Moview Review: Everything Everywhere All At Once

Greysuitcase - Movie Review: Everything Everywhere All At Once | Photo Courtesy: A24 & Max

Synopsis

“A middle-aged Chinese immigrant is swept up into an insane adventure in which she alone can save existence by exploring other universes and connecting with the lives she could have led.” —IMDB

“Joy (Stephanie Hsu)’s villainous alter ego Jobu seeks to destroy the universe, fueled by anger that her mother, Evelyn (Michelle Yeoh), does not accept her. Evelyn searches universe after universe to find Joy and overcome the divide between them.” —NYFA.edu

Photo Courtesy: A24

My Take

Watching this after hearing and reading many of the rave reviews online, I honestly don’t know how I feel about this movie.

Yes the plot and the way they shot the movie are different and interesting. But for me, everything feels a bit too much (although it may well be the creator’s main goal to make the viewers feel everything all at once).

Throughout the movie, I kept questioning where the story is going and what are they trying to say because everything seemed to be somewhat random to me.

And yes, by the end of it, I kinda got what they’re trying to say—love, acceptance and all that—but it felt like so much work watching everything unfolded just to get to that final message (or maybe I’m just tired and this isn’t the right movie to watch when you’re tired and trying to unwind).

My Rating: 5/10

Also, found this version of the movie poster that I thought is pretty cool.

Photo Courtesy: A24

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Movie Review: Do Revenge

Greysuitcase - Movie Review: Do Revenge | Photo Courtesy: Netflix

Synopsis

“Drea (Camila Mendes) is at the peak of her high school powers as the Alpha it-girl on campus when her entire life goes up in flames after her sex tape gets leaked to the whole school, seemingly by her boyfriend and king of the school, Max (Austin Abrams). Eleanor (Maya Hawke) is an awkward new transfer student who is angered to find out that she now has to go to school with her old bully, Carissa (Ava Capri) who started a nasty rumor about her in summer camp when they were 13. After a clandestine run-in at tennis camp, Drea and Eleanor form an unlikely and secret friendship to get revenge on each other's tormentors.” —Rotten Tomatoes

MY TAKE

First thing that came to mind when I read the plot was Alfred Hitchcock’s “Strangers on the Train” that was adapted from Patricia Highsmith’s novel. But only not as extreme as a double murder I guess.

It’s been a a while since I watched a teen flick and although I was expecting the plot to be predictable (which to a certain extent it is), “Do Revenge” did surprise me with its own twists making this a not-so-typical teen movie I should say.

The movie is very well-scripted filled with quick paced dialogues delivered with great acting by Maya Hawke (Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke’s daughter) and Camila Mendes, the two protagonists of the story.

Not to mention this whole cotton candy-esque color theme they adapted for the entire movie that certainly give us an eye-candy. Also, got to mention that I love the color transition on the two main characters’ outfits as their characters grow. Drea started with a more pink/red/colorful outfits and Eleanor with a more blue/grey/muted outfits and they switch as the movie progresses.

Other random observation, just like any other teen movie, all the actors looks way too old for high schoolers. Especially the boyfriend. Also, my favorite secondary character probably goes to Talia Ryder’s character. Never seen her act before but she’s hella cool in this one. Might go watch “Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between” after this.

The one thing that might be different than other teen flicks is they do touch on mental health issues in this movie and they were highlighted by the two protagonists of the movie. I don’t think I remember any movie that I’ve watched did this. Usually the protagonist is depicted as the strong one so it’s quite interesting to see the more vulnerable part of their characters.

Overall, I think the movie nailed all the things that you usually find in a teen comedy drama. If you’re looking for some lighthearted movie to watch, would definitely recommend this one.

My Rating: 9/10

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