July 2021
All films I saw in the cinema for the month of July 2021, ranked from worst to best.
(SPOILER WARNING FOR ALL FILMS PICTURED)
#9: OLD
The only M.Night Shymalan films I've saw are from the 'Eastrail 177 trilogy', that ofcourse being 'Unbreakable', 'Split' and 'Glass'. Love all 3 of them films. I know he hasn't had clean sweep of great films, 'The Last Air Bender' and 'Lady In The Water' come to mind of ones that the large majority of viewers did not like.
From the all trailers and advertisements, Old seemed really interesting. A story about a group of people who are on a mysterious and frightening island, trying to uncover secrets and meanings behind it before they quickly "grow old".
*
Man, I went into this thinking Old would have potential of being good. Poorly acted, directed, written, everything.
The characters felt like they were written like dumbasses. When one failed to get through the cave or passed the ocean waves others followed them and repeated the exact same action, inevitably blacking out or dying.
M. Night Shymalan tends to cameo in his own films, this is no different. But now, unfortunately, he plays a sorta intergral part to the story unlike in Unbreakable, Split and Glass.
The concept of the film was interesting but absolutely terribly executed and butchered.
3.5/10
From the all trailers and advertisements, Old seemed really interesting. A story about a group of people who are on a mysterious and frightening island, trying to uncover secrets and meanings behind it before they quickly "grow old".
*
Man, I went into this thinking Old would have potential of being good. Poorly acted, directed, written, everything.
The characters felt like they were written like dumbasses. When one failed to get through the cave or passed the ocean waves others followed them and repeated the exact same action, inevitably blacking out or dying.
M. Night Shymalan tends to cameo in his own films, this is no different. But now, unfortunately, he plays a sorta intergral part to the story unlike in Unbreakable, Split and Glass.
The concept of the film was interesting but absolutely terribly executed and butchered.
3.5/10
#8: The Forever Purge
I've never saw any of the previous Purge films, they did not interest me at all, even this one. Mainly seeing this to fill out my end of month 9 film review for my blog.
*
This was pretty decent. The action secquences were great. I hated the over reliance on jump scares, I counted at least 3 or 4 fake outs ontop the actual ones.
Some good character development and somber moment amongst all the nonsensical merciless killing.
I went into this not expecting much, but left rather satified after the 100+ minute runtime.
6.5/10
*
This was pretty decent. The action secquences were great. I hated the over reliance on jump scares, I counted at least 3 or 4 fake outs ontop the actual ones.
Some good character development and somber moment amongst all the nonsensical merciless killing.
I went into this not expecting much, but left rather satified after the 100+ minute runtime.
6.5/10
#7: Space Jam: A New Legacy
I've never been much of a Space Jam fan. I thought the original 1996 film starring Michael Jordan was good, great for it's time especially.
For the sequel, I just feel like it's Warner Brothers trying to make their version of Ready Player One, featuring a mega ton of their own franchises and IPs. The trailers did look visually stunning, beautiful neon colours. Definetley deserves the big-screen treatment with a theatrical release.
This year was the perfect time for it to come out as it has been 25 years since the Michael Jordan lead film.
*
This was okay, quite fun at times. The WB references were probably the best part of the film. Everything else, the story, characters and jokes were quite generic.
Lebron's acting was mediocre, for the most part, until the Basketball match at the end, were his true personality shines and seems like he's actually enjoying being in the film. He's an NBA star, first and an actor, second. Which is why some of the first hour and the emotional scenes featuring him felt kinda stilted.
Michael Jordan in the original wasn't that good either, but that was the charm of it, the film just oozed pure nostalgic '90s cheese and over the top, chaotic fun.
The visuals for 'A New Legacy' were great and the CGI was excellent, especially on the Toon Squad, both in 2D and 3D. As well as the Goon Squad, very creative designs.
I feel like this would be better if it was a 4DX ride, with the all crazy visuals flying around the screen. Sitting stationary just didn't seem as amazing and awe-inspiring, if I'm honest.
