John Wick, from the offset does something that would prove disastrous for any other franchise, it deifies its main character. Wick is an intense, rather silent character who is revered by everyone around him. He’s the boogeyman, as scary as they come, a character it should be impossible to root for. 

Should be, but isn’t. We care for Wick because he’s not shown to be unreasonable or irrational. He’s just a guy trying to live his life and put his past behind him. Life just doesn’t seem to work out for him. And by the end of the third film we see him decide to take on this whole system head on, peace be damned.

Why Does John Wick Work?

Apart from Keanu Reeves’ performance as Wick, the reason these films work is because of the action. More specifically, the commitment the series shows to its action. The way each fight scene could so easily have been the same thing over and over again, but it’s not. Each fight is choreographed to be add more tension as each film progresses.

The same is true of John Wick 4. The action is fantastic. There’s one scene in particular that gives us a look at the action from a very different angle that adds a whole other dimension. Another aspect of it is the way blood-spatter is shown. It’s always pronounced to highlight the impact of any gunshot or stab wound. It adds an element of realism, of consequences to these films that for the most part seem implausible, at best.

The franchise, even in its 4th outing manages to keep things fresh. Just when you think you’ve seen everything they have to offer, Chad Stahelski and team will find a way to surprise you. Everyone who’s a part of John Wick seems to really love what they’re doing and that does translate to the screen.

The films also have the benefit of being set in a universe that has an entire assassin ecosystem. John Wick 4 expands on the intricacies of this universe with the primary conflict of the film relying on the rules that Wick and his associates have broken and subsequently the cost of breaking the rules.

Thoughts on John Wick 4

To me, John Wick 4 was one of the most gorgeous and most cinematic of the lot. Paris has never looked better. The colours really pop and I couldn’t get enough of the colour palette. Some of it reminded me of The Batman (2022) and that’s the highest compliment I can offer any film at the moment. 

The action is creative, it’s as intense as ever and Keanu Reeves always brings his A game. Another highlight in this film was Donnie Yen as Caine. There’s a particular action sequence centered around a staircase that I thoroughly enjoyed. 

The part I’m not completely sold on is the story. I know the story isn’t why anyone’s watching John Wick but I think this one particularly doesn’t try at all. The first 30 minutes are painful to go through, that also happens to be the ‘plot’ part of this film. I know the primary concern of John Wick 4 is not to tell a complex story but an effort would have been appreciated. 

The further expansion of the universe is also not done in a way that feels organic or satisfying. I’m not sure I want to know too much about the High Table, it’s supposed to have some mystery about it and further explanations and clarifications only end up taking away from what has already been set up. 

There’s a part of this movie that reduces the central conflict to something a lot more simplistic and much less interesting. There’s a balance that needs to be maintained with the John Wick movies and the involvement of the larger assassin universe at play. This one misses the mark on that front in favour of a typical mustache twirling villain in Bill Skarsgard’s Marquis de Gramont. 

And yet, John Wick 4 has probably the most entertaining, high intensity encounter of Wick and the High Table. The film keeps you at the edge of your seat till the very last second. 

Is it worth the hype?

John Wick 4 is a mixed bag. The highs are really high and the lows put me to sleep. I enjoyed it more than I didn’t, so for me, yes the hype is worth it! Each frame is visually stunning. The characters feel like an extension of the world and it’s a pleasant ride. 

Ultimately, I think this film does a great job of providing a conclusion to this series. It feels like a complete story. But maybe I would have liked to leave the theater with a little more to chew on.

It reminded me a little of a 1980s action film but with modern technology and very few movies these days manage to do that these days. Capture the essence of the genre so succinctly. 

So yes, the hype is deserved. Go watch it if you’re interested in the John Wick series.

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Don’t Worry Darling is the latest film by Olivia Wilde starring Florence Pugh, Harry Styles and Chris Pine. We follow Pugh as a housewife in an idyllic 1950s community figuring out that something about her perfect world isn’t so perfect after all. 

