benowen-91207 Reviews

Dune (1984)

(Nearly) So bad it's good

[2/10 · 26 September 2021]

Dune (the Novel) is one of my all time favourite books and is a true master class of Sci-Fi story telling. It's story on paper is simple yet Herberts execution of such ideas fills the universe with insanely dense detail.

Unfortunately we are not talking about the book. Lynch's adaptation of Dune might actually be one of my least favourite movies for butchering the source material, but at the same time I hold a certain dual opinionated mindset on this film, as this film is absolutely hilarious. It almost gives a pass to the story changes and scenes cut out, both of which add SO much to the original.

But it's hard to call this film so bad it's good, because in truth it's just terrible. The weird part is that it takes a nosedive in quality around the (spoiler) Harkonnen invasion of arrakis. Up until then, it was goofy sure, but it still felt COHESIVE.

"How did it occur? For he is the Kwizat Haderach!" Might just be one of the most insulting and terrible lines of dialogue I have ever heard in film with the context

Overall, if you are a fan of Dune, I'd recommend if you like a good disasterpiece, but even then, you might notice your soul be extracted from your body when you hear the characters use the voice (again, completely different and more interesting in the book)

2/10 (Novel 10/10)

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

Legitimately terrifying

[9/10 · 20 December 2020]

It surprises me how many famous and well-known horror are, well, not scary. Atleast not in the execution of the horror, getting scared by a jump scare is basically an immune response. No, to make a good horror, it has to stay with you and terrify you beyond a primal instinct. The scariest scene in jaws for example is the swim at the beginning because, I cannot stress this enough, the best way to scare someone is THE UNKNOWN.

This leads us to Texas Chainsaw Massacre. What I thought was going to to B-horror movie that just happened to be influential turned out to be one of the best cases for this form of horror. The film gives us enough information to be scared in the moment, but also refrains enough information to make it stick with you

For example, one of the smartest ways they do this is in foreshadowing. When the mad hitchhiker comes in, your more focused on his weird ticks and odd behaviour. But if you listen to what he says, he actually points out his family's love of using hammers as a killing method, and even shows his victims (I.e. the BARBECUE)

But the stuff it doesn't show is really why this is a classic. Specifically, the brilliant Leatherface. We don't know a thing about what he looks like or how he works. The only sounds he makes are pig-like grunts, and despite being a terrifying butcher, he still shows vulnerability

Texas chainsaw is great, and a film the legitimately gets under my skin. A must watch for the Halloween season

Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father (2008)

Dear Zachary is one of the most impactful pieces of art I have (and probably will) encounter

[10/10 · 25 October 2020]

Whenever I watch a documentary there's a little voice at the back of my head screaming "don't you get it? This is actually real!", a little voice that widens my eyes throughout the duration of the feature In the case of Dear Zachary, it wasn't a case of being unable to understand that what is happening in front of me is real, but wishing that what was happening in front of me isn't real Dear Zachary, from its opening moments to its closing seconds, potrays a story that will make you feel the happiness and warmth of friendship and family, the sadness of death and the anger in a failing legal system. It will put yourself in a pair of shoes that you would never wish to step inside. Above all else, Dear Zachary is a heavy and emotionally impactful documentary, noting the much needed reform of the law; It is a powerful film that I will never forget

Dark: Das Paradies (2020) Season 3, Episode 8

Retrospect thoughts on Dark's finale

[26 September 2020]

It's been almost a month since I watched dark in its entirety. After finishing the show, I was so blown away that I claimed it to be one of my favourite shows. That still rings true, but my opinion has definitely changed on the finale. There are three points that I am at odds with:

1. You cannot change the future. From the rules the show set up, it would be almost impossible for this to happen 2. The Jonas and Martha at the end of the episode had only known each other for about an hour, so the emotional embrace loses a lot less momentum 3. Tannhause time machine was poorly foreshadowed. For being such an integral plot point, it is only revealed later on the series, and comes off as an asspull

Even after all these points, I still think the finale is pretty great. Although it has its issues, it really does capture what makes the show special and is fairly satisfying

Enter the Void (2009)

An understandably mixed reception

[9/10 · 21 July 2020]

Enter The Void is not everyone's thing, I can imagine a lot of people hating this film and finding it to be more style over substance. Although the style steals the show in this movie, the masterful thing about it is that the style IS the substance

Starting with the films greatest quality : the cinematography. The film looks fantastic and is filmed in a way I have never seen before. Some of the shots are absolutely mind boggling just in how they were executed. It reminded me of 'Birdman' in how each shot would go on for long amounts of time.

