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Watched on Sunday June 8, 2025.

As a person who has seen all of the MCU, I can understand those who are not invested as I was feeling a little lost on some of the callbacks in this film.

My main complaint with the film is that it’s trying a bit too hard to invoke nostalgia. Between the many flashbacks and exposition scenes, there was a lot that could have been trimmed.

I could have used more crazy stunts because the ones that were included were well worth the price of transmission. Also the tank top game in this movie was extremely on point.

I look forward to Ethan’s next adventure because this didn’t actually feel like the Final Reckoning.

It was great seeing this with Weird Elephant crowd! This was my Silence of the Lambs when I was younger as it had sci-fi elements. I ed only the dream sequence parts and didn’t realize it had such long investigative scenes, which honestly could have been cut down.

The acting was mid, but the dream costumes were top notch even though JLo’s civilian outfits were crimes. But maybe that’s just a reflection of the time period.

I have a soft spot for religious send-ups. Is it stupid? Undeniably so but also there were some gems in the myriad monologues.

Also, this cast was kind of insane for the type of movie. Damon and Affleck are so natural as buds. Rickman elevates where Mewes grounds.

This is, in my opinion, the best Smith ever made. Don’t @ me bro!

Only Kurosawa can make this tale of familial drama so gripping and epic. Such great shots and intense acting. 

Also I love how Loonette from the Big Comfy Couch basically has the same aesthetic as the fool. Need all these textiles ASAP.

Objectively this movie is probably better than my rating, but over the top sentimentality is something I struggle with in media. It reminds me of Big Fish and how I felt like a crazy person for not liking it.

There were elements that I enjoyed, such as the stylized sets and costumes. Some of the acting was great too, especially Hamill. But the story and its structure undercut the barely there magical realism.

A cute romance that was trying too hard in certain respects. The main character was messy enough without needing pratfalls or llamas.

It was generally unfocused but I am a sucker for debates about literature in a salon.

Utterly terrifying. This is really about the horrors of men dismissing the concerns of women. Like dude, she was right, you are powerless! I guess it’s fitting that it is set in a boring suburban house. Just like mine…

What a special experience to see this in my hometown that had its own vibrant community of Vietnamese refugees and second generation children. I could see many of my family in these stories. I knew it was the real deal when it mentioned Paris by Night.

Even more memorable was the Q&A with the director afterwards. Great discussion and commentary that dug deep into the heart of storytelling.

This was a little too self congratulatory for my tastes. I get that it’s based on a true story, but it didn’t have a compelling arc. 

Also any time a person is trying to find themselves and write a book, I kind of roll my eyes.

I feel like some of the satire was a little lost on me but I appreciated the bootstrap nature of this fun caper.

I have been informed that these are not technically zombies, but I have long avoided this movie because the idea of fast moving zombies was always terrifying to me.

Turns out, I was right! The portrayal of the infected is very effective and I can see how this film has influenced subsequent zombie media. What I pleasantly surprised to see were the touching quiet moments between the characters that built the tension to the climactic scene. In the end, it’s the people killing people and our fellow humans are the most dangerous of all.

It is hard to believe that such a seminal film has long eluded me. I have known about this movie as it is embedded into the zeitgeist, but only had broad notions of what exactly happens.

Boy, I was missing out! It has just the right amount of tension with each shot holding your interest. It was scary in all the right ways to make you invested in this ragtag trio of men.

So glad I was able to watch it for the first time on a big historic screen with an audience of movie lovers and kids alike.

Raw, honest, and funny in the face of hurt. It felt so real and spoke to the way we try to make it through a world that seems so indifferent.

It’s very hard for me to rate this movie. I loved the escapist fantasy and having with this crew of women, but there were parts of the film that baffled me.

I’m not sure why there was a meta component. Was the director the little boy? Is it semi-autobiographical?

Also, the score tipped the movie from overly dramatic to straight up soap opera. Some of the storylines were a little unnecessary and distracted from the relationships of these women.

Midnight showing was the right venue for this micro budget horror comedy.

Hilariously gross and horny in equal measure. It is always great to see artists make something just for the joy of it and that was evident in this film. I’m going to be cracking up about some of the lines and gags from this movie for a very long time.

What a ride. The person who introduced this film very strongly warned us that this was an experimental film. I don’t think that really encapsulates the vibe of the movie. 

