More Than Blue is more than a movie; it's poetic, it's heart-warming, heart-breaking, and it's unforgettable

PROS
+ Unconventional storytelling that avoids being cliché and stale
+ Excellent plot twist that changes everything about the film
+ While it has a emotionally dense tone, it's not a challenging watch
+ The lead character, Cream, is especially charming and is like an intriguing mystery to figure out
+ Surprisingly, there are some cool and abstract shots that are meaningful, metaphorical, and dream-like
+ There is some A+ writing that is outright beautiful with flawless delivery

CONS
- Admittedly, there are some slow moments that require some patience and attention to get the most out of the story
- The opening scene sets a contrasting, light-hearted atmosphere, that wears away so quickly that it's jarring
- The conclusion is one of those indirectly impactful endings that hits you after you've turned off the TV [spoilers for why this is a negative]
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More Than Blue seemed like an interesting movie and it certainly was, but also it was so bitter sweet and meaningful that I think it could actually be life-changing to some viewers.

Just don't expect a nice, romantic drama.

"I want to live a happy life... But, that's just a dream. A sad dream. I'm done with dreaming." [tears begin to fall]

9/10

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This time, I got to see a fly swatter used as a weapon!

PROS
+ The awesome, buddy-cop duo returns with and even adds a third to their epic team dynamic
+ The refreshing globe-trotting plot sets the action in several cool locations
+ Well-executed and expertly choreographed fight scenes that are reminiscent of the practical effect showdowns present in Jackie Chan films

CONS
- Admittedly, the pacing isn't as kinetic as the first movie
- There is a noticeable dip in quality from some minor role portrayals (The American cast)
- As entertaining as it was, there are a good amount of re-treaded scenes mimicking ones from the original
- A few plot elements are unnecessarily convoluted by the background conflicts of each of the main cast (America, North and South Korea)
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We've got another winner in the action/espionage subgenre! My favorite aspect of these two films is the exciting and engaging the pacing. Thankfully, none of the common espionage banter is present here.

Basically, if you liked what made the first movie special, then you need to see this one!

8/10

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Exit is a top-notch disaster survival thriller that'll have you gripping your chair and audibly shouting from the suspense

PROS
+ The outstanding lead cast has delightfully charming chemistry
+ The humor-to-seriousness ratio is incredibly well balanced
+ There are a lot of impressive effects that push the thrilling climbing scenes into a moderately believable realism
+ Even the dramatic elements shine through, without losing the suspenseful tone
+ The interesting, decaying urban environment is a visually captivating setting

CONS
- There was no explanation for the motives of the attack that engaged the plot
- Initially, the film gives little excitement and leaves a goofy first impression
- While the main cast is superb, some of the child actors don't portray their roles as effectively
- One pivotal moment is not shown on-screen and the implication was less clear until a slide during the credits
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Exit was a surprise to me! I would probably rank it the highest of all the K-survival/thrillers I've watched this year (Tunnel is a very close second). It's not hard to imagine myself re-watching this at some point due to the cool action segments and excellent characters.

I can't even think of any other thrillers where climbing exceeds more than one scene.

8.5/10

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"We're at that age where tomorrow might never come. [but,] I know you don't need to worry about that now."

PROS
- Even though you've seen similar concepts in other films, this one has a unique and meaningful approach
- The movie is mostly fun and light-hearted and also has some touching, sentimental moments
- The comedic elements are so well done and the old lady is a total savage most of the time
- Shim Eun-Kyung is such a charming actress; her intentionally awkward character shines so brightly
- The old people are delightfully funny

CONS
- Get ready for tears (this really isn't a bad thing, but it should be considered, since most of the film is so hilarious and light-hearted)
- Although well-executed, there is an overly-dramatized, cliched moment with the writing near the ending
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Well, here's another awesome movie that hard to NOT recommend. Shi, Eun-kyung is one of my favorite actresses and every time I see her in a movie, it ends up in my "favorites list."

This was such a comforting film for me, as I've been missing my grandma a lot lately. We would have loved seeing this together.

9/10

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Sunny is one of the most touching and meaningful films I've seen. Seriously, this movie could change your life.

PROS
- The themes are so well done and leave a memorable impression due to the significance to actual life
- Wonderfully crafted story that takes place in the present as well as the past
- There's a lot of purpose and care in each of the characters
- For how dense the drama is, there is actually a lot of great comedy to balance the emotional toll

CONS
- Don't read much about the movie's story; it's best to go in without knowing much
- Due to the masterful writing, Sunny isn't an emotional drain, but you WILL likely be moved to tears (so, don't try to act tough)
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Friendships, memories, regrets, and promises are all themes that are so very important. Pondering and reflecting upon them is sometimes a challenging circumstance that we don't see until it's too late.

Sunny not only demonstrates these in a beautiful and entertaining way, but it also paints a visual representation for even more complex emotions (like grief, heartbreak, or even acceptance and closure).