Most surprisingly is that the camera seems to tell the story of the film much better than the script ever could. If you look at the story from a linear perspective, it's nothing that great, but it's the camera that really helps it out.

I have two problems with the film in-particular, first of all is the actress of Linda. Yes, her breakdown scene at the end when Victor comes to apologise is really well performed, but for the most part her vocal delivery was really bugging me. She sounded as if she was constantly intoxicated for the majority of the film, even during the scenes where she is sober.

My second big issue is the ending. It's safe to say that Gasper Noë shows a lot of sex in his movies, and this film is no different. I would defend sex in movies if it has any narrative significance or is somewhat important. However, the ending of the film seemed like straight up pornography, it was gratuitous for seemingly no reason. The most important part of that scene was Lidia conceiving Alex's child, which I admit closes the theme of life and death quite well

Enter the Void isn't an experience I would recommend to most people as it is incredibly heavy and dark, but I can't deny that the film is a masterpiece in its own sense 8/10 or 9/10

Fred: The Movie (2010 TV Movie)

Fred? ... Now That's A MastaPeece

[10 July 2020]

World renowned critical darling Lucas Crooakshaenks (Played by Oscar winner Fred Figglehorn) is back and this time on the big screen, and oh my gammit is it fredtastic. Every actor rivals Daniel Day-Lewis, the cinematography is mindblowing, and the writing is so good it makes woody Allen look like... idk a baby?

Fred was begging for a sequel and it seems that god was smiling down on us the day of Fred's release, as we we're blessed with two of them! (How?)

Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004)

Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2 retrospective

[8/10 · 23 June 2020]

So I'm just going to talk about my feelings on both parts of this 'franchise'. First of all the narrative and events are quite simple and easy to follow, but it's Tarantino's screenplay and direction that elevate these two movies to his all time best

KILL BILL VOL. 1: although you can tell what my score for vol. 2 is, I may aswell say that that I think vol. 1 is a 10. That should really say it all. Some of the best cinematography, action choreography and writing in, well any film. My problem with 2 is that there is significantly less action than the 1st one. This would not be a problem if the action in the first was so damn good. I also think of moments like the silhouetted action scene and the 'anime-homage' backstory, creative risks that are noticeably lacking in the 2nd. As it stands, kill bill vol 1. Is absolutely incredible and I would highly recommend it

KILL BILL VOL. 2: I'm gonna be honest, the only thing that vol 2. Improves after the 1st is the screenplay, which is arguably the most essential part of any Tarantino joint. There aren't as many great moments as the first one, but that's obviously not what this one is trying to achieve. This is about adding more character to, specifically, Bill and the Bride. I have my problems with it, like that pointless part where bill's brother gets fired or the anticlimactic fight at the end (again, because of the context of the first movie)

Anyway watch both of these if you haven't, they're great.

KB 1 - 10/10 KB 2 - 9/10 KB - 9.5/10

Breaking Bad (2008–2013)

A rewatch retrospective

[10/10 · 19 June 2020]

Breaking Bad has always been one of my all time favourite shows, but after seeing so many other brilliant shows after it, I began to wonder if my opinion was changing. To reassure myself that the show is great, I gave it a rewatch. And it's even better than I remember it

Whether it's the characters that I appreciated much more like Skylar and Mike, or the subtle character development in episodes like Peekaboo and the Fly, Breaking Bad still remains as one of the most perfect shows ever created

After watching a fantastic show like Game of Thrones crash and burn in its final moments, it's nice to see a show that manages to stick the landing. breaking bad ( and other examples like Mr Robot ) tell us that the best way to execute a narrative driven drama is with one main show runner. Of course it also helps that Vince Gilligan is a damn good writer

There isn't much else to be said about breaking bad that hasn't been said a million times before. This show is truly my star, my perfect silence

10/10

Requiem for a Dream (2000)

Initial thoughts; Requiem For a Dream is one of the most unfiltered portrayals of drug addiction

[9/10 · 6 June 2020]

Although I may have recency bias, I think that this film is masterful. From the great cinematography to the now iconic score, there's a lot to appreciate.