6.3/10
For the sequel, I just feel like it's Warner Brothers trying to make their version of Ready Player One, featuring a mega ton of their own franchises and IPs. The trailers did look visually stunning, beautiful neon colours. Definetley deserves the big-screen treatment with a theatrical release.
This year was the perfect time for it to come out as it has been 25 years since the Michael Jordan lead film.
*
This was okay, quite fun at times. The WB references were probably the best part of the film. Everything else, the story, characters and jokes were quite generic.
Lebron's acting was mediocre, for the most part, until the Basketball match at the end, were his true personality shines and seems like he's actually enjoying being in the film. He's an NBA star, first and an actor, second. Which is why some of the first hour and the emotional scenes featuring him felt kinda stilted.
Michael Jordan in the original wasn't that good either, but that was the charm of it, the film just oozed pure nostalgic '90s cheese and over the top, chaotic fun.
The visuals for 'A New Legacy' were great and the CGI was excellent, especially on the Toon Squad, both in 2D and 3D. As well as the Goon Squad, very creative designs.
I feel like this would be better if it was a 4DX ride, with the all crazy visuals flying around the screen. Sitting stationary just didn't seem as amazing and awe-inspiring, if I'm honest.
6.3/10
#6: Escape Room 2: The Tournament of Champions
I enjoyed the first one until the last few minutes. I absolutely hated that it ended with sequel-bait. A film concept based around escape rooms only works once, in my opinion. There's little to nothing else that'll seem surprising after the first film.
*
This was surprisingly enjoyable. Hopefully this is the end of the franchise, even though this also seemingly ends with potential sequel-bait.
The room designs were better than the 2019 film, more creative and unpredictable.
Although I didn't want a sequel from the movie two years ago, I really enjoyed this intense puzzling thriller/horror.
6.7/10
*
This was surprisingly enjoyable. Hopefully this is the end of the franchise, even though this also seemingly ends with potential sequel-bait.
The room designs were better than the 2019 film, more creative and unpredictable.
Although I didn't want a sequel from the movie two years ago, I really enjoyed this intense puzzling thriller/horror.
6.7/10
#5: Black Widow
After 12 long years, Scarlett Johansson finally got her big solo film, which is unfortunately also her swan song as the Russian spy.
Originally meant for a May 2020, but got delayed multiple times until eventually landing on a 7th July 2021 release date (UK), 9th July elsewhere and on Disney+ with Premium Access.
The offical announcement of the film came in 2019 during the Hall H panel MARVEL Studios at San Diego Comic Con, where a few now released projects were revealed like WandaVision, Falcon and The Winter Soldier etc.
My hype for the film immensly started when Florence Pugh was cast as Black Widow's sister, Yelena Belova and also David Harbour as the Russian equivalent to Captain America, Red Guardian.
I do feel like the production of the film was really poorly timed as it was right after the MCU's Black Widow died, sacrificing herself for the Soul Stone in Avengers: Endgame. This is a prequel set between Captain America: Civil War and Infinity War, which does seem quite intresting to me.
*
This was great, perfect MCU final outting for Scarlett.
Florence was amazing and David was hilarious.
Excellent fight scenes and action sequences.
I think the most emotional thing about this film apart from the family story, ofcourse, was the opening MARVEL Studios logo, it has been two years since the last MCU film in cinemas (Spider-Man: Far From Home). Watching the shows on a consistent weekly basis pretty much all this year, weirdly made the intro to this hit harder on an emotional level.
Not gonna lie, it's a little weird looking at this Taskmaster after the reveal. It made sense, just seemed quite dark/morbid, especially for a MARVEL film.
I went into the post-credits scene with really HIGH expectations. I'm glad Florence was in it and the way it explains why she'll be in the Hawkeye series later this year. But, I was honestly hoping Hailee Steinfeld (as Kate Bishop) would've shown up as well. I suppose I'll have to wait until Disney+'s 'Hawkeye' to see them both on screen together at the same time.
