Reviews

BWH&H 4: The Initial Ending

This story closes out and attempts to tie all the loose ends from the third film. While they would go on to make another, final chapter, this one does a pretty admirable job of tying things up from the previous one.

The funny thing about this entry is that it kind of spins out of control here and there, going places you wouldn't have expected it to (especially given its premise). I think the ending sums up everything this series is trying to say, even if it doesn't give us the definitely conclusion we are keen to see. No one is happy by the end, and those are haven't yet paid know that their time is coming soon. This is the realistic view of the Yakuza, rather than the sensationalized one, that the creators are wanting us to see.

The 3rd and 4th films really go hand in hand, so it's hard not to view this as its own separate tale sometimes. It doesn't take away from my enjoyment of it, however, as it is one of the more intense entries.

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A fun retelling

I clicked on this movie for two reasons: 1) The Netflix algorithm knows me pretty well and 2) I was bored and didn't have the energy to start a whole new show so I thought a movie was perfect.

And boy, was it. This isn't just a re-imagining of Red Riding Hood and Cinderella's stories, it's basically fanfiction just using the characters and giving them entirely different stories (but still using key plot points in a clever way). And I mean that in a good way. As the other reviewer said, Hashimoto Kanna played Red Riding Hood really well. I loved that they turned her into a detective that has flashes of inspiration - though I'm going to be honest that even now I'm not sure if they're visions or her mind just connecting dots. But even not knowing that, it was really cool to watch.

Everything about this re-imagining - from having two witches instead of a fairy godmother to the murder Red Riding Hood solves - made these classic stories feel fresh and new. And our prejudices of what we expect to happen in this story is clearly expected by the writers since they play on that in a fun way.

But it's not all solving murder and fairy-tale magic - there's love and humor and wit, too. I wouldn't call this movie a masterpiece, but it was really good in a lot of ways, and one I'd enjoy rewatching for sure.

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Knife fights with a side of kung fu

The Iron Triangle of Ti Lung, David Chiang and Director Chang Cheh set aside kung fu for the most part and picked up knives instead for The Duel aka Duel of the Iron Fist. The grand duel foreshadowed from the start would pit allies against each other in a fight that could not be avoided.

Set during the early part of the 20th century, Ti Lung's Tang Jen Chieh is the godson of a local Triad lord and brother to Ku Feng's Jen Lin. A hired killer, David Chiang's "Rambler," helps Jen Chieh when fights breakout. With buddy Hsiao Mao (Cheng Kang Yeh) they seek to protect Shen Tian Hung, but he is murdered during one of the huge brawls that begin the movie. Jen Chieh takes the fall for the fight, bids his girl Butterfly goodbye, and hides in the south until the heat is off. He returns home after numerous attempts on his life with only Hsiao and his now drunken brother on his side. The former accountant Kan has taken over the gang and is seeking his death. Jen Chieh is devastated to find that Hu Di/Butterfly is now a prostitute. With his world turned upside by treachery and death, Jen Chieh vows vengeance on those responsible.

The Duel's strength was the prickly bromance between Jen Chieh and the Rambler. Their complicated relationship gave depth to the impending collision. I've never been a David Chiang fan, but he and Ti Lung did have a nice chemistry together. I'm always happy to see Ku Feng, especially when he's a good guy. The problem I had with the movie was that the narrative felt poorly paced and needlessly confusing in others. Fortunately, the relationships between brothers and frenemies created a compelling movie when the plot lines didn't.

Tang Chia and Yuen Cheung Yan kept the fights interesting even when they were the few or the one against many. Close-ups were used which meant they couldn't have randomly flying bodies in a huge scrum. The slices and kicks were well timed and for a 1971 Hong Kong film---fairly fast. Instead of fists and kicks most of the fights involved knives or other sharp objects. The duel commenced after another free for all brawl in the rain with the two combatants wielding bamboo poles fighting in a puddle-filled courtyard. The death toll was high for this film, high even for a kung fu flick. I was disappointed that guns were brought in for the final battle. I don't mind trampolines, wires, and creative filming, but for me, guns don't belong in kung fu films. Because of the rapidity of skirmishes it was hard trying to distinguish the faces of the stuntmen extras and fighters-Chan Sing, Jason Pai Paio, and Yuen Woo Ping were among the many familiar names.

The Duel was an entertaining, if slightly different, film for the genre. The action rarely slowed down and the double crosses and revelations kept going until the end. Ti Lung and David Chiang displayed the special rapport that saw them through 20 films together. If you are a fan of old martial arts movies, this is one to try.

