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Dances With Wolves (1990)
Dances With Wolves (1990)
1990 | Action, Drama, Western

"The aesthetics of it, just the way the frontier looked. The way it was shot, it made it seem like it was the land of opportunity, this new frontier, this undiscovered territory for a certain culture. We were introduced to — which I didn’t know as a kid — the people that actually lived there, or are from there. We were introduced to their lives. They weren’t just Wild Bunch, killing people. It was very heartfelt, and it wasn’t just this white man coming to save the day. It was more along the lines of he was learning the ways, and he earned, from the audience and the tribe, their trust. I believed that our lead character, Kevin Costner, became a part of the tribe, because the movie takes its time to do so, which is risky, because you can lose us if you’re going too slow, if it’s paced like a snail. But everything worked, and the flow of story wasn’t interrupted or sacrificed due to some cool moments, or movie moments that needed to keep the audience awake. They were unapologetic in that way, so I really appreciated it. There’s the whole coffee interaction, and “tatanka.” That was my s—, man. I used to love that. And the score. The score was incredible. I love the score."

Source
  
Road Trip (2000)
Road Trip (2000)
2000 | Comedy
Deplorable, only a few meager steps above the likes of shit hall-of-famer 𝘋𝘦𝘶𝘤𝘦 𝘉𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘸: 𝘔𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘎𝘪𝘨𝘰𝘭𝘰. Bargain bin 𝘈𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘗𝘪𝘦 meets injudicious 𝘍𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘴 𝘉𝘶𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳'𝘴 𝘋𝘢𝘺 𝘖𝘧𝘧 mixed with elements that we'd later see Phillips use to his benefit in better films like 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 and 𝘋𝘶𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘦 - but are 0% amusing here. I challenge you to find a more stagnant road trip movie than this, why even cast Tom Green at the peak of his fame (who, along with DJ Qualls, are the only perfect performances) if you're only going to have him do a couple outrageous things? Like yeah don't overdo it but come on you can do better than this. I mean hell even similarly awful 30 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘴𝘴 did at least fifty times more with Fred Ward. Also worth noting how much this films hates women. The entire plot of this movie hinges on the Meyer (who is worse than terrible in this) character rightfully being in danger of his girlfriend finding out he undisguisedly cheated on her but we're supposed to not want that to happen because him and his noxious jackass friends are funny... but they aren't? Some of the ugliest aesthetics and soundtrack offerings of the crime of good taste that was the late 90s/early 2000s style. I'm usually a Todd defender but this is just wretched. 𝘙𝘰𝘢𝘥 𝘛𝘳𝘪𝘱𝘦.
  
The SpongeBob Musical: Live on Stage! (2019)
The SpongeBob Musical: Live on Stage! (2019)
2019 | Adventure, Comedy, Musical
An overall good musical event, mostly deserving of its Herculean 12 Tony nominations (there should be a criminal investigation into how it only took home one). As someone who's been a die-hard SpongeBob fan since I was a fetus, not only does this capture the essence of what makes the show so great both in appearance *and* in spirit - but I wasn't vetting on this being as timely as it was (tackles prejudice, media vs. government, and takes a jab at climate change deniers just for the hell of it which of course I always endorse). The casting couldn't be better (Ethan Slater is pretty much the human embodiment of SpongeBob), the production is like a vibrant splashpad of childhood wonderment and SpongeBob trademarks brought to life - some of the best aesthetics the theatre has to offer, the songs are good (even if none really stick out), it's very funny, and most importantly it has a deep understanding of the source material and a selfless willingness to please the fans without pandering (they even reference Battle for Bikini Bottom [!!]). The introduction of Tom Kenny's Patchy the Pirate sent my kid self to the moon and back again. This is what happens when you want to make something that's good out of an existing IP. Never cared for Best Day Ever as an SS song but this may have just converted me.
  
Cube 2: Hypercube (2002)
Cube 2: Hypercube (2002)
2002 | Sci-Fi
2
5.1 (7 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Christ, I did not have fun with this. Cube 2: Hypercube is unfortunately a downgrade of its predecessor in every single way, so I'll start with a couple of positives - 1. Kari Matchett gives us a likable enough lead to follow. 2. When the film first introduces parallel dimensions around 30 minutes in, it became vaguely interesting for about two minutes. And that's about your lot.

Every single character is a walking cliché. The introductions to all these people go on for waaayy too long, and I found myself pretty much immediately wanting them to die, but we're not even allowed to enjoy that aspect. The little gore on display looks awful, nothing done practically, and instead with CGI that looks like deep fried turd, CGI that is draped liberally all over the movie.
Then there's the titular cube itself. Gone are the intricate and Hellraiser-esque aesthetics of the first film, to make way for a clinical white series of Cube rooms (with a grey trim just to spice things up a bit). It just looks terrible.
The narrative isn't too compelling either, with twist after twist thrown at the viewer, but none which have any impact. It even throws in one at the very end which just isn't explained in any capacity. A lazy script with a lazy plot.

