MOVIE | DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE (2024)

Copyright Disney Australia

There is so much hate as much as love toward this movie, and there's even a debate about whether Deadpool and Wolverine a proof of Marvel's downfall after all this time. I'm Switzerland in this situation, to be honest. As I got older, I couldn't care less about these things, probably? 

As a long-time Marvel fan (you might want to take a look at the drop-down menu, I literally have a Marvel category and you'll see why I said I'm such a nerd), and somehow learn how to enjoy the film as it is now, I'm going to be really honest. 

Deadpool and Wolverine is an entertaining movie. That's it. It's such a fun ride to see one or two or more cameos appear in this movie, classic Marvel jokes, classic Wade jokes, and once again see how silly and chaotic Wade was. 

However, if you think about the storyline, the whole MCU thing and the easter eggs, I honestly can't defend this movie. The storyline is somehow predictable, bland and boring. And how is this movie going to tie in with the new MCU phase? I have no idea. The only thing I can think of is, first, this movie brought back so many old Marvel characters - some are those who have already been introduced who will have their stand-alone movie(s), some will be remake(s) and there is a possibility to what we know as alternate universes. 

Am I disappointed? Not really, honestly. It is 9.5 in terms of how entertaining it is. I kept laughing and surprised during the movie and enjoyed every bit of it. It is a solid 4 if we talk about the storyline. 

What do you think about this movie? Let me know!

MOVIE | WHAT I WATCH THIS MONTH

Gosh, I haven't done any movie reviews for ages! I was either too busy, too caught up with life, or too depressed :')
Anyway, the month of July was such a blessing for movie lovers! We got three long-awaited movies. THREE!
Ok, first of all, the hype for Barbenheimer is so hilarious. All the tweets and memes are so ridiculous I love them! Feel free to send your favourite memes to me ;)
Second of all, the behind the scenes for Mission Impossible are so damn amazing! I love watching the filmmaking process, so fascinating! The part when Tom Cruise asked the director for him to redo the motorcycle off the hill scene is so insane - like he was so chill about that while the director was holding to his dear life starring at the actor in disbelief.
Anyway, here are my short, spoiler-free reviews for Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning (pt1) and Barbenheimer. Enjoy!

MOVIE | LITTLE WOMEN (2020)

Copyright Columbia Pictures

"What does Amy call you?"
"My lord."

Little Women is an adaptation (and also a remake from Armstrong's Little Women 1994) from Louisa May Alcott's masterpiece with the same title. Written and directed by the talented Greta Gerwig, this movie centred in four beautiful March sisters, Jo (Saoirse Ronan), Meg (Emma Watson), Amy (Florence Pugh), and Beth (Eliza Scanlen) who are coming of age during the aftermath of the civil war. They're surrounded by the poverty, hard times to securing work, education, and dealing with a lot of injustice toward women at that time. 

This movie came out in 2019, however, it's not arrived in Indonesia until February 7th. So it's a little bit annoying but it is what it is. It was a long wait but dear God, it's worth every second. Standing applause to Greta Gerwig for successfully bringing back one of the most loved classic movies to the cinema. 

What I love about this movie is how fun and light-hearted it is. This movie obviously has some sad aspects that meant to make you feel and understand what these characters are going through. Women at that time dealing with the status issue, because of all the society cared about was women marrying rich men, got their named and wealth so they could support their family as well. It was, of course, rough, not every woman wanted that kind of life. Some wanted to marry for love, some wanted to pursue their dreams first before making a big decision to marrying someone. That's what happened to the March sisters. They all have dreams, they're trying to make ways but life is not always as smooth as they planned.

Everyone in this movie is great! The cast is an absolute dream. The chemistry between the March sisters is undeniable. Saoirse Ronan is once again delivered a beautiful work, as well as Timotheé Chalamet as Theodore 'Laurie' Laurence who became the centre of affection for some March girls. Laura Dern as Marmee is also beautiful, and also Meryl Streep as Aunt March. Every character compliments each other. I'm so in love with everyone here. 

The cinematography in this movie is also really pretty. The colour palette coordinates with the costume and makeup really good, as well as the setting. It's time periodically accurate. Which reminds me of how the 1994 version did. There are some scenes that are really pretty and visually pleasing such as the dance scene, the wedding, and the painting scene is definitely my favourites.

