Split Review (2017)

Split

  So let me start off saying I'm not a huge fan of M. Night Shyamalan, which means my expectations going into this weren't very high. I did want to see it though because I love James McAvoy and it got pretty good critical reception. 

  On a technical level, Split really flourishes. It's seamlessly directed and edited. Another thing that really worked for this film was the acting. James McAvoy (one of the most underrated actors in Hollywood) gives one of the best performances I've seen from him. In the hands of another actor, this role could have easily been laughable, but not only is he terrifying, he also can be funny, cringe-worthy, and even sympathetic, all at the same time.

  I've been watching out for Anya Taylor-Joy since The Witch, and apparently with good reason! Her, her friends, played by Haley Lu Richardson and Jessica Sula, and McAvoy's therapist Betty Buckley, were all were terrific. Solid acting from the cast as a whole. 

  While Split had all of the ingredients for a good film, Shayamalan always has to ruin it. It's not enough that McAvoy's character has 24 personalities and kidnapped 3 girls, no, he has to throw in some ridiculous twist that swipes the movie right off it's feet. Of course I saw it coming the whole time, the movie was building towards it. Unfortunately though, when it hit, I just couldn't take Split seriously anymore. There is a second sort-of twist at the end of Split that has critics and audiences torn on whether the conclusion makes up for the climax, but most people probably won't even understand what the conclusion is. This is not the audiences fault either, it's directed for a certain group of people who have prior knowledge outside of the film itself. You'll understand what I'm talking about if you choose to see it, and you should. Split is definitely (Worth Ticket Price) 6 out of 10 stars.

Hidden Figures Review (2017)

Hidden Figures

  Nothing makes me happier than seeing black women in a movie where they aren't playing a slave or the help. In Hidden Figures, we remember three brilliant women who history decided to forget.

  Hidden Figures is one of those movies that really reaches any age-demographic. It's a feel good, crowd-pleaser. It's not groundbreaking in terms of storytelling, in fact it's very paint-by-numbers. That said, it's solid. Solid acting, solid story, solid pacing. It's uplifting and charming, but to be honest it never hit me on an emotional level. It felt like a movie I'd seen a hundred times before and liked, but I don't think I'd want to see it again. Hidden Figures is a very safe film that doesn't give you a lot to critique technically, but also doesn't really blow you away either. As soon as it starts, you have an idea of where it's going and it does just that.

  It kind of upsets me that Hidden Figures is in the best picture category at the Oscars, when movies like Nocturnal Animals and Edge of Seventeen totally got snubbed. Don't get me wrong, I like this film, but it's probably not one that I'm going to buy or remember. 6 out of 10 stars (Worth Ticket Price)  

 

Patriots Day Review (2017)

Patriots Day

  Patriots Day is about the Boston Bombing, the investigation to find the terrorists, and the people who survived. Now let's get into the review!

  I genuinely was moved by this film, but I did have some problems with it. For starters, I am not a fan of shaky-cam directing and Patriots Day had a lot of it. I know that supposedly adds to the chaotic, suspense aspect of the film, but I personally just find it annoying.

  Another thing was the character development. At the opening of this film, we are introduced to every character involved in a Valentine's Day like fashion. When they wanted to build empathy for a character, they'd show them talking to some girl they like, or cutesy couple shots that just felt somewhat contrived and unnecessary. I would have preferred they give us two or three protagonists and really layered them. 

  What I really liked about Patriots Day is how respectful it was of the event as a whole. They really stuck to what happened and captured the heart of Boston City. I also liked that they never demonize the terrorists, but they also don't sugar coat the horrors of what they did. It was such an interesting contrast to cast these two good looking boys, who don't come off very threatening, and then to watch them commit these awful, devastating crimes that affected so many people. 

  The actual bombing scene is extremely harrowing. They really built up the tension beforehand so when it hits, it's like a punch to the gut.  Definitely bring the tissues for this one.

  Despite my critiques, I really enjoyed Patriot's Day. It was well paced, inspiring, emotional, and straightforward. 8 out of 10 stars (I'd Buy It)