Have to disagree with this one. The movie worked best when Hugh was at full intellectual throttle but you still weren't quite sure were he was going with it. The idea of ridiculing his take-down of religion wouldn't have worked at all (though there was a missed opportunity in the script to make clear that The Landlord's Game was in fact conceived as a learning tool about economic exploitation before it became Monopoly). He actually had the best arguments and his character, and the film as a whole, was at its most engaging when concentrating on that side of his personality. A shame they didn't quite stick the landing. Great performance from Hugh, though, and I thought the better parts of film made this worth watching.
I disagree with your take as I was waiting for a debate…once the girls decided to challenge him I was excited to hear some great writing from both sides of the religion debate that could have taken place but I was let down by the route they went with it. However, i did enjoy the movie as a whole I only wished there was more of a back and forth as he did have holes in his rhetoric.
I think Paddington 2 did wonders for Hugh Grant’s career. That’s where the resurgence happened and then he landed some good and memorable roles in The Gentleman, Wonka and Dungeons and Dragons where he seems to be really enjoying himself. We love a good comeback story.
I loved the movie, the female characters were very interesting to me, especially Sister Paxton, her compassion and her intelligence that she underrates.
Yeah, this movie had so much gong for it (premise, aesthetics, atmosphere, sound design, excellent performances across the board) and could have been, should have been SO much better than it was. Ultimately, it comes down to poor plotting and writing. The characterizations were great up front, but at the halfway point Sister Paxton basically became an entirely different character (a character showing growth and having a satisfying arc are one thing, but the leap she took was just jarring and unrealistic), and the revelation of the method (such as it is) behind Mr. Reed's madness was soooo disappointing that it sort of drained all the goodness from the promise with which the story started. Having said all that, I'd give the film a solid 8.5 out of 10, and will definitely be giving the film a rewatch at some point, now free from the lofty expectations which that fantastic teaser trailer set me up with going in(!)
Please, please review A Different Man 😩 We MUST know your thoughts on it! It recognize its brilliance while also finding it very frustrating. I would love to know what you think.
I just wanted to comment that I discovered your page about a month and a half ago and its been such a blast digging through your back catalogue. I'm now a regular viewer and you're now in my top 3 favorite movie reviewers to watch on TH-cam. I appreciate your perspective and articulation when it comes to reviewing movies. You're simply great!
@@michaeltylerable I just watched Dan Murrel’s review of this film and he doesn’t have quite the sophistication and articulation of DeepFocusLens. I wasn’t impressed.
Well, I thought the movie was brilliant. Genius! My favorite of the year, so far! Very interesting opening with Sister Barnes & Paxton. Most Mormon girls are sheltered, but it seemed like Sister Paxton has bit of a secret side haha! She had plenty funny genuine moments🌟🤗😂
You are dead on with every point. I was waiting for a moment to transcend and it never happened. Their films seem so keen on tweaks of narrative convention with similar concepts, but they spell it out so quickly. There’s no nuance or resonant quality that makes it memorable or proper visual storytelling to aide the screenplay. It’s fairly black and white, it’s such a basic level for theology and leaves much to be desired.
Hitchcock was the master of that technique insofar as presenting characters who are not what they appear to be on the surface. Evil is internalized rather than being overt.
@@sandorx4 not unknown, just not well known, I feel. When I went to the 35mm screening, and the person presenting the film asked how many people have not seen this film, pretty much the entire auditorium raised their hand. And this is a theater filled with cinephiles, mind you. Are you British? I’m sure it’s a lot more popular there
Your review heartens me. Although creepy, good performances and fun to look at, the philosophical exploration is pretty ham fisted and obvious. Eventual went full Blum house It was about 75% less clever than it thought it was. That said it was enjoyable enough in its execution to overcome its problems in the actual story
I agree with your take about Hugh Grant's presence, I felt like other reviewers simplified him as "Toxic Masculinity" but I don't think it was necessarily about "Masculinity". Given Hugh Grant's softer persona; I could easily imagine a women executing his role. Maybe Judi Dench for example
If I was one of the characters in that movie, when Mr. Reed reveals that the world's religions are just iterations and they're actually used to control people, I would have said, "Dude, you went through all of this just to tell me that? Haven't you seen Zeitgeist, bro?"
The premise was great. Unfortunately, the movie just didn't deliver. I was thinking of walking out, but I needed to see the ending, which wasted more of my time.
About halfway through the movie I turned a switch in my brain and swapped the religion polemic to a polemic about government/political ideology as religion. I don't know of the writer intended there to be an undercurrent of modern politics, but the dogma runs deep in both...especially in the last decade. I think the movie works better looking at it through that lens.
Right there with you - There was stuff I liked but the thesis was so muddled and the reveal was just disappointing. I’m literally thinking “Why is he doing this?” I wanted more of the girls. I loved the peek we get before they get to his house.