My only complaint about this movie is how the timeline switches so fast and at some point it kinda blurry where we are, is it the present or the past. It keeps going back and forth like that. You can tell by how the hairstyle and the colour palette but again, sometimes it is too similar and it takes a second for you to realise where the movie is. 

Overall, this movie is truly a beautiful work of art. It plays with your emotions, at times it is a heartwarming Chrismas movie with all the warmth, goodness and kindness, the true meaning of a celebration. But, there are other times that make you hard to breathe because it's devastating and cold. 

What do you think about this movie? 

Love, Vera

MOVIE | 1917 (2020)

Copyright Universal Pictures

The story about World War I seems never finished. There's always more behind the story, more behind the story's story and so go on. Like most of the war movies, 1917 did not focus on characters, it focused on the tale, on how it told and how it received. Back in 2017, Christoper Nolan's Dunkirk came out and that was the first movie about war that I did not flinch a bit. Although Dunkirk told the story about WW II, both movie has a similar storytelling wise. The filmmakers wanted us to be emotionally there without attaching our feelings to one or two characters. 

I'm so amazed with the cinematography in this movie! 

Sam Mendes' Spectre memorable opening scene was a legit success. That opening scene was so beautifully shot that the audience believed it was one shot. In 1917, most of the scenes are that tracking shot. That kind of camera work made the audience felt like playing video games because most of the time we were behind someone's back. It worked. 1917 has nevertheless the most beautiful cinematography in war movie theme. The colour palette, the camera work, the movement, even the close-up, everything was perfect. It was done beautifully that I was very sure it was shot one time only until I watched the behind the scenes video. If Mendes did not get enough appreciation for this kind of cinematography, I honestly lost faith in what so-told movie lovers wanted. 

Story-wise, 1917 reminded me of Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan. The way sets of corporals, Schofield (MacKay) and Blake (Chapman), searching for a brother, in a special quest to save a thousand lives. Either way, I love how 1917 did not let us attach to characters longer. I love a war movie that purely tells the truth (I guess we never know) about what actually happened, gives us insight on how the soldiers cope up with the emotional issue, how the battlefield looks like. 1917 gave you a simple storyline with heaps of troubles on the way. 1917 was dense with the atmosphere. Every time they stepped on a new place, I felt so uneasy and scared for them, there was always something went wrong. 

Thomas Newman's score was also providing more intensity and story to the plot, an eerie yet beautiful back sounds, the sound mixing for the sound of water, wind, leaves, and branches. Everything was born ready to give you an insight of battlefield horror. Music plays a fairly important role in a movie - there was always that one noise that ruined the entire atmosphere of the movie, however I did not find a single flaw in this movie. The story, the cinematography, the music, the acting, and directing, they complimented one another and that made a beautiful movie to watch. 

Sam Mendes' 1917 reminded you of every single war movie that you've ever watched but thousand times better. It is an astonishing film with a simple storyline. 1917 felt like wasn't a movie but an experience. 

Love, Vera

MOVIE | MARRIAGE STORY (2019)

Copyright Heyday Films; Netflix

This movie is really mind-blowing! I never thought a story about two people who are going through a divorce could be such a beautiful love story. It is about divorce, while in the process of separating, these people managed to stay as a family in a way that none ever thought it would be possible. 

I never had a divorce, so I don't know any of this process nor I understand it. I haven't married, yet. So, again, I don't understand what it feels like to be truly in love, married your loved one, and then separated. This movie helped me understand the divorce and how you actually feel about it. In a way, this movie makes me reflect back to my last breakup, which is a catastrophe, and I can relate to both characters' feeling. 

Back in 2010, we got to see Blue Valentine, which was really good as well, however, that movie showed you mostly about the caused and the fight on both parties while Marriage Story is more like the process, the feeling, and the healing. I'm sure the divorce process will be different in each country, the legal process must be adapted from the country's own laws. But, the point is, this legal process is really exhausting both mentally and physically, which also expensive. As if you don't have time to grieve, or to think through once you decided to get a divorce. 

