Movie Reviews

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 221! 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 got around to watching the 2000 classic “What Lies Beneath,” directed by Robert Zemeckis. I know, I know, I’m super late to the party, but better late than never, right?

The movie kicks off with Claire Spencer, played by the amazing Michelle Pfeiffer, living her seemingly perfect life in a beautiful lakeside home with her husband, Norman. Norman is a hotshot scientist, and Claire is a retired concert cellist. Everything seems idyllic until Claire starts experiencing some seriously creepy stuff in their house.

It all begins with strange noises and doors opening on their own. Like, if my door started doing that, I’d be outta there so fast! But Claire, being the brave soul she is, decides to investigate. She starts seeing the ghostly figure of a woman and becomes convinced their house is haunted. Can you imagine seeing a ghost while trying to enjoy your morning coffee? Nope, not me. ☕👻

The plot thickens when Claire becomes convinced that a ghost is haunting her house. She tries to convince her husband, Norman (played by Ford), but he thinks she’s just stressed and imagining things. Classic skeptical husband move, am I right? But as the strange occurrences escalate, even Norman starts to question what’s real and what’s not.

So, Claire does what any of us would do—she turns to her bestie for help. Her friend Jody, played by Diana Scarwid, is skeptical at first but still supportive. That’s what friends are for, right? Claire even tries a séance to contact the ghost. Spoiler: it doesn’t end well. And the ghost seems to be trying to tell Claire something important.

Now, I don’t want to give too much away (spoiler alert!), but let’s just say the truth behind the haunting is a lot more twisted than anyone could have imagined. We’re talking dark secrets and a murder mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Pfeiffer’s performance is absolutely mesmerizing. She nails the transition from a carefree housewife to a woman on the edge as she becomes increasingly paranoid and obsessed with uncovering the truth. And Ford, as always, delivers a solid performance as the seemingly perfect husband with a hidden dark side.

One thing I loved about “What Lies Beneath” is the way it builds tension. Zemeckis really knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat.

So yeah, if you’re a fan of psychological thrillers with a supernatural twist (which I am!), then “What Lies Beneath” is definitely worth a watch. Just be prepared to sleep with the lights on for a few nights afterwards.

Until 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 220! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey Friends!

Let me dive right into something that somehow, by some weird fluke, had flown under my radar until recently: Steven Spielberg’s “A.I. Artificial Intelligence” from 2001. Can you believe I’d missed this gem? It’s like finding a hidden track on your favorite album years after you thought you knew every beat.

So, “A.I.” spins this heart-tugging yet slightly eerie tale about David, a highly advanced robotic boy played by Haley Joel Osment. David is the first of his kind, programmed with the ability to love. His story kicks off in a future where climate change has swallowed coastal cities (and you thought your basement flooding was bad!). In this world, robots (called “Mechas” for ‘mechanical’) are pretty much everywhere, helping out their human creators. But these aren’t your average tin cans. They’re programmed to feel emotions, including love.

David’s journey starts in the Swinton home, where he is adopted to replace a couple’s ill son. When their real son miraculously recovers, David’s life turns into quite the rollercoaster. What follows is a heartwarming and heartbreaking journey of acceptance, rejection, and the quest for belonging. He soon sets himself on a quest to become a “real boy,” hoping that this transformation will regain him the love of his human mother. It’s like Pinocchio got a futuristic reboot, you know?

Haley Joel Osment absolutely nails it, bringing a depth to David that blurs the lines between human and machine in ways that are sometimes downright unsettling. Jude Law joins in as Gigolo Joe, a charming and slick ‘love robot,’ adding a vibrant contrast to David’s innocence. Their odd partnership forms as they navigate a world that’s both fascinated and frightened by their existence. Joe’s a really cool character because he can actually feel emotions, and he’s also a bit of a playboy (given that he was programmed to….um…you know). He was kind of funny but also pretty sad, because he really just wanted to be loved and accepted. His character adds a little bit of a comedic touch to the movie, which I really liked.

