Haley Roth

If you’re looking for a film similar to a Panos Cosmatos film, and if you’re a fan of psychological horror, body horror and late 90s horror video games, *this* is a film for you. I really appreciated the surrealism this film wasn’t afraid to delve into, and while it isn’t a five-star horror film up next to the likes of Alien, it isn’t meant to be, and I think that’s part of what makes this a beautiful film. I see it as more of an artistic science fiction-horror film than a plot driven-film (although I loved the plot - it was simple and expertly delivered), and visually, this film is a masterpiece. It felt like an hour and a half-long short film, and I loved it. The sound design makes the film so engaging - it sort of felt like I was in an interactive experience, and it made it all the more beautiful and terrifying. Rita is a very intriguing protagonist and Eiza González did an amazing job along with Aaron Paul. I would love to see her in more films.

If you haven’t read the book, you can’t comment on this film. This film was made for fans of the works of William S. Burroughs, a queer author, and if you haven’t read the book you’re going to have very little appreciation for this film. This film is not meant to be representative of the queer community. It is an adaptation of the character portrait, transgressive semiautobiographical novel, “Queer,” which is a sequel to Burrough’s first book, “Junkie.” Queer was written in the 1950s, and it’s meant to be representative of *his* life, not the entire queer community. If you’re expecting it to be a film written for queer people, that’s not what this film is and you should look elsewhere. This film, like the novel, is a surrealist masterpiece and is very true to the novel. It truly captures the Beat writer’s persona as well as his delinear, symbolic narrative structure, psychedelic style of writing, his body horror, and his pure, desensitizing agony. The sound design is incredible - capturing, surreal, and at appropriate times, horrifying. The film is arthouse cinema, not Hollywood pandering. Guadagnino was the perfect director for this film. I saw influences from Call Me By Your Name and Suspiria in here, and even references to “Naked Lunch.” Bravo. I’d love to see an adaptation of “Junkie” in the future.

One of the best animated fantasy shows of our generation. To say it has a compelling story is an understatement. Arcane delivers a universe that is frighteningly similar to ours in the way that class dictates the lives of the marginalized, and the show portrays how privilege and power can corrupt an individual. I find almost all of the characters to be relatable. I think Silco is one of the most relatable villains in any work of fiction I’ve encountered, very human, but equally as hateable. Vi and Powder (or, Jinx) have a dynamic that’s both beautiful and heartbreaking, and it is what drives the story. Vi’s longing to be reconnected with Jinx keeps the viewer longing for exactly what Vi needs. Vi and Caitlyn also have a lovely dynamic that sucked me in for the entire show, hoping for them to prevail. I absolutely loved the story of Jayce and Viktor, and again with the themes of wrestling with power and how to use it for good instead of evil, and when to know to get rid if it. Jayce and Viktor to me seemed like brothers or potentially lovers, and their dynamic was so strong and compelling. It’s a steampunk fantasy masterpiece that I definitely plan to rewatch many times. Bravo to Studio Fortiche and Riot Games for such an amazing creation.

A beautiful film. Part coming-of-age, part horror, part - SPOILER a wonderful romance film.

If you don’t like arthouse films and were looking for The Batman Part 2, you won’t like this film. It’s not for the Hollywood-loving, box-office hit crowd. It’s for the DC fans who wanted something different, and I appreciated it. Everyone complains about how it’s a musical, but it’s done so well and it’s woven in to represent Arthur’s psyche. It’s not meant to be an action-packed thriller - it’s a slow burn and a character piece, sort of like the first one in some ways. The ending sort of pissed me off at first, but after reflecting on it, I actually appreciate it. As the film got across, *this* Joker is Arthur Fleck, not the Joker we see in the other films. This is not the Joker that’s trying to compete with Heath Ledger or Jack Nicholson. This is the tragic story of a man who was failed by society and it’s a portrait of our failed criminal justice system. It’s a surrealist prison/courtroom satirical drama, not a Marvel superhero film. And, in my, opinion, it was done masterfully. SPOILER BELOW: I would have liked to see Arthur *not* turn himself back in to the police and “build the mountain” that Harley wanted them to, but after thinking about it, that isn’t Arthur. As the film got across, *this* Joker is Arthur Fleck, not the Joker we see in the other films. This is not the Joker that’s trying to compete with Heath Ledger or Jack Nicholson. This is the tragic story of a man who was failed by society and it’s a portrait of our failed criminal justice system. It’s a surrealist prison/courtroom satirical drama, not a Marvel superhero film. And, in my, opinion, it was done masterfully.

This is why you don’t listen to reviews - I love the game. It’s basically Star Wars Red Dead Redemption. A reputation system, super fun stealth missions, space missions, and a story that I personally love. Kay Vess is a compelling character and Nix is so loveable. The antagonists are interesting enough to make a decent story. What’s most fun about the game is the free roam. I could ride my speeder around for hours just getting into brawls with bandits and the Empire. It’s about time we have a Star Wars game without Jedi and the Force, just Outer Rim scum and villainy at it with all they have. There’s the Pykes from the Dave Filoniverse, Crimson Dawn from the comics, the Hutts, and the new cool faction the Ashiga Clan. Sure, this game isn’t for everyone. It’s not Jedi Survivor, and I think the bad reviews are from people who were looking for the third Jedi game because they can’t just wait for it. But this is a great game, and I’d recommend it to any Star Wars fan.

Such a great film. A comedy with very serious undertones, and a phenomenal commentary on our beautiful, yet deeply flawed society.