Manda's MovieWatch

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.

What in the Gillian’s-Island-Lord-of-the-Flies fresh hell is this? Yuck. There was such a missed opportunity…this could have been so much better: big storm, pirates, shipwreck, wealthy idiots…but this still came off boring and gross (who doesn’t love a puking montage? Uh, turns out…me). even Woody Harrelson couldn’t save this one. 5 watch checks, Ryan likely would have stayed awake, but to complain the whole time. Maybe the big screen would have made it better? But doubtful.

A sad story that comes off emotionally beautiful, mainly due to the strong collective performance by these women. I suppose the title gives away the premise of this movie. Yep. That’s pretty much it, women talking. This movie was a book originally and it very much feels like you needed to have read the book to get the full picture here, and that’s a movie fail -in my opinion. I’m shocked that not one of these women received an Oscar nomination. Many of them could have, should have. 3 watch checks, Ryan was already sleeping at the title and you can rent this one. It’s up for best picture and I’m not sure why.

I’m behind on my posts, so this will be quick. This movie was throughly enjoyable. It was long but kept me interested & the time passed quick, which I always think is a sign of a good movie. The only thing that was annoying was Michelle Williams’ portrayal of the mom, it felt like a bad Judy-Garland-with-a-terrible-bob characterization. I suppose that could be how a boy remembers his odd mother? It was a nice story of a fairly normal family. And Ryan stayed awake for it! (That’s says a lot!) 1 watch check. Rentable. I’d like to see this win best picture, but I’m not putting money on it.