In Retrospect: Evil Dead Rise

Alright, from the top!

Yeah it has been about three years since I've watched this and regardless of if the new movie is any kind of follow up, it's nice to watch this again. Still pretty fucking horrifying just on a conceptual level I can tell you that, and I am going to be rather bold here for a hot second and just say Alyssa Sutherland...best horror performance of 2023. Now I know David was really really good in Late Night With The Devil that year, but Alyssa knocked it out of the park. And indeed while the characters aren't super intelligent, the writing is solid enough which is something I feel is grossly needed in the horror scene. That indicates several things to me, they don't half-ass a script, they want you to be invested and engage with these characters, and it just makes for a better story overall. Sure there's some fodder to up the kill count, but our main family unit is pretty damn good. I don't need airtight plots and ingenious characters, and to see a even more modern lens implemented to an Evil Dead film after 2013 works great! It all feels like a necessary evolution to the series, I don't think it's trying to match or top the original trilogy but rather just stand on it's own merits which it does admirably. Alllll the makeup, gore, and effects still are effective and the cinematography is anything but dull or unoriginal lending to a very good modern horror film. And considering the fact I haven't seen shit in terms of promotion for Evil Dead Burn, hell I can barely describe the poster, and yet I'm still very interested to walk into that theater Friday goes to show what a total underdog series this is. I mean really think about the trajectory of this franchise and the standing it has in the horror community, and it's kinda unbelievable we're at this point! Even I'm not that die hard a fan of the series despite reviewing every film, but I respect the living hell out of it and as long as we keep getting gnarly and good stories I'm totally game to see a new one. The score still stands at 3 stars, 7/10, and fingers crossed for even better this weekend.

In Retrospect: Superman (2025)

So about a year later, how does it stack up?

I hate to say this with every iota of my being and every drop of blood in my body, but the hope has waned since seeing this in the cinemas. I remember everyone loving the new Superman, it gave them such an optimistic positive outlook in a world that was very dark and very grim. And I am blaming this solely on me, that while yes it showcases such hope and niceness that absolutely works in the film, I am not happy with the way practically anything is being run by government bodies and so-called "elite" individuals and nothing will satiate or asuage me other than retribution the likes of which even God or Satan could conjure. But I'll save my most vile of hexing for later. It still kinda amazes me just how much they really did shove into a 2 hour movie and YET it somehow works. You think on rewatch the flaws would become abundantly clear of having such a involved plot, more side characters than you can shake a stick at, taking a pretty bold stance on making Superman's parents kinda fucking bastards, absolutely using real world genocide as a basis for in universe conflict, and against all the odds and logic saying this should fail it comes out on top. That's a ballsy ass maneuver to literally kick off the new DC movie universe with so much stuff, but with tight writing, solid ass acting that still kept me invested and entertained, I'd say pretty good effects even if for the fucking life of them they couldn't direct a fight scene where the camera just stays still and yes ooh, ahhh, magical but I don't think it's too much to ask for the camera not to get topsy turvy at the drop of a hat. Minor quibble if I've ever made one and it isn't even terrible but guys, can you maybe not give the camera to a ADHD kid who just got into a 10 pound bag of sugar? I know what that's like because I'm ADHD as shit! But the weaving of the story works just fine, David is still goddamn Superman and while I'm frankly fucking over this comparison bullshit between the Snyderverse and the Gunnverse (comparison is the thief of joy), I still love Henry with his version of Superman, just like I love Brandon and Christopher, and I can safely say the future is in good hands for this character. I mellowed out on Rachel as Lois thank God, I thought she was a hardass and she kinda irked me but on rewatch girl's got a job to do and I ain't gonna slam her for that. Really great to see Edi as Mr. Terrific again, a true standout that I'm kinda proud the writers didn't just go for Guy Gardner even though that would have been the easy way out. Nicholas flip-flapping Hoult man, what a performance to make the most just pure asshole Lex Luthor in visual media and still be a credible antagonist despite being a bietch. Of course I got plenty of love for my boy Skyler as Jimmy, and Isabela ooh honey we need that kind of dictator dropping energy hardcore in this foul year of our lord two thousand and twenty-six, even Nathan who yeah Guy Gardner is a dick but he's an enjoyable dick (never thought I'd say those words but there you go). I'm totally game for Supergirl's antics even though she's a little shit sometimes, very happy I get to see that Friday! Music I still felt was kinda iffy on volume but the score by Jove still rocks, the effects are outlandish but fits perfectly with the tone, I'd be a damn fool to say this wasn't still a rock solid comic book movie in all it's lavishly ludicrous ways. Superman is a citizen of the globe so it's gonna be interesting to see the style difference and character difference between Kal and Kara. So I'll see you at the movies, and I'll boost up this score just a notch to 3 stars, 8/10!

In Retrospect: Mortal Kombat (2021)

I guess there's a reason this spawns from a company called MIDway.

I think my estimation has actually fallen since I saw this opening day. Like dude, I would gladly take the 90s film over this. And it took me a second to kinda articulate as to why, but the quality of this film overall is like if a Sci-Fi Channel original movie had an actual budget. This halfassed script, decent actors but not great characters, blank slate of a protagonist which makes me wonder why the fuck we even have him, the slightly off beat references that should be awesome but kinda make you roll your eyes when they happen, the effects which are passable, just everything about this leans so much into that direct to cable movie element which I have to say I've not seen in a considerably long time. Now I know, I know...it was a rough goddamn patch of time when this movie went into production and when it got released, I'm taking that into consideration and not trying to bash it too hard. Cause it's not a bad movie, this is nowhere near Annihilation but it ain't that goddamn good either folks. Best damn scene in the movie is the opening, it was investing, a notch emotional, had really good fight choreography, I loved it! I think the true nail in the coffin for this is our main character, may I ask why we just decided to add some guy who isn't a character in the games to be our focus and might I go one step further and ask why did you make him the most uninteresting nothing character? Poor Lewis Tan had exactly two things to work with, jack and shit. And jack left town. He's trying but there is nothing to this to the point where I almost feel offended for the guy, imagine you got cast in a Mortal fucking Kombat movie and you're just some...guy. Not Liu Kang, not Johnny Cage, not even Stryker! It's almost stunning how bland Cole is. Like...I gotta move on, I'm gonna be hear all fucking day. I will however say I do indeed have higher hopes for the second film, I truly do. It does look better. As long as they don't do stupid shit like in this where you drop Kung Lao in that undignified fashion, kill Goro in THE FIRST FRAKKING MOVIE HELLLLOOOOOO, and not even give us the shit sucking tournament on which this entire franchise is built upon, we'll be fine! Those are choices man, but they are not good ones! Holy fuckaroli it's like the longer I think about it the more the score dwindles. But hey, they at least didn't rush a sequel. It took them 5 years to get around to Mortal Kombat II and I will commend the filmmakers on that alone, all the time in the world to iron this script out, make the right calls, and craft a good movie. I'm not saying I'm walking in with the highest of expectation but I'm certainly walking in with hope. I however am leaving this film never to return. 1.5 stars, 4.5/10, I'll catch you tomorrow!

