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Jamin-chaput
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Reviews
Blink Twice (2024)
5 might be a bit low, 6 might be a bit high, but no regrets watching this film
Is this a directorial debut for Zoe Kravitz? If so, well done. It is filmed well, nice angles, good cuts, well put together.
The only reason this doesn't get a higher mark is because its a story that's been done a lot before. That isn't a particularly bad thing. If things are done well, then they're good. But there was no surprise at what was coming. The movie is a "thriller", so there's no spoiler in saying the island isn't the paradise it's meant to look like to everyone.
But there are a couple twists along the way that made it worthwhile to watch. A couple new elements added to a story that's been done before. It was definitely a fun watch. Perhaps my only gripe with the general script or pacing was that it took maybe a wee bit too long to get to what we all knew was going to happen (in one way or another).
Overall a fun watch. 5 stars might make this seem more mediocre than it is, and 6 might be a bit too much praise. But if you like this genre then its unlikely you'll be disappointed watching Blink Twice. 5.5/10
Also, pussy island Zoe? That wasn't a great name. I'm glad it got called blink twice.
Daniel (2023)
A privileged look inside the mind of someone who saw the world just a little differently.
This was a really special film, a mosaic of memories perfectly woven together. With thousands of hours of footage of Daniel's life to work with, this could have easily been a bloated film, one that could have been an extended and (understandably) indulgent look at a young man, by family, for family. Instead we get a quilted blanket that is neither too heavy, nor lacking substance.
No matter what you believe, this film will make you wonder what if. What if lost things were found? What if the wrongfully removed were replaced? What if the ancient guardians of a cave of the dead had never lost their toy? What if we didn't so easily dismiss the old gods? We don't believe in silly curses and old world superstitions, but Daniel's story eats away at the foundation of those (non) beliefs.
But for the talk of curses and premature endings, we're left with a profound feeling of admiration of a life well lived. This film was always about life, and by the end I can't help but think that the documentary has a life of its own. Rarely do people get to tell the story of their life so completely. Here, Daniel and his family get to tell his story as perfectly as can be told.
Daniel has left me with lingering feelings. The emotions of his life's work are complex, but by the end of it I am certain of one thing: I will not feel sorry for Daniel.
Speak No Evil (2022)
A brilliant commentary on adhesion to social norms and politeness
This review will not contain plot spoilers, but will touch on various scenes without actually giving away plot.
First off, this is a superbly directed film. From the opening scenes of the Danish father wandering streets in Italy searching for his daughter's stuffed bunny, the "jump" cuts were reminiscent of early Goddard and the first wave of French New Wave cinema. It felt like a love letter to new wave camera storytelling in the same was Taxi Driver was.
The foreboding music early on, set to completely innocent scenes and events warns you not to feel comfortable, that something foreboding is in store. An absolute delight of direction.
Plot-wise, though, is where this movie shines. How any of us handles unpleasant situations. When we try to determine whether someone (especially when there's a language barrier) said something to offend us, or if it was a mistake or got lost in translation. It's about being torn between following the instincts of the gut which tell you to leave, or the instincts banded into us by social properness to handle the offence with care so as not to be impolite.
I'm not Danish, but I feel this story could easily have also been told here in Canada. Countries known for their middle class and politeness. I see many reviews saying this movie is stupid because had the main characters been smart they would have left. But that's not the point of the movie. It's about be trapped by your Danish/Canadian politeness and succumbing to the power of gaslighting and adherence to social politeness. Perhaps we don't experience the inevitable evil of this film, but how many of us experience damaged feelings by enduring people longer than we should?
This isn't a horror movie where you should ask, why didn't they leave? Or why didn't they call someone? It's a movie about the horrors of not knowing to do those things because you're trapped in your desire to be polite.
The final act of this film is disturbing. It's violence is abrupt and unique. The film is not something I'll watch again, not because it's less than good, but because there's no need. The feelings and images it has seared into my brain negates the need to ever see this again. But anyone should watch it once.
Reminiscence (2021)
Might be worth a watch for the visuals
Listen, there's lots of bad movies, and some good movies. This is neither. There's a movie for a certain time and place too. Had I watched this on a Friday night with popcorn and anticipation, I would probably be a lot more disappointed, but as a late night flick without expectations, it's a passable film.
Fantastic visuals, great concept with partially underwater cities. Surely not a new concept but the first time I've ever seen it executed in this manner. Some interesting characters. But the film greatly lacked in plot, felt predictable, and had some fairly rigid dialogue. I would have preferred if the film had been more about the mystery and surprised me with twists and turns instead of just being a film akin to a fancy car following the same old roadmap.
Overall this movie gets either a 4 or 5 from me. Certainly watchable, but by no means a film I will reminisce about.
The Climb (2019)
Wonderfully filmed and edited
There's lots of different types of comedies to enjoy, and what makes this one refreshing is how it doesn't work hard to make you laugh. In fact I watched most of this film with a constant smile instead of a handful of belly busting laughs.
The real masterpiece here though was the camera work and the ability of the actors to be able to do long scenes with no cuts. Any film that employs few cuts always feels easy to watch for me. I find cuts mentally exhausting. This film is easy on the eyes, with the camera following characters through rooms and on long walks or bike rides. Sometimes the camera is on characters in one room then moves to characters in another room. It made this film feel whole and authentic.
Spectral (2016)
Not sure this had an actual story
I was waiting for a twist, a climax, character development. Nothing. If you like action and don't care much about a story, maybe it's ok. But if that's the case, just watch John Wick or something better.
3/10 is a sincere rating. If it was unwatchable I'd say 1/10, if it were moderately entertaining I would have said 4/10 or 5/10. This is a solid 3.