Florence Pugh does a fantastic job playing the character of Alice. Her performance is emotional and it brings a lot of depth to a character that really needed it. She has too good a grip on what she’s doing by the looks of it and as always I’m excited to see what she’s in next. 

I also did enjoy the aesthetic of the film. The sterile, glamorous 50s look of the film gives it that cinematic quality that I’m assuming is what Harry Styles was referring to in that one interview. 

Some scenes are genuinely creepy and the feeling of dread is palpable throughout. The mood is well and truly built up in certain scenes. 

And that’s about all the good stuff that I have to say about this movie. 

A bit of a rant

The most egregious crime that this movie commits is putting its audience through a script that lacks clarity and the conviction to pull off something truly outstanding. It is bloated, doesn’t offer a conclusion of any sort, sets the audience up for failure and doesn’t lead anywhere. 

Don’t Worry Darling is a great example of a film that had just about everything going for it except its script. A script that is its eventual downfall and leaves the audience hanging on one too many occasions. 

Normally I’d just list out all the stuff I didn’t like here and leave it at that but on this occasion specifically, I feel the need to get into spoilers and rant a little. So this is your warning. Spoilers!

Speaking of Spoilers

If you’ve watched ‘The Matrix’, you’ve watched a more stylistically evolved film tackling almost the same plot. Except this film is also about control over women and their bodies and their lives. 

This film is frustrating because it gives its main characters so little to do. It’s like someone got stuck writing this film and didn’t know how to get to the ending naturally so they just threw it together hastily and now you have a movie that’s the equivalent of a carelessly thrown together Tuesday night sandwich. 

Like someone just didn’t want to try to make this a little better. 

The idea that none of this is real is such an uninteresting concept to me because it’s been done before and beaten to death. 

What it almost got right

In my opinion this film would have benefited from leaning into its horror elements. It would make a great horror movie but they’d have to change the entire third act. The idea that maybe what’s happening in Victory is bigger than men controlling their wives. Because while that is horrifying it’s simply not enough of a revelation. 

I’m going to make an unnecessary comparison here to the 2021 film, ‘Last Night in Soho’, directed by Edgar Wright. Also a film plagued with inconsistencies and plot elements that turned frustrating over time, that’s a film that manages to utilize the atmosphere it creates. It loves its aesthetic but also incorporates it sufficiently into the larger story. Don’t Worry Darling wastes its extensive setup and seeing how 75% of this film is setup by the end I was more annoyed with the film for wasting my time than I was for its mediocrity. 

The other issue here is that of Frank (Chris Pine’s character) as the architect of this reality and worldbuilding in general. Frank is supposed to be smart, he’s revered by everyone in the film but when you actually recap the events of the film in your head you realize that he simply isn’t? That comes down to the worldbuilding, the world doesn’t work so neither does Frank. There’s plot holes everywhere you look and it’s all stuff that could have been cleaned up in a rewrite. 

Conclusion

Wasted potential is always frustrating but especially here because it had the perfect shitstorm in terms of the conversation surrounding the film. Can you imagine the impact this film could have had, culturally, if it worked even a little? 

As it stands, the possibility of Harry Styles maybe having spit on Chris Pine is still the most interesting thing about this film.

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I didn’t want to review this movie, I didn’t think my opinion mattered because I’m at the height of my Robert Pattinson phase that essentially started with that one batshit GQ interview that I will mention whenever I get the opportunity. 

Anyway I can’t seem to write much these days so I figured hey let’s just get this Batman review out of my system. 

Firstly, I was super proud of myself for getting really cheap tickets so that was a big win. And then I got there and was completely blown away by this gorgeous looking, decently constructed, rather funny film that has some really cool shit. 

The Dark Knight

Let’s first get the “Is this better than The Dark Knight?” question out of the way. So is it? 

Nah. But it’s close. 

