July 2023
(SPOILER WARNING FOR THE 5 FILMS PICTURED ABOVE)
#5. Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny
This was my first cinema trip of July 2023 (25th for this year overall) as well as my 150th review on Letterboxd.
It's crazy to me the night/day difference of Harrison Ford's interest has in Indiana Jones vs playing Han Solo back in 2015/19. During the press junkets for Force Awakens, most of his responses were just "I don't care" compared to him nearly being brought to tears talking about The Dial of Destiny at D23 last year.
I was somewhat interesting in seeing Dial of Destiny. It's great that Harrison can finally retire the iconic character on a more grounded/back to basics kind of note and not the over the top Tarzan swinging, alien appearing weirdness that was Kingdom of The Crystal Skull.
The only really major experience I've had with the franchise was playing the 2 titular Lego games.
I will say, I immensely was disappointed that Karen Allen hasn't returned (going off the trailers/advertisements).
*
This was an okay, but severely elongated (potentially, hopefully) final outting for Harrison as the legendary archeology explorer. The first hour was great, the de-aging of Indy was quite impressive at times though the technology still has a long way to go before it becomes completely seamless as some shots made his face look very flat.
It's crazy how James Mangold made the exceptional Logan and Le Mans '66, then directed this average film.
The 4 action sequences were entertaining for the most part albeit incredibly long and dragged out for the sake of the 2 hour+ runtime.
Perhaps the highlight of the film (to me) was Karen appearing, even if it was for just 2 minutes or so. She made the long length of the film worth it.
While it was dull for quite a bit, I'd take this nostalgic retrospective of an entry over the outrageous Crystal Skull.
5/10
It's crazy to me the night/day difference of Harrison Ford's interest has in Indiana Jones vs playing Han Solo back in 2015/19. During the press junkets for Force Awakens, most of his responses were just "I don't care" compared to him nearly being brought to tears talking about The Dial of Destiny at D23 last year.
I was somewhat interesting in seeing Dial of Destiny. It's great that Harrison can finally retire the iconic character on a more grounded/back to basics kind of note and not the over the top Tarzan swinging, alien appearing weirdness that was Kingdom of The Crystal Skull.
The only really major experience I've had with the franchise was playing the 2 titular Lego games.
I will say, I immensely was disappointed that Karen Allen hasn't returned (going off the trailers/advertisements).
*
This was an okay, but severely elongated (potentially, hopefully) final outting for Harrison as the legendary archeology explorer. The first hour was great, the de-aging of Indy was quite impressive at times though the technology still has a long way to go before it becomes completely seamless as some shots made his face look very flat.
It's crazy how James Mangold made the exceptional Logan and Le Mans '66, then directed this average film.
The 4 action sequences were entertaining for the most part albeit incredibly long and dragged out for the sake of the 2 hour+ runtime.
Perhaps the highlight of the film (to me) was Karen appearing, even if it was for just 2 minutes or so. She made the long length of the film worth it.
While it was dull for quite a bit, I'd take this nostalgic retrospective of an entry over the outrageous Crystal Skull.
5/10
#4. OPPENHEIMER
I chose to see 'Oppenheimer' before 'Barbie' because my Queen, Lynda Carter, said to as "Barbie lives in the world Oppenheimer created."
Not a huge fan of Nolan. Perhaps the only films I've watched of his are Batman Begins, TDK, Dunkirk, Interstellar and Tenet. His previous film, 2020's Tenet I found to be enjoyable albeit INCREDIBLY self-indulgent.
I primarily wanted to see this film because of Florence Pugh, who unfortunately has been stated to only have 6 or so scenes in a near 3 hour film.
Ludwig Göransson doing the score and Hoyte Van Hotyema as the cinematography is always a plus.
While the film didn't get nearly as big marketing as it's pretty pink rival, the amount of YouTube adverts I've seen is crazy. Not to mention the constant trailers in previous screenings that counted down to the release date all last year (EDIT: turns out it was for the anniversary of the bomb dropping).
*
While it was engaging at points (mainly during the development and test of the bomb), I could definetley feel the 3 hours slowly pass by.
The detonation of the Trinity was absolutely crazy and was directed expertly by Nolan, the countdown build-up was nail biting and waiting for the explosion noise was very intimidating. Not to mention the terrific sound design.
The conference after the test showcasing Robert's inner feelings towards the world impact of the bomb was borderline horror film esque, walking through burnt/decayed bodies and seeing the victims.
The ending to this film reminded me alot of 'Babylon', only in a more negative and harrowing light. Manny saw the big future of cinema, but Robert saw the daunting future of war.
Cillian Murphy's performance as Oppenheimer was spellbinding.
Florence was 100% the highlight of the film for me, alongside Ludwig and Hoyte.
6.7/10
#3. MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: DEAD RECKONING PART ONE
I've been moderately looking forward to this for the past 2+ years. Mainly because of Hayley Atwell, Pom Klementieff and Vanessa Kirby. This is not only the first M:I film I've saw in the cinema but the first one in general.