The centre of the story is both characters. We get their own time equally and that's a really beautiful way to show how you can't decide who's the villain and who's the victim here because they both have the ups and downs that you actually can relate or at least, imagine and understand what it feels like to be them. How real and raw the characters are as if we watch two real people talk or even fight. 

This story makes us, audiences, feel and understand because of the power of both actors' acting. This is simply the best acting I've seen this year. Adam Driver who played Charlie and Scarlett Johannsson who portrayed Nicole. I don't remember when was the last time I was this awed by how an actor or actress act on the screen. If the awards don't recognise and appreciate this level of acting, I don't know what the awards want. 

Have you seen Marriage Story yet? It's available on Netflix since December 6th! 

Love, Vera

THROWBACK MOVIE | EP. 7: TWILIGHT (2008)

Copyright Summit Entertainment

So, this is not a regular throwback review, but I thought it would be fun to share. Last night, I rewatched Twilight and I had so many thoughts. Like, seriously, I'm an adult now, most of them were so different from what I thought when I was a diehard teenager Twilight fan - Twihard. 

1. The first scene was on spot dramatic - talking about death already!! 
2. I almost forgot how extremely awkward the conversation between Charlie and Bella was. All the darn time. 
3. I actually love how natural Bella's makeup is. I barely see any, probably just tinted moisturiser, eyebrows and mascara? 
4. Ew Jacob, put that wig down! 
5. The 'Bella's first day at school' was pretty much the typical first-day scene at high school on every America's teen's drama/rom-com. The new girl, the It-girl, the It-boy, the talker, and the shy girl. Ugh. 
6. Also, Twilight is the peak of 2008. 
7. HAHA, Anna Kendrick! 
8. Ooh... here comes the Cullens! 
9. Of course, the It-girl was the one who explained everything to the new girl. OF COURSE. 
10. But, tbh, good introduction.
11. HOT DAMN EDWARD!
12. I still remembered how excited I was to see Edward for the first time. Low key still is now.
13. Edward's first reaction was hilarious: he acted as if Bella was smell really bad and then dude stared real hard. Like, Edward, chill, you're a weird man!
14. Can we appreciate how Twilight soundtrack went harder than it should be? LIKE DAMN!
15. Also, Robert Pattinson is so good in this movie - franchise, period. Even in a plain grey shirt. 
16. Have I mentioned how beautiful the Cullen family was? Yes. They were like on the top gorgeous vampires. 
17. The empty, grey sky, deserted beach. Why do you even want to go there? 
18. The 'cat' guy! Why is he looked so familiar? 
19. Okay. So, the reveal scene was kinda... odd! What if Edward wasn't a vampire but just normal, seventeen-year-old? What if he was just messing with Bella and acted so weird to get her attention? Can you imagine how hilarious it would be when out of nowhere for one second Bella thought he was Superman and the next minute she confronted and said he was a vampire? Gosh, Bella. You watched too many movies!
20.  "My own personal brand heroine" and they were just met two weeks ago? 'Kay. 
21. Man oh man, Edward in a blue shirt. Thank God for the wardrobe team. 
22. Charlie Swan is iconic. Yes, is. 
23. Bella was a real, dumb, teenage girl. First, she fell in love in two weeks to a 180-year-old vampire. Second, she was willing to come to a house full of vampires? Third, she was also really great at making a bad decision from one to another. 
24. I like how the fight scene was badly staged. 
25. So funny that Bella's parents were kinda okay when Edward (and the Cullens) blamed everything on her clumsiness. I mean, felt of the stairs and crushed the windows? Wow. 
26. Praise to whoever chose Edward's entire wardrobe. He looked so good in that suit!
27. I love the dance scene with the beautiful song from Iron & Wine. So sweet yet romantic. 
28. Oh, love me some twist in the ending! 
29. I forgot how cute the credits were!
30. You know what, no matter how dumb this movie was, I still love it ;) 

Ps: of course I'm watching New Moon after this! 

Love, Vera

MOVIE | THE KING (2019)

Copyright Netflix

Directed by Australian director, David Michôd, The King is a historical drama based on Shakespeare's play titled Henry V. As a Netflix original movie, I'd say this is a high-quality movie that we always need.

