Author name: Roger Hyttinen

Hey there, friends! 🌞

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 123! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

So, I recently decided to dive into a movie night, cozied up with some popcorn and high hopes, and landed on “Midnight Sun” from 2018. Directed by Scott Speer, this film promised a blend of teen romance and drama, but it didn’t quite shine as bright as I was hoping it would.

First off, the plot. We’ve got Katie, played by Bella Thorne, who’s living with this rare condition called XP – basically, sunlight is a big no-no for her. Enter Charlie, our heartthrob, played by Patrick Schwarzenegger, who knows nothing about her condition. They meet, sparks fly, you know the drill. But here’s where it gets twisty – or, well, where it was supposed to. The whole star-crossed lovers vibe is meant to pull at your heartstrings, but honestly, it felt more like pulling teeth.

I gotta say, Bella and Patrick are cute enough on screen, but the chemistry? It was like trying to start a fire with wet matches. You keep striking, hoping for a flame, but nah, it just ain’t happening. And it’s not entirely on them; the dialogue had me cringing more than smiling. It’s like, I get what they were aiming for – a touching, tear-jerking romance – but it landed in the “been there, seen that” pile without bringing anything new to the table.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m all for a good love story, especially one that’s supposed to tug at the heartstrings and make you reach for the tissues. But “Midnight Sun”? It felt like I’d seen this movie a thousand times before in different wrappers. The whole forbidden love due to a tragic illness trope has been done… and done… and, well, overdone.

It wasn’t all bad, though. The movie does have its moments, and the acting is decent. Bella Thorne is charming as Katie, and Patrick Schwarzenegger (yes, that Schwarzenegger) is surprisingly good as her love interest, Charlie. They have a certain sweetness together, and there were a few scenes that genuinely tugged at my heartstrings. I do get why a lot of people loved this movie.

But for me, the cheesiness factor was just a bit too high. The dialogue often felt forced and melodramatic, and some of the plot points were predictable to the point of being painful. I found myself cringing more than crying, which, you know, isn’t exactly the emotional response you’re aiming for in a tearjerker.

By the way, did you know XP, or Xeroderma Pigmentosum, is actually super rare, affecting about 1 in 1 million people in the United States? It’s a real condition that seriously impacts lives, which adds a layer of authenticity to the movie’s premise. It’s just a shame that this genuine, interesting foundation wasn’t built upon in a way that felt fresh or engaging.

So, after all that, where do I stand? “Midnight Sun” was a swing and a miss for me. Maybe it’s just me, but I felt like had the potential to be a moving, memorable film but ended up feeling like a reheated plot served with a side of cheese. And not the good kind of cheese, but the kind that makes you go, “Eh, I think I’ll pass.”

In the grand scope of things, it hasn’t soured me on the genre. I’m still a sucker for a good love story, just maybe one that brings a little more to the table next time. So, here’s to finding that movie that does catch the sun, or at least doesn’t make me want to hide from it.

Catch ya on the flip side 👋
Roger

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 123! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Today, we’re diving into the world of “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” the 2005 action flick that combined sleek action sequences with a dash of marital dysfunction, all wrapped up in the undeniable chemistry of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

Let’s start with the story. We’ve got John and Jane Smith, played by the iconic duo Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who live seemingly mundane suburban lives, complete with their beige walls and meticulously manicured lawn. But beneath the surface, a secret lurks. Surprise! They’re both secretly high-profile world-class assassins working for rival organizations. The kicker? Neither of them has a clue about the other’s real job. You can imagine the chaos that ensues when they find out. It’s like, “Honey, did you take out the trash?” meets “Oops, almost shot you there.” The blend of domestic squabbles and high-stakes action is pure bliss.

Of course, things take a turn for the explosive (pun intended) when they’re both assigned to kill the same target. Cue the dramatic reveal, the bullets flying, and the witty banter that crackles between them like live wires. ⚡

Brad and Angelina, or Brangelina as we fondly called them back in the day, have this chemistry that’s off the charts. Watching them go from domestic boredom to trying to off each other to, well, rediscovering their spark, is the unexpected free fall drop you never saw coming. They’re both drop-dead gorgeous and lethal, which is honestly my favorite kind of couple.

