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thejilliebean16
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Us (2019)
So much potential...so much confusion.
I liked the movie a lot. I thought it was very well shot and very well acted, and I can appreciate Peele's subtle homages to previous horror films throughout. However, the story itself is very weak and a bit of a mess.
A big concern for the main characters, as well as for the viewers, is why these doppelgängers (known in the movie as The Tethered) are attacking. So we are lead from almost the beginning, to want those answers, and when they're actually delivered, it's pretty unsatisfying.
The logic (or lackthereof) of The Tethered's existence and motivation is very messy and ultimately ruins the final conclusion of the film, because it leaves too many holes in the story that need to be answered.
If Peele had removed the explanation element as to the Tethered's existence, functionality etc. it would have made it a better story in my opinion. It becomes then a survival horror film, and leaves more to the viewer's imagination and thoughts as to the how and why, and that could even leave some good opportunities for symbolism etc. which Peele is known for. Not to mention it would have made the final conclusion even more shocking, compelling and thought provoking, and viewers would be talking about it for a long time, in all the best ways. Instead we're left talking about the many plot holes in the explanation.
All in all, as a standalone movie, it's really good and I can appreciate it for what it is, despite some of it's plot points I'd like further explanation on.
Also, I don't really think it can or should be compared to Get Out in any way because they're two completely different films, in genre and the overall tone. Us is a horror film and Get Out is a social thriller. So it's unfair to pit them against each other, or put them in the same league, even though they share the same director. I feel like people looking to do that are going to end up disappointed with this movie no matter what.
The Twilight Zone: Nothing in the Dark (1962)
My Favorite Episode!
As a fan of the Twilight Zone, I have to say this episode is my favorite. What's unfortunate is most people my age (19) who know of the show, don't remember or don't know what episode I'm talking about and it's such a shame!
Since I am terrified of death, this episode brings me a lot of comfort. It makes the idea of death seem not so frightening. My favorite line is from Rod's ending monologue that says "there was nothing in the dark that wasn't there when the lights were on". That line right there is so spot on and great that I always think of it, whenever I find myself scared of death.
All in all I think this is an extremely underrated episode! It's one of the best!
Les Misérables (2012)
As an original fan of the Broadway musical, I say eh.
Truthfully Les Mis was not what I had expected it to be. As a fan of the musical, I did go into the movie theater knowing that the movie can't live up to all of my expectations. In some ways it exceeded them and in others, I was disappointed.
The Pros: 1) Anne Hathaway was perfect. Her version of "I Dreamed a Dream" brought me to tears and I truly could feel her pain. If she doesn't win the Oscar for her role, I will be extremely upset. 2) Samantha Barks and Aaron Tveit both played their parts wonderfully. 3) I was pleasantly surprised Russell Crowe could sing and do a decent job at it. 4) The scenery and filming style was well done. They couldn't properly convey such things on the stage. 5) While they couldn't keep certain elements from the stage show like the stars revolving during "Stars", and the amazing affect of Javert jumping off the bridge to his death, they kept the scene of Enjolras hanging out of the window, so I was pleased. 6) I was thrilled when Colm Wilkinson appeared as The Bishop. I was very proud. 7) The ending rendition of "Do You Hear The People Sing" featuring all of those who had perished throughout the film was marvelous and very well done.
The Cons: 1) All but one of my Cons have to do with Hugh Jackman's performance, to which I thought fell completely flat. I was very disappointed. Don't get me wrong, I love Hugh Jackman, but he was wrong for the part of Valjean. 2) For one thing, Jackman was not the proper age to play Valjean. Even at the end as an old man he still looked far too young, and in my opinion, I'd rather have had him be older and look a little too old for Younger Valjean, as opposed to having him looking too young for the older Valjean. 3) Second, Hugh Jackman also lacked the proper physicality, he appeared too small and even later when he appeared to be larger, his face looked too small for his body. He also should have had a beard the whole time, not just when he was in prison. 4) Lastly, and most importantly, Hugh Jackman completely lacked the vocal talents to play Valjean. He required more of a classical style voice and required less belting at softer moments. His rendition of "Bring Him Home" was pitiful. The style of song is a soft prayer and he just belted it out loud and proud. I felt more like his performance was a half baked attempt between Curly from Oklahoma and Valjean. Ultimately I was not pleased with the outcome. 5) This isn't really a con, but in light of all the other performances I commended in the Pros, Amanda Seyfried and Eddie Redmayne's performances lost my attention a bit. Still very strong portrayals and vocal talents, but they didn't stand out to me as much as others did.
All in all, I give it a 7. It could have been better.