this felt like a mix of subplots thrown together, hoping they’d somehow sort themselves out when sequenced, but no—they don’t. at all. still, i’ll blindly watch any jenna ortega film until the end of time, and even more so if willem dafoe is in it, because wow… i absolutely loved his character.

i keep forgetting how much i love this entire series until a new film is announced and the memories resurface. McGraw, my cute little penguin, you’re still the best villain to ever exist. Wallace? you still piss me off. Gromit? i see you’re reading virginia woof, so let’s go to the bookstore together. oh, and can i just say it’s a genius move to make a stop-motion claymation film about the dangers of AI.

it’s a mean girls spin-off: roman catholic edition!
if you’re craving a film packed with drama, hidden secrets, ruthless power struggles, and the eternal battle between good and evil, this is the movie for you. it feels like a high school with tension and manipulation, but elevated to the vatican halls. here. as the balance of power shifts, the story unfolds into a gripping exploration of morality, ambition, and the human desire for control.

the most anxiety-inducing film i’ve ever seen in my life. i was on edge the entire time, desperate to jump into the screen and help that poor boy, which is all he wanted from the adults around him. it captures the heartbreaking disconnect in morals and values between children and adults, and the simple, aching desire to care for others in a world that feels so indifferent and hostile.

i have nothing against this film, truly. it was thoughtful and emotional, but it just wasn’t for me. it didn’t tug at my heartstrings the way i thought it would. younger me, though? she would’ve been completely obsessed and convinced it was so artsy, underground, and different.

if you want to see this film, but you haven’t seen 12 angry men before then do me the biggest favor of your life & watch that instead. don’t worry, no need to thank me. it’s my pleasure.

omg, i just met nicole kidman at a post-screening at my local theater! she did a q&a with the executive director, and i feel like such a cinephile. instead of a full review, i want to share my favorite points from the discussion. spoilers ahead! one of the highlights was when kidman talked about the scene where the husband forgives her. the director emphasized the vulnerability in that moment, showing how their relationship isn’t perfect but doesn’t end in disaster. the film explores the idea of that there will be ghosts in the bed with them—past mistakes or unresolved issues—but instead of letting those ghosts consume them, the characters learn to live with them, grow, and move forward. it was powerful to see how the couple confronts the betrayal and improves their communication, especially in their sexual relationship, where the husband begins to understand her needs and works to create a more fulfilling connection. it’s clear the communication should have been there from the start, but their flawed journey felt relatable, showing how people grow through struggles in different ways. another great point was about the humor in the intimate scenes, which kidman said captured the awkwardness of real-life relationships—figuring each other out while laughing together felt so authentic. overall, it’s so refreshing to see a female-directed film where the main female character doesn’t end up dead, ill, or defeated, but instead survives, grows, and reclaims her life. what an incredible experience hearing kidman’s insights—it made me appreciate the film even more.

call me dramatic—that’s fine—but i refuse to believe this film deserved the nominations it received, if any. it’s an utter embarrassment to take meaningful discussions, like the transgender experience and the struggles of domestic violence in mexico, and reduce them to something so surface-level and misguided. this felt like a regression. i’m sorry, but you can clearly see that the film’s portrayal of mexican culture is shallow and poorly understood, thanks to a foreign director’s lens. 
let me say one thing: BOLD IS NOT BETTER!
is the film original? yes.
bold and daring? yes.
good? no. it’s horrible and completely detached from reality. a french man wanted to make a telenovela. that’s all this was.

the transgender experience isn’t a plot device, and mexican culture (or any hispanic/latino country) isn’t a backdrop for shallow storytelling. keep in mind this isn’t about the actresses—they were beautiful and did the best they could. my issue is with the film itself.

standing before me was death, but i’d never been so happy.
horror cinema is back, and nosferatu is a stunning masterpiece of gothic beauty and grotesque decay. unsettling, chilling, and deeply poetic, it’s a story that demonstrates humanity’s obsessive dance with death. nosferatu’s insatiable hunger for love and immortality reveals not only his vulnerability but the destructive path he carves, opening the doors of death to all who stand in his way. robert eggers masterfully deepens the haunting elegance of decay, staying true to the original while making the grotesque beauty more profound, blending historical authenticity with poetic horror. the film radiates passion in every frame, a testament to the artistry and precision it took to bring this timeless nightmare to life. lily-rose depp is not just the heart of the story but the heart of the entire film—her performance as the gothic heroine is breathtaking, embodying fear, love, longing, and a fragile yet resilient defiance against death. nosferatu is more than a remake; it’s a macabre work of art that lingers long after the final frame.

the best christmas gift i ever gave myself was getting tickets to see this film on opening night, christmas eve, in 35mm. i’m obsessed and i already wish to own a physical copy.

my biggest regret is not seeing this in theaters the way it was meant to be watched. i’m not gonna talk about the weak points—instead, i’ll focus on my favorite frame. the crash of the renaissance station—or really, any scene in outer space like that—was stunning. i have so much respect for the art of blending practical and digital effects so seamlessly. the way they used a physical setup for the space station and mixed it with what looked like miniature models (i read somewhere the spacecraft might’ve been scanned for CGI modeling) added so much realism to the visuals. i know a lot of people don’t like CGI, and honestly, i usually don’t either, but i LOVE when movies use it the right way, like this one did. using CGI as an enhancement instead of the main focus? that’s the way to do it. honestly, this movie was just so fun. i’m such an alien fanatic.