Not the absolute best MCU film, but certainly not the absolute worst.
7.9/10
Originally meant for a May 2020, but got delayed multiple times until eventually landing on a 7th July 2021 release date (UK), 9th July elsewhere and on Disney+ with Premium Access.
The offical announcement of the film came in 2019 during the Hall H panel MARVEL Studios at San Diego Comic Con, where a few now released projects were revealed like WandaVision, Falcon and The Winter Soldier etc.
My hype for the film immensly started when Florence Pugh was cast as Black Widow's sister, Yelena Belova and also David Harbour as the Russian equivalent to Captain America, Red Guardian.
I do feel like the production of the film was really poorly timed as it was right after the MCU's Black Widow died, sacrificing herself for the Soul Stone in Avengers: Endgame. This is a prequel set between Captain America: Civil War and Infinity War, which does seem quite intresting to me.
*
This was great, perfect MCU final outting for Scarlett.
Florence was amazing and David was hilarious.
Excellent fight scenes and action sequences.
I think the most emotional thing about this film apart from the family story, ofcourse, was the opening MARVEL Studios logo, it has been two years since the last MCU film in cinemas (Spider-Man: Far From Home). Watching the shows on a consistent weekly basis pretty much all this year, weirdly made the intro to this hit harder on an emotional level.
Not gonna lie, it's a little weird looking at this Taskmaster after the reveal. It made sense, just seemed quite dark/morbid, especially for a MARVEL film.
I went into the post-credits scene with really HIGH expectations. I'm glad Florence was in it and the way it explains why she'll be in the Hawkeye series later this year. But, I was honestly hoping Hailee Steinfeld (as Kate Bishop) would've shown up as well. I suppose I'll have to wait until Disney+'s 'Hawkeye' to see them both on screen together at the same time.
Not the absolute best MCU film, but certainly not the absolute worst.
7.9/10
#4: FREAKY
It was originally supposed to release last year but got delayed due to the pandemic then later went to V.O.D services in the U.S. The U.K, on the other hand, saved it for a theatrical release.
Blumhouse have produced quite few a films I love and some I just don't like. I loved the Happy Death Day duology, Don't Let Go, Blackkklansman, MA, the last two films in M.Night's Eastrail 177 trilogy, Upgrade and both Jordan Peele directed films. But also didn't like The Invisible Man and Black Christmas.
The concept to Freaky did seem quite intriguing to me, not gonna lie. A horror/comedy in a similar style as the two Happy Death Day film. This time, it takes the film 'Freaky Friday' and swaps the mother out for a serial killer played by Vince Vaughn.
*
This was quite funny, in my opinion. Vince Vaughn and Kathryn Newton absolutely nailed the role reversals. Vince was hilarious as Millie Kessler and Kathryn was intimidating as 'The Butcher'
Excellent gorey kills, especially for a film with the '15' age certificate.
This reminded me of the Netflix Original I watched quite recently, 'Fear Street Part One: 1994', especially the opening.
I wouldn't say I loved it as much as I do the previous BH films I stated above, but I did certainly enjoy it alot.
7.1/10
Blumhouse have produced quite few a films I love and some I just don't like. I loved the Happy Death Day duology, Don't Let Go, Blackkklansman, MA, the last two films in M.Night's Eastrail 177 trilogy, Upgrade and both Jordan Peele directed films. But also didn't like The Invisible Man and Black Christmas.
The concept to Freaky did seem quite intriguing to me, not gonna lie. A horror/comedy in a similar style as the two Happy Death Day film. This time, it takes the film 'Freaky Friday' and swaps the mother out for a serial killer played by Vince Vaughn.
*
This was quite funny, in my opinion. Vince Vaughn and Kathryn Newton absolutely nailed the role reversals. Vince was hilarious as Millie Kessler and Kathryn was intimidating as 'The Butcher'
Excellent gorey kills, especially for a film with the '15' age certificate.