I'm pretty sure I had even more negatives to say about Cube 2, but honestly, I'm getting bored just thinking about this film, so yeah, it's poo.
  
Hannibal  - Season 1
Hannibal - Season 1
2013 | Horror
Hannibal's character portrayal (3 more)
Will's character depth
The aesthetic
The portrayal of mental disorders
A true favourite
I'm loving the show so far, and considering one of my all time favourite films is Silence of the Lambs, I have high expectations.
It did not disappoint.

The relationships built within this season are well thought out and captivating, especially that of Will Graham and Hannibal Lecter. The way the two men circle each other, their relationship filled with manipulation and a subtle seduction, you learn the ways they need each other, and become dependant on each other as they delve further into each other's psyches.

Speaking of, the way in which Will is both portrayed by Hugh Dancy, and treated within the show in regards to his innate aptitude for understanding the macabre is fascinating. I found it opened a new door to how the mind can work, and the dark repercussions they can have. This is also well shown through Abigail, as we follow through the aftermath of a traumatic event at the hands of her father.

The overly stunning aesthetics of this show work not only to entice but also to act as a juxtaposition to the gore caused by Hannibal and the "monsters of the week" in every episode. It allows the viewer a glimpse into how Hannibal sees the world; as a work of art. Even down to his victims. The elegance that he constantly exudes, particularly in scenes in his kitchen, almost numbs the viewer to the horrific truth behind his character.

Overall, a beautiful show. One I would highly recommend, but maybe not to those with a particularly weak stomach.
  
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Becs (244 KP) rated Always You in Books

Oct 2, 2019  
Always You
Always You
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Always You by Krista Carleson

Genre: Short Story, Novella, Contemporary, Erotica

Synopsis: The army took my first love and left me with a broken heart. That was ten years ago, but fate has a funny sense of humor. Not only is Aidan Dowell my best friend’s older brother, he happens to be my new roommate: the one who chose duty over love- who I thought had left my life forever. Now that I have to live in the same apartment as Aidan, I try to avoid him and guard my heart, but it’s impossible when the person in question is one gorgeous, sexy billionaire. The pull is too strong. The heat between us is going to burn me again. Little did I know that Aidan has a painful secret that threatens to come between us and now I have to make a choice: Fight for him or refuse this second chance at love?

Audience/ Reading Level: High School+

Interests: Erotica, Novella, Short Stories, Best Friends Brother

Point of View: first person

Difficulty Reading: Short, simple, sweet with a lot of hot and steaminess.

Promise: A short yet compelling read that will leave you wanting just a bit more.

Insights: Writing was a bit amateurish but for being the style of book it is, it was a good read. Would recommend to others who like Eroticas.

Ah-Ha Moment: When the boy gets the girl he’s been in love with for the past ten years. And vice versa.

What will you gain: A simple yet refreshing read.

Aesthetics: It was cool to see a billionaire and his brother living together with Cat. But other than that, there was really anything that stood out that’s worth mentioning.
  
The Trials of Van Occupanther by Midlake
The Trials of Van Occupanther by Midlake
2006 | Alternative, Pop, Rock
(0 Ratings)
Album Favorite

"I just knew that this was a classic as soon as I heard it. If I'm going to be really hyper-critical of it, then it's about three songs off from bring a true classic but there are so many great songs on there. It just felt like the first record I'd heard for a long time - maybe since Figure 8 by Elliot Smith - which is a really complete classic album. You know, I was thinking that this was a record that should've been there when I raided my uncle's record collection when I was 13, alongside Neil Young and Patti Smith and JJ Cale and Sex Pistols and The Trials Of Van Occupanther is one of those. That's the highest praise that I can give it; that it should sit amongst those greats. What an amazing record with a really amazing sound. Tim Smith's voice is brilliant to listen to and lyrically it's such an emotive record. You really hear the visual setting that the music is set against and that just pours off the record and out of the grooves. I loved it from the first minute I heard it. And there's something about the aesthetics of it that I really connected with. Technically, I love the bass sound and the sound of the snare and we in Supergrass really gravitated towards that. It's like the first time you hear that snare sound on Air's Moon Safari and we were like: 'That's the snare sound that we really love too!' You know, when you're in a band you look around at other bands. We listened a lot to Elliott Smith when we made Road To Rouen and when you have that connection, then it takes the album to a whole different level. That's what we all felt with the Midlake record, and me and my brother Charlie definitely rate it in the top five records of the last ten or fifteen years."

Source
  
Tenet (2020)
Tenet (2020)
2020 | Action
God damn Tenet is confusing, and even that statement has a dual meaning - in regards to the plot, it's purposefully confusing to a degree (more on that shortly), but also in regards to my poor frazzled feelings towards the film as a whole.
For every moment where I felt myself switching off a bit, there was another moment which blew me away.