In Retrospect: Lisa Frankenstein

This is the strangest life I've ever known.

Literally two years to the DAY, we are back to talk Lisa Frankenstein! Spoiler alert I'm still mad about this movie, adore it, cherish it, spoil it, call it my darling, I am here for this movie. Which is funny because I haven't seen it since opening day so I was curious to know if it would still have as strong of a pull as it did before, and it took about 5 minutes to remind me why I love it so much. It is such an odd little movie in so many ways and yet I honestly couldn't laugh or love it any more! When I get a small headache from laughing so strongly and consistently which by the by, rare ass occurence, something clearly works. Kathryn Newton you goddamn gem, what a character to play and she nails it, I mean she just fucking nails it from start to finish. It's like watching the most likeable villain origin story in fiction, cause yeah she does kinda screwed up stuff and yet...I don't really mind. That probably says a lot about me, but God forbid a woman achieves happiness, identity, and romance. Cole, my guy, my main man, how could I fall for you all over again? The man doesn't have a damn line until the scene right before credits and I love him so dearly, flawless facial acting, how he slowly transitions from walking corpse to guy best friend to gentlemanly lover, is like witnessing a caterpillar into chrysalis and thence into beauty. Be still my heart, for if I speak I'll make a damn fool out of myself. I do have to say I felt so bad seeing Taffy being put through the ringer, like holy matrimony Liza Soberano could not be more preciously sweet if she tried, world peace would be a startling reality if more people had that compassion and love but she never crosses that line into saccharine personality or super bubbly, she still feels real and gyaddammit did I just want to hug her so bad. Such a rock solid cast and biiiiiig props to Zelda for being able to direct so well both in terms of getting the right performances but being able to play about with the camera, getting weird with it when called for and having some real nice framing. Now I know I'm practically gushing over this movie, it's frankly turning almost pornographic so I should wrap up quick, but it really is my kind of movie through and through. I mean I watch it and I have the time of my life, it puts me in such high spirits, and it makes me forget I'm more than likely gonna die alone one day. But that's okay, cause I get to live my life my way, love my way, and to hell with anyone who says different. 4 glowing stars, I'll bump this bad bitch to 9.5/10, and if the space gods are kind I'll have a little something for you before Valentine's Day.

In Retrospect: Wicked

Wellll I still enjoy it. Kinda.

Now, admittedly I feel like I was off my rocker putting this in my top 10 of last year cause I'm so split on it. Production wise, stellar, phenomenal, 10/10 visually! Story, oooh boy does it still grate on my goddamn nerves and I know the movie is saying a lot about prejudice, questioning authority, and simultaneously mocking and yet maybe encouraging popularity and shallow people. I get it, I understand it, still just seems like a slightly mishandled story considering you know...we're in the land of Oz. Allegory in fantasy is nothing new, but not every fantasy setting has to do it you feel me? It's really just the bitchiness and flat out bullying poor Elphie has to put up with, like girl I'd be sick of that too! Cynthia my darling, my beautiful star, I can confirm on repeated viewing your performance is still strong as a mountain and I can't honestly wait to see where it goes this Friday! Ariana still simultaneously drives me nuts and makes me laugh my ass off, I never really gravitated towards ditzy characters regardless of gender but Glinda for some reason just works for me so well. Will however state none of the songs really grabbed me second time around, closest we kinda got was Defying Gravity but you know that's our big fuck off emotional catharsis song so of course it has a higher standing, and I can practically hear the theater kids lighting their torches in the distance due to that remark to which I say unto you, we got a whole other movie that could change my mind so chill out. And yeah that's something I really gotta take into consideration, it's not a complete movie or experience until credits roll on Wicked For Good. And yes even despite my grumblings on the story and characters, I am strongly curious to see what could possibly come next. Like how much of the Wizard Of Oz will we retread? Will we see Elphaba become a much colder, darker, malevolent force? How the hell are the Silver Slippers gonna come into play cause as far as I know they belong to Nessarose and Dorothy has them by the time she returns to the Emerald City soooo are they really gonna kill off the protagonist's sister? It would be ballsy. So obviously I have interest still, I no doubt will see many pairings of black and pink, green skin and plain skin which is marvellous. Make movies events, you only live once. Did I friggin' call it or what on the whole costuming and production winning Oscar gold? I mean fuck the Academy Award's straight to hell you no film watching hack twats, but I love when I'm right (which is often)! I'm getting way off track here but you want opinions, you'll get opinions. So bottom line the production is more what keeps it at an 8/10 overall, if we judged purely on story this would actually be skirting a 6/10, but who the hell am I to talk? We gotta finish the damn movie first so I will see you at the movies!

In Retrospect: Nosferatu (2024)

Happy October!

Shit this movie's still really good! It was high time to see it again less than a year since entering the cinema on a cold Christmas night and I can safely say it has improved on repeat viewing. When a movie can make my jaw utterly drop 2 minutes in there's something special about it. I could get lost in the snowy night of this movie for a long time, my God what a visual masterpiece in my opinion. It really takes what was present with the Herzog version and it's nature filled landscapes and only elevates it, the sets, the costuming, the cinematography, it's all a little too damn good. Still just as friggin' horrifying as the last time, it was easy to get creeped right the frak out and it is effective horror even if being only somewhat visceral. Needless to say the performances even stand on stronger ground the second viewing, if anybody got just flat out snubbed for major awards it's Lily! My God woman you had such a great script to work with and your performance will not he easily forgotten for decades to come. Bill the impact you have left on this world and those freaky romantics even more so cannot be understated, an effectively unsettling and gruesome potrayal of the most famous (and best in my opinion) vampire cinema has ever known. I gotta admit it was fun to see Nicholas so recently after Superman and really does show he can play such a wide arrange of parts pitch perfectly. Willem, my guy, my main man, I'll never tire of seeing you in movies regardless of part and I'm thrilled you were a part of this production! Just...it really hammers the point home how finely crafted and handled this entire project was, there are few movies I laud so highly of being such expertly made and flawlessly interlinked from all aspects, to writing to music to worldbuilding. It shouldn't be this good but it just is! The appeal is still strong, the horror is just as rich, the apparent horniness I still don't greatly see albeit it has it's moments, even the drama felt so much stronger and present, if you haven't watched it since I can safely recommend another viewing. Hell even in broad daylight this movie still got under my skin, that's something I can so rarely say it's like seeing Bigfoot and Nessie on the same day kind of rare. A blood soaked shining example of modern day horror, and that trend will definitely continue next week as I catch up on other modern horror films that have cropped up on my radar. 4 stars, 9/10 still, I can't wait to share this whole month with you.

