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Movies the giraffe watched in 2022: May
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Noteworthy: The best films I watched this month
The breakdown: 35 films watched
31 first views, 4 re-watches
29 via streaming, and 6 in the theatre
Decades touched: 1970s, 90s, 2010s-20s
Well, not much diversity among the release dates of the films I watched this month, but that's what happens when you mostly limit yourself to a couple of streaming options that are lacking in older fare. But hey, I got everything that mattered watched on Hulu before I dropped it again as well as the films I most wanted to see on Showtime. I did wind up hanging onto Showtime for another month so I could watch the first season of Yellowjackets though, so maybe I'll knock out the films still sitting in my list there too by the end of June. Overall I had a really good month quality-wise though. Don't let the fact only 2 films are in this top section fool you. Lots of what I watched came close to featuring here with them. Trips to the theatre were mostly worthwhile also, and half of what's listed I caught in IMAX.
Next month this list will kinda blow up, as I'll be taking a vacation so I can fully dive into the Chattanooga Film Festival for the third year in a row. Due to a variety of factors they're hosting the fest virtually again this year, so if anyone would like to join me you can pick up a badge here and check out the line-up. I didn't recognize a single title before they announced the films, but that's part of the joy for me. Unlike the past two years, however, I'll only be tracking every film via Letterboxd. I'm not going to spend the time adding every last film I watch to this site as it's just a pain. Instead I'll only add the films I like the most to Listal, and those wanting to explore my thoughts on the rest can follow a link to the other site. The festival takes place June 23-28. Around that I'll mostly watch films from HBO Max & Shudder, with the occasional theatrical release thrown in as always.
31 first views, 4 re-watches
29 via streaming, and 6 in the theatre
Decades touched: 1970s, 90s, 2010s-20s
Well, not much diversity among the release dates of the films I watched this month, but that's what happens when you mostly limit yourself to a couple of streaming options that are lacking in older fare. But hey, I got everything that mattered watched on Hulu before I dropped it again as well as the films I most wanted to see on Showtime. I did wind up hanging onto Showtime for another month so I could watch the first season of Yellowjackets though, so maybe I'll knock out the films still sitting in my list there too by the end of June. Overall I had a really good month quality-wise though. Don't let the fact only 2 films are in this top section fool you. Lots of what I watched came close to featuring here with them. Trips to the theatre were mostly worthwhile also, and half of what's listed I caught in IMAX.
Next month this list will kinda blow up, as I'll be taking a vacation so I can fully dive into the Chattanooga Film Festival for the third year in a row. Due to a variety of factors they're hosting the fest virtually again this year, so if anyone would like to join me you can pick up a badge here and check out the line-up. I didn't recognize a single title before they announced the films, but that's part of the joy for me. Unlike the past two years, however, I'll only be tracking every film via Letterboxd. I'm not going to spend the time adding every last film I watch to this site as it's just a pain. Instead I'll only add the films I like the most to Listal, and those wanting to explore my thoughts on the rest can follow a link to the other site. The festival takes place June 23-28. Around that I'll mostly watch films from HBO Max & Shudder, with the occasional theatrical release thrown in as always.
9
6.7
4.5
We Need to Do Something (2021)
First viewing - May 8th
Hulu
Went in blind & wound up loving this film. A critic whose work I respect put it on my radar last year & I'm glad she did. Now I need a physical copy to watch whenever I want, access to Melissa's ringtone, & some of Max Booth III's writings.
Hulu
Went in blind & wound up loving this film. A critic whose work I respect put it on my radar last year & I'm glad she did. Now I need a physical copy to watch whenever I want, access to Melissa's ringtone, & some of Max Booth III's writings.
the giraffe's rating:
36
6.3
6.6
First viewing - May 20th
Hulu
Went into this one blindly based off a recommendation, & wound up loving it. Lots of subverting of my expectations, plus a cast that excels, all of which makes for a rewarding watch. Afterwards I dug into the historical meaning of Undine, & my appreciation jumped up a little more. I'll definitely revisit it & be encouraging others to give it a chance.
Hulu
Went into this one blindly based off a recommendation, & wound up loving it. Lots of subverting of my expectations, plus a cast that excels, all of which makes for a rewarding watch. Afterwards I dug into the historical meaning of Undine, & my appreciation jumped up a little more. I'll definitely revisit it & be encouraging others to give it a chance.
the giraffe's rating:
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Big screen attractions
Films caught in a theatre
373
7.4
7.8
Re-watch - May 1st
Kicked off May with a return trip to see my favorite film of the year in IMAX again, this time with my daughter. Which means this was the first R-rated film she saw in a theatre. I don't know that she loved it as much as I do, but she did really enjoy it & said she liked it best of the 3 films we saw in the theatre over the weekend.