It was pretty funny that for over a year, the only official still of the film was the motorbike off a cliff/ramp stunt, it was even used as the film's "poster" on the Cineworld app.
*
The coolest thing about my experience with this film was the IMF Letterboxd skit that played when I published my review.
The film itself was alright, INSANELY exposition heavy. The set pieces were pretty cool and all felt intense and unpredictable even after seeing the trailer numerous times before. The train sequence was very creative, scaling up the toppled carriages featuring kitchens and seating areas. For a 30 year old franchise, this 7th film is crazily relevant and unfortunately topical with the inclusion of A.I voice/imaging as well it being a race to find a destroyed submarine.
I do hope they tone down on the Dutch angles in Part Two next year, though I know the series is known for them.
Hayley, Pom & Vanessa were the absolute highlight and saving graces of the entire runtime, immensely disappointed they never shared a framed all together. Came close to tearing up whem Pom's character died.
Since Pom's exit was in this film, I guess I'm just watching the sequel just for Hayley and Vanessa.
6.3/10
It was pretty funny that for over a year, the only official still of the film was the motorbike off a cliff/ramp stunt, it was even used as the film's "poster" on the Cineworld app.
*
The coolest thing about my experience with this film was the IMF Letterboxd skit that played when I published my review.
The film itself was alright, INSANELY exposition heavy. The set pieces were pretty cool and all felt intense and unpredictable even after seeing the trailer numerous times before. The train sequence was very creative, scaling up the toppled carriages featuring kitchens and seating areas. For a 30 year old franchise, this 7th film is crazily relevant and unfortunately topical with the inclusion of A.I voice/imaging as well it being a race to find a destroyed submarine.
I do hope they tone down on the Dutch angles in Part Two next year, though I know the series is known for them.
Hayley, Pom & Vanessa were the absolute highlight and saving graces of the entire runtime, immensely disappointed they never shared a framed all together. Came close to tearing up whem Pom's character died.
Since Pom's exit was in this film, I guess I'm just watching the sequel just for Hayley and Vanessa.
6.3/10
#2. Barbie
This was my final cinema trip of July 2023.
Personally, I only wanted to see this for Margot Robbie starring as the titular doll and Billie's featured song. Nothing else really interested me.
*
Deeply moving, somewhat funny at times but insanely colourful. Overall enjoyable.
The main pair of Barbie and Ken were casted perfectly. Margot is obviously incredible beautiful throughout the entire runtime and Ryan is, just Ken.
Billie's song was used in such a poignant and powerful way.
The production design in Barbie Land was impeccable and felt true to the Mattel Icon's world.
Greta Gerwig should continue doing these fun films.
7/10
Personally, I only wanted to see this for Margot Robbie starring as the titular doll and Billie's featured song. Nothing else really interested me.
*
Deeply moving, somewhat funny at times but insanely colourful. Overall enjoyable.
The main pair of Barbie and Ken were casted perfectly. Margot is obviously incredible beautiful throughout the entire runtime and Ryan is, just Ken.
Billie's song was used in such a poignant and powerful way.
The production design in Barbie Land was impeccable and felt true to the Mattel Icon's world.
Greta Gerwig should continue doing these fun films.
7/10
#1. Elemental
Out of all the Pixar films that've came out this decade, this is the only one I think should've went straight to Disney+ (going off the adverts/synopisis) and release the others to theatres. The beyond beautiful 'Soul', comforting 'Luca' and energeticly fun 'Turning Red' all deserved theatrical runs.
*
The 'Carl's Date' short that played before the feature was quite disappointing. The shorts work better when there's very little dialogue, akin to 'Bao'. The ending was extremely heartwarming though with Carl talking to the picture of his late wife.
'Elemental' was surprisingly beautiful, couldn't believe I was getting emotional over friggin' talking chemicals. Insanely colourful and the scenarios/world-building was very creative.
The rumble I got from the screen after Ember's first explosion was crazy. Dreading to think what 'Oppenheimer' will be like in a few weeks.
I loved how comically Wade cried. Mamoudou Athie and Leah Lewis had brilliant "chemistry" throughout the entire runtime.
Fun film with an excellent original score to boot.
7.5/10
*
The 'Carl's Date' short that played before the feature was quite disappointing. The shorts work better when there's very little dialogue, akin to 'Bao'. The ending was extremely heartwarming though with Carl talking to the picture of his late wife.
'Elemental' was surprisingly beautiful, couldn't believe I was getting emotional over friggin' talking chemicals. Insanely colourful and the scenarios/world-building was very creative.
The rumble I got from the screen after Ember's first explosion was crazy. Dreading to think what 'Oppenheimer' will be like in a few weeks.
I loved how comically Wade cried. Mamoudou Athie and Leah Lewis had brilliant "chemistry" throughout the entire runtime.
Fun film with an excellent original score to boot.
7.5/10
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