May 2022
All movies I saw in the cinema for first time during the month of May 2022 ranked from worst to best.
(SPOILERS FOR ALL FILMS PICTURED ABOVE!)
#4. Top Gun: Maverick
This was the first film I saw with my brother as well as my dad for the first time since 'Spider-Man 3' all the way back in May/June 2007.
I never saw the 1986 original, and to be honest, Jenifer Connelly was the only thing that interested me in seeing this.
*
This definitely warranted it numerous delays. Visually, it was spectacular. The score by Hans Zimmer was also great. The film had a relatively simple and straightforward story, which is always a plus.
It was quite heartbreaking that Val Kilmer's throat cancer was acknowledged, which made that scene between Tom and Val even more powerful.
It was interesting seeing post-Mission Impossible Tom Cruise actually flying the jets in this film, definitely helped with the immersion.
Though her screentime was quite very slim, I enjoyed everytime Jenifer showed up on screen.
I went into this not expecting much, but left rather entertained.
8/10
I never saw the 1986 original, and to be honest, Jenifer Connelly was the only thing that interested me in seeing this.
*
This definitely warranted it numerous delays. Visually, it was spectacular. The score by Hans Zimmer was also great. The film had a relatively simple and straightforward story, which is always a plus.
It was quite heartbreaking that Val Kilmer's throat cancer was acknowledged, which made that scene between Tom and Val even more powerful.
It was interesting seeing post-Mission Impossible Tom Cruise actually flying the jets in this film, definitely helped with the immersion.
Though her screentime was quite very slim, I enjoyed everytime Jenifer showed up on screen.
I went into this not expecting much, but left rather entertained.
8/10
#3. Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness
This has been one of my most anticipated films of 2022 since the SDCC announcement back in 2019. I loved the Dr. Strange 'What If...?' episode from last year, showing the kind of path Stephen would've went on if he lost the love of his life instead of his hands. This is also a sequel to 'Wandavision', following up on Wanda's grief from losing Vision in 2018's 'Infinity War'.
Sam Raimi has a knack and an absolute talent at doing horror elements in non-horror projects, especially in his 'Spider-Man' trilogy. The first film had Norman Osborn's experiment going wrong, the second had the really unsettling hospital sequence and the third ofcourse had the Venom transformation scene.
*
Man, this film was on a whole 'nother level. The score was so unique, the electric guitar sequences from Danny Elfman were so epic. The editing was incredible, the flickering imagery when Wanda reunited with her children was very powerful.
Benedict Cumberbatch was great but Elizabeth Olsen's performance was especially so awe-inspiring, much like in Wandavision.
While the horror elements in DSTMOM were excellent (creatures, grotesque visuals, etc.) I felt Sam overly relied on jumpscares a little too much in this film. I, honestly, lost count of the amount of times scenes went completely silent halfway through the runtime. It's my biggest pet peeve for horror films, irritates me so much. Jumpscares/sudden loud noises shouldn't be the MAIN crutch for horror film-making when eery atmospheres and dark imagery work immensely better.
The visuals in the Dr. Strange films just keep topping each other, it's definetley a film to see on the big-screen.
While I was really happy to see Hayley Atwell back in live-action as Peggy Carter (after 6 LONG years, Endgame doesn't count imo), I was severely upset when she was immediately killed off. I guess it at least gave me a reason to root against Wanda, as I never saw her truly as an antagonist.
Even though John Kransinki has been fan-casted to DEATH as Reed Richards (Personally, not my ideal pick), I was pleasantly surprised when he did indeed show up. But, if MARVEL were just going to instantly kill him off, Ioan Gruffrudd should've played him alongside the returning Patrick Stewart from the FOX X-Men/Fantastic Four films.
This was a thrill ride like no other and I'd honestly love if Sam Raimi returned for the 3rd Dr. Strange film.
Sam Raimi has a knack and an absolute talent at doing horror elements in non-horror projects, especially in his 'Spider-Man' trilogy. The first film had Norman Osborn's experiment going wrong, the second had the really unsettling hospital sequence and the third ofcourse had the Venom transformation scene.
*
Man, this film was on a whole 'nother level. The score was so unique, the electric guitar sequences from Danny Elfman were so epic. The editing was incredible, the flickering imagery when Wanda reunited with her children was very powerful.
Benedict Cumberbatch was great but Elizabeth Olsen's performance was especially so awe-inspiring, much like in Wandavision.
While the horror elements in DSTMOM were excellent (creatures, grotesque visuals, etc.) I felt Sam overly relied on jumpscares a little too much in this film. I, honestly, lost count of the amount of times scenes went completely silent halfway through the runtime. It's my biggest pet peeve for horror films, irritates me so much. Jumpscares/sudden loud noises shouldn't be the MAIN crutch for horror film-making when eery atmospheres and dark imagery work immensely better.
The visuals in the Dr. Strange films just keep topping each other, it's definetley a film to see on the big-screen.
While I was really happy to see Hayley Atwell back in live-action as Peggy Carter (after 6 LONG years, Endgame doesn't count imo), I was severely upset when she was immediately killed off. I guess it at least gave me a reason to root against Wanda, as I never saw her truly as an antagonist.
Even though John Kransinki has been fan-casted to DEATH as Reed Richards (Personally, not my ideal pick), I was pleasantly surprised when he did indeed show up. But, if MARVEL were just going to instantly kill him off, Ioan Gruffrudd should've played him alongside the returning Patrick Stewart from the FOX X-Men/Fantastic Four films.
