Reviews

Beyond the Universe (2022)
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Let's Talk About...November 13, 2024
Let's Talk About...November 13, 2024At 126 minutes, the runtime feels unnecessarily stretched; a tighter 90-minute cut would have flowed much better. Initially, I thought it was a lighthearted romance, only for the protagonist to die unexpectedly near the end. That plot twist left me rather dumbfounded.

Porno (2019)
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Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024
Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024The cinematography remains flashy, the editing brisk, and the soundtrack punk-driven, with bright, chaotic colors and an assortment of quirky angles, yet it fails to capture any true energy. This film lacks the impact of the director’s earlier works, as if his creativity has run dry.

Minions & More 1 (2022)
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Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024
Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024It is nice to have some change in between (literally) and the other characters bring some fresh things to the table. I personally thought all the minions shorts were quite good.

Scoob! (2020)
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Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024
Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024The plot feels childish and uninspired, and the narrative comes off as disorganized, attempting to tell a story of friendship but failing to connect with the audience. The main character’s personality is frustratingly unlikable, and beyond some nostalgia, this animation isn’t really worth a mention.

Smallfoot (2018)
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Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024
Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024Hollywood animations tend to weave in life lessons, and this one’s no different—it’s packed with messages about openness and embracing diversity, making it perfect for young audiences.

The Best of Me (2014)
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Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024
Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024The story is so simple it feels like something that could happen to anyone, and the lead characters seem like reflections of ourselves. There’s even a touch of “Romeo and Juliet” to it. Yet despite the familiar elements, it still manages to be tender and affecting.

In Good Hands (2022)
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Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024
Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024At first, this felt like an odd, clichéd film with predictable plot and characters. The heroine's abrupt attraction to the hero seemed bizarre and overly forward. However, by the time it eventually explains itself, the overall viewing experience is ruined.

Emily the Criminal (2022)
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Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024
Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024The key to any low-budget crime film’s success is how well it can realistically portray the actions and motivations of its characters, and this movie largely succeeds in doing just that, lending credibility to the protagonist's growth.

Adrift (2018)
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Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024
Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024It's a survival story on the surface, with the theme of love at the core. However, the male lead’s part of the story is too weak to form a strong connection with the audience. The overall approach is gentle and subtle, though some might call it understated.

Fireproof (2008)
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Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024
Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024This is a film about faith’s transformative power in marriage and life. Though I’m not fond of the religious overtones, its message on relationships is thought-provoking.

Fury (2014)
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Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024
Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024“Ideals are peaceful; history is violent”. The film leans into individual heroism, with few moments that truly resonate with the audience. It failed to fully embody the meaning of its title. On the other hand, Brad Pitt leads an impressive ensemble cast with strong performances.

Descendants 2 (2017)
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Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024
Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024The film continues the first movie’s reinterpretation of classic fairy tales, while also introducing a new villain. Yet, at its core, it’s still a fairy tale with princes, princesses, and non-violent resolutions, all while laying the groundwork for a potential sequel.

Forever My Girl (2018)
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Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024
Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024Every song in the film is a delight, the cast is visually appealing, and the little girl brings a lot of charm. I was surprised to learn this was based on a novel. It’s a lighthearted, enjoyable story if you are in for some simple, fun watching experience. The reconciliation theme hit me right in the feels.

Den of Thieves (2018)
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Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024
Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024The 2.5 hour screentime could use some trimming, especially the relationship scenes. The heist sequences put too much emphasis on luck and precision, hurting its realism and bringing down the overall quality. The final shootout, though, is a joy to watch.

Unbroken (2014)
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Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024
Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024The biggest issue is its overly simplified approach, reducing a true story into a struggle against a single, cruel Japanese officer without delving deeper into its themes. The repetitive suffering and heavy-handed positivity drain its potential, and the fact that the impactful returning to Japan after the war is handled in a single subtitle is truly a waste the high production value.

War Room (2015)
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Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024
Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024It’s a decent religious film. By the end, I felt that even non-believers might reconsider the power of faith. No matter the belief, having a guiding principle does seem to provide strength. It’s an 8/10, though the preachy ending felt too forced.

Duck Duck Goose (2018)
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Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024
Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024I almost thought it was a Hollywood production—the animation quality and script reach that level. It has laughter and warmth, which is perfect for family viewing. That said, the storyline can be a little puerile.

Forsaken (2015)
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Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024
Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024This movie seems to exist purely to fulfill a longingness to act alongside one’s father. Unfortunately, the script is so flat, from the characters to the dialogue, that it’s all painfully predictable. The villains are especially one-dimensional.

Predators (2010)
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Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024
Xenia.SrNovember 13, 2024The plot is tough to follow if you aren’t familiar with the backstory, making it challenging for non-fans to feel engaged. The director seems unsure how to highlight the Predator’s technological prowess and combat power. The effects are poor, and the action scenes lack any real aesthetic appeal.

