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David McK (3162 KP) rated Free Guy (2021) in Movies
Aug 27, 2021
Latest - at the time of reviewing - Ryan Reynolds starrer, in which he discovers he is actually a NOC (non Player character, for the uninitiated) inside a video game, that bears more than a passing resemblance to that of GTA online (or so I'm told).
Set in both his, and the 'real' world (to which he cannot cross over), I felt that had quite a bit in common with the likes of 'The Truman Show', 'The Matrix', 'Ready Player One', maybe even a bit of 'Pixels' thrown in, but is none the less quite enjoyable, with Taika Waititi stealing the show (and with Guy's best mate cop running a close second)
Set in both his, and the 'real' world (to which he cannot cross over), I felt that had quite a bit in common with the likes of 'The Truman Show', 'The Matrix', 'Ready Player One', maybe even a bit of 'Pixels' thrown in, but is none the less quite enjoyable, with Taika Waititi stealing the show (and with Guy's best mate cop running a close second)
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Jojo Rabbit (2019) in Movies
Jun 10, 2020
Rather funny yet heartwarming
Being a huge Taika Waititi fan I had high expectations for this film and whilst I did enjoy it, it wasn't quite as amazing as I'd expected.
First of all, I expected this film to be a full on oddball comedy - I mean Hilter as his imaginary friend? However this film is a lot less oddball comedy and a lot more like Hunt for the Wilderpeople, a heartwarming drama with a few comic moments thrown in. Don't get me wrong, there are definitely laughs in this. Mostly coming from Waititi's hilarious Hilter or from Sam Rockwell's Captain who were by far my favourite characters. And Jojo himself is a lovable protagonist and well acted by Roman Griffin Davis. The problem is that the second half of the film was way too serious and while this was heartwarming and sweet at times, it became a little heavy. When Waititi and Rockwell popped up they were a very welcome comic relief.
Despite the rather heavy serious side, this is still a very lovable and entertaining film and definitely one to watch. It's rare to find a film that would have you laughing and crying in equal parts, although I do still wish it was weighted slightly more on the comic side - it definitely needed more Waititi as Hitler!
First of all, I expected this film to be a full on oddball comedy - I mean Hilter as his imaginary friend? However this film is a lot less oddball comedy and a lot more like Hunt for the Wilderpeople, a heartwarming drama with a few comic moments thrown in. Don't get me wrong, there are definitely laughs in this. Mostly coming from Waititi's hilarious Hilter or from Sam Rockwell's Captain who were by far my favourite characters. And Jojo himself is a lovable protagonist and well acted by Roman Griffin Davis. The problem is that the second half of the film was way too serious and while this was heartwarming and sweet at times, it became a little heavy. When Waititi and Rockwell popped up they were a very welcome comic relief.
Despite the rather heavy serious side, this is still a very lovable and entertaining film and definitely one to watch. It's rare to find a film that would have you laughing and crying in equal parts, although I do still wish it was weighted slightly more on the comic side - it definitely needed more Waititi as Hitler!
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Jojo Rabbit (2019) in Movies
Aug 17, 2020
Jojo Rabbit- alot of people told me that their liked this movie. From the trailer it looked reallly good. So when i watched it yesterday, i didnt love it, i liked it kinda. Let me explain...
The subject of Nazis and Hitler is a touchy one to say the least, but it's also a subject that is ripe for satire, and one of the many aspects that stands out here, is how Taika Waititi has managed to craft a film that is absolutely hilarious, but never undermines how horrible this part of history was. So the fact that Taika made Hitler funny was kinda weird, strange and also didnt feel right. But at the same time Taika did a excellent job playing Hitler. Its just strange and out of chacter to see hitler funny. Other than that the movie is good.
The plot: Jojo is a lonely German boy who discovers that his single mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their attic. Aided only by his imaginary friend -- Adolf Hitler -- Jojo must confront his blind nationalism as World War II continues to rage on.
The cast is good, the plot is good, like i said its just strange, wired, out of charcter to see hitler funny. The film never shows the darkside of WWII. So thats good. Jojo Rabbit is a good dark comedy film.