As a historical tale, this movie is a very enjoyable one although they are still using classical language with Shakespearean dialect. As someone whose first language is not English, I can understand most of what the characters say and even pick up some French too (although I did not understand any of it, I can hear them clearly). I assume it is safe to say that The King is a contemporary spin on the poetic, classical play. 

This movie focuses on the evolution of young Prince Hal (Timothée Chalamet), the firstborn with the reputation of his drinking and partying habits, mostly avoiding his responsibilities, to become a great King after his father died of illness, King Henry IV (Ben Mendelsohn). 

Timothée's portrayal of debauched young Prince to fearless warrior King is truly iconic! The openness of his character's emotion is fascinating to watch. The ability to make a connection with the audience with his eye gaze when he is looking or thinking, or even when he's doing nothing, is just pure talent. 

Storywise, although this movie has a relatively complicated plot but it is still enjoyable and interesting. Some scenes are too great for their own good. One of my favourites is the battle. It starts with Prince Hal's speech and dear Lord, the speech is so beautiful it hurts. Knowing that in this battle - in every battle, there will be blood and death, the young Prince is very encouraging and honest to his people. He did not ask them to battle for him but for the country. This is also the best of Timothée in this movie. 

The King is also pretty funny for a historical drama. The funniest scene is when the Dauphin (Robert Pattinson) shows up and out of nowhere mocking Prince Hal's genital (I'm trying to make this blog PG-13, okay). With his strange but funny French accent, Robert is just perfect for this role. For God's sake, he's about to play Batman and in this movie, he's a total idiot! I'm so glad I'm alive in this era, truly. 

However, in 140 minutes runtime, I feel like this movie still need more important and interesting content rather than what it has. Some scenes can be difficult to watch, some are just unnecessary, but overall it is a nice, enjoyable historical drama. 

Love, Vera

MOVIE | PEREMPUAN TANAH JAHANAM (2019)

Copyright Rapi Films

Sepertinya aku gak perlu lagi menjelaskan kenapa aku nonton film yang juga dikenal dengan judul Impetigore ini ya. Aku penakut tapi kok bisa-bisanya nonton film itu? Ya gimana dong, sutradaranya Joko Anwar. Enough said.

Sesuai dengan hasil vote di instagram-ku, ulasan kali ini adalah ulasan bebas spoiler. Sebenarnya agak sulit sih untuk menjelaskan kenapa aku suka film ini secara umum, bagian apa yang bisa lebih baik dan bagian apa saja yang luar biasa kerennya tanpa spoiler. But, we'll try. 

Adegan pertama film ini rasanya seperti kilas balik ke tahun-tahun di mana jalan toll masih sepi - mungkin karena malam ya, tapi percayalah, sekarang bahkan tengah malam pun tetap rame! dan booth-nya masih dijaga oleh petugas Jasamarga. Aku suka dengan cara Mas Joko memperkenalkan karakter utamanya, Maya (Tara Basro) dengan cara yang sederhana tapi memorable. Selain itu, adegan ini pun jadi kunci untuk apa yang akan terjadi selanjutnya. 

Kalau diingat-ingat (karena aku lumayan sering menutup mata atau menonton disela-sela jari), cerita film ini sederhana kok. Cara penyajiannya saja yang luar biasa dan dibumbui dengan plot twist yang bikin bergidik. I always love plot twist, aku rasa tidak mudah membuat sebuah film yang memiliki plot twist tanpa merusak ide orisinal. Beberapa film gagal  menghadirkan rasa greget dengan plot twist, bukannya membuat penonton semakin penasaran atau tercengang, justru membuat kesal. Perempuan Tanah Jahanam menghadirkan plot twist dengan tidak terburu-buru dan sebenarnya sudah dibangun sejak adegan pertama saat Maya masih menjadi pegawai Jasamarga. 

Selain itu, Perempuan Tanah Jahanam juga bukan tipe jump scare movie. Walaupun backsound-nya bikin bulu roma berdiri dan tone film yang cenderung earth tone dan gelap, sepanjang menonton aku gak menemukan adegan jump scare yang murahan. Yang membuat aku menutup mata justru adegan-adegan yang gore. 

