KyleLicht Reviews

Mulan (2020)

It's Not as Bad as People Make it Out to Be, But It's Not Great

[4/10 · 29 January 2021]

5/12

This movie just wasn't necessary. It happened but it didn't need to. Everything was kind of blah and it didn't really have any heart to it. The only good thing was the cinematography, which looked really nice. It was fine enough to sit through once or half-watch but I wouldn't want to do that again. I appreciated that it was set in China with all Chinese actors it it was also annoying that they spoke English. Like... you almost had it. Also, that makes it clear that it was just an attempt to make more money. The story of Mulan is always great so the remake wasn't really necessary since it's the same plot. All the signs point towards cash grab. Also, the special effects were really bad and just didn't seem to fit.

The Croods: A New Age (2020)

It's Cute Enough

[6/10 · 29 January 2021]

7/12

It was cute and some of the childish jokes got me more than they should've. Also, I haven't seen the first one so I'm missing out on any of that context. But, this was easy enough to understand on its own. Kids will love it and adults can enjoy it enough to sit through.

Da 5 Bloods (2020)

A 2020 Masterpiece of Cinema, Lee Doesn't Disappoint

[10/10 · 29 January 2021]

12/12 This is the second film on my MLK Day antiracism watchlist. Like I mentioned, Freedom Writers was an outer circle antiracism film since it has a white savior storyline, but this film falls into the inner circle of antiracism, especially since it is a Black starring, Black-written, Black-produced, and Black-directed film that is made for black people and about black people. Many antiracist films can fall flat when they are clearly written for white people to educate them on racism. Da 5 Bloods does not do that. It tackles the idea of race in many different ways, whether it's the treatment of Black people in the 70's and during Vietnam, between Black people and Vietnamese people, about what it means to be Black and celebrate it, and how it can tie history into the present. Lee has a masterful way of educating us on history. This film focuses on the Vietnam War but also greatly mentions MLK, Crispus Attucks, Angela Davis, Marvin Gaye, Black Lives Matter, and so on. But anyway, this movie is a masterpiece of cinema, as I would expect from Spike Lee. It's a Spike Lee Joint 100% with all of his trademarks and psychological makeup of dealing with themes of race, manhood, and trauma. His style is bizarre and creative and breaks the rules of film and challenges viewers to look at things a different way. Lastly, this was Chadwick Boseman's last film in his lifetime and second-to-last that he starred in. Having died soon after the release and having the movie revolve around the memory of his dead, admirable character, is double depression and absolutely heart wrenching to watch. Rest in Power Boseman.

Wayne's World (1992)

One of the Best Comedies

[10/10 · 29 January 2021]

This is a masterpiece of comedy that will never get old. Its absurdist comedy and postmodern form of storytelling is absolutely remarkable and creatively brilliant.

Soul (2020)

#1 Film of 2020

[10/10 · 13 January 2021]

**11.5/12**

Yup. This one was an immediate masterpiece for me. The meaning of life and jazz piano, centralized by a black character. That's some pretty progressive stuff and quite the mature subject matter for a kids' movie. Disney/Pixar films are beginning to master the incorporeal and deeply philosophical themes that adults can watch and have their mind and soul enlightened, while children can be entertained and laugh. This one pairs with the the akin films: "Inside Out", "Coco", and "Big Hero 6". All instant masterpieces. The only thing that fell flat was the humor for me.

I didn't laugh at very many jokes and a lot of them just seemed too childish or just unfunny to me. These type of movies are typically better at doing that but this one didn't work. The next thing I'd like to see these films do is really provoke deep thinking like Lynch or the Coen Brothers do; create some surreal explorations of dream logic or leave the viewer misled and confused, respective to each director's challenging of perspective and storytelling. Rather than the surreal postmodernism of the aforementioned filmmakers, these type of movies challenge the viewer in a much more digestible and kid-friendly way. I adore it in a different way, but I would love to see Disney/Pixar try to disorient or challenge the viewer in a different way some day. Anyway, I've rambled enough. This was a tremendous film and truly made me feel cathartic and hit the right spots. I've been tapping into my spiritual side more and "Soul" showed me that those meditating or trancing go somewhere else and what it means to be in these metaphysical states. "Soul" inspires me to explore meditation and art, while also inspiring me to enjoy life as it is, small or large, and to follow my dreams, enjoying every negative or positive experience along the way. Here I come world; I've got a masterpiece to make now, straight from the soul.

Game Over, Man! (2018)

It's a fun comedy with some really good gags

[6/10 · 7 January 2021]

7.6/12

If it didn't have some real funny moments, it would've completely fell flat.