In Retrospect: Andor (Season 1)

Fashionably late or just very late, life is kicking me in the ass and this is just the show I needed.

So does the superbly acclaimed Star Wars series hold up on a second viewing? Was Tatooine originally a water planet? I have to say it was a very different viewing experience marathoning the whole first season, cause I was right there every week on original release date hanging on every action and word until Thanksgiving Day 3 years ago. I will fully say it does indeed improve, now that I know the plot elements I can focus on all the other bits, pay even more attention to the great acting, revel in the visuals from costuming to environments, dig deep into this dialogue, and get hyped for season two all over again. The unfolding events in Cassian's life is certainly a wild trip to watch in one fluid sitting, from being a two-timing scoundrel home, to pulling off quite possibly the biggest bank heist in recent galactic memory, to escaping one hell of a prison, to pretty much putting himself on the line in joining the Rebellion. Crazy! Diego Luna, love that man, gets so much to do and the writing enhances his already great acting ability. Stellan Skarsgård as Luthen Rael is easily the most interesting character and also has easily the best speech and that's saying something in this show. Genevieve ohhh my stars, I am going to be so insufferable watching season 2 mark my words because that woman is a walking treasure trove and despite my Imperial leanings my heart goes out to Mon Mothma, and reading Reign Of The Empire enhanced that severely, (Even though I still hate her husband, there's better people to marry...like meeeeee.) emphasizing the stress and sheer paranoia someone in such a position would feel. Denise Gough that's mah gurl in this series, hell to the yes for the ISB making the leap to a visual medium, and my lord there could be a masterclass on facial acting from Dedra Meero alone! Also need more Major Partagaz in season two, just saying. Still really rather despise Syril Karn than ever before, I mean who knows maybe the next season will give me more to where I will dread his demise but I doubt that. Also just want to shoutout Brasso, I took him as kind of a nothing character first time around but now I'm a staunch supporter and love the guy, he's a true real one! Also fully believe our man and king Andy Serkis is still alive and thriving as Kino Loy, I know we're not gonna get dick on his character in the next season but I have dreams damn it! And I'm so happy to see people gravitate so strongly and praise the shit out of this show, granted I haven't heard a lot of stories from non-Star Wars fans who watched it and loved it but I'm positive they exist, the reception couldn't be more glowing. That kinda has some cons to it, like annoying bitches saying Star Wars will never be this good again or they start comparing shows and bash anything else which I find just intolerable and I hex those fuckers like there's no tomorrow. Is it strikingly unique in the Star Wars universe with stellar practical sets, excellent writing, fantastic actors, and a tone that makes Rogue One seem like a skip in the park? Yes! But just enjoy the show, it's different but there's plenty of media in this galaxy that's great stuff. I had a wonderful time and, well being the nerdy ass white boy I am and knowing galactic history like I took a college class on it, eeuugghhh it's about to get rough. Jesus Christ this show is about to hit so different in this foul year of our lord two thousand and twenty-five. The revolution will indeed be televised. 4 stars, 9/10, a short microjump and we'll be back for the series finale.

In Retrospect: Sonic The Hedgehog 2

Alright I've made a bit of peace with it.

See this is really why I do these In Retrospects and honestly it's been a hot ass minute since the last one but it was time to watch Sonic 2 again. Yeahhh it still kinda has a tangent issue even if it's a relatively small one, but the plot does keep moving and while the human characters aside from Robotnik could have been written and utilized differently, they don't ruin the movie. The Hawaii stuff no doubt was compared to the Canto Bight scenes from Last Jedi, but like that sequence it isn't terribly long and isn't boring either. The dynamic between Sonic and Tails is really nice, the fragile alliance with Eggman and Knuckles is interesting to watch, the eventual shift with Knuckles makes sense and I like the fact he has the personality of an honorable warrior. Let's just be on the level right here right now, this is a movie for kids and that's exactly what they delivered so I can make a fuss or simply acknowledge that despite my big kid heart it doesn't all work for me and that's fine. I mean yeah, Jim and Idris are still undoubtedly the highlights of the film but that's not a besmirch on Ben and Colleen who still commit fully to the roles! I'll be interested to see if Sonic gets a bit of a character arc in the 3rd movie to go from a fully comedic hero to having a severe sense of seriousness that can be seen progressing film to film. I don't really want to trash talk the effects, because they're not bad at all but it is easy to see the strings as it were, but how else would they have implemented the game's art direction otherwise? We get to see so many nods to the games shown faithfully and with love, so I couldn't possibly give it good grief. Loved seeing the Chaos Emerald and super saiyan Sonic (Try saying that 3 times fast!), the various Robotnik robo-transports, a flat out Sega Genesis instruction manual, that's great stuff! One minor quibble that I just can't let go is, if you take the time and more importantly the money to buy the rights for songs why in the holy love of fuck are we just playing 30 seconds of it?? Just play the damn song! I want Robotnik's world domination playlist you sum'bitch, if frick fraking Walk by Pantera is track #1 you damn well better give me more! And yes I fully headcanon Eggman is a thrash metal kind of guy. Odd thing to bitch about but I go on weird tangents myself, so game recognize game. It's a decent video game movie and that's all I really needed from it. Will Shadow, my favorite Sonic character by the by, elevate this series and could we have a banger of a film hit this Friday? I'd be a happy camper if that was the case! So I'll bump up the score a notch to 2.5 stars, 6.5/10! And apologies in advance for not getting a review out for the Knuckles series, I do not have every streaming platform under the sun and frankly never will so I'll see you later on this week.

In Retrospect: The Rings Of Power (Season 1)

I'm not even done with season 2 and I can tell you the rewatch is worth it!