Lalu, apa yang membuatku takut setengah mati sampai sulit tidur? Ceritanya. The way people think and decided what to do next in this movie is scared the shit out of me. Pola pikir manusia yang sulit di tebak memang lebih menakutkan dari setan ya. Film yang menakuti mental seperti inilah yang menurutku film horor yang sukses. Jump scare itu takutnya hanya pada saat itu saja, kalau sampai mental yang kena, sungguh aku beberapa hari jadi paranoid. It attacks your mind!

I also want to talk about one specific character in this movie that will be haunting me forever, Nyi Misni (Christine Hakim) adalah ibu dari Ki Saptadi (Ario Bayu). Nyi Misni ini sejak awal memang karakter yang misterius sekali, bahkan dari gerakan matanya! I literally have no clue how to explain how great this character is without giving out spoilers. Setiap kata yang keluar dari mulut Nyi Misni rasanya seperti mantra, as if she's ready to end your life. Buatku, Nyi Misni adalah karakter villain terbaik di film horor yang pernah aku 'temui'! 

Kamu sudah nonton Perempuan Tanah Jahanam belum? 

MOVIE | JOKER (2019) - SPOILER REVIEW

Credit to Warner Bros Pictures

The pre-released hysteria of this movie was insane. I didn't even realise when it started but my twitter timeline went crazy and most of them said "Jokes is too violent for viewers," or "It triggers mass shooting..." and such.

Those comments made me terrified. I don't like watching movies that have heavy violence scenes or gore, or thrillers. They are not my thing. But I love Joaquin Phoenix in every movie he's in, he's one brilliant actor! Back to last year when I came to MIFF 2018, I watched You Were Never Really Here directed by Lynne Ramsay. That movie was very hard for me to watch but I went anyway because I want to appreciate my favourite actor and I want to see the different side of him portraying such a complicated, dangerous man.

So I went to see Joker anyway because why not?

I only watched the trailer once and that's it. I didn't know why, but earlier this year, I just stopped watching trailers at all. I found this way I did not have any expectations and when I don't have them, I won't get disappointed or less disappointed.

To be frankly honest, I have mixed feelings about this movie - not that kind of mixed feelings when you love and hate it, I feel strange because I'm all about against violence and yes, this movie has some violent scenes in it, but I do enjoy this movie. I love how they sort of created the early life of Joker which I'm pretty sure we never had before. I love the fact that Todd Phillips, the director, just made his own universe without really making the connection with DCEU or Nolan's universe. I love how they focused on the different side of the story instead of the horrible things Joker would do.

This is a spoiler review. I will share my thoughts and interpretations of this movie. If you haven't watched this movie, you probably don't want to read this review but if you don't care about the spoilers, it's up to you.

MOVIE | AD ASTRA (2019)

Credit to 20th Century Fox 

Let me tell you, this is a psychological, science-fiction movie. It is really hard to follow, and yes, drained me emotionally. I'm actually at an absolute loss for words. I feel like I just went on a sort of a spiritual journey that I can't explain. 

Before I watched this movie, I did not watch the trailer as I normally do. I saw the movie poster and saw Brad Pitt and I'm sold. That's it, I'm going. So I didn't know what's this movie about and I had zero expectation. 

Ad Astra is not a typical science-fiction movie, which usually big things happened in space or tell you how to survive in the space. This is not. So if you expected this movie would be something like space travel, you might hate this movie or just, disappointed. 

I love this movie. I love movies that make me feel something and Ad Astra definitely did. 

This movie focused on a character rather than the action sequences or the science-fiction itself. It shows you the emotional side of an astronaut like what it feels like to be up in the space with zero gravity for more than 60 days? I don't think there's a movie ever tells you about this side. I probably missed it, but I believe this is the first movie that shows us the downside of being an astronaut, their depression and anxiety, their ability to cope up with responsibility and their own lives. It is really tough! 

And that film focus is a credit for Brad Pitt. He is extraordinary in this movie, everything about him is just so great and deep. Personally, this is his best performance. He is brilliant in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) but there's something really different from his performance in this movie, something so special and really touch the audience emotionally.

Ad Astra gives something fresh and unique in the film industry especially when it crafted so beautifully like this one. I can't explain how beautiful the cinematography is. It was one of the most beautiful movies I've ever seen in my entire life. From one scene to another is just so smooth, calm, and so relax. I honestly felt like I was on a journey to find peace within myself.

