Licorice Pizza

Two main thoughts on Alana (my curiosity drawcard here):

1. I was so irrationally annoyed that her name was also Alana (PTA's fault)

2. She was really good at exuding hot-girl-energy despite being, to me, not-hot.

One thumbs down - at one point I was looking around the cinema and counting how many fire extinguishers there were (one). PTA, I have given you so many chances and we just do not click at all. Never again, I shall stop wasting my time.

Bridget Jones' Diary

I spent the whole time without pants on (costume requirement). 

Two thumbs up - classic MovieClubFoodClub to be running late (that omelette isn't going to make a mess by itself), and interrogating other opinions afterwards. This is a safe space, but still a judgemental space.

The French Dispatch

I enjoyed the scathing review by Shane Danielsen in The Monthly (that Yvonne shared) much more than the film.

One thumbs down - it wasn't even pretty enough to make up for being so pretentious and convoluted. There was no purpose here except Wes wanking himself off jamming everything into the film. 

Promising Young Woman

Thank you Daniel for showing me the 'two shots of vodka' (gluglugluglug) video. I laughed so so hard.

One and three quarters thumbs up - the original two thumbs was indeed a bit hasty, but it is still very good.

Dune

Well that was a lot more exciting than 'an old lady walked into a room and looked at Paul' of the first (and only) 10 pages of the book. 

One and three quarters thumbs up - as a Chalamet-unenthusiast, he was perfect! I liked everything about him in this. And also, Rebecca Ferguson! Who is being robbed of poster time. 

Pig

*Chapter Title - Part One: Rustic Mushroom Tart*

Laughs, "Oh no"

*Part Two: Mom's French Toast and Deconstructed Scallops*

Groans, "Nooooo"

Now we look stupid with our bacon and Nic-Cage-free-egg rolls. 

Zero thumbs up - I would have never thought any movie would sit in the Venn Diagram overlap of "Fight Club" and "Ratatouille" (?!) but alas here we are. 

Casino Royale

I want that necklace.

One and three quarters thumbs up - my favourite Bond easily. Great fight and action scenes. So memorable. It has been years and I could still tell you exactly what scenes were upcoming and little details or lines from it. Iconic. 

No Time To Die

I did not understand a thing about Rami Malek's character. The words out of his mouth, his motivation, why?? I felt so stupid, until others mentioned they felt the same. 

One thumbs up - I wouldn't stop anyone watching it, but I also would not actively spruik it. The reclining seats at Hoyts Broadway however were amazing!

Last Night in Soho

That motherfucker Daniel came back in the apartment, CREAKED the floorboards just enough to make me question if I actually heard it, and all during a scary intense scene. 

One thumbs up - it was good but a bit clunky at times. The important part is that we survived. 

The Worst Person in the World

I jokingly said I would need to bring a neck pillow since we were going to be in the front row... and I kind of wish I did.

Half a thumbs up - it wasn't particularly amazing, but some scenes between Julie and Aksel really affected me because it brought up some painful memories and feelings. 

Shiva Baby

I am astounded that the 'kids' individually chat to the 'adults'. That does not happen in my family!

Half a thumbs up - it was almost at 'one thumbs up' but then I had to deducts for lead actress not being Jewish. I just feel that was important since this is quite a Jewish-specific film. 

Notting Hill

It was the moment Rain asked if we wanted hot water, that really sealed how far we were from the party scene at the literally-next-door-pub.

Two thumbs up - and more for the great fun fact Nicole told me about Julia Roberts' outfit during that speech. 

The Help

Yes I am aware it is problematic, and Emma Stone's character annoys me so much, but I just get so much schadenfreude at Hilly's comeuppance. 

One thumbs up.

Shang Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings

Tony Leung was hands down the best thing about this. He was so magnetic, so handsome and is so fine. Can someone do a cut of the Tony Leung scenes only? 

Half a thumbs up - alas his beautiful face can only compensate so much. Was a bit lame for me, and could have done with less Awkwafina. However the fight scenes were well received by the 'experts' of our group! 

Wonder Woman 1984

What kind of scientists are you all, handling artefacts with your bare hands and improper storage techniques? What is this amateur hour? 