The strongest emotion I had during the film wasn't fear, or joy, or even shock. It was sadness. And I think that was the goal of the film, as the film is purely about 4 characters self-destructing at the hands of their addictions. It pains me to see an elderly woman grasp onto the hope that she can have a chance in the spotlight, eventually loosing all sense of her surroundings. It's incredibly cathartic to witness a girl sell her body for a score, even though she has the financial backing of her family. It's upsetting to watch the strong relationships and dreams of a couple crumble over the films duration.

I've never had any addictions towards drugs in my life, and I never want to. The fact that the film hit me hard might serve to show you how great the films depiction of drug use is, how real it is. I don't think I'll be forgetting this any time soon

BoJack Horseman: The View from Halfway Down (2020) Season 6, Episode 15

A view from half way down and finale thoughts

[10/10 · 4 February 2020]

Personally I don't think that this is one of the best tv episodes like everyone is claiming, hell I still think free churro is the best BoJack episode. However in the context of this being the penultimate episode of the series, it deserves a lot of praise especially considering the ending of the previous episode. Allowing BoJack to meet that he once knew people who are now dead is a great idea in general and gives the audience further introspection to the protagonist. It's more interesting having this episode happen through a (drug induced) dream makes it interesting as we see Bojacks interpretations of each character (e.g Herb is extremely kind to BoJack, which contrasts with the last time they talked to each other in the telescope. As we know this isn't how an interaction between the two would have happened if they talked again, it makes it more emotional)

Overall a great episode. Lastly, I want to talk about this show ending. It took me a while to get into BoJack, and I'm glad I did. Sure, this show has lows but it has some of the highest highs in television history. Here's hoping the incredible cast and crew move onto the bigger projects because damn do they deserve the recognition. Thank you for a beautiful show

The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (2004)

One of the best movie adaptations of a show

[8/10 · 27 January 2020]

I hate movie adaptations of a show, specifically episodic shows. Movies like El Camino have a reason to exist as it is concluding an on going story but with most shows with no continuity, it normally fails. Hey Arnold and Powerpuff Girls are a good example (and no not the simpsons movie, it's actually good) Then there is spongebob, which utilised the idea of a movie to make the most extreme event in the show come true; plankton winning. The movie doesn't feel cheap at all but feels extremely cinematic and it has fantastic writing. So many jokes are on par with the show in its prime, and the character arcs and drama are also really well done

If you haven't heard of spongebob (if that's possible) or if you enjoy the show and haven't seen the movie (also unlikely), give it a watch. It is genuinely a brilliant family film

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

The ultimate Christmas movie

[10/10 · 24 December 2019]

Very much my opinion, but this film is the best Christmas movie because it embodies everything the season is about; loving the people close to you, not taking you're life for granted and caring for those in need. It's funny because the film barely takes place in Christmas

It's a wonderful life is worth an annual viewing, it is something that keeps the spirit of the season and never seems to loose it, and it's rare to have a film like that

Rick and Morty: Rattlestar Ricklactica (2019) Season 4, Episode 5

Thank god

[9/10 · 16 December 2019]

I can't be the only one facing fatigue of this show, especially after the last 2 episodes. But finally there is another good episode, really good for that matter I think what makes this episode better than the previous 2 is the plot and how consistent it is. It doesn't feel messy, but it flows from point to point naturally. The parody was also really good. It actually uses T2 to form the backbone of an interesting plot, and I love the satire at the beginning on the idea of snake body snatchers Great episode, finally one that I can call a fun rick and Morty adventure (the first 2 of the season were good but the duo had separate plot lines). Good way to end this half of the season.

Get Out (I) (2017)

Great, Great, Meh

[8/10 · 15 December 2019]

Jordan Peele's directorial debut is certainly impressive, who would know that a man mostly regraded for comedy can make an intriguing horror drama? I really like this film, but what i mean by the title is that the 1st and 2nd act are great, but the 3rd act is what let's it down

The third act isn't bad, but it's not as good as the previous 2. Peele does such a good job at building up Tension in this seemingly normal place that you kind of want it to pay off well. This is probably personal, I think that a film like this shouldn't have ended in a blood bath, but again that's just me

28 Weeks Later (2007)

Good film

[7/10 · 15 December 2019]

28 days later is at war with Shaun of the dead for my favourite zombie movie (yes I know they aren't zombies, but they may aswell be) and although I don't think that 28 weeks later is as good, it still holds up in its own way The film is good in different ways from its predecessor, there is a lot more spectacle in this one if that's what you are looking for. But I find the more personal and human approach of 28 days personally, it makes the surroundings and threats a lot more disturbing honestly That's probably why the opening is the best part of 28 weeks because it is absolutely terrifying. In fact I would consider it one of the best moving openings (at least in a horror) along with others like Jaws. It's also better than the already great opening of 28 days

I can't say which to watch. In my opinion the first is better, but just like alien and aliens, it's apples and oranges. It is a unique franchise that I would still like to see a third entry to.