I understand this movie is not for everybody, there are some strange things happened in this movie and they were not quite fit into the movie logic. Ad Astra is not a perfect movie but it is something different in terms of the science-fiction genre. 

Have you watched this movie? If so, what do you think? 

Love, Vera

MOVIE | MIDSOMMAR (2019)

Credit to A24

Walked into the theatre, I was very nervous and excited at the same time. Since his debut, Hereditary (2018), Ari Aster was one of my favourite directors. However, there's a bit of drama about this movie in Indonesia. Midsommar almost didn't make it through the cinema because of the film sensor according to Indonesian Broadcasting Commission. Cult, violence, and sex are some of the taboo topics in Indonesia movie industry. Well, not gonna talk about that.

Midsommar is a slow-paced movie because it takes a while until things actually happening. This is also one of the most beautiful cinematography I've ever seen. The colour palette is off the chart gorgeous! Everything is bright, white, and almost reach to the point that it is calming and relaxing.  This is a treat for our eyes. Until it's not.

This is a nightmare in the bright sunlight.

Like Hereditary, this movie also set up with how to cope up with loss and grief. The main character, Dani (Florence Pugh) losses her entire family in a terrible and horrifying homicidal. I don't consider it as a spoiler because it occurs before the movie title, but I'm not gonna talk about it more. This is a set up to the entire movie. Dani has a terrible relationship with his boyfriend, Christian (Jack Reynor) who is no longer in love with her and then the family thing happened. For Dani, everything just falling apart. So, when one of Christian's friends asked them to go to Sweden to visit his family, it looks like a perfect gateway for her. 

But I have to say, this movie processes the relationship theme better than its grief theme. I find this movie forgets about the grief theme because it no longer connects to the following events. In term of the relationship, it portrays almost accurate when two people are no longer find the benefit, not necessarily toxic I think, it's just doesn't do any good for both of them and they're trying to find the excuses for it. 

Narratively, this movie has a simple story but an elevated presentation. Some scenes are pretentious but overall, this is a psychological horror movie that really works. Like Jordan Peele's Us (2018), I left the theatre with an uneasy feeling. This movie is a disturbing one, no doubt with great performances from the actors. However, the characters in this movie are like objects. We don't have a connection even after the movie ends. They're relatively likeable characters but I don't feel what they feel in this movie. Some of the scenes in this movie have the potential to build up the character development to audience connection, but then it changes in the next scene so strangely that we don't understand what is this person doing. 

Hence, movie production is the best. The cut, the score, the audio, the visual, everything is just so perfect! There's one scene in this movie, which also one of my favourite scenes in terms of cinematography when people are dancing in the circle and the music is faded then back to normal again and then faded again, following the eye movements of the lead character, I think that's so gorgeous! And then when everybody sits on the dining table, ready to eat, the camera shots from above and it shows everyone on the frame. The way they take their cutlery is like a domino effect. Start from one person and spread out to everybody in a synchronized movement. So gorgeous! 

Overall, I like this movie. I can't wait to watch the uncut version of this movie even the director's cut!   Yes, this movie has so many violence and gore scenes and those forced me to close my eyes tightly, but I love Ari Aster's work, so yeah. 

What do you think about this movie? 

Love, Vera

MOVIE | TOY STORY 4 (2019)

Copyright Walt Disney Studios & Pixar

I don't even know how to begin. This movie, oh gosh, so funny and sad and fun! It adds beautiful, fresh feelings about a relationship between toys and human. Toy Story 4 is the fourth movie that we never expected because in the previous movie, Toy Story 3, we kinda got some sort of ending with Andy was an adult now and he gave his toys to Bonnie. We never expected that we will have this legacy to watch how Bonnie goes and how Woody and everyone does. 

I kinda grew up with Toy Story franchise. The first movie was out in 1995 and I was 3 years old at that time so I didn't watch that movie when it released. I watched the first and second movie when I was at the first grade and it took me more or less 9 years for Toy Story 3 (2010). I was on the year 12 when it came out and it hit me that when I'm finished high school, I'm an adult, just like Andy. And I was crying, so hard on the theatre. It was a strange feeling to grow up with a character in a movie. It was a strange coincidence that I was on the same age with Andy. Now, I'm an adult and I wasn't expected to cry over the fourth movie. But I did. I cried harder than my sister who's 13 years old. 