door is already open; can’t close it now. all you can do is look away—but why would you?
an engaging and lingering film that’s filled with creative and striking visuals, but it made me feel disconnected from the narrative, especially the second chapter of the film. the themes of longing & alienation were prominent throughout, which i loved, but they slowly diminished in meaning and significance as the runtime progressed. the exploration of the drug experiment ruined the emotional investment i had in the character seeking substance to feel something against the loneliness the town fills him with. the prioritization of style over substance damaged the importance of this film. i’m addicted to its bold aesthetics, and the visual artistry was both impactful and memorable, but this can only take a film so far when it overshadows the emotional depth and blurs the narrative, making it difficult to blend well with the other themes of the film.

i genuinely think this movie was overly hated just because it could never live up to the first one. the unrealistic storyline—especially how they ruined maximus’ character by making it seem like he cheated on his family—didn’t sit right with me. the cgi was horrendous too, like the monkeys, the sharks, and that beheaded head that just looked way too fake. that said, the visuals were stunning, and it was definitely entertaining! the acting was incredible across the board, so you’re bound to feel something watching it.

i love him, and i hate him, and i want to be him
weirdly enough, my favorite theme in the entire film isn’t the generational trauma, grief, or what it’s like to feel alienated, but rather the subtle undertones of jealousy between the two cousins. for david, he envies how benji rejects societal norms, while benji resents david’s success in his high-paying job and his stable family life with a wife and kids. david longs for the freedom that benji has, while benji wishes for the put-together life that david seems to have.

it’s a jealousy that feels so relatable, stemming from our own insecurities and this deep longing for the things we think will bring us fulfillment. at the same time, it’s ironic because the people we envy might be looking at us and wishing for the same. but through this jealousy, david and benji are able to explore each other’s lives and, in the process, deepen their bond. it’s what ultimately helps them move toward some kind of self-acceptance. the film shows the different ways we find to cope with our own real pains and how the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

i just learned that dozens of other countries have all made their own version of this plot? i have only ever seen the french & this one now from spain. i will now make it my mission to see as many as possible! & here i thought that the french were original with this plot.. i feel lied to. betrayed (who told me to make this assumption? no one. this is all my own fault) FOOLED!

anyways.. yall should watch it! if you like gossip i mean. i feel like that one cousin sitting in the corner seeing all of my aunts and uncles fight each other while they claim to love each other.

or don’t watch it. i can’t really make you do anything. adios!

if you love love and basketball then you need to watch this! it has the same actors in this film, making it feel like their love is so strong that they still find their way back to each other in every universe.

or maybe im just obsessed with romance that i try to find a deeper connection in every little minuscule detail that exists in films.

the story of systemic and interpersonal conflicts that many are afraid to openly discuss, but feel comfortable watching through film. it’s not just about the need for inclusivity—it’s the necessity for respect and understanding. the film shows the slow escalation toward a riot, driven by the disregard for the black community within a marginalized neighborhood. it begins with microaggressions and builds to the mourning of a character who symbolizes defiance and the balance of love and hate within all humans.

this isn’t a film meant to provide answers; it lays bare the betrayal the community feels and the weight of systemic oppression. the rising temperature (emphasized through warm hues and bright lighting) mirrors the insufferable heat and growing frustration, tension, and hostility.

each character is complex, balancing internal struggles with external demands. spike lee’s artistic choices amplify the film’s themes: low camera angles evoke imbalance of power, dutch tilts convey instability and unease, and breaking the fourth wall disrupts the viewer’s detachment, forcing them to confront the prejudices within the story and themselves. the unresolved ending reflects reality: these issues persist, and the lack of action continues. it’s an uncomfortable truth meant to inspire reflection and foster overdue change.

a realistic & poignant documentary that follows the aspirations of two young basketball players striving to achieve greatness. it showcases their perseverance & undeniable talent while undergoing harsh realities of life—injuries, systematic obstacles, and adulthood—that often stand between the brightest potential stars. it even shows how fragile our dreams are against personal challenges and societal structures.

but what makes this heartbreaking film so an impactful is it’s ability to make the audience reflect on their own dreams and aspirations and to take a chance on them, regardless of the ultimate destination. this film reminds us that the pursuit itself—full of lessons, growth, and experiences—is what truly shapes us. although our dreams may evolve or shift, the journey will always be worthwhile.

no because i will literally RISEEEEE from the tomb if my sibling starts fucking my boyfriend to cope with my DEATH!!!!

i would love to truly complain, but i can’t say that i was surprised that it turned out awful. to following up pearl was an impossible task from the start. that said, there are moments worthy of praise—Mia Goth, as always, delivers a remarkable performance. the opening scene, where she transforms her personality for the audition, felt like a reflection of her real life talent. the neon aesthetic, which is my weakness, was another highlight. beyond that? there wasn’t much to hook me emotionally as the characters and storyline were just much weaker.

i watched this film during my trip to spain; making it a fun little side adventure. as a native speaker, i’m glad to have the privilege of enjoying spanish movie without titles in other countries, but it’s how films like this are limited to gain the exposure they deserve. while it was a typical police thriller, fulled with underlying propaganda, it remains undeniably entertaining. films based on true events are always fascinating as you always learn something new. oh! i also went solely for Luis Tosar, whose acting never fails to intrigue, but now it’s time to look up Carolina Yuste’s films.