Granted almost every single aspect is like a knife twist in hindsight but still a damn good season. I mean for goodness sake if Charlie Vickers and his performance knowing what we know at the end ain't gonna do it for you, I really pity you. It's an eye opener no question about it, and having that foreknowledge of these characters, what they are about to go through, how much more we know about them improves an already strong season. 1st seasons are always setting that foundation to build upon, and while this is far from boring or tedious there was a reason they did this. Hell you could even argue season 2 is a slow burn but we gotta bide our time before we discuss that. Admittedly the dwarf storyline still holds much sway over my heart to this day and is still my favorite, no shock there I know with Rob and Owain putting the work in to make these characters not only come alive but feel like real people. I'll never shut up about them! Got a different read on Galadriel this time too, better understanding the flat out PTSD anger and tunnel vision that certainly didn't impede my enjoyment first time around, Morfydd still rocks and I will continue to say for any brain stem lacking mouth breathers out there that elves are not perfect and not above fault either, the truth hurts princess grow a wang and then sit on it. Adar is still #1 in my heart and while there will be notes on the character in the upcoming review I'll state right now that I really like both performances from Joseph Mawle and Sam Hazeldine, this is no slight against Sam but the emotions and vestiges of light that are seen in Adar are what made him the best character in my book. Still one of the most interesting and faceted original characters in modern fiction for my money. I just can't take my eyes off that norwegian black metal looking elf dude for a second. Also more props to Daniel Weyman as our totally unknown wizard, for a guy who only gets full sentence dialogue in the last flip flapping episode a lot of credit has to go to any actor that has to work with just body language primarily. And of course Sophia, my queen, my light, Disa I'd marry you myself if you weren't already taken even when you get mega Lady Macbeth near the end! I do appreciate also the balancing act of all the plot threads, true the Harfoot story is very much a side quest to the main Galadriel/Southlands stuff buuuut if we're being bold with honesty the whole forging of the Three kinda was last minute this season. Doesn't make it bad, it's just the truth. Mind you the level of detail and the practical effects utilized were a neverending treat to drink in, and ooh Amazon! Amazon! Why the hell are you not selling me merch and props and box sets Amazon! This is your show, I know the estate has to sign off on stuff, but come the fuck on Bridgette! You're sitting on a pile of treasure that would make a mithril vein look like two copper coins. Call me, I got ideas! I'm honestly thrilled to talk about the next season, and it's funny when I heard a Lord Of The Rings show was going to happen I was so feverishly against it until details came out about the setting taking place in the Second Age and I've been having a blast with it all. I've read The Silmarillion more times than I have The Lord Of The Rings so to see these events finally realized in some shape or form is a happy occasion. And I promise not to go apeshit and talk about everything come next review, I shall attempt to restrain myself. Until then my friends!

In Retrospect: X

Still pretty friggin' good!

I feel so justified doing a little marathon this week and watching these movies again! X dude, X. That shit is mm, just right. It's certainly more eye opening and even more appreciated if you watch it after Pearl. So I guess the paralyzingly fierce breakdown smile made Howard stick around for about 60 odd years, and it is so damn interesting to see that shift with these characters go from mostly innocent young lovers torn apart by the Great War to flat out serial killer married couple, it is just wow! Despite the heavy prosthetics used for Pearl and Howard you get a lot of emotion and readable facial acting, and I still fucking stand and applaud the movie Citizen Kane style for just taking the time and humanizing them. It would have been easier done than said to just make them a creepy old murdering odd couple, but we get just a smidge of insight into their lives and relationship and it makes the film a cut above the rest in my opinion. It's shot with love and affection in that 70s style but never loses it's modern cinematography footing, there's some good shots and great use of color from time to time. I am rather curious what the overall visual flair will be for Maxxxine, cause Pearl was Wizard Of Oz as all get out, X had more than a healthy dose of Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and I have no clue what the overarching homage will be but I'm excited. Hands down best scene of the movie still to this day for me is that brutal first murder, it is gruesomely practical but just the music and the lighting and the dance....whoa man. Not only did it send shivers down my spine in the bestest way possible, but there were tears welling up in my eyes and I cannot explain for the life of me why they did, I had no clue murder could be so beautiful. That's a weird sentence to say but I felt how I felt. It is goddamn art in my opinion from the neck stab to the van engine being shut off. There was a vision to this in all aspects, not to outshine or to reinvent the wheel, but to do it to the best of their ability. You wanna know what the one single friggin' thing I did NOT like about this movie was? I hated the posters and promotional images. Like really? That's all you had for the majority was a still frame of Jenna Ortega mid scream?? It sucks and I never liked it and I saw it way too often. You know an image that might catch my attention? That freaky ass silhouette of Pearl carrying a pitchfork like some wraith-like witch, that is awesome! And I'll level with you right here right now, I forgot what the ending was. I didn't know who was gonna live or die, so I was along for the ride one last time. I know, it's a little obvious but I had a lapse in mental faculties which let's be honest ain't nothing new here! Good times be had, I am never not in the mood to listen to some 70s baby making music, let's flipping do this Friday!

In Retrospect: Pearl

You absolute madman Ti!

Sweet friggin' lord this has lost none of it's potency in 2 years time, and I haven't seen it since it hit theaters mainly because I knew this day would come when the end would be near for this trilogy though I'll admit it hasn't left my memory that's for damn certain. But on the rewatch and knowing everything that occurs, I did get more out of it. I strongly believe a theater going or really just any first time watch experience is a reactionary experience, and the more you see a film the more you can read into it. The story of Pearl and how it comes to pass by the time end credits roll is simultaneously relatable and also just disturbing, because of how her character is potrayed you want the best for her in life even when you know it's just not. I'm not gonna get all psychoanalyzing on this or anything, but I get it I even sort of get why she pitchforks people, and the performance given is still the high bar if I've ever seen one. Mia my God, the raw emotion we get out of her here is truly striking and I can't wait to see what she brings to the table in Maxxxine! I did get a hell of a lot more out of her parents in this movie, not that they were bad the first time around but getting a chance to dig into just the state of mind showed so much more. The mom is a lot to handle and it does tip toe into slight Carrie territory at times, but the perspective of her and her life with a humanizing moment does make you feel at least a bit sad that she gets torched and kicked down some stairs. Likewise for the dad who big time props need to go to that actor, man didn't have a line and had to just body language that part and was so good at it, you can see the heartbreak and fear in his eyes when things go south and it packs a punch. I also just appreciate the fact it's a horror movie that doesn't really turn into a horror movie until about the halfway point, it's a slow escalation of events but that doesn't mean the suspense isn't present beforehand. You're almost constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop and she takes an axe to someone's face, it's very nicely done on the pacing side of things. Will fully admit though I thought the whole umm...scarecrow scene was later on, naw that weird ass shit was not even at the 20 minute mark. Granted you have my respect and bewildering admiration for not only going that far but finding an actress game enough to do it, so fair play to you ya buncha' weirdos. I've seen stranger, but not much! I am ridiculously curious what people think of this movie if it's the first one they see, most of us had the benefit of seeing X first so I can't imagine what people's impression is just going into this blind. Do they love it or hate it? Might need to research that. Ending shot still fucking floors me, not since Malcolm Mcdowell staring straight through my soul at the end of Caligula have I seen a final shot quite like that, and yeah that was an experience in the theater I can tell you that right now! It is an offbeat film but one I still very much enjoy and am happy to have watched again, the score remains the same with a 9/10, and now we travel onwards to X which again I haven't seen since opening day so this is a whole ass trip so stick around and I'll see you Wednesday!