Rick and Morty: Claw and Hoarder: Special Ricktim's Morty (2019) Season 4, Episode 4

I don't get it?

[4/10 · 9 December 2019]

I've been reading a lot of the reviews and a common consensus is that season 4 is very like season 1. I don't know what to say to the because well, in my opinion, season 1 is on a whole other level of quality I hate to be that guy who hate on a popular show because it's counter-cultural but I have genuinely not been enjoying these episodes, especially the pacing of them. If you compare the plot and sequence of events in an episode like 'total rickall' to this you'll see a stark contrast. And my god just thinking of the plot baffles me, the only episode that seemed to have a consistent and enjoyable plot was the premier Listen, the writers aren't going to analyse what made the first 2 seasons great, because the show is already a commercial success. The joy of following rick and Morty on an adventure is completely gone, and that really saddens me. I'm still going to keep watching because the show isn't awful now, I just hope it can do something new and interesting like it use to instead of dumb movie parodies

Rick and Morty: One Crew over the Crewcoo's Morty (2019) Season 4, Episode 3

Season 3 part 2

[5/10 · 26 November 2019]

I have my problems with season 3 of rick and Morty, and the most of it was the dialogue. I have pulled a blind eye to it mostly but I have to say now, the dialogue is not smart, and in a lot of cases it sucks. Over explaining everything reminds me of the awful family guy cut always (to a lesser degree obviously) Reason I bring this up is because the dialogue particularly annoying. You know that son of a joke, I found it funny at first, but they kept in going on and on and on. Yes you can label it as parody, but using that same joke is just way to lazy. The repetition in this episode is also annoying as hell. What I'm saying is, the show has lost a lot of its charm. Rick and Morty used to be one of the most enjoyable duos on TV but the show has gotten to self aware and the new writers are bringing the show in a completely new direction. The show isn't bad, it's just worse than before. All the best moments and quotes come from those first 2 seasons, and I hope the writers can find a way to bring that magic back to a show that I still have a lot of faith in

The Cat in the Hat (2003)

Unratable

[15 November 2019]

The cat in the hat is one of the most odd films ever made. It's so bad that it's bad that it's good. Let me explain The cat in the hat is not ironically funny, it's painful and dated. The sets give nausea and the plot is non existent. But in a weird turn of events, I think it's worthwhile. The film gets absolutely everything wrong that you can only watch and laugh. The fact that nearly everything is complete crap is absolutely hilarious at least to me You might despise or love this movie but I can't formulate an opinion scene. The fun song for example is terrifying and not funny, but god it's interesting. As a result the cat in the hat is the best Dr Suess movie, at least I got something out of it

The High Fructose Adventures of Annoying Orange (2012–2014)

Essential entry to the intense mythology

[10/10 · 13 November 2019]

The high fructose adventure may be the best thing ever created by a human. It's immaculately subtle with each fruit portraying one of the 7 deadly sins. The premise of an all knowing orange that can 'knife' anyone who disagrees with him draws parllels to that twilight zone episode, as everyone falls to his bid. And knife scenes, my god. They are purposely reminiscing hit scenes from trash mafia movies like the godfather and lifting them up to the level of Gotti, it's fantastic And for Toby Turner, I haven't seen him act this well since cute win fail #42. He brings the emotion to an already gripping narrative. All in all, it's no wonder that this is considered the best show of all time. Some even theorise that it was cancelled because the finale of the show would have set the bar of creativity to an impossible height, causing all other media to look crap in comparison

Rick and Morty: Edge of Tomorty: Rick Die Rickpeat (2019) Season 4, Episode 1

Season 4's premier brings the show back on tracks

[8/10 · 11 November 2019]