a story filled with pain, remorse, grief, and haunting what ifs.
what if we never met on that day? would fate still let our lives cross path in another way? would you or i have chosen a different direction or made any choices that would have altered the trajectory of our lives? it’s a series of endless, haunting questions about alternative possibilities that serve both as a reminder and a challenge: to reflect on whether your life could have been better or worse if i weren’t around. what would our bond have been? would the chance of meeting still hold the same impact?

simply beautiful & heartbreaking, all at once.

i’ve never seen a film where every cast member expressed their immense passion for the project through their eyes. the immersion and determination they showcased to make it a success was so worth it. the song im not that girl truly resonated & captured what it’s like to have a bittersweet ache of falling for someone that’s with someone else. this added such a personal connection to the story for me and highlighted feeling of unrequited love, but then there’s the fluidity of morality. there’s the challenges against the traditional notions of good & evil. how can someone be labeled wicked when they have heroic ambitions and actions? how can someone be benevolent when they hide a selfish agenda? can love, in its truest form, exist without sacrifice? it’s both a visually & emotionally captivating film & the performance of EVERYONE including the thought-provoking themes has left a lasting impression on me.

ariana grande’s soprano range. that took my breath away.

yes. i’m rewatching this. leave me alone. i just wanted to hear darius tell her let me tell you somethin'. this here, right now, at this very moment, is all that matters to me. i love you. that’s urgent like a motherfucker.

i need to stop watching movies because they set my expectations for love too high. they make me have hope for a relationship where the man i love truly shows that his eyes are only for me. but the reality is that i may never have that kind of love. isn’t that heartbreaking like a motherfucker.

i am back from vacation & ready to rant about movies again. i saw this in theaters because.. it’s mario casas.. of course i went to see him && let’s just say.. that this entire plot could have been avoided if some just put him into a mental institution. it’s about a man looking to punish himself after feeling at fault for his wife’s death.. i mean.. come on.. get the man some help!

it’s soulful, timeless, and beautifully weaves together themes of love, art, and vulnerability. the story follows a smooth-talking poet & a passionate photographer as they navigate the complexities of their intertwined lives, which gradually evolves into a relationship. set against the musically rich streets of chicago, with jazz-infused melodies in the air, the film creates an atmosphere as poetic as its dialogue. it’s a realistic love story exploring miscommunication, distance, and personal growth—and how these battles can be overcome when you find a true connection. the last scene truly broke all barriers for me, catapulting this movie into my top favorites. seeing him shed his cool demeanor and reveal his true vulnerable self showcased his deep commitment and hope to be together, no matter the challenges ahead. it highlights the resilience of love in long distance relationships and tells a beautiful story of choosing someone despite their flaws. the raw portrayal of emotions. just unforgettable in my eyes & sooooo relatable.

so you’re telling me that the solution for happiness in my life is to get rid of that orange freak and blue depressing blob? i was surprised with inside out 2 because truthfully i did not expect to enjoy it as much as i did. it had such a beautiful perspective on emotions showing how sadness, anger, embarrassment, and anxiety shape us and provides a intricate balance. the film is grounding, reminding us that no emotion is inherently bad. the animation quality is vibrant, and the exploration of puberty and new emotions adds complexity to the story. however, while it’s a smart sequel, it lacks the depth and emotional impact of the original. the pacing felt rushed, leaving less connection with Riley, and the sentimental moments didn’t resonate as powerfully as those in the first film. nothing will beat the scene with bing bong the imaginary friend.

i still look at you, and i see you. i still see you, and i like who you are. i love who you are.
such a powerful and intimate portrayal of alice’s battle with alzheimer’s disease as someone who’s so highly educated and dependent on her memory to be able to educate others. julianne moore’s performance was simply breathtaking and she truly picked up the weak performance of her supporting cast. the film showed, what i personally found to be, the perfect pacing on the journey of retaining your identity while enduring memory loss and how these struggles can shift the dynamic of a family. to me, the love between her and her husband was unmatched because you saw the reality on how painful this disease can be, but also how much he loves her unconditionally. to me, this was the entire premise of the film and the perfect representation to the equation: theme = love transcending illness. lastly, i can’t finish my review without discussing cinematography! the intimate focus and use yellow was.. to me.. a subtle mirroring of her internal struggle. i personally compared it to the metaphor of Vincent van Gogh’s consumption of yellow paint in a desperate pursuit of joy.

this was an absolute ride of a film and, hands down, a sequel that outshines the original by FAR. the cinematography was shocking, especially for a film as this—something i didn’t expect at all. for some, the shift to a protagonist who’s less innocent than in the first film was a drawback, but i think it made the story so much richer. it brought a new perspective of trauma to the franchise, adding its layers to make the smile entity feel even more terrifying. the twists in her character were so fascinating and as the story went on, i kept trying to decipher the person she was. now sure, there were some issues such as the CGI, and the movie accelerated its pace in the second half which was pushing too hard. but honestly? i admire the risks they took; i don’t think they completely missed the mark as others suggest. the film was grim, gory, and tackled deep psychological issues with the perfect imperfect protagonist, which was my personal favorite. that & blood on the white satin has been on constant repeat. naomi scott has risen to one of my favorite scream queens.