I LOVE YOUR TAKE. You had the same experience I did!!! I still liked it though, quite a lot because it confronted me on my own beliefs despite how elementary the themes were. It feels like one of those shot in the dark movies.
Very good review of a good but not great film. I too am a fan of Hugh Grant but, as he ages, he needs to find a script that suits where he is now. I think the two young actresses acquitted themselves very well and have a bright future ahead of them.
I just watched a review of this by an ex mormom who really liked it. I think her review and why she liked it so much is why i want to watch this film. But, im also an atheist and already know most of these talking points, having also studied philosophy. Ill still see it. My boyfriend grew up in a religious cult, so id like to see what he thinks.
Great review, totally agree. I was on board at the start with the two Mormon girls and this peculiar Hugh Grant but it soon descends into this screenwriting circle jerk where the filmmakers are trying to show everyone how clever they are on the most Wikipedia level possible There are several scenes when the movie goes full “ackshually” and explains away any potential plot holes for the nerds in the audience The ugly dark basement too. Light a candelabra or something jeez!
I'm intrigued by Heretic as it marks something of a departure for Hugh Grant, although I won't be rushing out to see it. I'll wait until it becomes available to stream.
Where I think this movie succeeds is the intellectual banter and dialogue, cerebral religious themes, and the performances. But as far as horror is concerned… at one point I thought to myself… are we just watching A24’s version of Barbarian and Martyrs?
I heard the movie described by one of the dudes from fishjelly film reviews here on youtube as “a family friendlier remake of martyrs directed by m night shyamalan” and weirdly i kind of see that lolll. *slight spoilers follow* But i think its safe to say any movie going forward with weirdness going on in a basement is doomed to barbarian comparisons.
I understand your complaints with the movie. It’s imperfect for sure, but I think character study elements (about the two missionaries), the things that were unsaid but so defining and finally the shift of the main character left enough meat on the bone for me to enjoy. If it were the same film, without the A24 banner, I bet people would be talking about this movie as being a diamond in the rough. I think in the end, its downfalls are a result of too good of an elevator pitch and all that it promised.
I'm going to recommend to any. One curious enough an album by a band called Universe Zero and their album called Heretic. It is probably the most terrifying musical experience I've ever heard. Especially since it's entirely instrumental.
Good review, the actors were all good but it does kinda fall a little short. It reminded me a bit of 10 Cloverfield Lane given the small cast, small location and the trapped tension but 10CL was a better movie.
Dear deepfocuslens, I wanted to suggest some ideas for movies for you to review: Police Story, Lonesome [Paul Fejos], Battleship Potemkin, Irma La Douce, Zagreb animations of the 1950s and '60s, Seven Samurai, Zazie Dans Le Metro, Citizen Kane, A New Leaf, Ishtar, Arsenic and Old Lace, It Happened One Night, The Thief and The Cobbler [Recobbled cut], The Roaring Twenties, High Sierra, Ilya Muromets, Sampo, The Tale of Tsar Sultan, Heroic Times [Deaf Crocodile], One, Two Three, Safety Last!, The Freshman, The Kid Brother, Seven Chances, Sherlock Jr., Jerry Lewis' The Nutty Professor, The Bellboy, Ocean's Eleven [Sinatra and Clooney versions], Tokyo Olypiad, The Philadelphia Story and High Society, Road To Moracco, Swing Time, Easter Parade, The Ten Commandments [1920s and '50s versions], The Last Laugh [or De Letze de Mann], Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans, On The Waterfront, A Face in The Crowd, the films of Charley Bowers, Beauty and the Beast ['40s and '90s versions] M, Z, Breathless, The Seventh Seal, Rashomon, Double Indemnity, The Thrill of It All! [Doris Day], Black Narcissus, Sullivan's Travels, The Lady Eve, Bringing Up Baby, Who Done It! [Abbott and Costello], Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, To Be or Not to Be, 12 Angry Men, The Bank Dick [which means detective], Playtime, Monsieur Hulot's Holiday and Abel Gance's Napoleon. Good luck.
Maggie, thanks another great review. After watching film content on sites like the Ringer, it's so refreshing to get the opinion of someone who not only loves film and film theory but handles it with intelligence and nuance. I recommend your channel to anyone I know who needs a trustworthy film critic.
Finally a realistic and smart review of this movie lol. I’m into theology and originally had no interest in seeing this movie, but after hearing the reviews and praise I went yesterday. Really felt letdown, no groundbreaking ideas or things that really made me think, all things I already knew. Lazy and weird ending that ruined what the first act or so did well. Yea 7.5/10 mid horror movie with decent acting
Looking forward to this, hope it isn’t being overhyped. Sounds like some generic horror schlock fest, but reading the outline paints a far different picture.
Confident my editor would have taken a hacksaw to this story. Movie was very slow. I wondered if they would ever leave the front room. Hugh Grant was great, actresses great. Story dull. 5/10 score maximum.