Toy Story 4 is just as beautiful as we expected. The story goes really well and smooth. The introduction of new characters is very well portrayed and there are some surprises that I also did not expected from this franchise. One of the surprises is this movie has some horror vibe in it. I don't won't to spoil anything but oh my god, I kinda afraid of that dummies. But I guess, because this movie is really funny, the horror is less scary than it should be. 

I love the ending. I guess that's the best way to end this movie, no matter how sad it is but that's the best and that's what each character deserves. 

Ps: Keanu Reeves in the movie. Yes, surprise! 

Love, Vera

MOVIE | SHAZAM! (2019)

Copyright Warner Bros

"Say my name!" 

Shazam! is a story about Billy Batson (Asher Angel) who suddenly encountered with a wizard (Djimon Hounsou) and gave him his power. This power changed him into a superhero named Shazam (Zachary Levi). I have to say I don't know much about the story itself, or the character. This is the first time I heard about the character. So I was very excited to see this movie when I watched the trailer for the first time. 

It was hilarious! The humour in this movie was the thing that I'm most surprised the most. This movie was focused on the life of Billy Batson who figured his past and also the current time with his new self as Shazam. It was so funny whenever he and his roommate, Freddy (Jack Dylan Grazer) tried so many things to find out Shazam's power. There were so many references to Superman and Batman, this movie probably a new addition to the future DCEU movie. Although I have no clue if DC still doing their extended universe or just throw new movies with their characters. We'll see.

MOVIE | CAPTAIN MARVEL (2019) - SPOILER REVIEW

copyright Marvel Studios

Higher, further, faster, Baby! 

So, have you watched Captain Marvel? If you haven't watched it you may want to stop reading this review because your movie experience is about to ruin with all the spoilers I mentioned. However, if you have watched the latest MCU movie, let's have a good discussion! 

I'm not going to explain who is Captain Marvel and such, I'm just gonna go straight to the review. Alright, buckle up and let's begin!

MOVIE | FANTASTIC BEAST: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD (2018)

Copyright Warner Bros

"Everyone is scared of something," - Albus Dumbledore

I just didn't know where to start with this review, honestly. I like it but also at the same time, I'm so disappointed with how it turned out especially the ending.

It wasn't a horrible movie but it's not a good Harry Potter prequel. It is simply, oh my goodness can't believe I'd say something like this, the worst Harry Potter movie. The movie answered some of the questions from the previous movie, also some from the Harry Potter franchise. Unfortunately, it left me with more questions that I have beforehand. How was it possible? I have no clue.

As per usual, David Yates did an amazing job at making this movie interesting to start with. Began with some action scenes while introducing the new characters and a new plot. It was one beautiful ride. The film gave us a wonderful visual. For younger viewers, this might be too heavy as in too fast, too dark and too violent at some point. 

However, as the plot began to build, it got messy. It wasn't a horrible mess, it's just really messy I found it hard to follow and recognise where this movie wanted to bring us. Plot-wise, I was a bit disappointed with how it turned out. Especially the ending that left me devastating. Regarding to the title, Crimes of Grindelwald, I don't see any threat at all from him. He was just there, being one of the amazing wizards and influencers, and that's it. 

More about the movie, I love how they balanced its wonderful visual with the stunning original soundtrack. The original Harry Potter theme was giving me chill! I literally cried a bit when I heard the theme! Who wouldn't? As a Potterhead, I haven't heard that song - yes, it's on my head now as I type - in a cinema for a year or so.

In term of the new casting, gosh... couldn't be more grateful to see these actors played their characters. As if they're born to be in this movie. I mean, come on, Johnny Depp as Gellert Grindelwald, Jude Law as Albus Dumbledore, Zoe Kravitz as Leta Lestrange? Who would thought that was the most perfect decision?! Also, Claudia Kim as Nagini is just one of the best casting choices. I felt like she's just perfect for the role. What a pity, this film wasted their amazing talents.

