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Nick Beaty (70 KP) rated Nightcrawler (2014) in Movies
Dec 14, 2019 (Updated Dec 15, 2019)
Borderline psychotic...
This movie may have slipped under the radar for a lot of people back in 2014 but if you did miss it when it first came out, now is your chance to make things right.
Nightcrawler is a very good movie with a strong commanding lead performance by Jake Gyllenhaal. His portrayal of Louis Bloom is slick, manipulative and at times borderline psychotic.
Louis Bloom is a loner desperately looking for work. That is until he hears there is money to be made from shooting crime & accident scenes for L.A. news stations. He starts off small time but as the film unfolds he shows he is willing to do anything to reach the very top of this certain profession.
His Character is incredibly unlikable from the very first scene but Gyllenhaal plays the part so well that you can't take your eyes off the screen, no matter how much you will want to at times.
There are a few scenes that may upset people but I think it is more a statement that in today's news, people will go to any lengths to get that top story.
In summary Nightcrawler is a very entertaining movie, which keeps grabbing your attention and holding you firmly there when it's got you, with intense, nervous, even excited energy... Definitely worth a watch.
Nightcrawler is a very good movie with a strong commanding lead performance by Jake Gyllenhaal. His portrayal of Louis Bloom is slick, manipulative and at times borderline psychotic.
Louis Bloom is a loner desperately looking for work. That is until he hears there is money to be made from shooting crime & accident scenes for L.A. news stations. He starts off small time but as the film unfolds he shows he is willing to do anything to reach the very top of this certain profession.
His Character is incredibly unlikable from the very first scene but Gyllenhaal plays the part so well that you can't take your eyes off the screen, no matter how much you will want to at times.
There are a few scenes that may upset people but I think it is more a statement that in today's news, people will go to any lengths to get that top story.
In summary Nightcrawler is a very entertaining movie, which keeps grabbing your attention and holding you firmly there when it's got you, with intense, nervous, even excited energy... Definitely worth a watch.
Gareth von Kallenbach (965 KP) rated Demolition (2016) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
It is often said that when we lose a loved one, we often lose a part of ourselves. In mourning, we have to come to terms with the loss and where we are headed in the future. Who are we now that part of us is gone? Demolition starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Naomi Watts discusses the various aspects with healing and finding oneself. Davis Mitchell (Jake Gyllenhaal) returns to work after losing his wife in a horrific car accident.
While grieving, he writes a complaint letter to a vending machine company about a recent experience he had while waiting in the hospital. Through the letters he lets a stranger and the audience in on his mindset and the reality that he feels disconnected from the world, his wife, and himself. When the company’s customer service rep reads the letters, she feels compelled to contact Davis. She offers a sympathetic ear to his pain and numbness. As their friendship grows, he begins to rebuild his life. The task is large and requires him to follow the advice that his father-in-law passed down to him; In order to fix something, sometimes you need to take it all apart in order to see how it works. Davis begins to deconstruct various pieces of his life in order to find peace with his loss so he can move forward.
Demolition offers a unique and provocative look at loss, grief, and identity. This is a film that will have its audience asking questions about their own lives and if they feel fulfilled or satisfied. The plot stays with you. The performances of each of the characters carries the story and makes us truly connect with them. There isn’t a single moment when you cease to care about who they are or what their lives have in store. There is depth and authenticity throughout this film.
While grieving, he writes a complaint letter to a vending machine company about a recent experience he had while waiting in the hospital. Through the letters he lets a stranger and the audience in on his mindset and the reality that he feels disconnected from the world, his wife, and himself. When the company’s customer service rep reads the letters, she feels compelled to contact Davis. She offers a sympathetic ear to his pain and numbness. As their friendship grows, he begins to rebuild his life. The task is large and requires him to follow the advice that his father-in-law passed down to him; In order to fix something, sometimes you need to take it all apart in order to see how it works. Davis begins to deconstruct various pieces of his life in order to find peace with his loss so he can move forward.
Demolition offers a unique and provocative look at loss, grief, and identity. This is a film that will have its audience asking questions about their own lives and if they feel fulfilled or satisfied. The plot stays with you. The performances of each of the characters carries the story and makes us truly connect with them. There isn’t a single moment when you cease to care about who they are or what their lives have in store. There is depth and authenticity throughout this film.
BookwormLea (3034 KP) rated Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) in Movies
Jul 7, 2019
My favourite Marvel Universe movie to date...