This was a thrill ride like no other and I'd honestly love if Sam Raimi returned for the 3rd Dr. Strange film.
#2. Bob's Burgers: The Movie
This was my final cinema trip of May 2022 and also my first 2D animated film I saw in the cinema since 'Brother Bear' nearly 20 years ago.
I've been a fan of the series since 2016. I love how quite mundane it is, just following a family trying to run their restaurant while coming into contact with a few eccentric characters.
I've tried to stray away from most trailers and adverts, as I want to go into this with as little knowledge of the film's story as possible.
*
I absolutely loved this so much!
The story still felt in-line with the show, it was literally like a feature length episode.
I know the show doesn't have THE best animation, but it still looked visually great, especially on the big screen.
Perhaps the funniest part of the film (for me anyway) was when the bar keeper asked Tina and co. why they were bothering the "nice police officer" when he was supposed to be incognito.
I'd love to see a sequel to this film.
9.3/10
I've been a fan of the series since 2016. I love how quite mundane it is, just following a family trying to run their restaurant while coming into contact with a few eccentric characters.
I've tried to stray away from most trailers and adverts, as I want to go into this with as little knowledge of the film's story as possible.
*
I absolutely loved this so much!
The story still felt in-line with the show, it was literally like a feature length episode.
I know the show doesn't have THE best animation, but it still looked visually great, especially on the big screen.
Perhaps the funniest part of the film (for me anyway) was when the bar keeper asked Tina and co. why they were bothering the "nice police officer" when he was supposed to be incognito.
I'd love to see a sequel to this film.
9.3/10
#1. Everything Everywhere All At Once
My interest in seeing this film peaked when I found out it was revealed to be the all-time highest rated film on Letterboxd.
From the trailers, it looks incredibly intriguing. A24 usually picks amazing films to distribute. 'The Last Black Man in San Francisco', 'Mid 90s', 'Uncut Gems' and 'Under The Silver Lake' all come to mind when I think of them. All are absolutely incredible.
I also loved the director's previous film, 'Swiss Army Man'. Bonkers film with an endearing story and a really beautiful acapella score.
*
WOAH...This lived up to it's title as well as hype and then some. Honestly awe-inspiring editing, fight choreography, cinematography, EVERYTHING!
The flickering during the final fight showing the different universes was so cool.
Though the first act was quite slow and took itself a little too seriously, the second and third acts were absolutely batshit crazy, which I was 100% here for. I lost it when Jenny Slate's character used the puppy as a makeshift rope dart, twirling and throwing it EVERYWHERE.
As a mark for pro-wrestling, I loved the two times a move occurred (Like the actually quite brutal looking sitout piledriver Joy does)
Even with all the chaotic action and comedy happening ALL AT ONCE, I was still profoundly moved by the emotional scenes. The moment when Evelyn finally told her father Gong Gong that Joy has a girlfriend had me tearing up. At this point, Michelle Yeoh should just be handed the Best Actress Oscar right now, she was so amazing.
It's crazy how this was a better film about Multiverses than a certain recent blockbuster film that actually has the word in the title.
The only negative thing I have is that I wish I saw the film in a screening that had a frame that accommodated the different aspect ratios better as pretty much 95% of the film seemed like the projector was zoomed all the way out. Everytime the film changed into widescreen (which happened alot), most of the projector screen had negative space.
9.6/10
*22 hours later, 2nd viewing*
I righted a wrong and finally saw it in the intended frame shape. What a difference it makes! The aspect ratio transitions felt so seamless and honestly very subtle.
From the trailers, it looks incredibly intriguing. A24 usually picks amazing films to distribute. 'The Last Black Man in San Francisco', 'Mid 90s', 'Uncut Gems' and 'Under The Silver Lake' all come to mind when I think of them. All are absolutely incredible.
I also loved the director's previous film, 'Swiss Army Man'. Bonkers film with an endearing story and a really beautiful acapella score.
*
WOAH...This lived up to it's title as well as hype and then some. Honestly awe-inspiring editing, fight choreography, cinematography, EVERYTHING!
The flickering during the final fight showing the different universes was so cool.
Though the first act was quite slow and took itself a little too seriously, the second and third acts were absolutely batshit crazy, which I was 100% here for. I lost it when Jenny Slate's character used the puppy as a makeshift rope dart, twirling and throwing it EVERYWHERE.
As a mark for pro-wrestling, I loved the two times a move occurred (Like the actually quite brutal looking sitout piledriver Joy does)
Even with all the chaotic action and comedy happening ALL AT ONCE, I was still profoundly moved by the emotional scenes. The moment when Evelyn finally told her father Gong Gong that Joy has a girlfriend had me tearing up. At this point, Michelle Yeoh should just be handed the Best Actress Oscar right now, she was so amazing.
It's crazy how this was a better film about Multiverses than a certain recent blockbuster film that actually has the word in the title.
The only negative thing I have is that I wish I saw the film in a screening that had a frame that accommodated the different aspect ratios better as pretty much 95% of the film seemed like the projector was zoomed all the way out. Everytime the film changed into widescreen (which happened alot), most of the projector screen had negative space.
9.6/10
*22 hours later, 2nd viewing*
I righted a wrong and finally saw it in the intended frame shape. What a difference it makes! The aspect ratio transitions felt so seamless and honestly very subtle.
Comments
Post a Comment