Two thumbs down - wow, I did not think this would be the worst movie I have seen all year, but here we are. 

The Lobster

Rainy afternoon so I wanted a grey but comforting movie. I cannot explain why this comforts me, but it strangely does.

Two thumbs up - I think it is the matter-of-fact way they all speak despite how absurd everything is. It just makes so funny. 

Midnight In Paris

Kind of realised that walking around at midnight, getting into strange cards, time travelling... yeah only a man can do that. White preferable for the time travelling bit. 

Two thumbs up - this rainy movie was a nice alternative to recreation this afternoon (i.e. sit in the park myself as opposed to exercise in the park) because it was pretty grey out.

27 Dresses

'27 Dresses' is my yardstick for shitty movie, but I WILL watch it. See also: 'Maid in Manhattan' 

Zero thumbs up - but like, I legitimately got giddy when the dress montage scene was coming up. 

Schumacher

Dad loved LOVED Michael Schumacher. And Steffi Graf and Boris Becker. Which is funny because he recently disliked mum's high-school classmate because she was an 'arrogant German'. 

One thumbs up - the home videos were the best bits. 

Captain America: Civil War

Anyone who knows anything about me, knows that I will never shut up about that helicopter scene. SO. HOT. 

One and a half thumbs up - probably my favourite out of the Marvels. Lots of fun, and everyone is in it.  

The Last Letter From Your Lover

Single letter nicknames e.g. 'J' 'B' 'E' are just THE WORST. Even worse is if you give that nickname to yourself. *insert You've Got Mail rant*

One thumbs down - cliche on cliche on cliche. It was very pretty though. Shailene's ensemble outfits were just the best. 

Arrival

Is a well-lit room banned in military intelligence compounds? What terrible visual hygiene.  

One and a quarter thumbs up - it was good and very intriguing, but once again this dumb-dumb did not really get it. 

Schindler's List

I thought Ralph Fiennes was in this... Voldemort sure looks a lot like Liam Neeson right now. 

It was Liam Neeson. 

Two thumbs up - one tissue was not enough. That emotionally fucked me. 

Patriot Games

Oh that is Sean Bean! Hehe "Seen Bean"

One thumbs up - and turns out Jack Ryan is like Batman; there are many iterations.  

Rear Window

So pretty! I loved everything about her in this, but especially the 'Paris dress'. 

One and three quarters thumbs up!

Leon The Professional

This director and his movies with young or infantile girls creeps me out. And turns out he has married teenagers.... more than once (21 is still icky). 

Zero thumbs up - eh, the action got overwhelmed by my discomfort. And this once again supports my Natalie Portman argument - you think you like her films because of Natalie-Portman-the-cool-celebrity but really there are a lot of stinkers.

Fatal Attraction

I had to keep scanning my head to see the movie because my field of view was really narrowed when I was hiding behind my fingers. I also shrieked and jumped... a lot. 

One and a half thumbs up - real life scary but manageable because no ghosts. Very good, tight, no time wastage. Bonus: very cute dog. 

Everything You Wanted To Know About Sex *But Were Afraid To Ask

I think I generally prefer Woody Allen films he does NOT feature in as an actor.

Zero thumbs up - I only enjoyed like half the vignettes (Gene Wilder, Game Show, Woody as sperm) and at best my reactions were "oh yeah" *light smile* or "heh" *light singular laugh*

Batman Forever

I, for one, enjoy the comedic flailings of Jim Carrey. 

One thumbs up - I liked this much more than Batman Returns, even though the reviews rate this lower. I really liked the entire ensemble cast (sultry Nicole Kidman! Cackly Tommy Lee! Better-than-Keaton Kilmer)

Batman Returns

"The penguins are converging on Gotham Plaza"

An armed army of penguins?? This is the dumbest thing ever! Look at how un-intimidating they are! 

Half a thumbs up - it was a bit too silly, and only mild to medium fun. Tolerable scary level, which is to say it was not as scary as the childhood memories of this Batman poster in Grandma's glass coffee table - Danny DeVito Penguin was terrifying!