Agree. Agree. Agree. Grant's performance was wooden. The script was filled with scary house tropes. I was disappointed. A much more original scary house film was Barbarian.
My favorite movie nerd :) thank you! I agree with you, as I watched this yesterday I kept saying "anyone with half a brain thought about these things once in his life" so the movie didn't feel fresh, it was just well made as expected from a studio like A24
I only saw half of it as I was almost arrested after complaining about the guy next to me having his cell phone out throughout the entire film. AMC handled this very badly and all parties were escorted out. So I only saw up to them going into the basement
@@ownedbymykitty270 I asked nicely and then told them that I would get security. Which I did and the wife followed me to the lobby and started yelling at me. That’s when I started yelling
TLDR; not academically well rounded enough to implant interesting monologue in one’s mind, not within the Overton Window enough for everyone to easily grasp. Which is weird, I don’t know how you couldn’t find at last one audience to contend with. No sense of direction- 2/5 Hugh grant certainly sold to me he was embedded in what he was talking about, but they two girls were so weak they could not fill the role as a foil. Scenes dragged on for too long, the entire thing about condoms was completely irrelevant and obnoxious, the statue fake jump scare was cheap and I figured it out 30 seconds before you were meant to realise at the last moment, and for a two hour movie to tackle only two philosophical ‘rooms’ in what’s supposedly a labyrinth i was not impressed.
I like the movie a little more than you, but you make solid points, especially about the scripting of those young women. They did come off like mouthpieces for the screenplay.
You say that Hugh grant is straightjacketed by his reluctance to shrink into the dark hinterland of his romantic persona. But you clearly have not seen the tv stuff from the UK of recent years that has brilliantly showcased a dark interior sensibility to his acting that you say he is incapable of tapping into. If you managed to check out said material I'm sure that you would be pleasantly surprised.
Her critique of this movie kinda sums up my entire problem with the whole "elevated" horror sub-genre. However "cerebral" or aesthetically attractive it might be, it's very rarely compelling or, more importantly, scary. Hereditary had a couple of shocking scenes. Other than that, it was a huge slog with a ridiculous "payoff." And yes, characters that just serve as mouthpieces for the screenwriters is another huge problem with this genre.
@@Charliehund100 I feel like the industry is trying to redefine a thriller. This movie is a thriller through and through. If you go into this expecting to be scared like a horror, you're going to absolutely hate it.
@@osaji922I haven’t seen this movie but just speaking generally, there’s a good deal of overlap between thrillers and horror. The two are not necessarily mutually exclusive.
Hearing Grant subtly diss Tarantino in an interview then see this movie lamely try and recreate a Tarantino-esque scene to music boiled my blood. Fortunately the movie got better after that.
I think most religious people are going to be put on the defensive when watching this and therefore, be more critical than the movie deserves, but similarly, most atheists will probably like this more than it deserves. And this is ironic because the movie does not favor religion or atheism, it presents the discussion and the questions, but does not try to give us the answers, which I thought was very well done. I also loved the performances by all 3 actors. While I mostly enjoyed the movie as a whole, I felt that the first half was flawless and mesmerizing, the dialogue was some of the best I've seen in any movie this year - SO well done. However, the second half seems to devolve into generic slasher-horror territory which was disappointing.
Can't agree more. The theological discussion has nothing to do with the rest of the movie. There's no connection between the dialogue and the horror. Cut and paste religious ideas and a failing horror ending. Disappointing.
I’m not sure he’s that smart to be honest. He’s a man that confirmed himself in his isolation. There no real testing of his ideas which is why it’s so basic and surface. The twist is I think the film is saying he’s wrong but it requires a supernatural stuff.
I must admit, I agree with you. After all the hype surrounding the movie, I found myself rather let down. Honestly, I was half-expecting Hugh Grant to either lead them into some bizarre new religion or completely drive them insane-either option would have made for a more intriguing watch
This one ranks as an all time great for religious diatribes, sure to ruffle the feathers of stuffy upright zealots. And the correlation to musical originality is pitch perfect . 🔥
Horrible take. How ironic that you claiming that a new & inventive horror movie from A24 has become generic for them while simultaneously making this very video hella bland, yawn-inducing, and predictable. Another amazing film too good to reach your laughably & impossibly high invisible pedestal . . .
So literally everyone else is saying this is brilliant. This woman says not. Literally everyone else is saying Hugh Grant is sublime. This woman says not. I get you want to be contrarian but make it less obvious
That doesn't make it not true. While watching this, and especially in the second half, I couldn't quite shake the feeling that the theological probing was done much more exquisitely in the French film Martyrs. The ending was disappointingly down a cliff.