One scene that absolutely sticks (you gotta see it to get the full goosebump effect) is when David meets his creator, Professor Hobby, played by William Hurt. This moment is loaded with all the existential goodies: Who am I? Why was I created? The sheer ambition of these scenes could make your head spin!

Through all its visual splendor and philosophical questions, “A.I.” delivers a narrative that’s both futuristic and deeply human. The special effects? Stellar. They paint this lush, disturbing future with strokes that only Spielberg can master. Yet, beneath all the tech and sci-fi gloss, it’s a story about love, loneliness, and the quest for identity. Hits right in the feels!

As the film progresses, David’s programmed desire to be loved makes him do some pretty wild things. I mean, he’s programmed to love, but it’s this kind of unconditional, unwavering love. I gotta say, it made me feel a little uncomfortable at times, like his love for his “mom” was kind of creepy, but it also made me wonder what love really is, you know?

That being said, “A.I.” also delves into some pretty heavy themes like loss, abandonment, and the ethical implications of creating sentient beings. It raises questions about what it truly means to be human, and whether love can exist without a soul. 🤔

So, why did it take me so long to catch this flick? Honestly, I’m kicking myself because “A.I. Artificial Intelligence” is a masterpiece that balances sharp intellect with profound sentimentality. If you haven’t seen it yet, consider this your nudge to go watch it—like, now!

Catch you on the next reel,
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 219! 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 got around to watching “Project Almanac”—that 2015 sci-fi flick directed by Dean Israelite. If you haven’t seen it, imagine a mash-up of Back to the Future meets The Butterfly Effect but with a bunch of teens who have no business messing with time travel. Intrigued? You should be. Let’s dive in.

First off, the movie kicks off with a pretty typical high school setup. We’ve got David Raskin (played by Jonny Weston), our main brainiac. He’s that kid who’s always tinkering with gadgets and dreams of getting into MIT. Total nerd vibes, but in a lovable way. His friends are the classic ragtag bunch: Quinn (Sam Lerner), who’s basically the comic relief; Adam (Allen Evangelista), the low-key tech geek; and Christina (Virginia Gardner), David’s sister who just wants to document everything on camera.

Oh, and let’s not forget Jessie (Sofia Black-D’Elia), the girl next door who David’s been crushing on since forever. Because, obviously, no teen movie is complete without an awkward romance subplot.

Anyway, David stumbles upon his late father’s old camcorder (cue the nostalgic VHS feels). While watching an old birthday party video, he spots his current self in the background. Super weird, right? Naturally, he does what any sane person would do—dives into his dad’s old workshop and discovers the plans for a time machine. I mean, why not?

The gang decides to build this machine because, duh, time travel! He enlists the help of his best friends to build the machine, and it’s pretty cool seeing how they put it together. I’m pretty sure I learned a few things about circuits and physics while watching that part! They even have some neat, realistic-looking visual effects that really bring the time travel to life. They definitely nailed the time travel aesthetic, you know? Like, those weird, glitchy, disorienting visuals.

So they make a bunch of small jumps at first, like acing tests and pranking bullies (classic), but soon and they get into some crazy predicaments. There’s this one scene where they go to Lollapalooza, and it’s pure chaos. If you could hop back in time to see your favorite band, you’d do it too, right? 🎸

But, of course, things go horribly sideways. They start noticing the butterfly effect (not as trippy as the movie, but still). Little changes like winning the lottery or acing a test lead to major repercussions. There’s a freak plane crash, personal relationships crumble, and everything spirals out of control. It’s like that time I tried to make a simple cake recipe and ended up with a kitchen disaster—sometimes, things just go horribly wrong. 🍝

One thing I loved about Project Almanac was its raw, found-footage style. It felt super immersive, like you were actually part of their crew, running around with them. It also made the time travel seem more believable, in a way. Plus, the cast had this genuine chemistry that made their crazy antics feel real.

