Yes God Yes 2019 Film Poster

Film Review: Yes, God, Yes (2019)

Released at the end of July in virtual cinemas after having some limited screenings before COVID-19 struck, Karen Maine’s second screenplay is based on a short film of the same title produced by her several years prior, just like her other film Obvious Child. Yes, God, Yes is coming of age film that takes an intimate look at sexual awakening and Catholicism, and unlike Child, she’s also the director. The film challenges the hypocrisy and double standards while also offering a positive message in a film that’s both accurate and slightly satirical, perfectly capturing the Catholic school environment and all that comes with it.

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On a Magical Night 2019 Film Poster

Film Review: On a Magical Night (2019)

It’s not uncommon to dwell on the past, the would’ve could’ve should’ves. What is a tad more uncommon, however, is to think about past lovers and what things could’ve turned into with them while you’re married That’s exactly what we see with Maria (Chiara Mastroianni, who was in another film I reviewed recently, The Girl with a Bracelet). After her husband Richard (Benjamin Biolay) sees some texts on her phone from a man named ‘A’ about having enjoyed their sleeping together, he confronts her about her infidelity.

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Close Enough TV Show Poster HBO Max

TV Series Review: Close Enough

I can’t believe this September marks ten years since J.G. Quintel’s Regular Show series debuted on Cartoon Network. Eight seasons and a movie later, that show wrapped up a few years ago and now Quintel is back with a new show, this time aimed at older audiences. The series was first announced in 2017 and was originally going to be a part of an animated block on TBS. Those plans fell through when a show from Louis C.K. that was also going to be part of the block had its production shut down after his sexual misconduct allegations. Fans were left wondering if Close Enough was ever going to see the light of day, and it finally, debuting on HBO Max earlier this month.

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Scoob 2020 Poster

Film Review: Scoob! (2020)

I have no shame in admitting it: I’m a fan of Scooby-Doo. While I don’t watch everything Scooby, the cartoon-character is something I’ll check in from time to see what new movies or TV series the beloved mystery-solving dog is involved in. I have fond memories of watching some of the series such as the original Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? and The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo, not to mention some of the direct to home video movies such as Alien Invaders, Zombie Island, or Witch’s Ghost. Sure, some of that may be nostalgia, but I’ve also seen a good chunk of Mystery Incorporated as well as Be Cool, Scooby-Doo.

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Woman on the Beach 2006 Poster

Film Review: Woman on the Beach (2006)

I don’t want to say I’m judging a book by its cover (or rather, a director by its films), but so far I’m two for two in not enjoying films I’ve seen from director Hong Sang-soo, and I’m not exactly chomping at the bit to check out another film from him. It’s a shame, really — although IMDb plots are only a few sentences, usually they do a great job at summarizing a film’s plot and don’t leave anything to be desired. However, so far these descriptions of Hong Sang-soo’s films sound quite intriguing, only to leave me disappointed. Doing a little digging, it seems his films often involve a man involved in an affair, and the male protagonist is, often enough, a director as well. I wonder if it’s a sort of projection?

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Deerskin Film Poster

Film Review: Deerskin (2019)

There’s no exact word in the English dictionary that describes just how absurd Deerskin is, and that’s what makes it so great. Recent divorcee Georges (Jean Dujardin, The Artist) spends thousands of dollars on a 100% deerskin jacket, and it begins to consume his identity. Either suckered in to being paid so much or just because, the seller of the jacket also tosses in a free digital video camera for Georges. He leaves town to be alone for a while, settling in a quiet village and manages to board up in a hotel with no money to his name. He leaves his wedding ring at the desk as an item of value to promise he’ll be able to pay for his room shortly which makes me chuckle, as the ring has no real value to him anymore.

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The Art of Self-Defense (2019)

Film Review: The Art of Self-Defense (2019)

Casey Davies (Jesse Eisenberg) is not a very tough guy. He’s awkward and shy, mild mannered and keeps to himself since he doesn’t fit in with the other guys at work. He’ used to being told his name is very feminine sounding. One night after work Casey Davies realizes he is out of food for his dachshund, so he walks to the store to pick some up. On his walk back he’s beaten by a group of bikers and left in the street. After being attacked, he goes to buy a gun, something that “can fit into my hand”…or in terms everyone but Casey knows, a handgun. Ultimately, he decides on karate so he can defend himself. However, after a few classes, he realizes there is more to Sensei and his dojo.

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Non-Fiction (2018)

Film Review: Non-Fiction (2018)

Non-Fiction, or Doubles vies as it’s called in its native country of France, is a film taking place in the world of publishing where there are multiple events going on: author Léonard Spiegel has his latest manuscript turned down by his longtime friend and publisher Alain Danielson, a debate of ebook versus print in the publishing house, plus relationship issues between the two men and their wives.

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The Movie Hero 2003

Film Review: The Movie Hero (2003)

There’s probably some term for this, but I don’t know what it’s called. Any time I see a book that sounds at least mildly interesting to me I’ll add it to my “to be read” shelf. Over the years that’s led to thousands of books marked as TBR, and likely never will be. The same goes for IMDB. I’ve got over 3,000 movies and TV shows on my watchlist marked as “to watch” because they sound halfway decent to me. Will I ever be able to watch them all? Obviously not, but I want to watch some of them!

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