“this car looks like you” “you like it?”
this is my top film of 2024. this one. the portrayal of being intimately loved and not only physically desired permeated the story beautifully. anora captivated me with raw, authentic performances that made the characters feel like real people, despite the storyline’s absurdities. i didn’t expect so much comedy, which made it even more refreshing and genuine. my favorite part was igor’s empathy—it stole my heart from the moment he stepped through the door and how he always looked at her. then there was also a nora’s fierce and confident mentality that really put a smile on my face. i left that theater with the desire to turn back around to sit down, press rewind, and watch it again.

as for that ending? absolutely speechless. the perfect open ending that made me shed a tear.

la vida es como la espuma; por eso hay que darse como el mar
“life is like the foam; that’s why you have to give yourself like the sea”
the philosophy of living fully & embracing the natural flow of life is the heart of this film. the ocean’s foam is fleeting, much like life itself; it can disappear in an instant. we are temporary. this is why we must give ourselves like the sea, diving headfirst into life. time moves rapidly—so love passionately, live without hesitations, face your fears, cherish life’s impermanence, and flow like the sea, reshaping and adjusting as needed.
are you living your life hesitantly, holding back from your true desires? then watch this film and see what resonates. we often believe there’s ample time and that we can wait. and maybe some things can wait—but if you don’t take the chance, what you want might slip away. not everything waits for us, and we don’t have unlimited time to wait for everything. this story is about self-discovery, relationships, honesty with oneself & others; it’s filled with rivalries, betrayals, and hidden symbolism about mortality & the harsh, fleeting nature of life.

love is like a bowl of ramen. it has to be just right.
my love for films centered around food is on another level, and tampopo went and took that passion to a new height. it perfectly blends comedy, surrealism, relationships, and the bonding of a community, all while showcasing its attention to detail in every scene, particularly through tampopo’s journey of mastering the craft of ramen. one of my favorite scenes features a homeless man breaking into a kitchen to prepare an omurice dish for tampopo’s son—which looked absolutely delicious. this moment showed as the art form it truly is, highlighting the appreciation we should all have for blending ingredients to create delicious meals. the film beautifully illustrates how food brings a community together, with many scenes of deep conversations centered around meals. there are even a variety of side stories in this film that were pure comedy and how food is seen in all aspects of life. overall? it teaches you the importance of traditional food made with love and care over quick, harmful fast food. i loved this so much & it multi-layer narrative truly had me laughing out loud.

would you like me to tell you the little story of right-hand/left-hand? The story of good and evil?
a perfect representation of corruption in society, plain and simple. it truly is a horror film about deception, innocence, and how society falls victim to these fraudulent themes. it feels like a haunting fairy-tale, reminiscent of the brothers grimm. the use of the german expressionist techniques, with its stark black & white palette, perfectly heightens the tension. the light and shadow amplifies the contrast between corrupt, dark moments against light, innocent moments. hate and love, much the preacher’s tattoos—hate, evil and darkness against love, good, light.

through his role as a “preacher,” the protagonist becomes the ultimate hypocrite, entering a small town as a figure of the goodness and innocence while secretly exploiting everyone’s faith and manipulating their love for faithness. the town’s blind trust in him & faith, mirrors the dangers of misplaced trust that we still see in modern society. the misuse of faith and authority is still seen today, with adults being trusting fools, while the children—symbols of pure innocence—see his fraudulent facade. i found this cat-and-mouse chase between the preacher and the children to be symbolically brilliant, with one of my favorite comparisons being the children fleeing from the big bad wolf.

there’s darkness till the robins come
this film is right up my alley as someone whose favorite tv show is twin peaks. it’s one of my favorite trope: the seemingly perfect american small-town suburb hiding sinister and disturbing secrets beneath its polished exterior. on the surface, you see bright green, freshly cut grass and vivid red roses in every yard, but behind those white picket fences lies a world with severed body parts, sex slavery, and kidnapping. it’s so unsettling that it permeates the cheerful moments, making you question their sincerity. it raises the question: is anyone really innocent and good? it’s a film with a variety of interpretations & i found myself enjoying the concept of it being a psychological analysis that suggests a reenactment of the oedipus complex. i don’t want to spoil too much, but the oedipus complex is a freudian theory where a child unconsciously desires their opposite sex parent, causing a rivalry against their same sex parent (example: jeffrey with dorothy, positioning himself against the corrupted men in the town or its a form of a sinister imagery, where frank embodies a father & child, showing a disturbing relationship dynamic). i know i speak a lot on soundtrack’s, but this one was its own character as it swayed the entire of the scenes from romance to unsettling, disturbing moments. let’s just say i’m most definitely not surprised at all that this film is part of the criterion collection.

i’m guilty of looking ahead instead of right in front of me, at you.
love is so immense.
its compassion, empathy, & elemental.
its the ability to find compromise—not in a way that hinders you, but in a way that lets you see & understand each perspective and make the compromise become a true desire for each other. this film was that & so much more. it told the story of two strangers that instantly became lovers. it visually encapsulated how the choices we make can completely alter our lives and our relationships. the decision of commitment, children, career path, and health—these choices are in a constant motion and they formulate the path of what it’s love might become. this film captured what true love is & what everyone should aspire to achieve: to love & truly understand one another, to love so deeply that their dreams become yours, and all you can wish for is to find a pure and innocent happiness together, even if it’s not the conventional answer. i cried so much that i think the stranger sitting behind me was concerned for my sanity.

i will be owning both this film & vinyl as expeditiously as possible.

it’s.. SATURDAY! NIGHT! LIVEEEE!
we really need to talk about the brilliance of how this movie was filmed—it’s one of my favorite techniques to exist. to create the illusion of continuous shots without visible cuts is incredibly impressive. the cast was perfect, not only in recreating the real cast but also in contributing to the seamless cinematography that made the visual to engaging. i wish we had more personal moments with some of the characters, but i think it works in this film’s favor because the chaos and the sense of time running out doesn’t allow for quiet & personal conversations. it’s refreshing to watch a film that brings some laughs & makes you appreciate that, at least for the last hour, your life hasn’t been as hectic as theirs.

