Rest of the Movies I saw in 2018
Haven’t done one of these in a while. Or any post at all. So here you go. New year, new blog.
The Void- I saw the last movies these filmmakers made. They were homages to direct video horror, action, sci-fi movies. Done well considering the budget they were doing. So wanted to see a movie where they had a big budget. They went for real horror, with heavy Lovecraft aspects. I’m all in for this. But I didn’t like it at all. Slow, no likable characters, nothing clever or original. I wanted to like this but couldn’t.
Infinity War- I expected to hate this but actually enjoyed it for the most part. The bad guys actually looked like their comic book version, not all normalized/humanized up the way most comic book movies do it. And most importantly, less quippy, bad guys actually lay some good hits in to make them seem like a threat, and (spoiler) the bad guy wins. The best part was some kid at the end sincerely yelling “that’s fucked up”.
Bourne Supremacy- Another Bourne movie. Can barely remember any of it. I remember the bad guy, and that woman that’s trying to help him, and that he gets his information on who he is I think. A lot like the second Bourne movie. The first one is the only one that really sticks in my mind.
Mission Impossible 6- Another great Mission Impossible movie. Another great usage of masks, even though you know they’re coming, they still trick you. Great fight scenes, motorcycle stunt, ending stunt is amazing, and they actually bring back a lot from the last movie to make it seem like a true sequel.
Inside Llewin Davis- Finally saw this Coen brothers movie. I think only one I haven’t seen is Hail Caeser. This was way better than it was marketed. Actually liked the folk music, new respect for Oscar Isaacs, though he doesn’t need it since he’s in everything. I want to watch this again already.
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs- Another great Coen brothers movie. Each story is its own type of movie, from over the top comedy to truly dark drama, all in different parts of the West. Another must see.
Barry Lyndon- I’ve seen the movie before and loved it, but it’s been about 7 years so I watched it again and might love it even more. Amazing, Kubrick’s most underrated movie. The cinematography is always brought up how beautiful it is, but the naturalism in the acting, the research into how authentic the culture is, the editing that keeps scenes that should feel slow not feel slow. This movie is not for everybody, only for those with good taste.
The Great Santini- I wanted to see this movie after seeing an intense scene where the son plays the dad played by Robert Duvall in a game of basketball. Turns out that was the only good scene in the movie. The rest seemed like something made for TV movie. Turns out it was.
Filmworker- Man, I thought I was Kubrick fan. But an actor that plays a pivotal roll in the movie Barry Lyndon, what are the odds, turns out to be his disciple and worked on every movie made after in basically every capacity. He’s still working on the movies this day to be re-released the way a perfectionist like Kubrick would have wanted. Shows what a life dedicating yourself to something or someone can be like, despite the idealism of it, you see the realness of it.
Bumping Mics-This was actually funny. That means a lot since I do comedy and never want to watch stand up, but Dave Attell is a master. So if you’re confused by the onslaught of mediocre at best comedy specials, pick this one before any other.
The Lobster-I would say one of the most overrated movies in a while, but a movie later in my list will take that spot. I get what it’s going for, but it’s not enjoyable. It reminds me of the kind of humor that nerdy actors and playwrights find funny. It’s quirky, well acted, heavily themed, so of course, its getting indie buzz. I never want to watch it again. That last scene stuck with me, not in a good way. Worth seeing once though, just so you know what I’m talking about. It’s definitely unique.
Home Alone- Haven’t seen this in a while and forgot how great the music was. John Williams made this movie 3x better than it would have been. This really is the ultimate Christmas movie. Sorry Eyes Wide Shut. Used to watch all the time as a kid, and people always said I looked just like Macauley. things have changed. Crazy to think people working on it thought it would bomb. Really funny, a great third act that survives on John Williams music and cuteness until that happens. Culkin’s acting I thought sucked even when I was a kid, but people found him adorable. Pesci plays it so straight it makes everything way funnier.
Home Alone 2- Almost like a soft reboot. They don’t have that hot older cousin that forgets to count the kids correctly. Guess she got married and hangs out with her in-laws in this. I noticed the Santa Helper from the 1st plays the Ticket lady at the airport in this one. Things you’d only notice if watching back to back. Kevin straight up tries to kill the crooks in this one. I loved the shower scene when I was a kid, one of the hardest times I’ve ever laughed. That toy store still seems like the worst toy store of all time. Not one toy!
Bird Box- One of the most overrated movies in a while. Not even a good movie. Just a movie. A predictable, safe movie. Of course, it does well. This will be a movie people will laugh about within the next decade. They’ll make of this era, and watch it in irony. Couldn’t tell if Netflix was trying to hit those PC checklist requirements of every race, sexuality, age, body type, or if they were making archetypes to tell everyone apart easier. I think a combination. The whole movie just felt too safe, no super tough choices, no bleak moments or sacrifices, no children getting hurt. That’s right, the Sophies Choice moment really gets thrown away for nothing. The twist was pretty predictable at the end.