This reminded me of the Netflix Original I watched quite recently, 'Fear Street Part One: 1994', especially the opening.
I wouldn't say I loved it as much as I do the previous BH films I stated above, but I did certainly enjoy it alot.
7.1/10
#3: Jungle Cruise
Originally scheduled for a 2020 release but got delayed due to the current global pandemic. This was one of the 2020 films I anticipated on my blog all the way back in 2019.
The trailer look quite excited, typical Disney blockbuster set pieces and moments. I was hyped to see Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt on-screen together, seemed like a interesting pairing.
*
This was really entertaining. Dwayne was hilarious with the dry humour/jokes the actual DisneyLand Jungle Cruise is known for. Emily was also great.
The original soundtrack was amazing too, a couple stereotypical Disney songs but also had an awesome song that played during the exposition dump during the early part of the 3rd act.
For a film I've been anticipating for over 2 years, this definitely defied every expectation I had going into it.
8/10
The trailer look quite excited, typical Disney blockbuster set pieces and moments. I was hyped to see Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt on-screen together, seemed like a interesting pairing.
*
This was really entertaining. Dwayne was hilarious with the dry humour/jokes the actual DisneyLand Jungle Cruise is known for. Emily was also great.
The original soundtrack was amazing too, a couple stereotypical Disney songs but also had an awesome song that played during the exposition dump during the early part of the 3rd act.
For a film I've been anticipating for over 2 years, this definitely defied every expectation I had going into it.
8/10
#2: Supernova
This was my first film of July.
I first heard about it during the screening of 'My New York Year' two months ago, when one of it's trailers were featured.
From the trailer, much like The Father, I instantly knew it would be a powerful hard-hitting emotional film.
There was one film that I watched last year at home (when cinemas were shut) that also gave light to people who suffer with dementia and showcased what they, their friends and also family members have to go through, coping with this brutal and unmerciless mental disease. That was the Julianne Moore movie 'Still Alice'
I remember there being a bit of controversy surrounding this film last year when it was revealed Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci would be potraying a gay couple.
Actors in films/TV or any form of media should be allowed to portray people they are not (excluding different races ofcourse), that's literally what acting is about. Colin and Stanley pretending to be a gay couple should be the least of people's worries when there's been far worse/tone-deaf casting before.
*
This film absolutely pulls no punches, I cried at least 4 times which is actually quite irregular for me as it's usually just once or twice.
Powerful performances by Tucci and Firth. There were times I thought they were an actual couple. Their portrayals felt honest, intimate and authentically real.
I loved how after a major moment in the story is revealed, the once calm and really soothing orchestral score suddenly becomes slightly chaotic but also tragic as more than 2 instruments are playing at the same time.
I did not expect the table read, that is featured in the trailer I've saw numerous times at previous screenings, to hit as hard as it did.
Beyond beautiful countryside cinematography, pretty much all the shots of the hills, mountains and lakes were framed like gorgeous paintings.
This was an exceptional film and I hope it gets some awards next year.
9.6/10
I first heard about it during the screening of 'My New York Year' two months ago, when one of it's trailers were featured.
From the trailer, much like The Father, I instantly knew it would be a powerful hard-hitting emotional film.
There was one film that I watched last year at home (when cinemas were shut) that also gave light to people who suffer with dementia and showcased what they, their friends and also family members have to go through, coping with this brutal and unmerciless mental disease. That was the Julianne Moore movie 'Still Alice'
I remember there being a bit of controversy surrounding this film last year when it was revealed Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci would be potraying a gay couple.
Actors in films/TV or any form of media should be allowed to portray people they are not (excluding different races ofcourse), that's literally what acting is about. Colin and Stanley pretending to be a gay couple should be the least of people's worries when there's been far worse/tone-deaf casting before.
*
This film absolutely pulls no punches, I cried at least 4 times which is actually quite irregular for me as it's usually just once or twice.