Halloween Movie Marathon Day Fourteen List
to think that this movie was placed in a vault and the world was prohibited from seeing it until 2019 is a tragedy within itself. yes it’s a horror comedy, but this movie was evil. the potrayal of the descent of a person, leading to just showing a pure desire to kill. i will say, i think its my favorite film when it comes to filming cut scenes and the fish eye lens look. the film creeps up on you with its mesmerizing and engaging looks and keeps you until the very end.

Halloween Movie Marathon Day Thirteen List
i have been anticipating this movie for months, but i have mixed feelings about it. on a purely entertainment level, i loved it. the mystery storytelling was compelling & as a huge fan of multiple timeline narratives, i found this one to be very creative. the pacing & tension keeps you engaged, and the ending leaves you satisfied, as it doesn’t leave everything up in the air. however, i struggled with some aspects, like the scene where the mother didn’t recognize ellie from years ago. i think this issue stems from the complex narrative and the rushed second half, which seemed to try to tie everything together more quickly. either way, i have to say i was content, and the wait was definitely worth it. oh! and the film’s setting is so incredibly visually striking. i loved the use of color grading to help the viewer distinguish the different timelines. i noticed it right from the start, and it got me so excited. i love color coding.

this was my first samurai movie, and little did i know it was also a wild ride into the world of the wild west. the blend of dark humor and action created a layered journey, themes like human nature’s self destructive tendencies driven by greed, corruption, and selfishness. sanjuro stands out as the most clever of them all, using his manipulative style and laid-back attitude to watch the town tear itself apart. the sweetest part, though, has to be sanjuro‘s friendship with gonji, which made the final battle so meaningful  highlighting the true honor of their bond. i will always be a fan of anti-hero characters.

Halloween Movie Marathon Day Twelve List
where was the goreeeeeee :(
i love low-budget style films more than modern horror, but i was hoping for something more outright terrifying rather than just unsettling. that said, final girl sally was on a mission to survive, and it was so cool to see. she’s definitely one of the best final girls ive come across. oh! and i hope this film taught you all to keep your gas tank full when driving through these southern states because it’s true, we really do have thousands of creepy counties.

this film was built on a simple concept, but it kept me completely engaged throughout the intense experience. leave it to the brilliant mind of kurosawa to be able to create a film where half of it meticulously dissects evidence on the case, while still maintaining a high level of engagement and tension. the scenes with the suspect wearing reflective sunglasses were definitely the biggest highlight for me as it added a layer of mystery and suspense to his character’s true expression. most of my recent watches have been brilliant, and i couldn’t be happier about that.

Halloween Movie Marathon Day Eleven List
this movie wasn’t just weird and bizarre; it’s one of the few films that had me repeatedly asking, ‘why?’ wondering what to expect? think of a grand, festive orgy-sacrificial cult musical. that’s what it was. love it or hate it (im still trying to figure that out), one thing is certain: the ending was top-notch. the contrast between the movie’s weirdness and the eerie vibe felt like the calm before a storm, making the conclusion both unsettling and intense. even if it’s not your vibe, you have to commit to the end for the dialogue and everything it offers.

Halloween Movie Marathon Day Ten List
i love cinema, cure put a smile on my face because it helped me clarify that watching films is my favorite thing to do. the psychological depth of this film is impressive, as it demonstrated the fragility of our minds. it created a subtle horror by forcing viewers to question each character’s sanity, highlighting how they can be influenced to act on horrific thoughts without control. the unique filming style captivated me, and the ambitious narrative allows for open interpretation without frustration, instead creating room for engaging discussions about the characters’ transformations.

i have to talk about the cinematography because there were several scenes that will never escape my mind, but my favorite was the bus filmed against the sky, creating a dreamlike visual that evokes the detective’s isolation and contemplation as faces psychological obstacles. the film was so deep, emotional, with layers that make the concepts of internal struggles, societal influences, hypnotic abilities, human nature, isolation, repression and desire, and the nature of evil all the more pronounced and eerie. it is one of my favorite films.

Halloween Movie Marathon Day Nine List
i think this was my first Universal Classic Monster, and my only question is: are the rest of them such divas like him? this one made me more sad than anything because, apparently, he didn’t want to be a killer—it was the drug that altered his personality. he was just a man trying to discover ways to succeed and give the entire world to the woman he loved. soulmates that the world tore apart. i can’t imagine how amazed the audience were at these effects in the 1930s. it was more impressive than most movies made now in days.

