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exceladeogun's rating
Imagine this: you, Anora, a sex worker, strike gold when the son of an oligarch falls madly in love with you. He's smitten, easy to sway, and you see him as your golden ticket out of poverty. After just two weeks of knowing each other, you get married, convinced this is your happily-ever-after. But what happens when his powerful family disapproves of the union and comes charging in to annul it? Worse still, your husband flees, leaving you to face their wrath alone. Now, that's Anora!
Anora takes you on a thrilling ride from start to finish. While the story itself isn't entirely new, the execution is fresh and utterly gripping. It's a tale of a girl determined to cling to her newfound fortune, despite having no idea how to keep it, as it slips further and further out of her grasp. It's a meet-cute born from the worst circumstances, yet one you won't soon forget. It's raw, unexpected, and brimming with a sleazy charm that feels all too real. Best of all, it's laced with sharp, clever humor that keeps you hooked.
Anora is a class commentary. It's about how the wealthy navigate relationships with those in lower tax brackets, treating them like pawns to be used and discarded, and how the poor willingly let it happen for proximity, convenience or class change. It's how the poor battle one another for the rich that don't care about them. It's about how Anora, Igor, Toros and Garnik parade the city to find a rich boy that's living his life-waiting to be swept away when they find him. But when the curtain is let down, it wraps up bittersweet-a sorrowful but hopeful resolution with a profoundly beautiful finish. It's the kind of ending that compels you to rewatch the movie, knowing it's worth every moment.
To say that Anora rides on the back of Mikey Madison would be an understatement, as she delivers an impassioned performance that's spellbinding. But Anora isn't just about Mikey Madison; it's equally defined by the performances of Mark Eydelshteyn, Anton Bitter, Karren Karagulian and Vache Tovmasyan, with special praise going to no one because they all deliver the absolute best.
The story, performances, score, editing are all tied together by Sean Baker's deft direction. The seamless way he moves between the sections of the movie with their different tones whilst maintaining a balanced pacing is remarkable.
Anora provides a story that feels like it's still unfolding just beyond the screen. It's not a film that begs for your approval, but one that demands your reflection. A must watch.
9-9.5/10.
Anora takes you on a thrilling ride from start to finish. While the story itself isn't entirely new, the execution is fresh and utterly gripping. It's a tale of a girl determined to cling to her newfound fortune, despite having no idea how to keep it, as it slips further and further out of her grasp. It's a meet-cute born from the worst circumstances, yet one you won't soon forget. It's raw, unexpected, and brimming with a sleazy charm that feels all too real. Best of all, it's laced with sharp, clever humor that keeps you hooked.
Anora is a class commentary. It's about how the wealthy navigate relationships with those in lower tax brackets, treating them like pawns to be used and discarded, and how the poor willingly let it happen for proximity, convenience or class change. It's how the poor battle one another for the rich that don't care about them. It's about how Anora, Igor, Toros and Garnik parade the city to find a rich boy that's living his life-waiting to be swept away when they find him. But when the curtain is let down, it wraps up bittersweet-a sorrowful but hopeful resolution with a profoundly beautiful finish. It's the kind of ending that compels you to rewatch the movie, knowing it's worth every moment.
To say that Anora rides on the back of Mikey Madison would be an understatement, as she delivers an impassioned performance that's spellbinding. But Anora isn't just about Mikey Madison; it's equally defined by the performances of Mark Eydelshteyn, Anton Bitter, Karren Karagulian and Vache Tovmasyan, with special praise going to no one because they all deliver the absolute best.
The story, performances, score, editing are all tied together by Sean Baker's deft direction. The seamless way he moves between the sections of the movie with their different tones whilst maintaining a balanced pacing is remarkable.
Anora provides a story that feels like it's still unfolding just beyond the screen. It's not a film that begs for your approval, but one that demands your reflection. A must watch.
9-9.5/10.
The Critic
Anchored by Ian McKellan, The Critic tells the story of a harsh but important critic on the verge of being ousted from the industry. In a twist of fate, he enlists an actress he's always berated in a scheme that'll restore his standing with his publisher.
The plot here unfolds cleanly for the first half, and the delicious way new elements are introduced to the story are captivating. Albeit, the last quarter becomes rushed as it races to a finish. This may stem from the reshoots done for this part, and while some may argue that the revised finale improves upon the original, the resulting disconnect is undeniable.
The performances in this film are remarkable. Ian McKellen embodies the role of a ruthless critic with such finesse that it's impossible not to detest his character. Opposite him, Gemma Arterton shines as an actress desperate for validation. Surprisingly, however, the standout for me was David Brooke, whose restrained portrayal of a 'besotted' man is so nuanced that you can't help but empathize with him. Lesley Manville, Alfred Enoch, and Ben Barnes complete the cast, and are all on top of their game.