Contains spoilers, click to show
Now I'm a Thor girl myself and if anyone asked me my favourite superhero it would always be him. However.... I watched this movie a couple days ago and I think it changed my life! It really puts into perspective how loved Iron Man really was and how much Peter looked up to him as a father figure. It's quite emotional and if I could cry I'm sure I would have. It was also nice to see some closure for poor little Peter and he can finally be happy with MJ... but that ending! I hate Jake Gyllenhaal so personally I'm pretty glad he died and about 1/3 into the movie I said he would be the bad guy... called it! I think I actually screamed a little in the cinema when I watched the end scene.... how can they do this to me!?!
Also like to add... very sad there was no Stan Lee cameo...
Also like to add... very sad there was no Stan Lee cameo...
Bostonian916 (449 KP) rated Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) in Movies
Jun 29, 2020
I liked Tobey Maguire as Spidey. I liked Andrew Garfield a bit more. I felt like he was more relatable. However, he has been dethroned. Tom Holland is PERFECT for the role of Spiderman. He brings a fun personality that you truly believe could be the web slinger and he does so with the humor that has been present in the comic books since the beginning of time.
The story picks up without too much explanation needed as to what's happened since we last saw our hero, so that's nice. As with all MCU movies today, the effects and visuals were top notch. The makers were able to offer a refreshing take on Mysterio and Jake Gyllenhaal played the part marvelously. There were some wild twists in the story and tons of easter eggs to be had. Overall a good time, Also, Zendaya plays a wonderful MJ. Much more realistic portrayal that we've been given in film before.
The story picks up without too much explanation needed as to what's happened since we last saw our hero, so that's nice. As with all MCU movies today, the effects and visuals were top notch. The makers were able to offer a refreshing take on Mysterio and Jake Gyllenhaal played the part marvelously. There were some wild twists in the story and tons of easter eggs to be had. Overall a good time, Also, Zendaya plays a wonderful MJ. Much more realistic portrayal that we've been given in film before.
Gareth von Kallenbach (965 KP) rated Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010) in Movies
Aug 8, 2019
When so much often goes wrong with movie adaptations of video games, it is always pleasant when the occasional one takes you by surprise and becomes a well written, well acted, adventure of a movie. Prince of Persia, directed by Mike Newell, previously of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, captures much of the fun of the video game while telling a compelling story obviously written for the screen, and not pulled straight from the game itself.
Prince Dastan, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, does a fitting job of balancing the devious and dignified sides of his character. Gemma Arterton plays the role of Tamina with good chemistry with Gyllenhaal, and their dialogue always seems to have a spark of something extra. Ben Kingsley and the rest of the supporting cast do a fantastic job of rounding out the story and providing a degree of comic relief, tension, and reasons to use the special effects budget. The special effects are as expected, coming from producer Jerry Bruckheimer, excellent. Still, they don’t distract or otherwise draw too much attention away from the story itself.
The movie, obviously enough, revolves around Prince Dastan and a mystical dagger that can turn back time for short periods. Despite the plot twists and turns (and there are several), this movie kept me guessing and absorbed in the story, but never confused. If you’re looking for a fun time at the movies to start the summer season, look no further than this lively and fun film.
Prince Dastan, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, does a fitting job of balancing the devious and dignified sides of his character. Gemma Arterton plays the role of Tamina with good chemistry with Gyllenhaal, and their dialogue always seems to have a spark of something extra. Ben Kingsley and the rest of the supporting cast do a fantastic job of rounding out the story and providing a degree of comic relief, tension, and reasons to use the special effects budget. The special effects are as expected, coming from producer Jerry Bruckheimer, excellent. Still, they don’t distract or otherwise draw too much attention away from the story itself.
The movie, obviously enough, revolves around Prince Dastan and a mystical dagger that can turn back time for short periods. Despite the plot twists and turns (and there are several), this movie kept me guessing and absorbed in the story, but never confused. If you’re looking for a fun time at the movies to start the summer season, look no further than this lively and fun film.
Charlie Cobra Reviews (1840 KP) rated Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) in Movies
Jul 7, 2020
Spider-Man Knocks It Out Of The Park In This Summer Vacation Superhero Hybrid
Spider-Man Far From Home is a 2019 superhero movie directed by Jon Watts and written by Chris Mckenna and Erik Sommers. It was co-produced by Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios and distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing. The movie stars Tom Holland, Zendaya, Samuel Jackson, Cobie Smulders, Jon Favreau, and Jake Gyllenhaal.
The Midtown School of Science and Technology in New York City organizes a two-week summer field trip to Europe to accommodate the students who were resurrected by "the blip". Peter plans to avoid heroics and confess his feelings to "MJ" on this trip but is warned by Happy that Nick Fury is trying to get in contact with him. Distraught about the events in Endgame and the questions overwhelming him about Tony Stark, Peter decides to not answer when Fury calls him causing Fury to seek him out on his vacation.