Essentially, the movie combines "Die Hard" with the action survivor/incompetent invincible tropes where they accidentally try to save the day and haplessly fall into good luck that saves them from danger. Also, the movie celebrates homosexuality so that's cool.

Wild Cherry (2009)

It's Not Even So Bad It's Fun or Funny

[1/10 · 7 January 2021]

0/12

There was nothing to like about this movie. It was insulting and not funny by any means. It was also just boring and unenjoyable.

Deliverance (1972)

Very Uncomfortable Film

[8/10 · 7 January 2021]

9.5/12

This was certainly an uncomfortable film. The whole thing makes you feel uneasy. Not much really happens here. But, the things that do happen are all or nothing. This movie can perfectly embody anxiety and the throbbing existential fear of being boorishly raped and killed by hillbillies, lost in the middle of nowhere with constant eyes on you, and the fear that no one can be trusted, especially authority. I feel like this film had the same creepy effect that "The Hills Have Eyes" had, but far succeeds the filmmaking techniques, production value, acting, and overall visual style.

I'm not going to go incredibly in depth but there are a few points. Part of the fear in this movie is the misdirection. It leads you to expect more, but not a lot happens. The initial scene with the creepy townsfolk create an uneasy, unfriendly feeling and the rape scene explosively unleashes our fears and anxieties and the rest of the movie just plays off our post-traumatic expectations. But like real life, there isn't another explosive incident. It's just constant fear and PTSD that something will happen. The other point I wanted to raise was that this film gets props for including a scene about male rape, which is typically too taboo and repressed in society. It's very bold and graphic and I'm glad it was represented as so. Men get raped in real life. It's not always in the middle of the woods at gun point. But, it's very real and unfortunately, the character who was assaulted didn't have much about it afterwards. He seemed to repress it and move on. I would've liked to see more of his trauma and how he deals with this moving forward.

This review has gone on long enough. I could write an entire analysis on those topics or even touch on the cinematography, the sexual psychology of the film with masculinity and frustration, the depiction of hicks and the stigma around it, the music with the banjo and choice of Yankee Doodle, and the environmental importance of the dam, the town, and the river itself.

Saving Mr. Banks (2013)

Lovely Movie

[8/10 · 7 January 2021]

10/12

These type of films are ones I conceptually adore. A movie about PL Travers and Walt Disney convincing her to sell the rights so they could make "Mary Poppins". It's biographical and about the film industry, giving backstory and trivia to a popular movie.

Also, I adore the cast, especially Tom Hanks, and some of the dramatic moments got me to cry. Particularly the conversation about how disabled people can achieve their dreams.

Surviving Christmas (2004)

Quite the Strange and Uncomfortable Christmas Movie

[4/10 · 7 January 2021]

5/12

This movie was strange and uncomfortable and while it appeared to be a cute Christmas movie, it was really creepy and disturbing. But Gandolfini and O'Hara are great, there's some funny jokes (particularly the foley comedy with the squeaky stair), and the third act is much stronger than the rest of the film.

Devil's Due (2014)

It wasn't good but I respected a few things

[3/10 · 24 December 2020]

I give this movie such a high rating because it has a few decent scenes, the acting was realistic for a found footage film, and the special effects were surprisingly flawless. I guess a pair of directors from the VHS series have some skills.

It was very fun to rip apart though, especially with all of the plot holes and stupid scenes. But, the movie also blatantly rips off "Rosemary's Baby" but makes it less interesting or sensical. So, the rating will be low on this one.

The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)

Prevalent Now, an Excellent Political Historical Drama

[9/10 · 26 October 2020]

This was an excellent courtroom drama. It angered me and inspired me at the same time. I dread seeing the corruption and evil perpetuated by our own system and authorities and to see that something from the late 60's is still prevalent now is very disheartening. I am inspired though. I would like to continue learning more about politics and reading and becoming an activist. I really want to make a positive change in the world. As of now, this one is sitting at my number 1 movie of the year.

I think it's excellent but the only fault I would say it has is that it slightly comes off as Oscar bait or as a typical historical drama, almost commercialized and pushed out. But, the story is an excellent and relevant one that kept me interested the whole time and really showed how excellent writing is. Also, I adore movies that combine unlikely and different groups or types of people and put them in one room together. I also love when movies cover social issues like racial injustice or political activism.

11/12This was an excellent courtroom drama. It angered me and inspired me at the same time. I dread seeing the corruption and evil perpetuated by our own system and authorities and to see that something from the late 60's is still prevalent now is very disheartening. I am inspired though. I would like to continue learning more about politics and reading and becoming an activist. I really want to make a positive change in the world. As of now, this one is sitting at my number 1 movie of the year.

