Media
Thought-provoking and entertaining media I’ve enjoyed this year:
()
I definitely need a re-watch of this one and probably to read a bunch of reviews by people smarter than me to understand the underlying message better.
()
An enjoyable and lighthearted film that brings some funny scenes but doesn't quite capture the nostalgia I still have for the Toy Story character. I did find myself pausing from my work to watch a few particularly funny scenes, which is a good sign of an engaging movie. A good contribution to children's animated movies.
()
A strange and captivating film that hooks you from the start. With laugh-out-loud moments and powerful messages, it leaves a lasting impact. However, the latter half feels slow and incomplete, struggling to fully execute its source material. Despite its flaws, this unconventional movie provokes thought and prompts reflection, making it a worthwhile, albeit imperfect, cinematic experience.
()
An absolutely superb film, the best I can recall seeing in recent years. Gorgeous visuals, a magnificent soundtrack, a career-best performance from Blanchett, and a wealth of painstaking research into the nuances of the musical world converge to bring a sublime experience for the viewer. The film asks many questions yet feels no pressure to thrust the answers upon us; indeed, much of the film’s value is found in the contemplation it stirs within the viewer after the credits roll. Given the intricacies of the subject matter and the unusual scenes in the final act, I highly recommend re-watching the film in order to bring another perspective to the viewing—suffice it to say this film is certainly more than the sum of its parts.
: S02 ()
Thoroughly enjoyed this unique series about managing a 1,000-acre farm while dealing with a ridiculous level of bureaucracy—it truly reaches an unbelievable level in season two. Really appreciated the change of pace this series brings and hope to see far more stories about niche hobbies and projects.
()
This film immerses the viewer in Spielberg's world of cinematic genius, taking us on a journey viewing life from his personal lens. This film offers a truly unique and refreshing story that sets it apart from the rest. Every shot is a work of art, demonstrating Spielberg's unparalleled creativity and vision. Captivating stuff.
()
Farrell and Gleeson are both excellent but the ending of this one was just too open-ended for me. I think the pacing through the middle third was probably the biggest drawback, though I must admit I think the idea of a friend simply not wanting to be friends with someone anymore is simultaneously a hilarious and heartbreaking premise. Not bad but sure to be a contentious one for viewers.
()
A bit of fun. A relatively easy watch with a few good twists. I predicted the ending but I think most people will be able to. Not bad overall but still 6/10 for me.
()
A couple of good scenes but on the whole did not enjoy this one - not really sure why I thought I would. Can’t recommend.
()
I just couldn't get into this one. It is fundamentally a story about the familial bonds and a marriage seen through the eyes of a son, but I found the story boring despite solid acting from the majority of the cast. Movies like this often feel like they require the viewer to be in the right mindset, and I have a feeling I just wasn't for this one.
: S01 ()
Excellent 4-part series, something different. Phenomenal cinematography and superb storytelling.
()
Tough but worthwhile viewing. This is a story about investigating the concept of 'assisted suicide' as a way to end life in a more dignified way, specifically focusing on those with terminal illnesses. Some courageous conversations and very profound ideas lie within. 7/10.
: S04 ()
Season 4 of this show was seriously impressive—improving upon every aspect of previous seasons to the point that I anxiously awaited each episode. The season ended extremely well and I will miss watching this each week.
: S04 ()
Enjoyable but got a little too artsy for me towards the end. Some very boring episodes where I considered giving up but pushed through. Pretty great finale but overall the season fell a little flat for me.
()
If you ignore the fact that a LOT of the time-travel elements don't make sense, this was a fun watch. I'll watch this kind of movie purely because Denzel is one of the best to ever do it. Recommend for an entertaining and easy sunday afternoon watch.
()
This game brought me a tonne of fun and I actually rate it higher than BotW - it laid such a solid foundation to build upon and I think this game allows for so much creative exploration and really feels pretty limitless. Highly, highly recommend.
()
Nothing special but an enjoyable watch, telling a good story at an entertaining pace. Always so interesting to see individuals who had the foresight to innovate yet were unable to adapt to change as time went on. A timely reminder that the world does not stop changing, and we must adapt or be left behind.