Powerful performances by Tucci and Firth. There were times I thought they were an actual couple. Their portrayals felt honest, intimate and authentically real.
I loved how after a major moment in the story is revealed, the once calm and really soothing orchestral score suddenly becomes slightly chaotic but also tragic as more than 2 instruments are playing at the same time.
I did not expect the table read, that is featured in the trailer I've saw numerous times at previous screenings, to hit as hard as it did.
Beyond beautiful countryside cinematography, pretty much all the shots of the hills, mountains and lakes were framed like gorgeous paintings.
This was an exceptional film and I hope it gets some awards next year.
9.6/10
#1: James Gunn's Suicide Squad
This was my last film of July 2021.
I was hyped for this ever since James Gunn was announced as the director just after his temporary MARVEL Studios firing over past tweets in late 2018/early 2019.
I didn't like the 2016 Suicide Squad, just found it boring and dull. Gunn had a better approach, going all out with the visuals and over-the-topness a comic book film like this deserves.
With this film's tagline being "Don't get too attached", I just want to say I hope King Shark, Harley Quinn and Peacemaker survive. I have a feeling Peacemaker will due to his titular HBO Max series that's coming out next year. King Shark's gonna steal the show, he was so hilarious in the trailer, being voiced by Sylvester Stallone. Margot Robbie as Harley was immaculate casting and I hope she features in more films as the character.
*
This was fucking amazing. Entertaining, hilarious, heartwarming and insanely gorey from beginning to end.
Cena, Margot and Stallone were great! King Shark stole the show. Margot as Harley was perfect as always. Cena was brilliant and funny, I can't wait for his series coming January 2022.
Excellent use of date/location cards, using the physical enviroment to tell the story.
The gore was alot like THAT car scene from 2019's Brightburn but for the whole 2+ hours compared to just a couple of seconds. Coincidentally, James Gunn also was a producer on that film.
I loved the 'Zygon Inversion'-esque monologue Peter Capaldi done during the later moments of the film. I felt like I was 16 again watching that Doctor Who episode and his speech about the physcial and psychological costs of war. Pure chills!
Awesome soundtrack, which is to be expected since Gunn done both Guardians of The Galaxy films and curated them soundtracks as well.
This was FAR better than the 2016 film, literally no debate need. I hope WB lets James Gunn do a sequel to this.
9.3/10
I didn't like the 2016 Suicide Squad, just found it boring and dull. Gunn had a better approach, going all out with the visuals and over-the-topness a comic book film like this deserves.
With this film's tagline being "Don't get too attached", I just want to say I hope King Shark, Harley Quinn and Peacemaker survive. I have a feeling Peacemaker will due to his titular HBO Max series that's coming out next year. King Shark's gonna steal the show, he was so hilarious in the trailer, being voiced by Sylvester Stallone. Margot Robbie as Harley was immaculate casting and I hope she features in more films as the character.
*
This was fucking amazing. Entertaining, hilarious, heartwarming and insanely gorey from beginning to end.
Cena, Margot and Stallone were great! King Shark stole the show. Margot as Harley was perfect as always. Cena was brilliant and funny, I can't wait for his series coming January 2022.
Excellent use of date/location cards, using the physical enviroment to tell the story.
The gore was alot like THAT car scene from 2019's Brightburn but for the whole 2+ hours compared to just a couple of seconds. Coincidentally, James Gunn also was a producer on that film.
I loved the 'Zygon Inversion'-esque monologue Peter Capaldi done during the later moments of the film. I felt like I was 16 again watching that Doctor Who episode and his speech about the physcial and psychological costs of war. Pure chills!
Awesome soundtrack, which is to be expected since Gunn done both Guardians of The Galaxy films and curated them soundtracks as well.
This was FAR better than the 2016 film, literally no debate need. I hope WB lets James Gunn do a sequel to this.
9.3/10
Comments
Post a Comment