Bria Lou Reviews

  Next up was a first-time watch. I already mentioned in a previous post that I'm not usually a huge fan of Jason Statham movies, so I wasn't particularly excited to see this one. But it was only 90 minutes and had an interesting premise so I was definitely intrigued. I do also tend to like driving movies, and this one starts off really well in that respect. The first scene is great, and whether or not it is an inspiration to films like Baby Driver and Drive, it definitely feels familiar. It didn't move as quickly as I expected it to, especially considering it's only 90 minutes. But the reason I think it works well above everything else is the characters and their chemistry. Even though we know practically nothing about them, we become invested in their lives. That being said, their chemistry would have been a lot stronger if it was given more time to develop. But it still worked. And for me, that was the only thing to really get invested in. The dialogue didn't fee...

  Siblings Andy (Billy Barratt) and Piper (Sora Wong) find themselves in danger when they move in with a new foster mother (Sally Hawkins). I had heard amazing things about this film before seeing it, but I was apprehensive. It was made by the same people who made a film I didn't love, and before that film came out, it was praised in a similar way, so I didn't think I would really like this one. Thankfully the praise was completely right because this film is really good! The characters all had great introductions. You get to know the siblings and their relationship really quickly, and you're immediately connected with them when the story gets going and the foster mother is introduced. You feel the same things they feel. It's engaging from the first second to when the credits roll. You're locked in the whole way through, especially when you don't quite know where things are going. There are a lot of really original and unique ideas throughout the film. In particu...

  Next up was a first-time watch. I'd heard of this film, and I've seen the more recent adaptation, but I've never really had a desire to watch this. Not only is the story not a particularly interesting one to me, but I'd never heard great things. So I was kind of surprised to see it on the bucket list at all. I didn't love this film. It starts and builds quite slowly, which isn't great given the film's runtime of around 90 minutes.  There were some really interesting fights, action scenes and stunts. These in themselves were actually more interesting than the main mystery of the story. I would have much preferred 90 minutes of Lara Croft beating people up! Because despite the name of the film, there wasn't an abundance of tomb raiding, and the tomb raiding that did occur was a bit boring. The saving grace of this film is the cast, who are all great. Angelina Jolie embodies this character really well and brings an authenticity to this fantastical story. ...

  Bel has always lived in the shadow of her mother Rachel's disappearance. When her family agrees to take part in a true crime documentary about the incident, it brings up feelings that Bel has been avoiding for years - she just wants it to end. But when the impossible happens, and Rachel reappears, Bel finds that the mystery is even more complicated than ever. Why doesn't Rachel's story make sense? Where has she been for 16 years? Why did she really come back? Can Bel uncover the truth behind Rachel's disappearance before it's too late? I tend to really like Holly Jackson's books, so this was one that I was looking forward to, especially because the premise was quite interesting. I liked this book, but I definitely had a few problems with it too. From the beginning, the thing that drew me in was the characters. They were described really well, you could clearly see them, and it didn't take long to get to know them. I don't have a problem with reading bo...

  Laura, a timid actress (Melissa Barrera) finds her voice after making a connection with the monster who lives in her closet (Tommy Dewey). I didn't know what this film was really about before watching it, but I'm a big fan of Melissa Barrera so watching it was a no-brainer. I really loved this film. I thought I would probably like it, but I didn't expect to love it as much as I did. At first I couldn't really work out what the tone was. It was funnier than I expected, but also played completely realistically, up to a point. It was a strange mix of things, you really have to be along for the ride when you put it on. It was also more fun and a lot sweeter than I thought it would be. The characters had great chemistry, particularly Barrera and Dewey who worked so well together. Dewey in particular completely stole the movie for me, I loved seeing this character and became really invested in him. This definitely starts to become a general rom-com. And while I can understa...

