mysticmayhem1337

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Movie Review #011

Revenge of the Sith

Directed by: George Lucas Year: 2005 Length: 2h 20m Rated: 7.6/10 Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy Stars: Hayden Christensen, Ewan McGregor and Natalie Portman.

Summary Surrounded by war, the Senate and the Jedi Council are at odds. Amidst the chaos, a new threat emerges, giving way to a new era.

Review Incredible fight choreography! Good connection between the prequel story and the original story. The release of tension works well as the stakes rise to meet it.

Honest Thoughts Look. I can't have Padmé Amidala's, this strong, independent female character who was queen at 14, death be boiled down to the fact she's sad about a man. She would have more resolve than that, especially for her children! I subscribe to the idea that Palpatine had something to do with it, the wrinkly bastard just can't let Skywalkers be happy. Watching Order 66 unfold is actually really horrifying, the younglings dying is the worst part. It sat with me for a moment. Star Wars can get really dark sometimes and I enjoy that. But seriously, Anakin has a track record for massacre, they should have seen this coming. Anyway, lightsabre go vroom. We were quoting all the memes, it was very silly (feels a bit tone-deaf to say).

Scores Performance: 4/5 Plot: 4/5 Effects: 3/5 Flow: 3/5 Engagingness: 5/5 Overall: 3.75/5

Information Source: IMDb Watched On: Disney+

#film #cinema #movie review #scifi #fantasy #star wars #revenge of the sith #hayden christensen #ewan mcgregor #natalie portman #anakin skywalker #obi wan kenobi #padme amidala #order 66

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Movie Review #010

Attack of the Clones

Directed by: George Lucas Year: 2002 Length: 2h 22m Rated: 6.6/10 Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy Stars: Hayden Christensen, Ewan McGregor and Natalie Portman.

Summary During a time of political unrest, the Sith's plans of domination are unearthed and a war begins.

Review Great sequel to Episode One. The tension is created well and builds effectively throughout the film. It leaves viewers excited for the sequel.

Honest Thoughts Damn, lightsabres are so awesome. Mace Windu got more screen time, which meant my family and I were trying to make as many Snakes On a Plane references as possible. Oh, to have been in the audience to see Yoda go full parkour like that. Anakin comes on really strong on Padmé, I don't remember him being so... I can't think of any other way to say it, so I apologise, but Anakin is a simp. However, what I really like is how you already get these whispers of him nearing the dark side. I know he like, kills a bunch of Tuskan Raiders, but I'm talking about the use of non-diegetic sound here. John Williams is a musical legend. I was finding the 00s CGI to be really grating by this point in the marathon. Stick to practical effects, I beg of you!

Scores Performance: 4/5 Plot: 4/5 Effects: 3/5 Flow: 3/5 Engagingness: 4/5 Overall: 3.5/5

Information Source: IMDb Watched On: Disney+

#film #movie review #scifi #star wars #fantasy #ewan mcgregor #hayden christensen #natalie portman #anakin skywalker #obi wan kenobi #padme amidala #mace windu #samuel l jackson #movies #films #attack of the clones

[mysticmayhem1337]

Movie Review #009

The Phantom Menace

Directed by: George Lucas Year: 1999 Length: 2h 16m Rated: 6.5/10 Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy Stars: Ewan McGregor, Liam Neeson and Natalie Portman.

Summary While two Jedi aim to help the young queen of an endangered planet, they come across a boy who is more than what he seems.

Review Wonderful costume and narrative layers, a story that immerses a viewer into the rich history of the world.

Honest Thoughts I love this film. Padmé served (and sometimes slayed) every time she was on screen. I really wish I had her wardrobe. I wouldn't classify this as an amazing film but obviously, it's far from bad. I do feel that the prequel films are a little difficult to follow, the many layers they have do make them good, but if you miss a certain piece of dialogue, you may find yourself a little confused. I tend to ask a lot of questions because there are elements of this film that I find confusing, even now. But it is very easy to enjoy without all that. I would watch it for the podracing alone, it's so wizard!