In Retrospect: Inside Out

Alright, I'm back. Let's start this shit up.

Okay I am gonna try really hard not to be a jaded old bastard, but maaaan I haven't been to so many dark places in such a short amount of time. It's crazy to think it took almost 10 years for a sequel to Inside Out, however at the same time it makes a bit of sense cause look at it from the perspective of the kids who were anywhere between the ages of 5 to 10 who saw it the first time, they're in that hardcore teenage range or young adult age who can look back and chuckle at it all. Obviously I'm a bit beyond the time gap and indeed Inside Out made some existential and emotional crises pop up while watching but it's still enjoyable, it's beautifully animated, and it is funny at times but obviously people love this movie more on just the idea. How does your mind work? And how the film goes about explaining topics like how core memories are formed to how feelings on past events can change over time to even stupid little earworms popping up randomly is potrayed not only intelligently but charmingly. I mean I still have some serious shit to throw at Joy mainly just her bashing poor Sadness almost non-stop but it's a character arc, she betters before end credits but jeez. I mean I get it, I truly do. Oh how it is to be young and naive and not knowing how the world works! I still say the funniest part for me anyway is the red alert girl approaching joke, I nearly fell out of my chair laughing at that. Plus you know I'm older now, still just as jaded and broken as always, yet time is if nothing but a great pool of reflection and I'm not quite the same as I was when first writing that review back in 2016, so rewatching it I actually got more out of it I think. It's emotional, I think it almost follows that Soul standpoint where it's more made for older grown up folk than kids which certainly is no bad thing. So I can easily urge people even if you haven't seen this movie in awhile to give it another go. 3 stars from me, 8/10! I have no real clue where the story goes from here so I'm fairly pumped to finally see part two of this story. I don't think they'll go very far with the ahem, hey hey aspects of teendom but to see how they characterize a much more tumultous period of everybody's lives will be fascinating and no doubt entertaining to watch. Which surprise! That review will be coming out later today, true double feature style! See you soon!

In Retrospect: The Bad Batch (Season 2)

The end is almost upon us.

Absolutely wild to think The Bad Batch is wrapping up, granted I didn't think the show was going to go on for seasons upon seasons but it sure as hell hits different when it actually occurs. But has the opinion changed much since the initial review of this season? Not terribly I'll admit but a rewatch always helps consolidate your opinion and I enjoyed it just as much. I do say the second season is better but...more as a whole rather than a singular season, if you follow me. It is good but it's elevated because it builds upon the foundation of the first season, you get a continuation, you get to see events progress and characters have more time and material. Honestly I consider the first and second seasons to pretty much be equal in quality, not one having higher footing (Or should that be ground?) than the other. Still entirely steadfast in my opinions of best episodes, and while I am very excited for Tales Of The Empire I did want it more to be like The Solitary Clone episode, a more anthology take on different sections of the Empire but fuck it, I'm ready for those new stories all the way! And now with the grace of the passage of time we can talk spoilers at last. I'm not usually one to throw out predictions or theories for upcoming projects but seeing how Crosshair's story has evolved thus far I'm either thinking death by helping the squad or getting zombified into a Death Trooper shell, but regardless it is a very very good and compelling storyline for Star Wars. Admiral Rampart is a massive dick and his comeuppance along with hopefully his execution couldn't have come swifter, he is that microcosm of clone distrust and hate yet even though I am a supporter of clone troopers I also absolutely understand why they are getting phased out. One, to sever any last remaining ties of the clone war and the Republic. Two, you don't want to keep the guys around who killed their last generals I mean there are commands and orders to execute the Chancellor or now the Emperor. But it is pretty fucking sweet to see that initial Ralph McQuarrie concept art of stormtrooper armor be prevalent on screen, I'm just hoping we somehow see it go all the way and see stromtroopers wielding white lightsabers in some visual medium. I don't think it's any secret Hemlock is tinkering with cloning tech for our beloved Emperor Palpatine, I fully expect to see that come season 3 and have one more glorious excuse to extend my middle finger to all those sequel haters. There are better people out there fighting the good fight for that trilogy, and I'm just not taking the high road like them. The light was never my path. Speaking of tech, boy should have fully seen that coming! I knew something was up because Tech got a big upgrade in screen presence, one on one time, motivation and perspective, dude almost got a girlfriend for crying out loud, he got a tremendous push! Even with his last talk with Phee it felt more like a goodbye than anything, so seeing him take that dive for the team while not out of left field still had a punch to it. But until I see a body, I'm not saying he's gone. You cheeky buggers pulled that Darth Maul card once on me, a broken pair of goggles ain't cutting it. And by the way, I also ain't believing that horseshit about Omega having a sister, yeah she kinda has the New Zealand accent but what friggin' ever man, I'm betting she said it just to have a manipulation hold on poor Omega. Not buying it. Will season 3 remedy such reservations on my part and also subsequently be seen as an improvement by the fandom in terms of overarching story? I'll admit I would laugh my ass off if the majority of the last season was just Hunter and Wrecker fucking about on unrelated deadend jobs and only sometimes trying to find Mount Tantiss. I'm just giving you good grief Lucasfilm, I know you'll perform admirably. So tune in Wednesday for the whole last season review!

In Retrospect: Dune

It sure doesn't feel like 3 years since I've seen this film.

