looks like a lot of research was put into it. I am also happy that some of my favorite actresses are in it Rosario Dawson and America Ferrera. I love that another one of my favorite actors Donte Basco's brother Darion Basco starred in this film too. Excited to see actors of color becoming more visible in American Films. I learned so much by watching this film more power to the writers,entire cast, and crew. Job well done! I will most definitely be buying this DVD and also sending some as gifts to family members.
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