The themes tackled in this film are, for the most part, handled skillfully. It ventures into complacency and the extremes individuals will go to for the sake of their careers. Set against the vivid backdrop of the 1930s, elements of sexuality and racism are thoughtfully woven onto the plot. These societal undercurrents help its exploration of human ambition.
Although the pacing occasionally falters and certain plot points demand a suspension of disbelief, the film's magnetic pull remains intact.
8/10.
Anchored by Ian McKellan, The Critic tells the story of a harsh but important critic on the verge of being ousted from the industry. In a twist of fate, he enlists an actress he's always berated in a scheme that'll restore his standing with his publisher.
The plot here unfolds cleanly for the first half, and the delicious way new elements are introduced to the story are captivating. Albeit, the last quarter becomes rushed as it races to a finish. This may stem from the reshoots done for this part, and while some may argue that the revised finale improves upon the original, the resulting disconnect is undeniable.
The performances in this film are remarkable. Ian McKellen embodies the role of a ruthless critic with such finesse that it's impossible not to detest his character. Opposite him, Gemma Arterton shines as an actress desperate for validation. Surprisingly, however, the standout for me was David Brooke, whose restrained portrayal of a 'besotted' man is so nuanced that you can't help but empathize with him. Lesley Manville, Alfred Enoch, and Ben Barnes complete the cast, and are all on top of their game.
The themes tackled in this film are, for the most part, handled skillfully. It ventures into complacency and the extremes individuals will go to for the sake of their careers. Set against the vivid backdrop of the 1930s, elements of sexuality and racism are thoughtfully woven onto the plot. These societal undercurrents help its exploration of human ambition.
Although the pacing occasionally falters and certain plot points demand a suspension of disbelief, the film's magnetic pull remains intact.
8/10.
Deadpool And Wolverine
In the third Deadpool movie, Deadpool joins forces with a reluctant Wolverine to protect his universe from erasure by the Time Variance Authority.
Reviving Wolverine after the character's reverent farewell might seem like a risky, fan-service-driven move. However, this sequel finds a fun way to deliver this while being as respectful as possible.
As Deadpool officially enters the MCU, his character-complete with all his explicit humor and edginess-is fully embraced. Thankfully, he isn't toned down to fit the typical MCU style, which makes his arrival true to form.
As with every Deadpool movie, the success rests squarely on the titular character, and Ryan Reynolds undoubtedly blazes on. Hugh Jackman also slips effortlessly into the mix, and the chemistry between the two actors is electric, fueling the film's buddy-comedy energy to perfection.
The plot isn't the tightest, isn't the most polished and plot holes exist but who cares when it's all so fun. It's pure escapist entertainment that fully delivers on its promise. The action is delicious. The dialogues are dirty, witty and packed with references- exactly what audiences want from a Deadpool movie.
The soundtrack is another element that deserves praise. From an NSYNC assisted opener to a climax blown with Madonna's Like A Prayer, the soundtrack is an overflowing treat.
Deadpool and Wolverine isn't just a movie for MCU fans; it's a heartfelt love letter to those who grew up with FOX's Marvel films.
8/10.
In the third Deadpool movie, Deadpool joins forces with a reluctant Wolverine to protect his universe from erasure by the Time Variance Authority.
Reviving Wolverine after the character's reverent farewell might seem like a risky, fan-service-driven move. However, this sequel finds a fun way to deliver this while being as respectful as possible.
As Deadpool officially enters the MCU, his character-complete with all his explicit humor and edginess-is fully embraced. Thankfully, he isn't toned down to fit the typical MCU style, which makes his arrival true to form.
As with every Deadpool movie, the success rests squarely on the titular character, and Ryan Reynolds undoubtedly blazes on. Hugh Jackman also slips effortlessly into the mix, and the chemistry between the two actors is electric, fueling the film's buddy-comedy energy to perfection.
The plot isn't the tightest, isn't the most polished and plot holes exist but who cares when it's all so fun. It's pure escapist entertainment that fully delivers on its promise. The action is delicious. The dialogues are dirty, witty and packed with references- exactly what audiences want from a Deadpool movie.
The soundtrack is another element that deserves praise. From an NSYNC assisted opener to a climax blown with Madonna's Like A Prayer, the soundtrack is an overflowing treat.
Deadpool and Wolverine isn't just a movie for MCU fans; it's a heartfelt love letter to those who grew up with FOX's Marvel films.
8/10.