Don't really know why but it feels longer. Time moves at it's own pace and we see only a fragment of it. But the conclusion will soon be upon us and I knew I needed to get reacquainted. Failed miserably however in my statement to finish the book before part two comes out so that's my bad! I don't feel the opinion has changed much since first viewing, it's practically pornographic in it's design and scope like this is a costumer's/set designer/cinematographer's wet dream from start to end, and I was surprised how well the film's visual grandeur still leaped from my modestly sized televison set! I had a good handful of moments where I was struck by the visuals and just went, holy hell. Grand slam pick for a director on this movie, I mean there is a stark reason why Denis Villeneuve was the correct choice to direct Dune. I don't know if he's going to step in on Dune Messiah or Hrist even if that movie is going to get greenlit for production, so come what may I'm happy we have this movie. Though it's gonna be a looooong sit if they do a double bill or stitch both movies together into one full film, but for us people who are made of sterner stuff and can do extended cuts of Lord Of The Rings I think we can handle it. I paid a lot more attention to how the movie extends information to the audience, a tidbit I just learned about the 80s Dune film is that in theaters audiences had a legit cheat sheet of planets, terminology, and family names to help them out, and while this film doesn't exactly handhold you through in explanations it's easy enough to break it down to basic elements. Atreides good, Harkonnens bad, spice important, Empire is in control, bizzare magicks are at play. This is gonna sound very strange coming from me but I do not read fantasy or science fiction novels regularly, and what I mean by that is I do NOT tread the waters of any ol' fantasy book series or science fiction one off that isn't immediately recognizable. Your Lord Of The Rings, Ender's Game, Star Wars, Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy, Doctor Who, Harry Potter, Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep, those are all recognizable franchises. I cannot imagine being in 1965 and reading Dune for the first time, cause there is a lot of imagination and a lot of unique elements that comprise that book which still take inspiration from real world things. It's one in a million to be sure and is always interesting to learn about, in fact I just also learned of a documentary special detailing the creation of Jodorowsky's version of Dune that nevet got off the ground in the 70s so I'm throwing that in as a bonus this week. The acting still stands on solid ground and I'm wondering what all we'll see in the next installment given I've seen only a highly condensed cliffnotes version in the Lynch film. Dune is a bit of an anomaly regardless of medium and I really wish I knew if Part Two is considered an event film, a must see piece of cinema with a lot of buzz and attention swirling around it, I just don't know but I certainly hope it is because the visionary expanse and really and truly this passion project for the director deserves it. I'm not running out my front door to be the first in line for tickets but I'm walking with some optimism in my step and a intrigue to see how it is all potrayed and played out to the end. I love the visuals from the grandest of skies to the smallest detail of a costume, I love the score, I think the acting is good and serviceable to the story, the plot is actually rather easy to follow as long as you don't get bogged down by the jargon, and I'm really really looking forward to the conclusion! I'll bump it up to an 8.5/10 because I do feel I got more out of it this time. I still really want to hear that guitar riff when Paul conquers the worm, and because I'm a contrarian and do whatever I want I'm buying that damn popcorn bucket (I just think it's neat and different, don't make it weird). And I will see you on Friday on the dunes of Arrakis.

In Retrospect: Halloween Ends

This might get long.

Sooo what do we think of Halloween Ends one year later? Well if you go back and read my opening day review, I certainly didn't hate it, was vague on certain aspects, and I had notes to expand on. Watching it again has consolidated my opinion on it. You couldn't dream or ask for a more divisive horror film in the modern era and I wouldn't be a bit surprised if people were still split today, but that's kinda Halloween Ends. It is a mixed bag of different stuff so it's totally okay if you have mixed opinions on it. But I know exactly what people have grievances on, the lack of Michael Myers and the character of Corey which in and of itself is connected. Yes, Michael Myers is barely in it. It takes 40 minutes, a third of the film roughly for him to even show up, and he has about 4 scenes. I get it! I really get it, that seems bait and switchy as shit for fans of this series, you see a Halloween movie for Michael. There is so much to unpack I genuinely don't know where to begin here. Like it or not, Corey is our main character. Now Laurie has a place in the story, they don't sideline her like in Halloween Kills, and Jamie is great in this last bow. You may recall in my initial review I alluded to Halloween 5, specifically a pre-production idea that got scrapped where little Jamie Lloyd was going to be the killer after the cliffhanger of part 4, no Michael present it was just her offing people. Well they did it, just with Corey instead of Jamie. I'm mixed on this idea. I was one of the few people who liked what Kills did with the story and the mentality of Haddonfield, and they do push further into that territory. It's different, it's unique, and not half badly executed. You can see both the landscape of Haddonfield and the mental state of this young man in either a supernatural lens where the evil has infected and plagued the town and leaped or perhaps transferred from Michael to Corey, or you can just see it through a psychological lens where a lot of bad shit has happened to this town and this man and through so much trauma it starts festering and being destructive. That is interesting stuff that I've never heard of in film or real life where killings have happened and you examine the shockwave of it. Yet the question inevitably comes up of, but did it have to be told this way? Did we need Corey to be this surrogate serial killer? Couldn't we have just had Michael do his thing? My main question is, what was the intent? Cause with this movie, whatever details of the story and characters come up I can understand it...but only about half of it. There is a fair bit I do not get what they were thinking or trying to get across. Now I must repeat, I don't fundamentally hate the idea that Corey becomes a killer whether through psychological abuse or re-run of Jamie getting the evil rubbed off on her, but it has eventual hitches. I was scared shitless there was going to be barely any Michael Myers in this movie, but then the ending happened and I was content. But again, did it need to be like that? There is no black and white with this picture, there is no clear good or bad aspects because it's such an almost masterfully concocted mix of both! Every point I comment on has an addendum. What's funny is the movie almost is meta on it's commentary because it states at several points people either embrace hate or learn to move on, that evil can be an external or internal force a lá John Carpenter's tribe story, that evil never dies it just changes shape. Now some people could interpret all that as the movie trying to be pretentious, overly clever, and "deep", and others would see it as simple facts of this world that we see Laurie live in. Which do you stand on? I'm...in the middle. I don't like certain aspects and have questions on why they did what they did, but I also like a fair bit too and am happy they ended it. Oh yeah, let's talk the ending. Holy shit! Michael Myers is dead as shit, a brutal killing by Laurie followed by almost literal funeral procession, culminating in his body getting eviscerated by metal grinders. You don't get more dead than that! Beautiful! Perfect! They fucking finally ended it conclusively. You get a lot of points for that movie! And if nothing else people can be shall we say selective of movie series, it ends at Halloween 2, it ends at 20 Years Later, oh Halloween 3 isn't a part of the series, etc. etc. So who says it can't happen here? Yeah Michael burned in the house in the 2018 Halloween, there! No further explanation needed. Head canon is neat huh. So take from it what you will. I still have respect for the filmmakers in going this direction even if not everything worked perfectly, they wanted to inject some intelligence and some new life into a very tired, broken down, formulaic horror series. There is nothing. Absolutely nothing. Wrong with that. It was not what people wanted for the big finale, but I can live with that. This is however going to be the first time ever that an In Retrospect has actually decreased the score, the new rating is now 2 stars, 6/10. You really can't have other people make the opinion for you on this movie, you just gotta see it again and make your own. Rob Zombie movie next time.

In Retrospect: Shazam

You know man, this movie has a lot to enjoy but it really puts me in a bad mood at the end.