Now, let’s talk action because this movie packs a punch. The scene where their house turns into a full-blown war zone? I could almost feel the drywall dust in my mouth. And that car chase? Felt like I was in the back seat, holding on for dear life and loving every minute of it. Doug Liman really knows how to keep the adrenaline pumping while still making you root for this dysfunctional duo.

But what I love most about this movie, aside from the obvious, is how it plays with the idea of secrets in a marriage. It’s like, yeah, finding out your spouse forgot to pay the electric bill sucks, but finding out they’re an assassin? That’s next-level. Yet, in a weird, twisted way, it brings them closer. If that’s not relationship goals, I don’t know what is.

There’s a surprising depth to the story, exploring themes of marital boredom, hidden identities, and the complexities of love and loyalty. We see the cracks in John and Jane’s seemingly perfect marriage, and the film asks the question: can love survive when you’re constantly living a lie?

So yeah, “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” is a fun, action-packed ride with a surprising amount of heart. It’s not going to win any awards for originality, but it’s a flick that delivers exactly what it promises: non-stop action, witty dialogue, laugh-out-loud moments and a scorching hot romance. So, if you’re looking for a movie that will keep you entertained from start to finish, this one’s definitely worth checking out.

And who knows? It might just inspire you to take a closer look at your significant other… Just kidding! Or am I? 🕵️‍♂️💃

Catch ya tomorrow👋
Roger

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 122! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey friends,

Get ready for some Emerald Isle drama! 🇮🇪 Today’s cinematic adventure takes us to the windswept shores of Inisherin, a remote Irish island where the waves crash as fiercely as the lives of its inhabitants. The movie in question is: “The Banshees of Inisherin,” directed by Martin McDonagh.

Picture this: a tiny Irish island during the Civil War era. Sounds quaint, right? Well, hold onto your hats because things are about to get bumpy. Our story centers around Pádraic (played by the ever-charming Colin Farrell), a good-natured fella facing the ultimate social nightmare: his best buddy Colm (played by the legendary Brendan Gleeson) abruptly decides he’s done with him. Just like that, friendship over. Colm wants nothing more to do with him. No spoilers, but let’s just say, it’s not your typical breakup. Talk about awkward pub encounters!

Now, the reasons behind this friendship fallout remain shrouded in mystery for most of the film, which is both frustrating and weirdly captivating. It’s like watching two toddlers having a massive fight in a sandbox, but somehow, the stakes feel much higher.

As Pádraic desperately tries to win Colm back (think awkward pub apologies), things take a turn for the darkly comedic. Enter Dominic (played by the phenomenal Barry Keoghan), a brooding and unpredictable young man who injects a dose of chaos into the already volatile situation. Let’s just say, Dominic’s not exactly known for his conflict resolution skills, and his presence definitely adds some “hold my Guinness” moments to the narrative.

Speaking of Guinness, the film masterfully captures the essence of small-town Irish life. The pub serves as the community’s unofficial center, the salty sea air permeates every scene, and the locals gossip like there’s no tomorrow (which, on a tiny island like Inisherin, might actually be true).

But beneath the quirky humor and stunning cinematography lies a deeper exploration of themes like loneliness, regret, and the complexities of male friendship. The performances are all top-notch, with Farrell and Gleeson delivering a masterclass in passive-aggressive barbs and simmering resentment. And the way these two dive deep into the complexities of loneliness, friendship, and the human condition is just… perfection. Keoghan, meanwhile, steals every scene he’s in with his captivating portrayal of a troubled soul yearning for connection.

What really got me was the humor. Oh, my stars, the humor in this film! It’s like, dark, but in a way that makes you laugh, then immediately feel bad for laughing, but then you’re laughing again. It’s like hopping on a unicycle for the first time. Thrilling, unpredictable, and you’re not quite sure how to feel about it.

Now, I won’t spoil the ending for you (because seriously, go watch the movie!), but blimey! Let’s just say it’s one of those moments that leaves you speechless, staring at the screen with a mixture of shock and “did that really just happen?”

