Matthew’s Letterboxd Watchlist
Sorry I’ve not released something in a few weeks. This is a catch up after a period where I’ve not had time to write up and record about the films (as well as watching fewer films). Not everything on the list has detail because it’s not worth it.
The Free World
Remember that talk I had with myself about trusting my instincts? I didn’t do that here – the film sounded pretty empty, but Elisabeth Moss is a great actress whom I always enjoy. I suspect I should change that to ‘enjoy on TV’, because whilst at times there was a thrilling intensity to this movie, largely it didn’t land any of the points it wanted to.
Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure
One of my favourite movies from my childhood, I was excited to get to cover this on Pop Culturally Deprived. Another great conversation about how the film is incredibly enjoyable despite its many flaws. I was really pleased with how it stood up to being watched almost 30 years later.
Deep Web
This Alex Winter-helmed documentary had been on my list for a long time, since hearing him discuss it on the Nerdist podcast. It didn’t disappoint, and actually became a different story than I expected it to be. But if you like an insightful documentary that comes with strong emotional resonance this is for you.
The Dark Knight Rises
Another movie being covered for Pop Culturally Deprived. It’s not the best of this trilogy, and easily runs too long, but there are elements to this film that are really well executed. Anne Hathaway in particular is fabulous all the time she’s on screen, it’s just a shame we get too little of her and too much of Bruce Wayne in a pit.
Shin Godzilla
Sky Cinema had a good week with the next three films all released this week. I enjoy a good monster movie, and Shin Godzilla might be one of the best I’ve ever seen. It completely updated the ‘monster as nuclear weapon metaphor’ to something impacting modern Japan, and carried the issues with an aging country and government incredibly well, using them in pointed fashion at times. Some of it was slightly hammy but that helped it be more enjoyable, otherwise it could have come across as too-serious or preachy.
Alien: Covenant
I always want to say I’m a fan of Alien movies, and by and large that’s true for the first four. But I didn’t enjoy Prometheus (only seen it once so that may change on a second watching), and I was praying this might hold some redemption for the series. Alas, not. I struggled to understand why this movie exists – it wants to develop the mythos of the creature and universe, but largely didn’t add anything. Even the actual Alien/monster sequences were a greatest hits from previous films, so as an entry in the series it fails on many points.
The House
This looked bad and silly at the same time, which pretty much sums it up. Yet there were a couple of moments that I genuinely laughed out loud at. Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler largely do the thing they often do, but occasionally the film did something unexpected (and not shown in a trailer!) and there was humour and interest to be found in those moments.
Aladdin
One of the best animated films ever. Check it out.
Rough Stuff
Letterboxd lists this as the most Most Obscure film I’ve watched this year. Enjoyable and silly.
The Odd Couple
A good first half which ends up not knowing how to finish itself. Worth watching for the performances.
Rough Night
Also started well and tailed off. Some good comedy but I’m troubled by the casting of an American as an Australian with no real reason.
How To Be Single
Funnier than Rough Night, some interesting takes on being in a couple.
Orbiter 9
Really good sci fi.
Ghostbusters II
Good sequel, not great.
Gifted
A simple story told incredibly well.
Newsies (The News Boys)
Kept forgetting it was a musical, which made it better.
Avengers: Infinity War
You’ve probably seen this already. It’s good. Would love to hear about it from someone who’s not seen the rest of the series.
The Dark Tower
So very average.
Tremors
Good b-movie fun.
Kramer vs. Kramer
Really well told and good performances, but feels like it’s problematic.
Parenthood
Great comedy.
Blazing Saddles
Another great comedy.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Good but dark and slow.
Boogie Nights
An interesting story but stressful.
Ted
A recommendation, I think I missed the point.
xXx: Return of Xander Cage
Terrible, avoid.
Girl Flu
A very original and well-told coming of age story.
Logan
Really great, every time I see it I remember more that was very well done.
Zero Dark Thirty
Surprisingly good, although perhaps a bit too pro-torture and anti-system.
Blood Simple
An okay Coen Brothers movie.
I Am I
The first Kickstarter I backed that took a very long time to deliver, and it was okay
The City of Lost Children
Proper weird
Logan Lucky
Strangely charming heist movie with some interesting performances
Silent Movie
As expected, had me in hysterics
The Hudsucker Proxy
I was unprepared for how good this was. The off-kilter oddness is what I expected from Brazil, and I loved it. A slightly formulaic ending notwithstanding this is a great film
Suburbicon
I felt like we were missing a thread through this to show who was the protagonist, as we seemed to be in several people’s POVs and I wasn’t sure who to really root for
Barton Fink
A really interesting study in something, with some truly great performances
Blow-Up
I can completely see why this was such a classic, but it’s very of its time. You can see how many film-makers love this style though, its influence hangs heavy having seen it
Die Hard: With a Vengeance
Still my favourite of these films, I love everything about this
Miller’s Crossing
Possibly the best neo-noir film I’ve ever seen, it took a while to get going but I loved this
Recommendations
Week 15 – I was expecting to enjoy Shin Godzilla as an updated take on the original franchise. But I got so much more than just a ‘modern Godzilla’. The discussion of the government’s response to disasters, the international community working together, and the building of a team to deal with the monster all added to a traditional monster disaster film. Godzilla itself was a terrible creature of destruction, with a central moment that blew me away in how they amplify the powers of the monster in a way you can understand and appreciate. I’d definitely recommend everyone to check out this film.
Week 16 – Aladdin. Still one of the best animated films ever. I need to do something about the quality of Jafar.
Week 17 – Gifted. It didn’t have much more going on than the core story but all the performances were really good and I didn’t know what was going to happen as it went on. (and I don’t need to recommend Infinity War right?)
Week 18 – Parenthood. Steve Martin heads an amazing ensemble with a huge mix of stories that are each very interesting even if they’re not perfect.
Week 19 – Logan is possibly a superhero movie we don’t deserve, or the studios don’t deserve, after the appalling earlier efforts with the character
Week 20 – The Hudsucker Proxy took me fully by surprise. Jennifer Jason Leigh is outstanding and would be worth the price of admission alone.