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retrogrrrl) wrote2025-11-19 06:57 pm
retrogrrrl) wrote2025-11-19 06:57 pm
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The 411 on this month's flicks.
Uncharacteristically, I spent a goooooood portion of this month catchin' a few flicks and devouring 'em like I was a film critic gettin' paid per movie watched. For those who don't know what's the scoop, my letterboxd is a magical place where y'can scope out my controversial (but totally cool) opinions on different movies. Some reviews are freeeshly baked, more elaborate, I jibber-jabber in some of 'em; some others are, like, lowkey 'cause I had nothing much to add.
This all accounts for this month, November, and I think I might be addin' more tonight and subsequently as I scope out more flicks. Beware that SPOILERS may be implied or part of jokes from here on out. Cruise 'round carefully, space cadet!
Thrashin' (1986) ★★★
Love this movie for nothin' else if not to really remind ourselves of the totally gnarly times of shreddin' some sweet gnar on the Cali beaches...
Or at least it shows us a manicured snapshot of such, but as someone who loves visual aid when writin' fiction this sold it for me! Anyways, this movie got a lot legend skaters paid and a good chunk of 'em got inspired by this, so it's certainly a classic that I gotta tell you to check out for yourself... away from the uhh romantic subplot that I frankly don't feel too strongly for. Hey, maybe you'll get a kick outta it.
Anyways, this was alright, nothing too crazy.
Thirteen (2003) ★★★
Damn girl! When I was thirteen I was dealin' with the possibilities of living the rest of my life without a father figure and cripplin' economic crisis-- oh? Suddenly this isn't a safe place?
(anyways, great movie, pretty insane)
Freaky Tales (2024) ★★★★½
THIS MOVIE IS MADE FOR ME BABYYY LET'S FUCKING GOOOOO!!
Check it, it has it all. Punk, hip-hop, crazy action antics, crime and a whoooleeeee lotta inspiration from 80's flicks -- not to mention a star-studded cast of folks I actually don't know but have seen around in clips and flicks. I'm gonna jabber on for a second, so y'can scroll away if you want.
Listen, I was a bit standoffish at first at the slight inaccuracies of Punk culture but once I got through and I realized why it was, I was seated and hyped -- didn't take a single note either. Realizin' I had some sort of Mystery Train kinda plot in my hands, ya bet your sweet bippy that shot my mouf up FAST. I was HYPED, dude. Totally rad stuff in this movie, it hit up right on all my alleys in the best way possible. Great script, inspired by its sources but givin' it its own flavor and style, and the acting was a delight. Pair all of this up with wicked visuals and aesthetics and ya got yourself a beautiful flick. Keeping this as spoiler free as I can, but I think this is fast-becomin' one of my favorite movies due to the variety in story and how shamelessly crazy it gets at one point. Like fuck yeah! Give me that shit!! We need more unrealistic or wacky antics happenin', I'm donezo with the lame realistic-nihilistic takes on movie. I'm a fierce advocate of puttin' more cheesy and corny shit on the big screen, y'dig? But this movie I think hits a good spot of hearty realistic stuff 'fore it picks up like crazy, but I'll leave you guys with that one.
I recommend it for those who have an eye and an ear for aallll things 80s, who love a little camp with their flicks and who love a movie that doesn't make ya wanta imagine your own ending. It shows ya, it ties it all up and it leaves ya breatheless with a bombastic trail of neon followin' its wake -- and I do mean bombastic, spell that with a DOT COM.
More movies like this -- or maybe a fuckin' show who knows -- please and thank you.
Held for Ransom (2000) ★ ⟳
Frankly just watched this for Tsianina Joelson. Pretty bleh movie otherwise.
The Locusts (1997) ★★★
Not a masterpiece by any mean, but a fuckin' entertaining bizarre experience for real.
Pornostar: Tokyo Rampage (1998) ★★★★
A pretty solid flick that really is quite the encapsulation of the nihilistic vibe and mentality some of the younger generation seemed to have 'round that time. This kid's a riot though, love whatever is wrong with the guy.