The subject of Nazis and Hitler is a touchy one to say the least, but it's also a subject that is ripe for satire, and one of the many aspects that stands out here, is how Taika Waititi has managed to craft a film that is absolutely hilarious, but never undermines how horrible this part of history was. So the fact that Taika made Hitler funny was kinda weird, strange and also didnt feel right. But at the same time Taika did a excellent job playing Hitler. Its just strange and out of chacter to see hitler funny. Other than that the movie is good.
The plot: Jojo is a lonely German boy who discovers that his single mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their attic. Aided only by his imaginary friend -- Adolf Hitler -- Jojo must confront his blind nationalism as World War II continues to rage on.
The cast is good, the plot is good, like i said its just strange, wired, out of charcter to see hitler funny. The film never shows the darkside of WWII. So thats good. Jojo Rabbit is a good dark comedy film.
Erika (17788 KP) rated What We Do in the Shadows- Season 1 in TV
Sep 21, 2019
@What We Do In The Shadows (2014) is probably my favorite Taika Waititi film out of all of his films. Though, I wasn't sure how I felt about a series taking place in the US was going to pan out.
I'm glad I finally watched it. Each episode was fairly self-contained. The characters were likeable, and it kept the same feel from the original. My favorite ep had to be the one where they had actors from other vampire films on the vampire council. I loved that Tilda got some recognition as the vamp from Only Lovers Left Alive (underrated film). It was good to see the original vamps from the film too.
I can't wait for season 2!
I'm glad I finally watched it. Each episode was fairly self-contained. The characters were likeable, and it kept the same feel from the original. My favorite ep had to be the one where they had actors from other vampire films on the vampire council. I loved that Tilda got some recognition as the vamp from Only Lovers Left Alive (underrated film). It was good to see the original vamps from the film too.
I can't wait for season 2!
Ryan Hill (152 KP) rated Thor: Ragnarok (2017) in Movies
May 11, 2019
The humour
Chris Hemsworth as Thor
Tom Hiddleston as Loki
Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/The Hulk
Taika Waititi as Korg
Cate Blanchett as Hela
Jeff Goldblum's Grandmaster is a God send (1 more)
Tessa Thompson as Valkiyrie
The Action was awesome specifically Hulk vs Thor and the final bridge battle
The synth score
"Piss off Ghost"
Perhaps, the most entertaining and enjoyable movie in the MCU since Iron Man?
There’s so many reasons why I enjoy Thor: Ragnarok, but it has to start with the direction and vision of Taika Waititi. He’s a genre changer in the comic book man movie universe. From his Kiwi sense of humor, to the choice in mood music, to the simply fun action sequences; Thor: Ragnarok is a two hour smile that would make it appear I had Botox injections, since my facial expression stayed happy.
Thor is one of my favorite characters in the MCU and I like the way the fat has been chewed off in his movies. Less memorable characters are disposed of, and screen time is given to the characters you want to see. Jeff Goldblum’s Grandmaster is a gift from God. Loki is Loki and who doesn’t love Loki? Tessa Thompson’s Valkyrie has a lot of depth. Cate Blanchett’s Hela might be in the top 5 in baddest of bad MCU villains, and puts the D in dysfunctional families. Plus, Idris Elba’s Heimdall deserved his own movie, and perhaps the number one scene stealer, and one of the reasons why this movie is truly special is Taika Waititi’s Korg. Who knew a CGI rock could be so hilarious? His voice is infectious, and I want to see more of Korg.
Hulk and Banner are both used just right. The synth-pop score makes me want to dance a boogie groove. Thor’s flaw is there’s too many interesting storylines, which causes the film to jump some from character to character. Watching Chris Hemsworth ham it up as Thor is what these types of movies should be all about. Putting the F back in fun and having a helluva time in the process doing so.
There’s so many reasons why I enjoy Thor: Ragnarok, but it has to start with the direction and vision of Taika Waititi. He’s a genre changer in the comic book man movie universe. From his Kiwi sense of humor, to the choice in mood music, to the simply fun action sequences; Thor: Ragnarok is a two hour smile that would make it appear I had Botox injections, since my facial expression stayed happy.
Thor is one of my favorite characters in the MCU and I like the way the fat has been chewed off in his movies. Less memorable characters are disposed of, and screen time is given to the characters you want to see. Jeff Goldblum’s Grandmaster is a gift from God. Loki is Loki and who doesn’t love Loki? Tessa Thompson’s Valkyrie has a lot of depth. Cate Blanchett’s Hela might be in the top 5 in baddest of bad MCU villains, and puts the D in dysfunctional families. Plus, Idris Elba’s Heimdall deserved his own movie, and perhaps the number one scene stealer, and one of the reasons why this movie is truly special is Taika Waititi’s Korg. Who knew a CGI rock could be so hilarious? His voice is infectious, and I want to see more of Korg.