Creepy, affecting, but also kind of horny? Voyeurism in all forms, including us in the audience.

That was intense, but that only means it was effective.

Watched on Saturday May 17, 2025.

Watched on Friday May 16, 2025.

First one I’ve seen of the bunch but I feel like I get the gist. Stupid, predictable and a lot of fun in the theaters.

Well I’m glad I didn’t watch this when I was young because frankly, I think I would have hated it. But for all the reasons that it works so well as movie. The characters and events are both heightened but also real. Real nasty in fact, which is never my favorite vibe.

This had my usual problem with horror movies where a lot of the problems stem from the characters making very dumb decisions.

But otherwise a fun concept that was definitely of its time.

I have such fond memories of this movie and it totally holds up! Only Jack Black could give 110% and make such an intense character lovable.

It kind of cracks me up to only realize now that it was directed by Linklater and written by Mike White.

A very contained disaster movie that delivers. The force of nature is hard to reckon with sometimes, so being able to process it in these small ways is somewhat helpful. But it also reminds me that I would 100% be one of those bystander casualties.

It did all the plane gags which was fun. Didn’t love the way they shot the fight scenes to make it seem even more frenetic. 

But overall a good distraction from the real world.

Honestly can’t rate this until I’ve processed it more. It was certainly going for something and was not boring. But what that was? I have no idea.

Unhinged Cage is always a wild time though.

This review may contain spoilers.

There has been a trend in horror movies in which the monster represents some trauma. MCU has jumped on that bandwagon to varying degrees of success. However, unlike horror movies it doesn’t have the nerve to stick to its guns. Of course the cute little child is not voided out of existence permanently.

But after Brave New World, it was refreshing to have characters that had any modicum of humanity. Pugh is doing her best to carry this movie on her shoulders. The themes of loneliness and the feelings of regret are very relatable but is a little cheapened by the the neat little bow Marvel puts on it all.

Still a fun time at the flicks! You know what you’re ultimately going to get when you go to one of these, and it delivers.

This was a huge improvement on the first movie. There was only one flashback scene! It also benefited from great chemistry between Affleck and Bernthal. 

It was still a bit ridiculous and a little problematic, but a fun time nonetheless. Can’t wait to see what the hacker collective gets up to next.

Hot. Main problem is not enough Zeta-Jones.

Higgins is terrible and Harrison can’t sing, but there are some amazing bangers in this musical that evoke a lot of feelings in me. 

I wish there was a Hepburn singing cut.

Watching this movie late on a weeknight is a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it seems like you’re never going to be able to sleep again. On the other, being punch drunk and flinging barely coherent heckles at the screen while the 1000th flashback/exposition scene drags on is kind of the only way forward.

The trailers for the second movie made me question why didn’t see this first one upon release. Now I know why. Let’s hope there’s more energy with the bros reunited.

I have long thought this was not the best adaptation, but much like for Lizzy and Darcy, first impressions can be very wrong.

I’m glad I revisited this on the big screen. The tracking shots and ethereal score transported me to a place and feeling I long for in these trying times.

Watched on Sunday April 20, 2025.

A fun movie full of sentiment. While I really enjoyed the original, I found more common ground with this remake. I can see a lot of people I know in these characters and it is nice to imagine they might all get their happy ending.

The perfect Easter movie. Undead and prayers.

That was a lot. Someone said that they want to see this again but also don’t. I feel similarly.

There is a lot to process in this movie that another viewing would be nice to capture some of the little touches and film qualities. But I also don’t want to go through all that upsetting content.

But why was that bird so fake?!

Part of me was exasperated with these dudes who were so full up their own asses but they were still endearing since they felt very real. 

Funny and a bit tragic, like every road trip should be.

Also I love that Rickey was so completely dense about Californian geography as it is a major weak spot for me personally.

I was surprised when I learned Tortilla Soup is based on this movie considering I watching that several times when I was younger while never even knowing this existed.

It just goes to show some human experiences and stories transcend culture as the key familial conflict is just as impactful here. The main disappointment of the movie is that I was not able to partake in any of the delicious food on display.

Scored live by the Invincible Czars!

I’ve seen a couple different adaptations but there is something about this silent classic. Gave a bit extra to the theatrical nature of the story.