Or maybe people have different opinions…? There isnt any movie that is beloved by everyone. Being contrarian is being like “omg this movie sucks! Worst movie ever! Im more entertained watching my dog take a piss!” But theres nothing contrarian about an unpopular opinion that is well thought out and explained in a 10 minute video. Honestly you just seem like one of those horror/film bros that gets their rocks off ragging on people for having the wrong opinion. I get accused of being contrarian all the time cuz i hate/dont much care for many beloved movies like midsommar, hereditary, forrest gump, titanic. I mean i could go on and on but the point is my opinion doesnt make me a contrarian. Like, i just didnt care for those movies and i cant help that lol. Whats even worse than being a contrarian is sitting on a high horse in the youtube comments finger wagging at people because they dont hold a popular opinion and disagree with yours. I liked the movie but all her critiques are valid and well explained. I too wish the movie had done more with its messaging and not played out so conventional, but i still really enjoyed it. Our mileages will vary. Itd be easier to take your more seriously if you would offer up your own thoughts, a rebuttal to her perspective. But thats far too much work i suppose. Its much easier to be like “woman bad because she has unpopular film opinion” loll
You know what your problem is? You think too much and you talk too much. You give a good review to, maybe, one out of a hundred films. How could you not like Hugh Grant in this movie? I'll tell you why. Because you hate almost everything. God, himself, could make a film and you'd hate it. What you critics do is merely an extension if your ego hi
I wouldn’t necessarily say it ego but definitely doesn’t give you the concrete answer if you should go through this movie or not, and spend too much talking on the stuff that really didn’t appeal to the liking of the critic who is reviewing it or just end up talking about how the film is a complete bore. Great eye candy but meh as a film reviewer, although you do have a very good knowledgeable background when it comes to movies not really one I’d watch for reviews tho I do come every now and then but meh
Oh but if the girls were dancers and showed how dancers are behind the scenes she would LOOOOVVVVEEEED it.... she sounds like her analysis is nuanced, but she is super basic... she thinks she has Hugh Grant figured it out from watching some interviews lol.... god bless her,... at least she's off the dope
Have to disagree with this one. The movie worked best when Hugh was at full intellectual throttle but you still weren't quite sure were he was going with it. The idea of ridiculing his take-down of religion wouldn't have worked at all (though there was a missed opportunity in the script to make clear that The Landlord's Game was in fact conceived as a learning tool about economic exploitation before it became Monopoly). He actually had the best arguments and his character, and the film as a whole, was at its most engaging when concentrating on that side of his personality. A shame they didn't quite stick the landing. Great performance from Hugh, though, and I thought the better parts of film made this worth watching.
I disagree with your take as I was waiting for a debate…once the girls decided to challenge him I was excited to hear some great writing from both sides of the religion debate that could have taken place but I was let down by the route they went with it. However, i did enjoy the movie as a whole I only wished there was more of a back and forth as he did have holes in his rhetoric.
I think Paddington 2 did wonders for Hugh Grant’s career. That’s where the resurgence happened and then he landed some good and memorable roles in The Gentleman, Wonka and Dungeons and Dragons where he seems to be really enjoying himself. We love a good comeback story.
His cameo in Glass Onion was quite a fun suprise as well
@@leiaglacia1426i don't even remember him in that!
I also thought Cloud Atlas was a bit of a turning point for him when he generally played the antagonist[s] in that film.
@@imonymous He's Benoit Blanc's husband! You only see him when Janelle Monae knocks on their door in the flashback in the second half.
I loved the movie, the female characters were very interesting to me, especially Sister Paxton, her compassion and her intelligence that she underrates.
Yeah, this movie had so much gong for it (premise, aesthetics, atmosphere, sound design, excellent performances across the board) and could have been, should have been SO much better than it was. Ultimately, it comes down to poor plotting and writing. The characterizations were great up front, but at the halfway point Sister Paxton basically became an entirely different character (a character showing growth and having a satisfying arc are one thing, but the leap she took was just jarring and unrealistic), and the revelation of the method (such as it is) behind Mr. Reed's madness was soooo disappointing that it sort of drained all the goodness from the promise with which the story started.
Having said all that, I'd give the film a solid 8.5 out of 10, and will definitely be giving the film a rewatch at some point, now free from the lofty expectations which that fantastic teaser trailer set me up with going in(!)
Please, please review A Different Man 😩
We MUST know your thoughts on it! It recognize its brilliance while also finding it very frustrating. I would love to know what you think.
I just wanted to comment that I discovered your page about a month and a half ago and its been such a blast digging through your back catalogue. I'm now a regular viewer and you're now in my top 3 favorite movie reviewers to watch on TH-cam. I appreciate your perspective and articulation when it comes to reviewing movies. You're simply great!
Who is the other 2 if you don’t mind me asking?
