August Keller

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Favorite films

Recent reviews

Y2K 2024

★★½ Watched 11 Dec 2024

Y2K's messiness squanders its amusing premise. Despite its catchy setting, it leans on predictable formulas. The underdeveloped protagonists are bland with empty arcs. This renders the drama disengaging while stifling overall investment. Meanwhile, the comedy is hit-and-miss. Its nostalgic gags are knowing but it kind of becomes a one-joke movie after a while. Plus, the writing often conflicts internally, clashing farce with sincerity. There's spotty setup/payoff, convenient plot devices, and muddled motivations. The acting offers decent humor and chemistry, but…
Our Little Secret 2024

★½ Watched 07 Dec 2024 4

Our Little Secret is driven by contrivances and hollow motivations. The plot is obviously formulaic. Bluntly stating emotions instead of earning them, it never develops drama. This is most apparent in the exposition dumps and feigned arc. Similarly, its characters are flat plot devices. The dialogue is forced and its humor is broad. There are no themes, just saccharine platitudes. It's so artificial that it starts to feel alienating, glorifying unrelatable life standards with a wish-fulfillment ending. There are pointless…

Popular reviews

The Substance 2024

★★★★★ Watched 20 Sep 2024 7

The Substance is in your face. Its high concept is straightforward yet rich with meaning. Some might consider its themes of identity, self-hatred, and objectification heavy-handed, but that bluntness is the point. Occasionally, social issues demand to be addressed as loudly as possible. The efficient script has clear rules, minimal dialogue, ever-rising stakes, and black humor. Its protagonists are intuitively developed as their internal conflicts continuously grow more intense. Meanwhile, the acting is wholly committed with layers, raw vulnerability, heightened…
Wicked 2024

★★★★½ Watched 24 Nov 2024 4

Wicked is an extravaganza. Its premise is an ingenious recontextualization of an iconic story, injecting relatable drama and appropriate themes. It contemplates topics like prejudice on both a systemic and personal level. Dynamic yet intuitive, the relationship between the protagonists is engaging. There's a skillful range of comedy and tragedy. This is all legitimized by the marvelous central performances, which bestow potent personalities, deft timing, vulnerability, and outstanding vocals. Also, there are arcs, twists, and witty dialogue. Some might find…

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