“The Banshees of Inisherin” hit me right in the feels. It’s a story about the complexities of human relationships, the ache of solitude, and the bizarre ways we navigate our lives. McDonagh has crafted a film that’s both profoundly moving and hilariously absurd. It’s like he’s saying, life’s a bit of a mess, but isn’t it fascinating?

So yeah, “The Banshees of Inisherin” isn’t your typical feel-good flick. It’s a raw, funny, and sometimes brutal exploration of human relationships, set against the backdrop of a breathtaking Irish landscape. It’s a film that will leave you pondering the intricacies of friendship, the weight of the past, and the ever-present pull of the sea.

Peace out, ✌️
Roger

P.S. Fun fact: Did you know that the real Inisherin doesn’t exist? It’s a fictional place, but the movie was shot on the islands of Inishmore and Achill, among others. So, in a way, you could say the film is a little like a love letter to Ireland’s wild, untamed beauty.

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 121! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey friends,

So, I finally did it—I watched Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Yeah, I know, I’m like two decades late to the party, but hey, better late than never, right? Let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint! This film is like a wild rollercoaster ride through love, loss, and the messy labyrinth of our memories. Seriously, this movie is mind-bending in the best way possible .

First off, the plot? Wild. We’re diving headfirst into the deep end of a pool filled with the complexities of human relationships, memory, and, of course, heartbreak. It’s like, imagine going to bed one night, wishing you could just erase all the painful memories of your ex, and then waking up to find out that’s actually a service you can pay for. Talk about a thought experiment come to life.

The story follows Joel (played by the ever-hilarious Jim Carrey, who shows off some serious dramatic chops here btw) after his girlfriend Clementine (the amazing Kate Winslet) undergoes a procedure to erase all her memories of him. Ouch . Feeling hurt and betrayed, Joel impulsively decides to do the same thing. But here’s the twist: as the technicians delve into his memories, Joel realizes just how much he truly loved Clementine, and tries desperately to hold onto those fading moments.

The film takes us on a surreal journey through Joel’s mind, jumping through fragmented memories and emotions. It’s visually stunning, with Michel Gondry, the director, using some seriously creative techniques to portray the dreamlike quality of memory.

Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet as Joel and Clementine? Absolutely did not see that coming. I mean, Carrey, the guy I’m used to seeing with his face contorted in the most hilarious ways, delivers this incredibly subdued, nuanced performance. And Winslet, with her wild orange hair and impulsive character traits, just steals every scene she’s in. Their chemistry? Off the charts, but in a way that’s so real and raw, it kinda makes you want to go through your own labyrinth of a love story.

What really got me was the emotional journey this movie takes you on. It’s like one moment, you’re laughing at some absurdly funny moment between Joel and Clementine, and the next, you’re getting sucker-punched in the feels because, man, the pain of lost love is just too real.

The thing about Eternal Sunshine is that it makes you think. Like, really think. Would I erase someone from my memory if I could? It’s a tempting thought, but then you start to wonder, what about all the good times? Are they worth forgetting just to spare yourself some pain? It’s a mental tug-of-war.

Watching Eternal Sunshine was like finally reading that book everyone’s been telling you about, and then getting why they were all hyped up. It’s a masterpiece that makes you laugh, cry, and think, all while proving that Jim Carrey can indeed do serious roles. And me? I’m just over here, happy I finally got around to it and a bit mind-blown by the whole thing. 🌈

Until manaña — stay groovy,
Roger

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 120! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Today we’re settling in for some spooky movie talk tonight, and trust me, this one’s a doozy. We’re diving into the unsettling world of “The Hole in the Ground,” a 2019 flick by Lee Cronin that’ll leave you checking under your bed twice. This isn’t your garden-variety horror flick. It’s a psychological twisty-turny thing that plays with your mind more than just throwing jump scares at you.

This story centers around Sarah (played by the fantastic Seána Kerslake), a single mom who relocates with her young son Chris (James Quinn Markey) to the Irish countryside for a fresh start. Sounds idyllic, right? Well, things take a turn for the weird when they discover a giant, creepy sinkhole lurking in the woods behind their new home. Think less “scenic hiking spot” and more “portal to another dimension” vibes .