Couldnt agree more
@@47arav Red Letter Media (Half in the Bag) and Dan Murrell
@47arav Jeremy Jahns and Dan Murrell (it used to be Chris Stuckman, but he doesn't do that many reviews anymore, only the movies he likes)
@@michaeltylerable I just watched Dan Murrel’s review of this film and he doesn’t have quite the sophistication and articulation of DeepFocusLens. I wasn’t impressed.
Well, I thought the movie was brilliant. Genius! My favorite of the year, so far! Very interesting opening with Sister Barnes & Paxton. Most Mormon girls are sheltered, but it seemed like Sister Paxton has bit of a secret side haha! She had plenty funny genuine moments🌟🤗😂
You are dead on with every point. I was waiting for a moment to transcend and it never happened. Their films seem so keen on tweaks of narrative convention with similar concepts, but they spell it out so quickly. There’s no nuance or resonant quality that makes it memorable or proper visual storytelling to aide the screenplay. It’s fairly black and white, it’s such a basic level for theology and leaves much to be desired.
Hitchcock was the master of that technique insofar as presenting characters who are not what they appear to be on the surface. Evil is internalized rather than being overt.
I recently saw a 35mm print of The Lair of the White Worm with young Hugh Grant and recommend it highly. Very much a hidden gem
It's Ken Russell. Quite well-known.
@@sandorx4 ehh not really
@@jonathannoble9465 It's an unknown Ken Russell film? 😁
@@sandorx4 not unknown, just not well known, I feel. When I went to the 35mm screening, and the person presenting the film asked how many people have not seen this film, pretty much the entire auditorium raised their hand. And this is a theater filled with cinephiles, mind you. Are you British? I’m sure it’s a lot more popular there
It's not well known outside of the UK. Ken Russell is no where near as popular as Ridley Scott, or Christopher Nolan.
Your review heartens me. Although creepy, good performances and fun to look at, the philosophical exploration is pretty ham fisted and obvious. Eventual went full Blum house It was about 75% less clever than it thought it was. That said it was enjoyable enough in its execution to overcome its problems in the actual story
I agree with your take about Hugh Grant's presence, I felt like other reviewers simplified him as "Toxic Masculinity" but I don't think it was necessarily about "Masculinity". Given Hugh Grant's softer persona; I could easily imagine a women executing his role. Maybe Judi Dench for example
If I was one of the characters in that movie, when Mr. Reed reveals that the world's religions are just iterations and they're actually used to control people, I would have said, "Dude, you went through all of this just to tell me that? Haven't you seen Zeitgeist, bro?"
I loved the first half. Then it fell apart. Great bob dylan cover by sophie thatcher at the end!
The premise was great. Unfortunately, the movie just didn't deliver. I was thinking of walking out, but I needed to see the ending, which wasted more of my time.
How come you feel that way?
Sounds like Martyrs light
About halfway through the movie I turned a switch in my brain and swapped the religion polemic to a polemic about government/political ideology as religion. I don't know of the writer intended there to be an undercurrent of modern politics, but the dogma runs deep in both...especially in the last decade. I think the movie works better looking at it through that lens.
So true
Right there with you - There was stuff I liked but the thesis was so muddled and the reveal was just disappointing. I’m literally thinking “Why is he doing this?” I wanted more of the girls. I loved the peek we get before they get to his house.
I LOVE YOUR TAKE. You had the same experience I did!!! I still liked it though, quite a lot because it confronted me on my own beliefs despite how elementary the themes were. It feels like one of those shot in the dark movies.
Thanks for the review Maggie. Please review "Hundreds of Beavers". Believe me, it is very good. :)
I doubt it's her kind of movie.
Very good review of a good but not great film. I too am a fan of Hugh Grant but, as he ages, he needs to find a script that suits where he is now. I think the two young actresses acquitted themselves very well and have a bright future ahead of them.
I just watched a review of this by an ex mormom who really liked it. I think her review and why she liked it so much is why i want to watch this film. But, im also an atheist and already know most of these talking points, having also studied philosophy. Ill still see it. My boyfriend grew up in a religious cult, so id like to see what he thinks.
Paid $5.00 last night, and thought it was worth it. Grant and his costars were fantastic, even if the storyline didn't completely work.
Great review, totally agree. I was on board at the start with the two Mormon girls and this peculiar Hugh Grant but it soon descends into this screenwriting circle jerk where the filmmakers are trying to show everyone how clever they are on the most Wikipedia level possible
There are several scenes when the movie goes full “ackshually” and explains away any potential plot holes for the nerds in the audience
The ugly dark basement too. Light a candelabra or something jeez!
I'm intrigued by Heretic as it marks something of a departure for Hugh Grant, although I won't be rushing out to see it. I'll wait until it becomes available to stream.
Where I think this movie succeeds is the intellectual banter and dialogue, cerebral religious themes, and the performances. But as far as horror is concerned… at one point I thought to myself… are we just watching A24’s version of Barbarian and Martyrs?