  I saw this film around the time it first came out and loved it... and then I saw the similarly themed Rocketman and adored that so much that I didn't have any love left over for BoRhap, so I haven't watched it since I first saw it. That being said, it being on the bucket list is the perfect excuse to watch it again (though Rocketman also deserves to be on a bucket list). That being said, I did love this again on re-watch. I think I loved it so much because I was familiar enough with the music to really enjoy that side of things, but not familiar enough with the band that I already knew their story. So I could be really interested in both things at once and really become engrossed in the story. All of the actors are great, particularly the other band members (played by Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy and Joe Mazzello), but Rami Malek is especially amazing in the role of Freddie. Not only do you love him, but you feel like you really know him. The creation of the song Bohemian Rhapsody, ...

  When the Valentine's Day killer appears again to slaughter unsuspecting couples, new colleagues Ally (Olivia Holt) and Jay (Mason Gooding) are mistaken for a couple, and must work together to escape the killer's crosshairs. I loved the idea of this film. It seemed like it would be a lot of fun and that it would have a fresh take on the usual slasher movie, so I was really looking forward to seeing it. Unfortunately it wasn't as good as I wanted it to be, but there were some things that I really liked about it. The opening scene set the tone of the movie really well. This is a horror comedy, and that scene does a great job of being both funny and thrilling (though I wouldn't say the film is ever actually scary). I think my fundamental problem with the film, and what ultimately clouded both my positive and negative thoughts about it was that, because the characters are described as colleagues who are mistaken as a couple, I thought that's what they would be. I didn...

  I saw this film for the first time years ago and, although I remember liking it, I never really had the urge to see it again. Nevertheless, because I don't really remember much about it, I was happy (albeit very surprised) to see it on the bucket list. The idea behind this film is really interesting because the plot could play out in a thousand different ways. Just taking the idea that someone takes a pill to open up 100% of their brain is unique and yet so open-ended that I'm surprised more movies haven't tried similar versions of films like this. The film does a great job of showing the effects of the drug. It makes good use of colour and it's written really well. The use of voiceover is particularly effective. My main issue with the movie is the character of Eddie. I think to really connect with a movie like this, you have to be able to connect with the character you're following. But not only was I not able to really connect with Eddie, I just felt absolutely ...

  Shadyside High's 1988 prom night becomes bloody when a mysterious figure starts to kill the candidates for Prom Queen. The Fear Street trilogy was almost perfect. I loved all the movies and the world that was created; it was such an inventive, unique and complete trilogy. So when I heard a new film was coming out, I was definitely apprehensive about it. And I was right to be apprehensive because this was not good at all. For a start, the writing was the first thing that told me this wouldn't be as good as the first three films. It wasn't as tight as it was in the trilogy, and it was written in a way that felt like we were already supposed to know the characters we were introduced to. And because of that, they weren't developed particularly well. We were never given a chance to either know or care about the characters, which just made the entire film feel pointless. This film is completely disconnected from the 'Fear Street' universe. I tend to feel neutral abo...

  I had heard of this movie before watching it, and knew that it was a classic, but never knew what it was about. And even after reading the premise, it still feels like I went in blind. I liked it a lot. The first thing I took in about the film was how good the acting was. Jack Nicholson is great as always, but he's really bolstered by the amazing supporting cast, which includes Will Sampson, Louise Fletcher, Danny DeVito, William Redfield, Sydney Lassick, Brad Dourif and Christopher Lloyd. They're all amazing in their respective roles and completely integral to telling this story. The story itself is a really interesting one. Even if you go in blind you're completely invested from the second it starts. But what makes everything about it so compelling, the story and the characters, is the writing. Everything about the film is written so well. The dialogue between and about the characters is powerful and allows the audience to truly feel a part of the story, and to get to k...

  A group of people from different walks of life connect through one explosive night in Oakland, California, 1987. Usually when I say I go into a film blind, I've at least had a glance at the premise and/or cast list to see if I'd actually be interested in it. This film is one that I truly went into completely blind. I knew Pedro Pascal was in it, but that was it - no idea what it was about, no idea who else was in it, I watched it completely on a whim. Even though I had no expectations, because I didn't hear many people talking about it I didn't expect that I would love it so much. But I absolutely loved this film. It was really engaging from the first second on screen. I was completely locked in. Which was really fun because it's not often I love a film from so early on. One of the best things about the film was the soundtrack. It was perfect for the time period and worked perfectly in each scene. It's rare to have a film with more than one separate storyline ...