9/14/23

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Sub-mediocre plot, almost ESH (except maybe the FL)

I feel the need to write this because the only reviews I read about this are all above 8, and I am sorry, but this was subpar for me. Sure, it can be argued I am not necessarily a fan of Filipino rom-coms (not there is any "com-" in this, except maybe the outtakes at the end), but there are so many mansplaining scenes, the FL has her boundaries broken so many times, told to not cry, and she still falls for the guy? I'm sorry, the only realistic thing about this is how when you're an immigrant, you go for low level jobs, despite the qualifications you have in your home country.

The ML is very unlikable, very self righteous and it was very hard for me to empathize with his story, or understand the FL's infatuation with him after the first part of them being acquainted with each other (the summary puts it as "they struggle at first"). If anything, I liked her story arch and how, despite mistakes and fumbles, she managed to not just get to a better place herself and forge her own path, but also teach him a few lessons along the way.

For those who, like me, hope they can watch this to get a feel for Barcelona and some of its architecture, just pass this - the ratio is way too overwhelming on the side of the plot where I'm supposed to feel sympathy for the male lead and all I can do is white knuckle my way out of this.
Zero chances I might watch this again. If you want a much better love story, with a much better ending (and not skipping on the crying from the female lead or some traces of humour), go for Starting Over Again (2014).

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A Fairy Tale Murder Mystery That Casts a Magical Spell

"Once Upon a Crime" is a delightful comedy-mystery movie that keeps you entertained from start to finish with its quirky charm. This inventive twist on the classic Cinderella story elevates it from a simple fantasy tale to a captivating murder mystery.

The film's narrative revolves around the familiar Cinderella, a young girl mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters. However, in this imaginative rendition, she encounters our protagonist, Little Red Riding Hood, who possesses a unique power of deduction. When Cinderella's carriage accidentally strikes the royal hairdresser, she, along with Red Riding Hood, conceals the body and continues on her way to the ball. At the royal event, where she catches the prince's eye, things take a dramatic turn when the dead body is discovered. This is where Red Riding Hood steps in as the detective to unravel the mystery behind the hairdresser's demise.

What truly sets this movie apart is its ingenious blend of a murder mystery with a beloved fairy tale. Amid the enchanting backdrop of Cinderella's story, we find another iconic fantasy character, Little Red Riding Hood, playing a Sherlock Holmes-like role. The seamless integration of the murder mystery into the well-known fairy tale is a commendable feat. It never detracts from the fantasy elements of Cinderella's world. The intricate plot surrounding the hairdresser's murder and the eventual revelation of the culprit are handled with finesse.

Hashimoto Kanna, portraying Little Red Riding Hood, steals the spotlight with her exceptional acting, while Araki Yuko, as Cinderella, breathes life into her character. Iwata Takanori, in the role of the Prince, delivers an outstanding performance, and Sato Jiro's presence never fails to entertain. I was surprised to see Inukai Atsuhiro as one of the guardsmen and was hoping he had more screentime.

In conclusion, "Once Upon a Crime" masterfully blends humor and mystery within the enchanting realms of fantasy and magic. This film offers a unique cinematic experience, where the age-old fairy tale takes an unexpected and thrilling turn. Whether you're a fan of mysteries or simply love imaginative storytelling, this movie is sure to cast a magical spell on you.

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What's wrong with these Asian screenwriters??

I started watching this movie while I was ironing clothes and I didn't have any particular expectation. Halfway through the film I grabbed the iron backwards and burbed my hand so much I was captured by the plot, I was enjoying the funny scenes and the acting..and then it happened again..
Ok sending ML away and having him disappear at a certain point, it may happen, I can take it...but why did he have to die???
In Western films and series, the great problem would have been the reaction of the best friend when realizing that the boy she likes fell in love with FL and was reciprocated. Here she acts so mature (as they always do in kdramas) and friendship is saved, so why did it have to end like this???
I think I will watch this film over and over again, but alway stopping at the train station scene. A goodbye is always better than a farewell.

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One of the best GAY movies ever made!