I think it's excellent but the only fault I would say it has is that it slightly comes off as Oscar bait or as a typical historical drama, almost commercialized and pushed out. But, the story is an excellent and relevant one that kept me interested the whole time and really showed how excellent writing is. Also, I adore movies that combine unlikely and different groups or types of people and put them in one room together. I also love when movies cover social issues like racial injustice or political activism.

11/12

The Call of the Wild (2020)

It's Fun and... Different

[6/10 · 3 October 2020]

I admit I had assumptions going into this film. I thought it was all about Ford and his dog, but it's all about the dog. Ford's a great part, but it's not like the trailers made it out to be.

So, I really hated the first act. The CGI was really rough and it seemed super cheesy and bland. Then, it started to pick up and became a pretty decent movie. It was very cliche and predictable but it was fun enough as the movie moved along. 7/12

Big Time Adolescence (2019)

Unconventional Buddy Comedy/Wholesome Indie Film

[7/10 · 22 August 2020]

This was a great and fun movie. I had the pleasure of working as an extra on the film and you can see me blurred out in the background in one of the school scenes. Pretty cool stuff. Anyway, to objectively review the film, I thought it was very pleasant and well-done. It's an indie coming-of-age/unconventional buddy movie where a 16-year old boy idolizes his sister's ex-boyfriend, as an older brother and best friend. But, he's a burnout and loser, living a life of partying, drugs, and alcohol. I can predict a lot of what would happen, but my expectations aren't completely high either. It's a fun independent film that showcases Davidson's excellent acting skills and typecast as the likeable scumbag. It also features Thomas Barbusca (of *Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp*), Jon Cryer, and Sydney Sweeney (of *Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood*). There's some good laughs, nice cinematography, and an enjoyable experience.

Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp (2015)

Satirical Genius, Absolutely Stupid

[10/10 · 22 August 2020]

I've already done a review about the movie recently and it has the same effect on me as the show does. However, the show is ten times stupider, which I may like better that way. Many parts of the show are very frustrating, but that's all part of the charm of it. If the movie wasn't weird enough with 20-year olds playing 16 year olds, these actors are 30-year olds playing the same 16-year olds, but two months prior. So, the characters are younger but the actors are older. This show is absolute absurdity and full of intentional plot holes. I love it with all my heart. In fact, as a freshman in college I was hanging out with some friends and they put on the show. Rather than talk to the girls in the room, I was enthralled by how surprisingly funny the show was. Later on, I was introduced to the movie and the second show. But, I was drawn in by "First Day of Camp" and I've watched it probably ten times now. It never gets old and I keep noticing new things.

Wet Hot American Summer (2001)

The Greatest Comedy

[10/10 · 17 August 2020]

This is probably my favorite comedy film of all-time and sits at number 26 on my Top 100 Films list. I've talked about this film so much, I don't know what else to say. At some point I will do a full analysis of it. But, for right now, here are my summarized thoughts.

This is the perfect absurdist comedy film. It serves as a parody/satire of typical summer camp/teen comedies. It plays on every trope and makes fun of itself from music to editing to acting to plot to sound editing, etc. There are misplaced pottery shattering sounds, semantic humor (my favorite humor) like "Thank you Henry" "No please, call me Henry", ironic trite plot points, fourth-wall breaks, intentional plotholes, painfully obvious stunt doubles, cartoon physics, and a lot of comedy pioneering with the invention of the slow clap. Overall, it's surprisingly progressive in its mockery. It has a beautiful homosexual sex scene and the homophobia of characters is only a subversion of typical character behaviors to show a complete acceptance and normalization of homosexuality. Also, it heavily mocks the ideals of dating and romance. Many characters are heavily-sex driven and a large theme is finding romance or sex on the last day of camp. It makes fun of the character who needs to justify his masculinity with his body count or the virgin who desperately wants to have sex to fit in. It also breaks the stereotype of the sex-crazy male by showing a romantic male lead who is interested in sex secondarily, but primarily is fueled by love and genuine interest in personality and character. It also breaks the stereotype of slut-shaming by showing a highly promiscuous woman who unabashedly goes after what she wants and without judgement from her peers: sex. Lastly, it shatters the idea of the male fantasy beautifully in the end, by subverting what we expect the male characters to earn in the end, whether it's getting the girl or getting what they want. There are powerful female characters, vulnerable male characters, and a normalization of differences whether it's gay vs. straight or jock vs. nerd or rich vs. poor. I would highly recommend this film to anyone. I've seen it probably ten times and every time, I find something new and find myself laughing out loud. It's stupid, yet one of the most intelligent comedies I've seen, and that's why I love it.