Hulk and Banner are both used just right. The synth-pop score makes me want to dance a boogie groove. Thor’s flaw is there’s too many interesting storylines, which causes the film to jump some from character to character. Watching Chris Hemsworth ham it up as Thor is what these types of movies should be all about. Putting the F back in fun and having a helluva time in the process doing so.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Jojo Rabbit (2019) in Movies
Jun 21, 2020
I was not expecting to love Jojo Rabbit as much as I did. I would argue that it's one of the best films of 2019!
The subject of Nazis and Hitler is a touchy one to say the least, but it's also a subject that is ripe for satire, and one of the many aspects that stands out here, is how Taika Waititi has managed to craft a film that is absolutely hilarious, but never undermines how horrible this part of history was.
I laughed (a lot) before being slapped with a reminder of how bleak war is.
The main plot revolves around Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis), a 10 year old boy who looks up to Hitler, and is part of the Nazi Youth. He finds out that his mother Rosie (Scarlett Johansson) is hiding a Jewish girl, Elsa (Thomasin McKenzie) in the attic of their house. Initially hostile, they begin to form a friendship as the Nazi regime begins to crumble.
Underneath all the goofiness, this main narrative is radiating in both warmth and sadness. I legit had a bit of a cry at one point.
The cast are brilliant. Roman Griffin Davis is one of the most likable protagonists in recent memory. His innocence and blind devotion to the war is humorous, and weirdly sweet. Thomasin McKenzie is great alongside him as well.
As well as directing, Taika Waititi also plays a version of Hitler, sort of like Jojo's imaginary friend, and he's honestly just the best, and provides the majority of the films comedy.
Elsewhere, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Alfie Allen, and Stephen Merchant all make up a pretty rock solid cast.
Screw it, I even liked Rebel Wilson (she usually makes me want to play in traffic.)
Jojo Rabbit is a truly wonderful experience. It evokes a whole range of emotions effortlessly, looks incredible throughout, and deserves all the praise thrown it's way.
The subject of Nazis and Hitler is a touchy one to say the least, but it's also a subject that is ripe for satire, and one of the many aspects that stands out here, is how Taika Waititi has managed to craft a film that is absolutely hilarious, but never undermines how horrible this part of history was.
I laughed (a lot) before being slapped with a reminder of how bleak war is.
The main plot revolves around Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis), a 10 year old boy who looks up to Hitler, and is part of the Nazi Youth. He finds out that his mother Rosie (Scarlett Johansson) is hiding a Jewish girl, Elsa (Thomasin McKenzie) in the attic of their house. Initially hostile, they begin to form a friendship as the Nazi regime begins to crumble.
Underneath all the goofiness, this main narrative is radiating in both warmth and sadness. I legit had a bit of a cry at one point.
The cast are brilliant. Roman Griffin Davis is one of the most likable protagonists in recent memory. His innocence and blind devotion to the war is humorous, and weirdly sweet. Thomasin McKenzie is great alongside him as well.
As well as directing, Taika Waititi also plays a version of Hitler, sort of like Jojo's imaginary friend, and he's honestly just the best, and provides the majority of the films comedy.
Elsewhere, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Alfie Allen, and Stephen Merchant all make up a pretty rock solid cast.
Screw it, I even liked Rebel Wilson (she usually makes me want to play in traffic.)
Jojo Rabbit is a truly wonderful experience. It evokes a whole range of emotions effortlessly, looks incredible throughout, and deserves all the praise thrown it's way.
Awix (3310 KP) rated What We Do In The Shadows (2014) in Movies
Jun 10, 2020
Mockumentary about vampires living in modern-day New Zealand manages to mix darkness, pathos, and a huge amount of silliness with surprisingly effective results. Excitement builds as the premier undead social event of the year approaches, but apart from the everynight realities of vampire existence - finding prey, looking good without a mirror, doing the washing-up - the documentary subjects have other concerns, such as new vampires in their turf, a pack of mild-mannered werewolves, and their various exes.