Kicked off May with a return trip to see my favorite film of the year in IMAX again, this time with my daughter. Which means this was the first R-rated film she saw in a theatre. I don't know that she loved it as much as I do, but she did really enjoy it & said she liked it best of the 3 films we saw in the theatre over the weekend.
the giraffe's rating:
40
6.3
6.2
First viewing - May 4th
And the Mother of the Year award goes to...nobody in this film. Come for the fresh take on a coming of age film soaked in mommy issues, stay for a wicked creature that's not obviously fake CGI & a side helping of commentary on social media. The cast nails it, & while the ending wasn't what I'd hoped for it wound up being better suited to the tale. I'll gladly sit through it again.
And the Mother of the Year award goes to...nobody in this film. Come for the fresh take on a coming of age film soaked in mommy issues, stay for a wicked creature that's not obviously fake CGI & a side helping of commentary on social media. The cast nails it, & while the ending wasn't what I'd hoped for it wound up being better suited to the tale. I'll gladly sit through it again.
the giraffe's rating:
49
6.5
7.4
First viewing - May 7th
There are a few scenes here that I really enjoyed, but the trouble is between those moments I was bored out of my mind & even struggled to stay awake. The film is barely over an hour long, yet it felt like it went on forever. When it ended, I couldn't get away fast enough. The concept is neat, the cast is good, but I couldn't hang with it. Looking around I seem to be in the minority on this, but not alone. Just disappointing given I did enjoy Portrait of a Lady on Fire, but hopefully her next film will connect better with me.
There are a few scenes here that I really enjoyed, but the trouble is between those moments I was bored out of my mind & even struggled to stay awake. The film is barely over an hour long, yet it felt like it went on forever. When it ended, I couldn't get away fast enough. The concept is neat, the cast is good, but I couldn't hang with it. Looking around I seem to be in the minority on this, but not alone. Just disappointing given I did enjoy Portrait of a Lady on Fire, but hopefully her next film will connect better with me.
the giraffe's rating:
316
6.3
6.9
First viewing - May 14th
If it weren't for all the instances where Raimi leaves his stamp proudly on this film, it'd be just OK. Thankfully he's not afraid to employ his sensibilities & make the film his own as often as possible, & he's got a great accomplice in Danny Elfman whose score delivers its share of treats. Add to that some fun moments & a chance to see Elizabeth Olsen shine brightly, & overall it's a good & fun time at the movies. It's far from my favorite multiverse movie, but I'd happily watch it again.
If it weren't for all the instances where Raimi leaves his stamp proudly on this film, it'd be just OK. Thankfully he's not afraid to employ his sensibilities & make the film his own as often as possible, & he's got a great accomplice in Danny Elfman whose score delivers its share of treats. Add to that some fun moments & a chance to see Elizabeth Olsen shine brightly, & overall it's a good & fun time at the movies. It's far from my favorite multiverse movie, but I'd happily watch it again.
the giraffe's rating:
41
6.9
7
First viewing - May 28th
Like The Simpsons Movie before it, this is really just an extended episode of the series that spawned it. Which is fine. I mean, if it ain't broke why fix it? I'm not a fan of the show, so I thought it was fine. A handful of genuinely funny moments are sprinkled throughout its runtime & it mostly sustains a solid pace, which kept me from turning against it. My daughter has seen every episode & had a better time with it than I did (she's the reason I went anyway). It's nothing I'd sit through again, but it was a worthwhile way for us to spend time together.
Like The Simpsons Movie before it, this is really just an extended episode of the series that spawned it. Which is fine. I mean, if it ain't broke why fix it? I'm not a fan of the show, so I thought it was fine. A handful of genuinely funny moments are sprinkled throughout its runtime & it mostly sustains a solid pace, which kept me from turning against it. My daughter has seen every episode & had a better time with it than I did (she's the reason I went anyway). It's nothing I'd sit through again, but it was a worthwhile way for us to spend time together.
the giraffe's rating:
341
7.5
8.4
First viewing - May 30th
It's safe to say I like this sequel far better than the original, though it's worth noting that it's best if you've seen the original before. For once a legacy sequel isn't just an excuse for playing up nostalgia. There's an actual story here with character arcs that work. And while there are moments that do play as nostalgia, they're in service to the story too. And the action sequences fire on all cylinders...it's been awhile since I last spent most of a film's finale on the edge of my seat. So yeah, this was totally worthwhile & justified its existence.
