Manda's MovieWatch

So Hunger Games fans will love this movie, it’s a great return to Panem and always fun to get some insight into the why of a character like Snow. The ending is odd though, I think most will leave with questions like I did. Maybe it’s setting up for another movie? I spoke with someone who read the book and they had a much clearer understanding of what the ending meant…but even they had questions, so that’s unsettling. I think this could have been easily fixed, maybe an inner monologue? 2 watch checks. Ryan would have fallen asleep, he’s not really a Hinger Games fan. I think it’s better on the big screen but can be watched at home.

Come with me….and you’ll see…a film with joy in all the yummy confection.

Need a pick me up? Go see this movie. Just watched Saltburn and are completely disturbed? Go see this movie. Think Mary Poppins meets Annie. A fun prequel to the original, it’s (pardon the pun) so very sweet. 0 watch checks, totally worth going to the big screen and even Ryan would have not only stayed awake but found himself smiling.

Not my favorite. With previews, this movie is almost 4 hours long…and it felt like it. This tragic story could have been told in half the time. I can’t really put my finger on why, but I hated that this movie seemed to want the audience to like the villains. I would have preferred the story told entirely from the Osage people’s view, and more specifically: from Molly. We heard her voice every once in a while, but mostly it was her husband & evil uncle who told the story and they didn’t deserve the attention. I was uncomfortable when they were portrayed as funny and the Osage as gullible. I had like 5 watch checks. Ryan stayed awake for the whole thing (and he liked it more than I did)! You don’t need the big screen. It’s getting great accolades and Leo did a great performance. I’m glad at least this tragic slice of history is getting attention, I guess I feel like it could have been done with more respect or something.

I’ve been meaning to write this post for a while, 65 is out on Netflix & was in theaters last spring (?) so a delayed review but it’s so worth watching on your next Netflix & chill night. What a cool concept: a new take on “alien” – the idea that 65 million years ago our planet had some pretty scary aliens if you were to crash land on earth! A combination of sci-fi and sweet story of an unlikely duo. Only 1 watch check, Ryan would definitely stay awake – it would probably be amazing on the big screen, but was still pretty awesome on my home tv.

An action movie full of what you’d expect- lots of action. Not a solid plot line though, maybe because it’s “part one” so from the start -we knew it wouldn’t be solved by the end of the movie. (I find that annoying.) The enemy seemed too vague and not really lining up with its origin story. The expression “hole in the script” kept running through my mind. There are some very cool stunts…it’s Tom Cruise so that’s a given. 2 watch checks from me, Ryan did stay awake and it’s worth enjoying on the big screen since it’s the action you’re watching this one for.

Ok…I kind of loved this movie. I went into it with very low expectations, I was mainly there to see Ken. And I loved Ken, I may go see it again just to watch more Ken. It’s a little silly but it’s a doll movie, don’t expect it to solve world problems. I didn’t expect to laugh as much as I did and I really didn’t expect it to hit me in the feels like it did. There’s a moment where the creator of Barbie is talking to Barbie about the real world and specifically about raising daughters and wow…it got me. Moms of girls- this one is for you. 1 watch check and I believe Ryan would stay awake for this (although I’d have to drag him kicking & screaming to see it), it’s worth seeing on the big screen for the dance scenes alone. I’m fighting the urge to wave, smile and say “Hi Barbie!” to every woman I see from now on.

A little behind in my movie watching, but I caught Till on Amazon. A beautiful movie about a tragic event, but one that everyone should see. I think it’s an important subject and one we need to remember was not that long ago. The whole point of that tragedy was to force us to not “look away” even if it’s uncomfortable. So don’t look away, watch and watch with your whole family. 2 watch checks, Ryan would likely snooze on this one but I’d elbow him awake. Totally rentable, don’t need a big screen!

Super fun 80’s flashback mixed with a true life story about one of the greatest athletic companies risking it all to partner with one of the greatest athletes. Entertaining and fascinating look at when it’s worth it to break the rules…would you do it? Would I? High risk equals high reward, always more fun to watch when you know it pays off. Plus watching this talented cast with an awesome soundtrack is worth it alone. 1 watch check. Ryan did stay awake the whole time. Rentable.

It feels fitting to write this as the Oscars are about to start because this is the movie I think will likely win best picture. It’s not my favorite movie of the year though (that honor belongs to Top Gun Maverick). Its a fun trip of a movie with cool fighting scenes and visual effects. I enjoyed seeing an unlikely hero kick some ass. My favorite was Waymond (Ke Huy Quan) and I’m rooting for him to win the best supporting actor. 2 watch checks, I thought Ryan would stay awake for this one, but he was snoozing away. This is worth the big screen.

It’s always interesting to enter the mind of a tortured soul but this movie did not give me empathy for Lydia Tar. She annoyed me. But that was likely the point and a testament to the brilliant acting of Cate Blanchet. It felt way to long BUT the music was beautiful and I did learn a few things. I loved the cello performances in particular. 4 watch checks, Ryan would certainly have been asleep- I almost fell asleep too. Totally rentable.