There are very few films that go beyond emotionally moving me. This movie was a healthy event that I didn't know I needed. Now, I feel inspired and eager to ACTUALLY live my best life and carry those dear to me along the way.

9.5/10

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It's like Tom & Jerry, if they were a serial killer and a hitman... and if it made you cry (Okay, it's not THAT much like Tom & Jerry)

PROS
- The casting is superb! Lee Jung-Jae is a genuinely terrifying villain and portrays the character perfectly
- Even though the movie has slow pacing in the first half, it delivers loads of atmosphere and audio/visual story telling
- Some of the score sounds more fitting to a horror movie, but it works so well in creating an unsettling tone
- The action scenes are expertly choreographed and are overflowing with realistic-looking violence and seat-gripping excitement
- Somehow there are even some beautiful moments that are touching and give a necessary balance to the rest of the film's overall "heaviness"

CONS
- There is an indirect story telling method that provides depth to the protagonist and it is easy to miss details
- The main character is not properly introduced for awhile, which was a bit unusual
- Some of the environments look very mid 00s with its oversaturated yellow tint aesthetics
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I can't think of a better movie to showcase the amazing talents of Hwang Jung-Min and Lee Jung-Jae. If you're familiar with Korean films (or have seen Squid Game), you'll definitely recognize these icons.

This is a heavy watch with a lot of violence, so beware if you're sensitive to those things. Other than that, it is pretty easy to recommend. This film has a similar feel to another great crime action/thriller called Night in Paradise; however, this one is less of a downer.

I can actually see myself wanting to re-watch this in the future.

8/10

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Seoul Vibe is mostly style over substance, but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't an entertaining ride

PROS
+ The cars and music have a cool, retro vibe
+ There are some exciting pursuits and extreme stunts that give the film a unique charm
+ It's refreshing to see the team function well together and pull off the complex and far-fetched plans (it's similar to something like the A-TEAM)
+ The sense of danger is conveyed very well once things start going bad

CONS
- The depth on each character is paper-thin and often made me lose interest
- Even some of the story seems lackluster in its writing
- A lot of the racing scenes in the beginning seem to be pretend with a heavy reliance on quick camera work and varied action shot rather than legitimate driving/racing
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I don't think I would re-watch this one, but I'm glad to have seen it once. It's nearly 2.5 hours and some of it just feels like a highlights mashup of a TV drama series.

If you're like me and recently watched Special Delivery, then this might help you come back down to earth.

7.5/10

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Special Delivery delivers something special... perfection!

PROS
+ Every single car scene is exciting, impressive, and thrilling
+ The main characters are wonderfully likeable and show great chemistry that conveys an emotional response
+ Even the music is fitting and adds a charm to the action (although it's not as memorable as the "playlist" in something like Baby Driver)
+ This is one of those action thrillers with a good amount of substance to digest with some emotion-swaying drama elements

CONS
- Sometimes the plot takes a backseat to the action due to its simplicity
- Eun-ha (main character) is such an interesting character, but there are only a few details about her background
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This is definitely one of the best movies released this year!

I really hope a lot of people see this. It's unusual to find an action movie with this much heart.

9/10

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Not only is The Roundup a superior sequel to The Outlaws, it may be the strongest Ma Deong-seok movie yet!

PROS
+ High-energy plot pacing with many satisfying action and pursuit scenes
+ The added "globetrotting" gives the film a refreshing adventurous element
+ A sense of urgency is present adds a nice amount of tension to the thrilling plot
+ The casting and acting are top-tier (especially from the villain character)
+ MDS is as cool as ever and he has some kinetic and memorable fights
+ Even the sound direction adds to the action with each punch resonating a powerful "whoop" that shakes the room

CONS
- There is A LOT of blood and guts for an action movie with so few guns (maybe the future sequel could add more guns)
- Do not expect to be moved emotionally or anything, this is simply a highly concentrated action thriller with no drama

How many times do you get to see a movie that seems like it was made just for you? The Roundup is an excellent action/thriller that is easily recommendable to anyone that enjoys the genre.

Make sure you watch The Outlaws before The Roundup. While it is nowhere as action-packed or exciting, it does a better job establishing the characters present in this movie.

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Sometimes it's nice to see bad things happen to bad people... Other times, it's painful.

PROS
+ There is an incredible attention to detail on the strong and purposeful writing
+ Even though it's easy to foresee the conclusion, it is done in a beautiful and emotionally-touching manner
+ The acting is top-notch (even certain characters' body language are meaningful)
+ Those who pay attention to details in cinematography will be treated to an extra helping of emotional devastation

CONS
- This is NOT a happy or even satisfying film; the dense and depressing tone will stay in your mind long after the ending
- The action is great, but quite exaggerated and unrealistic (similar to old cowboy movies)
- While there is some dark comedic relief, it doesn't help ease the heaviness; therefore, this is a hard movie to want to see twice
- There is excessive graphic violence that would upset some people
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This is one of the darkest action movies I've seen. It's an upsetting movie, but I'm glad I experienced it.