Chef

My favourite 'authentic' moment was that a 40 something year old man would need his 10 year old son to make a Twitter for him; that he would misuse it; and hold the phone further out to read it haha!

Two thumbs up - this movie just makes me happy. It is also making me want to travel to the States, roadtrip to eat Cubanos, Texas BBQ and beignets... and go pyrex hunting in huge American antique stores!

The Apartment

C.C. Baxter reminded me so much of Charles Boyle from Brooklyn 99.

Half a thumbs up

Legend

Double the Tom Hardy, and sent in 1960s London? Should be good!

One thumbs down - it was not good. Terrible narration, so boring. And the casting of the girl was all wrong; she is so tiny then some next to Hardy, that she just ends up looking like a runty child.

To think I almost considered paying to rent this. At least now I have only wasted two hours of my life, rather than two hours AND five dollars. 

Misery

Oh we are diving into the crazy pretty quickly! No wasted time; love it.

Two thumbs up - that was wild and tense in all the best ways. It reminded me of a Hitchcock, with an occasional Wes Anderson flat lay. Not at all a typical film for me, but it was just thrilling!

Hannah and Her Sisters

She (Lee) looks so familiar... (looks up on IMdB)... hmm, nothing recognisable... why is Bette Midler's photo here too? OH YEAH!! BEACHES!!

One and a half thumbs up - I kind of actually liked it. Chuckled a lot at the internal dialogues, loved the 'chapter cards' (as I call it) and the music, especially 'Bewitched'. However the child molestation joke at the beginning does NOT go down well anymore *grimace whilst tugging collar away from neck* Eugh....

You've Got Mail

I laughed so hard at 'A hotdog is singing. You need quiet while a hotdog is singing?". Frank is so underrated!

Two thumbs up - inadvertently chose another mail-themed movie. But this is the best and I will love it forever and ever.

The Lake House

The complimentary wine at the upscale restaurant was more unbelievable than the magical mail box. 

One thumbs down - that house looks like an insulation nightmare. 

Heathers

The shoulder pads! How did you even stand close to another back then?

One thumbs down - was this supposed to be good because I don't get it?

Fast and Furious 6

Starting about a third of the way in. 

Me: "So Daniel what happened in the beginning? Why are they stealing this chip?" 

Deniel: "I don't remember... .... but you will learn about their codes here" 

PRECISION. FAMILIA. Just because you know how I ride doesn't mean you me.

Half a thumbs up - just when I thought the tank bridge sling was so ridiculous, they out-did it ten minutes later. It was so stupid... but cool stunts. 

The Fifth Element

I hated everyone's hair in this. And their hats. 

One thumbs down - that was so bad it U-turned into good-bad. But like 'Cats' I will look back at this fondly because the viewing experience was fun! "Everything makes me feel itchy" - Cindy 

The Nest

We went through many analogies again (car rides, coloured pencils, artwork) but may I suggest another? Maybe it is more like "for the effort of flying in an aeroplane, I need to be going somewhere; whereas Nicole could be impressed by the airline's chair, the service, the ambience, even if it didn't go anywhere?"

One thumbs down - why dangle clues in front of us and never answer any of them. However personal thumbs up to us for the journey of the noodle nests!

The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift

I nominated this because at a games session, everyone was having a blast and chair dancing to 'Tokyo Drift' and I didn't know the song so could not dance along. NOW I CAN!

One thumbs up - fun, but I wish I watched it in 2006 to have the nostalgia factor to have more fun. Also personal thumbs up to Nicole for yelping 'fast and furious!' whilst she exerted all her strength to barely whisk the thick pancake batter. Lolz for days. 

Captain America: The First Avenger

I forgot if Yvonne liked Captain America, or found him boring. 

One thumbs up - transformation scene is what I look forward to, but the tight T shirt at the end was a forgotten cherry on top :p

Cruella

I used my mum's $25 Discover voucher and got a $1 ticket, a sparkling water, 4 bags of Red Rock Deli chips, a chocolate bar, and free large popcorn. #winning

Half a thumbs up - meh. Just look up the amazing outfits online put ELO in the background and you have experienced the jist of it. 

