I wanted to start keeping track of all the movies I watch each month that I don’t get to write reviews on, and I figured this would be fun. I’ve been trying to watch more movies recently, and this year has been pretty good for me so far. Here are the movies I watched in July 2022.
Spree (2020) - 5/10
Definitely was inspired to watch this after finishing up Stranger Things 4 because of Joe Keery. This is pretty on the nose in terms of societal commentary, and I found the writing to be extremely lackluster and cringey at times, but Keery himself carries this entire movie with his screen presence; give him more roles!
Rome, Open City (1945) - 5/10
Watched this for film class on a very early monday morning and definitely was struggling to keep my eyes open. I didn’t care for anything that was happening, and I barely remember most of the movie as the majority of what interested me came at the very end. I felt as if it couldn’t decide if it wanted to be realistic or melodramatic at times, but I suppose it ended up dabbling in both - which is fine - I just didn’t care so much for it.
Searching for Sugar Man (2012) - 7/10
A shocking true story that was really interesting to watch unfold. I had never heard of this documentary despite it being an academy award winner, and was pleasantly surprised by the story it told. I’d highly recommend this to anyone who doesn’t watch many documentaries, as I myself don’t, but this truly held my interest and kept me invested until the end.
Breathless (1960) - 5/10
Phew, this was really not my thing.
Like at all.
The first five or ten minutes were kinetic and full of personality, and I was actually really excited to watch the rest of it unfold, and then… sigh. This thing really is breathless, it’s still and is composed like its high art when I could not care less about what’s going on with the characters. The main character is quite possible the least likeable character I’ve ever seen in a movie, and by the end I was truly relieved it was over. Had a good score though?
Double Indemnity (1944) - 6/10
Started this in film class and was actually intrigued enough by it to finish it on my own time, and it didn’t disappoint. Full of twists and turns, I thought it was going to peak in the beginning of the second act, but it actually just got better and better. The main guy saying “baby” repeatedly had me cracking up, and it didn’t help with the already cookie cutter love story, but I let it slide. Amazing and memorable score as well.
Evil Dead II (1987) - 7/10
I was expecting this to be amazing and was slightly let down. I love the first Evil Dead, and honestly I still prefer the first one over this. It was slightly repetitive in some of the scenes compared to the first film, but with a bigger budget. I’m sure I’ll rewatch this someday and my thoughts may change, but for now I’m excited for Army of Darkness.
Also what a crazy way to end a movie that didn’t get a sequel for half a decade.
The Terminator (1984) - 6/10
Crazy thing about me: Terminator 2 has been one of my favorite action movies for years, and I had never seen the first one all the way through until this month. It’s nowhere near as amazing as Judgement Day, but Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor’s journey to become one of the most badass female characters of all time is cool to see. Also the practicality of the Terminators themselves is glorious to watch and still holds up today in horrifying delight.
The 400 Blows (1959) - 7/10
One of the many French New Wave films we had to watch for my summer film class, and surprisingly I enjoyed it. I feel like a lot of these films lack substance, and are just about French people showing everyone else that they’re “smarter” and better than everyone else, but this one actually had some substance. The story was easy to latch onto, and I like the idea of a relentlessly flawed protagonist.
Get Out (2017) - 9/10 (Rewatch)
One of my favorite movies, I rewatched with my girlfriend to get ready for Nope. She liked it quite a bit I think, and I was happy to show it to her. It’s one of those movies that I don’t get tired of no matter how many times I watch it, and I’m super excited to see what Peele does in the future as he never disappoints.
Heathers (1989) - 6/10
A movie that my girlfriend showed me that I had never seen before, much to her surprise. This was very eighties, and was nearly towing the line between being a little too absurd at times, but I think the more you lean into the absurdity and corniness of the concept, the easier this is to enjoy. Christian Slader’s JD will go down as one of my least favorite movie characters of all time though, I don’t know if I’ve ever disliked a main character so much in my life. Jesus.
Volver (2006) - 8/10
I wasn’t a fan of either The Skin I Live In and All About My Mother by Almodovar, so I honestly wasn’t excited to watch this for class, but I was genuinely surprised by the originality and heart this movie had. Penelope Cruz was fantastic, and the story kept me engaged and interested throughout the whole time. I didn’t truly appreciate this until it was over, but it’s been swimming around my mind ever since.
The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972) - 6/10
I had to have someone explain this to me because I was too stupid to understand it, but once I did and all the bits connected, the idea of the movie itself amused me enough to float this above average for me. Couldn’t care less for the tired and bland characters, but this never ceased to surprise me at every turn and be utterly ridiculous at times.
Cleo From 5 to 7 (1962) - 4/10
Another French New Wave film, and this one didn’t click at all for me. Cleo herself might be the most pick me girl character I’ve ever seen in a movie, and I couldn’t care less about her or her journey. As a fan of film, sometimes I just have to accept that what might be considered fantastic by others, just won’t do it for me: and this is pretty much a shining example of that. Yikes, sorry Agnes Varda stans.
Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) - 4/10
You can read my full in-depth thoughts on this movie here!
Us (2019) - 9/10 (Rewatch)
I’ve watched this movie so many times and everytime I watch it I think differently of it. This time around, I couldn’t deny the sheer originality and artistic vision behind the creation of the concept; and I was locked in. It’s so reassuring to know that Jordan Peele is out there in the industry, making original and exciting films, and I can’t wait to see what he does with Nope.
The Gray Man (2022) - 5/10
You can read my full in-depth thoughts on this movie here!
The Raid (2011) - 6/10
The beginning of this movie was so incredibly strong. The tension was so high wire, and everything felt so fast-paced. When Act II rolls around though, this movie loses an incredible amount of steam, and unfortunately, continues to do so even more in the final Act. The stunt work on display here is immaculate, although it can get slightly tiring after a while, but I can’t deny the prowess both in front and behind the camera in this movie.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) - 9/10 (Rewatch)
This movie emotionally affects me like no other. I can’t help but cry everytime I watch it, which is something I really can’t say about any other movie. It’s original, it’s mesmerizing, and the visual language this movie tells its story through is a real creative spectacle.
Guava Island (2019) - 6/10
A short but sweet little movie that I wanted to watch both for Donald Glover and Hiro Murai (Atlanta). I would love to see Murai get a full length feature just to see what he could do with it. This is really creative, but at times felt like a bit of a Childish Gambino commercial more than anything. Visually stunning, and a very vibey watch overall.
Nope (2022) - 9/10
You can read my full in-depth thoughts on this movie here!
Thanks for reading guys! So you next month!!
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