Letterboxd Friday #6

Published on 11 / 8 / 2024

My best friend started watching Christmas movies already. I am partially ashamed to call her my best friend still because of this. I will not be watching Christmas movies yet, don't even try to tell me to!

Sadly, this week was without any movies. I’m noticing a correlation between my mental health and the number of movies I watch— the more movies rated, the happier a week it was.

So since I unfortunately don’t have any new films, I’m posting some ratings of movies I’ve watched this year! Some of these are top tier, others average, and some to avoid.

Marie Antoinette (2006)

This movie is a masterpiece! The title is misleading, making one think this is a straightforward historical tale. However, when I saw the “Sofia Coppola” director tag, I started kicking my feet in excitement (she is my favorite director after all).

The storytelling of this movie was crafted by joining a harpsichord-driven instrumental score, elaborate costume design, and a flawless cast. Kirsten Dunst plays a scandalous, profligate, sexy queen navigating the reigns of a country in war. It’s captivating in all its elements.

The movie doesn’t follow the exact retelling of Marie Antoinette (the queen didn’t in fact own a pair of Converse), but this decision was a wise one. The story’s lean towards fiction leaves viewers anticipating Antoinette’s next move, feeling as though they are a part of her royal pack. You can’t help but giggle at her frustrating marriage and feel your heartbeat race with her secret affairs.

I’ve recommended this film to many and would absolutely recommend it to you!

Also, be warned, the pastries in this film look all so elaborate and delicious. You will feel your stomach yearn for a sweet treat when watching this.

Rating:

Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)

This movie is so silly and frustrating. Bodies Bodies Bodies is a not so typical who done it film with a comedian-filled cast. It artfully mimics adolescents navigating mysterious deaths in a modern world, with TikTok dances and Instagram lives.

My introduction to Rachel Cennot came through this piece, where I then went on to watch other films featuring her like Shiva Baby and Bottoms (both amazing).

And if you are a fan of the Lord of the Rings legend Lee Pace, give this movie a go! Spoiler, he may howl like a wolf.

My rating mirrors my frustration with the movie, but I did enjoy some of the comedy of this piece.

Rating:

The Cat in the Hat (2003)

The variety of the ratings on this movie is so evenly distributed that it should be studied. Everyone who watches this movie takes something different from it. For me, this movie is a comedic masterpiece. I use quotes from Cat in the Hat at least once a week. If you watch it, you’ll know what I’m referring to.

This movie's vibrant set design and unpredictable, innocent script make it a gem of the 2000s. It deserves to go into the history books. In only 81 minutes, The Cat in the Hat pulls together a complex plot line full of dirty humor, family lessons, and more.

The costume of the Cat is one of the biggest turn-off factors of this movie. Mike Myers plays him in a confident and flashy way, which can come off as annoying. However, I love the character and want to meet him myself. We’d get along for sure.

Rating:

Longlegs (2024)

I am a Nicholas Cage HATER through and through. Ever since I watched the National Treasure, something about this man just rubbed me wrong. I also made a joke to my Mom about my brother, Nick (short for Nicholas), being named after Cage. Funny enough, she said the spelling was based on his. She shouldn’t have said that. I won’t stop teasing him.

Anyways, Longlegs is insane. It’s difficult to come across a horror movie nowadays that’s not a copy-paste of others in the same genre, but this movie does it. It makes you genuinely uncomfortable and confused, the perfect formula for a good psychological and genuine thriller.

If you haven’t seen this new film, you need to add it to your list. Watch it with someone else, because if not, you won’t have someone to relate to as you're in shock at this piece.

Also, Cage can SING!

Rating:

Challengers (2024)

As a tennis player all my life, I awaited this movie’s debut in the theaters with high anticipation. Especially with this handsome cast, I couldn’t wait.

Now that I’ve seen it, I have to say, I was slightly disappointed. Yes, this movie does contain tennis, but it is really about the love triangle of three overworked, highly driven tennis players. In my opinion, the soundtrack doesn't match the story, shooting for an 80s disco sound when you expect anything else. The directing is impressive, with ball-tracking shots and unique angles, like the featured image.

Zendaya's portrayal of Tashi was so accurate (I mean, we expected this. She is a phenomenal actor) of an aspiring professional athlete. I was convinced in my youth I'd go pro, and I saw myself in Tashi. If you, too, were a failed pro athlete, you will relate in this regard.

This movie would've ranked higher if it weren't for the infidelity and messy ending. Others praise it. However you lean, feel free to shoot me your opinion.

Rating:

Thank you for enjoying another week of reviews! Next week will contain some new additions to the Letterboxd. See you soon!