Drift (2001) ★★
Pushin' aside the fact that I think the older brother's a cutie, this movie isn't really... anything. For a good chunka time it feels like a nothing burger with devious themes goin' on and while I don't necessarily mind that kinda movie (fucked up & taboo themes, I mean), this one REALLY needed more plot and punch to it to justify whatever the fuck's goin' on.
Mind you, the cinematography in this is pretty cool, I like some of 'em shots and I think the actings pretty decent as well, but I couldn't shake the fact that it was a buncha nothin' upon fuuuuuuucking nothing. It's slow, it builds tension, but that final act really lacks execution or bombastic ideas to, I dunno, really seal the deal? Also, did not understand that ending, like what the fuck's going on.
Anyways, uhh surely it was a movie.
The Tomorrow Man (2019) ★★½
Check it, the movie was alright until that ending, man. Major bummer, dude.
And listen, it may not look it, but when it comes down to it the ending just essentially reaffirms that the old man was right in bein' paranoid and grim, which feels kinda defeats the purpose of, like, the arc that both of 'em. The movie was LOVELY, a romance with an old couple? Totally RAD, sign me up! Shows that even when you're old Love is hard but possible, it's sweet. I wish the ending didn't really end on that kinda note otherwise this would've gotten -- easily -- two more stars outta me. This movie would've been so alright if they just corrected that, in my expert opinion. So, that's it.
What? Were ya expectin', like, a real review? Hell no, I got baited into watchin' this 'cause I wanted to see Sophie Thatcher and she was here for all 15 minutes! I feel betrayed by that, so I'm not sayin' any more.
Mallrats (1995) ★★★
It stinks of that 90s-2000s crass humor and that's alright, it makes up its genetic code and it's part of his charm, you dig? So, if you're not bothered by the 'product of its time' kinda shenanigans then you'll be in for a sweet ride.
I cannot, in good conscience, give this a higher rating than this 'cause I am frankly not super hot on how insufferable one of the main dudes is at times. Never really warmed up to 'im and never saw what Shannon Doherty's character saw in him. I'd sooner date Jay and Silent Bob in a two-for-one deal, which by the way, infectious the energy these two have, especially Jay. I will unfortunately start speakin' like the dude and annoy the living shit outta everyone around me.
Anyways, a nice little flick that has reminded me and inspired me of my own little story I wrote years ago. Time to fish that shit out and see if I can sue the writers of this movie on grounds of plagiarism. Catch y'all later!
8 Mile (2002) ★★★★ ⟳
I forgot that I watched this with the crew a few months back, after always catchin' this movie late on TV and never seein' the beginning section (and half of the second act, but y'know). A real gem this one, I was a bit standoff-ish 'cause it closely mirrored Eminem's life and it had him as a main actor, and we know these circumstances sometimes teeter on the edge of, like, total vanity projects, right? Think JLO starrin' her own biopic or somethin'.
But this was gladly different, dude. Very grounded, very real, like a theatrical peek into a life foreign to mine yet very familiar in essence. Enough jib-jab, chit-chat, the movie's solid and the soundtrack is so iconic there's a buncha videos of people sayin' shit like "mom's spaghetti" and "his real name is clarence. And clarence's parents have a real nice marriage" that it's kinda become somethin' I just chuckle at and never take note --- that's why I can't tell ya off the dome 'bout it! Anyways, what a lovely time capsule of its time, of a fascinating artist, and what a blessing we got to peep Brittany Murphy and Eminem on screen together.
A Walk To Remember (2002) ★★★½
ADAM SHANKMAN MADE THIS FUCKIN' MOVIE?! THE SYTYCD JUDGE AND THE DIRECTOR RESPONSIBLE FOR HAIRSPRAY'S REMAKE??
Dude, fuckin' insane. Anyways this movie was a real gut-punch to me, like total radical TWAACK to my face 'cause I saw it REEAAAL young with no idea where it was goin', the way God intended it (Just like the way he intended Jamie to fuckin' croak it?? but whatever). But it was such a heartwarmin' movie when the girl wasn't doomed by the narrative. I will never forget how the Poster Scene literally cemented itself in my fuckin' rock-of-a-brain as the romantic scenario I wanted to be in -- not bein' the girl in the poster mind you, but bein' completely justified in clockin' a dimwit in the face.
