Damon and Bale. That's the heart of the film. Those two guys turn this one into an absolute joyride, and I can't help but love that sweet racing atmosphere. Magnold builds a story with a passionate love for the world of cars and racing, and that's the secret ingredient for sports films like this one. Not quite extraordinary, but delightful at every turn.
-
-
Black Adam 2022
Essentially just two hours of the Rock trying to make himself the DC messiah. Has some genuinely imaginative sequences with characters like Dr. Fate and Hawkman, but also has a ton of duds. Serves as a mere episode in the DCU's quest to save face, but the lifeline's long gone by now. Brosnan and co. inject a glimmer of hope and save this one from complete disappointment, so it sits right in the middle of the road. As the final…
-
Million Dollar Baby 2004
Love, dreams, and sacrifice in the American South. The human experience has never quite been imaged and captured in the way Eastwood has here. Love, in its various forms, permeates the narrative, unveiling itself as both a source of bliss and pain, with the central connection between Frankie and Maggie being so amorously acted and written by Eastwood and Swank. They heal the other's wounds, provide solace, and ignite the strength within, which grasps your heart from the very beginning.…
-
Aliens 1986
Riveting. Thrills and kills around every corner, and it’s as refreshing and as glorious as Cameron’s best. From Weaver’s electric performance, to Jim’s bold and immersive direction, to the stunning yet horrifying blue-and-black photography, to Horner’s magical and intense score, Aliens is, without a doubt, one of the most thrilling cinematic experiences of its time. An unforgettable journey into the realms of aliens and dystopia.
-
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade 1989
The best of the bunch. Here we see the perfect convergence of magical storytelling; the same one that the Indy films have always given, just turned up to eleven. Harrison Ford and Sean Connery join forces and ignite the screen with their magnetic presence. Their chemistry is nothing short of electric, infusing the film with a palpable energy that fuels its very core. Ford effortlessly embodies the swashbuckling hero we know and love, while Connery brings a seasoned wisdom and…
-
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom 1984
Despite having seen Raiders a million times before, I've somehow never seen any of the other Indy films. So here we go; better late than never.
From the very beginning, Temple of Doom grabs hold of our attention with its mesmerizing visuals and thrilling sequences. From the first confrontation with Lao Che, Spielberg pulls us into a world of ancient temples and heart-pounding exploits. From the grandeur of ancient temples to the intricate choreography of its intense action sequences, the…
-
After Hours 1985
A sharp cocktail thriller unlike any other I’ve seen. Under Scorsese's masterful direction, the cinematography becomes vivid and alluring, where neon-dimmed streets and shadow-drenched alleyways enthrall the eyes. Howard Shore’s quick yet quiet score complements the photography at every turn, just pulling us further into the streets of Soho. But what begins as a visually striking mystery soon unravels into an absurd enigma, a labyrinth of suspense that compels us to second-guess each unfolding moment. With every twist and turn,…
-
Children of Men 2006
A light in darkness. Rarely has a dystopian film delved so deeply into the depths of hopelessness, intertwining it with a profound sense of intimacy. Every frame seeps with a gritty realism that pierces through the soul. At its core, Children of Men grapples with profound philosophical questions, challenging our notions of humanity, empathy, and the fragility of existence. It presents a world teetering on the edge of collapse, where infertility has rendered hope a scarce commodity. Through the lens of…
-
Air 2023
The J’s; no other shoe can quite compare. And shoes like that deserve a movie like this. Sharp, riveting, and oozing with style; just like Mike himself. Not a dull second goes by, and every scene is as quick as it is gripping. Damon, Bateman, Affleck, and Viola Davis give some D1-level performances, playing on the same wavelength as the catchy soundtrack and some colorful, popping photography. Affleck directs the hell out of this screenplay, almost Scorsese-esque with the styling…
-
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 2023
A journey through the cosmos. Our favorite band of heroes go on one final quest, and it may just be one of the most spectacular things I’ve witnessed on the silver screen in recent years. From the first dazzling beat to the final, epic strings, Gunn perfects the guardians in a way that he’s never done before, and does it with style.
The stunning visual designs strike an intricate balance between the comic-book aesthetic and a rugged, gritty feel, creating…
-
-
The Raid 2 2014
Corruption, loyalty, and the facade of order. As Rama delves deeper into the criminal underworld, he discovers that corruption is rampant, and loyalty is a rare commodity. Power stains, and that those who wield it are often willing to do whatever it takes to maintain their hold on it. One of the most prominent themes in The Raid saga is the idea of loyalty. Loyalty is a double-edged sword, as it can be both a source of strength and a…