I'm really trying here with all of my might not to just devolve into this cyclone, this maelstrom of anger and utter fucking frustration the likes of which even GOD has never seen so I'm going to attempt to just talk about the movie. Shazam has lost none of it's fun luster in the intervening 4 years, sweet Samhain has it been that long? And I feel I appreciated aspects much more than the first go around, in particular the whole character of Billy Badass because the whole point of Captain Marvel is you pretty much gotta be a virtuous, pure of heart, selfless individual to even obtain the powers of the wizard Shazam, but this version of Billy isn't as altruistic and much more just a teenage kid, dare I say a little shit at times. He's not a completely bad kid by any stretch, but he does have several moments of selfishness, cowardice, and emotional distance to people but the beauty of it is the movie is all about the arc. We see him grow, change, and become a hero at the end and it doesn't feel like a failed attempt at character growth or anything like that cause it's done well and not super in your face. And well the performances of Asher Angel and Zachary Levi did not hurt one bit, they are what makes the movie as fun as it is. Mark Strong in terms of villains for the DC movies may be low tier but he still cuts an intimidating presence and does quite well. I'm actually really happy Djimon Hounsou isn't dead as he appeared to be in this movie and he will return in Fury Of The Gods and I'm really interested what part he may play in that. What I'm also curious about is if they will decide to adapt that stupid ass decision of Mary Marvel turning heel like in Countdown To Final Crisis, hopefully not because some comic book ideas just should never be brought to the screen. As one last huge positive before delving into one aspect I wasn't keen on, Faithe Herman and her grown up counterpart Meagan Good still own my heart completely. They just have this infectious degree of cuteness and I am powerless in their wake, easily my favorite of the whole family group and the only competition is Billy himself. This may sound terribly strange to say considering the time period we live in, but I really did not like the seven deadly sin monsters due to one specific factor that they are all CGI. There was just something about this movie where it felt so flat and fakey, and this is coming from the series of films that gave us Doomsday, Steppenwolf, and not Cheetara from Wonder Woman 84, and I think I can pin it down to they're kinda gaseous creatures that can take a solid shape so there's no weight or substance to them despite some interesting designs. But that's truthfully the biggest mark against this movie. Well....god fucking dammit, I knowww I know, he was filming a different movie at the time but fuck me sideways it has aged poorly and like I said I'm trying here. It's not working in the slightest but I'm trying. Just why? He was there! You had Superman ready in the wings and you did fuck all!! You what, let some C grade television company have any fucking semblance of a stake in the future of your projects and company, decided to do a shake up, and pretty much shit canned a series that while was finding it's footing early on when it settled we actually got some good movies out of it but oh no wait, I'm sorry, we can't have that. He is GONE, my patience has snapped, you have no sympathy from me and all I can say is catch you later you disappointing fucking traitors! Waste of my time. I'm out. Good movie, happy to see it again, fingers crossed for the second but time is running out for this series it seems. 3.5 stars, 7.5/10!

In Retrospect: Creed II

I know some people consider this to be Rocky IV: Part Deux, but there's more to it than that.

If I'm being real honest I didn't ever expect them to pull out the Drago card this early, if anything between the release of Creed and before the trailers started coming out for Creed II, I figured the resolution of that 30 odd year conflict would be like the finale to the Creed series. Cause it really feels resolved but I feel not really in the way many people would think. This movie focuses almost exclusively on the drama aspect, these character's baggage, why exactly they want this fight to happen and I greatly appreciate the shift between the solution of these movies. Before the solution to Ivan Drago was to beat him down for the death of Apollo in an almost vendetta story, to defeat this massive oppresive Russian menace to our American boxing sport. But nowadays, it's just more complicated and I can truthfully see 2 points audience members can take from this: 1. This movie does not give clean cut reasons and explanations for why Adonis wants to fight Viktor Drago because I don't think even he has a full grasp on the answer. People love to have easy, clean, black and white reasons for things both in life and cinema and this movie doesn't give a lot of that. 2. There's no climactic TKO, the one punch that floors Viktor for the 10 count, it's through the history and actions of Ivan Drago that make him stop the fight. I can honestly see some audiences feel completely ripped off for not having a decisive winner. However! The movie goes out of it's way to add humanity, a little pathos, and the simple fact that anger and vengeance does not grant you victory through the father and son relationship of Ivan and Viktor. Rocky brings up that point with Adonis, that you can't let rage and revenge fester inside you and if you want to fight you need to have a real reason. Cause a lot happens for Adonis in this movie that progresses his character and defining of why he fights, he marries Bianca, they have a daughter, he moves to L.A., and he becomes the heavyweight champion of the world. That's a lot of life changing events in a relatively short span of time, and it by shittin' hell makes you think and act different in life. Rocky seems to be more on the mend and not as sick but you can tell a lot of pain, a lot of regret, and a lot of fear is on his conscience. Cause he got a bit of closure with Drago but he still lost his friend and it shows, to where he steps away from training Adonis. This movie just works so well with the emotional aspect of this story and these characters, I almost wouldn't call it a sports movie despite there being training and matches, it's not really the focus here. In some aspects I think this movie is greater than the first, the writing is great, the acting gets pushed further, and you get invested real quick because of it. Yet on the other hand, despite it being well shot it's not as well directed as the first, I actually forgot Ryan Coogler was shooting Black Panther at the time, the soundtrack was good but not as strong as the first, but those are truthfully small potatos because it still had it's moments to shine in it's own respect. It ain't bad, I'd be lying straight out of my ass if I said it was bad or even just okay. A very strong continuation and a great movie regardless. 4 stars from me, 8/10! Although I did have this slightly horrifying thought come to mind of, what if Creed III went the way of Rocky III and it just started to go a bit off the rails and get ridiculous? Cause there is a clear and distinct divide between the styles of the first two Rocky movies and Rocky III and IV, I love them all do not get me wrong, but that would be a twist wouldn't it? I highly doubt they would go that way but only time will tell come Friday.

In Retrospect: Creed

It wouldn't be a part of the Rocky series if it didn't make at least one tear fall.

I told you it was gonna be unorthodox. I feel I have to apologize though when I first reviewed this movie cause I feel I did it a huge disservice despite the praise I gave it way back when. It truly is more than just a repackaged Rocky 1, it is a goddamn great film in my opinion. If memory serves correct here I believe this was the first movie I ever did see Michael B. Jordan in and boy what a tremendous first experience, he truly does carry the legacy of Creed and I know Carl Weathers gave him some strong love and respect cause he really did earn it. Just the passion of Adonis involved for the sport, to prove he is his own man and not just Apollo's son, the relationship between him and Rocky, I mean it's just compelling even moving storytelling. It's pretty ballsy to make Rocky have cancer in this movie, but it makes every word Sylvester Stallone says that much more important and it is there with purpose. And that's the only real way I could describe this film, it has purpose, a drive, a reason to be. Cause through real world tragedy of Sly loosing his kid Sage, he didn't want to do this in the slightest but it was through the dedication and passion Ryan Coogler had for this series that he accepted, it shows in every aspect. This was no movie made for monetary gain or to give just one more film to the fans for the fun of it. There's a story worth telling, actors who make it come to life, and directed by someone who made it all happen as well as it did. You take as much as it gives, and if you step back and appreciate it all you'll find a lot to love. Just as one example, I was so immersed in it I never noticed just how many long tracking shots there are, the film crew have free reign with this camera and they go a while before they call cut which shows a highly professional film crew and actors who nail it big time. The movie has more emphasis on the training aspect which I love greatly, you could almost argue it's the point of the film, and that's one particular thing I think the Rocky series does better than any other movie. Anybody can have a training montage, but with these movies it is essential to the story and more importantly the character dynamic and progression. It tells the story without a single expository line, you need your Gonna Fly Now, you need your No Easy Way Out, you need Eye Of The Tiger, not for the kickass-ness of the song but for the character arc. It's just super well made and I know I can gush about it even longer than I have but I'll let the numbers speak for themselves. Since that was the dark ages before I adopted a score system, this will put it on record. Of course it gets a full 4 gold stars, I give it an 8.5/10, and next time will be my second viewing of Creed II.