I heard the movie described by one of the dudes from fishjelly film reviews here on youtube as “a family friendlier remake of martyrs directed by m night shyamalan” and weirdly i kind of see that lolll.
*slight spoilers follow*
But i think its safe to say any movie going forward with weirdness going on in a basement is doomed to barbarian comparisons.
Hope you review Red Rooms one day, love to know your thoughts
I never liked Grant in his younger days, I think he's grew into himself since the 90s
You’re brilliant. I enjoyed your critique. I spoiled the movie for myself by watching other videos. Thank you. Catch your next review.
I understand your complaints with the movie. It’s imperfect for sure, but I think character study elements (about the two missionaries), the things that were unsaid but so defining and finally the shift of the main character left enough meat on the bone for me to enjoy.
If it were the same film, without the A24 banner, I bet people would be talking about this movie as being a diamond in the rough.
I think in the end, its downfalls are a result of too good of an elevator pitch and all that it promised.
Thank you for this review DeepFocusLens, now it is time for a Saint Maud review. ;)
I'm going to recommend to any. One curious enough an album by a band called Universe Zero and their album called Heretic. It is probably the most terrifying musical experience I've ever heard. Especially since it's entirely instrumental.
Univers Zero - Heresie ... amazing album. definitely an influence on Godspeed You! Black Emperor.
Good review, the actors were all good but it does kinda fall a little short. It reminded me a bit of 10 Cloverfield Lane given the small cast, small location and the trapped tension but 10CL was a better movie.
Any movie that has Hugh Grant playing against type....im sold. I love his acting
Dear deepfocuslens, I wanted to suggest some ideas for movies for you to review:
Police Story,
Lonesome [Paul Fejos],
Battleship Potemkin,
Irma La Douce,
Zagreb animations of the 1950s and '60s,
Seven Samurai,
Zazie Dans Le Metro,
Citizen Kane,
A New Leaf,
Ishtar,
Arsenic and Old Lace,
It Happened One Night,
The Thief and The Cobbler [Recobbled cut],
The Roaring Twenties,
High Sierra,
Ilya Muromets,
Sampo,
The Tale of Tsar Sultan,
Heroic Times [Deaf Crocodile],
One, Two Three,
Safety Last!,
The Freshman,
The Kid Brother,
Seven Chances,
Sherlock Jr.,
Jerry Lewis' The Nutty Professor,
The Bellboy,
Ocean's Eleven [Sinatra and Clooney versions],
Tokyo Olypiad,
The Philadelphia Story and High Society,
Road To Moracco,
Swing Time,
Easter Parade,
The Ten Commandments [1920s and '50s versions],
The Last Laugh [or De Letze de Mann],
Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans,
On The Waterfront,
A Face in The Crowd,
the films of Charley Bowers,
Beauty and the Beast ['40s and '90s versions]
M,
Z,
Breathless,
The Seventh Seal,
Rashomon,
Double Indemnity,
The Thrill of It All! [Doris Day],
Black Narcissus,
Sullivan's Travels,
The Lady Eve,
Bringing Up Baby,
Who Done It! [Abbott and Costello],
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein,
To Be or Not to Be,
12 Angry Men,
The Bank Dick [which means detective],
Playtime,
Monsieur Hulot's Holiday and
Abel Gance's Napoleon.
Good luck.
Maggie, thanks another great review. After watching film content on sites like the Ringer, it's so refreshing to get the opinion of someone who not only loves film and film theory but handles it with intelligence and nuance. I recommend your channel to anyone I know who needs a trustworthy film critic.
The Ringer is so full of themselves. They could only wish they could review as well as Maggie.
This film worked much better for me than you. Felt like a film adaptation of a really good stage play.
Finally a realistic and smart review of this movie lol. I’m into theology and originally had no interest in seeing this movie, but after hearing the reviews and praise I went yesterday. Really felt letdown, no groundbreaking ideas or things that really made me think, all things I already knew. Lazy and weird ending that ruined what the first act or so did well. Yea 7.5/10 mid horror movie with decent acting
This was one of those movies where the evil villain actually has a good point.
Looking forward to this, hope it isn’t being overhyped. Sounds like some generic horror schlock fest, but reading the outline paints a far different picture.
Do me a favor and get the idea that it's a horror movie out of your head when you go see it. Think of it as a thriller instead.
Interesting how people can see the same movie but have two completely different view/opinions.. Goes without saying Film/Acting is Subjective.
You are hands down one of my favorite reviewers on You Tube!
Keep your hands where we can see them Kim. What are you doing down there?
Confident my editor would have taken a hacksaw to this story. Movie was very slow. I wondered if they would ever leave the front room. Hugh Grant was great, actresses great. Story dull. 5/10 score maximum.
Agree. Agree. Agree. Grant's performance was wooden. The script was filled with scary house tropes. I was disappointed. A much more original scary house film was Barbarian.