()
Ok, this movie RIPS. I had low expectations going in but this absolutely blew me away and I totally understand the cult following this film garnered upon release. Mark's energy is phenomenal and I was absolutely wheezing at the 20 takes with his uncle. Highly, highly recommend.
()
I'll be honest, I usually struggle with movies released before the 90s. This one was an exception and I was particularly impressed with the writing - it felt very authentic and believable despite the almost unbelievable circumstances of the film. A bit of a slow burn but in a really good way. Recommend.
()
This movie is straight up not good - felt like it was trying way too hard to be cool. Couldn't get into it at all.
()
Actually really funny. For a kids movie this was a quality sequel, and I don't even think I've seen the original.
()
A pretty average movie but exactly what I expected so it was nonetheless an enjoyable watch for a lazy sunday. Not much else to say except that I thought JLD was a great choice.
()
Every scene is absolutely gorgeous and I absolutely loved how clear and crisp the dialogue was in every scene - such a welcome change from the muddled audio we have come to expect in recent years. Despite dealing with some heavy emotional issues, this was an incredibly relaxing watch and I would highly recommend it for a lazy Sunday. The small cast does an amazing job of conveying deep and complex emotions and, while I didn't find myself completely hooked by the storyline itself, I felt as though I wanted to spend much more time with the characters themselves, a tribute to quality writing and acting. 3.5/5
()
Interesting one - found myself reading a lot of analysis and reviews immediately after this as there's certainly a lot to unpack. Beautiful and moving in some ways, though I didn't feel that this movie quite said as much as it could/should have - though I do always appreciate a more wrapped-up and spoon-fed ending than these types of films tend to deliver. On the whole this touched on some nice ideas about AI and family but I can't really recommend it to most. 3/5.
()
Wow, this was a biggie. I watched this in the cinema which I think is really the only way to go. I thought telling a movie through Oppenheimer's perspective was a really good way to tell the story of the Manhattan Project and the nuclear era. Nolan truly knows how to build suspense like no other.
()
Really good, lots of laugh-out-loud moments. A good message overall and Ryan Gosling was a stand-out acting performance from my perspective.
: S01 ()
So wholesome and really a tonne of fun to watch - absolutely binged this. What a great experience for everyone involved and such a unique concept! I hope to see more shows doing a twist on this style of show in the future as it really is so good to watch.
: S02 ()
Lazy scriptwriting and some boring performances (especially Selena Gomez) but I still find myself watching this one. Very cozy and easy watching but can't recommend it to others - just hoping season 3 spoon-feeds the viewer a little less.
()
Visually beautiful but I found myself a little confused by the end of it all. Dialogue was tricky to hear, likely due to the rate of words being spoken, which never helps.
()
Wow, this one took quite an unusual turn but I actually really enjoyed it overall. The acting is superb and I thought the writing was seriously impressive too. A strange one but recommend.
: S01 ()
Amazing! At times incredibly insightful but always so unique and funny, found myself binging this one. Recommend.
()
Not particularly funny or creative at all - I generally like Bill Burr but this felt a lot like 'old man yells at cloud' which I guess was the point. I know Burr is not afraid to pay out on himself, which I felt he did a number of times here, but most of my criticism is against the strawmanning of viewpoints he clearly doesn't believe in.
()
Unbelievable amounts of content in this one. The dialogue was definitely cringe-worthy but my partner and I got a tonne of value out of this together and it made for a great date night in. Highly recommend.
()
Didn't love this one. I thought the animation was great and loved the concept of the adventure, however I thought the whole plot revolving around the lost civilisation was weak and, at times, made no sense at all (how was the langugae lost if the people who spoke it were still alive?). Still a decent kids movie and was made in 2001 so I give it a little more credit than usual - 2.5/5
()
Surprisingly good, at least for the first two-thirds of the film. I thought the final third felt extremely rushed and made the viewers suspend a little too much disbelief but on the whole I enjoy movies revolving around power and politics, so I enjoyed this one.