Favorite films

Pinned reviews

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  Barbie 2023

  Watched 21 Jul 2023

  I really enjoy the intellectual exercise of analyzing most of the films I watch, but sometimes you want to just relax and enjoy a movie. The problem is, after you’ve spent so much time thinking critically about what you’re watching, it becomes almost impossible (for me, at least) to turn off that part of your brain. So what you need to find is an extremely fun movie that is also executed so well that it keeps that pesky side of…

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  Oppenheimer 2023

  Watched 21 Jul 2023

  I've grown up with the films of Christopher Nolan, and one of the first things I learned about his work is that it's designed for multiple viewings. The Prestige (2006) for example, is one I remember watching twice in a row to fully grasp everything that was happening. I have no doubt that I cannot truly appreciate Nolan’s complex biopic of J. Robert Oppenheimer without seeing it again, but there is no doubt that it can already be added to his…

Recent reviews

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  All Quiet on the Western Front 2022

  Watched 27 Sep 2023

  A film for my inner pessimist. War is a hell that is orchestrated by corrupt governments who control everything. Terrible people making terrible decisions for terrible reasons. Tens of millions die meaninglessly. It’s important that these anti-war films are made, and it’s a shame that they won’t ever truly make any difference.

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  House of Wax 2005

  Watched 26 Sep 2023

  This was ultimately a frustrating watch, because it had the potential to become an instant favorite. The movie is creepy and unnerving while also being a good old fashioned, fun slasher; it’s interesting and original and includes some really effective practical gore. My favorite aspect of all was the House of Wax itself, with its absolutely fantastic production design. Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights could have made one hell of a haunted house out of this location!

  Unfortunately there’s also…

Popular reviews

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  Cat People 1942

  Watched 24 Sep 2023

  This review may contain spoilers. I can handle the truth.

  Irena is a doomed character. It’s interesting that the psychologist mentioned her “irrational fear” originated in her childhood, because childhood trauma curses many people. That’s just one of many takeaways/interpretations from this 1940’s noir horror, which has aged surprisingly well.

  Also, there is a scene in this movie that is essentially the Knight Bus rescuing Harry Potter from the Grim in Prisoner of Azkaban (2004).

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  Babylon 2022

  Watched 29 Dec 2022 1

  A glorious return to form! I'd hate to see them pigeonholed to this setting, but as a humongous fan of La La Land (2016) it was really fun to see Damien Chazelle and Justin Hurwitz recapturing that same vibe again. Babylon feels like the deviant older brother.

  Three hours completely flew by - I loved being immersed in this world and honestly wouldn't have minded if the film was even longer. Your mileage may vary depending on your taste, but…