Halloween Movie Marathon Day Eight List
i think i’ve found my sweet spot. i always thought that i wasn’t a fan of comedic movies, but now ive realized that horror comedy is my favorite thing ever omg.. this had the perfect balance of horror + dark humor + so much gore = and i am now the most content person ever. the transformation effects were so incredible, i would give anything to watch a BTS of how in the world they did that! the ending was so shocking because of how abrupt it all ended. it’s the perfect way to leave you with such an unsettling vibe like there’s no resolution, no conclusion, just.. the end. just how life is. it just ends. how perfect was that? the comedy in this film is so grounded and realistic that it really felt like second nature and not anything forced. it also helped to stand out the gore so much more which i loved. i love my supernatural realism films <3

Halloween Movie Marathon Day Seven List
this film was so freaking cool & everyone who hasn’t seen it needs to log into their netflix account and watch it. the plot twist? spectacular. it’s so high-energy, it keeps you on your toes, the concept of body-swapping was done perfectly, the storytelling within the story was so cool with the quick cut montage to make the diagrammatic sequence. the colors are so vibrant (which is always my soft spot), it felt like a puzzle (which is my favorite past time), and it has all of these themes of secrecy, mystery, who is what, just everything to keep you engaged and filled with tension. it’s innovative, different, and so fresh for cinema. i love it. the creativity? exquisite. i want more.

when the final sequence signaled the end of the film, my initial reaction was one of shock, yet also fulfillment. this film is the origin that inspired so many of my other favorites, like Black Swan. the similarities between the two—particularly the obsession with perfection and the madness that such artistic pursuits can lead to—are incredible. while Black Swan presents this descent into darkness in a beautifully twisted way, The Red Shoes approaches it with a more grounded sense of realism, showing how easily one can become trapped in the struggle between love and art. the 17-minute ballet sequence is something i know ill be thinking about for years to come. Its brilliance lies in how it elevates the entire film, blending a haunting musical score, intricate choreography, and stunning cinematography into a seamless, unforgettable experience. the surrealism of the set design during this scene was perhaps my favorite aspect—it looked as though it had been crafted by Salvador Dalí himself, with its dreamlike reality and warped sense of perception. the musical score lifted the ballet sequence to a new emotional level. it pulled you into the protagonist’s journey of passion, love, and the inability to make a choice. the film’s depiction of the sacrificial choice is hauntingly beautiful, leaving a lingering sense of melancholy. it left me just wondering on my choices in life.

The Red Shoes didn’t just add to my appreciation of cinema; it took it to another level entirely. It now holds a special place in my heart, not merely as a film to review, but as an artistic experience that resonates deeply with me. The red shoes themselves—a beautiful, vibrant color that keeps you in a terrifying trance—are a perfect metaphor for this film. truly beautiful.

my body is a continent. my breath pushes the clouds across the sky. and the waves roll into the shore in time with my beating heart.
a beautiful and raw story on addiction and recovery. to be able to confront your path and go through a journey is one that i subtlety resonate with. it delves deep into emotional and thought-provoking themes, exploring mental health, recovery, and ultimately self love. the narrative alone is rich with insights and knowledge, making it one of my favorite screenplays ive ever experienced.

while the film’s main theme is alcoholism, its message resonates on a broader level, touching on issues such as depression, bipolar disorders, anxiety and more. watching the characters' vivid struggles on screen was painful, evoking memories of my own experiences with heartbreak and isolation. it made me think of myself and my journey of self-awareness and acceptance of my past actions, im learning to embrace what it means to be human: to grow, learn from mistakes, and to forgive myself for my imperfections. finding peace in personal growth is my proudest achievement, and although the past weighs heavy, i find solace in knowing that im healing at my own pace, and everyone is going through their own journey.

Halloween Movie Marathon Day Six List
i finally got to watch this cult classic film, but i was very confused by how different it was from the book. in general the book and film have the same storyline, but there are some notable differences that i wish didn’t happen in the film. i was never shocked by Jack because he was already unlikable from the beginning. from the moment i saw him, he seemed unhinged and like someone who was suppressing his anger. it would have been more interesting to see a descent into madness from being an actual loving father to becoming insane. it was more like a revelation than a descent. the same goes for Wendy! she was more assertive in the book and really worked on protecting Danny from Jack throughout the story, but the film made her more passive. instead of being proactive, she became a reactive character. as for Danny, i wish he understood his powers more. i know a film only has so much time to capture everything, but there aren’t many details about his power except his one conversation with Dick, which leads me to my next point. in the book, Dick was actually important in saving Wendy & Danny, but the movie kills him off immediately. why? what was the point? even if his tragic death was inevitable, i wish he played a bigger role in helping them escape like in the book. i’m okay with changes like how the hotel was more of a supernatural influence in the movie than its own being and the different ending than the book, but i wish the characters stayed more true to the book to help with the emotional connection. overall, it was a strong performance by all actors and it truly influenced the world of psychological horror cinema. the long takes of Danny writing the tricycle will also always stay with me. i’m a sucker for tracking shots and demonstrating emotions throughout cinematography like using the hotel’s empty spaces to demonstrate isolation and uneasiness.

Halloween Movie Marathon Day Five List
instead of writing a review on my favorite parts, i will instead make a list of my favorite quotes in this film that cracked me up:
1. yo, she-bitch, let’s go!
2. -you’re going down -i’m going up
3. hot chocolate for ya
4. maybe my boys can protect the book. yeah, and maybe I'm a Chinese jet pilot.
5. oh that’s just what we call pillow talk baby
6. don't touch that please, your primitive intellect wouldn't understand alloys and compositions and things with... molecular structures.
7. gimme some sugar, baby
8. well hello Mister Fancypants. well, i've got news for you pal, you ain't leadin' but two things, right now: Jack and shit... and Jack left town.
9. good, bad, i’m the guy with the gun
10. hail to the king, baby

so many iconic lines & his over confidence and attitude were the best. is this movie absurd and overly exaggerated? absolutely, but that’s why it stood out! it’s what made it so funny & the best parody of horror movies that i’ve ever seen.