But it was interesting to think of the Phantom as the OG incel.

I’m glad this movie was only an hour and a half because I don’t know if I could have taken more than that.

An intense look at a snapshot of modern warfare in all its ugliness. The sound was used very effectively to convey the chaos. I appreciated how the film didn’t try to convey any real meaning or ideology. It was just a bunch of young men trying to make it out alive.

Drunk decisions were made. Which could explain parts of this movie as well.

This was more deadpan than I . For some reason I had this notion that it was over the top in its satire, but it was a more subtle comedy.

My book club paired this with a book I called “peak Boomer lit” and this film was a good callback to some of those tropes.

What a truly cinematic experience to see this on 35 mm film in a historic theater.

Norma Shearer is a gem. I love the pre-code sassiness she imbued on the screen. This lady is no holds barred in a way that most modern actresses can’t touch.

What a charming movie. Everyone is essentially coming from a good place even if society and culture have shaped their thinking in specific ways.

The premise might seem outlandish to some but I felt it was very Asian and not at all ridiculous. I mean it was, but in a way that was very real. I’m very curious to see how the remake builds upon these themes.

A quiet and intense look at the impact on those youth who have to contend with facing pressures and trauma. I loved the way these kids seemed so real, even when it broke my heart to see Julie suffering so much.

I was simultaneously enthralled and baffled by this movie. But what else can you expect from a Herzog Lynch collaboration?

Re-watching this at sleepover party was quite the throwback. Though I kind of wish I had forgotten some of the awful fashion of the early aughts.

One thing that I really enjoy about this movie is how ive many of the women are each other. Of course there is the central conflict between Vivian and Elle but the whole point is we need to show up for our girls instead of in-fighting.

I haven’t seen this movie in like 20 years. I thinking it was the funniest thing back when I was a teenager.

As an adult, there some very dated 2000’s cultural aspects that don’t sit as well, but some of the gags were just so outlandish. And they went on FOREVER which actually made them come around. 

Great to revisit some of the oldies. Some don’t stand the test of time, but I have a soft spot for these dumb stoners. Though only the dog ever rips a bong?!

This review may contain spoilers.

Hoooo boy. While I’m glad Agathe and Martin finally stand up to the deplorable Tomas, I really needed someone to punch him in his smug lying face.

Each one of this misguided throuple was so well inhabited and portrayed. Which actually made it hard to watch because you wanted to take each of them aside and give them a stern talking to. But I suppose people are messy and that is what makes this so real.

My film friends are always very excited to participate in Hooptober every year, in which they are challenged to watch an insane amount of horror movies. I am not the biggest horror fan, though I am starting to warm up to the genre. My one true love, however, is science fiction. Particularly of the rom-com variety.

To mix my metaphors and genres, I've decided that "if you build it, they will come". So I introduce to you, Futurary! For this first (hopefully not the last?) year, I wanted to stay close to what brought me into science fiction in the first place, striving for a better future and finding the one who will travel that road with you.

The (many) Rules of Futurary:

There must be 28 films
5 languages[X][X][X][X][X]
6 decades [X][X][X][X][X][X]
4 films set in space[X][X][X][X]
3 films based on a book[X][X][X]
2 films with AI or robots[X][X]
2 films featuring clones[X][X]
1 film featuring conception[X]
1 film featuring a metamorphosis[X]
1 film with on screen sex between two different species[X]
1 film featured in a non-fiction book about movies [X]
1 film set in a city you have visited[X]
1 film featuring traveling protagonists[X]
1 film featuring a queer romance[X]
1 film directed by Tarkovsky[X]
1 film with "future" in the title[X]
1 film recommended by a friend[X]

Films may fulfill multiple categories

Watch and review them all between January 1-February 28th and tag it "Futurary" so we can see how far you'll go for the love of science fiction.

• Demon Seed

  AI

  Based on book

  Conception

• Crimes of the Future

  Metamorphosis
  Future in title

• Barbarella
• Molli and Max in the Future

  Future in title

• Stalker

  Tarkovsky
  Russian

• Bacurau

  Portugese

• Spaceman

  Traveling
  Set in space 
  Based on book

• High Life

  Traveling
  Set in space

  Conception

• Flaming Ears

  German
  Queer Romance

• Ozma

  Set in city you’ve visited

...plus 18 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

I managed to watch all ten of the best picture nominees this year. Definitely feel that there were others that deserved to be on this list, but alas, I am not a voting member of the Academy.

