kaitlynlamonte444 Reviews

Whiplash (2014)

"Good job" doesn't cut it!

[10/10 · 22 April 2024]

This film picks you right up from the beginning- and never puts you back down. It never skips a beat. It doesn't rush or drag, the tempo is just right.

We follow Andrew as he struggles with desire of perfection, and on a roller coaster of emotions regarding his status with Fletcher.

Like the teachings of Fletcher, this is a piece of cinema that exceeds what is expected of it. And with a brilliant performance from J. K Simmons, superseded by a mind-blowing, career-defining performance from Miles Teller; the film is well-rounded in every aspect.

Full of jazz, determination, and intensity; this movie will leave you with whiplash.

Steel Magnolias (1989)

What's not to love?

[9/10 · 5 April 2024]

An excellent star-studded cast, love and heartbreak, and family and friends with small town southern charm. What's not to love about Steel Magnolias?

There's a specific warmth to this film that will make you laugh on your hardest days and cry along with them on your best. Regardless of when you were born, there's a certain nostalgia that comes with watching this movie.

Taking you through all the years and seasons of change, life, and death; Steel Magnolias never fails to make you feel it all. Not to mention the exceptional performance by the incomparable Sally Field is enough to make it a good film. That being said, if you need a good laugh, a good cry, a warm hug, this is the ultimate comfort movie.

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022)

I have no words. Just no.

[3/10 · 5 April 2024]

I cannot even fathom what exactly this movie was.

The viewer is not taken- but hatefully dragged on a "horror" story with arguably some of the most insufferable main characters I've ever witnessed in my life. I didn't think I'd see the day where I willingly rooted for a cold-blooded slasher killer, but man I can't even be serious in beating around the bush about the protagonist.

I understand the attempt to modernize the franchise with so-called "influencers", but it just didn't fit. The entire thing was nearly satirical, with some gore thrown in for horrific value.

However, it is mildly watchable, so it gets 3 stars. But I would not watch it again.

Pearl (2022)

The Unfolding of a Tortured Dreamer

[10/10 · 5 April 2024]

Inspired by pure cinema, made for lovers of pure cinema.

Taking us deep into the actions and patterns of Pearl, Ti West and Mia Goth created a murderous, villainous character who is somehow relatable and enjoyable.

With the heart and mind of a true dreamer-- Pearl is just a sheltered child at her core, with some big dreams and plans. This film never fails showing us the depths of a lonely dreamer-- and what they do when no one else is watching.

Sure, it's a horror film, but in a more interesting sense, it's a celebration to all of us dreamers (who are not murderers, I hope), engaging in each impulse and desire to stop everything that's in their way (again, excluding the murderous acts, I hope).

Casablanca (1942)

The Most Perfect Film Ever Made

[10/10 · 5 April 2024]

This is a film made so perfect by the fact that it doesn't try to be anything it's not. It just simply is.

It's simply wonderful, with a central theme of romance; but with tied-in themes of action and adventure, never leaving out sentiment. This film doesn't try too hard to be any one of these things. There's no crazy action or crime scene in attempt to grab your attention. No overly sexual or lustful cliches. It is the pure essence of old Hollywood.

The subtleness of each aspect and performance makes it so incredibly watchable. The fact that nothing is overdone, nothing is forced in this film. And with two of the greatest actors of all time starring-- you're bound to have a masterpiece.

Taxi Driver (1976)

A Tortured Hero or Curious Villian?

[10/10 · 5 April 2024]

Like many Scorsese films, Taxi Driver leaves the viewer questioning the morals of the main character, and somehow resonating with the most lonely and arguably evil parts of him.

Throughout the film, it feels as though you are being teased by Robert De Niro's performance. As you are taken deeper and deeper into the disturbed psyche of Travis, your mind goes on a philosophical adventure. Is he a secret genius or just a really, really bad guy? All that is subjective.

Overall, this is one of the most perfect pieces of cinema. To see Travis and his mental instability stand out so much in the "scummy" setting that he simultaneously fits perfectly in, is a real treat.

Call Me by Your Name (2017)

A New Kind of Classic

[10/10 · 5 April 2024]

An absolute masterpiece in modern romantic cinema. With stunning visuals of raw, energetic love-- as well as lust; and a taste of nature and art.

The emotional rollercoaster we're taken on and the lessons we learn with the characters serves as a celebration of life and love for everyone around us. This is a movie we will still be talking about decades from today.

It undoubtedly has everything you could want in a perfect film. An outstanding soundtrack inspired by timeless beauty, stills of the art that surrounds us (whether that be architecture, nature, music, family, etc), a heart-wrenching and controversy-sparking love story, and a touch of wisdom given by Michael Stuhlbarg's character.

If you love love, this movie is for you.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

A Trip on Cinema and Philosophy

[10/10 · 5 April 2024]

From the mind-drawing beginning to the mind-boggling end: it sucks you in entirely. All-consuming!! There was not one minute of this film that I was not interested and invested in the dazzling screen.

On the more philosophical side, Stanley Kubrick allows you-- if I may, encourages you to explore the unanswered questions of the universe and evolution. Allows you to play with different interpretations and ideas that may not strictly follow the intended ending.

If you want to be exposed to more incredible cinema, sci-fi plots, or the depths of your imagination, this is the perfect film to take a trip with.

Black Swan (2010)

The Dark Mind of an Artist

[10/10 · 5 April 2024]

This film captures every aspect of a performers brain and soul-- a particularly tortured one. Watching it is just as if you are shadowing Natalie's character. Discovering things about herself and the world just as she is. Going through them with her; looking at them after they have already happened. The direction of this film will take you a million places but will never leave you hanging. Showing you every inch of sanity-and insanity that goes on within the main character and the "world" around her.

Without a doubt, you will be left in a jaw-dropping, "wtf did I just watch?" moment as you let the credits roll. A must watch.

Elvis (2022)

What Baz lacks in storytelling Austin makes up for in acting

[10/10 · 5 April 2024]

A glorious, perfect, bedazzled mess. Baz Luhrmann was the perfect person to direct the sheer fabulous life of Elvis. The fast pace and whirlwind cinematography is the pure essence of E. P himself.

Now.

Is the storytelling perfectly accurate or linear? No, not exactly. There are holes here and there, but no biopic-- especially not one centered around a man as big as Elvis freaking Presley; can have an exact measurement on each aspect of the stars life. I think he put all the right parts; the parts most detrimental to Elvis' life-- into this film.

I have to say I was not expecting much of Austin's performance but he took my breath away. The dedication to his craft and stepping into big shoes all payed off. He doesn't just play him, he is an embodiment of the King in this film. In all his glory and vulnerability. He is an absolute delight to watch on screen.