Halloween Marathon Day Four List
i love full-circle moments, even predictable ones, because it adds such a thematic depth. the connection between the kangaroo in the beginning of the film to Mia’s fate at the end showed itself as a metaphor of her inevitable conclusion. recklessness of youth always makes me cringe because i would die if i was in their shoes. example? the foot scene and the personal introductions at the party. i wanted to die of embarrassment.

Best Picture
Anora
The Brutalist
A Complete Unknown
Conclave
Dune: Part Two
Emilia Pérez
I’m Still Here
Nickel Boys
The Substance
Wicked

Actor in a Leading Role
Adrien Brody, The Brutalist
Timothée Chalamet, A Complete Unknown
Colman Domingo, Sing Sing
Ralph Fiennes, Conclave
Sebastian Stan, The Apprentice

Actress in a Leading Role
Cynthia Erivo, Wicked
Karla Sofía Gascón, Emilia Pérez
Mikey Madison, Anora
Demi Moore, The Substance
Fernanda Torres, I’m Still Here

Actor in a Supporting Role
Yura Borisov, Anora
Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain
Edward Norton, A Complete Unknown
Guy Pearce, The Brutalist
Jeremy Strong, The Apprentice

Actress in a Supporting Role
Monica Barbaro, A Complete Unknown
Ariana Grande, Wicked
Felicity Jones, The Brutalist
Isabella Rossellini, Conclave
Zoe Saldaña, Emilia Pérez

Directing
Sean Baker, Anora
Brady Corbet, The Brutalist
James Mangold, A Complete Unknown
Jacques Audiard, Emilia Pérez
Coralie Fargeat, The Substance

Adapted Screenplay
A Complete Unknown
Conclave
Emilia Pérez
Nickel Boys
Sing Sing

Original Screenplay
Anora
The Brutalist
A Real Pain
September 5
The Substance

Original Score
The Brutalist
Conclave
Emilia Pérez
Wicked
The Wild Robot

Original Song
“El Mal,” Emilia Pérez
“The Journey,” The Six Triple Eight
“Like a Bird,” Sing Sing
“Mi Camino,” Emilia Pérez
“Never too late,” Elton John: Never too Late

Sound
A Complete Unknown
Dune: Part Two
Emilia Pérez
Wicked
The Wild Robot

Production Design
The Brutalist
Conclave
Dune: Part Two
Nosferatu
Wicked

Film Editing
Anora
The Brutalist
Conclave
Emilia Pérez
Wicked

Visual Effects
Alien:Romulus
Better Man
Dune: Part Two
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Wicked

Cinematography
The Brutalist
Dune: Part Two
Emilia Pérez
Maria
Nosferatu

Costume Design
A Complete Unknown
Conclave
Gladiator II
Nosferatu
Wicked

Makeup & Hairstyling
A Different Man
Emilia Pérez
Nosferatu
The Substance
Wicked

International Feature Film
I’m Still Here
The Girl With the Needle
Emilia Pérez
The Seed of the Sacred Fig
Flow

Documentary Feature Film
Black Box Diaries
No Other Land
Porcelain War
Soundtrack to a Coup D’etat
Sugarcane

Documentary Short Film
Death by Numbers
I Am Ready, Warden
Incident
Instruments of a Beating Heart
The Only Girl in the Orchestra

Live Action Short Film
A Lien
Anuja
I’m Not a Robot
The Last Ranger
The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent

Animated Feature Film
Flow
Inside Out 2
Memoir of a Snail
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
The Wild Robot


Animated Short Film
Beautiful Men
In the Shadow of the Cypress
Magic Candies
Wander to Wonder
Yuck!

• Anora
• The Brutalist
• A Complete Unknown
• Conclave
• Dune: Part Two
• Emilia Pérez
• I'm Still Here
• Nickel Boys
• The Substance
• Wicked

...plus 40 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

1. Past Lives

   
   

2. Before Sunrise
3. Anora
4. Decision to Leave
5. Pan's Labyrinth
6. Anatomy of a Fall
7. Brief Encounter
8. The Breakfast Club
9. In the Mood for Love
10. Heathers

...plus 14 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

number one personal favorite from 2024-1973

• Nosferatu
• Past Lives
• Decision to Leave
• Scenes from a Marriage
• Normal People
• Portrait of a Lady on Fire
• Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
• Call Me by Your Name
• La La Land
• Carol

...plus 42 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

all of the films i currently own

• As Tears Go By
• Days of Being Wild
• Chungking Express
• Fallen Angels
• Happy Together
• In the Mood for Love
• 2046
• Decision to Leave
• Before Sunrise
• Before Sunset

...plus 12 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

• Anora
• Brief Encounter
• The Red Shoes
• 12 Angry Men
• The Thing
• The Breakfast Club
• Heathers
• Dead Poets Society
• Before Sunrise
• Good Will Hunting

...plus 14 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

when you hope that your love story doesn't end like the ones in these films, all you can pray for is to have fate by your side to help you find your way back to them. hey siri play try me by the weeknd.