I have to admit, though, the movie wasn’t without its flaws. Some plot holes were big enough to drive a DeLorean through. And the whole found-footage thing, while cool, got a bit dizzying at times. But hey, what’s a good sci-fi flick without a few “what just happened?” moments?

By the end of the movie, David realizes he needs to fix everything they messed up. It’s a whirlwind as he tries to set things right, and without spoiling too much, let’s just say the ending leaves you pondering the consequences of messing with time. It’s a solid mix of sci-fi thrills and teen drama, wrapped up in a shaky-cam package.

So, if you’re in the mood for a fun, slightly chaotic ride through time with a bunch of teens who have no idea what they’re doing, Project Almanac just might be your jam.

Cheers! 👋
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 218! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey friends!

Have you ever wanted to just hit pause on life and have the world stop around you? Well, that’s pretty much the entire premise of the 2002 flick “Clockstoppers.” Directed by Jonathan Frakes (yes, that’s Commander Riker from “Star Trek: The Next Generation” 🖖), this movie is like a wild sci-fi ride through the dream of every procrastinator out there.

So, the story kicks off with this teenager, Zak Gibbs, played by Jesse Bradford. He’s your typical high schooler with a major crush on the new girl, Francesca (Paula Garcés). Their chemistry is super cute and awkward in the best way possible. Zak’s dad, Dr. Gibbs (Robin Thomas), is this mega brainy scientist who’s always too busy tinkering with gadgets to pay much attention to Zak.

Enter the super cool, time-bending watch. This thing doesn’t just tell time; it manipulates it. Dr. Gibbs accidentally gets involved in some shady government project, and before you know it, Zak ends up with the watch. One day, Zak and Francesca start messing around with it, and they discover that it can speed them up so fast that everything else seems frozen. They call this state “hypertime.” Imagine being able to finish all your homework while everyone else is stuck in time – sounds like a dream, right?

But, of course, there’s a catch. There are always those pesky government villains, led by the menacing Henry Gates (Michael Biehn). This guy is so serious about his evil plans, it’s almost cartoonish. He wants the watch for his nefarious purposes, and he’s not too happy about Zak and Francesca stumbling into hypertime. So Zach and Francesca get caught up in this wild adventure involving government agents, a shady corporation, and a mad scientist.

What’s really fun is watching Zak and Francesca figure out how to use the watch. There are these hilarious scenes where they prank people by moving things around while everyone else is frozen. I mean, who wouldn’t want to mess around like that?

Jesse Bradford is okay as the lead, but the real star of the show is French Stewart (from “3rd Rock from the Sun”) as the villain, Earl Dopler. He’s over-the-top and hilarious, chewing the scenery like it’s bubble gum.

The visual effects, considering it’s 2002, are pretty decent. The whole world-freezing thing looks surprisingly cool, and you can’t help but get drawn into their little time-freezing escapades. The soundtrack is also full of early 2000s gems, which is a nostalgic treat if you’re into that era’s music.

And the acting is quite decent. Jesse Bradford is okay as the lead, but the real star of the show is French Stewart (from “3rd Rock from the Sun”) as the semi-villain, Earl Dopler. He’s over-the-top and hilarious, chewing the scenery like it’s bubble gum.

Now, “Clockstoppers” isn’t some deep, philosophical masterpiece. It’s more of a light-hearted adventure that’s perfect for a lazy afternoon when you’re in the mood for some nostalgia and quirky sci-fi fun. It’s got that early 2000s charm, with cheesy dialogue and all. But sometimes, that’s exactly what you need. Plus, it makes you think – what would you do if you had all the time in the world? 🕰️

Until tomorrow amigos!
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 217! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey friends!

So what if the Beatles never existed? That’s exactly what “Yesterday,” that 2019 flick is about — The Beatles disappearing from everyone’s memory except for one guy. Honestly, I’ve been putting off watching this because, like, who messes with ‘The Beatles’ legacy, right? But it turned out to be a surprisingly sweet, funny, and kinda thought-provoking film.