Eat Drink Man Woman

Were the mild sex scenes referring to the cooking scenes? Because that was hot. Especially the knife skills when he sliced THEN julienned the radish!!  

One and three quarters thumbs up - decided not to be too hasty with two thumbs up yet. But I do love me a family dynamic film, then add Asian and food into the mix? Yes. 

The Dissident

I wondered if F1 had a Saudi course (they do), and if I would be terrified to enter Saudi as an F1 driver, and if you could boycott (probably not eh). Nothing to do with the doco, just thoughts. 

One and a half thumbs up - on the matter of audio, the trolling hacking was very scary and also, how did Turkey get the recordings??

Parasite

Always remember it is movie club first, food club is the side hustle.

Two thumbs up - now that the anxiety is reduced in a repeat viewing, I appreciated just how FUNNY it is even in the tense moments (peaches in your face!)

All The President's Men

I've said it before but will say again, Robert Redford is the vintage Brad Pitt. Gorgeous HOT men with hair as golden as mustard (and peppercorn eyes hehe). 

One thumbs up - by halfway I got really confused with all the names and kind of lost it, but that wasn't their fault. 

Collective

The footage from the nightclub was just horrific. 

One thumbs up - I am not so naive that Australia is perfect, but I am grateful we don't have that level of deceit and corruption here. Also interesting with all the talk about medical care abroad, but that it really not a thing here for us. 

The Lives of Others

Got a bit sleepy in the middle (chomped on ice to stay alert), but they got me back with the end. Good finish, good finish.  

One and a quarter thumbs up - not movie related, but meat salad (Fleischsalat) was fun however I don't need it again. Those pretzels though...!

Superbad

"Shall we put something on (the TV) while we rest?"

Eyes dart between the three, glances are exchanged, giggles start. It is unspoken, but it happens.

Two thumbs up - and personal thumbs up for the delicious mushroom pancetta black garlic pasta we whipped up!

 

Bridget Jones's Diary

 

I literally had this dilemma two weeks ago. The Spanx won (they work WONDERS!)

Two thumbs up - but oh fuck my life is Bridget Jones now (down to the age and weight!). Except no Hugh Grant or Colin Firth :(

Ammonite

Instead of putting in a score/music for mood, they decided to keep everything silent but blast up the volume for ocean or pencil noises. Good call... NOT. 

One thumbs down - that was so boring. And what a shame because on paper it had a lot going for it (Saoirse Ronan! Queer relationship! Period piece! Fossils?). Not enough relationship OR rocks!

I Care A Lot

Immaculate hair and sunnies.

Half a thumbs up - didn't like her (obviously) but still interesting enough. 

Top Gun

A forgettable diner scene vs (Grey) Goose and Ice Man?! This is not even a competition.  

One and a quarter thumbs up - "Top Gun" is not afraid to use the same two songs ('Danger Zone' and 'Take My Breathe Away') over and over again, and I really admire that. 

Space Jam

I cannot believe it was just one game. Minimal training and adversity montage. Just straight into it!

One and a quarter thumbs up - also personal thumbs up to Nicole (TNT!) and personal thumbs up to me for my late night epiphany (brulee torch!). Pretty chuffed with another good movieclubfoodclub special session. 

Judas and the Black Messiah

Barely a spoiler, but I can't believe how young they all were. To be that influential is amazing; to be considered a national threat is kind of insane. 

One and a half thumbs up - despite dozing off for a few minutes, I was really amazed by the true story of it, and learnt a lot. Also I like 'undercover agent' plots, and I really like Daniel Kaluuya.

Nomadland

I have decided I enjoy some 'fun' in my movies. Even if it is more serious, or dark, or violent, I need even just a small moment of 'fun'. This did not have much or any fun. 

Half thumbs up - it's not bad but just not my type of movie. It is visually affecting and I see why it is critically acclaimed but not a style I enjoy (and that is okay too). 

Superbad

In the background whilst we played "Bang!" and I made cookies (passionfruit melting moments). 

Two thumbs up - yes again and always.

Malcolm X

Never did I think my favourite thing in a Malcom X biopic would be zoot suits and swag. 

