CJ_Thorpe Reviews

Dracula (2020)

A great start with a terrible end

[5/10 · 11 January 2020]

Two fantastic episodes followed by a very sharp turn off a cliff into absolute trash. I don't think I could recommend it based on how bad the final episode was. Its Sherlock all over again. And Im not just saying that as a big fan of the book. Im happy for changes to happen (no screen adaptation has been completely faithful) but the reimagining of the characters in episode 3 was just the worst.

I loved the twist at the end of episode 2 that he had been asleep until modern day, but it was ruined by the character choices for Lucy, Jack, etc. Why couldnt they have just been normal middle aged people? Why did they make them the most insufferable idiots possible? I couldn't have cared less what happened to Lucy, unlike in the book where you really feel for the character, in this version she deserved her fate.

Mother! (2017)

A relentless stream of visual oppression

[10/10 · 21 September 2017]

Last night I saw "mother!" And it was pretty damn great. It was a relentless stream of visual oppression that just doesn't give up. An observation, told through metaphors, of the dangers of letting other people into your relationships; the dangers of fame and obsession and of oversharing; all told through a heavy biblical allegory. If you liked the trailers or want to see just because J-Law is in it... don't. This almost certainly isn't the movie for you. The trailer is extremely misleading. But if you want to watch an exploration of these themes through dark symbolism and imagery, then go for it.

Anomalisa (2015)

For anyone who feels empty inside...

[10/10 · 2 September 2017]

Suitably nihilistic for Kaufman but with a much more straightforward presentation than his other films and therefore more accessible to a more casual audience.

Tha animation is some of the best I have ever witnessed.

Its a story of loneliness, despite being surrounded by people, and personal depression which will resonate with anyone who has ever felt an emptiness inside them.

Synecdoche, New York (2008)

Its unflinchingly honest but presented in a slightly surreal, dreamlike way.

[10/10 · 2 September 2017]

Its a Charlie Kaufman film (both written and directed) so its not one for casual movie watchers. Its a deep, harsh, unrelenting and real movie about human interactions, death, life ambitions, relationships, the small steps in life that have far reaching consequences and the feelings of doubt and regret that plague us all from time to time.

Its unflinchingly honest but presented in a slightly surreal, dreamlike way.

If you like other Kaufman films, then you certainly need to see this.

Bratz (2007)

This is bad and you should feel bad...

[1/10 · 2 September 2017]

I've seen a lot of bad films, for comedic purposes, but this is by far the worst.

I cant believe people are defending this as being "A movie for little girls". If you show this movie to children, you are a bad parent.

Its the most vapid "film" in existence and will do nothing but breed future contestants for "The only way is Essex" and "Jersey Shore".

Requiem for a Dream (2000)

An unflinching, dark, gritty exploration into the life of an addict...

[10/10 · 2 September 2017]

An unflinching, dark, gritty exploration into the life of an addict with no hope and no positivity. It still holds up as perfect example of excellent film making. Every shot is purposeful and conveys the emotional impact of the situations on the characters. No second is wasted.

The pacing builds with the film, beginning with long, slow scenes and becoming quicker cut as the tension builds. The soundtrack mirrors this progression, starting with orchestral pieces and moving into more aggressive electronic sounds. After about an hour of the slow build the film then just repeatedly punches you in the gut for the remaining 30 minutes and leaves me, for one, feeling empty inside after… and I love it. This is what cinema should do… make you feel.

The themes of dependency run throughout the film. The addiction to diet pills and television that Sarah Goldfarb suffers from parallels the drug addiction of Harry and Co. and are shown to be equally as destructive, both mentally and physically. Ellen Burstyn's portrayal of Sarah Goldfarb is superb. During a scene where she is explaining her crippling loneliness her lips quiver and break into the occasional, subtle, nervous smile, which is a something that you just don't see from lesser actors. Each scene with the young cast (Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly and Marlon Wayans) is juxtaposed with a scene of Sarah to further show how any addiction has the power to control you and it is the lack of control that ultimately takes your life away.

The film is littered with extreme close up, quick cuts of drug taking which reflect the constant, unescapable repetition that the characters live.

I could probably write an entire essay about the genius of "Requiem for a Dream" (I have barely mentioned the cinematography, lighting or sound design) but ill stop here for now.

Wonder Woman (2017)

Just Google photos of Gal Gadot instead

[3/10 · 2 September 2017]

Just Google photos of Gal Gadot. It'll be quicker and more enjoyable as looking at her is the only worthwhile thing in this piece of crap movie. I made it 40 minutes in then had to turn it off.

The first half hour is all exposition told in the driest way possible. Maybe it gets better, but Im not willing to waste anymore time to see.