It's safe to say I like this sequel far better than the original, though it's worth noting that it's best if you've seen the original before. For once a legacy sequel isn't just an excuse for playing up nostalgia. There's an actual story here with character arcs that work. And while there are moments that do play as nostalgia, they're in service to the story too. And the action sequences fire on all cylinders...it's been awhile since I last spent most of a film's finale on the edge of my seat. So yeah, this was totally worthwhile & justified its existence.
the giraffe's rating:
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Home viewings
52
5.6
6
Werewolves Within (2021)
First viewing - May 2nd
Showtime
Werewolves Within delivers a fun ride thanks to its ensemble cast led by a ranger who lives by Mr. Rogers' example. It draws inspiration from Carpenter's The Thing, as we follow our cast's efforts to figure out who or what is killing people while trying to avoid being the next victim. The film leans a little too hard into its comedic side, rather than trying to build up tension around its whodunit. That's not necessarily a negative thing, but I'd argue more of the latter & a little less humor might have been a better approach. I also felt like there was a point where the characters had an opportunity to reason out a situation & narrow down their suspects, but the story opts for another path that was less satisfying (though I could award them points for diverging from my expectations). While watching it, however, I mostly had a good time with it. But there's room for improvement. I may watch it once more just to see how it plays knowing what will happen, but at the moment it's not quite a new favorite.
Showtime
Werewolves Within delivers a fun ride thanks to its ensemble cast led by a ranger who lives by Mr. Rogers' example. It draws inspiration from Carpenter's The Thing, as we follow our cast's efforts to figure out who or what is killing people while trying to avoid being the next victim. The film leans a little too hard into its comedic side, rather than trying to build up tension around its whodunit. That's not necessarily a negative thing, but I'd argue more of the latter & a little less humor might have been a better approach. I also felt like there was a point where the characters had an opportunity to reason out a situation & narrow down their suspects, but the story opts for another path that was less satisfying (though I could award them points for diverging from my expectations). While watching it, however, I mostly had a good time with it. But there's room for improvement. I may watch it once more just to see how it plays knowing what will happen, but at the moment it's not quite a new favorite.
the giraffe's rating:
14
6
6.7
Plan B (2021)
First viewing - May 5th
Hulu
With the ever looming threat of conservatives taking an axe to Roe, I couldn't resist the temptation to watch a film that dealt with the subject of abortion directly. Much like Unpregnant, most of its charms rely on the central friendship & it ultimately works. I enjoyed spending time with these characters, & love the heart & humor deployed throughout. Best of all it's never preachy or overstated. I'm glad I gave it a look.
Hulu
With the ever looming threat of conservatives taking an axe to Roe, I couldn't resist the temptation to watch a film that dealt with the subject of abortion directly. Much like Unpregnant, most of its charms rely on the central friendship & it ultimately works. I enjoyed spending time with these characters, & love the heart & humor deployed throughout. Best of all it's never preachy or overstated. I'm glad I gave it a look.
the giraffe's rating:
152
7
7.4
First viewing - May 7th
Showtime
I couldn't seem to catch Minari in a theatre during its run, so I was pleasantly surprised to find it on the Showtime app. It was totally worth the wait. I found the tale of a Korean family chasing an American dream to Texas quite fascinating, & really enjoyed getting to know the family. The whole thing feels believable too. There were some minor things that keep me from calling it great, but it came close & I'm glad I finally caught up with it.
Showtime
I couldn't seem to catch Minari in a theatre during its run, so I was pleasantly surprised to find it on the Showtime app. It was totally worth the wait. I found the tale of a Korean family chasing an American dream to Texas quite fascinating, & really enjoyed getting to know the family. The whole thing feels believable too. There were some minor things that keep me from calling it great, but it came close & I'm glad I finally caught up with it.
the giraffe's rating:
51
5.6
5.5
First viewing - May 7th
Showtime
Apparently this is a reboot of the 2003 film that I've never seen & the series it spawned that I didn't know existed (or if I did know it had sequels, it didn't stick with me because it doesn't matter to me). The upside to being unfamiliar with its predecessors is that I'm able to judge it on its own merits. Overall, it's pretty solid.
The diverse cast is mostly good, & overall the film deploys the violence & gore in ways that give both more impact rather than trying to go overboard with them. I thought the concept was pretty cool & liked how it portrayed most characters as grey instead of good vs. evil. I wasn't as crazy about the film kicking off in a way that required an extended flashback to catch us up, as it wasn't really needed. Other than that I had a good time with it & might even watch it again.