My favorite movie nerd :) thank you! I agree with you, as I watched this yesterday I kept saying "anyone with half a brain thought about these things once in his life" so the movie didn't feel fresh, it was just well made as expected from a studio like A24
Had a blast with this
I saw this yesterday and Im really not sure how to feel about it. Very interesting to say the least. I was entertained so I guess I liked it
I only saw half of it as I was almost arrested after complaining about the guy next to me having his cell phone out throughout the entire film. AMC handled this very badly and all parties were escorted out. So I only saw up to them going into the basement
Yeah, that’s kinda why movie theaters are on the decline…
Did you ask them nicely to put their phone away or did you start by yelling at them?
@@ownedbymykitty270 I asked nicely and then told them that I would get security. Which I did and the wife followed me to the lobby and started yelling at me. That’s when I started yelling
@@DestinyHorizons Omg! Where do you live?! Lol. Sorry that happened.
@ Atlanta
Thanks for your honest reviews as always.
Grant seems to only choose roles in which he can have a lot of fun in.
TLDR; not academically well rounded enough to implant interesting monologue in one’s mind, not within the Overton Window enough for everyone to easily grasp. Which is weird, I don’t know how you couldn’t find at last one audience to contend with. No sense of direction- 2/5
Hugh grant certainly sold to me he was embedded in what he was talking about, but they two girls were so weak they could not fill the role as a foil. Scenes dragged on for too long, the entire thing about condoms was completely irrelevant and obnoxious, the statue fake jump scare was cheap and I figured it out 30 seconds before you were meant to realise at the last moment, and for a two hour movie to tackle only two philosophical ‘rooms’ in what’s supposedly a labyrinth i was not impressed.
i don't know if he's afraid to go to darker places, if you watch The Undoing, he went really dark in that role in the end
Great insight!
I would love to see a video where HUGH GRANT watches this video, looks around, and say's "yep, she's got it!"
I like the movie a little more than you, but you make solid points, especially about the scripting of those young women. They did come off like mouthpieces for the screenplay.
have you watched the movie lowlifes (2024)? i'd appreciate it if you could review it.
A new category: better than movie trailers.
You say that Hugh grant is straightjacketed by his reluctance to shrink into the dark hinterland of his romantic persona. But you clearly have not seen the tv stuff from the UK of recent years that has brilliantly showcased a dark interior sensibility to his acting that you say he is incapable of tapping into. If you managed to check out said material I'm sure that you would be pleasantly surprised.
Please do a film review for Carlito's Way.
I always agree entirely with your reviews, lol.
Her critique of this movie kinda sums up my entire problem with the whole "elevated" horror sub-genre. However "cerebral" or aesthetically attractive it might be, it's very rarely compelling or, more importantly, scary. Hereditary had a couple of shocking scenes. Other than that, it was a huge slog with a ridiculous "payoff." And yes, characters that just serve as mouthpieces for the screenwriters is another huge problem with this genre.
What's elevated horror? I thought this was a thriller.
@@osaji922She describes it in the beginning of the video as an “A24 arthouse horror” film.
@@Charliehund100 I feel like the industry is trying to redefine a thriller. This movie is a thriller through and through. If you go into this expecting to be scared like a horror, you're going to absolutely hate it.
@@osaji922I haven’t seen this movie but just speaking generally, there’s a good deal of overlap between thrillers and horror. The two are not necessarily mutually exclusive.
Imagine calling Hereditary a slog 💀
I haven’t seen him in this but did you see Hugh in The Undoing?
I didn't think it was arthouse horror at all. I thought it was Hollywood-ized and cheesy.
I liked Hugh Grant in this movie, at least I know what to do when I bring a religious baddie home after a date.
Please review La Chimera!
Hugh Grant has already gone massively against type in recent films, such as The Gentleman by Guy Ritchie. Good film
Hearing Grant subtly diss Tarantino in an interview then see this movie lamely try and recreate a Tarantino-esque scene to music boiled my blood. Fortunately the movie got better after that.
I guess i must be dumb because I found alot of the religion talk in this very interesting
I think most religious people are going to be put on the defensive when watching this and therefore, be more critical than the movie deserves, but similarly, most atheists will probably like this more than it deserves. And this is ironic because the movie does not favor religion or atheism, it presents the discussion and the questions, but does not try to give us the answers, which I thought was very well done. I also loved the performances by all 3 actors.
While I mostly enjoyed the movie as a whole, I felt that the first half was flawless and mesmerizing, the dialogue was some of the best I've seen in any movie this year - SO well done. However, the second half seems to devolve into generic slasher-horror territory which was disappointing.
I'm not so sure. The atheist was the bad guy after all.
@@MrAwombat Good point!
Never cut your hair. You're gorgeous.