One night, Chris disappears into the woods and his mother runs after him but fails to find him. Thankfully, he returns home later, seemingly unharmed. But there’s just one teensy tiny problem: he’s acting, well, kinda strange. Like, disturbingly strange.

This is where the movie really gets good (or, well, terrifying, depending on how you look at it). Sarah starts noticing subtle changes in Chris – his eating habits are bizarre, he has these unsettling blank stares, and there’s a whole situation involving spiders that I won’t spoil, but let’s just say, it’s not pretty.

As Sarah’s suspicions grow, so does the tension. The cinematography is amazing, with lots of dark, atmospheric shots that had me practically glued to the screen . The sound design is equally impressive, with eerie creaks and whispers that’ll have you reaching for the nearest pillow to muffle your screams (don’t judge, we’ve all been there ).

The performances are also top-notch. Kerslake is phenomenal as Sarah, perfectly capturing the growing fear and desperation of a mother who just wants her son back. Markey, despite being quite young, delivers a chilling performance as the increasingly unsettling Chris. And the way Cronin builds tension is totally rad. He doesn’t rely on the usual horror tropes but instead creates this thick atmosphere of dread and unease that’s like walking through a spider web you didn’t see. It’s there, it’s icky, and now it’s all over you. 🕸️

What I absolutely adore about this movie is how it plays with the theme of maternal anxiety and the fear of the unknown. It’s like, how well do you really know your kids? Especially when they start doing creepy stuff in the middle of the night. Seána Kerslake’s performance is a wild, no-holds-barred journey of emotions that had me clutching my cozy—ugh, my not-so-spooky blanket.

While “The Hole in the Ground” serves up some seriously spooky vibes and a masterclass in tension-building, it might not reinvent the wheel. Some plot points feel a tad familiar if you’re a horror aficionado. However, the execution? Impeccable. It’s like taking a familiar recipe and adding your own twist, which in this case, is a dash of psychological horror and a sprinkle of folklore.

So, would I recommend taking the plunge into “The Hole in the Ground“? I think so. This movie definitely left me with a lingering sense of unease, but hey, that’s the mark of a good horror flick, right? Just maybe keep the lights on and avoid any suspicious-looking sinkholes in your backyard.

Until tomorrow, keep it spooky…but not too spooky. 😉
Roger

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 119! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey there, friends! 🌈

Today’s film chat: “A Ghost Story,” a 2017 film that’s equal parts hauntingly beautiful, mind-blowingly slow, and, well, let’s just say it’s not for everyone.

First off, let’s talk plot. The movie is, at its core, a hauntingly (pun intended) beautiful exploration of love, loss, and existence, all wrapped up in a visually stunning package. It stars Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara as a couple living a quiet life until tragedy strikes, and Affleck’s character becomes a ghost.

Now, here’s where things get weird (and kind of awesome): Casey’s ghost is literally a white sheet with two eyeholes. No fancy CGI, no ethereal glow, just pure sheet-ness. It’s both hilarious and strangely poignant, like a sad emoji come to life (and stuck in limbo). It’s like someone took the concept of a childhood ghost costume and thought, “Let’s make this into a profound cinematic experience.”

The film unfolds in long, silent stretches, punctuated by moments of bizarre beauty and quiet contemplation. We see Rooney’s character “M” grapple with loss, new relationships bloom and fade, and centuries pass in the blink of an eye (did I mention the time travel? Because, yeah, there’s time travel). It’s a heady mix of philosophy, existential dread, and the occasional chuckle.

But here’s the thing – I found the movie quite dull. 😴 Yeah, I said it. The idea behind it is intriguing, and there are moments that genuinely touched my heart. Yet, the pace… oh, the pace. It’s slower than a snail on a leisurely stroll. Like, glaciers-moving-on-molasses slow. I couldn’t help but feel that this could have been an epic short film. Squeezing it into a 90-minute feature felt like stretching a good, but thin, piece of taffy until it snaps.