Showtime
Apparently this is a reboot of the 2003 film that I've never seen & the series it spawned that I didn't know existed (or if I did know it had sequels, it didn't stick with me because it doesn't matter to me). The upside to being unfamiliar with its predecessors is that I'm able to judge it on its own merits. Overall, it's pretty solid.
The diverse cast is mostly good, & overall the film deploys the violence & gore in ways that give both more impact rather than trying to go overboard with them. I thought the concept was pretty cool & liked how it portrayed most characters as grey instead of good vs. evil. I wasn't as crazy about the film kicking off in a way that required an extended flashback to catch us up, as it wasn't really needed. Other than that I had a good time with it & might even watch it again.
the giraffe's rating:
9
6.3
7.6
Zappa (2020)
First viewing - May 8th
Hulu
I've been a Zappa fan for 20-ish years now, so of course I had to see this. It's a fairly standard documentary, which may be fine for the uninitiated but misses the mark in really getting to the heart of things. It never feels weird enough or antagonistic enough to really capture Zappa's spirit, which is disappointing. It does tell his story though, & there's a lot of footage used that makes it all worthwhile. My other complaint with it is there are several times where they'd have interview footage that sets up a song, then start to play it, then push the song to the background so it could be talked over instead of fully enjoyed & then reflecting on it. And sure, I can try to track down every song they do that to, but given how prolific of a composer he was it's not always as easy as that sounds (& in the case of a live performance, even less so). The man should be known for his music, & the overall production falls short of letting the music really speak for itself.
Hulu
I've been a Zappa fan for 20-ish years now, so of course I had to see this. It's a fairly standard documentary, which may be fine for the uninitiated but misses the mark in really getting to the heart of things. It never feels weird enough or antagonistic enough to really capture Zappa's spirit, which is disappointing. It does tell his story though, & there's a lot of footage used that makes it all worthwhile. My other complaint with it is there are several times where they'd have interview footage that sets up a song, then start to play it, then push the song to the background so it could be talked over instead of fully enjoyed & then reflecting on it. And sure, I can try to track down every song they do that to, but given how prolific of a composer he was it's not always as easy as that sounds (& in the case of a live performance, even less so). The man should be known for his music, & the overall production falls short of letting the music really speak for itself.
the giraffe's rating:
16
5.3
5.5
The Vigil (2019)
First viewing - May 8th
Hulu
I like this idea of doing a demonic possession film from a Jewish perspective. The film delivers some effectively creepy moments along the way, but it doesn't quite sustain a good momentum story-wise. It tries though. At least it clearly communicates where we're going & the obstacles to getting there, though there's a little too much repetition of scenarios. Not bad, but I'm doubtful I'd sit through it again.
Hulu
I like this idea of doing a demonic possession film from a Jewish perspective. The film delivers some effectively creepy moments along the way, but it doesn't quite sustain a good momentum story-wise. It tries though. At least it clearly communicates where we're going & the obstacles to getting there, though there's a little too much repetition of scenarios. Not bad, but I'm doubtful I'd sit through it again.
the giraffe's rating:
45
7.5
7.4
C'mon C'mon (2021)
First viewing - May 9th
Showtime
This could've just been the interview scenes & I'd still really like it. Thankfully the central story & characters are just as good. Woody Norman is a joy to watch, & as a parent I kept relating to his character's mom & uncle. The humor worked & it's heartfelt & there's nothing I disliked about it. Not sure I'd say it's great, but it's close.
Showtime
This could've just been the interview scenes & I'd still really like it. Thankfully the central story & characters are just as good. Woody Norman is a joy to watch, & as a parent I kept relating to his character's mom & uncle. The humor worked & it's heartfelt & there's nothing I disliked about it. Not sure I'd say it's great, but it's close.
the giraffe's rating:
15
6.1
6.1
First viewing - May 11th
Hulu
Easily the best film I've seen so far from Jim Cummings. The mystery hooked me from the start, & it's constantly amusing watching his character try to navigate the world around him. Interesting to me that he keeps playing characters I mostly dislike, but this time I was able to connect better. The film didn't quite stick the landing for me, but I enjoyed it & wouldn't mind watching it again.