This movie was phenomenal. It was really awesome and a perfect summer action blockbuster. Marvel did not drop the ball with this one and I'm so glad I saw it before anybody spoiled it for me because it had plenty of surprises. Especially the after credits scenes, the one after the movie finishes and the one at the very end after the credits. Jake Gyllenhaal was perfect as Mysterio and his acting was on point and Ned (Jacob Battalon) was awesome as Pete's best friend and wing-man in this movie too. The action was great and the effects were spectacular especially for Mysterio and his powers, they really did a amazing job. I really couldn't find much that I didn't like in this movie other than a couple ways the plot or story didn't unfold in a way that I liked; but that's probably me just being picky and a super fan from the comics and watching the cartoons. Also a part having to do with Peter taking a major injury and kind of just shrugging it off when he should have been hurt worse. Zendaya did a good job of portraying "MJ" and showing her come out of her shell a little more too which I though was also cool. I give this movie a 8/10 and I also give it my "Must See Seal of Approval" If you haven't seen this movie yet, what are you waiting for?
The Midtown School of Science and Technology in New York City organizes a two-week summer field trip to Europe to accommodate the students who were resurrected by "the blip". Peter plans to avoid heroics and confess his feelings to "MJ" on this trip but is warned by Happy that Nick Fury is trying to get in contact with him. Distraught about the events in Endgame and the questions overwhelming him about Tony Stark, Peter decides to not answer when Fury calls him causing Fury to seek him out on his vacation.
This movie was phenomenal. It was really awesome and a perfect summer action blockbuster. Marvel did not drop the ball with this one and I'm so glad I saw it before anybody spoiled it for me because it had plenty of surprises. Especially the after credits scenes, the one after the movie finishes and the one at the very end after the credits. Jake Gyllenhaal was perfect as Mysterio and his acting was on point and Ned (Jacob Battalon) was awesome as Pete's best friend and wing-man in this movie too. The action was great and the effects were spectacular especially for Mysterio and his powers, they really did a amazing job. I really couldn't find much that I didn't like in this movie other than a couple ways the plot or story didn't unfold in a way that I liked; but that's probably me just being picky and a super fan from the comics and watching the cartoons. Also a part having to do with Peter taking a major injury and kind of just shrugging it off when he should have been hurt worse. Zendaya did a good job of portraying "MJ" and showing her come out of her shell a little more too which I though was also cool. I give this movie a 8/10 and I also give it my "Must See Seal of Approval" If you haven't seen this movie yet, what are you waiting for?
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Okja (2017) in Movies
Apr 2, 2018
Didn't quite get its message across
I'm a little disappointed with this film. I was hoping it'd be a strong powerful message against the meat industry, but sadly it fell a little short of the mark.
Okja herself is very well done and the effects are quite good, I just wish they'd concentrated more on the animal rather than Mija. Cast wise, most do okay although Tilda Swinton is her usual barmy self and Jake Gyllenhaal is completely over the top and out of place. The plot itself is slightly interesting but it differs from being very predictable, and it also drags at times. The problem with this film is its trying to get across a serious message about the meat industry, but I feel like it doesn't go far enough. It seems to chicken out of portraying the really disturbing aspects when it really shouldn't. If you want to get people to think twice about this subject, then you really need to push it as far as you can, even if it makes for uncomfortable viewing. Instead, they opt for the Hollywood soft version which is such a shame.
Okja herself is very well done and the effects are quite good, I just wish they'd concentrated more on the animal rather than Mija. Cast wise, most do okay although Tilda Swinton is her usual barmy self and Jake Gyllenhaal is completely over the top and out of place. The plot itself is slightly interesting but it differs from being very predictable, and it also drags at times. The problem with this film is its trying to get across a serious message about the meat industry, but I feel like it doesn't go far enough. It seems to chicken out of portraying the really disturbing aspects when it really shouldn't. If you want to get people to think twice about this subject, then you really need to push it as far as you can, even if it makes for uncomfortable viewing. Instead, they opt for the Hollywood soft version which is such a shame.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Stronger (2016) in Movies
Jan 29, 2019
Heartwarming
It's a little unfortunate that Stronger was released in the same year as the other Boston marathon film, Patriots Day. Whilst the films are as opposite as they can be (one set from the point of view of a cop during the event & the ensuing investigation, whilst this focuses on the life of an injured survivor), I fear that Stronger has been dwarfed by the other bigger film. Which is a shame as this is a very good film in its own right.