Scores Performance: 4/5 Plot: 3/5 Effects: 3/5 Flow: 3/5 Engagingness: 4/5 Overall: 3.5/5

Information Source: IMDb Watched On: Disney+

#cinema #film #movie review #scifi #fantasy #star wars #the phantom menace #ewan mcgregor #liam neeson #natalie portman #jedi #sith #obi wan kenobi #anakin skywalker #padme amidala #qui gon jinn

[mysticmayhem1337]

We've reached a break in our Star Wars marathon, so I thought I'd take a moment to ramble into the void. Also, expect some more movie reviews, but they'll likely be uploaded tomorrow.

I'll get a bit personal with you. I don't really love Star Wars because of me, it's really because of my Dad. Don't get me wrong, I'm a super fan, seriously, but I owe all of that to him. Today he's wearing a Star Wars shirt, a pair of Star Wars shorts and a pair of Star Wars socks! So, the franchise is honestly quite nostalgic for me, and when I see anything Star Wars, I'll always think of him.

But enough about him, this is my blog.

Like any sane person, I love the original trilogy best. Princess Leia is my favourite character. Not just because her name is similar to my nickname but because she remains a strong and intelligent female character. I grew up wanting to be her. Still do, if I'm honest. I've never known a time before Star Wars, so anyone who says that girls aren't bothered about it is an idiot. It shaped my life.

The films aren't all that groundbreaking, not in the way that Oscar-winning films are, but winning an Oscar doesn't make a film good, it doesn't make it special or influential. Star Wars is more than a movie franchise, it's us, the people who love it. It's the fans. In the beginning, it was nothing more than a 70s (then 80s) sci-fi. We made it bigger than it was, and it continues to be more than just a few movies.

Star Wars has a fundamental message. Hope. The Rebellion is built on hope, after all. It's about never giving up, even when the odds are stacked against you, even when everyone tells you that you can't. We can all see ourselves in the people fighting for a better future, because even now, in 2024, we are still fighting for a better future. Just because Star Wars is fantasy, that doesn't make it not meaningful. Art imitates life, and like all other films, Star Wars is art.

You don't need to see all of its deep intricacies to enjoy it. I happen to love all of the lightsabre fights, and I especially love podracing. You are perfectly valid in wanting to lose yourself in a wonderfully captivating world (or rather galaxy). While some of the later media has been certainly questionable (for me that's the sequels), don't let that dishearten you. We still have each other.

There are still more stories that we can tell, and more battles to fight. Even without the Jedi, there will still be Star Wars. So this May the 4th, I'm looking forward to all the new stories we'll tell, the new planets we'll see and the new characters we'll meet.

May the Force be with you, my friend.

#star wars #scifi #princess leia #carrie fisher #a long time ago in a galaxy far far away

[mysticmayhem1337]

Happy Star Wars Day! May the Force be with you.

#star wars

[mysticmayhem1337]

Movie Review #008

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Directed by: Milos Forman Year: 1975 Length: 2h 13m Rated: 8.7/10 Genre: Drama Stars: Jack Nicholson, Will Sampson and Louise Fletcher.

Summary In 1963, a violent criminal pleads insanity and is sent to a psychiatric hospital where he inspires the patients to think for themselves.

Review A film that doesn't get mental illness totally wrong. It reveals the truth about psychiatric hospitals at that time. Surprisingly refreshing.