Hulu
Easily the best film I've seen so far from Jim Cummings. The mystery hooked me from the start, & it's constantly amusing watching his character try to navigate the world around him. Interesting to me that he keeps playing characters I mostly dislike, but this time I was able to connect better. The film didn't quite stick the landing for me, but I enjoyed it & wouldn't mind watching it again.
the giraffe's rating:
92
6.5
6.7
First viewing - May 11th
Hulu
Fresh is a twisted good time that most benefits from its well-constructed characters & strong cast. It totally invested me in our protagonist's journey & isn't afraid to mix the dark with humor. Both sides worked for me. There were a few aspects which could've been explored a little more deeply, but overall I was satisfied with it & could watch it again.
Hulu
Fresh is a twisted good time that most benefits from its well-constructed characters & strong cast. It totally invested me in our protagonist's journey & isn't afraid to mix the dark with humor. Both sides worked for me. There were a few aspects which could've been explored a little more deeply, but overall I was satisfied with it & could watch it again.
the giraffe's rating:
10
4.4
5.5
First viewing - May 11th
Hulu
I struggled to hang with this film as it takes a slow burn approach that's too empty in the beginning to generate much interest. The last half picks up, & the ending was pretty messed up in a fairly rewarding way...but does that matter when you barely care about any of it? I also felt like they failed to really communicate the local lore that the film hinges on, which also makes its denouement unsatisfying. I should've watched something else.
Hulu
I struggled to hang with this film as it takes a slow burn approach that's too empty in the beginning to generate much interest. The last half picks up, & the ending was pretty messed up in a fairly rewarding way...but does that matter when you barely care about any of it? I also felt like they failed to really communicate the local lore that the film hinges on, which also makes its denouement unsatisfying. I should've watched something else.
the giraffe's rating:
20
6.3
7.2
Fear of a Black Hat (1993)
First viewing - May 12th
Showtime
What if Spinal Tap for hip-hop? Well, you might get this. Unlike its metal counterpart, however, the jokes miss far more often than they hit. I laughed more during the credits scenes than I did the rest of the film. There are good moments here, but the cast is just average & I often felt like the Wayans do all of this far better. Some of the songs are decent at least. It's not bad, but I also wouldn't need to sit through it again.
Showtime
What if Spinal Tap for hip-hop? Well, you might get this. Unlike its metal counterpart, however, the jokes miss far more often than they hit. I laughed more during the credits scenes than I did the rest of the film. There are good moments here, but the cast is just average & I often felt like the Wayans do all of this far better. Some of the songs are decent at least. It's not bad, but I also wouldn't need to sit through it again.
the giraffe's rating:
170
7.3
7.4
Re-watch - May 15th
Showtime
I wanted my daughter to see this since 8th grade isn't too far off for her, and it being available via Showtime gave us an excuse to watch it now. She totally got what it was doing, and even made comments to me along the way which all made me feel more optimistic about her chances in the awkward years ahead of her. I still appreciate the overall attention to detail which makes this film more genuine than a lot of other films that strive to capture adolescence.
Showtime
I wanted my daughter to see this since 8th grade isn't too far off for her, and it being available via Showtime gave us an excuse to watch it now. She totally got what it was doing, and even made comments to me along the way which all made me feel more optimistic about her chances in the awkward years ahead of her. I still appreciate the overall attention to detail which makes this film more genuine than a lot of other films that strive to capture adolescence.
the giraffe's rating:
88
6.2
5.8
Popcorn (1991)
First viewing - May 16th
Shudder
I respect this movie for championing the idea that gathering people for a one-night-only marathon screening of bad, gimmicky movies is a great way to celebrate the theatrical experience while reminding the audience of what a great time even a bad night at the movies can be. I also appreciate its clearly communicated love for William Castle's filmography. And despite the many flaws elsewhere, I thought the ending of the film was the strongest part of the overall story. There's not much depth to any of it though, & it never fully engaged me beyond a handful of moments. While it may lack for slasher-style horror elements, Joe Dante's Matinee does a far better job all around of celebrating Castle's works & I'd much rather watch that film again than this one.