1. Nickel Boys

   Innovative and effective. One of the most powerful movies ever, definitely of the year.

2. The Brutalist

   Towering and searing

3. Anora

   Hit me right in the soul. Great indie with laughter and Mikey was a revelation.

4. The Substance

   Unflinching and unforgettable 

5. Dune: Part Two

   A great second half to a sci-fi epic. They didn’t think it could be done, but it was done with style.

6. I'm Still Here

   A film that stayed close to the heart of the characters and portrayed a time and place in detail.

7. Conclave

   A quiet but intense thriller that was well executed.

8. A Complete Unknown

   A fine biopic. I am told it did Dylan justice but I wouldn’t know. Every performance was stellar however, with Norton being a standout.

9. Wicked

   Glitz and glam but not much else

10. Emilia Pérez

    Not a good musical

2024 was a banner year of movies for me. I don’t subscribe with stats, but I’m confident I saw more in 2024 than any year previous.

A crucial part of this movie watching year was my attempt to finally break into horror, a genre I long have avoided due to some childhood trauma (thanks Chucky). While it is not reflected my top ten, I have enjoyed branching out into the spookier side of movies though I’m still avoiding outright slashers.

The opportunity to watch movies is a joy in itself, but the best part of this year’s experience was the social component that was boosted with my increased numbers. There were special Seattle trips, sleepovers, book club heckling, and fundraisers. I will cherish all the time spent with my friends and these movies will be forever linked with those memories.

1. Anora

   Anora is both strong and vulnerable in equal measures but her clients and family would never know that. Girl got in over her head but managed to make it out. The juxtaposition of her no holds barred resolve with glimpses of her hurt was very impactful.

2. Dìdi (弟弟)

   There are many movies about teens that are played by obvious adults or outlandish to the point of being unrelatable. This very specific glimpse into an Asian American family in the aughts was so refreshingly real.

3. Perfect Days

   This is probably the most achievable form of enlightenment I’ve seen depicted on screen. Sometimes there can be both joy and sadness finding content in doing a good job and sticking with routine.

4. The Substance

   Body horror at its finest. For nothing is more true than the fact that women’s bodies are dissected and scrutinized in private and public. Ageism beauty standards seep deep inside the soul and corrupts all. It was amazing to see this all play out with both candy coated and grotesque imagery. 

5. The Beast

   I love a sci-fi romance. You could argue that this is not a romance because these star and time crossed lovers never really end up together. But the tension between the two was so palpable that you can’t help be drawn into this story where societal expectations interfere with their desires.

6. Hard Truths

   Pansy is so awful to both herself and the people around her. She is the embodiment of the notion that “hurt people hurt others” and Jean-Baptiste does such an amazing job showing both the outer angry Pansy alongside the pained and lonely inner Pansy.
   
   That performance alone would have made this film extraordinary, but it was enhanced by the ing cast that held contrast to Pansy’s demeanor. It shows the way we are all connected and what we do impacts those around us.

7. A Different Man

   This movie took me completely by surprise. I was not expecting the off kilter horror tone to the movie. But I loved how it dove deep into the allure of a better life just being out of reach. Stan does a great job of emoting that inner frustration and rage.

8. The Brutalist

   This movie was amazing to watch on the biggest possible screen. The tortured artist is a subject matter that can be hit or miss for me, but Toth’s post-war experience was both grounded and grand.

9. I Saw the TV Glow

   The core of this movie expresses what it is like to live in the world and yet feel removed from it. Many of us use media as means of escape and this movie have a very specific window into a time period that resonated.

10. Sometimes I Think About Dying

    There were other movies this year that depicted a person in crisis. I found those rather more volatile characterizations to be engaging, but I felt Ridley’s quiet understated performance to be the most compelling.
    
    

...plus 10 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

1. Past Lives

   My fave movie a couple years back was The Farewell, so it’s not really surprising that I would love another autobiographical look at being an Asian in America and its implications. 

2. Poor Things

   This was giving me some hardcore Terry Gilliam vibes and I was here for it. It is always enjoyable to watch people embody a weird concept to the nth degree.

