As an inspiring film critic, here are a few sample critiques from my Letterboxd profile.
The Little Things (2021): ✬✬✬✬
Due to the film’s slow burn, the pieces of mumbled dialog that were hard to understand, and the typical genre stereotypes clashing with a shocking twist that completely flipped the film’s plot and message, I can definitely see why this film has such mixed reviews. However, I think the film’s unexpected ending is exactly what saved it. The ending may be jarring at first, but after pondering it afterwards, its twist gives the film a new, deeper meaning than its classic thriller formula. The line “there are no angels” ends up being the driving force of the story, even if you don’t realize it until the very end. If you add the actors’ incredible performances, the successful use of suspense that will keep you at the edge of your seat, and the thrilling game of cat and mouse, as well as the depth and small clues throughout that demand a second watch, the film has all of the components of a great re-watchable thriller. I guess it really is The Little Things that are important.
Mulan (2020): ✬✬✬
As a film that was advertised excessively as “more historically accurate,” it did not reach that mark at all. If anything, it was heavily inaccurate since they included cultural aspects from opposing dynasties: mismatched clothing materials and colors, overuse of makeup, communal housing which does not fit the historical time period or geometrical setting of the story, etc. To be clear, I researched those details after watching the film to see if Disney lived up to their promise. They did not. However, I think the story itself as well as the character development (specifically, the dynamic between Mulan and the sorceress) is what kept this remake from being a total disaster. Re-watchable, but highly disappointing.
The Lighthouse, 2019: ✬✬1/2
To be clear, the actors’ performances were great. However, the film itself is a long, uninteresting, and overly sexually explicit story about two men trapped together on an island and going insane while running a lighthouse. Nothing special besides the two actor’s performances.
Ready or Not (2019): ✬✬✬1/2
While I have seen quite a few horror movies, I have to say that horror is my least favorite genre. However, I enjoyed Ready or Not because of its humor. It’s more of a bloody comedy than an actual horror movie, and I think that’s what I loved about it. I think there were a few scenes that really stood out like the “Getting to know your crossbow” scene and the maid scenes. It’s a fun bloody ride.