Shudder
I respect this movie for championing the idea that gathering people for a one-night-only marathon screening of bad, gimmicky movies is a great way to celebrate the theatrical experience while reminding the audience of what a great time even a bad night at the movies can be. I also appreciate its clearly communicated love for William Castle's filmography. And despite the many flaws elsewhere, I thought the ending of the film was the strongest part of the overall story. There's not much depth to any of it though, & it never fully engaged me beyond a handful of moments. While it may lack for slasher-style horror elements, Joe Dante's Matinee does a far better job all around of celebrating Castle's works & I'd much rather watch that film again than this one.
the giraffe's rating:
18
7.3
7.6
First viewing - May 18th
Hulu
On one hand, after a weekend that saw 5 mass shootings across America I could see reason to postpone watching this film. But on the other hand this issue clearly isn't going anywhere, & after watching Mass I think it's all the more important to make time to see it if you haven't yet. The small cast delivers outstanding performances that make you forget they're acting, & that illusion is helped along by a script that focuses on a conversation few, if any of us, could ever have. It's a lot, really...heavy subject-wise & overflowing with emotions. The technical side is not as impressive, but that feels deliberate to give the dialogue & performances the utmost focus. That's not to say this approach always works, but it works most of the time. Ultimately it's an important film that deserves to be seen, though it's also one that I'd be reluctant to sit through more than once or twice.
Hulu
On one hand, after a weekend that saw 5 mass shootings across America I could see reason to postpone watching this film. But on the other hand this issue clearly isn't going anywhere, & after watching Mass I think it's all the more important to make time to see it if you haven't yet. The small cast delivers outstanding performances that make you forget they're acting, & that illusion is helped along by a script that focuses on a conversation few, if any of us, could ever have. It's a lot, really...heavy subject-wise & overflowing with emotions. The technical side is not as impressive, but that feels deliberate to give the dialogue & performances the utmost focus. That's not to say this approach always works, but it works most of the time. Ultimately it's an important film that deserves to be seen, though it's also one that I'd be reluctant to sit through more than once or twice.
the giraffe's rating:
37
6.8
6.5
First viewing - May 19th
Hulu
A complete mess of a film with occasional moments that work. I spent most of the first 2/3 of the film debating whether to turn it off & regretting giving any time to it. Then the 3rd act comes along & everything clicks into place, but by then it was difficult to care too much about it. I'll give it credit for that act being the only time I wasn't itching to get away from the film. For a supposed comedy I could count how often I laughed on my fingers & have some left, which seems like a flaw (or perhaps the humor here is mostly not my taste).
Ah, & I watched this via Hulu which had extended censored scenes, but given other reviews it seems like I'm in the minority for having that experience. Not that I think it would've made much difference to my thoughts on it, but I put this information out there in case it matters to others. I can't possibly recommend that anyone watch it either way.
Hulu
A complete mess of a film with occasional moments that work. I spent most of the first 2/3 of the film debating whether to turn it off & regretting giving any time to it. Then the 3rd act comes along & everything clicks into place, but by then it was difficult to care too much about it. I'll give it credit for that act being the only time I wasn't itching to get away from the film. For a supposed comedy I could count how often I laughed on my fingers & have some left, which seems like a flaw (or perhaps the humor here is mostly not my taste).
Ah, & I watched this via Hulu which had extended censored scenes, but given other reviews it seems like I'm in the minority for having that experience. Not that I think it would've made much difference to my thoughts on it, but I put this information out there in case it matters to others. I can't possibly recommend that anyone watch it either way.
the giraffe's rating:
9
5.7
6.7
First viewing - May 21st
Hulu
In Samara Weaving I trust, so when this popped up on Hulu I had to give it a look. And I pretty much adored it. I especially appreciated the representation throughout & the fact that it treats service industry workers with respect & not as punchlines. The humor mostly hits the mark & the story is heartfelt & well told. Eugenio Derbez delivers another excellent performance here & I'm glad to see him get this role. Only downside is that it'd be more enjoyable watched with an audience, but at least with a streaming release it's likely to find its fans.
Hulu
In Samara Weaving I trust, so when this popped up on Hulu I had to give it a look. And I pretty much adored it. I especially appreciated the representation throughout & the fact that it treats service industry workers with respect & not as punchlines. The humor mostly hits the mark & the story is heartfelt & well told. Eugenio Derbez delivers another excellent performance here & I'm glad to see him get this role. Only downside is that it'd be more enjoyable watched with an audience, but at least with a streaming release it's likely to find its fans.
the giraffe's rating:
8
5.6
6.5
First viewing - May 21st
Hulu
Going into this film as blindly as possible is the best approach. All you need to know is that Jon Bernthal & Shea Whigham are in it. I like the way the story unfolded & the fact that it takes the time to establish & develop the characters. Not sure I can say much more than that, so just go check it out & feel free to circle back to me after if you wanna discuss.