Right, the movie, uhhh. Listen, this is a CLASSIQUE, all caps. May be a corny, romantic little flick for those with hardened hearts, but shit that's just a skill issue with some of y'all monsters. Tuff flick, really cool.
La Haine (1995) ★★★★★ ⟳
This movie quickly gains the mythical fifth star on my end given how many times I've re-watched it in such a short period. Has graduated into my "must have" folder of movies. Totally rad!
Girls Town (1996) ★★★★★ ⟳
I think this is one of the few movies I've instantly rated 5/5 and I would do it all over again. A comfortin' piece of media that doesn't need an ending where the girls are punished for standin' up, and they all graduate just fine. To me it really feels like a look into a genuine friend group that become stronger and wiser as they both deal with grief together and move on in their friend's honor. A group of friends where the audience is included, which y'know I dig very much.
I've rewatched it so many times, I haven't even kept count.
Skate Kitchen (2018) ★★★★
I decided to scope this out on a whim 'cause I was actually on a kick for more classic films to catch up with the rest of the obnoxious cinephile crowd, but I felt particularly drawn to this flick so I decided to check it out.
I gotta say dude, I was pleasantly surprised and elated to find another great flicks I can keep in my folder. I've got my qualms, like the late introduction of a Jaden Smith romantic subplot that ends in the reaffirmation that the dude's an asshole just like we were told, and annoyin' scenes of "dudes being dude" and while I understand these are, I suppose, necessary, I just would've rather done without 'em!
But that aside, the colors, the characters, the dialogues, the resolution, all of it scratches that sweet spot in my noggin' that made me fond of this. I have a soft spot for movies that make me feel like I belong to the friend group, y'know? Anyways, word on the streets says that the spin-off Series has the OG cast and shit, so I gotta go scope it out. All in all, cool flick! I might rewatch it a few times.
Also, one of the girls (the lesbian one) reminds me of Jojo Siwa if she was cooler, which is crazy.
Monster: The Ed Gein Story (2025) ½
I haven't even watched the fuckin' thing. I just know that they continue to fuel the fuckin' myth that Ed Gein cross-dressed (or was trans), so it can go fuck itself.
This all accounts for this month, November, and I think I might be addin' more tonight and subsequently as I scope out more flicks. Beware that SPOILERS may be implied or part of jokes from here on out. Cruise 'round carefully, space cadet!
Thrashin' (1986) ★★★
Love this movie for nothin' else if not to really remind ourselves of the totally gnarly times of shreddin' some sweet gnar on the Cali beaches...
Or at least it shows us a manicured snapshot of such, but as someone who loves visual aid when writin' fiction this sold it for me! Anyways, this movie got a lot legend skaters paid and a good chunk of 'em got inspired by this, so it's certainly a classic that I gotta tell you to check out for yourself... away from the uhh romantic subplot that I frankly don't feel too strongly for. Hey, maybe you'll get a kick outta it.
Anyways, this was alright, nothing too crazy.
Thirteen (2003) ★★★
Damn girl! When I was thirteen I was dealin' with the possibilities of living the rest of my life without a father figure and cripplin' economic crisis-- oh? Suddenly this isn't a safe place?
(anyways, great movie, pretty insane)
Freaky Tales (2024) ★★★★½
THIS MOVIE IS MADE FOR ME BABYYY LET'S FUCKING GOOOOO!!
Check it, it has it all. Punk, hip-hop, crazy action antics, crime and a whoooleeeee lotta inspiration from 80's flicks -- not to mention a star-studded cast of folks I actually don't know but have seen around in clips and flicks. I'm gonna jabber on for a second, so y'can scroll away if you want.