Takes the horror element just seriously enough not to feel completely frivolous, and there are many references to and spoofs of other bits of vampire lore. Nevertheless, largely powered along by another energetic comic performance from Taika Waititi, although the rest of the ensemble is also good. Polished production and pretty good effects too, given the low budget (that's modern computers for you I guess). Not exactly ground-breaking stuff but consistently amusing.
Takes the horror element just seriously enough not to feel completely frivolous, and there are many references to and spoofs of other bits of vampire lore. Nevertheless, largely powered along by another energetic comic performance from Taika Waititi, although the rest of the ensemble is also good. Polished production and pretty good effects too, given the low budget (that's modern computers for you I guess). Not exactly ground-breaking stuff but consistently amusing.
David McK (3162 KP) rated Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) in Movies
Jul 25, 2022
The fourth solo outing for Chris Hemsworth's God of Thunder (after "Thor", "Thor: The Dark World" and "Thor: Ragnorak") which double downs on the goofiness that Taika Waititi brought to the prevus instalment.
To this films detriment, I felt: the humour felt, at times, forced, with Thor (again, at times) coming across as more of a buffoon than I would prefer.
This also see's the return of Natalie Portman's Jane Foster - last seen in The Dark World, before dumping Thor off-screen - with elements of the plot heavily influenced by the 2014 run of comics that sees her lifting Mjolnir.
Christian Bale is also suitably menacing as Gorr the God Butcher, but is seemingly in a different movie to everyone else! Those shadow creatures are bound to give kids nightmares ...
In short, the scary bits are scarier than in many a previous Marvel movie, whilst the funny bits (attempt to be) funnier than any previous!
To this films detriment, I felt: the humour felt, at times, forced, with Thor (again, at times) coming across as more of a buffoon than I would prefer.
This also see's the return of Natalie Portman's Jane Foster - last seen in The Dark World, before dumping Thor off-screen - with elements of the plot heavily influenced by the 2014 run of comics that sees her lifting Mjolnir.
Christian Bale is also suitably menacing as Gorr the God Butcher, but is seemingly in a different movie to everyone else! Those shadow creatures are bound to give kids nightmares ...
In short, the scary bits are scarier than in many a previous Marvel movie, whilst the funny bits (attempt to be) funnier than any previous!
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) in Movies
Mar 30, 2020
Wonderfully quirky drama
I'd heard so many good things about this film, and I was so happy to see it finally pop up to watch on Amazon Prime. And I'm glad to say it was everything I hoped it would be.
Taika Waititi is probably one of my favourite current directors. Not my all time favourite, that accolade belongs to Christopher Nolan, but he's not far behind and until I turned this on, I'd completely forgotten this was even one of his films. But as soon as the film starts, it's so obviously Waititi and that's before the man himself turns up in a rather wacky and wonderful cameo.
This is a rather wonderful coming of age type drama. It's completely bonkers yet full of heart and a decent amount of laughs. Yet still doesnt shy away from the more serious topics that underpin the entire story. It's quirky yet so much fun, and also full of a decent amount of pop culture references that cant help make you laugh out loud. Sam Neill is great as grouchy uncle Hector, and Julian Dennison is a riot as Ricky. The cinematography too is marvellous, this is a beautifully made and stunning looking film and altogether just a delight to watch.
The story might get a little ridiculous at times, but this is easy to ignore when the rest of it is so fun and heart warming.
Taika Waititi is probably one of my favourite current directors. Not my all time favourite, that accolade belongs to Christopher Nolan, but he's not far behind and until I turned this on, I'd completely forgotten this was even one of his films. But as soon as the film starts, it's so obviously Waititi and that's before the man himself turns up in a rather wacky and wonderful cameo.
This is a rather wonderful coming of age type drama. It's completely bonkers yet full of heart and a decent amount of laughs. Yet still doesnt shy away from the more serious topics that underpin the entire story. It's quirky yet so much fun, and also full of a decent amount of pop culture references that cant help make you laugh out loud. Sam Neill is great as grouchy uncle Hector, and Julian Dennison is a riot as Ricky. The cinematography too is marvellous, this is a beautifully made and stunning looking film and altogether just a delight to watch.
The story might get a little ridiculous at times, but this is easy to ignore when the rest of it is so fun and heart warming.