Hulu
Going into this film as blindly as possible is the best approach. All you need to know is that Jon Bernthal & Shea Whigham are in it. I like the way the story unfolded & the fact that it takes the time to establish & develop the characters. Not sure I can say much more than that, so just go check it out & feel free to circle back to me after if you wanna discuss.
the giraffe's rating:
163
6
6.3
First viewing - May 21st
Hulu
A very well made film all around, with a very good ensemble cast. I passed on seeing this in the theatre despite all the mostly positive reviews it earned, & I can't say I really regret that choice. It's a solid film, but nothing truly great in my book & while I could watch it again I doubt I'll need to.
Hulu
A very well made film all around, with a very good ensemble cast. I passed on seeing this in the theatre despite all the mostly positive reviews it earned, & I can't say I really regret that choice. It's a solid film, but nothing truly great in my book & while I could watch it again I doubt I'll need to.
the giraffe's rating:
4
6.3
4
First viewing - May 21st
Hulu
Between this & Climate of the Hunter, I've come to understand that Mickey Reece is making the genre films he wants to see, & either we're able to get on board or we're not. At this point I'm on board & now I need to catch up with this other films. Agnes is an interesting exploration of faith, with a lot on its mind & told in a way that some may not be able to hang with. The cast is really good, I dug the music, & there's a fair amount of humor mixed in along the way to keep it from being too serious. I'm still thinking about all it had to say, & I might need to watch it another time or two before I've fully processed it all. Definitely worth a look though.
Hulu
Between this & Climate of the Hunter, I've come to understand that Mickey Reece is making the genre films he wants to see, & either we're able to get on board or we're not. At this point I'm on board & now I need to catch up with this other films. Agnes is an interesting exploration of faith, with a lot on its mind & told in a way that some may not be able to hang with. The cast is really good, I dug the music, & there's a fair amount of humor mixed in along the way to keep it from being too serious. I'm still thinking about all it had to say, & I might need to watch it another time or two before I've fully processed it all. Definitely worth a look though.
the giraffe's rating:
83
7.6
7.3
Bacurau (2019)
First viewing - May 22nd
Showtime
Once again my habit of going into films blindly pays off handsomely. Bacurau starts off slowly, but once it reveals where it's going it hardly lets up. There could maybe be a little more depth to the characters, but what we get works well enough & everything else is solid. I'll be returning to this one again.
Showtime
Once again my habit of going into films blindly pays off handsomely. Bacurau starts off slowly, but once it reveals where it's going it hardly lets up. There could maybe be a little more depth to the characters, but what we get works well enough & everything else is solid. I'll be returning to this one again.
the giraffe's rating:
39
6.5
7.1
The Watermelon Woman (1996)
First viewing - May 22nd
Showtime
The overall approach of following an aspiring filmmaker chasing her muse while trying to deal with her personal life was refreshing. I like the way the film switches visually based on what's going on, & on technical levels it impresses all around. The humor mostly works & while there are some rough moments along the way at least they work on a functional level. Best of all it made me curious about Cheryl Dunye's other works. It's a strong debut & I'm glad I gave it a look.
Showtime
The overall approach of following an aspiring filmmaker chasing her muse while trying to deal with her personal life was refreshing. I like the way the film switches visually based on what's going on, & on technical levels it impresses all around. The humor mostly works & while there are some rough moments along the way at least they work on a functional level. Best of all it made me curious about Cheryl Dunye's other works. It's a strong debut & I'm glad I gave it a look.
the giraffe's rating:
38
7.1
6.7
First viewing - May 22nd
Showtime
Not as good as Columbus, but not bad at all. The story was quite fascinating & I enjoyed the exploration of memory. I just wanted more from it than it delivered. More emotional connection & depth would've helped. Worth a look, but ultimately not a film I'd sit through twice.
Showtime
Not as good as Columbus, but not bad at all. The story was quite fascinating & I enjoyed the exploration of memory. I just wanted more from it than it delivered. More emotional connection & depth would've helped. Worth a look, but ultimately not a film I'd sit through twice.
the giraffe's rating:
3
5
8.2
First viewing - May 26th
Hulu
I really appreciated the way this story is told. The message may not be new, but the overall craft makes it feel fresh & thus worthwhile. Going into it blindly is absolutely the best approach here, so I'm not diving into it much. I'm glad Mike Birbiglia kept singing its praises on Twitter, as that led me to give it a look.
One thing I will say though...I'd love to read that book.
Hulu
I really appreciated the way this story is told. The message may not be new, but the overall craft makes it feel fresh & thus worthwhile. Going into it blindly is absolutely the best approach here, so I'm not diving into it much. I'm glad Mike Birbiglia kept singing its praises on Twitter, as that led me to give it a look.