In Retrospect: Everything Everywhere All At Once

I'm such an emotional mess.



Did this film just get better than it already was on repeat viewing?? Yep. We're 2 for 2 now with me being fucking speechless after witnessing all this again. I genuinely cannot find words to encapsulate my love and immense appreciation for a film like this. Oh sure I can try, but it all kinda falls flat for me. It's just such a dissection of life or more importantly the emotions and relationships formed through life, altruism versus nihilism, generational gaps, happiness, and the clear acceptance that life and the universe is finite. We just kinda needed a film with such a positive message in this day and age. Some people I'm sure say, Dude you're too optimistic. You're too forgiving. You're not critical enough. You find something positive in almost every film you review. What's the alternative I ask? There is an abundance of negativity and more often than not about things that quite frankly don't matter much. There are much more serious things to get pissed off at than a movie or a show I assure you. But this film brings such a mix of feelings and thoughts that boil to the surface to where it's just jumbled emotions and words, as humams truly are. I mean obviously the writing is stellar but the punch to it, the impact it leaves behind on you after the fact, comes from Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, and Ke Huy Quan. Can we just fucking stop and appreciate the shit out of Stephanie Hsu in this picture? Yeah sure, Michelle Yeoh is the bomb no question or doubt but Stephanie is the root of why this movie is as great as it is in my eyes. The emotion, the ideological stance, the tribulations she feels are what set the plot into motion yes, but there's much more to it than that. I've flat out seen individuals who hail from different cultural backgrounds praise the movie for touching on generation gaps and how the relationship between parents and their kids needs to change, have changed, should continue to be changed for the better. It strikes a chord in my heart seeing this story play out to where it's getting to the point where tears are being held back just so I can see what I'm typing. Ke Huy Quan is the heart, the optimism, the love that eventually saves the day, and I know people almost seem to be disgusted or at least apathetic towards positivity and happiness these days, something to be admonished or considered used for ulterior motives so it must be dismissed. But I know for a fact compassion is not weakness. The fact that it takes a stand in such a realm when faced with a quite literal embodiment of nihilistic and zero shits given about life, the universe, and everything, showing how optimism is not only necessary but encouraged to face life and all it's difficulties even when things are at their worst. My personal stance on that is, if human beings were never meant to be happy in the first place we wouldn't be able to compose the chemicals in our brain to feel so. It's just an uplifting story with a pro-life choice (not of the political sphere value but just to enjoy and revel in life while you have the time to do so). I can't nitpick it. I can't hate it. Is it the best movie I've ever seen in my life? Well, I certainly have more favorite films....but at the same time I'm not saying no am I? Beautiful, that's how I'd describe it. Totally fucking gorgeous. A must own movie in my estimation, in all my counter culture, open minded, optimistic point of view. 5/4 stars, 20/10, gold sticky stars abound.

In Retrospect: Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness

Please for the love of all that is magic, I better not have to wait another 6 years for the next Doctor Strange movie.




Not to say of course the wait wasn't worth it, I still very much enjoy Multiverse Of Madness but my opinion hasn't changed much since seeing it opening day. I think the movie has a solid plot that moves at a very good pace but I would have edited the sequence of scenes slightly different. Not really sure why there were so many fade to black moments like a made for TV movie but whatever, it doesn't hurt the film. What I did notice more this time around is, I would definitely say this is a movie that furthers the character arc of Stephen Strange. Obviously there was a big shift from the beginning to the end of the first film, but this movie progresses it even further with Stephen being more accepting of his emotions toward Christine, seeing other Doctor Strange's mistakes and learning from it, to be content with the life he has rather than substitute it for something "perfect". In fact the scene with Wong during the resolution I felt was immeasurably life affirming and something I'll take to my grave. Still feel completely apathetic to Wanda, hell more like I'm just over her shit and and have this contempt for her in all honesty. I'm sure I was supposed to see this as some horrible tragedy, that this character keeps losing and losing ones she cares about leading her to do some terrible shit but sorry (not really sorry at all though), she aggravates me. Which is beyond weird because my whole shtick is I'm a mark for villains, villains are infinitely more engaging and interesting than some goody two-shoed heroic ponce, but that is not so much the case for Marvel movies with ever so slight exception. But at the exact same time, I feel both this and Wandavision are more almost cautionary tales about living in denial when your reality faces a crushing blow and how you have to move on and better yourself, I understand that perfectly but woman.....GET OVER IT! Jesus H. jumping Christ on a fucking pogo stick! Elizabeth, may I call you Liz, you are acting your heart out here and performed amazingly, like strongest performance in this movie hands down! But oh my lord I cannot stand this character in any way. Awesome to see Chiwetel Ejiofor as Mordo, though a small part it is I hope we get to see him again soon. As for other familiar faces, let's discuss that shall we? So, did Marvel create the Illuminati? Cause I might need to punch them in the face for doing so, fuck your conspiracy theories and fuck your secret societies even harder. Humans. Why am I stuck with humans? I'm sure this was a pants jizzingly big moment for Marvel fans and while it was pretty awesome to see Professor Xavier in the yellow dodgem transport thingy, I can't fully attest my amazement at the other members, they were just kinda there. I can understand the sentiment however of introducing so many fan favorite characters for them to be axed not 10 minutes later, I know in the grand scheme of multiverses and the MCU it really doesn't matter much but even I was kinda surprised and a touch disappointed at that turn of events. But I got way more positive things out of this than negatives for sure, from magic casting and dimension jumping to overall direction and character moments, it still stands firm and easily is one of my favorites of this franchise that I sense is significantly losing steam. It only took 15 goddamn years apparently. DC isn't holding much high ground either at this point, I'll be amazed if even Shazam 2 gets to theaters at this point. I'm pretty much turning my back on comic book movies these days, I'll stick with the older movies and call it quits. And on that disappointing bombshell it is time to end, very good movie that I still give a 7.5/10 to, and I will catch you tomorrow.