This is a first-time watch that I'd only really heard about in passing. I had no idea what it was about until I watched it. And honestly, the only thing that excited me about it, without knowing the plot, is that it stars and is directed by Sylvester Stallone, who I'm a huge fan of due to the Rocky movies (and now outside of them). I really liked it straight away, from the opening scene. The cast of this film is amazing. It feels unexpected, but also, every time someone new comes in, it just makes sense. They are all absolutely perfect for their roles and play their parts so well. No actor or character feels inauthentic or out of place, and recognising the actors goes part of the way towards us caring about the characters earlier than we otherwise might have. And you really do care about the characters from early on. They're such interesting people who are really well-written and feel authentic. Even if you don't know much about who they are outside of this story, you a...

  After facing Frendo for the second time, Quinn has had enough of being hunted. So she decides to take matters into her own hands to finally take down the Frendo followers once and for all. I was looking forward to this book so much! Not only were the first two 5 stars, but the second book in particular was so great! So I was really looking forward to seeing how the series continued. While I liked this book, unfortunately it wasn't as good as the first two. But it started really well. Cesare tends to write really great prologues, and this one is no exception. It set up the story really well, built the right amount of tension and gave us a taste of things to come. The tension is another thing that Cesare excels at. It really takes the story from thriller to horror and keeps you completely engaged. This one removed a lot of the characters we loved from the first two books, and I'm always wary about character changes. For the most part the new characters were great, but there wer...

After moving to the small town of Kettle Springs, Quinn (Katie Douglas) and her father Glenn (Aaron Abrams) find themselves in a community fractured by age and long-held grudges. But when the town's mascot, an insidious clown, begins to wreak havoc through the cornfields, the town's inhabitants have to work together to survive the night. This was probably my most highly anticipated film of the year. The book was the best thing I read last year, the second book is one of the best things I've read this year and I'm so so invested in these characters and this world. So when I found out after reading the first book that there would be a movie adaptation, I couldn't even put into words how excited I was. And I think it's partly because of that excitement that I ended up being really disappointed. But only partly, because I also have genuine criticisms of the film that don't come from my love of the book. But if we start from my love of the book, I'm completel...

This was one of my most highly anticipated re-watches on the bucket list this year. I have never been one to apologise for my love of Twilight. I was introduced to the books as the second movie was coming out and loved them so much I watched the movies too. I definitely didn't expect it to be on any kind of bucket list, let alone a bucket list of classic movies, but I can't say it's not iconic for one reason or another, so it definitely earns its place. One of the things the saga is most known for is for catapulting its main stars, Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, into incredibly well-respected actors. Pattinson in particular is making amazing career choices and has done some amazing performances. The casting of the characters also felt really close to how the book described them. And even when things were a bit off, the actors were good enough and committed enough to make it work. This film feels so nostalgic. Watching it took me right back in time to when these movie...

  After breaking into a luxury SUV, Eddie (Bill Skarsgård) finds himself trapped at the hands of a dangerous vigilante (Anthony Hopkins). I hadn't heard of this film before it came out, but the premise was an interesting one so I decided to give it a watch. Because I hadn't heard of it, I had no idea who was in it, so I was shocked to see it was a two-hander with Skarsgård and Hopkins, and wondered why it was getting no promotion! And then I started watching it. And unfortunately I knew from the first 30 seconds that the tone wasn't something I was vibing with. And of course this can change as the film goes on, but for me it didn't. I never really cared about the characters and what happened to them, and although the premise is somewhat unique, while watching the film, it didn't really feel like anything new. I completely get the intention of creating a single-location thriller, especially when two amazing actors sign on, but nothing about this film, other than the ...