Overall, I wasn't sure if I'm going to watch this movie again - probably not. My usual viewing for Harry Potter movies usually more than five times but for this one, I can't be bothered to pay for another ticket. It's just sad that it wasn't how we expected. But, if you are Potterhead, see how it goes for you. Maybe this is personal preference, maybe it's just me.

Love, Vera

MOVIE | BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY (2018)

"We can be. We believe in each other... that's everything. We are going to do great things. It's an experience - love, tragedy, joy... it's something that people will feel belongs to them." - Freddie Mercury.

Grew up in a family that loves music, I was familiar with Queen's songs. My brother, he loved rock and roll so much. He grew his hair up to his shoulders, dressed up like a rock star and went to uni like that! He was very cool! I mean, he dressed up like a rock star and took Law as major. Cool, wasn't it? His room was next to mine and I could wake up either to Metallica or Queen, depending on his mood that morning. 

So yeah, Queen was pretty much one part of my life. When I watched the trailer for the first time, I was so surprised. But learning from experiences, I didn't let myself to have high expectation. I love Rami Malek, but biopic always let me down. One fine Monday, I went to the cinema, bought myself a nice pumpkin spice latte and popcorn and prepared to enjoy the movie. 

134 mins and I didn't touch my drink neither my popcorn. I was so busy watching the movie. The whole time, I forgot it was a film, not a documentary. It felt so real! I didn't know if the story was authentic or not, but for some moments - especially when they were on the stage - I didn't see Rami Malek acted as Freddie Mercury, what I saw Freddie Mercury did his things. I felt elated and also sad at the same time. Happy because of the songs and how it portrayed on the screen, sad because they are no longer the same now. 

MOVIE | A STAR IS BORN (2018)

Tell me something, boy. Aren't you tired trying to fill that void? Or do you need more? Ain't it hard keeping it so hardcore?

I have no words to describe how beautiful this movie is. Everything is just... brilliant! I never watched the original movie so I didn't know what to expect, not even knowing the story. Ever since I saw the trailer for the first time and cried, of course, because of the song and the gorgeousness of Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga together in one screen. 

I watched this movie twice. The first time, I had a movie companion and I wasn't crying as bad as I thought I would be. But the second time, I went by myself and I was devastated. I mean, I knew what's going to happen but it felt like the first time I saw everything and even more hurtful to watch. I have no clue why I was like that, why I was okay when I watched with someone but then cried my eyeballs out - had to wipe those mascara from under my eyes. Silly Vera! 

MOVIE | BEAUTIFUL BOY (2018)

"I need to find a way to fill this black hole in me. I still have a family. I want them to be proud of me." - Nic Sheff.

There are so many reasons why I was so excited about the movie. First of all, this movie has some of my favourite actors: Steve Carell, Timothée Chalamet, Amy Ryan, Maura Tierney... I mean, what could be wrong? The Office never wrong, right? Second of all, the book is beautiful. It's so complex and scary at some stages, but it is brilliant!

MOVIE | AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR (2018) - SPOILER REVIEW

It took me awhile to finally share this review. First of all, I was pretty much emotionally wrecked by this movie. Second, I need more time to be more objective. But anyway, it's no longer matter because now it is completed.

I have watched Avengers: Infinity War five times now - I was shaking the first time I watched it, had to go to the toilet and called my boyfriend because I couldn't handle myself! By the third time, I felt like I paid attention more to the storyline and production rather than my feelings and how I felt about the whole thing.

Please be wise that this is a SPOILER review - means that I am spilling the tea: from the least spoiler thing to the biggest reveal. 

Shall we begin?

MOVIE | JUSTICE LEAGUE (2017) - SPOILER REVIEW

Okay, where to begin? 

Well, I'm just gonna say it. I don't necessarily hate this movie, but clearly, this is not what I hope Justice League would be, if I had any hopes.

DCEU had lost my attention since Suicide Squad (2016), because... oh gosh I don't even want to talk about it anymore. Then Wonder Woman (2017) came out and it was really good, gotta say it saved me from completely leave DC. So of course, I'm excited to see bunch of DC superhero trying to save the world. 

Justice League is a turn off, for me. Again. 

How so? 

I will mention some spoilers here so if you haven't watched the movie yet, you may want to close and come back some other times. However, it you didn't mind or didn't care with spoilers, then... read more ;)