Honest Thoughts Wow. I walked away from this film a different person. It is by no means a perfect film, (and perfection doesn't exist) but for the 70s, it gets right what many modern films still don't. I believe it was certainly worth the watch and I'm very excited to study it. Yes, it was a hard watch, not just because of the disturbing nature of some of the scenes, but because it also drags on for a bit too long. However, this can be seen as an advantage, the boring bits and the fun bits make the alarming bits all that more alarming. This is a film that sits with you and shocks you the more you think about it

Scores Performance: 5/5 Plot: 4/5 Effects: 4/5 Flow: 3/5 Engagingness: 4/5 Overall: 4/5

Information Source: IMDb Watched On: DVD

#cinema #film #movie review #movies #films #drama #one flew over the cuckoo's nest #jack nicholson #will sampson #louise fletcher #milos forman

[mysticmayhem1337]

I've started watching The X Files recently and I gotta say, I really like it. There's something about the specific genre of shows like Bones, Criminal Minds and also now The X Files that I just can't get enough of. Maybe it has something to do with the FBI? Who knows, the point is, they're very good, and I'd recommend all three.

Especially Bones. Criminal Minds is particularly well-known and The X Files is a cult classic with an instantly recognisable theme tune. But Bones, I fear, doesn't get the same love. The titular character, Dr Temperance Brennan (affectionately called "Bones" by her partner, Agent Seely Booth), is a forensic anthropologist and works for the FBI to identify bodies so decayed they've become skeletons. The nickname hopefully makes sense now. I've always identified with her and think she's a pretty fantastic female character.

Of course, Bones herself isn't the only interesting character, Booth is played by David Boreanaz who is most recognisable as Angel in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. The two often clash with their differing viewpoints but always seem to work together to save the day and catch the bad guy. Then there's Dr Hodgins, who really loves bugs and dirt, and Angela, who does facial reconstructions and Dr Saroyan who does all the fleshy bits Dr Brennan can't.

I could go on and on about Bones, but I wouldn't want to give away significant plot points and disway new viewers. You can stream it on Disney+ if you're interested.

#tv #tv series #bones (2005) #seeley booth #temperance brennan #criminal minds #the x files #fbi #ramblings #jack hodgins #angela montenegro #camille saroyan #david boreanaz #emily deschanel #favourite tv shows

[mysticmayhem1337]

Movie Review #007

The Adventures of Robin Hood

Directed by: Michael Curtiz/William Keighley Year: 1938 Length: 1h 42m Rated: 7.9/10 Genre: Adventure Stars: Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland.

Summary When Prince John and the Norman Lords begin oppressing the Anglo-Saxons, one lord, still loyal to the King, steps up to begin a resistance movement and fight back.

Review A wonderful, whimsical take on a classic English legend. The technicolour really adds to the fairytale nature of the story and its moral.

Honest Thoughts This film has lots of practical effects and I always love that. I really liked how Maid Marian felt like more than just a love interest, which still happens in modern-day films. This was utterly fantastic and did a story I love dearly justice. I live about 45 minutes from Sherwood Forest and in Nottingham, so I'm sure it makes sense that I love Robin Hood and everything he represents. There's no clear proof that he was a real man, but I believe that he was real. Not a person, but a symbol of freedom and rebellion, and I think the country could do with something like that now.

Score Performance: 4/5 Plot: 5/5 Effects: 4/5 Flow: 4/5 Engagingness: 5/5 Overall: 5/5

Information Source: IMDb Watched On: Downloaded Video (legal)

#film #cinema #movie review #movies #films #favorite movies #adventure #fairy tales #robin hood #maid marian #the adventures of robin hood #errol flynn #olivia de havilland #michael curtiz

[mysticmayhem1337]

Movie Review #006

The Maltese Falcon

Directed by: John Huston Year: 1941 Length: 1h 40m Rated: 8.0/10 Genre: Crime Stars: Humphry Bogart, Mary Astor and Peter Lorre.

Summary A private detective takes on a case involving a mysterious statuette and his partner's murder.

Review A slow-paced mystery that leaves you asking a few too many questions.

Honest Thoughts Okay, this might upset some film buffs, but I thought this film was rubbish. My parents and I were confused and underwhelmed throughout. My Dad remarked how it was all just people talking, and you know what, I agreed with him. Peter Lorre was quite good in it, despite all the faults, he amused me a few times. To be perfectly frank, I know I'm not the target audience and if you liked this film, then I'm glad. It's important to watch a wide range of films to have a varied and developed palette.