Back to the plot, Christopher Nolan has done that thing where he throws a load of faffy exposition and quick cuts, with thread bare explanation, before bringing in a massive pay off to sort of tie it all together. Not too dissimilar to Inception, but way harder to follow.
By the time the credits rolled, I think I had a good enough grasp on what happened, but still will probably need another viewing to piece it together.
Something that is beyond doubt however, is the aesthetics on display. Tenet looks amazing. The action set pieces are breathtaking at times. The last 45 minutes in particular is an absolute pleasure to look at, and the idea of some people functioning in reverse makes for some hugely eye pleasing fight scenes.

Another positive to take from Tenet is the cast. John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, and Elizabeth Debicki are all great as per usual, and are supported by the likes of Kenneth Branagh and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Branagh especially is a convincing, nasty villain.

There's been a lot of discussion surrounding the sound mixing - and I can honestly see why. A lot of the dialogue is cancelled out by either the (pretty damn good) music score, or swamped underneath obnoxiously loud sound effects. Whether this is a stylistic choice by Nolan or not, it does negatively impact the experience.

Ultimately, Tenet is enjoyable enough, but I feel like it's not as clever as it wants you to think. That being said, maybe I'm just not clever enough to truly get it. It's proving to be a divisive film however, so it's definitely worth seeing for yourself to reach a conclusion.
  
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Becs (244 KP) rated Animal Farm in Books

Oct 2, 2019  
Animal Farm
Animal Farm
George Orwell | 2008 | Fiction & Poetry
7
7.8 (80 Ratings)
Book Rating
I’ve always been a fan of the literary classics, especially ones that also have an underline meaning to do with the history of the world. George Orwell has always been a favorite of mine, I mean I have a lot of favorites but a true reader usually does! The reason why I finally picked up this book was for a job assignment. I will definitely say, I wasn’t disappointed.

Genre: Classic, Fantasy, Fiction, Science-Fiction, Literature, Dystopia

Audience: High School

Reading level: Advanced Fluent

Interests: Classics, Dystopia, Science-Fiction

Style: Advanced Fluent

Point of view: Third Person

Difficulty reading: It was only difficult in the spots that were lacking plot.

Promise: Promise of history related read, it delivers

Quality: Good.

Insights: Animal Farm is a very well-written book and if you like a history-related book along with any literary classic books, you’ll love this book! I, myself, have never really been a huge history buff so to me Animal Farm was lacking an interesting plot. If I broke the book down into two sections, there would be half of the book as interesting and half being monotonous.

Ah-Ha Moment: When the animals overtook the farm and the pigs started to act like the humans.

Favorite quote: “Man is the only creature that consumes without producing. He does not give milk, he does not lay eggs, he is too weak to pull the plough, he cannot run fast enough to catch rabbits. Yet he is lord of all the animals. He sets them to work, he gives back to them the bare minimum that will prevent them from starving, and the rest he keeps for himself.” – I really like this because it’s a great representation of humans and earth. How we lack with caring for the planet we live on and that isn’t right.

Aesthetics: The copy that I received had an awesome cartoony cover of the animals which I found quite adorable.

“Four legs good, two legs bad.”
  
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Becs (244 KP) rated Words That Kill in Books

Oct 2, 2019  
Words That Kill
Words That Kill
Vivid Vega | 2019 | Fiction & Poetry
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I’ve always had a thing for poetry and have loved every single poetry collection that I have gotten my hands on. My husband got me Words That Kill by Vivid Vega for this past Christmas. When I started to read it, I couldn’t put it down, it was just so good and so emotional. But I eventually had to take a break because it was starting to mess with me. There are not many poetry collections that touch on the mental health subject and I’m glad that there is now one available to the public.

Genre: Mental Health, Young Adult

Audience: Young Adult but also mature audiences as well

Reading level: Middle to High School

Interests: Depression, Mental Health, Anxiety, Suicide, Abuse, Hope, and Love.

Style: Light to hard – depending on the person.

Point of view: First person

Difficulty reading: Very easy to read but be warned, it does make you very emotional.

Promise: Words That Kill promises a poetry collection that talks about mental health and it delivers.

Quality: I believe everybody should read this even if they haven’t dealt with mental health.

Insights: Not taking the grammatical and spelling errors, the poems were a lot lighter to read compared to Rupi Kuar or even Shakespeare.

Ah-Ha Moment: There wasn’t really a moment where I went ‘Ah yea, that’s the turning point’. This is only because it wasn’t really a story, more of a poem that brings memories of the past back to life.

Favorite quote: “There is no need to hide in the shade, the light will come and your pain will fade.” – This is a great representation of how depression works. You have your good and your bad moments.

Aesthetics: The thing that drew me to the book in the first place, minus the topic of mental health of course, was the fact that the entire book is white words on an entirely black background. I’ve never seen a book have that aesthetically pleasing style and I love it!

“Like a flower, I will bloom again – depression.”