The Crown Season 1

The Crown Season 1 (Peter Morgan, 2016)

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Rating: DSQ=11, SP=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale A=4, Scale B=4, Scale C=3, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

1950s, Historical, Biopic, Royal Family

What a refreshing, beautiful, and well-written show. I thoroughly enjoy "seeing" the current monarch and her family at the beginnings of her reign, delving into the conflicts between family and state, re-learning about scandals and events that were only briefly discussed in history classes. Claire Foy is incredible as Elizabeth II--in fact, there are times when it feels like I'm actually seeing the past. I can't wait for the next season, it will surely be stunning.

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Hunt for the Wilderpeople

Hunt for the Wilderpeople (Taika Waititi, 2016)

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Rating: Q=4, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=2, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Adventure, Comedy, Coming of Age, Father/Son relationship

Serious topics and complex relationships tackled in a light-hearted way--I like that in a film. This is a fun, off-beat adventure story with beautiful New Zealand scenery and great acting performances. 

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Oscar Dash 2017: The Nominations

Here we go, again! It's Oscar Dash 2017!

Well, this year I'm way behind (only seen one of the best picture nominees!) just like last year. I guess other things become priority to fall/winter movie-going. But I will try to see as many as possible, as in the past, before the ceremony. And then I'll continue after, too, so you'll have my review for each one. Don't forget to watch the big celebration on February 26. Here are the nominees for best picture:

Arrival


Fences


Hacksaw Ridge


Hell or High Water


Hidden Figures


La La Land


Lion


Manchester by the Sea


Moonlight


Click here to see pictures and all the other nominations!

The Garden of Words

The Garden of Words (Makoto Shinkai, 2013)

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Rating: Q=6, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Animation, Drama, Complex Relationships, Romance

Beautiful, sensory animation! The sounds and colors made this short story a treat to watch, but the narrative felt a little trite at times. I wanted more pause, reflection, and quiet at the end, to match the mood of the majority of the film. The overly dramatic climax at the end felt forced and out of place.

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