elcoderdude Reviews

Black Widow (2021)

Among the top Marvel movies

[10/10 · 17 July 2021]

Johansson and Pugh knock this movie completely out of the park. Their action is gripping, their grief and trauma are convincing & heart-wrenching, and their chemistry is outstanding - the best 'buddy' duo in the MCU, I'd say (outshining Falcon & the Winter Soldier, who I like, et.al.) An added plus is that they are both gorgeous.

The story is well-written. Natasha has a chance to settle scores and quiet demons from her past, as well as reunite with those she thought she'd lost. Underneath it all is a sobering fictional example of the all-too-real international problem of human trafficking.

If you love Marvel movies, you'll have a blast watching this one (unless, of course, you are a misogynist like some reviewers I've read on this site.)

Passengers (I) (2016)

If you are a fan of either lead, SEE THIS MOVIE

[8/10 · 17 June 2018]

I really enjoyed PASSENGERS. Both Lawrence and Pratt are completely engrossing and play very sympathetic characters. Their romance is very believable, with its highs and its lows.

There is one huge plot hole, although I agree it may be asking too much to want consistency from such a wildly futuristic plot. Lawrence's character says she has booked passage back to Earth after a year's stay on Homestead II. This means at Homestead II there must be technology to put people into hibernation. Does it make any sense that this technology would be on the remote bare-bones outpost, instead of on the ship itself? Not to me. But that would eviscerate the dilemma that drives the entire plot.

Red Sparrow (2018)

JLaw fans should definitely see this; others might enjoy it as well

[7/10 · 27 May 2018]

I don't usually watch R-rated films -- I'm no fan of gore or excessive violence, and I don't go to the cinema to watch sex -- but I made an exception for this, because I usually try to see Jennifer Lawrence's movies.

I do not at all understand this film's low ratings on Rotten Tomatoes and generally critical reception. It's another sterling performance, and it's a spy thriller that I for one definitely did not figure out as it went along. (In fact, I'm glad I was recently able to rewatch it through Fandango, because having seen the final twist, I wanted to go back over the film to see the events again, knowing the final story in advance).

JLaw is utterly convincing as an innocent swept into a cruel profession she would never have chosen. Her character undergoes a transformation before our eyes. Lawrence successfully conveys her character's initial terror and near-helplessness changing into competency and iron resolution.

The violence can be brutal (if you're not into that kind of thing). The sex and nudity is really minimal, although it is there.

I'm really glad I saw this film twice. I'd see it again. I recommend it.

Becoming Jessica Nigri (2018 TV Movie)

Portrays her sweetness & her warm family

[10/10 · 28 April 2018]

Watching this documentary renewed my appreciation for Nigri. She is, in a word, ebullient.

The film is nicely done. Much of the film is Nigri talking, explaining how she got into the life she has now, why she does what she does, and how she does it. This is interspersed with shots of her building an ambitious costume for a major show, cosplaying, preparing Patreon merchandise, talking with her parents, and so on. The film has a nice pacing & never feels like it is just talking heads.

Until I watched this, I did not realize how much her parents inspired her work, and how involved they still are in her life. Both her parents appear in the film. They are both full-on nerds; you can see where Nigri gets it. The warmth and love displayed between Nigri and her father and mother is heartwarming.

(Is Ryan in the film? *Of course* Ryan is in the film. How much? Hmmm. You'd have to see for yourself. :)

If you don't like Jessica Nigri, you really should watch this documentary. You're certain to come away with a better understanding of who she is & where she comes from. And if you don't gain a least a little sympathy for her in the process, then, well, frankly I have to wonder if you're human.

If you do like Jessica, and you haven't seen this film yet -- what the h are you waiting for??? Race right on over to Rooster Teeth and watch it! Now! Don't delay!