Scores Performance: 2/5 Plot: 1/5 Effects: 2/5 Flow: 2/5 Engagingness: 1/5 Overall: 1.5/5

Information Source: IMDb Watched On: Amazon Prime

#film #cinema #movie review #movies #films #crime #humphrey bogart #mary astor #peter lorre #warner bros #classic hollywood #the maltese falcon

[mysticmayhem1337]

Movie Review #005

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Directed by: Matt Reeves Year: 2014 Length: 2h 10m Rated: 7.6/10 Genre: Action Stars: Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke and Keri Russell.

Summary The fragile peace between apes and humans is tested as mistrust and betrayal threaten to plunge both tribes into a war for dominance over Earth.

Review A fascinating film about leadership. Though it isn't at face value. there is certainly commentary on both war and politics.

Honest Thoughts Andy Serkis never fails to impress me, but I am a bit biased as a huge Lord of the Rings fan. Dare I say monkey see, monkey do? One of the big takeaways I have from this film is that I'd rather live in the ape treehouses than the human city. Damn, that is a cool crib, I'd tune into MTV for a tour of that. Anyway, I jest, this was a cool film and a fairly solid sequel.

Scores Performance: 5/5 Plot: 3/5 Effects: 4/5 Flow: 5/5 Engagingness: 4/5 Overall: 4/5

Information Source: IMDb Watched On: Disney+

#film #movie review #movies #cinema #films #action #planet of the apes #dawn of the planet of the apes #apes #andy serkis #jason clarke #keri russell

[mysticmayhem1337]

Movie Review #004

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Directed By: Rupert Wyatt Year: 2011 Length: 1h 45m Rated: 7.6/10 Genre: Action/Sci-Fi Stars: Andy Serkis, James Franco and Freida Pinto.

Summary A substance designed to help the brain repair itself gives advanced intelligence to a chimpanzee who leads an ape uprising.

Review An excellent anti-animal cruelty film. It enlightens us about the effects of lab testing and the captivity of animals, especially apes.

Honest Thoughts Andy Serkis is fantastic in motion capture, as always. This film makes me love monkeys in general and reminds me of the importance of a harmonic relationship with nature. Now, that might just be me being a tree hugger, but there's a clear message littered throughout the film. Art, and I do think film is art, is meant to challenge authority. That's exactly what this film does and I feel it does it quite well.

Scores Performance: 5/5 Plot: 3/5 Effects: 4/5 Flow: 5/5 Engagingness: 4/5 Overall: 4/5

Information Source: IMDb Watched On: Disney+

#film #movie review #movies #cinema #films #scifi #action #planet of the apes #rise of the planet of the apes #andy serkis #james franco #freida pinto #apes

[mysticmayhem1337]

It's almost the end of my Easter break, which means I'll be back at college soon. I'm doing a film studies A Level and right now we're studying Casablanca, so expect some Classical Hollywood reviews in the upcoming weeks.

I'll try to fit in other films, if that's not really your thing, because if I'm honest, it's not really mine either. But it's important to watch a wide range of films/movies to have a better understanding of what you like or don't like.

I know I'm likely just talking into the void because I don't think many people read my blog. But if someone does read this, hello! Thanks for stopping by.

#cinema #favorite movies #film #movie review #movies #films #talking to myself

[mysticmayhem1337]

Movie Review #003

The Brothers Grimm

Directed by: Terry Gilliam Year: 2005 Length: 1h 58m Rated: 5.9/10 Genre: Fantasy Stars: Matt Damon and Heath Ledger.

Summary Will and Jake Grimm are travelling con artists who encounter a genuine fairytale curse which requires true courage instead of their usual bogus exorcisms.

Review A clever amalgamation of many beloved fairytales. Impressive aesthetics and a somewhat historical world created.