The story follows Jack Malik, this struggling musician played by the super charming Himesh Patel. Dude’s got talent but just can’t catch a break. Then, one night, a global blackout happens, and Jack gets hit by a bus (ouch!). When he wakes up, he realizes that no one but him remembers The Beatles! 😱

At first, he’s just confused, but then he starts playing their songs for people, passing them off as his own, and, you guessed it, he skyrockets to fame. He becomes a mega-star overnight, basically stealing credit for the greatest music ever written. Talk about a moral dilemma!

But here’s the kicker: the dude starts feeling all kinds of guilty. Plus, there’s this will-they-won’t-they tension with his best friend Ellie, played by Lily James, who’s been his cheerleader from day one. She’s the real MVP here, bringing so much heart to the screen.

But Jack’s guilt over his Beatles deception starts to eat away at him, and his relationship with Ellie suffers. It’s a classic case of “fake it till you make it” gone wrong.

I’ve gotta say, Himesh Patel? Absolute revelation. The guy sings, plays guitar, and makes you genuinely believe he’s this diamond-in-the-rough musician. And Lily James? She brings this warmth and sweetness that just makes you root for her and Jack to figure their stuff out.

Oh, and did I mention that Ed Sheeran plays himself in the movie? It’s totally random, but he’s actually pretty funny. There’s this hilarious scene where he and Jack have a songwriting competition. It’s a good reminder that even the biggest stars are just regular people, you know? In the film, he kinda becomes Jack’s mentor, which leads to some really funny and awkward moments, especially when Ed suggests changing the lyrics of “Hey Jude” to “Hey Dude.” Like, come on, Ed, really?

What I loved most about “Yesterday” was how it explored the power of music and how it connects us all. The film’s got this light, airy vibe but digs into some pretty deep themes, like integrity, love, and the whole ‘what-ifs’ of life. Even though the world had forgotten The Beatles, their songs still had the same emotional impact on people. It made me think about how lucky we are to have such incredible music in our lives. Their music has just seeped into everything, right? The film also raises some interesting questions about fame, originality, and the pressure to succeed.

Now I will admit that the ending is a bit cheesy, but hey, it’s a feel-good movie! And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a happy ending?

So yeah, “Yesterday” is this sweet, whimsical ride that’s all about music, love, and the crazy twists of fate. Whether you’re a die-hard Beatles fan or just in it for a chill movie night, it’s definitely worth a watch. The film makes you appreciate the magic of music and reminds you not to take the simple things—or iconic bands—for granted.

Keep rocking and rolling! ✌️

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 216! 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 got around to watching the 2018 horror flick “Malevolent,” directed by Olaf de Fleur Johannesson. Honestly, I went in with high hopes. I mean, who doesn’t love a good spooky movie night, right? But honestly? Meh. 😕 It wasn’t the worst thing I’ve ever seen, but it didn’t exactly blow my socks off either. 🧦💨

First off, the plot. We’ve got Angela (played by Florence Pugh, who’s always amazing – seriously, if you haven’t seen “Midsommar,” do it) and her brother Jackson (Ben Lloyd-Hughes). They’re a pair of scam artists running a fake paranormal investigation business. They go around “helping” people with hauntings by pretending to see ghosts and then charging for their services. Yeah, classic con stuff. But then they take on a job at an old orphanage where things start getting real, and surprise, surprise, there are actual ghosts.

Now, Angela starts hearing voices and seeing things for real, which freaks her out (understandably). This is where the movie tries to shift gears into a genuine horror story. But here’s the thing: the build-up is so slow that by the time we get to the spooky parts, I was already checking my phone for the time. The creepy orphanage setting had potential, but it felt like they were relying too much on clichés rather than building genuine suspense.