This is a character led film, and tells the poignant and harrowing tale of bombing survivor Jeff Bauman. Jake Gyllenhaal excels in this, like he always does when he's given a proper character based story. The rest of the cast too are great and the entire film is just very well done. It doesn't shy away from showing some of Jeff's personal struggles and really is a heartwarming story. Especially when you know there's a happy ending at the end of it. The photos and updates right at the end of the film showing the real Jeff are so uplifting.
This is a character led film, and tells the poignant and harrowing tale of bombing survivor Jeff Bauman. Jake Gyllenhaal excels in this, like he always does when he's given a proper character based story. The rest of the cast too are great and the entire film is just very well done. It doesn't shy away from showing some of Jeff's personal struggles and really is a heartwarming story. Especially when you know there's a happy ending at the end of it. The photos and updates right at the end of the film showing the real Jeff are so uplifting.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated The Day After Tomorrow (2004) in Movies
Feb 27, 2022
The Day After Tomorrow is probably one of the better big-disaster-blockbusters out there. Roland Emmerich manages to show a sliver of artisctic restraint for once, by which I mean that this one doesn't have a scene where a small dog Crash Bandicoots its way to safety. There's still a fair chunk of unnecessary silliness here and there, the scene with the wolves for example, but for the most part TDAT is well paced and engaging. The big disaster moments are well crafted. Los Angeles getting torn apart by massive tornadoes is suitably horrifying to watch unfold, and the massive flash flooding of Manhattan Island is well built up. They forgo the more cooky elements of other Emmerich projects and are all the better for it.
As per usual, it's hard to give two shits about any of the human characters in these things, but Jake Gyllenhaal at least provides a sniff of acting chops.
The Day After Tomorrow isn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but it's entertaining enough, and provides the weird catharsis that comes with watching Earth get destroyed to a satisfying degree.
As per usual, it's hard to give two shits about any of the human characters in these things, but Jake Gyllenhaal at least provides a sniff of acting chops.
The Day After Tomorrow isn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but it's entertaining enough, and provides the weird catharsis that comes with watching Earth get destroyed to a satisfying degree.
John Roope (4 KP) rated Velvet Buzzsaw (2019) in Movies
Feb 12, 2019
A mixed bag of a film, both engaging and tiresome
Dan Gilroys teams up again with jake Gyllenhaal but this time with far less success than 2014's nightcrawler. Velvet Buzzsaw follows a small group of the LA art world as the mysterious paintings of dease are released into the world. As seen in the trailer the paintings are able to move and even come out and grab you and here is where my issues with the film start.
In my opinion in horror it's best to have some kind of rules so you know what to be scared of. Even the slightest hint of ghosts or the supernatural will do at separating horror from something more psychological. Here it's unclear as to why these paintings have these properties as everything feels like the real world and for the first act the film it balances on this in between of something psychological and actual physically alive paintings. And for the most part these horror sections are terribly predictable as soon as we see a main character alone with one of the paintings it's pretty clear as to what's gonna happen.
Where the movie excels is in between these horror parts when we get more of Morf(played by gyllenhaal in scintillating form) trying to figure out what's going on while experiencing haunting visual and auditory hallucinations. This descent into paranoia and almost madness is far more engaging than the cheap thrills the film seems more eager to give us. More of these characters being entranced yet horrified by these pictures and subtle things going wrong would have made for a far creepier experience.
Overall what could have been a really interesting psychological thriller ended up being a slightly above par horror movie with good performances all round and a interesting premise and while the horror elements were my least favourite part they were very creative and any horror fan would be sure to get a kick out of it
In my opinion in horror it's best to have some kind of rules so you know what to be scared of. Even the slightest hint of ghosts or the supernatural will do at separating horror from something more psychological. Here it's unclear as to why these paintings have these properties as everything feels like the real world and for the first act the film it balances on this in between of something psychological and actual physically alive paintings. And for the most part these horror sections are terribly predictable as soon as we see a main character alone with one of the paintings it's pretty clear as to what's gonna happen.
Where the movie excels is in between these horror parts when we get more of Morf(played by gyllenhaal in scintillating form) trying to figure out what's going on while experiencing haunting visual and auditory hallucinations. This descent into paranoia and almost madness is far more engaging than the cheap thrills the film seems more eager to give us. More of these characters being entranced yet horrified by these pictures and subtle things going wrong would have made for a far creepier experience.
Overall what could have been a really interesting psychological thriller ended up being a slightly above par horror movie with good performances all round and a interesting premise and while the horror elements were my least favourite part they were very creative and any horror fan would be sure to get a kick out of it