Although I'm split between an 8 or a 9 I'm going to settle on a 9. Also saying the show is back on tracks is a bold statement considering this is the first episode Anyway the episode reminds me a lot of Rest And Ricklaxation, which was my third favourite of that season. This episode, however improves upon it by including an A and B plot that have GREAT premises. My biggest problem with season 3 was the lack of the total Rickalls, those great premises that stick with you, but this episode delivers it with the death crystal and the cloning machine The episode is very funny. I still miss the improv and Ricks general verbal hiccups, but the jokes here are still great. Highlight would have to be the court scene, which uses the heartwarming music for comedic irony instead of forced emotion I am aware that the dynamic between Rick and Morty has shifted a lot through the events of season 3, but honestly it's really grown on me especially with the lack of the divorce plot I know this is getting long for just one episode, but to anyone who wasn't sold by season 3 check this out. It's a good look into what a regular season 3 rick and Morty adventure would be like

Adventure Time: Come Along With Me (2018) Season 10, Episode 13

A good, but rushed, finale

[8/10 · 10 November 2019]

Adventure times finale could have been a lot better with more build up, so I can't blame the creators on this one, more the network. It still works, but you need to really read between the lines through out the show to recognise that GOLB isn't an asspull The kiss didn't annoy me surprisingly, I normally hate when shows just adopt this LGBT agenda to be more PC, but it works here cause there was actual build up. People calling this a ratings trap or jumping the shark moment piss me off because you can only make that judegement if you have seen the whole show (which most haven't) The dream sequence and the GOLB battle are fun and have great moments but are, again, quite rushed The best part is easily the ending montage. It understands that adventure time shouldn't have an end and that life goes on, which is seen through the next generations of hero's in Shermy and Beth. Sure, it's very similar to Regular Shows ending but it still is (emotionally) effective and stands apart Overall great finale, thanks for the memories Adventure Time

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

The Omaha Beach Scene: The Movie

[8/10 · 9 November 2019]

Let me get this out of the way first, the Omaha beach scene is absolutely fantastic and brilliantly directed, it may be the best individual scene in Steven Spielberg's career. The problem is that it sets the bar too high. Saving Private Ryan is anything but a bad movie but it's a film that doesn't deserve its run time. Sure we get good interactions and a particular memorable liberation, but I feel it could have been cut. My biggest problem is the ending, not the battle however, but the aftermath Don't want to get into details, but the film is great and is definitely worth a watch. But it has one thing in common with UP, the beginning completely outshines the rest

Finding Dory (2016)

Ugh

[6/10 · 5 November 2019]

Finding dory has a lot to like honestly, the characters are fun, some pretty good jokes and (kind of irrelevant at this point) the animation is spectacular. This is really shown of with the creative ways they use hank, who is far and away the best part of this movie What bothers me about this film? Two things; a completely irrelevant cash grab and it is goddamn boring. First of all, I absolutely love finding nemo. Nearly everything about it is great, including the ending which capped of the film well. No Sequel Needed. And sure the film isn't painfully boring, but the plot gets really really repetitive and you wonder why it's so long I blame this in part on the setting, which is almost incomparable to the ocean in finding nemo. Each set piece in that film was spectacular, and here we have a couple of animal enclosures. This might be good for you, but if you are huge fan of the first film like I am then you will be sorely disappointed

12 Angry Men (1957)

Stands the impossible test of time

[10/10 · 5 November 2019]

It's no secret that some films date horribly, and what was once thought of as a masterpiece can now be considered a piece of... well you get it. 12 angry men still carries the same intensity and nuance it did nearly 6 decades ago, and that's a tall feat. The film is carried solely by the fantastic writing, that can make you forget that it's predominantly filmed in just one location Each judge is brilliant with a wide variety of personalities, which makes sure that the audience isn't looking forward to each piece of new information but to how each characters react to it This film deserves all the praise it gets and is no surprise on being considered one of the best of all time

Attack on Titan: Midnight Sun (2019) Season 3, Episode 18

Brilliant

[10/10 · 16 October 2019]

This is probably my favourite episode, even though I do give the previous episode massive props for having the best fight scene and other jaw dropping moments. No, this ones my favourite because the conflict is so damn interesting. There is no right answer, both Armin Irwin prove themselves to be heroic in their own ways, but the audience is still split between them. We want to agree with Eran and Mikasa, but we also want to agree with Levi and the rest.

And I find it amazing because that's all it is, a very complicated question spread out through 22 minutes of brilliant television. I'm beginning to understand this shows almost god like reputation, I would be perfectly fine calling it a masterpiece