Florence Pugh plays Angela, and she’s definitely the star of the show. She’s got this amazing ability to switch between being a total badass and a vulnerable mess, and it’s pretty captivating to watch. Ben Lloyd-Hughes plays Jackson, and while he’s not bad, he doesn’t quite match Pugh’s intensity.

Let’s talk about the ghosts. The special effects were…not great. I know it’s a low-budget film, but sometimes less is more, you know? Instead of eerie, it came off as kind of cheesy. There’s one scene with a ghost girl that’s supposed to be super scary, but I just ended up laughing. It was like she walked straight out of a discount Halloween store.

The plot itself is kind of predictable. You know, the whole “fake paranormal investigators encounter real ghosts” trope. It’s been done a million times before, and “Malevolent” doesn’t really bring anything new to the table. There are a few decent jump scares here and there, but nothing that’ll keep you up at night.

One thing I did appreciate was the film’s atmosphere. It’s got this gloomy, gothic vibe that definitely adds to the creep factor. And the old mansion where most of the action takes place is pretty darn spooky.

Oh, and the whole subplot about the siblings’ traumatic past? It was like a half-hearted attempt to add depth but ended up being just another plot point that didn’t really go anywhere. I felt like they were trying to cram too much into the movie without developing any of it properly.

So yeah, “Malevolent” just felt a little flat to me. It had potential, but it never really lived up to it. Maybe it was the predictable plot, or the lack of truly terrifying scares, or maybe I’m just becoming immune to horror movies. Who knows?

If you’re looking for a light, mildly spooky watch, then “Malevolent” might be worth checking out. I did find it entertaining. But if you’re expecting a truly terrifying horror experience, you’ll probably be disappointed.

TTNF! 👋
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 215! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey everyone!

So I finally got around to watching “Dear Ex,” and let me just say, I’ve got a lot to unpack here. Directed by the talented duo Chih-Yen Hsu and Mag Hsu, this Taiwanese film truly brings something special to the table with its colorful blend of emotions and drama.

The story centers on three main characters: a teenager named Song Chengxi, his determined mother Liu Sanlian, and the irresistibly charismatic Jay. The drama unfolds when Chengxi’s father passes away and, surprise, leaves everything to his secret lover Jay, bypassing his own family. This revelation sends Sanlian into a tailspin of determination to confront Jay, with Chengxi caught right in the middle. We see Chengxi grappling with the loss of his father, navigating the turbulent waters of his relationship with his mother, and trying to understand his father’s secret life.

Honestly, the acting in this film is top-notch. Roy Chiu as Jay is absolutely captivating, portraying a character who is both charming and flawed. He brings a depth and vulnerability to Jay that makes you empathize with him despite his questionable choices.

Hsieh Yingxuan as Sanlian is equally brilliant. She captures the raw pain and anger of a grieving widow with such intensity that you can’t help but feel her heartbreak. And then there’s Joseph Huang as Chengxi. He delivers a remarkably mature performance for such a young actor, perfectly embodying the confusion and rebellion of adolescence.

What really sticks with you about “Dear Ex” is its refusal to offer easy answers. It explores the messiness of relationships, the secrets we keep, and how forgiveness can sometimes be found where you least expect it. Just when you think you know where things are headed, the film peels back another layer, revealing deeper motivations and hurts. It’s like trying a new dish that keeps surprising you with unexpected flavors.

The emotional depth of this film is something else. There’s a particular scene where Sanlian and Jay confront each other, and it’s so charged with raw emotion, you can’t help but feel drawn into their world.

And the film doesn’t shy away from difficult topics like homophobia, grief, and the challenges of blended families. But it handles these themes with sensitivity, offering a nuanced and ultimately hopeful perspective. The ending is particularly moving, leaving you with a bittersweet feeling of closure and a renewed appreciation for the power of love and forgiveness.

In all, “Dear Ex” is a film that challenges you to look beyond the surface of its characters and dive deep into the messy complexities of love, family, and forgiveness. It’s a beautiful story that deserves a spot on your watch list. I loved it!

Peace out, ✌️
Roger