  I saw this film for the first time years ago, and while I didn't remember any specific plot details, I remembered liking it, but also being a bit disappointed (though I couldn't remember why). I was surprised to see it on the list. When I first watched it, I watched it because it had an interesting premise, not because it was considered a classic in any way. And to be honest, I haven't really thought about it since that first watch. I thought this movie was great. Really intriguing and mysterious all the way through, and quite a fun watch too. One of the best things about it is the tension between the two characters. You're on the edge of your seat during each of their interactions, not knowing what will happen next. And this gets more tense as the film continues. The fact that it's only 90 minutes long makes it really engaging. Everything that happens is completely necessary so you don't want to look away for a second. I didn't remember it being as entert...

 I can't believe we're already into summer - it feels like ages since my last Favourites post! Favourite Film (1): Final Destination: Bloodlines I was having trouble deciding which film to put first between this one and the next on the list. Ultimately while I enjoyed both films equally, I had a bit more fun with this one than the other, just because I came into the film already so invested in the world. I reviewed the film HERE  - I really loved it and thought it was a great addition to the franchise. Hopefully there will be more to come! Favourite Film (2): Sinners I reviewed this film HERE , and made no secret of the fact that I loved it. I've since seen it a couple more times since my first viewing and each watch is as good as the first. Definitely worth a watch if you haven't seen it! Favourite Film (3): Freaky Tales I'm reviewing this one so I won't say too much here, but this film was so unexpectedly great! I had no idea what it was about going in, but I ...

A family experiencing grief are shocked when they wake up one morning to find a woman dressed in black sitting outside of their home. As the mysterious woman gets closer and closer, Ramona (Danielle Deadwyler) must do whatever it takes to protect her children. The trailer for this film gives absolutely nothing away, so as excited as I was to see a new horror film, I had no idea what it would be about. I feel like I'm the only person who liked this film! I can completely understand the issues with it, particularly the ending, but I loved how unique and creative it was. The tone and setting are both really odd. It's hard to work out where this is in both the setting and period of time. Sometimes it feels like something from the 1900s, and then a character pulls out an iPhone and things get really confusing! The tension is created really well and grows with the film. It never lets up, and a lot of this directly mirrors how the characters are feeling. You're on the edge of your...

When a botched bank robbery turns into a hostage situation, a group of anxious people discover connections that change their lives forever. Last year I read 'A Man Called Ove' by Backman and absolutely loved it. I wasn't on the lookout for another of his books but when I saw this and read the premise, I had to pick it up. And again, I absolutely loved this book! For a start, I loved the way the story was told. The way the narrator spoke directly to the reader is really fun and gets you invested in the story really quickly because you feel like you're involved. The best thing about the story is the characters. This is entirely a character-driven story and the characters are amazing. They were really fleshed-out, 3 dimensional real people, and they were written so well. The unexpected connections between them is what makes the story. You make assumptions and think you know things, and then everything you thought completely changes and takes the story to another level. For...

  Next up was a highly anticipated re-watch! This film was a staple in my house growing up. I can't remember the first time I saw it because I've seen it so many times! The thing that makes this film work above all else is absolutely without a doubt the chemistry between Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. They work so well together, they play off of each other amazingly and they're the reason the movie has become a franchise. But adding Téa Leoni into the mix just made everything so much more fun. Not only do we get to see the characters interacting together, but we get to see them interacting with, and from the point of view of, a third party. And in addition to that, taking the characters out of the equation, the film is hilarious. It's one of my favourite comedies because everything is written and acted so well. Every comedic moment hits exactly as it's supposed to, and there are pieces of dialogue that easily work their way into your everyday phrases because of how...

Mickey (Robert Pattinson), a disposable member of a spaceship crew is put through a system of regeneration. Each time he dies, a new version of him is created with his memories intact. This film was talked about a lot before it came out, people were really excited to see it and there was a lot of hype. I'm a big fan of Bong Joon Ho movies, so while the premise didn't grab me, I was looking forward to it. And I ended up being quite disappointed, unfortunately. The premise was really unique, but I was very curious about how there would be enough in there to fill out a 2hr 20 min movie, especially after seeing the trailer and not really understanding what it would be about. It took me a little while to get into. I couldn't immediately connect with either the world or the characters. That being said, the performances in the film were great. Particularly Pattinson, who plays all versions of Mickey really well. It was more outlandish than I expected, and that's not a bad thin...