Freddy Got Fingered (2001)

A Parody Film Designed to Look Like a Serious Film

[7/10 · 17 August 2020]

I initially hated this film as much as I hated other absurd or shock comedies. It sat with me as a "so bad it's good" kind of movie. But now, I see genuine merit and genius in its absurdity. This film is an absolute mockery of other comedies and satirical in nature. However, it's satire is also shocking and repulsive. The gross-out and puerile humor suits this film perfectly as a defecation on mainstream media. There is no rhyme or reason. It's just gross or it's just stupid. Tom Green laughing hysterically/crying/screaming while eating a sandwich and watching cows copulate is without context or purpose. It's shocking and strange. It's nonsensical. It's startling because we don't know how to connect with the character and don't understand what's happening. It's representative of the chaos of the world and goes to show that just because they're the main character, it doesn't mean they're good. This isn't even a villain protagonist or fallen angel. He's a asshole, a degenerate, and not likeable. But, he's the protagonist so we feel the need to connect and empathize. Just because he's the protagonist, just because he's the president, just because he's the parent... it doesn't mean they're right and it doesn't mean they're a good person. The entire film is a bizarro look at the world and subversion of expectations on what to see in a movie. It's ironic absurdity and postmodern in its execution of alternative storytelling and movie cliches. The absurdism was also pioneering in the genre, creating a culture of "public pranks" like *Jackass *or *Impractical Jokers* and also very inspirational to surreal comedy like Adult Swim, specifically *Tim and Eric* and *The Eric Andre Show*. Whether or not you want to believe it, this film is an important part of cinema that inspired many other greats and Tom Green is stupidly ingenious.

Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (2015)

A Neigh to This One

[1/10 · 17 August 2020]

This movie shouldn't have been made in the first place. It pulled the "Go Set a Watchman" in the Paul Blart universe, completely ruining the heroic goodness of Blart and making him out to be a dickhead. Maybe Paul Blart isn't on the same level as Atticus Finch... But, the film ruined Blart regardless. Also, for a stupid crime comedy, the comedy was weak and the plot was surprisingly difficult to follow. I'd go as far as to say there wasn't much of a plot at all. As for the weak comedy, the only jokes that were funny were few and far between and involved a horse. This movie is generic, dumb, and shouldn't have been made, just as the second *Benchwarmers *movie shouldn't have been made.

Seven Psychopaths (2012)

Big Lebowski Meets Snatch

[10/10 · 16 August 2020]

I wonder if I'll ever stop saying "You'll never see a movie like this again". Finishing the Martin McDonagh trilogy, this film has been on my list for a very long time. *In Bruges *was a favorite of mine in high school and sits at 51 in my Top 100 Movies list. *Three Billboards* is another recent favorite, having watched it four or five times since it came out (twice in a row when I first watched it), and sitting as my third favorite movie of all time. With my great interest in serial killer movies, I've been wanting to watch *Seven Psychopaths *for a very long time. After a recent movie bracket with my friends, I had the deciding vote of choosing *Seven Psychopaths *over *Trainspotting** (*which I've seen before). I voted for *Seven Psychopaths* for the sole reason of feeling like it's probably better, even though I hadn't seen it at the time. Well anyway, I felt morally obligated to watch it and I've wanted to for a while now. So I watched it and stand by my choice. This is just my kind of movie. I love how meta the story is, how it revolves around psychopaths and killers, the star-studded cast, and that it's a unique movie that you never typically see. The movie is postmodern. Although it's fairly linear, it takes an unconventional story approach where a screenwriter allegorically and accidentally writes about what's happening in his own life. There's a line between what's a narrative, what's real life, and what's exaggerated, but it's not very clear. And that's what I love. Being a writer, I always incorporate myself into my work somehow. Whether I intend it or not, my beliefs and style and experiences end up formulating the story. Whether it's because I consider myself an auteur or not, I'm a human and stories aren't factory-made for me. I don't have a formula or conveyor belt. They're emotional, deep, and human in themselves. The same goes for this story. It's got the satirical elements of typical action movies but a very deep human element that questions life and morality and forces characters to look inward. I see Martin McDonagh and the Coen Brothers in the same kind of lens. They're very similar auteurs with similar styles. They have their own ensemble, work with Carter Burwell as a composer, write about comedy crime, probe the audience with questions and deep themes, write unique postmodern stories, and are masterful in their craft. I would say McDonagh leans more into the satirical comedy aspect of reevaluating life and the Coen Brothers lean more into the confusion and chaos of the world. Overall, this film has a completely jarring and complex plot, tremendous performances, and a look into the meaning of life and dichotomy of good vs. bad.

Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)

Coming of Age Dramedy Precedent

[7/10 · 13 August 2020]

This is a great coming of age movie. Just as *Lost Highway *paved the way for *Mulholland Drive *and as *Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels *did for *Snatch*, *Fast Times *did the same for *Dazed and Confused*, despite having different directors. They're both coming-of-age stoner comedies centered around a varying group of high school students, but mostly centered around a select few. The entire film is a slice of life and anecdotal, just showing things happening at Ridgemont High School and drama and relationships between characters. Overall, the greatest part of the film is my love/hate relationship with Damone and the lovability of our favorite surfer/stoner Spicoli. I wouldn't call it tremendous, but rather a fun movie. It's got an excellent cast that spearheaded the careers of many famous actors and it's an early example of a female-directed film, which is hard to come by. The most important part of *Fast Times at Ridgemont High *is how important it is as a predecessor for coming-of-age dramedies.

Superbad (2007)

One of My Favorite Comedies

[10/10 · 13 August 2020]

This is one of the funniest films I've ever seen. It takes a high school comedy, sprinkles it with crude humor, absurdism, and slapstick comedy. I laugh out loud every time I watch it, even after numerous rewatches. It doesn't stand up with its political correctness, but it certains stands up with every other aspect. Plus, I don't expect anything appropriate or non-offensive from a trio of high school kids. On top of the impeccable comedy, there are excellent performances from the leads and masterfully quirky editing that loves to show cutaways to featured extras or anecdotal scenes.

The Big Lebowski (1998)

The Perfect Crime Comedy

[10/10 · 8 August 2020]

This film stands the test of time very well. It is laugh-out-loud funny and has an outrageous messy crime story. The plot is creative and unique. Gangsters attack a man, because he happens to have the same name as the real man they were looking for. After the mishap, he seeks reparations for his rug that was soiled in the process, only to find himself strewn in the mess even further.

The Coen Brothers are masters of their craft, creating a genre-busting film with witty dialogue, comedic irony, subversions of expectation, a perfect soundtrack, and acting that gives life to the characters. If you're looking for a perfect film, try this stoner comedy with a tremendous crime plot.

She Dies Tomorrow (2020)

The Most Relatable Chaos Right Now

[7/10 · 6 August 2020]

This movie was a real challenge to watch. It's absolutely bizarre and absolutely gorgeous. The cinematography and editing are tremendous. The acting is like a painting, where they capture a single emotion perfectly. I have no clue what the movie was about or what was happening in any given scene. But what I do know is that this movie is weird and quirky and aesthetically perfect. Even though the plot escapes me (and is likely meant to), I find it accurately disturbing and stressful. It somehow illogically describes the chaos of my brain and the confusion of my emotions. It's an insane time to live in and this movie hits home. It's relatable in an emotional kind of way. I'd love to watch it again, especially while not sober.

The Rental (2020)

Empty, but Different

[7/10 · 6 August 2020]

This is a different horror film than we're used to seeing. It's an independent, short, and simple horror/thriller. I might call it mumblegore since it relies on naturalistic acting of 20/30-year olds and a low budget. It follows a pair of couples staying in a rental house, when they realize something strange and creepy is happening. The film has some things I appreciate like characters blatantly calling out racist characters' microaggressions and a plot that subverts expectations. However, the film is weak in its motivations and the sense of emptiness it carries. There's not much going on and some plot decisions are strange and frustrating, in a sense that it ruins parts of the movie. Overall, my favorite part of the film was probably how interesting the montage scene is.

Kung Fu Hustle (2004)

Absolutely Nuts

[10/10 · 6 August 2020]

This was a tremendous film. Imagine mixing a cartoon with *Kill Bill *with *Seven Samurai*. It's about a group of poor townspeople who fend off against gang terrorism, with the select few locals who are gifted and powerful. At the same time, a man is desperate to join the gang, in order to validate his masculinity that was taken from him as a child, due to bullying. There is a lot happening but it all comes together beautifully and ridiculously. The movie is so strange. It's like a cartoon with exaggerated movements and superficial action. I want to say it has poorly done SFX, but it's so bizarre that it works perfectly for what it is. It's an absurd action/comedy/fantasy that really strikes a chord with my strange sense of humor and adoration for absurdism. Also, you'll never see a movie like this again. It's genre-busting, unique, and a tremendous piece of cinema.