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meganhinge
Reviews
Downsizing (2017)
Genius film that is misunderstood
Have just rewatched this film as it has been in on my mind for the last few years. I enjoyed it's originally the first time around and now, I have an even bigger appreciation for what this film can make us feel..
If you're open to it, this film raises a lot of deep philosophical questions e.g. What do we really need to be happy? What is important? What does it mean to be a good citizen? What is the meaning of life or the point of it all, and the great sacrifices that many make.
I think a lot of viewers miss the subtleties, the dark, off beat moments of humour. You would be heartless to not pause for a moment to reflect on the deadly journey of the Vietnamese refugees in TV box. This film makes me think and question so much. It leaves me with more questions than it answers. It's eclectic, fresh style keeps you on your toes. The journey takes you from Norway to middle America to the high life to Spanish slums and back to Norway again.
I dare you to watch this film and learn a thing or two about life and yourself.
The Secret Life of Pets (2016)
The best bits are all in the trailer
The trailer was looking promising. Lots of laughs and clever humour. Hopes were high as the trailer for Zootopia was inciting and that film did not disappoint. However, Secret Life of Pets turned out to be a fizzer. Excessively violent for a children's film, not funny or clever and really rather odd. The characters are not developed which means that the audience doesn't particularly care what happens on their quest. The stand out of the film is the husky little white fluffball of a dog. I think this film is aimed at children, though the guy down the row from me was certainly laughing a lot (while I was taking power naps). Not the same caliber as Despicable Me.
Chronesthesia (2016)
Thought provoking beautiful story
I watched Chronesthesia last night at its premier in the New Zealand International Film Festival, and it had me hooked from the beginning. The concept of Chronesthesia (mental time travel, the ability to be aware of one's past or future) was cleverly and sensitively woven into this story about love, loss, opportunity, connection and mental health issues. The Eastern suburbs of Wellington, NZ provided beautiful and emotive backdrops for the story to unfold. A stand out moment in the film was the park bench scene between the main character (Dan) and a seemingly homeless man. It was funny and touching, and it stayed with me. Today I was approached on Cuba Street by a familiar Wellington woman who appears to have some mental health struggles. Prior to seeing Chronesthesia I don't think I would have taken the time to stop, listen and interact with her. Today I did, and I have this film to thank for blossoming my desire to connect with others who seek to connect with me. I can't imagine anyone watching this film and it not changing the way they see the world.
Project X (2012)
Quite disturbing - not in a good way
I was waiting for there to be a lesson, a moral a 'something' in this film, but it never came. This film and its pursuit of 'cool' is everything that is still wrong with the world today. As I was watching I was sure that the constant denigration of woman was going to turn into some sort of lesson towards the end, but no the 'bitches' remained bitches and all that the 'boys' seemed to be after was pussy, as if females were only put on this planet to service their needs.
I really wonder how much damage this sort of film does to teenagers and early 20 somethings who are still chasing this meaningless concept of becoming someone by being remembered for doing something 'cool'. People are not objects, hosting an 'epic' party will not bring you lasting happiness in life, seeking validation from others for meaningless acts will only hurt you in the long run.
I found this film quite disturbing on many levels.