• Past Lives
• Before Sunrise
• In the Mood for Love
• Normal People
• Call Me by Your Name
• Of an Age
• Decision to Leave
• Happy Together
• Twenty Five Twenty One
• Your Name Engraved Herein

...plus 18 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

a collection of visually stunning, dreamlike films that can, at minimum, captivate you with their transforming and vibrant colors. films help us explore the intersection of imaginations, but these films take the surrealism a step further with either their artistic cinematography, lyrical narration, vivid hues of color, or their submersion into the inner lives of characters that navigate towards their own self-discovery.

• Three Colours: Blue
• Dead Poets Society
• The Red Shoes
• Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
• Ponyo
• Blue Velvet
• Decision to Leave
• Life of Pi
• Pan's Labyrinth
• Happy Together

...plus 33 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

on a mission to watch at least one horror/thriller movie a day on the month of october for 31 days (first time watch movies). ranked from most to least favorite with the date of watch on notes.

• Cure

  day ten!

• The Thing

  day three!

• Army of Darkness

  day five!

• The Cremator

  day fourteen!

• An American Werewolf in London

  day eight!

• It's What's Inside

  day seven!

• The Shining

  day six!

• The Fly

  day two!

• Caddo Lake

  day thirteen!

• The Invisible Man

  day nine!

...plus 5 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

• Before Sunrise

  
  

• Decision to Leave
• Pan's Labyrinth
• Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion
• All Quiet on the Western Front
• Past Lives
• Chungking Express
• The Passion of Joan of Arc
• Ponyo
• I Saw the Devil

• Scarface
• Saving Private Ryan
• The Shawshank Redemption
• The Invisible Guest
• GoodFellas
• The Place Beyond the Pines
• The Notebook
• Midnight Express
• Cast Away
• Flight

all of the movies that i have seen that specifically came out in the year 2022 ranked from my personal favorite to least favorite.

1. Decision to Leave
2. Everything Everywhere All at Once
3. All Quiet on the Western Front
4. Aftersun
5. Twenty Five Twenty One
6. Fire of Love
7. Suzume
8. The Banshees of Inisherin
9. Top Gun: Maverick
10. The Glory

...plus 101 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

• Past Lives
• Anatomy of a Fall
• Call Me Chihiro
• Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
• The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House
• Simón
• John Wick: Chapter 4
• May December
• Scream VI
• Bottoms

...plus 47 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

Best Motion Picture Drama
Avatar: The Way of Water
Elvis
The Fabelmans
TAR
Top Gun: Maverick

Best Motion Picture, Comedy
Babylon
The Banshees of Inisherin
Everything Everywhere All at Once
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
Triangle of Sadness

Best Director
James Cameron, Avatar: The Way of Water
Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, Everything Everywhere All at Once
Baz Luhrmann, Elvis
Martin McDonagh, The Banshees of Inisherin
Steven Spielberg, The Fabelmans

Best Performance by an Actor in a Drama
Austin Butler, Elvis
Brendan Fraser, The Whale
Hugh Jackman, The Son
Bill Nighy, Living
Jeremy Pope, The Inspection

Best Performance by an Actress in a Drama
Cate Blanchett, TAR
Olivia Colman, Empire of Light
Viola Davis, The Woman King
Ana de Armas, Blonde
Michelle Williams, The Fabelmans

Best Performance by an Actor in a Comedy
Diego Calva, Babylon
Daniel Craig, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
Adam Driver, White Noise
Colin Farrell, The Banshees of Inisherin
Ralph Fiennes, The Menu

Best Performance by an Actress in a Comedy
Lesley Manville, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris
Margot Robbie, Babylon
Anya Taylor-Joy, The Menu
Emma Thompson, Good Luck to You Leo Grande
Michelle Yeoh, Everything Everywhere All at Once

Best Supporting Actor
Brendan Gleeson, The Banshees of Inisherin
Barry Keoghan, The Banshees of Inisherin
Brad Pitt, Babylon
Ke Huy Quan, Everything Everywhere All at Once
Eddie Redmayne, The Good Nurse

Best Supporting Actress
Angela Bassett, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Kerry Condon, The Banshees of Inisherin
Jamie Lee Curtis, Everything Everywhere All at Once
Dolly De Leon, Triangle of Sadness
Carey Mulligan, She Said

Best Screenplay
Todd Field, Tár
Tony Kushner & Steven Spielberg, The Fabelmans
Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert, Everything Everywhere All at Once
The Banshees of Inisherin, Martin McDonagh
Sarah Polley, Women Talking

Best Non-English Language Motion Picture
RRR 🇮🇳
All Quiet on the Western Front 🇩🇪 
Argentina, 1985 🇦🇷 
Close 🇧🇪 
Decision to Leave 🇰🇷 

Best Motion Picture, Animated
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio
Marcel the Shell With Shoes On
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Turning Red
Inu-oh

Best Original Score
Alexandre Desplat, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio
Hildur Guðnadóttir, Women Talking
Justin Hurwitz, Babylon
John Williams, The Fabelmans
Carter Burwell, The Banshees of Inisherin

Best Original Song
“Carolina,” (Where the Crawdads Sing)
“Ciao Papa,” (Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio)
“Hold My Hand,” (Top Gun: Maverick)
“Lift Me Up,” (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever)
“Naatu Naatu,” (RRR)

• Decision to Leave
• Everything Everywhere All at Once
• All Quiet on the Western Front
• Marcel the Shell with Shoes On
• The Banshees of Inisherin
• Top Gun: Maverick
• The Menu
• Babylon
• RRR
• Argentina, 1985

...plus 26 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.