Don’t get me wrong, there are parts of it that I really liked. The cinematography? Gorgeous. The exploration of themes like the passage of time and the essence of memory? It’s brilliantly done. The artistic merit is undeniable, and for some, this movie will hit all the right notes, like a perfectly tuned guitar.

But for me? It felt a bit like watching paint dry on a wall that’s already dry. However, amidst all the slow-moving scenes and existential pondering, there were nuggets of gold.

Now, I mentioned that this might have worked better as a short film and feel that some of the scenes could have been trimmed without losing the impact. But…upon contemplation, I think that maybe the length and pacing is kind of the point of the film. It forces you to slow down, to contemplate the vastness of time and the impermanence of life.

So yeah, “A Ghost Story” has its moments of beauty and brilliance. It’s a film that dares to be different, to explore grief and time in ways that are unconventional and, at times, profoundly moving. While it wasn’t my cup of tea, I can appreciate what Lowery was trying to do. It’s a reminder that art is subjective, and what resonates with one person might not with another. And that’s perfectly okay.

Peace out ✌️
Roger

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 118! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey folks!

So, I recently decided to give “Hereafter,” directed by the legendary Clint Eastwood, a watch. You know, the 2010 flick that somehow attempts to weave the afterlife into a narrative that’s as scattered as my sock drawer on laundry day. Before diving in, I stumbled upon heaps of reviews praising its depth and emotional grip. Now, before you grab your popcorn and settle in for a gushing review, hold on to your cowboy hats because this might not be the cheerleading session you were expecting.

So, the movie follows three seemingly unconnected characters: Marie, a French journalist who has a near-death experience during a tsunami ; George, a blue-collar worker who can communicate with the dead (talk about awkward dinner conversations!); and Marcus, a British kid grappling with the loss of his twin brother.

Now, the premise is intriguing, right? The whole “life, death, and the hereafter” thing is a cinematic goldmine. But here’s the rub: the movie spends so much time meandering through these characters’ lives that it feels like watching paint dry . We get glimpses of their struggles, their hopes, their fears, but it all unfolds at a snail’s pace .

Don’t get me wrong, the acting is solid. First off, Matt Damon. Love the guy, seriously. He could probably make a tax return look compelling, but even his charm couldn’t pull me into George’s world. It’s not Damon’s fault, though. The guy gave it his all, but the character felt as disconnected from the audience as he did from the living. And Marie? Her journey started off with a bang (quite literally, thanks to a tsunami), but then it just… fizzled out. As for the twins? Heartbreaking storyline, sure, but it felt like it was from a different movie altogether.

Now, let’s talk plot—or, well, the attempt at one. The idea of exploring the afterlife through these interwoven stories is intriguing, don’t get me wrong. But this was like a choose-your-own-adventure story where you never actually get to choose the adventure. The connections between the characters feel forced, the supernatural elements are more confusing than spooky, and the ending? Don’t even get me started. It’s so ambiguous that it left me feeling like I’d just finished watching a David Lynch film without the cool visuals .

The pacing, boy, oh boy. If you’re in the mood for something that moves with the urgency of a sloth on a lazy Sunday, you’re in luck! There were moments when I found myself checking if my remote was working because the scenes just dragged on. And not in a “building tension” kind of way, more like a “did I accidentally hit pause?” vibe.

Don’t get me wrong—I’m all for a movie that makes you think, reflect, or even cry into your popcorn. But “Hereafter” felt like it was reaching for the stars with a ladder made of toothpicks. Ambitious, sure, but ultimately unfulfilling.

Now, I know, I know, some people absolutely loved “Hereafter.” It’s got raving reviews and all that jazz. But for me, it was a cinematic Ambien . It wasn’t bad, per se, but it wasn’t exactly setting my soul on fire. I needed a little more oomph, a little more bam!

But hey, that’s the beauty of movies, right? They affect each of us differently.

Until next time, keep it weird, keep it wild, and remember, even the most acclaimed movies can sometimes leave you feeling like you just sat through a lecture on existentialism without the coffee ☕️. ✌️

Roger