One thing I will say though...I'd love to read that book.
the giraffe's rating:
38
5.9
6.4
First viewing - May 29th
Shudder
Been hearing a lot of chatter about how violent & gory this film is, & if that's what you want in a film it delivers. The Sadness aims for the heights of the Evil Dead franchise & Dead Alive, & effects wise it comes close. If you want characters with depth, however, you'll be out of luck. There's some decent if obvious social commentary here, & I at least appreciated the message & the fact they don't overdo it. But do I need a film to hold up a mirror to a pandemic we're still not out of? Eh, not so much. But hey, at least the effects are worthwhile.
Shudder
Been hearing a lot of chatter about how violent & gory this film is, & if that's what you want in a film it delivers. The Sadness aims for the heights of the Evil Dead franchise & Dead Alive, & effects wise it comes close. If you want characters with depth, however, you'll be out of luck. There's some decent if obvious social commentary here, & I at least appreciated the message & the fact they don't overdo it. But do I need a film to hold up a mirror to a pandemic we're still not out of? Eh, not so much. But hey, at least the effects are worthwhile.
the giraffe's rating:
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Max Exodus
Films caught before they left HBO Max
397
5.3
5.4
Re-watch - May 23rd
I hadn't seen The Lawnmower Man since it was in theatres 30 years ago, which meant I'd largely forgotten the details. In some ways it was better than I'd vaguely recalled. I dig the story idea & the way it explores the darker side of science...definitely it feels influenced by Frankenstein. The characters & performances are solid, & I like that most of them get a clear arc. The only real weak spot is the effects, which may have looked better upon release but now are just tragically laughable. The decision to have the digital effects cross over into the real world doesn't work at all, & the film would be better off if they'd used practical effects instead. If you can let that slide, however, it's a fairly entertaining film overall & I don't regret returning to it.
I hadn't seen The Lawnmower Man since it was in theatres 30 years ago, which meant I'd largely forgotten the details. In some ways it was better than I'd vaguely recalled. I dig the story idea & the way it explores the darker side of science...definitely it feels influenced by Frankenstein. The characters & performances are solid, & I like that most of them get a clear arc. The only real weak spot is the effects, which may have looked better upon release but now are just tragically laughable. The decision to have the digital effects cross over into the real world doesn't work at all, & the film would be better off if they'd used practical effects instead. If you can let that slide, however, it's a fairly entertaining film overall & I don't regret returning to it.
the giraffe's rating:
79
6.6
5.9
Cleopatra Jones (1973)
First viewing - May 25th
I was entertained enough to hang with this film all the way through, but I also had issues with it. Cleo is a badass, sure, but I find it unbelievable that she'd work hand in hand with both cops & the government in her crusade against drugs. The film even paints the cops as corrupt, except for the chief who's supposedly a good guy (& of course he's white)...as if they can have it both ways. Shelley Winters gives another over the top performance as a lesbian villain, which might be admirable if it wasn't played like a cartoon. Aside from all this the story is nothing that hasn't been done elsewhere & better, adequately delivered with no emotional depth. If you keep your expectations low maybe you'll get more out of it. There are a handful of moments that did work for me, but overall I'm reluctant to recommend it.
I was entertained enough to hang with this film all the way through, but I also had issues with it. Cleo is a badass, sure, but I find it unbelievable that she'd work hand in hand with both cops & the government in her crusade against drugs. The film even paints the cops as corrupt, except for the chief who's supposedly a good guy (& of course he's white)...as if they can have it both ways. Shelley Winters gives another over the top performance as a lesbian villain, which might be admirable if it wasn't played like a cartoon. Aside from all this the story is nothing that hasn't been done elsewhere & better, adequately delivered with no emotional depth. If you keep your expectations low maybe you'll get more out of it. There are a handful of moments that did work for me, but overall I'm reluctant to recommend it.
the giraffe's rating:
582
6.6
6.9
Re-watch - May 28th
I made a point to watch this with my daughter this time around, & she really enjoyed it. My rating dropped slightly as I don't think it's quite great, but it's still a solidly entertaining film with excellent effects & a refreshingly uncommon subject. As long as André Øvredal keeps making films, I'll be there to support him.
I made a point to watch this with my daughter this time around, & she really enjoyed it. My rating dropped slightly as I don't think it's quite great, but it's still a solidly entertaining film with excellent effects & a refreshingly uncommon subject. As long as André Øvredal keeps making films, I'll be there to support him.
the giraffe's rating:
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