One and a quarter thumbs up - that did not need to be 3.5 hours long. He wasn't even Malcolm X at our forced intermission/bean pie time! 

The Green Mile

Daniel and I had a debate about whether 'weasel' was the correct descriptor for the douche-bag character (he thought I meant sneaky and evasive, whereas I meant little-evil-man with a weasel face). Either way, of course his name was Percy haha. 

One and a half thumbs up - but trivially disappointed to find out Mr. Jingles didn't actually do the trick (the spool was pulled with string)

JoJo Rabbit

Two thumbs up - I love this film. It's so funny but also moving. 

Minari

DON'T: Have a couple of beers before the movie. The seal will break. 

DON'T: Try to reason that salty popcorn can help osmosis the pee-pee back. You will go again, 5 minutes into the movie. 

DO: Delight and relate in the little Asian quirks. Lined drawers! Earwax time! Korean Paris-by-Night! Too real. 

One and a half thumbs up - "Korean dude comes to America, is not Eddie Murphy" - Daniel. 

True, and while it didn't live up to my over-estimated expectations, it was still very good. Not great.

Moulin Rouge

Didn't know it at the time, but this was might have been an early start of the Nicole Kidman and Elton John love. 

Two thumbs up - not a perfect movie but it gets full marks because nostalgia and because it is so funny at times (Like A Virgin!)

Promising Young Woman

So that Paris Hilton song scene just started a small crush on Bo Burnham now. Despite that he kind of lacks shoulders... and... that I did not care for the first 10 mins of his Netflix comedy act. But yeah crush!

Two thumbs up - first thought was 1.75 thumbs but then I couldn't fault anything. Banger soundtrack, great visuals and topics to make you uncomfortable. This is not a girls' movie; everyone should see this. 

Charade

"Miss Hepburn's clothes by GIVENCHY". Okay I am IN!

One and a half thumbs up - thanks for the recommendation Nicole. Why isn't this film more well-known? Agreed with this quote "best non-Hitchcock Hitchcock film".  

Mean Girls

Gotta even out the Superbads. 

Two thumbs up - *cough cough* I'm sick - except I really am sick. 

The Godfather Part III

I initially thought Vincent Mancini was Joseph Gordon Levitt's best friend from 10 Things and thought my god that man did not age at all! But turns out Vincent is Terry the casino owner from Ocean's Eleven. He was good. 

One thumbs up - I don't ever need to see/hear Sofia Coppola say 'I love you, cuz' ever again because that was just *shudders in horror* 

Superbad

Evan: "No no, I'm gonna be there for sure. Full Throttle. Charlie's Angels 2. Awesome"

How have I never noticed this line before?? Hahaha!!

Two thumbs up - I went to a cafe this morning and they had a menu item referencing Superbad. Then they brought out my coffee in an adorable mug. Then the plate was also so cute. Then I noticed his T shirt said "Old Enough two pattie". And then I had to frantically text Rain about all of this. So merch was purchased and I went home and watched Superbad obviously. 

Widows

Liam Neeson ate Viola Davis' face in the most disturbing way. He was trying to kiss her but it looked like he was eating her. 

Half a thumbs up - very meh. Which was disappointing because this ensemble cast and director!

The Godfather Part II

There was a scene where Robert DeNiro buys an orange, and in that moment he kind of reminded me of my dad. I think more the jacket and shape of his nose, and less violent mafia man. 

One and a half thumbs up - I thought I didn't need to know about Vito's background but actually some of those were the best parts. Kind of like Voldemort's past in book 6, possibly my favourite. 

Paddington 2

Oh the Wes-Anderson aesthetic was so pretty! It was twee and whimsical but in a delightful way because it is a kids movie and allowed to be!

One and three quarters thumbs up - okay Nicole you won me over with this recommendation. Agreed, Hugh Grant was fantastic!!

Paddington

I was completely turned off watching this for ages because I found this CGI Paddington to be so ugly and off-putting. Even Hugh Bonneville looks more adorable! Honestly they need to give this bear bigger eyes and a wider PD. 

Three quarters thumbs up - However I will admit the bear grew on me. Cute safe family movie.