Listen, I was a bit standoffish at first at the slight inaccuracies of Punk culture but once I got through and I realized why it was, I was seated and hyped -- didn't take a single note either. Realizin' I had some sort of Mystery Train kinda plot in my hands, ya bet your sweet bippy that shot my mouf up FAST. I was HYPED, dude. Totally rad stuff in this movie, it hit up right on all my alleys in the best way possible. Great script, inspired by its sources but givin' it its own flavor and style, and the acting was a delight. Pair all of this up with wicked visuals and aesthetics and ya got yourself a beautiful flick. Keeping this as spoiler free as I can, but I think this is fast-becomin' one of my favorite movies due to the variety in story and how shamelessly crazy it gets at one point. Like fuck yeah! Give me that shit!! We need more unrealistic or wacky antics happenin', I'm donezo with the lame realistic-nihilistic takes on movie. I'm a fierce advocate of puttin' more cheesy and corny shit on the big screen, y'dig? But this movie I think hits a good spot of hearty realistic stuff 'fore it picks up like crazy, but I'll leave you guys with that one.
I recommend it for those who have an eye and an ear for aallll things 80s, who love a little camp with their flicks and who love a movie that doesn't make ya wanta imagine your own ending. It shows ya, it ties it all up and it leaves ya breatheless with a bombastic trail of neon followin' its wake -- and I do mean bombastic, spell that with a DOT COM.
More movies like this -- or maybe a fuckin' show who knows -- please and thank you.
Held for Ransom (2000) ★ ⟳
Frankly just watched this for Tsianina Joelson. Pretty bleh movie otherwise.
The Locusts (1997) ★★★
Not a masterpiece by any mean, but a fuckin' entertaining bizarre experience for real.
Pornostar: Tokyo Rampage (1998) ★★★★
A pretty solid flick that really is quite the encapsulation of the nihilistic vibe and mentality some of the younger generation seemed to have 'round that time. This kid's a riot though, love whatever is wrong with the guy.
Drift (2001) ★★
Pushin' aside the fact that I think the older brother's a cutie, this movie isn't really... anything. For a good chunka time it feels like a nothing burger with devious themes goin' on and while I don't necessarily mind that kinda movie (fucked up & taboo themes, I mean), this one REALLY needed more plot and punch to it to justify whatever the fuck's goin' on.
Mind you, the cinematography in this is pretty cool, I like some of 'em shots and I think the actings pretty decent as well, but I couldn't shake the fact that it was a buncha nothin' upon fuuuuuuucking nothing. It's slow, it builds tension, but that final act really lacks execution or bombastic ideas to, I dunno, really seal the deal? Also, did not understand that ending, like what the fuck's going on.
Anyways, uhh surely it was a movie.
The Tomorrow Man (2019) ★★½
Check it, the movie was alright until that ending, man. Major bummer, dude.
And listen, it may not look it, but when it comes down to it the ending just essentially reaffirms that the old man was right in bein' paranoid and grim, which feels kinda defeats the purpose of, like, the arc that both of 'em. The movie was LOVELY, a romance with an old couple? Totally RAD, sign me up! Shows that even when you're old Love is hard but possible, it's sweet. I wish the ending didn't really end on that kinda note otherwise this would've gotten -- easily -- two more stars outta me. This movie would've been so alright if they just corrected that, in my expert opinion. So, that's it.
What? Were ya expectin', like, a real review? Hell no, I got baited into watchin' this 'cause I wanted to see Sophie Thatcher and she was here for all 15 minutes! I feel betrayed by that, so I'm not sayin' any more.
Mallrats (1995) ★★★
It stinks of that 90s-2000s crass humor and that's alright, it makes up its genetic code and it's part of his charm, you dig? So, if you're not bothered by the 'product of its time' kinda shenanigans then you'll be in for a sweet ride.
I cannot, in good conscience, give this a higher rating than this 'cause I am frankly not super hot on how insufferable one of the main dudes is at times. Never really warmed up to 'im and never saw what Shannon Doherty's character saw in him. I'd sooner date Jay and Silent Bob in a two-for-one deal, which by the way, infectious the energy these two have, especially Jay. I will unfortunately start speakin' like the dude and annoy the living shit outta everyone around me.
Anyways, a nice little flick that has reminded me and inspired me of my own little story I wrote years ago. Time to fish that shit out and see if I can sue the writers of this movie on grounds of plagiarism. Catch y'all later!