3. Godzilla Minus One

   I’ve seen many Godzilla movies, but this is the best one by far in of scale both big and small. 

4. The Taste of Things

   Food and love in all good measure.

5. Anatomy of a Fall

   She totally didn’t do it! I don’t care what anybody says!

6. Monster
7. American Fiction

   This has the added benefit of being the best Mystery Movie to date and on my birthday no less!

8. Polite Society

   This is an interesting movie in light of the Ms Marvel series, but it has the best aggressive dance scene I’ve seen in awhile. Plus I love that art the heart of this movie is a sisterly bond. Move over Elsa and Anna!

9. Sanctuary

   I mean what’s not to like about two people dancing around the fact that their attraction transcends fetish?

10. Asteroid City

1. Three Thousand Years of Longing
2. Everything Everywhere All at Once
3. Living
4. The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
5. Marcel the Shell with Shoes On
6. The Banshees of Inisherin
7. Emily the Criminal
8. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
9. The Batman
10. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

As I was looking back at last year’s list, I realized I wrote about hoping for more uplifting movies in 2020. Now I would settle for being able to see movies in the theaters again.

There are definitely other movies not listed that I think were objectively “better” but I wanted to encapsulate those films that brought me a modicum of joy.

1. Portrait of a Lady on Fire

   This is technically a 2019 film, but I’m counting it as 2020 because that’s when it became available stateside.

2. Promising Young Woman

   My inner rage burns!!!

3. Emma.

   A delightful balm in a year of blah.

4. The Vast of Night

   What really hooked me was the effective use of radio. I finally understood what it was like to be drawn in by the vivid voices (sans video).

5. Miss Juneteenth

   There is a lot packed into this quietly strong film about the power of perseverance and making your own way in the world.

6. Minari

   Bittersweet and perhaps too true to life? I definitely wish the ending was different but I understand the spirit of it.

7. Black Bear

   This is as close to a horror movie I can get. It had me tense and on edge throughout.

8. Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)
9. Save Yourselves!
10. The Lovebirds

    Whacky rom-come are great. Reminds us to not become complacent in our relationships.

Movies that let me fly away from these confining times. In no particular order...

• Up
• The Fifth Element
• Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure
• National Treasure

  Nothing beats ridiculous Nick Cage.

• Mission: Impossible
• Now and Then
• Legally Blonde
• Pitch Perfect
• Miss Congeniality
• Zoolander

...plus 4 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

While publishing my 2019 Top Ten, I realized I never mad this 2018 list public. Oops.

1. Black Panther

   Wakanda Forever!

2. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
3. A Star Is Born

   🎶😭

4. The Favourite
5. Incredibles 2

   Three words: Baby Jack Jack

6. Crazy Rich Asians
7. BlacKkKlansman
8. Sorry to Bother You
9. Hearts Beat Loud

   Feel good musicals with Nick Offerman? Yes, please! Plus the romance is just absolutely adorable.

10. Prospect

    Finally, a true space Western.

This list was very hard to make because as I was looking back on the films I watched, most did not speak to me. It seemed that all the new films were too dark, too violent, or too infuriating. I left the theater enraged more often than not.

Here’s hoping that 2020 brings me more movie joy. Probably means I need to watch more foreign films.

1. The Farewell
2. Booksmart

   I need more ride or die gal pals!

3. Knives Out
4. Jojo Rabbit
5. Brittany Runs a Marathon

   This move “made me feel seen” but somewhat in a bad way. Still I would love to see more comedies take a hard look at real problems.

6. Woman at War

   I don’t know if this really counts because it was “released” in 2018, but it wasn’t really available here until 2019 so it makes it for me. This film underscores my need for better access to international films.

7. Little Women

   Never fails to get to me.

8. Hustlers

   JLo was robbed! I loved all the characters but Destiny’s bangs will haunt my dream.

9. Late Night

   I can’t get enough of Mindy Kalining.

10. Avengers: Endgame

    Added mostly due to the many hours I put into the MCU.

Here you go Zach.

1. Black Panther
2. Guardians of the Galaxy
3. Avengers: Infinity War
4. Thor: Ragnarok
5. The Avengers
6. Doctor Strange
7. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
8. Captain America: The First Avenger
9. Spider-Man: Homecoming
10. Ant-Man

...plus 9 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.