That ending is meaningful and makes it worth seeing.

8/10

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Now I can count the number of arm wrestling movies I've seen on two fingers!

PROS:
+ Mah Dong-seok portrays an incredibly lovable protagonist
+ The story is memorable and inspiring
+ I was surprised at how funny some of the light-hearted moments are
+ The film is balanced well with the lighter and more serious moods
+ It was refreshing to see some decent quality American actors

CONS:
- It would have been great to see more detail on the background of the main character
- While Mark's (the main character) motivations are clear, there is some ambiguity from the support character (his "friend")

There is a lot to enjoy in Champion! There's still a layer of silliness to the film, however it is ultimately a drama that can be taken seriously and adored. I wasn't expecting the heartwarming parts to hit me so well.

This is a high recommendation for anyone who loves movies like Rocky, Rudy, or The Wrestler. Check it out!

8.5/10

P.s. Of course they referenced Stallone's Over The Top

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More of the same, but with higher "highs" and more frequent "lows"

PROS:
+ There are some great elements to the complex and imaginative story that form a strong connection between the main characters and the viewer
+ A lot of the "afterlife" scenes are beautiful and interesting to look at; at times looking like "frameable" artwork pieces
+ Don Lee is loveable and cool (the Uncle role suits him well)
+ This film has some issues, but boredom isn't one of them

CONS:
- There are too many layers to the story (and far too many characters) to keep track of within the run-time
- This movie is quite lengthy, yet it seems to have missing details which can make it confusing
- The plot relies HEAVILY upon the first movie [you will need to remember everything or you will be even more confused]

This movie is a beautiful mess. Everything about it is awkward and hard to follow, but it looks so cool that you don't want to turn it off.

At times it feels like three different movies [they eventually do connect]. One of these stories is the highlight of the whole franchise!

If you enjoy the fantasy concepts of afterlife and trials to reincarnation, then these are worth watching.

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On paper, this film sounds like a total mess; however, the execution proves it wrong!

PROS:
+ The multi-genre presentation is surprisingly well done and diverse, ranging from a war drama to a stylish gun-savvy action flick
+ While the film is long, it never really drags or loses momentum
+ The drama elements are touching and add a delicate, personal touch to the characters and their momentous tale
+ Jacky Cheung is a star and nails his role perfectly [even during the moral lapse moments, you will always cheer him on!]
+ There are actually a few profound life lessons to be learned from the themes of Bullet in the Head [this is the reason it outclasses most action movies]
+ There are PLENTY of explosions, gunfights, and "slow-motion" shots to easily identify John Woo's signature style

CONS:
- The musical score is awful, unfitting, and cheesy; it makes it feel like a low-budget made-for-TV experience at times
- Some of the thematic moments of contrast are not as well executed (example - jarring jumps in tone from hopeful/cheery to drab/doomed)
- There are a few editing transitions that look unprofessional [almost like Power Point fades and sweeps]

Well, this is not an easy film to digest. BUT, it is an easy one to enjoy and appreciate!

The heavy themes, long run-time, and Vietnam war scenes make this a hard watch. I recommend taking a break to process and jumping back in. This movie is great, even with the shortcomings!

Seriously though, I felt a lot while watching this movie. That is a rare statement when talking about action movies.

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A very thorough plot that explores some serious themes while actually being entertaining

PROS:
+ The character and plot development is handled expertly and connects the viewer with a strong, empathetic bond
+ None of the emotions conveyed ever feel cheap or ingenuine
+ The visual presentation is strong with impressive camera shots in the dilapidated urban setting

CONS:
- Some of the decisions made by the main character are frustrating, but simulate circumstances well enough
- The incredible, in-depth tale comes at a price: a very long movie with slower pacing [good luck if you're sleepy]

I enjoyed Better Days as much as I'd hope I would.

It's hard to find great development and strong writing in a lot of modern dramas. This fills that void perfectly.

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Is this film regarded as a classic? If it's not, it should be!

PROS:
+ Totally impressive storytelling method that tricks the viewer by starting out as a mundane, follow-along and transforms into an intelligent and unique dramatic thriller
+ There is a powerful point to the film that reflects upon society's often apathetic views on mental health
+ Once the movie rears its thriller head, the atmosphere is chilling and tense
+ Unlike many other thrillers, there is a perspective element that reveals exactly HOW one mentally ill person could become a _______

CONS:
- The first half of the movie ranges from being (tonally) silly to becoming dialogue-heavy and sleep-inducing
- The weakest link in the film is the lack of appropriate understanding of the main characters' motives/beliefs; a lot of these aspects are assumed until some revelations near the end

I'm speechless. While this movie requires some personal analysis/ponderings to properly reflect on the substances, it became a totally unexpectedly precious experience.

Prepare for some tears. Prepare to reflect upon your own life legacy.

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