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.