The Dark Knight is one of those films that cannot be replicated. It redefined what a Batman movie and comic book movie in general could be. It was artistic but mainstream, it was chaotic and brilliant and has easily the best performance in a comic book movie in the form of Heath Ledger’s Joker (a performance that also changed what the Joker could be in future Batman projects). The Dark Knight is nothing short of iconic and yes everyone says that but it’s only because it’s true.

The Batman (2022) is, in its own way, brilliant. It’s enjoyable as hell. I can see myself rewatching this movie a few more times and enjoying myself just as much or probably more. But it also owes a lot to The Dark Knight’s success.

The Batman: Why it works

Technically proficient, The Batman makes its 3 hour runtime fly by. The editing is snappy and the film wastes very little time. From the first shot itself we’re thrown into this awful version of Gotham that needs its Batman to make it slightly less shit. We understand why this version of Gotham needs this version of Batman. 

The action is fantastic, the camera work brings a lot to the table here. The cinematography is droolworthy and is assisted by the score in creating the perfect atmosphere. The colour palette is consistent and adds an additional visual dimension to the film which leads to a more visually distinct Gotham.

Gotham looks and feels like the worst place you could end up in. It’s such a mess and everyone is the worst. I loved that. It’s a city that needs something to change and it needs something as random as a billionaire dressing up as a bat and fighting crime. It makes sense. 

Then there’s the Riddler, the most exciting part of this film. Riddler has a sense of humour and he’s also played to creepy perfection by Paul Dano. He’s good at what he does, he’s eccentric and he thinks he’s doing the right thing for Gotham. He’s a product of the Gotham we see. 

The cast also includes Zoe Kravitz as Catwoman and Colin Farrell as The Penguin. I hope we get to see more of both of these characters. Especially, The Penguin who was essential to this version of Gotham.

Alls Well That Ends Well

I liked this movie more than I thought I would. The chaos feels earned and it’s a hopeful film. It makes me want to see where this Batman goes. It’s a take on a Batman who finds hope and I adore that, conceptually. 

Robert Pattinson’s Batman is dynamic, we can see this character evolve, he’s got a gothic charm to him and he cares deeply about Gotham. I want more of this Batman and I’m not just saying that because of my Robert Pattinson phase, I genuinely believe there’s more to explore here and I can’t wait to get more funky action sequences and Batman villains right out of the comics.

The post The Batman: A Short Review appeared first on Diti Writes Reviews.

These movies are generally action-something movies; that includes action comedy, action thrillers, action sci-fi, etc. 

Let me make it very very clear that anyone can enjoy these movies, I enjoyed them and I think they’re really fun to watch, if a movie falls into this category there’s also the chance that my dad will like them, which I’m assuming is a problem other people face? I don’t know, I just thought this would be a fun article to write so here we are! 

Let’s get started, shall we? 

Nobody (2021)

This is the movie that inspired this list. This is the dad version of John Wick. It’s fun, there’s a ton of fun action and a really believable performance by Bob Odenkirk who just looks so done with everything the whole time but also like he’s made for this. 

Also did anyone know that Tobey Maguire is one of the producers? Not significant but still a cool fact. 

This movie has some delightful action sequences, not all of it seems plausible but it makes for entertaining action, well shot, intense, really cool action, with some rather creative stuff thrown into the mix. 

I enjoyed this movie a little more than I thought I would and my dad was also pleasantly surprised. 

The Nice Guys (2016)

This movie made my top 10 watches of 2021. I adore it. Unmistakably 60s, full of life and some of the most fun I’ve had in a long time. It’s like getting punched in the face with serotonin. I love the way it’s lit and how crazy this movie gets. 

Starring Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling as an unlikely pair of enemies to best friend private detectives, who get wrapped up in a much more complicated situation and the party scene of the 70s, they really make the film. They have the chemistry needed to make a movie like this work. 

And the action is fun, sure, some of it is serious but some of it is ridiculous and wonderful. I enjoy movies where the surroundings are integrated into the fight scenes and that happens here a lot. 

And we all burst out laughing so many times with this movie it was just such a brilliant time! I cannot recommend it enough!