8 Mile (2002) ★★★★ ⟳
I forgot that I watched this with the crew a few months back, after always catchin' this movie late on TV and never seein' the beginning section (and half of the second act, but y'know). A real gem this one, I was a bit standoff-ish 'cause it closely mirrored Eminem's life and it had him as a main actor, and we know these circumstances sometimes teeter on the edge of, like, total vanity projects, right? Think JLO starrin' her own biopic or somethin'.
But this was gladly different, dude. Very grounded, very real, like a theatrical peek into a life foreign to mine yet very familiar in essence. Enough jib-jab, chit-chat, the movie's solid and the soundtrack is so iconic there's a buncha videos of people sayin' shit like "mom's spaghetti" and "his real name is clarence. And clarence's parents have a real nice marriage" that it's kinda become somethin' I just chuckle at and never take note --- that's why I can't tell ya off the dome 'bout it! Anyways, what a lovely time capsule of its time, of a fascinating artist, and what a blessing we got to peep Brittany Murphy and Eminem on screen together.
A Walk To Remember (2002) ★★★½
ADAM SHANKMAN MADE THIS FUCKIN' MOVIE?! THE SYTYCD JUDGE AND THE DIRECTOR RESPONSIBLE FOR HAIRSPRAY'S REMAKE??
Dude, fuckin' insane. Anyways this movie was a real gut-punch to me, like total radical TWAACK to my face 'cause I saw it REEAAAL young with no idea where it was goin', the way God intended it (Just like the way he intended Jamie to fuckin' croak it?? but whatever). But it was such a heartwarmin' movie when the girl wasn't doomed by the narrative. I will never forget how the Poster Scene literally cemented itself in my fuckin' rock-of-a-brain as the romantic scenario I wanted to be in -- not bein' the girl in the poster mind you, but bein' completely justified in clockin' a dimwit in the face.
Right, the movie, uhhh. Listen, this is a CLASSIQUE, all caps. May be a corny, romantic little flick for those with hardened hearts, but shit that's just a skill issue with some of y'all monsters. Tuff flick, really cool.
La Haine (1995) ★★★★★ ⟳
This movie quickly gains the mythical fifth star on my end given how many times I've re-watched it in such a short period. Has graduated into my "must have" folder of movies. Totally rad!
Girls Town (1996) ★★★★★ ⟳
I think this is one of the few movies I've instantly rated 5/5 and I would do it all over again. A comfortin' piece of media that doesn't need an ending where the girls are punished for standin' up, and they all graduate just fine. To me it really feels like a look into a genuine friend group that become stronger and wiser as they both deal with grief together and move on in their friend's honor. A group of friends where the audience is included, which y'know I dig very much.
I've rewatched it so many times, I haven't even kept count.
Skate Kitchen (2018) ★★★★
I decided to scope this out on a whim 'cause I was actually on a kick for more classic films to catch up with the rest of the obnoxious cinephile crowd, but I felt particularly drawn to this flick so I decided to check it out.
I gotta say dude, I was pleasantly surprised and elated to find another great flicks I can keep in my folder. I've got my qualms, like the late introduction of a Jaden Smith romantic subplot that ends in the reaffirmation that the dude's an asshole just like we were told, and annoyin' scenes of "dudes being dude" and while I understand these are, I suppose, necessary, I just would've rather done without 'em!
But that aside, the colors, the characters, the dialogues, the resolution, all of it scratches that sweet spot in my noggin' that made me fond of this. I have a soft spot for movies that make me feel like I belong to the friend group, y'know? Anyways, word on the streets says that the spin-off Series has the OG cast and shit, so I gotta go scope it out. All in all, cool flick! I might rewatch it a few times.
Also, one of the girls (the lesbian one) reminds me of Jojo Siwa if she was cooler, which is crazy.
Monster: The Ed Gein Story (2025) ½
I haven't even watched the fuckin' thing. I just know that they continue to fuel the fuckin' myth that Ed Gein cross-dressed (or was trans), so it can go fuck itself.