I could write a book about the beauty of this movie. There is so much to unpack in what initially seems like a throw-away film that was originally released in 2022. Marketed as a comedy, it is indeed funny. Its premise is rather unorthodox for us who live in the West. We do not fully understand or grasp different religious beliefs or cultures especially centering around a deep connection to individuals who are deceased. But that does not take away from its impact. If anything, it adds to it. As stated, this is billed as a comedy, but its ending is so sad. Deeply sad. Full of regrets but with an opportunity to redeem those regrets. Perhaps that is its lasting message that we should be overcome with. Life is so fragile. Regrets are plentiful with perhaps the opportunities to redeem those regrets coming along so infrequently. Maybe it is best not to waste them.
This is an astonishingly impactful movie that will make you laugh, cry, and allow you to ponder and take pause. The timing of its humor is seamless. The acting is impeccable. The story is inspirational as well as being a tear-jerker. In other words, it is memorable. To read my full review of this awesome film, go to BLBliss.com.

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Chamber play without any sense

Maybe I'm too old and experienced to much to understand the meaning behind this film.

It's somehow far-fetched to pack so many questions of fate into this short vacation with a childhood friend (hand on heart, who remembers their friend from elementary school so much?!?) in New York.
A what if and what could have been play, that somehow doesn't make sense.
If the two of them had had something together, it would have been more realistic - but so???
Well, we can watch good actors and admire a little bit of New York in beautiful pictures. That also has something of its own. But I don't understand the hype surrounding this film.

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"Pleased to eat you!"

If you decide to watch The Meg because of the tagline, "Pleased to eat you!" you probably already know to check your brain at the door because you are about to be swamped with clichéd characters and plot and ridiculous pseudo-science. Most of the CGI and cinematography were quality which helped when the dialogue tried to drown the fun of a massive Megalodon or two set loose from the Mariana Trench!

Starring Jason Statham, you know he's going to have to go mano y pectoral fin with the giant 90ft/27m shark at some point in time. Jonas is the lone diver who can attempt a rescue at over 11,000ft/3300m depth and he's off in Thailand drinking his sorrows away. He'd attempted a rescue five years earlier of a sub trapped in the Trench and had to abandon some of his men when the sub was attacked by a giant creature. Even though he saved numerous lives he was branded as having had a psychological breakdown for the story he told. When his ex-wife and crew become stranded at the bottom of the Trench, an old teammate comes calling to talk him into rescuing her.

The characters were stock characters, shallow with little personality. Li Bing Bing was weighed down in the Stereotypical Headstrong Female Scientist role who thought Statham's Jonas was crazy and treated him as such until she was rescued by him numerous times as he snatched her out of the jaws of death. She had a Wise Beyond Her Years Daughter who helped to lead the two divorced people to a romance. The rest of the crew included the Egotistical Billionaire, Tough Chick, Black Guy Who Can't Swim (really?!?), Scientist Bestie, Jerk Doctor, Dad With a Target On His Back, and a couple of other scientists. Honestly, with the exception of a couple of characters, none of them were developed enough to make me care whether they lived or became chum. One of the early deaths was actually emotional and done well, after that it was bring on the shark!

The science was particularly awful without any conception of the forces at work on submersibles and the people in them at the deepest depths of the ocean. And one scene that was supposed to be frightening had me laughing until I could barely breathe. Seriously, that little boat they used was tough if they could lasso a megalodon using it! Also, every time the script called for Statham to have to dive into the water to face the big fish to show his courage was hilarious.

If you watch this movie, you need to know that there aren't any award-winning performances, in fact, some are particularly bad. The science is dreadful. The dialogue can be cringe-worthy. When numerous people are threatened the stakes don't feel very high because we don't know anyone, even the people from the main crew who fall into the water every five minutes. If you can set all that aside, it is a fun movie with the ginormous sharks seeking to turn back the clock about 10 million years when they ruled the oceans.

9/13/23

Edit--I bumped the score up .5 because I enjoyed it more than the sequel although the sequel had better acting. This one had me laughing more.

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...

the production was good, I can't complain .
I also say that the performance was incredible, it would be a sin if I complained.

I love the actors, I loved the characters.

Of course, not everything is perfect, I can't lie, but what a drama that doesn't have a single flaw.

So in conclusion, I recommend...

I say it's worth watching, maybe it's bad for some, but for me it was good.

This is just my opinion, you better watch it and have your own opinion.

I don't know what to say, because I think everyone has their own opinion.

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...

the production was good, I can't complain .
I also say that the performance was incredible, it would be a sin if I complained.

I love the actors, I loved the characters.

Of course, not everything is perfect, I can't lie, but what a drama that doesn't have a single flaw.

So in conclusion, I recommend...

I say it's worth watching, maybe it's bad for some, but for me it was good.

This is just my opinion, you better watch it and have your own opinion.

I don't know what to say, because I think everyone has their own opinion.

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