Can't agree more. The theological discussion has nothing to do with the rest of the movie. There's no connection between the dialogue and the horror. Cut and paste religious ideas and a failing horror ending. Disappointing.
I was enjoying most of it but the ending was so corny and cliche, it made this a one time watch for me.
Hugh Grant was amazing in The Undoing
I dont like your review because I wanna like this movie. Quit watching at 426. But i did subscribe to you.
I’m not sure he’s that smart to be honest. He’s a man that confirmed himself in his isolation. There no real testing of his ideas which is why it’s so basic and surface.
The twist is I think the film is saying he’s wrong but it requires a supernatural stuff.
If you grew up in a cult, you’d probably have appreciated the movie more.
Wow i usually agree with you but def not here, shit was fantastic
Boy, movie titles sure are getting shorter now a days. 😊
I must admit, I agree with you. After all the hype surrounding the movie, I found myself rather let down. Honestly, I was half-expecting Hugh Grant to either lead them into some bizarre new religion or completely drive them insane-either option would have made for a more intriguing watch
You have religious bias affect the review
I was the 700th person to like this video 😊
This film really upset me
how do you look the same after all this time
This one ranks as an all time great for religious diatribes, sure to ruffle the feathers of stuffy upright zealots. And the correlation to musical originality is pitch perfect . 🔥
Horrible take. How ironic that you claiming that a new & inventive horror movie from A24 has become generic for them while simultaneously making this very video hella bland, yawn-inducing, and predictable. Another amazing film too good to reach your laughably & impossibly high invisible pedestal . . .
You're pretty
So literally everyone else is saying this is brilliant. This woman says not. Literally everyone else is saying Hugh Grant is sublime. This woman says not. I get you want to be contrarian but make it less obvious
That doesn't make it not true. While watching this, and especially in the second half, I couldn't quite shake the feeling that the theological probing was done much more exquisitely in the French film Martyrs. The ending was disappointingly down a cliff.
Or maybe people have different opinions…? There isnt any movie that is beloved by everyone. Being contrarian is being like “omg this movie sucks! Worst movie ever! Im more entertained watching my dog take a piss!” But theres nothing contrarian about an unpopular opinion that is well thought out and explained in a 10 minute video. Honestly you just seem like one of those horror/film bros that gets their rocks off ragging on people for having the wrong opinion. I get accused of being contrarian all the time cuz i hate/dont much care for many beloved movies like midsommar, hereditary, forrest gump, titanic. I mean i could go on and on but the point is my opinion doesnt make me a contrarian. Like, i just didnt care for those movies and i cant help that lol.
Whats even worse than being a contrarian is sitting on a high horse in the youtube comments finger wagging at people because they dont hold a popular opinion and disagree with yours.
I liked the movie but all her critiques are valid and well explained. I too wish the movie had done more with its messaging and not played out so conventional, but i still really enjoyed it. Our mileages will vary.
Itd be easier to take your more seriously if you would offer up your own thoughts, a rebuttal to her perspective. But thats far too much work i suppose. Its much easier to be like “woman bad because she has unpopular film opinion” loll
Such a mid movie. A huge disappointment
I learned my lesson a while ago, and that is to avoid all A24 movies.
I feel that way about just about every one of the A24 movies. I did love Midsommar however
This movie really disappointed me. Kind of like THE FRONT ROOM (2024), a good concept but just goes absolutely nowhere. Boring infowars type of movie.
???
girl actually review something interesting again it’s been ages 🥵
You know what your problem is? You think too much and you talk too much. You give a good review to, maybe, one out of a hundred films. How could you not like Hugh Grant in this movie? I'll tell you why. Because you hate almost everything. God, himself, could make a film and you'd hate it. What you critics do is merely an extension if your ego hi
I love how a random girl simply giving her thoughts on some silly movie upsets you so much. It's a major compliment to me. Thank you.
@Jmiles4739 Jeez, who pissed in your cereal, Karen? 😂
I wouldn’t necessarily say it ego but definitely doesn’t give you the concrete answer if you should go through this movie or not, and spend too much talking on the stuff that really didn’t appeal to the liking of the critic who is reviewing it or just end up talking about how the film is a complete bore. Great eye candy but meh as a film reviewer, although you do have a very good knowledgeable background when it comes to movies not really one I’d watch for reviews tho I do come every now and then but meh
@@freedom_rock18 At least you can express your opinion about a stranger without taking it personally.
@@deepfocuslens You rule Maggie. Ignore the haters!
Oh but if the girls were dancers and showed how dancers are behind the scenes she would LOOOOVVVVEEEED it.... she sounds like her analysis is nuanced, but she is super basic... she thinks she has Hugh Grant figured it out from watching some interviews lol.... god bless her,... at least she's off the dope
Huh?
I love jealousy.
@luisutil9070 What on Earth are you blathering about?
@@deepfocuslens your review was spot-on! Great premise, but generic execution.
A24 are crap