Snatch (2000)

The editing in Snatch is unmatched, that along with Brad Pitt and the whole plot? Shit is crazy but so much fun. There’s also a hint of tragedy mixed with the generally hilarious plot. This is a movie about fighting and a diamond and honestly I can’t explain it, that’s the beauty of it. 

Directed by Guy Ritchie, this movie is out there and a bit nuts but a really fun, action filled, dirty looking, joyride with a lot of fantastic moments and editing that shines through. It’s a film about crooks and bad guys and repetitive bad decisions and impeccable pacing.

I appreciate films that don’t waste my time and so does my dad. He liked it because of how crazy this film was and I concur. 

No Time To Die (2021)

Alright. So this was the most recent James Bond film and I’ve heard mixed reviews for it but personally I liked it. I thought it was a bit stupid in parts as every James Bond flick should be and I think this one has some emotional weight to it, nothing groundbreaking but still, more than I was expecting. 

It doesn’t feel like a James Bond movie but maybe that’s a good thing. It doesn’t limit itself to a lot of the things that Bond was previously restricted to. It’s not quite as effective as other spy thrillers but it’s an entertaining movie that even at its slightly inexcusable runtime doesn’t feel too long.

I liked watching it and my dad thought it was one of the less terrible Bond films, overall an entertaining time with some real badass scenes even if the mystery in this one is practically nonexistent. 

Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

This one is more for artsy dads. Blade Runner 2049 directed by Denis Villeneuve continues the story of Blade Runner (1982) which was based on the book ‘Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep’ by Phillip K. Dick. The film is beautiful and has some really intense sequences what qualifies it for this list is the nostalgic element of Blade Runner. 

I cannot promise that it’ll have the desired reaction but it’s such a well made film that I think there’s something to love for everyone here. It’s cold, it’s sci-fi and it has the coolest visuals of any of the films on this list. 

Mission Impossible (All the films in the series)

I need everyone to understand that I’m obsessed with the fact that the Mission Impossible movies exist. Somehow one of those series that does the same thing over and over again but differently each time and with more bonkers action than what came before. 

Tom Cruise is a star, the fact that he’s willing to climb the tallest building, jump out of planes and do whatever else is required to make these insane movies makes for a series that is consistently entertaining and never disappoints with the action. And watching this series of films with my dad gave both of us something to look forward to for a few days. I love the Mission Impossible films and cannot stress enough how much fun they are. 

Conclusion 

There are so many other films that belong on this list like Shooter (2007) a movie my dad and I once watched 4 times in a week because it was on TV 4 times that week, talk about re-watch value (and the main character is actually named Swagger).

There’s also Jack Reacher (2012), another Tom Cruise action movie that doesn’t disappoint, and also the Bourne Trilogy (yes, I’m only counting the first three 2002-07) based on the books by Robert Ludlum, starring Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, a spy thriller with a staircase sequence that is seared into my brain because I’ve watched it so many times. 

Action movies have to be a little ridiculous and all of these films somewhat fulfill that criteria. These are fun, light movies that are all quite well made and entertaining. The plot in a few of these is near identical but that doesn’t mean they’re bad, it just isn’t a priority. 

I hope this list is helpful or at least fun to read! Let me know if you’d like to see any other specific lists!

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Ah Dune. Based on the classic science fiction novel of the same name by Frank Herbert, Dune is the new Denis Villeneuve film that takes place across the sandy world of Arrakis where we follow House Atreides trying to establish their hold on the planet and the coveted Spice that’s essential in this world.

This movie is special because it’s the first movie I watched in a theater after the start of the pandemic. It had me hyped, to say the least. I was prepared for something slow but gorgeous and full of sand. And in that sense, Dune didn’t disappoint. 

There’s a lot of sand, the film moves at a snail’s pace. It’s all picturesque shots that make you feel small but not insignificant. Dune fulfills its purpose for the most part, it feels like an epic sci-fi story that’s just getting started but there’s still something a little bit off. There’s a spark of magic that’s missing, something to convince me that the movie was, infact, a fantastic adventure that leaves room for more. 

