Change Your Image
![](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjQ4MTY5NzU2M15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNDc5NTgwMTI@._V1_SY100_SX100_.jpg)
liudillon
Reviews
Shin Gojira (2016)
Solid Godzilla film that focuses more on the humans rather than the monster
Shin Godzilla, the 2016 Japanese kaiju film directed by Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi, is a bold and uncompromising reinvention of the iconic Godzilla character. Unlike the bombastic, CGI-laden American Godzilla films, Shin Godzilla opts for a more grounded, documentary-style approach that makes the monster's rampage through Tokyo all the more terrifying and unsettling.
The film begins with the sudden and mysterious appearance of Godzilla's tail emerging from the waters of Tokyo Bay, kicking off a rapidly escalating crisis as the enormous creature continues to evolve and grow at an alarming rate. Unlike previous Godzilla incarnations, this version is depicted as a truly alien, almost inexplicable force of nature - a rapidly mutating primordial entity that seems to defy all human attempts to comprehend or control it.
As Godzilla stomps through the city, leaving devastation in its wake, the film shifts its focus to the bureaucratic and political struggles of the Japanese government as they try to coordinate an effective response. This decision to foreground the human drama rather than Godzilla's destruction creates a palpable sense of helplessness and futility, as the various ministers, generals, and scientists find themselves increasingly out of their depth in the face of this unprecedented threat.
One of the film's most chilling moments comes when Godzilla suddenly sprouts legs, transforming from a serpentine sea creature into a bipedal monster that can now move on land with terrifying speed and agility. This sudden evolution is accompanied by the revelation that Godzilla's radiation levels are increasing exponentially, posing an existential threat not just to Japan, but to the entire world.
The film's climax sees the government reluctantly authorizing the use of a deadly radiation-dispersal weapon, which successfully halts Godzilla's rampage - but at a devastating cost. As the radiation cloud spreads across the country, the film ends on a sobering note, with the characters left to grapple with the long-term consequences of their actions, and the lingering uncertainty of whether Godzilla has truly been defeated.
Shin Godzilla is a bold, unsettling, and often challenging film that revels in the ambiguity and moral complexity of its central premise. By stripping away the camp and spectacle that have often defined the Godzilla franchise, the film forces the audience to confront the true horror and devastation of a kaiju attack, while also grappling with the difficult ethical decisions that such a crisis would entail. It's a Godzilla movie unlike any other, and a powerful testament to the enduring cultural resonance of this iconic monster.
Theater Camp (2023)
Hilarious mockumentary that doesn't take itself too seriously
Having been personally unfamiliar with attending a theater camp, I fell in love with the vibrant atmosphere and joyful camaraderie exhibited throughout this mockumentary-style comedy. The young actors did a great job conveying their shared love of theater.
The real-life friendship between Ben Platt and Molly Gordon (who clearly had a blast acting as a hilariously weird camp counselor) jumped off the screen. Their chemistry was fantastic, and I never realized how funny and goofy Gordon could be.
Not to mention, Jimmy Tatro never fit into a role so perfectly. His standard character was hilarious to me every time he showed up.
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022)
Hilarious and Wholesome Buddy Comedy
I absolutely loved watching the bromance unfold between Nicolas Cage and Pedro Pascal, as their clearly shared love of movies was both hilarious and wholesome. I watched a few interviews where Cage explains how he disliked acting as this persona based on himself. However, he still did a great job acting as a slightly twisted egotistical version of himself, which was hilarious.
My only criticism is that the end seemed kind of cookie-cutter, though I understand that it was somewhat of a meta ending.
Overall though, I really enjoyed this movie, and I recommend for anyone who likes a buddy comedy.
Rye Lane (2023)
Favorite hidden gem of 2023
No movie caught me by surprise more than this charming rom-com, highlighted by the wholesome chemistry displayed between David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah. With a minimal budget and cast, this movie ended up being a lot more than the sum of its parts.
The film proves that creative cinematography and meaningful dialogue are enough to win over an audience. I really enjoyed the unique perspective shots sprinkled throughout the film. And I was very engaged the entire time, even though the plot is essentially the two main characters walking home.
Overall, this is a very pleasant watch, and I recommend it for all.
Chef (2014)
Wholesome story with appealing kitchen scenes
I really enjoyed this movie as it contained a few of my favorite themes: cooking and family.
You could tell John Favreau studied his role extensively, as the kitchen scenes were very well-executed and made the food look crave-worthy. I couldn't wait to scarf down a Cubano after watching this movie.
It was also very heart warming to watch the father-son bonding develop throughout the movie. Both Favreau and Emjay Anthony did a great job. I also like how they incorporated very modern elements like tweeting and food trucks into the story.
Plus, the rest of the cast was great, too. John Leguizamos was hilarious as usual.
Overall, loved the movie and I occasionally re-watch from time to time.