Honest Thoughts Heath Ledger was a pleasure to watch, his ability to bring characters to life is ever-present, even in a film that doesn't stand out in the way some of his others do. His character was by far my favourite, given that I too wish I lived in some grand fairytale. I felt that the love triangle was unnecessary and frankly kinda gross. Angelika needing saving was a bad choice, from when we first meet her, she is portrayed as independent and skilled. She's hired to help guide them through the forest, so it doesn't make sense that she would need saving in the end. For me, it's a tired and exhausted trope, but I can recognise that this film is nearly 20 years old at the time of my viewership. I do think that the plot seemed to drag on towards the end, I was confused that the heroes were still able to win when the villain's ritual had been completed.

Scores Performance: 4/5 Plot: 3/5 Effects: 3/5 Flow: 3/5 Engagingness: 3/5 Overall: 3.5/5

Information Source: IMDb Watched On: DVD

#cinema #film #movie review #movies #heath ledger #matt damon #fantasy #the brothers grimm #fairy tales #terry gilliam #film review #films

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Movie Review #002

Serenity

Directed by: Joss Whedon Year: 2005 Length: 1h 59m Rated: 7.8/10 Genre: Sci-Fi Stars: Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Adam Baldwin, Jewel Staite, Sean Maher and Summer Glau.

Summary The crew of the ship Serenity fight to protect one of their own and bring to light what haunts her: the truth.

Review A thrilling space adventure that has an element of horror with high stakes and root-worthy characters. It has rich world-building and a nail-biting plot.

Honest Thoughts Am I biased? Maybe, but that's not the point. This film was great, despite its certain... faults. Joss, sleep with one eye open. I marathoned the show, Firefly, with my parents and then put off watching the film because I knew it would mean the end. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend both. Space cowboys committing crimes that also have the found family trope is fiction I didn't know I needed until I watched the show. It could be the same for you.

Scores Performance: 5/5 Plot: 4/5 Effects: 4/5 Flow: 5/5 Engagingness: 5/5 Overall: 5/5

Information Source: IMDb Watched On: DVD

#film #favorite movies #cinema #movie review #movies #firefly #serenity #river tam #summer glau #nathan fillion #gina torres #alan tudyk #adam baldwin #jewel staite #sean maher #scifi #love this movie #space

[mysticmayhem1337]

Movie Review #001

Guardians of the Galaxy

Directed by: James Gunn Year: 2014 Length: 2h 01m Rated: 8.0/10 Genre: Sci-Fi/Comedy Stars: Chris Pratt, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Zoe Saldana and Dave Bautista.

Summary A group of intergalactic, misfit criminals pull together to stop a space terrorist from committing genocide on a cosmic level.

Review Funny and full of action! A film that basically answers the question "What if heroes were a bit more realistic?" It's also a great addition to the growing universe the MCU was creating at the time of its release.

Honest Thoughts Easily one of my comfort films. The characters are so far from perfect that we can all see ourselves represented: flaws and all. Their motive is just the desire to keep living, with no high moral compass or prophecy to fulfil. Heroism is forced into their hands but, arguably fumbling as they do so, they make the most of it. Also, this movie has one of the best soundtracks ever, almost every song has made it into my music library.

Scores Performance: 4/5 Plot: 4/5 Effects: 5/5 Flow: 4/5 Engagingness: 5/5 Overall: 4.5/5

Information Source: IMDb Watched On: Disney+

#film #movies #movie review #favorite movies #cinema #love this movie #marvel #mcu #guardians of the galaxy #peter quill #gamora #gotg #i am groot #groot #drax the destroyer #rocket raccoon #scifi #comedy #james gunn #zoe saldana #chris pratt #vin diesel #bradley cooper #dave bautista

[mysticmayhem1337]

Just done a bit of spring cleaning! I finally know what I want to post. Only took me what... 3 years? Expect some new content soon!

#movies #movie review #film #cinema #film review #filmisnotdead #filmisalive #favorite movies

[mysticmayhem1337]

Cringe cultre is dead. Do whatever the fuck brings you joy in this strange, twisted world.