Is Dune a good movie? 

It’s competent in most respects. It looks epic, it sounds epic, it feels epic and it has all the ingredients to a great movie but where it fails is in being consistently entertaining. Dune has moments of greatness that are stuffed between pacing issues and mediocrity. Scenes that leave you stunned, truly speechless that are spread far enough apart that they begin to lose their charm.

I had no prior experience with the series so I didn’t have any specific expectations. I think I’d have been less disappointed if I had some frame of reference to contain my anticipation. Dune has a lot going on, there’s political drama, funky sci-fi stuff and a lot of discussion around a sword (an ugly sword, so there are negative points for that), but ultimately it misses out on capturing magic. 

For example, when the movie starts, there’s a beautiful sweeping shot of the desert with narration describing the current state of affairs, spice trade, the way the locals of the planet are treated. It’s reminiscent of the British Empire and just for a brief moment I expected the story to explore that aspect of trading spice. The movie is more concerned with its traditional ‘chosen one’ narrative that rests firmly on the shoulders of Timothee Chalamet’s Paul Atreides.

It is carried, primarily, by Oscar Isaac and Rebecca Ferguson, as Paul’s parents Leto Atreides and Lady Jessica respectively. They do a lot of the emotional and political heavy lifting. Each has their own storyline and they have an admirable relationship, they support each other but know when to respect the other’s boundaries. Paul is a little harder to fit into the equation. He’s a little bland but shows intent and promise, so I have hope. 

A Lot of Nothing

If you were to ask me what Paul does throughout the movie, I’ll stare at you blankly and try to put together a better description than, he walks around through sand and tries to get to some place with more sand, also he can see the future, sort of, in a way. That’s not all he does, he fights a little, talks about stuff, learns a few cool tricks, but the sparseness of the plot makes it almost feel like nothing at all happens. 

The really disappointing bit is that the world of Dune doesn’t make sense all the time. There’s an incompleteness to the world. House Atreides is a prime example of this, they’re key players here but nothing in the way they live or manage their household would indicate that. Apart from the way they talk. 

The Good Parts

The best part of this movie is a character named Duncan Idaho. All the names, actually, sound weird and somewhat cool. Not Paul though, which is a shame since he’s the main character. Also the absolutely tedious pacing that makes the action even more exciting. Every action scene in this film has a massive scale. Each one is larger than life, with the stakes being raised between these action scenes without fail. The tedious pacing is instrumental to the world building, the slowly rising tension, to making the film feel like an epic. It feels like old sci-fi and I loved that. 

I don’t think I’ve walked out of a film recently with the full intention of going to watch it again. I need to watch Dune again. Simply to experience the grand scale of everything in this film that makes it feel like you’ve been transported to a different world. Everything in this movie comes together to form a whole that feels complete, the score, the cinematography, the overwhelming amounts of sand and the tone of the film. It makes every moment feel heavy and filled with tension. 

Conclusion

I cannot stress enough how big everything feels here. The world is complex, the politics is twisted and every character is acutely aware of their own purpose in the grand scheme of things. But still, there’s a layer of world-building that’s missing. Spice trade, here, has been around for centuries but that gets harder and harder to believe as the movie progresses. Even our understanding of the world changes as we come to see how unsustainable it is. Which only makes it harder to believe.

Ultimately, Dune suffers from a lot of problems that only exist because it’s a story of such massive scale. Denis Villenuve approaches this story masterfully, but is unable to contain the flaws that plague Dune. It makes for an intersting watch, but one that leaves you frustrated.

Overall, Dune has a lot of potential from a storytelling standpoint. However, I’m convinced that some of those potential storylines will never come to fruition. It’s an epic that lets itself down by simply not having a lot to say in this installment. But leaves room for more. It isn’t perfect but it’s mesmerising in more ways than one and just for that it deserves to be watched over and over.

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